Vienna holidays

How to reach Vienna

• Flight time: Direct flights to Vienna from London typically take about 2 hours 15 minutes. Flights are also available from major UK airports such as Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, sometimes with a stopover.

• Transfer time: The City Airport Train (CAT) offers a swift 16-minute ride to Wien Mitte station in the city centre. Alternatively, the S-Bahn (local train) is a cheaper albeit slower option, taking approximately 25 minutes.

• Price: The CAT costs around €12, while the S-Bahn is €4.40. For those preferring a taxi, expect to pay between €36–€40 to reach the city centre.

Weather and best time to visit Vienna

Vienna is a city that charms all year round, but each season offers a different flavour of its culture and lifestyle.

• Spring (March to May) sees the city bloom in mild weather, making it ideal for strolling through its historic streets and parks. Temperatures range from 10 to 20°C, with occasional showers.

• Summer (June to August) brings out the best of Vienna’s café culture and vibrant street life, with temperatures hovering around 25°C. It's also a great time for festivals and outdoor concerts.

• Autumn (September to November) offers crisp weather and beautiful foliage, particularly appealing for those interested in cultural events as the new opera and theatre seasons begin. Temperatures cool from 20 to 10°C.

• Winter (December to February) transforms Vienna into a festive wonderland, especially enchanting during the Christmas market season. Despite the chilly weather (typically ranging from -1 to 5°C), the city’s cosy cafés and museums offer plenty of warm retreats.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

• Local habits and customs: Viennese culture values polite formalities; a simple danke (thank you) or bitte (please) is always appreciated.

• Health and safety: Vienna is one of Europe’s safest cities with well-maintained public amenities and healthcare facilities.

• Currency: Austria's currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are readily available, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Vienna boasts an efficient public transport network that includes metros, trams and buses. A single ticket costs €2.40. Consider purchasing a Vienna Card for unlimited public transport plus discounts at museums and other places.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard supply is 230V with two round-pin plugs (type C and F), so an adapter is necessary for British devices.

• Time zone: Vienna is on Central European Time (CET), GMT +1.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens can enter Austria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is necessary for the duration of the stay.

Where to Stay During Your Vienna Holiday

Vienna offers a variety of districts, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Here’s a guide to some of the best areas to stay in Vienna, tailored to different interests and preferences.

Innere Stadt (First District)

Innere Stadt is the historic heart of Vienna, perfect for first-time visitors who want to be close to the city’s major attractions. This area is known for its elegant architecture, bustling shopping streets, and rich cultural sites.

• Best for: First-time visitors and history enthusiasts.

• Highlights: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.

Leopoldstadt (Second District)

Leopoldstadt is a green and family-friendly district located just across the Danube Canal from the city centre. It’s known for the Prater, a large public park with a famous Ferris wheel, and its vibrant Jewish heritage.

• Best for: Families and nature lovers.

• Highlights: Prater Amusement Park, Augarten, and Karmelitermarkt.

Landstrasse (Third District)

Landstrasse is ideal for budget travellers and first-time visitors looking for affordable accommodation near the city centre. It’s home to the stunning Belvedere Palace and the colourful Hundertwasserhaus.

• Best for: Budget travellers and art lovers.

• Highlights: Belvedere Palace, Botanical Gardens, and Hundertwasserhaus.

Wieden (Fourth District)

Wieden is a culturally rich neighbourhood south of the city centre, known for its artistic vibe and eclectic mix of shops and cafes. It’s less touristy than other districts but still close to major attractions.

• Best for: Young travellers and culture enthusiasts.

• Highlights: Karlskirche, Naschmarkt, and the Third Man Museum.

Mariahilf (Sixth District)

Mariahilf is a trendy area popular for its shopping streets and vibrant arts scene. It’s located near the famous Mariahilfer Straße, a major shopping avenue.

• Best for: Shoppers and art lovers.

• Highlights: Mariahilfer Straße, Museum of Art History, and Theatre an der Wien.

Neubau (Seventh District)

Neubau is known for its hipster vibe, nightlife, and cultural attractions. This district attracts a younger crowd with its trendy bars, art galleries, and the MuseumsQuartier.

• Best for: Nightlife enthusiasts and young adults.

• Highlights: MuseumsQuartier, Leopold Museum, and Spittelberg Christmas Market.

Choosing the right area to stay in Vienna depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your holiday. Each district offers unique attractions and amenities, ensuring a memorable stay in this beautiful city.

Local dishes in Vienna

One of the great delights of holidays to Vienna is delving into its mix of hearty traditional dishes, exquisite pastries and unique local beverages.

Viennese staples

• Wienerschnitzel: Perhaps the most famous Viennese dish, this breaded and fried veal cutlet is a must-try for any visitor. Backhendl is chicken prepared in the same way.

• Tafelspitz: Boiled beef in broth, served with horseradish and Schnittlauchsauce (chive sauce) or minced apples, a classic example of Austrian comfort food.

• Käsekrainer: A cheese-filled sausage often enjoyed with mustard and bread.

Meat dishes

• Beuschel: A traditional stew made from lung and heart, mixed with a tangy sauce.

• Selchfleisch: Smoked meat typically served with sauerkraut and dumplings, enjoyed especially during the colder months.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Wiener Fischsuppe: Vienna fish soup, rich with a variety of freshwater fish, typically served creamy.

• Forelle Müllerin: Trout "Miller's wife style", pan-fried and seasoned with parsley and lemon.

