Sausage and Christmas Markets.
That’s what ultimately drew Michael and me to Vienna at the end of November. With a list of cities in front of us, all with matching airfare and travel dates, we stared at each other, completely at a loss for which to choose.
You see, the problem with wanting to travel everywhere (hi, it’s me, I’m the problem) is that the order in which you visit the destinations doesn’t really matter. I would have been equally happy strolling the cobblestone streets of Lisbon or indulging in the gastronomy of Lyon before setting off for the Alps (two other trips we were debating).
Ultimately, though, the impeccable timing to coincide with Vienna’s Christmas markets and the ease of access to Prague, another city on my list, meant the Austrian capital won out in the end. As did the promise of sausages, Michael’s food fixation as of late.
(Could he have enjoyed sausages in those other cities? Almost certainly. But you try dashing his hopes right after he learned of the existence of käsekrainer).
And soon we were in the air, waving farewell to the Charlotte skyline and ready for all the Viennese adventures that lie ahead. Now that I’m back home and have had time to reflect on my experiences—not to mention, going through thousands and thousands of photos—I’m beyond pleased to bring you my long weekend guide to the city. Of course, we should always start with an introduction:
ABOUT VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, is a city where history and modernity sing in perfect harmony. The city has long been a cultural and intellectual hub, attracting artists, musicians, and thinkers who shaped its legacy, from Mozart to Freud.
The city’s roots stretch back to Roman times, when it was known as Vindobona, a military outpost. However, Vienna flourished during the Habsburg dynasty, shaping much of Central Europe. This imperial legacy is still evident in Vienna’s grand palaces, its sprawling parks, and its intricate architecture.
The 20th century brought profound change and upheaval to Vienna, including riots, a civil war, and annexation by Nazi Germany. The city endured the atrocities of World War II and the country’s four-power occupation, and it’s not difficult to imagine how easily things could have taken a different course. Yet, Austria reclaimed its sovereignty on May 15, 1955, with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty at Vienna’s Belvedere Palace, reestablishing Austria as a free and democratic nation.
Today, Vienna is a thriving modern city known for its vibrant neighborhoods, diverse population, and exceptional quality of life for its more than two million residents.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT VIENNA?
If you ask Michael, the answer is simple: “sausage.” (And honestly, he’s not wrong.) But for most visitors, Vienna’s appeal lies elsewhere. With undeniable historical allure, a thriving arts scene, world-renowned coffeehouses, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Vienna is a joy to explore.
What sets Vienna apart from other European capitals is its unhurried pace. Unlike Paris, Amsterdam, or Rome, Vienna draws fewer crowds, offering travelers a chance to experience without the crushing weight of overtourism. Here, you can wander through more than 100 museums or simply sit back and relax in one of the city’s iconic coffeehouses with a slice of Sachertorte and a perfectly brewed Melange.
Vienna invites you to pause and take it all in. Let me show you how:
THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
Vienna offers a lifetime of cultural activities, so where does one even begin? These selected attractions are the perfect introduction to the city.
Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)
With just a weekend in Vienna, you might only have time to explore part of the sprawling Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) complex. For first-timers, the Baroque Upper Belvedere is a must-see, offering a journey through Austrian art history and home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, one of more than twenty works by the renowned Viennese artist.
But don’t just see it, snap the photo, and leave assuming you won’t have time to see the rest. While the museum is undoubtedly grand, it’s perfectly manageable to explore its galleries over the course of a morning. Stroll through exhibits showcasing art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, and make plans to return someday to visit the Lower Belvedere and Belvedere 21. Tickets are available online at a discount or in the ticket office adjacent to the museum; all tickets must be reserved for a specific entry period.
→Schloss Belvedere // Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria
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Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)
If you’ve seen The Third Man or Before Sunrise, you’ve already glimpsed the iconic Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad). This landmark has graced Vienna’s skyline since 1897, originally constructed to celebrate Emperor Franz Josef I’s Golden Jubilee.
Still to this day, visitors flock to the Prater district to experience breathtaking views of Vienna from the wheel’s slowly rotating cabins. My top tip? Time your visit for sunset to catch the city bathed in the golden hour and lit up with the first street lamps at night.
