A Traveling Insider’s Guide to Vienna
Discover why Vienna is the world’s most livable city right in the heart of Europe. | By Chadner Navarro | March 23, 2023
The timeworn adage “where old meets new" captures the infectious energy that defines modern-day Vienna. Everywhere you go — whether you’re in one of the narrow alleys of the historical old town or exploring one of the city’s rapidly changing outer districts — that medley of deep history and contemporary creativity is palpable.
Here are some of the top things to do in Vienna:
Enjoy classic dining: Traditional Viennese cuisine is influenced by the surrounding region so it’s as much central European as it is Austrian
Tour the wineries: Sign up for a winemaking tour at one of the many nearby vineyards
Get into the art scene: Art is everywhere — from internationally celebrated museums to galleries representing up-and-coming young talents
Why visit Vienna?
It used to be that a trip to Vienna might orbit strictly around its cultural heritage: the famed Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), the world-class art museums, Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg palace and a slice of iconic Sacher torte for good measure. Everything is grand and rooted in history — this is, after all, the birthplace of the Vienna Philharmonic and Gustav Klimt.
But if you visit now, you’ll likely want to add Michelin-starred restaurants, biking along the Danube River, shopping for Austrian wares and a trip to the wild forests that surround the city to sample some high-quality, locally produced wine.
When is the best time to visit Vienna?
As is the case with many European cities, a summer trip to Vienna can’t be beat. And given its central European location surrounded by plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces, Vienna doesn’t usually get very hot — typically in the high 70s Fahrenheit (about 24 Celsius) during the day. That’s when the city comes alive. Its verdant parks will be full of locals soaking up the sun, the streets will be busy with visitors and makeshift beach bars will spring up along the Danube Canal. If you can, head to a local gourmet shop, grab a bottle of wine and a couple bars of hazelnut-cocoa Manner wafers, and join in the fun.
The end of the year — despite the cold and snow — is another exceptional time to visit because of the holiday markets. Rub elbows with locals and visitors alike as you line up for a warming mug of gluhwein (mulled wine). But winter — when temperatures average 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) — is also when the city hosts its famous balls. A Viennese ball, where everyone will be dressed in their finest fashion, is a sight to behold. Best of all, you don’t need to be a celebrity to participate.
Winter in Vienna makes an especially convenient stay for sporting enthusiasts as you can easily pair the city break with a few days in the nearby mountains for some skiing. The closest resort to the city center is only about an hour’s drive away.
Getting to and around Vienna
Located just 13 miles (about 21 kilometers) from the city center, Vienna International Airport is a major transport hub for central Europe. The well-appointed airport is served by regional trains, as well as a dedicated Vienna-to-airport rail shuttle called City Airport Train (CAT) that runs every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to midnight and will whisk you into town in about 30 minutes. A taxi or ride-sharing service, depending on traffic, will take roughly the same amount of time to reach major neighborhoods in the heart of the city.
Once you’re in the city, getting around Vienna is easy due to its small size. Its main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially the ones located within the Innere Stadt (or first district) and connected by the Ringstrasse (circular grand boulevard). The Museums Quartier is a one-stop destination for culture, with galleries, museums and theaters all in one condensed area. The only other time you may need to consider a tram, metro or bus is to reach the peripheral districts of the city, like the wine region.
The public transportation system in Vienna is exceptional. Buses, trains, trams and underground lines will take you to nearly every part of the city. If you think you’ll be taking public transportation regularly, you can save by purchasing daily or multi-day passes, which offer discounts based on how often you take a ride.
Bike rentals and shares are also readily available for exploring the city via its 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) of cycling trails and lanes.
Vienna’s culture and customs
Austrians love the good life. While life commitments (like work and school) are taken seriously, Austrians also enjoy the perks of living in a country blessed with natural beauty and grand history. They are passionate about food, drink, the arts and the outdoors, and long meals and afternoons soaking up a sunny day in local parks are part of daily life in Vienna. The Viennese enjoy a slow, easy pace of life and cafe culture — where you enjoy a cup of Wiener Melange (a mild cappuccino-like beverage) with friends chatting about life, philosophy, etc. — is iconic for a reason.
These German speakers — though most also speak English — also have a great sense of humor. Take no offense if a local cracks a joke in your direction — it’s all in good fun. If there is a stereotype that you should observe during your time in Vienna, it’s that Austrians value punctuality. And with so much to see and do in the city, planning your time well is highly advisable.
Enjoyed by the 2 million people who are lucky enough to call it home, Vienna is consistently named the most livable city. Whether you stay for two days or 20, you’re sure to relish the things that make Vienna one of the world’s great capitals.
Manila-born now New Jersey-based journalist Chadner Navarro writes about travel, food, culture and design. His work has been published in both print and digital publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Wine Enthusiast and Barron's.
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