{"id":30431,"date":"2021-02-17T05:58:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-17T04:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=30431"},"modified":"2026-01-31T11:49:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T10:49:54","slug":"introduction-to-vienna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/visitorinfo\/introduction-to-vienna\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Vienna"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/wiensmall.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/wiensmall.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of Vienna church\" class=\"wp-image-30435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/wiensmall.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/wiensmall-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This article is going to be biased because I live here and love the city. But let me just introduce you to a few topics that should help you find your way around Vienna (literally and figuratively) as you consider or plan a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll look (briefly) at what the city offers visitors, its history, its layout, and some basic information on issues like public transport and languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_Intro\" rel=\"sponsored\">classical concert experience<\/a>* for your trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/my-top-10-places\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17645\">My top places to visit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5359\">Concert<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/tours-overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"59926\">tour<\/a> overviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/what-can-you-do-in-a-day\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22246\">What to do in a day<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/evening\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"71635\">What to do in the evening<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/events-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1658\">Events &amp; festivals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on or jump to&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#history\">Background &amp; history<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#offers\">What Vienna offers<\/a>, especially&#8230;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#sights\">Historical sights<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#music-art\">Music, art &amp; events<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#food\">Food &amp; &#8220;Gem\u00fctlichkeit&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#layout\">Layout &amp; getting around<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#best-time\">Best time to visit?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#next\">Your next steps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick overview for visitors<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/michaelerplatzhofburg.jpg\" alt=\"Hofburg side of the Michaelerplatz\" class=\"wp-image-46738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/michaelerplatzhofburg.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/michaelerplatzhofburg-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/michaelerplatz-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27254\">Michaelerplatz<\/a>: one entrance to the central Hofburg palace area in the city centre)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This really is a beautiful clean city full of urban charm, with a rich and long history, lots of culture, plenty to see and do (also with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/kids-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11143\">children<\/a>), excellent services and amenities, and a selection of cakes that will do evil things to your willpower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Told you I was biased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which makes Vienna a popular destination. US readers of Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler, for example, ranked it the fifth best big city in the world (and the best in Europe) in the travel magazine&#8217;s 2024 Readers&#8217; Choice Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, the same magazine&#8217;s UK readers voted Vienna the third best city overall in Europe and the ninth best in the world. And gave it first place in the &#8220;Friendliest City&#8221; category for Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyway, let us begin with a bit of&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"history\">Background &amp; history<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/karlskirche2024.jpg\" alt=\"Dome and column of Karlskirche church\" class=\"wp-image-74287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/karlskirche2024.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/karlskirche2024-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/karlskirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22144\">Karlskirche church<\/a> in the centre of town)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna is the capital of Austria (a western democracy and member of the European Union). Located in the east of the country on the banks of the mighty Danube river, the city is home to just over 2 million people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its size, Vienna retains the feel of a large town. Part of that is down to the compact centre that reflects the extent of the original medieval settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Global urban liveability rankings tend to put Vienna at (or near) the top: the city has excellent public services (particularly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/public\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"310\">public transport<\/a>), accessibility, economic success, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/visitorinfo\/safety\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"416\">relatively low crime rates<\/a> for its size, and a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and numerous parks, woodland, outlying hills, and other open and green spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna&#8217;s not perfect, but there are worse places to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city owes its size (and much of its beauty) to the legacy of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/habsburgs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12848\">Habsburg dynasty<\/a>, whose empire disintegrated after World War I.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/graben2024.jpg\" alt=\"View down the Graben\" class=\"wp-image-71728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/graben2024.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/graben2024-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Graben pedestrianised street in the city centre. I&#8217;m going to guess early on a Sunday morning)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Habsburgs ruled over large areas of Europe for many centuries, and Wien (to give the city its German name) was both their home and the administrative centre of their authority for almost all that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An imperial capital inevitably attracts the nobility, aristocracy, and other wealthy residents. Musicians, architects, artists and designers also congregate where their earning potential and kudos is highest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Numerous monumental buildings and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5359\">concert venues<\/a> exist (also because emperors, empresses, and other high-income residents constantly engaged in a game of one-upmanship in architecture)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Great works of art fill Vienna&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1682\">museums<\/a> (also because all those wealthy or enobled families had expensive hobbies, an eye for collecting, or received rather nice gifts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The city swims in a musical legacy as the former residence of some of the world&#8217;s greatest composers (Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert to name just four)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna&#8217;s history predates the Habsburgs, of course. The Romans settled here in what was known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/vindobona\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"32729\">Vindobona<\/a>. And we still have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/churches\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28720\">churches<\/a> that date back over 1000 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"exp206741,exp238032\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_ConcTour\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"offers\">What Vienna offers<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cafecentralchristmas.jpg\" alt=\"Cafe Central at Christmas\" class=\"wp-image-45035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cafecentralchristmas.