A single rotation lasts around fifteen minutes, but for a more memorable experience, consider reserving a private carriage for a romantic dinner or celebratory brunch—an unforgettable way to enjoy the views.
→Wiener Riesenrad // Gaudeegasse 1, 1020 Wien, Austria
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Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the busiest and most prestigious opera houses in the world, and before I started planning this trip, I assumed tickets would be out of my budget. But opera tickets in Vienna are offered at remarkably accessible prices—if you’re under 27 or willing to stand for the duration of the performance.
*points to wrinkles* While I am no longer under 27, I am willing to go to many lengths to save my hard-earned travel money—including standing for several hours. Which is how we managed to snap up a pair of last-minute tickets for a performance of Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria for just €15 each. Though the opera house has no official dress code, we were a little concerned about wearing the day’s sightseeing clothes (i.e. jeans) to the performance. Thankfully, we weren’t the only ones, although we did see plenty of patrons decked out in evening wear. My recommendation? Dress up as much as realistically possible, but don’t stress about it too much.
With a limited view of the stage from the back row, we were left to read the subtitle displays in front of us, and as such couldn’t follow the storyline all that well. And so, we did what I’d recommend any traveler do when they’re not really enjoying something: we left after an hour. We may not have made it through the performance, but it gave us time to wander the beautiful venue—and that was worth the price of admission alone. Standing room tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. for that evening’s performance.
→Wiener Staatsoper // Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
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St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Domkirche St. Stephan)
While St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Domkirche St. Stephan) is an undeniable masterpiece, my favorite part of visiting may just be the view looking away from the cathedral. After paying a small entry fee, huff and puff your way up ascend the 343 stairs to the summit of the South Tower to drink in the views of Vienna from every angle.
Arrive early to avoid crowds, as the narrow spiral staircase serves as both the way up and down, making it a tight squeeze during busy times. You’ll only find one landing to catch your breath, so be prepared to climb at a steady pace. Note: the entry fee is payable only in cash.
→Domkirche St. Stephan // Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
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Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Here’s a challenge: Try not to let your jaw drop as you wander through the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. This is Austria’s largest museum, and its magnificence extends beyond its size to include an unparalleled collection of works largely amassed by the Habsburgs.
While you could easily spend hours here, highlights include Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Tower of Babel, Peter Paul Rubens’ Self-Portrait, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Art of Painting. Don’t let the long ticket line intimidate you—there’s a ticket machine just inside the main entrance, ready to save the day.
→Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien // Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria
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Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)
Confession time: While I only feature places I’ve personally visited on my blog, I didn’t actually step foot inside Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn). Instead, I chose to spend my time at Schönbrunn enjoying the lively Christmas market out front and exploring the stunning palace grounds instead.
If you haven’t toured many European palaces before, consider signing up for the Grand Tour, which takes you through most of the palace in just about an hour—perfect for travelers short on time.
→Schloss Schönbrunn // Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN VIENNA
From traditional to contemporary, Vienna has something for every palate.
Klasse Hasse – Würstelstand
One morning, I found a note in all caps at the top of my Vienna itinerary draft: MUST EAT KÄSEKRAINER. This wasn’t the first time I’d heard this phrase in the weeks leading up to our trip—but Michael was clearly adamant about trying this cheese-filled sausage.
So, naturally, finding one became my mission upon landing in Vienna. Thankfully, Klasse Hasse – Würstelstand was there, brightly lit and ready to serve. We opted for our käsekrainers (one spicy, one plain) in a bun, but you can also have them sliced and paired with pickles. Add an Austrian beer, and it truly doesn’t get better than this. Just don’t forget your Euros, because this stand is cash only.
→Klasse Hasse – Würstelstand // Lerchenfelder Str. 103, 1070 Wien, Austria
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Vollpension
For the coziest dining experience in Vienna, head to Vollpension. Seemingly modeled after every grandparents’ living room ever, this generational cafe employs Omas and Opas to prepare and serve local savory dishes and sweet cakes.
Settle into a sofa for coffee and cake, or order a full spread for breakfast. My grandma would never, but the grannies and grandpas at Vollpension even serve a little beer or bubbles with the morning meal—on vacation, that sounds just lovely to me. With more time, you might even book a baking class to learn how to make apfelstrudel, Oma-style.