Street food

• Würstelstand: Sausage stands that dot the city, where you can grab a quick bite of various sausages like Frankfurter or Käsekrainer.

• Bosna: A spicy bratwurst sausage served in a hot dog bun, sprinkled with onions and a blend of mustard and curry powder.

Sweets and desserts

• Apfelstrudel: A beloved treat, this famous pastry is filled with apples, cinnamon, sugar and raisins.

• Kaiserschmarrn: For those who enjoy lighter fare, this airy and crisp shredded pancake is sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with fruit preserves.

• Sachertorte: This dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam epitomises Viennese confectionery craftsmanship.

Local drinks

• Viennese coffee: Vienna offers a wide variety of coffee, and visiting a traditional Viennese Kaffeehaus is a must. Coffee is often served with a glass of water and sometimes a small chocolate.

• Heuriger wine: Young wines from local vineyards around Vienna are available in the city’s many wine taverns, often served alongside simple meals.

• Almdudler: A popular herbal soft drink in Austria enjoyed as a non-alcoholic refreshment or mixed with white wine.

Best things to do in Vienna

A city that elegantly straddles its rich imperial past and dynamic present, Vienna offers a plethora of sights and places to discover. From landmark buildings – both historical and modern – to its vibrant musical culture, here’s a guide to the best things to do on Vienna holidays.

Best districts

• Innere Stadt (First District): The historical heart of Vienna, home to major sights like the Hofburg Palace and the bustling Graben Street.

• Leopoldstadt: Explore this vibrant district, which includes the Prater amusement park with its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel.

• Mariahilf: Known for the bustling Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s largest shopping street, lined with boutiques, cafés and theatres.

Parks and gardens

• Schönbrunn Palace Gardens: These expansive gardens are perfect for a stroll and feature elaborate landscaping, a zoo and the Gloriette hill-top colonnade with its café.

• Stadtpark: Vienna's central park is dotted with beautiful floral arrangements and statues of famous Viennese figures like Johann Strauss and Franz Schubert and offers a tranquil escape.

• Belvedere Gardens: Flanking the Belvedere Palace, these baroque gardens provide a serene environment and stunning views of the palace’s architecture.

Historical monuments

• Schönbrunn Palace: A former imperial summer residence, this 1441-room palace is an architectural marvel and offers insights into the opulent lifestyles of the Habsburg monarchs.

• Hofburg Palace: This sprawling complex serves as a testament to the power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty. It now houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum.

• The State Opera House (Staatsoper): An epitome of architectural grandeur, offering regular performances that showcase the city’s rich musical heritage.

• The Vienna Rathaus (City Hall): An impressive Gothic structure which hosts events and markets throughout the year, including the famed Christmas market.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Donauturm (Danube Tower): Soar 252m high for a panoramic view of Vienna and beyond; it’s particularly stunning at sunset.

• Kahlenberg: Just outside the city, this spot offers spectacular views over Vienna and the Danube, ideal for photos or a leisurely hike.

• Stephansdom’s Towers: Climb the cathedral's South Tower for a bird's-eye view of Vienna’s intricate cityscape, or ride up the North Tower lift for a more relaxed ascent with equally rewarding views.

• Ringstrasse Tram Ride: The best way to view the formidable monuments along the Ringstrasse is to take tram 1 or 2 (Strassenbahn; VRT, Vienna Ring Tram, runs around the Ring); it's a cheap way to see the grand buildings of the inner city, costing just a regular tram fare.

Day trips in the area

• The Wachau: A magical stretch along the Danube Valley known for its scenic vineyards, quaint towns and historic sites like the Melk Abbey.

• Bratislava: Just an hour away by train, Slovakia’s charming capital offers a delightful contrast with its medieval core and vibrant cultural scene. Check our offers on holidays to Bratislava.

• Salzburg: Reachable by a 2-hour train ride, Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music, ideal for music lovers and history buffs. Discover the best deals on holidays to Salzburg.

Activities for families in Vienna

Vienna is wonderfully equipped to entertain families with children, offering a broad range of activities to educate, inspire and entertain. These include historic sites with child-friendly tours and vast parks with ample play areas.

• Schönbrunn Zoo: Located within the expansive grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, the world's oldest zoo is perfect for a family day out, with an aquarium featuring a ‘walk-through’ flooded rainforest.

• Prater Amusement Park: This historic amusement park features the Giant Ferris Wheel, adventurous rides and wide green spaces ideal for picnicking and leisurely strolls.

• House of Music (Haus der Musik): This interactive sound museum lets children conduct their own orchestra, experiment with sounds and learn about music in a fun and engaging way.

• MuseumsQuartier: This is not only a hub for art and culture but also provides spacious courtyards and interactive installations perfect for letting kids explore safely.

• Danube Island (Donauinsel): Ideal for cycling, skating, swimming, watersports or just lazing by the water, this island features beaches, playgrounds and plenty of open space for ball games and family activities.

Free things to do in Vienna

Exploring Vienna doesn’t have to be expensive. The city offers a multitude of free activities that provide insight into its rich culture and history, making it accessible to everyone.

• Museums: Vienna’s history is showcased across several museums with free admission, like the Vienna Museum Karlsplatz, which offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month and the permanent exhibition on any day.

• City parks: Parks such as the Burggarten and Volksgarten are free to enter, offering beautiful gardens, statues and comfortable spots ideal for a family picnic.

• St. Stephen's Cathedral: Entrance to the main area of this iconic cathedral is free, allowing you to admire its architectural beauty and soak up the atmosphere of a central point in Viennese culture.