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cafecentralchristmas-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The coffee house in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/palais-ferstel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29688\">Palais Ferstel<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The huge tourism sector and high level of education means service personnel and similar normally all speak <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/visitorinfo\/languages-do-they-speak-english-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"332\">good English<\/a> (the national language is, however, German).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously the city has all the amenities and opportunities you&#8217;d associate with a large, wealthy and well-run European city (and the Euro as its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/visitorinfo\/austriancurrency\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"327\">currency<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People visit for various reasons, and I can&#8217;t speak to, for example, the nightlife and cocktail bars because I&#8217;m a shy writer whose idea of a wild night is a glass of wine on the sofa. (Two glasses, if I&#8217;m throwing caution to the wind.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Vienna&#8217;s traditional big selling points from my perspective are the historical sites, the music, art &amp; events, and the gastronomic <em>Gem\u00fctlichkeit<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s begin with the buildings&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sights\">Historical sights &amp; sites<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/schoenbrunnforecourt.jpg\" alt=\"Sch\u00f6nbrunn forecourt\" class=\"wp-image-44660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/schoenbrunnforecourt.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/schoenbrunnforecourt-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/palace-of-schonbrunn\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1672\">Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many of the great European cities, you can simply wander around the streets and enjoy the mix of past architectural eras, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/baroque\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30588\">baroque<\/a> townhouses, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/jugendstil\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"31716\">jugendstil<\/a> shop fronts, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/biedermeier\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"29296\">biedermeier<\/a> villas and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/historicism\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28926\">neogothic<\/a> municipal offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have, for example, three large palace complexes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/hofburg\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2708\">Hofburg<\/a> in the very centre: seat of the Habsburgs for centuries and full of attractions like the Sisi Museum &amp; imperial apartments, the crown jewels, and the Spanish Riding School (home to the Lipizzaner horses)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/palace-of-schonbrunn\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1672\">Sch\u00f6nbrunn<\/a>: giant summer residence of the Habsburgs with palace tours, a landscaped park, award-winning zoo, evening concerts, carriage museum, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/belvedere\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3308\">Belvedere<\/a>: two baroque palaces now home to some fabulous art that includes one of the world&#8217;s greatest paintings (see below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can wander around the outside of all these complexes for free, though almost all the interior attractions require a ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also have a giant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stefansdom\/\">gothic cathedral<\/a>, a whole host of gorgeous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/\">museums<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/churches\/\">churches<\/a>, and various delightful buildings from the 1800s that appeared when they turned the city fortifications into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/ring\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1546\">prime real estate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve written a guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1632\">main sightseeing areas here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"music-art\">Music, art &amp; events<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight.jpg\" alt=\"Staatsoper at night\" class=\"wp-image-41933\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/staatsopernight-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/staatsoper\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1071\">State Opera House<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna can legitimately lay claim to being the home of classical music, whatever the rest of the world may say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Schubert, Leh\u00e1r, Schoenberg, various members of the Strauss family, and many others all tinkled the ivories, plucked at strings, and produced copious quantities of sheet music here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people choose to visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/famous-people\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1666\">landmarks<\/a> associated with the famous composers, such as their homes, or listen to their works in one of the city&#8217;s (often historical) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5359\">concert venues<\/a>: Vienna has one of the world&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/staatsoper\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1071\">greatest opera houses<\/a> and one of it&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/musikverein\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5593\">best classical music concert halls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/musikvereinnight1.jpg\" alt=\"View of the rear of the Musikverein and piano store at night\" class=\"wp-image-74413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/musikvereinnight1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/musikvereinnight1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/musikverein\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5593\">Musikverein<\/a> concert hall)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Habsburgs did a lot of interior decorating, which is one reason why Vienna can show you quite a bit of world-class art with numerous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/exhibitions\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"37363\">exhibitions<\/a> on at any one time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The top three locations are probably:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/albertina\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2995\">Albertina<\/a>: the permanent collection covers names like Monet and Picasso. But they always have a selection of special exhibitions that range from Albrecht D\u00fcrer to Andy Warhol and beyond<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1446\">Kunsthistorisches Museum<\/a>: as well as paintings from a who&#8217;s who of old masters that includes the world&#8217;s greatest Bruegel collection, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/kunstkammer\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1489\">Kunstkammer<\/a> chamber of wonders never fails to astonish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/upperbelvedere23.jpg\" alt=\"Museum entrance to Upper Belvedere\" class=\"wp-image-67391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/upperbelvedere23.