Vienna, Austria:
14 Tips For Your First Visit

I had very little expectations when planning my first trip to Vienna. In fact, I hardly planned anything. It was a busy fall traveling around Europe and by the the time the day came to board a flight to Vienna, we had hardly prepared a thing for the trip!

It turned out to be a spontaneous, wonderful trip around Austria’s capital. I learned a few things along the way and have compiled my tips below! In case you want to be slightly more prepared than we were

Tips for Vienna

1. Best time to visit: Spring (April – May) & Fall (Sept-Oct)
*Or for Christmas Markets in December!

We visited in November, right as the markets were opening. However if you aren’t interested in the Christmas markets, I would suggest going in shoulder season. Vienna is lovely in the winter but it gets dark SO early. If you travel in the spring or fall you can avoid the summer crowds and prices but still have plenty of daylight.

However, my Christmas enthusiasts may still want to visit the city during peak holiday time!

2. Don’t miss a show at the famous State Opera.

You can even get 10 Euro seats 2 hours before the show. (But I recommend lining up 1 hour before that to get a ticket!)

We saw Carmen and got our last minute tickets from a scalper on the street. For two ticket we paid about 70 euros since it was a last minute buy. The opera is comprised of box seating. If you can, I suggest sitting at the front of the box so you don’t have other people in front of you.

There are also small screens that you can turn on for subtitles in your language. I loved this featured! So don’t feel intimidated that the operas aren’t in English, you’ll be able to follow along just fine.

3. Vienna is really well connected, the metro is easy to use.

We walked nearly everywhere. And when we didn’t walk, the metro was very easy to use via Google Maps. If you don’t have cell data to use maps, consider getting a data plan with Airalo.

Check out my TikTok on the amazing eSim app:

4. Kaffeehaus Culture is a big part of Viennese history.

Not your typical cafe, these historic Viennese Kaffeehauses were once the place to see and be seen. It’s where famous authors, musicians and poets gathered to work on their craft. It’s where socialites came to gossip.

Since Since October 2011 the “Viennese Coffee House Culture” is even listed as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in the Austrian inventory, a part of UNESCO.

So long story short, you must partake in Viennese culture and history by visiting at least one.

Cafe Central is one of the most famous (and often has a line) but is absolutely stunning inside! It’s a great place to start.

5. Check out other great coffee houses like Cafe Schwarzenberg.

Beyond the most famous coffee houses, you’ll find other hidden gems. There are many of them tucked around the city.

I personally loved Cafe Schwarzenberg. The staff is so friendly and they have great vegan food too!

6. You must try Sachertorte, the famous Vienna cake!

You’ll see this scrumptious chocolate cake advertised everywhere. There is a bit of a rivalry over who exactly invented the first Sachertorte… but it’s up to you to decide which cafe has the best one!

7. Despite Austrian food being primarily meat based, Vienna has an awesome plant based scene.

You can even vegan goulash and vegan bratwurst at the Christmas markets! Check out the app Happy Cow but you’ll have no shortage of options in Vienna.

8. Mozart lived most of his life in Vienna and produced most of his works here.

While in Vienna, you must visit the iconic statue and the museum inside of Mozart’s actual house. If you have time, I also recommend joining a free walking tour, there is so much fascinating history here in the city! And Mozart lived a very colorful life.

9. See a show with the Wiener Residenzorchester

You simply must see a classical music show since Vienna was home to Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart… it was the Hollywood of classical music back in the day!

We absolutely loved seeing a show with the Vienna Residence Orchestra. It was a highlight of our trip!

Not only did they play the most iconic classical music of all time (composed right there in Vienna!) but other performers come out and join the orchestra onstage. Our performance included an opera singer and a truly spectacular ballet dancer.

10. Best budget accommodation: Hostel Ruthensteiner

Voted Vienna’s best hostel since 1968, this place is a fantastic place to stay!

Especially if you’re on a budget since it’s only €68 for a gorgeous private room & €23 for shared hostel room. We had a private room with a balcony, little kitchen and overall, just the cutest layout.

There are also bikes to rent, activities you can join, breakfast available and tons of recommendations for Vienna listed on the chalk board in the lobby.

11. Vienna is home to many amazing art galleries.

As you continue to explore Vienna, you’ll find the city is not only filled with classical music, opera, coffee house culture but also art!

Check out a list of the best museums here.

If you’re a student, pack your student ID for a discount.

12. Christmas Markets run from mid November to early January. *some start later than others

13. There are many markets around the city.
My favorites: Maria Theresien Square and Spittelberg

14. Gluhwein is a must at the markets!

You pay a 4 euro deposit on the cup for Gluhwein which you can walk around with.

You’ll get your deposit back when you take the cup back or you can keep it as a souvenir!

Cultural Hub of Europe

Overall, you’re going to fall in love with this city of music, art, culture and the finer things in life. I had never been to a city quite like Vienna before and I can’t wait to return!

Shop my Vienna favorites:

Thigh-High Boots

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Cross-Body Phone Case

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Travel Journal

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My Camera

Canon 80D

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