Know Before You Go
-
The city follows traditional working hours of 9 am to 6 pm. Make sure you stock up on supplies before closing times, as very little is open outside these hours. Stores are also closed on Sundays and during public holidays.
-
If you are visiting the city and want to experience its nightlife head out after midnight. Locals hit the clubs until 5 am and some only close once the last person has left.
-
Vienna is known around the world for its coffee house culture. It originated in the 17th century, and historical figures like Mozart, Schubert and even Hitler frequented coffee houses around the city.
-
Bring a drinking bottle with you to Vienna. The tap water is excellent, and you can drink straight from the fountains and taps around the city.
-
If bread is placed on your table at a restaurant, ask if it is complimentary. At most establishments, it is not and will be included in your bill if you eat it.
-
Follow the traffic regulations while in Vienna. If a cop sees you jaywalk even if there are no cars in sight you will get a hefty fine.
Getting Around Vienna
Vienna's city centre is easily explored on foot, but if you want to cover larger distances use the city's public transport system.
It's one of the most efficient in Europe and won't break the bank. The trams and buses are punctual, and the city's metro is the quickest way to get around.
If you are going to be in town for more than two days, buy the Vienna Card. You'll get unlimited travel on all trams, buses and metro for 72 hours as well as discounts for museums, exhibitions and other city sights. The card costs EUR 18.50, or you can get a 24-hour ticket for EUR 5.70 and a single ride ticket for EUR 1.80.
Another affordable way to see the city at your own pace is to hire a bike. Vienna has paths all over town and 61 stations where you can rent a bike for any length of time. All you'll need is a City Bike Tourist Card which costs EUR 2 a day and will give you access to the bicycle terminals.
If you need to get a taxi, you can hail one down from the street or go to a nearby taxi stand. Surcharges apply for trips at night and luggage.
When is The Best Time to Visit Vienna?
The best time to visit Vienna is during its spring and autumn seasons. From April to May the weather is mild and tourism season has yet to kick off. You'll be able to find affordable hotel rates, and attractions around the city won't have long lines.
September to October is the best time to go if you want to escape the crowds and the freezing winter temperatures. While hotels and flights are easy to find during the autumn months, it's still wise to book your accommodation a few weeks in advance.
The most popular time to visit Vienna is during its summer months. From June to August the warm weather attracts tourists and drives up hotel and airfare prices. Availability is hard to find on short notice, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Vienna's winter months see another spike in tourism. Tourists flock to the city in December to celebrate Christmas and join in on the wintertime festivities. If you find yourself in town during winter, try to go to at least one of the 200 winter balls, especially the glamorous Silvesterball on New Year's Eve if you have the budget.
Airports in Vienna
Vienna International Airport
Vienna International Airport is located in Schwechat, 18 km from the city centre. It's Austria's biggest airport and features an extensive network of flights to Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The airport also serves as a hub for Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, and Niki as well as a focus city for Asiana Cargo.
Getting To and From Vienna International Airport
One of the fastest ways to get into the city centre is with the City Airport Train. The trains come with free Wi-Fi and take 16 minutes to travel between Vienna and the airport. A single ticket costs EUR 12 and the service runs daily from 05:36 am to 23:39 pm
The cheapest way to get into Vienna is the rapid transit railway. The ticket counter is in the arrivals hall, and a single journey costs EUR 3.90.
Vienna Airport also has buses that run 24 hours a day to the city's main transport hubs. Buses leave every 30 minutes with a 20 minute journey time. Prices for a single trip are EUR 8.
Hiring a cab from the airport into central Vienna will cost on average EUR 35 and take 20 minutes. Only use the taxi rank outside the arrivals or the "City Transfer" counter.
If you want to rent a car for your stay in Vienna, you can find the rental centre on level 0 of car park 4.