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/upperbelvedere23-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Enter Upper Belvedere to find one of the world&#8217;s most famous paintings)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/belvedere\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3308\">Belvedere<\/a>: mentioned earlier and home to Gustav Klimt&#8217;s iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/belvedere-sites\/kiss\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1119\">The Kiss<\/a> as well as other paintings by Austria&#8217;s most famous artist. Like the two above, another location with regular special art exhibitions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a large, flourishing city, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/contemporary-art\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"25652\">contemporary art<\/a> and music gets a significant shout in, too (see, for example, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/mq\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4030\">MuseumsQuartier<\/a> collection of institutions).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And many festivals and special events <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/events-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1658\">fill each month<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The central <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/rathaus\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"79\">Rathausplatz square<\/a>, for example, has a free open-air film festival in summer, an open-air ice skating extravaganza in winter, a Christmas market experience toward the end of the year, and numerous weekend fairs and festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"exp205287,exp205280\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_CityWalk\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"food\">Food &amp; Gem\u00fctlichkeit<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/applestrudel.jpg\" alt=\"Apfelstrudel or apple strudel\" class=\"wp-image-47733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/applestrudel.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/applestrudel-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/apfelstrudel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"73061\">Apfelstrudel<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gem\u00fctlichkeit is a German word that means a kind of cosy congeniality. Fast and furious are not words typically associated with Viennese restaurants and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/traditional-food-drink\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1654\">food and drink<\/a>, think cake and coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna has a notable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/coffee-house-experience\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1947\">caf\u00e9 cultural heritage<\/a> and its own particular brand of wood-and-marble <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/coffee-houses\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7689\">coffee houses<\/a>. The latter can date back up to 200 years and once echoed to the sounds of artists, intellectuals and politicians arguing into the night over a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/coffee-glossary\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1863\">melange<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/the-sachertorte\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2049\">Sachertorte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ah, Sachertorte.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/erdbeeroberstorte.jpg\" alt=\"Erdbeer Obers Torte\" class=\"wp-image-46300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/erdbeeroberstorte.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/erdbeeroberstorte-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(A typical Viennese breakfast. I&#8217;m not completely joking)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The locals love their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/vienna-cakes\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22533\">cakes<\/a>. The whole coffee and cake thing counts as a genuine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/viennese-experiences\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5304\">authentic experience<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The broader cuisine errs on the heavy side&#8230;cough, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/sausages\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1200\">sausages<\/a>, cough&#8230;but Vienna has long caught up with &#8220;modern&#8221; trends like healthy (or, at least, healthier) eating and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/vegetarian\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24745\">vegetarianism<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes without saying that a city of this size covers a whole range of culinary options. But the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/food\/wiener-schnitzel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"45\">Wiener Schnitzel<\/a> still rules supreme, no matter what your doctor says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the alcoholic side of things, Vienna and Austria don&#8217;t go in for corporations much. So regional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/beer\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"32\">beers<\/a> and wines dominate. Vienna even has its own (high quality) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/vienna-wine\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2414\">vineyards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now for just a few words on the city&#8217;s layout and getting around&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"layout\">Layout guide &amp; mobility<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/thering.jpg\" alt=\"The Ring boulevard\" class=\"wp-image-47174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/thering.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/thering-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Trams on the Ring boulevard that replaced the city&#8217;s walled defences)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna consists of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/mapsgeography\/viennadistricts\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"114\">23 districts<\/a>. You can think of them (roughly) as a central district surrounded by two rings of inner and outer districts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, the central (first) district corresponds to the boundaries of the historical fortified city. Until the late 1800s, a wide open space surrounded this city, beyond which you had villages, country houses, and palaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the city took down its fortifications and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/history-of-the-ringstrassen\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"68027\">released the open ground for development<\/a>, Vienna slowly merged with those outer areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That first district, which grew organically over the centuries, remains eminently walkable and stuffed to the brim with beautiful pristine buildings that either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/historicism\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28926\">look historical<\/a> or are historical. Many people just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50322\">wander through the centre<\/a> on their first trip.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/khmnight.jpg\" alt=\"The Kunsthistorisches Museum at night\" class=\"wp-image-42468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/khmnight.