→Vollpension // Multiple Locations
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Skopik & Lohn
Skopik & Lohn falls into my favorite dining category: impeccable contemporary dishes served without pretense. This spot is perfect for modern diners who want to experience what traditional Austrian dishes look like this century.
Sharing is the name of the game, and I recommend starting with the restaurant’s excellent beef tartare and several slices of Madame Crousto sourdough from Öfferl (a kale salad felt like a nod to health, but arrived to the table a bit overdressed for the occasion—I’d probably skip it next time). For the main course, I can’t imagine ordering anything other than the Wiener Schnitzel, which will be delivered to you unbelievably puffed up and paired with cranberry jam and potato salad.
You may be too full for dessert, but I have faith you’ll find room for the topfenknödel, ile flottante, or Skopik & Lohn’s version of a Snickers bar. Reservations essential.
→Skopik & Lohn // Leopoldsgasse 17, 1020 Wien, Austria
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Buffet Trzesniewski
For just the right portion at mealtime, head to a Buffet Trzesniewski. For more than a century, locals have popped in for a quick bite from its case of petite open-faced sandwiches. Ordering is simple—just point to the ones you want, bitte, and you’ll receive a plate of delicious spreads for just €1.70 each.
But how do you decide what to order? With 25 options, it’s a lot to consider. I recommend taking a look at their website ahead of time to plan out your perfect order.
→Buffet Trzesniewski // Multiple Locations
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Wolke
After enjoying a series of rich, heavy meals, it was time for a little palate reset. Michael is always ready for pizza, and Wolke answered the call with its pillowy pies. Neapolitan pizzas are a favorite in our household, and the contemporary versions at Wolke did not disappoint.
Any other day, I might have chosen one of the many vegan pies or an ultra-colorful pie like the Viola, with its purple sweet potato base. But I needed the bright zing of a tomato sauce, and so a traditional pie was ordered. One pizza was the perfect amount for two people, each slicing away at it with the provided shears. And that’s a good thing, as we were running low on Euros and Wolke is cash only.
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SIXTA
Although my body was begging for a salad by the time we reached our final night in Vienna, the call of one more traditional Austrian meal was far too difficult to ignore. Our search for a last-minute meal well into the evening landed us at SIXTA, a restaurant in Margareten.
Perhaps it was because our dinner fell on Thanksgiving and we were seated among other American families who were in search of a hearty meal, or because of the lightning-fast arrival of our entrees or the upsell of drinks, but this restaurant admittedly felt more touristy than my preferred style of dining on vacation. Still, our meals—goulash and crown of lamb—were delicious, and the largely local wine selection was a nice accompaniment.
If you’re looking for a traditional menu and feeling overwhelmed with choices, the food here is certainly worth a visit. Maybe you’ll even get lucky—most of the diners were offered a little schnapps to finish the meal (though we were not so lucky).
→SIXTA // Schönbrunner Str. 21, 1050 Wien, Austria
VIENNA COFFEE SHOPS + CAFES
Coffee & Friends
Vienna is famous for its café culture, but even locals need to grab a cup on the go. Coffee & Friends offers a few chances to do so, with locations near City Hall and Belvedere Palace. Expect friendly service and a lovely cup of coffee to start your day.
→Coffee & Friends // Multiple Locations
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Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters
For a specialty cup, head to an outpost of Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters. With a small-batch roastery behind them, these cafes have been meticulously crafting each cup since 2014. What you receive should be nothing short of perfection.
→Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters // Multiple Locations
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Baristas United Coffee Shop
I felt like my hotel was in a bit of a coffee desert until I found Baristas United Coffee Shop. Thankfully, they are ready to serve the Landstraße neighborhood with excellent coffee—and even offer workshops so people can create their own perfect cup back home. I deeply regret not picking up a bag of their Sacher Torte beans as a souvenir (guess I’ll just have to go back!).
→Baristas United Coffee Shop // Landstraßer Hauptstraße 34, 1030 Wien, Austria
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konzept : greissler
Gosh, I fretted over where to put konzept : greissler in this guide, but ultimately decided it belonged here thanks to its neighborhood coffee shop vibes and friendly baristas. A storefront with local food and unique gifts is the cherry on top.
