Vienna, Austria

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: A convenient way to see Vienna’s major sights is via the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. Stops include all major attractions from the Opera to the Danube Tower. The buses also provide audio guides giving insights into Vienna’s rich history.

Public Transportation: Vienna has an excellent public transport network consisting of U-Bahn (subway), trams, and buses. The U-Bahn is particularly useful for tourists, connecting major attractions swiftly. Purchase a Vienna Card or a 24, 48, or 72-hour transport ticket for unlimited rides within the designated time frame.

Walking and Biking: Vienna’s city center, especially the Innere Stadt, is compact and perfect for walking. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with cafes, shops, and historical sites. For those who prefer pedaling, Vienna offers Citybikes – public bicycles available at various stations throughout the city.

Nearly all of Vienna’s major attractions are packed into the Innere Stadt (Inner City, or the 1st District) – which includes most areas within the Ringstrasse, a 3.3-mile long “Ring Road” . A tram runs along the Ringstrasse, and hopping on and off is a great way to do a DIY tour and get your bearings.
Bordering the southwest of the Innere Stadt, you’ll find the Museum District (Museumsquartier).
A few minutes walk from Museum District is the Neubau neighborhood, a wonderful mix of cobblestone streets and grand apartment buildings with arty shops, innovative restaurants, and lively corner bars.
To the south of the Innere Stadt sits the busy area around Karlsplatz, one of the city’s major transport hubs, as well as a mix of stately old edifices and more modern buildings. From the Karlsplatz metro station, it’s only a 5-minute walk to Naschmarkt, the city’s largest market and a great place to shop and eat.
Further east is the quieter and less-touristy residential district of Landstrasse that includes Belvedere Palace. This neighborhood has lots of locally-oriented shops, a few cafes and restaurants, and a friendly vibe, plus it’s an easy walk to the city center.

Naschmarkt: Vienna’s most famous market, it offers a mix of local produce stalls, international food vendors, and restaurants. From traditional Austrian delicacies to exotic flavors from around the world, it’s a vibrant place to explore and dine.

Graben & Kohlmarkt: These upscale shopping streets in the city center are lined with historic cafes, luxury boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. A perfect spot to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte or a Wiener Schnitzel.

Spittelberg: Nestled in the 7th district, this area with its cobblestone lanes and Biedermeier houses boasts intimate restaurants, charming cafes, and cozy wine taverns.

Bermuda Triangle: Located near Schwedenplatz, this area is brimming with bars, pubs, and eateries. It’s a lively spot, especially during the evenings.

Karmelitermarkt: A less touristy alternative to Naschmarkt, this market in the 2nd district offers fresh produce and has several cafes and eateries serving organic and international dishes.

Landstraße District: This area, especially around Rochusmarkt, is dotted with bistros, traditional eateries, and modern cafes, providing a wide range of culinary choices.

Viennese Coffeehouses: While they are spread throughout the city, traditional coffeehouses like Café Central, Café Sacher, and Café Demel are institutions in themselves. They offer not just coffee but a variety of pastries, cakes, and light meals. A visit to Vienna isn’t complete without spending some leisurely time in one of these historic establishments.

When in Vienna, be sure to try local favorites like “Apfelstrudel” (apple strudel), “Wiener Schnitzel” (breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet), and, of course, the world-famous “Sachertorte” (chocolate cake with apricot jam).

Schönbrunn Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this former imperial summer residence boasts beautiful Baroque architecture and vast gardens. It’s easily accessible by U-Bahn (U4) stopping at the Schönbrunn station.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Located in the heart of the city, this Gothic cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. You can climb its towers for a panoramic view. It’s a short walk from the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station (U1 and U3 lines).

Belvedere Palace: Comprising two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, it houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including works by Klimt. It’s close to the Quartier Belvedere train station.

MuseumQuartier: One of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world. It’s home to several notable museums, including the Leopold Museum and MUMOK. The U-Bahn station Volkstheater (U2 and U3 lines) is nearby.

Hofburg Imperial Palace: Once the center of the Habsburg empire, today it houses the office of the Austrian President, the National Library, and several museums. It’s a brief walk from the Herrengasse U-Bahn station (U3 line).