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Looking for some awesome experiences to add to your Vienna itinerary? Look no further!
Vienna is a city that truly has it all – stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and a vibrant music scene. We have been here a few times and still haven’t scratched the surface of everything to explore!
With so much to see and do, planning what to put on your itinerary can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve made this guide full of only the best experiences in Vienna!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this tour of the Schonbrunn Palace! We loved learning about this historic palace, and the skip-the-line entry helped save us time so we could see more of Vienna.
Check out the 1,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is popular, so book it in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- 10 Best Things to do in Vienna
- 1. Historic Center of Vienna Walking Tour
- 2. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace
- 3. Take a bike tour of Vienna
- 4. Go on a day trip to see the Alps, lakes region, and Hallstatt Skywalk
- 5. Eat your way around Vienna on a food, coffee, and market tour
- 6. Take a cooking class with a local chef
- 7. Go on a countryside wine tour
- 8. See a concert at the oldest concert hall in Vienna (where Mozart played!)
- 9. Go on a WWII history tour of Vienna
- 10. Explore Vienna on a segway
- Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Europe
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
10 Best Things to do in Vienna
1. Historic Center of Vienna Walking Tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 10:30 am, 2 pm, 6 pm
- Highlights: Walking tour to 18 of the city’s top landmarks, learn about Vienna’s culture and history from your local guide, small-group tour with a maximum of 15 people
- Inclusions: Professional tour guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
In my opinion, there is no better way to get to know a city than by doing a walking tour! Dan and I have probably done one in every large city that we’ve visited. It’s such a great way to get to know the city better and learn about some of its history and culture.
That’s why we highly recommend doing this historical walking tour when you first arrive in Vienna. It squishes so much sightseeing into only 2.5 hours, so if you don’t have lots of time here you’ll still get to see all of the city’s main highlights including the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace.
We had so much fun strolling through the beautiful streets of Vienna taking in all of the Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau-style architecture. Our guide also taught us lots along the way – I had no idea that Hofburg Palace was the home of the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years!
This tour costs €73 each, which is a pretty good deal considering it stops at 18 different places and is one of the best tours in Vienna (have a look at the 1,000+ 5-star reviews here)!
Check availability for this popular city walking tour here!
2. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10:30 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace, view the beautiful palace gardens and the rooms inside the castle, have time to explore independently
- Inclusions: Skip-the-line entry, professional guide, headsets
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the absolute best things we did in Vienna was this Schonbrunn Palace tour. Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most visited attraction, and now that we’ve been there, we can definitely see why!
This magnificent palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria’s most important cultural landmarks. It was once home to generations of emperors, including Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. Seeing the beautiful palace gardens and grand rooms inside was such a unique experience!
Since visiting the palace is such a popular thing to do, the lines to enter can get VERY long. If you’re like us, the last thing you want to do on vacation is spend your time waiting in lines. Luckily, this tour included skip-the-line entry to the palace – we felt like VIPs walking right past the queue of people!
We love that this tour includes a guided portion, as well as free time to explore on your own at the end. We learned so much about Austria’s history and the Royal families that used to reside in the palace – it wouldn’t have been such a good experience had we not had our knowledgeable guide leading the way!
This tour runs every day except for Sundays at 10:30 am or 3 pm making it easy to fit into your schedule. It has over 800 5-star reviews, so I would recommend securing your spot in advance so that you don’t risk it selling out!
Don’t miss out, reserve your tour of Vienna’s most popular attraction here!
3. Take a bike tour of Vienna
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Bike around the city, learn stories and history from your guide, see top attractions and hidden gems
- Inclusions: Bicycle, professional guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE walking tours, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up and do a bicycle tour instead!
Bike tours are great because they allow you to cover more ground in a short amount of time. Our friend recommended this city bike tour last time we were in Vienna, so we knew we had to give it a try – and we are very happy we did!