→konzept : greissler // Neulinggasse 34-36 Ecklokal, 1030 Wien, Austria
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Alt Wien
For the coffee drinker who wants to try everything, there’s always Alt Wien. Order a pour-over of the day’s special selections, or shop more than forty varieties of beans to bring home.
→Alt Wien // Schleifmühlgasse 23, 1040 Wien, Austria
VIENNA BAKERIES + TREATS
Öfferl
You’ll spot outposts of Öfferl all over Vienna, which means you’re never far from organic sourdough bread and delicious pastries. I trust you’ll simply follow your heart and stomach while ordering, but if you need a recommendation, the pistachio croissant is a lovely choice.
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Café Konditorei Ingrid Bürger
If you balked at the long lines to enter some of the city’s well-trodden coffee houses for a slice of Sachertorte, may I suggest Café Konditorei Ingrid Bürger instead? This charming spot is a bit off-the-beaten-path and has a much more local feel. Though it’s easy for Vienna’s iconic chocolate and apricot cake to get dried out, Ingrid Bürger’s version is perfectly moist. Pair it with an einspänner (espresso with whipped cream) for maximum enjoyment.
→Café Konditorei Ingrid Bürger // Servitengasse 12, 1090 Wien, Austria
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Kaiser’s – Kaiser’schmarrn
You’ll find kaiserschmarrn on menus all over Vienna, but Kaiser’s – Kaiser’schmarrn takes this dish further by specializing in it and only it. But what the heck is kaiserschmarrn? Picture your lightest, fluffiest pancake. Yum, right? Now chop it up and sauté it until it caramelizes a little, and top it with powdered sugar and your favorite jam or ice cream. Heaven.
→Kaiser’s – Kaiser’schmarrn // Opernringhof, Opernring 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
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Café “das Goldstück”
It’s true that Café “das Goldstück” is a full-scale cafe with healthy breakfast and lunch fare, but I confess I only had time (and stomach space!) to select a pastry from its overflowing case. With a menu that leans heavily vegan, this woman-owned café prides itself on offering sustainable food, served in a sustainable way. Enjoy a vegan croissant in the airy cafe for a lovely start to your morning.
→Café “das Goldstück” // Marxergasse 9, 1030 Wien, Austria
VIENNA BARS + BEISL
Gasthaus zum Holunderstrauch
Beisl and Gasthaus are the Viennese pub equivalent, serving generous pours alongside down-to-earth fare. At Gasthaus zum Holunderstrauch, you can pop in any weekday for a great beer and a relaxed Austrian dinner. Just a heads up: this family-run spot is cash-only.
→Gasthaus zum Holunderstrauch // Schreyvogelgasse 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
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Schlupfwinkel Abendbeisl
For that classic hole-in-the-wall neighborhood pub vibe, look no further than Schlupfwinkel Abendbeisl. Order a local beer or two (plus some food if you’re hungry!), and reflect on your Austrian adventures so far. Just be careful—this spot is so cozy that it’s easy to lose track of time, so make it your last stop of the day.
→Schlupfwinkel Abendbeisl // Kleine Neugasse 10, 1040 Wien, Austria
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Olinda Bar
Pour me a great cocktail, and I am a very happy traveler. You’ll quickly catch on that nearly all of the cocktails at this 5th District bar have a letter O somewhere in the names, often placed in unexpected ways. The O Kinawa Sour and Margarit O called to us, but I have a sneaking suspicion that anything they make will be exceptional. Teetotaling? There are plenty of zero-proof pours waiting for you, too.
→Olinda Bar // Schönbrunner Str. 23, 1050 Wien, Austria
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Katscheli
Our visit to Katscheli was the result of an hour of found time one evening, and what a lucky happenstance that was. This little cafe and bar is tucked away, and it has a lovely local feel to it. Order a beer if that’s what you’re in the mood for, but may I recommend a spritz from its menu instead? Wherever you land, bring cash—Katscheli doesn’t accept cards.
→Katscheli // Karmelitergasse 7, 1020 Wien, Austria
MUST-VISIT SHOPS + BOUTIQUES IN VIENNA
With an airline-imposed 8kg weight limit for our carry-on bags, buying souvenirs wasn't a big priority—still, window shopping doesn't weigh a thing, and I found some incredible shops to share with you:
Weinskandal
If you find yourself wandering down an alley wondering if you’re in the right place, yep—you’ve found Weinskandal. And good thing you did, because this eclectic wine shop carries an incredible selection of wines from Austria and beyond. Pick up a bottle as a souvenir if you’re checking a bag, or simply enjoy it back at your hotel, as we did.
