Vienna
Food | Wine | ArchitectureVienna Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
We spent the entire month of October exploring Vienna’s traditional food, local wine, and historic architecture.
From traditional dishes and bustling markets to cozy wine bars and elegant urban vineyards, Vienna is a dream for anyone who loves to eat and drink well. Add to that a breathtaking mix of Gothic cathedrals, imperial palaces, and eye-catching modern design, and you’ve got a city that’s as rich in beauty as it is in flavor.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite finds in Vienna’s food, wine, and architecture scenes—plus a few helpful travel tips we picked up along the way.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vienna Food
Traditional Viennese cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and rooted in imperial history. Iconic dishes include Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). These meals often highlight simple ingredients elevated through careful preparation, reflecting both Austrian traditions and influences from neighboring Central European countries.
Vienna’s food scene is vibrant, with a mix of elegant restaurants, cozy Beisln (bistros), and bustling food markets. Places like the Naschmarkt offer a lively array of local produce, street food, and international cuisine, while the city’s many restaurants range from Michelin-starred establishments to traditional taverns serving regional classics.
Check out the Vienna Food page for more information.
Vienna Wine
Vienna is one of the few capital cities in the world with significant urban vineyards, making local wine a central part of its culture. The city is especially known for its crisp and aromatic white wines, particularly Wiener Gemischter Satz, a traditional field blend that reflects the diversity of the local terroir.
Vienna boasts a thriving wine scene with countless cozy wine bars (Weinbars) and well-stocked wine shops (Weinhandlungen) spread throughout the city. Many of these establishments focus on local producers, making it easy to explore Vienna’s wine heritage.
Just beyond the city limits, the rolling hills and vineyards of Lower Austria offer a picturesque escape with many family-run wineries. The regions of Wachau, Kamptal, and Thermenregion are all within easy reach, offering tastings, tours, and stunning views.
Check out the Vienna Wine page for more information.
Vienna Architecture
Vienna’s architectural style is a mix of Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), and contemporary design, reflecting Vienna’s rich cultural and artistic legacy.
Vienna’s historical architecture is best embodied by its iconic churches and palaces. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its towering Gothic spire, is a city landmark, while Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Imperial Palace offer a glimpse into the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty.
Additionally, the Ringstrasse boulevard itself is an open-air museum of 19th-century grandeur, lined with monumental buildings that highlight Vienna’s past as the capital of an empire.
Check out the Vienna Architecture page for more information.
Where Is Vienna Located?
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is situated in the eastern part of the country along the Danube River. This city, located in the northeastern region of Austria near the Slovakian border, is approximately 50 kilometers from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Vienna?
Hotels in Vienna
If you are planning a trip to Vienna, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in the Old Town (Innere Stadt). The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the Old Town. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Vienna?
The best month to visit Vienna depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Vienna during the winter can be very cold, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during the Holidays.
Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Vienna is April to May and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the entire month of October in Vienna. The weather was cool but comfortable.
Best Value
November and March are good months to visit Vienna for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months can be cold in Vienna, but, if you dress appropriately, it can be comfortable for walking most of the day.
Other Things to Know About Vienna
Airport
Vienna Airport (VIE), officially known as Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, is the international airport serving Vienna. It is situated in Schwechat, about 18 kilometers southeast of central Vienna.
Train Station
The main train station in Vienna is Wien Hauptbahnhof, also called Wien Hbf and Vienna Central Station.
Time Zone
Vienna is in the Central European time zone (CET = GMT / UCT + 1). Daylight saving time applies from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October (CEST).
Currency
Euro €
Language
German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Vienna.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Austria if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Austria, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Austria’s electrical outlets are Type F. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Austria. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The fantastic train system in Austria makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
FAQs About Vienna
Here are five of the most frequently asked questions about Vienna, especially by first-time visitors:
What are the must-see attractions in Vienna?
Vienna is packed with history, art, and grand architecture. Don’t miss Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city. The Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Museum, and the Vienna State Opera are also must-visits.
What is traditional Viennese food?
Vienna’s cuisine is comforting and full of flavor. Be sure to try Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). For dessert, Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake, is a local icon. You’ll find these dishes in traditional Beisln (taverns), as well as in upscale restaurants and casual eateries throughout the city.
Is Vienna an expensive city to visit?
Vienna can be moderately expensive, especially in comparison to other European cities, but it remains accessible for various budgets. You can indulge in fine dining or savor delicious meals at local markets and cafés. Public transportation is both affordable and efficient, and many of the city’s parks, museums, and landmarks are free or low-cost to visit.
How do I get around Vienna?
Vienna is highly walkable, particularly in the central districts, and boasts an excellent public transportation system that includes subways (U-Bahn), trams, and buses. A Vienna City Card or multipass can help you save money if you plan to explore extensively. Bike rentals are quite popular as well, especially during the warmer months.
What’s the best time to visit Vienna?
Vienna is beautiful throughout the year, with each season offering something unique. Spring and fall, particularly October, feature mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer is vibrant with outdoor concerts and events, while winter is enchanting, showcasing Christmas markets, festive lights, and seasonal treats like Glühwein (mulled wine).
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