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/khmnight-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Kunsthistorisches Museum)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That open area is now the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/ring\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1546\">Ring boulevard<\/a>. The late 19th-century buildings either side of it form another highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of Vienna&#8217;s most famous sights line the Ring. Like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/opera\/staatsoper\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1071\">State Opera House<\/a>, for example. Or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1446\">Kunsthistorisches<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/natural-history-museum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"252\">Naturhistorisches<\/a> museums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarise, many of Vienna&#8217;s tourist attractions lie close to each other in that relatively small first district or at its edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, some of those country residences that Vienna eventually absorbed also come top of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/top10\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"297\">tourist rankings<\/a>. Like Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace: the Habsburg summer residence mentioned earlier and home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/palace-of-schonbrunn\/vienna-zoo\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1674\">Tiergarten Sch\u00f6nbrunn zoo<\/a>, where you find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/schonbrunn\/zoo\/giantpandas\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"183\">giant pandas<\/a> among the many animal highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/newviennesetram.jpg\" alt=\"New Viennese tram\" class=\"wp-image-48978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/newviennesetram.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/newviennesetram-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(One of the new generation of trams coursing through Vienna&#8217;s streets)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t be too concerned by the prospect of travel in the city, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna has a fast, frequent, comprehensive, clean, cheap, and efficient municipal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/public\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"310\">subway, tram and bus system<\/a> that means even the outlying sights can be reached quickly and easily without ruining your holiday budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This also means <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/where-to-stay\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1647\">accommodation<\/a> outside the centre still provides relatively swift access to the first district: just jump on a tram, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna also has its own international airport (code VIE), located around 20km to the east of the town centre. As you can imagine, getting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/airport-to-city\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3799\">into the city<\/a> from the airport and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/city-to-airport\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3754\">out again<\/a> is easy when you have a decent public transport system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"product\" data-content-ids=\"975002,1035993\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_hoponhopoff\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-time\">Best time to visit?<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/christkindlmarkt2022.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance arch to the Christkindlmarkt\" class=\"wp-image-53864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/christkindlmarkt2022.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/christkindlmarkt2022-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Christmas market on the Rathausplatz)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, are there good and bad times to visit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given all the city has to offer, you really can&#8217;t pick a poor month for a trip to Vienna. Although, frankly, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/january\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8619\">January<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/february\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9205\">February<\/a> can see us in the tight grip of the Austrian winter. However, those months then have fewer crowds, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you force me to commit, then the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/visitorinfo\/besttimetovisit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"345\">best times<\/a> are kind of the obvious ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Second half of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/november\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18641\">November<\/a> through to early <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/january\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8619\">January<\/a>: the time of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/christmas-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"627\">Christmas<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/new-years-eve\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6832\">New Year<\/a> markets, which are just wonderful. Not to mention the lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/christmas-lights\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"884\">Christmas lights<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Late <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/may\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15492\">May<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/august\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17700\">August<\/a>: warm weather allows you to wander freely around all the beautiful streets, parks and gardens, and enjoy the street caf\u00e9 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/heuriger\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30836\">wine tavern<\/a> culture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside of those dates is a lot of people agree with that assessment, so Vienna can fill up with visitors. As an alternative, I always feel late <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/september\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18457\">September<\/a> makes a strong option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why September?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, the weather should still be tolerable, and the month is full of festivals and other events designed to engage the Viennese after they return from their summer holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"next\">Your next steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a couple of other guides that should help you decide what to do, where to go, and where to stay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/where-to-stay\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1647\">Hotels and accommodation tips<\/a>: broad advice but also suggestions for key locations like major venues, the city centre and similar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/activities\/events-in-vienna\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1658\">Events<\/a>: current event tips and a month-by-month selection of festival and other highlights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1632\">Sightseeing overview<\/a>: lots of suggestions on where to focus your time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hope to see you here sometime soon&#8230;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/about-visiting-vienna\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"27\">I&#8217;m the one<\/a> with a notebook, a pen and cake crumbs on my shoulder bag.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>See what the city offers visitors, plus a bit of background on topics like local transport, language, food etc.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30435,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-30431","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-visitorinfo","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30431"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88405,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30431\/revisions\/88405"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}