→Weinskandal // im Hof, Ungargasse 28, 1030 Wien, Austria
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WE BANDITS
If you’ve ever eschewed shopping sustainable fashion because you assumed it’s all beige, shapeless garments, I implore you to pop into WE BANDITS. This Laimgrube shop features a wide range of sustainably- and ethically-made styles, as well as a beautifully curated selection of secondhand treasures.
→WE BANDITS // Lindengasse 20, 1070 Wien, Austria
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KITSCH BITCH
Find a souvenir even your Gen-Z niece will approve of at KITSCH BITCH. With two locations only a block apart, you’re sure to find something no one else has back home. Take home a Bussi Baba (that’s “kisses & bye-bye,” a common local farewell) t-shirt or a fun accessory to remind you of your time in Vienna.
→KITSCH BITCH // Multiple Locations
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Loden-Plankl
For an heirloom-worthy memento, head to Loden-Plankl. Here you’ll find traditional and contemporary garments and accessories made from loden, a woven wool fabric that has been felted and fulled until it is impossibly supple and waterproof. All of this labor results in a price to match, but you’ll hold onto these special pieces forever.
→Loden-Plankl // Michaelerplatz 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
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WIER IM HOF
With a mix of streetwear, accessories, and locally produced drinks, WIER IM HOF is undeniably cool. But you know what’s even cooler? The staff is incredibly welcoming, something I haven’t experienced in concept stores in other cities (so it is possible to be hip and kind…). While you’re here, consider snagging an Eat the Rich tee, released after the shop’s previous landlord booted them out of their first location.
→WIER IM HOF// Neubaugasse 27/15, 1070 Wien, Austria
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA
A hotel that is making a difference in its community—and around the world.
magdas HOTEL
Finding the perfect place to stay in Vienna is no easy feat—not because there aren’t any options, but rather, the opposite. There are so many choices in the city, all at different price points. After carefully comparing my list of must-dos with a map of the city, I landed on a couple of neighborhoods with the amenities I love: great, local bars and restaurants, easy access to public transit, and grocery stores/pharmacies nearby for any urgent necessities.
With my search narrowed down to the neighborhoods of Landstraße and Neubau, it was easy to pinpoint a few boutique properties that would provide an only-in-Vienna experience (if I wanted to stay at a generic chain hotel, I could do so anywhere in the world—instead, boutique hotels are my first choice these days for a more authentic experience). Ultimately, I landed on magdas HOTEL.
magdas HOTEL was Austria’s first Social Business Hotel, designed to provide refugees a place to work and gain hospitality experience while providing guests with a sustainable alternative to traditional accommodations. With modest design and minimal amenities, this property is a slight departure from other properties I’ve selected recently, but the important mission of the hotel and its unique, handcrafted furnishings more than make up for it. I recommend this as a top pick for first-timers, with just a few caveats. You can read more about what to expect at magdas HOTEL in my dedicated review.
→magdas HOTEL // Ungargasse 38, 1030 Wien, Austria
WITH MORE TIME IN VIENNA
There's still so much to explore! Here's where to go next:
A long weekend is enough to cover some of the city’s best attractions, but visitors should take as much time as they can get to explore the city more deeply. With more than 100 museums in the city, you can find one on almost every topic. From furniture at the Furniture Museum Vienna to forged art at the Museum of Art Fakes to the city of Vienna itself at the Wien Museum, there really is something for everyone.
The early nightfall during my winter visit meant limited daylight hours for certain activities; with more time in the sunshine, we might have made it to some of the city’s outdoor sights like Stadtpark or the colorful Hundertwasser House. A warm weather visit would be a lovely excuse to get to know Austrian wine a little better at Vienna’s wineries and heurige.
Longtime readers know my restaurant list for any city is longer than the number of meals one can reasonably eat in a weekend, so naturally I have a batch of leftovers waiting for my return visit: Crème de la Crème for a sweet breakfast, Edlingers Tempel for a hearty business lunch, Beisl in der Sigmundsgasse for a relaxed date night, Laolao for handpulled noodles, and das suess’kind for a much-needed vegan lunch.
