Planning a trip to Vienna might be a little tricky, due to the sheer amount of sightseeing possibilities, as well as various gastronomy and cultural activities dispersed all around the city. It is one of the best connected cities in Europe, with buses, metros and trams being available almost 24/7. However, it can become overwhelming to manage all these transport opportunities, that’s why we have gathered the most important info regarding the city and its transportation as well as a small gastronomy suggestion at the end for you.
The city of Vienna, also known as “Wien” in German, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with Baroque architecture and Imperial history, with Mozart and Strauss being the main musical representatives. Travelers in Vienna fall in love with this region, which lies to the east of Austria, for its charm, history, art, music, and real-life princess and king like stories. Emperor Franz Joseph I and his loving wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sissi, were both famous residents of this lovely city during the time of Maria Theresa.
Despite the legends about its past, Vienna has a large number of touristic sights that visitors may explore and tailor their day trip around. For someone who appreciates art, a day could be spent at a museum like the Schönbrunn Palace, at a concert featuring top-notch classical musicians like Kursalon Hübner, or simply relaxing with a wonderful glass of Viennese wine, for example at Heuriger Joseph II. By creating their own plans for a Vienna visit and seeing the city’s well-known attractions, tourists may discover the rich cultural history of the world under any weather conditions and at every season of the year.
Transportation guide: Arrival and departure from the airport
When deciding on the Vienna travel plans, transportation is one of the key factors to take into account. Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, airport code: VIE), which is 12 miles (19 km) east of the center of Austria’s capital, is the closest airport. There are many public transportation options with diverse routes that connect the city to the airport. With a 20-minute travel time, a bus or a train ride costs approximately €8. Tickets can be bought straight at the station. In just 20 minutes, a cab could also transport you to Vienna’s downtown center for about €36.
If arrive late in the evening, you might want to consider traveling by a private transfer, as your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals area of the Vienna airport – even in the late hours. Don’t forget to enter your flight details accurately and if chosen, pre-book your private airport transfer. Although it costs about the same as a cab, a private transfer will ensure you have a way of transport and send you to where you want to go.
There are also plenty of option to travel by train. S7 Schnellbahn or the Express CAT (City Airport Train) would in that case be the most efficient and fastest options. The airport train (CAT) travels nonstop in 16 minutes from Wien Mitte to the airport (and vice versa) for a one-way fare of €11 or €17, depending on whether you are eligible for a discount. Once in Wien Mitte, visitors can quickly connect to the subway (U3 and U4), tram (line O), train (S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, and more), or bus (74A). Therefore, given its central location and excellent access to many modes of public transportation, you might want to choose staying in an accommodation in the Wien Mitte area. When compared to the CAT, the S7 city train is significantly less expensive; a single ticket costs around €4; if you already have a city travel pass, it costs around €1.80. As this is a city train, a crowd is to be expected during rush hour, and there will be little to no additional room for luggage. Overall, It takes about 30 minutes to travel to the city center.
Vienna’s public transportation system is incredibly convenient and well-connected, especially for tourists. As a result, an accommodation in Vienna is significantly easier to find. There are numerous hotels, hostels, and flats available in a variety of price ranges. Our recommendation for you is to look for an accommodation that is close to a metro line, as this will ensure your fast arrival to the most important sights of the city.
Vienna City Attractions
If you enjoy history, Vienna is the right city for you. Vienna is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the imperial palaces of the Habsburg dynasty, stroll through the medieval streets of the old town, or visit the graves of famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
While conducting tourism activities in Vienna, according to our experience and the overall popularity of the places, these attractions are definitely among the very best things to do in Vienna:
- Schloss Schönbrunn
- Belvedere Palace
- Sacred Heart Cathedral (Stephansdom)
- Authentic Viennese wine and schnitzel at Heuriger Joseph II.
- Caffe Gloriette in Schönbrunn (with a view of the whole city)
- Vienna’s City Park
- Albertina Museum
- Naschmarkt
You can also learn about Vienna’s musical heritage with a visit to the Kursalon, where you can enjoy a classical music performance in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the city.
Restaurant Suggestion
A wiener schnitzel is a must-have when visiting Vienna. The best schnitzels in town are served at the most renowned Heuriger Joseph II, one of many eateries that feature this iconic meal. However, you may want to share your schnitzel experience with a friend, as the portions are quiet large. A traditional apple strudel is also something that you do not want to miss out on, if you are looking to get the most complete Viennese tourism experience. This particular strudel is made of pastry filled with sweet, cinnamon, and apples and topped with whipped cream or heated vanilla. You can try this as well as other famous pastries in the Gloriette café, which is located on the Schönbrunn grounds.
As you can see, Vienna is a city with a rich history that has been well preserved. Whether you’re interested in art, music, or history, Vienna has something to offer everyone.