The bike ride was relaxed, so even if you aren’t an avid cyclist, you’ll feel comfortable riding along the Danube River and through Vienna’s beautiful parks. Our guide also took us to admire Vienna’s famous landmarks and showed us some local hidden gems too.
Our guide also provided some great recommendations that helped us plan the rest of our stay in Vienna. By the end of the tour, we had a list of new places to check out and also knew exactly which places we wanted to return to and see more of.
We think this is a great sightseeing tour for active people and families with kids over the age of 8. Being on bikes really helped to keep the kids on our tour engaged and having fun. Plus, for only €45 per adult, you really can’t go wrong!
Secure your spot on this fun bike tour around Vienna here!
4. Go on a day trip to see the Alps, lakes region, and Hallstatt Skywalk
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: 7:15 am (with pick-up)
- Highlights: Explore the scenic Salzkammergut region, visit Schloss Ort Castle and Hallstatt, and take in the amazing views from the Skywalk viewing platform
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up, transportation, expert guide, Skywalk (or Admont Abbey if Skywlak is closed)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Visiting Austria’s Salzkammergut region has always been high on my bucket list, and the last time we visited Vienna my wish came true when we did this epic full-day trip.
You will leave the city and head towards the beautiful region of Salzkammergut, full of stunning alpine lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages. It seriously felt like I was in The Sound of Music, I kept waiting for Julie Andrews to come running over the vibrant green hills!
The bus ride is long (around 3 hours each way), but the ride is scenic and the bus makes frequent stops so you can stretch your legs. One of the stops is at Schloss Ort, a castle in the middle of a bright blue lake!
But, the highlight of the trip for me was the visit to Hallstatt, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains. Here, you will get to go on the Hallstatt Skywalk, a viewing platform suspended 350 meters (1,148 ft) in the air! The views of the lake, mountains, and town below are stunning.
It’s important to note that the Skywalk is closed from Jan 6 – Feb 7, 2025, so if you’re planning to visit during these dates you will visit Admont Abbey instead. It’s the largest monastery library in the world, and equally as impressive if you ask me!
This tour is perfect for nature lovers and if you have the time, we think it should be near the top of everyone’s Vienna to-do list. It costs €134 per person, which includes everything except food and drinks, so make sure to budget a bit extra.
Check availability and book this scenic day trip in advance here!
5. Eat your way around Vienna on a food, coffee, and market tour
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Small group food tour of Vienna’s best eateries, see some of the city’s top landmarks, indulge in traditional Vienesse breakfast, lunch, and street food
- Inclusions: Tour guide, breakfast, lunch, street-food samples, coffee/hot chocolate, glass of beer/wine
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
They say the way to a city’s heart is through its stomach… or something like that, right? Well whatever it is, you’ll definitely get to know Vienna better after tasting your way through the streets on this food tour!
This 6-hour tour is perfect for any foodies out there. The entire day is focused on bringing you to Vienna’s top markets and best local eateries to try a variety of amazing Austrian food. And you’ll pass through some of Vienna’s trendiest neighborhoods and see some top landmarks while you’re at it – does it get any better than that?
The tour started in the morning when our guide led us through the streets to some amazing local cafes to try authentic apple strudel and Viennese coffee. I thought coffee couldn’t get any better, but Viennese coffee is truly next level. It’s made with espresso, whipped cream, and chocolate – 3 of my favorite things in one!
We also visited two different open-air markets, Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt, where there was plenty of food to be sampled. Among them was Wurst & Gulasch, which is one of Vienna’s most traditional foods. The tour also includes a typical Austrian lunch, so make sure you come hungry!
This experience costs €132 per person which includes breakfast, lunch, street-food samples, coffee, and a glass of beer/wine. We had so much fun exploring the city and visiting local eateries we would have never found on our own. This is hands-down my favorite tour in Vienna, and I’m not alone – look at all of these glowing 5-star reviews!
Check availability and reserve your spot here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Take a cooking class with a local chef
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Learn to cook an authentic 3-course Austrian meal from a professional chef, enjoy some wine/alcoholic beverages while you cook, and taste your delicious creations for dinner
- Inclusions: Professional chef, 3-course dinner, alcoholic drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If trying Austrian food sounds great, why not take it one step further and actually learn how to make some dishes during this fun cooking class?