As for über popular cafes like Café Central and Café Sacher Wien, I would have to be stationed in Vienna for quite an extended trip before dedicating so much of my precious vacation time to standing in line. But hey, it could happen one day!
TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This topic could be an entire post of its own, of course, but I'll try to hit the highlights so you're prepared for your trip to Vienna:
Arriving to Vienna
Arriving to Vienna by train? Good news! You can skip to the next section to learn about public transit because Vienna’s two main stations are connected right to the city’s Metro, trams, and buses.
And if you’re flying in, don’t worry, because you’re not too far off either. If you take one thing away from this travel tips section, let it be this: Skip the City Airport Train (CAT). Although an impressive campaign of ads and signs will make you think it’s the only way to get to the city center, it’s not. You’ll save more than €10 per person if you take the ÖBB Railjet or Express Train S7 instead, and spend only an extra five minutes onboard. As much as I encourage you to choose time-saving options when traveling, this is a no-brainer way to keep your money in your pocket where it belongs.
At the airport, look for the ÖBB ticket booth (hint: it’s next to the brightly lit CAT booth) and ask for a ticket to the city center. If you’ve already purchased a multi-day transit pass (see below), you’ll only need to purchase the €2.10 add-on ticket (or €1.10 for kids); otherwise, it’s just €4.50 for adults and €2.30 for kids.
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Getting Around Vienna
A car is really not necessary for exploring Vienna. In fact, I’d say it would be a burden. Vienna’s public transit system is broad and efficient, covering all the places travelers will want to visit and placing you thirty minutes or less from your destination just about every time.
While you can still purchase paper tickets and passes (validating them before your first ride), technology has made it easier than ever to use public transit. Instead, I highly recommend visitors download the WienMobil app and purchase a multi-day pass before their trip. Simply set it to activate on the first day of your trip, and you can head out to explore without hesitation.
Google Maps makes it easy to navigate the city—simply turn on location and data services, input your destination, and it will calculate the most efficient route. However, it’s not a foolproof system. For example, if a train is delayed, you may have to recalculate your route. And it may not be aware of line closures, either—Google Maps kept trying to get us to board a Metro line that had been closed for days due to fire. Moral of the story: give yourself a cushion of time if you’re trying to make a specific appointment.
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Language + Culture
German is the official language of Austria, but if you took a German class in school, you’ll probably notice some key differences between textbook German and Austrian German. Though I crammed in as much German as I could before leaving, the truth is, I really didn’t need it.
All but one person I interacted with spoke English, and not only that, locals were so incredibly kind and gracious when making the switch. They certainly didn’t have to be so kind, and it made me a little sad for visitors to my own country, who are probably not treated so well when speaking a language other than English.
Still, there are a few niceties that will place you on a local’s good side, like always saying hello when entering a shop or other establishment. I stuck with “Grüß Gott” (literally, “God’s greeting”) most often, but occasionally I encountered “hallo” and on one occasion, the informal “Servus” from someone in my age group. Your pleases (“bitte”) and thank yous (“danke”) will also get you far, and “entschuldigung” (“sorry/pardon me”) will get you through a crowd.
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Money
Austria uses the Euro, so if you have some spare coins and bills lying around after your last trip to Europe, bring them along! If not, you’ll want to head to an ATM soon after arriving. Unless you’re sure your card allows you to withdraw from a specific ATM without fees, it’s always a good idea to withdraw cash from a machine stationed at a bank (such as Raiffesenbank or Bank Austria). Not only are you bound to receive a better exchange rate (be sure to decline conversion if asked!), but you’re generally better protected against fraud or tampering.
But will you actually use your Euros? Surprisingly, yes! Some mom-and-pop spots are still cash only, so double-check that you have enough before placing an order. But for the most part, you can pay by card. After trying tap-to-pay with my cards and having to switch to inserting the chip several times, I resorted to using Apple Pay the rest of the time (Michael used Google Pay just as easily). It was far more efficient than scrambling to get my card to work at the machine, and I recommend adding a card to your mobile wallet before leaving home.
As always, you should choose to travel with a card that is widely accepted and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. American Express and Discover are rarely accepted, so a Visa or Mastercard is the way to go. My pick with a low annual fee? The Chase Sapphire Preferred.
When it comes to tipping, you should always add gratuity when dining out in Vienna. My research tells me that Austrians tend to tip anywhere from 5-15%, but most hover around the 10% mark or round up the total to an even number. In touristy spots, don’t be surprised if you are directly asked to leave a tip, along with the expectation that you’ll tip generously (at least, if you’re American like we are). But for the most part, you should plan on doing some quick math when it’s time to pay, telling your server how much you’d like your total bill to be before handing over your cash or card.
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Food + Drink
Traditional Viennese fare is hearty and heavy, with all combinations of meats and carbs filling the plate (“sweets and meats” is how I’d summarize it). A non-exhaustive list of dishes you’ll likely encounter—and should order!—include:
- Käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage
- Schnitzel, meat pounded ultra-thin, breaded and fried
- Tafelspitz, boiled beef served with horseradish
- Apfelstrudel, a delicate, flaky apple pastry topped with powdered sugar
- Spaetzle, a cross between a noodle and a dumpling, frequently with cheese
- Kaiserschmarrn, sweetened sauteed pancake pieces
Of course, coffee has its own culture in Vienna, and there are so many more options than “black, or with cream and sugar?” A few to know are melange (essentially a cappuccino), kleiner/großer Schwarzer (single/double espresso), and einspänner (espresso with whipped cream—delicious, though from my experience, not one locals enjoy daily).
I found Vienna to be one of the most vegan- and allergen-friendly cities I’ve ever visited, with tons of dedicated vegan restaurants throughout the city and vegan options on most restaurant menus. And as a general rule, all menus you encounter will have a small letter next to certain menu items; this denotes any allergens present in the dish. If you suffer from severe food allergies, you should compare your triggers with the index before you leave so you’re always prepared.
While my advice is usually to avoid restaurants with menus in multiple languages, that is not necessarily the case in Vienna. As a global city, you’ll find that even the smaller, more local spots frequently offer a version of their menu in English.
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Safety
For some destinations, I’d warn you that anyone being nice to you is trying to scam you, but that’s not the case in Vienna as people are generally friendly and well-meaning. Scout’s honor, I never encountered any issues during my trip and felt incredibly safe walking around. But you should always keep your wits about you, no matter where you travel.
If you’re going to encounter any issues in Vienna, it’s most likely to be someone trying to get you to part with your money. Agree on any prices before purchasing anything (whether it’s taxi fare or something from Naschmarkt), and only buy tickets from reputable vendors.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The city may not have captured my heart in the way places like Paris and Mexico City have, but it certainly captured my pragmatic mind. The entire time I was in Vienna, I couldn’t help but feel envious of what it must be like to live in the city. I know, I know—travelers see everything through rose-colored vacation glasses, but it’s one of the cleanest, most efficient, and easiest-to-navigate cities I’ve visited recently. And it’s not just my gut speaking here—Vienna frequently is among the highest ranking cities in well-being and livability.
“But Alyssa, I’m not thinking of moving to Vienna—I’m just considering a visit,” you may be thinking. To that, I would say that livable cities are some of the most approachable cities for visitors. Cities that have infrastructure that allows ease of movement for all are cities that make it easy for visitors to navigate, and when we’re not separated from the places we visit by a car window, we get to know our destinations more deeply.
All of this to say—Vienna is an ideal destination, and I can’t wait for you to discover it.
Thank you to the team at Wiener Riesenrad for generously hosting us for a spectacular view of Vienna and to the team at Schloss Belvedere for graciously providing a press ticket.
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Questions for you
What destinations feel most livable to you?
Have you ever left an attraction or destination early because you weren’t feeling it?
Where to next? You may also like:
- Checking In: A Review of magdas HOTEL in Vienna, Austria
- What You Should Know Before Visiting the Vienna Christmas Markets + My Favorite Markets
- Instagram Stories Highlight: Vienna
- 10 Tips for Overcoming Museum Fatigue
- How to Find Cheap Flights
- 20 Questions You Should Ask a Potential Travel Partner Before You Leave Home
- How I Approach Travel Differently in My Thirties
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- Checking In: Boutique Hotel Reviews
- Shop My Closet
- Exclusive Promo Codes + Discounts