Nabiel is a local professional chef who has been teaching people how to make the BEST schnitzel for over 7 years! During this class, you get to visit his home kitchen where you will be led step-by-step on how to create an authentic 3-course Austrian meal.
I had so much fun learning to make Chef Nabiel’s “crispy as hell” schnitzel and delicious apple strudel. I’m not a very good cook, but it was so easy to follow along – even after a glass of wine or two! I actually still make these dishes now that I’m back home!
This cooking class costs €150 per person and is very popular (look at these amazing reviews). Because of this, availability is a bit sporadic, so make sure you check the schedule to see if the tour is available during your travel dates.
Make sure you secure your spot in this cooking class in advance here!
7. Go on a countryside wine tour
- Duration: 4 or 5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy Austria’s beautiful Weinviertel wine region, visit either 2 or 3 local wineries and sample 8-12 types of wine, enjoy an authentic lunch or dinner (depending on option selected), learn about the region and winemaking process
- Inclusions: Downtown Vienna hotel pick-up/drop-off, roundtrip transportation, all wine samples, visit 2 or 3 wineries, lunch or dinner (depending on option selected), guide, water, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 370+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When most people think of European wine, they think of Spain, Italy, or France, but did you know that Austria is home to a vibrant wine-making region? Although smaller than these other areas, Austria is known for producing high-quality wines and using unique indigenous grape varieties.
On this half-day tour to the Weinviertel wine region, you will get to immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside outside of Vienna while trying some seriously delicious wines! I have tried wine from all over the world, and I was very impressed by the quality of wine here. I even tried some local varieties that I had never heard of before such as Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling & Zweigelt.
This wine tour is the best way to visit the region because they take care of transportation for you. When you’re visiting 2 to 3 wineries and trying up to 12 different samples, having a dedicated driver is very important!
You also get VIP treatment on this tour because you get to meet some local winemakers and learn all about the wine-making process. On top of that, you’ll enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch or dinner – perfect to soak up all that wine before heading back to Vienna!
There are 2 options for this tour: the first is a morning departure at 10 am, which visits 2 wineries, lasts 4 hours, and includes lunch for €125. The second one departs at 3 pm, visits 3 wineries, lasts 5 hours, and includes dinner for €140. I think the second option is a better deal since you get more time in the wine region and get to visit an extra winery. It’s the one we did and we highly recommend it!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
8. See a concert at the oldest concert hall in Vienna (where Mozart played!)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 8 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy an intimate live classical concert in Vienna’s oldest concert hall, listen to a variety of famous musical pieces by composers such as Mozart and Bach
- Inclusions: Concert ticket, English or German program guide, 1.5 hours of live entertainment
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Vienna is known around the world as the “city of music”. It is home to some of the greatest composers in history, including Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. So there is no better way to immerse yourself in Vienna’s musical culture than by going to a classical concert!
This classical concert is sure to blow you away! The performance is in the Sala Terrena, a beautiful and intimate concert hall, where Mozart actually once played. In fact, it is the oldest concert hall in Vienna! Just being in the hall surrounded by all of the history was an experience in itself.
Then the music started and I was completely carried away. They played a variety of famous compositions from names like Mozart and Bach. The musicians are dressed up in historical costumes, which really added to the experience, I felt like I had traveled back in time!
The concert runs daily except for Mondays, but the type of instruments played varies depending on the day you go. On Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the performance is done by a string quartet, and on Tuesday and Thursday, the performance is a piano trio.
See the schedule and book your tickets in advance here!
We also heard great things about this concert experience in Vienna. We haven’t been yet, but it’s definitely on my list for the next time we visit!
It takes place in Vienna’s St. Peter’s Church, which is a spectacular venue full of art and history. Just like the tour above, you will hear many famous classical pieces performed by the Classic Ensemble Vienna string quartet.
This concert is a bit harder to get tickets to as it tends to sell out in advance (I can see why with the 1,000+ 5-star reviews!). But no matter which concert experience you get tickets to, I’m positive you will have a magical evening listening to some of history’s best compositions brought to life!
Check availability for this popular classical concert here!
9. Go on a WWII history tour of Vienna
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Guided walking tour around Vienna’s historical center, learn about Adolf Hitler, the Holocaust, and Austria’s role in WWII, visit important historic sites and memorials
- Inclusions: Professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As I’m sure many of you already know, Austria had quite a large involvement in WWII. There is a lot of devastating history here to do with the war and holocaust, and the best way to learn about it all is on this WWII historic walking tour.
You will learn all about the life of Adolf Hitler (who was actually born in Austria) and about Austria’s involvement in the war. As you walk through Vienna’s historic center, you will stop at some important landmarks that are reminders of Vienna’s “dark ages”, such as the Memorial Against War & Fascism and the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial.
Our guide, Dieter, was a wealth of knowledge on the subject and we learned so much interesting information from him. He spoke clearly and answered all of our group’s questions thoroughly, which we really appreciated.
Even though it’s not the most fun tour on this list, I think it’s very important to learn about the places we travel to. Understanding the history of a place really helps to better connect to its people and culture. That’s why I think everyone needs to go on this educational tour around Vienna.
This is also one of the most affordable tours in Vienna at only €27 per person. So if you are trying to stick to a budget, this one deserves a spot on your itinerary. The tour only runs on select days, so be sure to check the schedule in advance so that you don’t miss out!
Read the 500+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
10. Explore Vienna on a segway
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 1 pm
- Highlights: Ride a segway through Vienna, stop at iconic landmarks and parks, learn about Vienna’s rich history and architecture from your guide
- Inclusions: Local guide, segway, helmet
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve already done your fair share of walking or bike tours, why not try something new and take this Segway sightseeing tour around the city instead?
Segways are so much fun and are an excellent way to explore Vienna. You’ll cover a lot of ground in 3 hours and since you’ll be on a Segway, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting tired!
I had a blast cruising around through the gorgeous tree-lined streets and parks. We stopped often to learn about Vienna’s history and to see important landmarks such as Hofburg Palace and the golden Mozart statue. Have your camera ready because there are so many amazing photo stops on this tour!
And if you’ve never been on a Segway before, don’t worry. The guides give a lesson at the beginning to make sure everyone is comfortable before taking off.
We think this is the perfect city tour option for those who want to sightsee without breaking a sweat! It also doesn’t break the bank, at only €95 per person.
Check availability for this fun Segway tour here!
Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria
Now that you’ve found the best activities to fill your Vienna itinerary, you need somewhere equally amazing to rest! As Austria’s largest city, there are tons of options in Vienna.
I’ve put together my top three choices for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for the prime location and a classy stay, the Hotel Topazz & Lamée is just for you! The rooms are furnished to make your stay luxurious, either with a city view or a balcony. There is a rooftop terrace, and a ground floor restaurant and bar. Best of all, it’s within walking distance to Vienna’s top sights!
Rooms can range from about €215 to €800, depending on what you choose. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
MOOONS Vienna is a trendy hotel, just a short walk from the main train station. I love the modern design of this hotel, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. It has a garden, terrace, and restaurant for your convenience. It won’t break the budget either, rooms range from €120 to €250.
You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
B&B Hotel Wien-Hbf is one of the most popular hotel stays in Vienna, and at a budget price! They offer twin, double, triple, or family-style rooms, ranging from €65 to €120. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and honestly a great deal for the quality! All of Vienna’s top sights are a short train ride away.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Vienna is a beautiful city, rich in history, architecture, yummy food, and kind people. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here as much as we did, especially if you can check off some of these top activities!
Thanks for reading our blog! If you found it helpful, be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and travel tips. I’ll leave a few other blogs below to further inspire your travels – cheers!
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