In 2022, tourism continues to recover from the Covid-19 outbreak, with more people travelling around the world. In Austria, the total number of tourists during the winter season (from November 2021 to February 2022) increased by 7.31 million up to 8.0 million compared to the previous winter season. It looks like Austria, along with its capital — Vienna, might soon be returning to the pre-pandemic levels of popularity.
Majestic historical buildings, huge parks and recreational zones, and numerous restaurants with delicious local and international cuisine have prominently listed the city among the top destinations for tourists. Eager to join the ranks of tourists in Vienna? Check out our to-do list for smart and easy trip planning.
Choose Season for Your Trip
Vienna experiences a spike in tourism during Christmas time and the summer (high seasons). People come to feel the special atmosphere of the city in wintertime and enjoy the walks downtown in summer. But what about coming in the middle of the tourist season in the spring and the fall? Here are a few pros and cons of coming to Vienna during this time:
Advantages of coming to Vienna during the middle season:
- Less crowded squares and streets compared to the high season.
- The accommodation prices are lower, and more options are available.
- It’s neither hot nor cold, which is a comfortable temperature for outside activities.
- Many outdoor events take place only during the spring and the autumn: for example, the Viennale film festival, contemporary music festival “Indie Label Week,” “Craft Bier Fest”, and so on.
- Vienna is on the list of the 20 best green European capitals. The overall green space per person in Vienna is around 95.30 square meters. Spring is the best time to enjoy the parks Vienna has to offer.
If you want to avoid all the inconveniences such as too hot or too cold weather and crowded streets, you should visit Vienna from April to May or from September to October.
Find a Place to Stay
There are hotels, standard and elite apartments, townhouses, and villas available for rent in Vienna. It all depends on your budget and the duration of your visit. But what district is the best to choose for a luxury Vienna stay? Here are a few options:
- Mariahilf
The district is situated near the heart of the city. There are many old historical buildings and market hubs nearby. It is the perfect neighbourhood for families because of its safety. You can expect to rent an apartment in this area for a minimum of EUR 1,000 per month.
- Innere Stadt
This is the very centre of Vienna. Today it is the commercial, educational, and cultural centre of Austria. Though the district is noisy, there is everything you might need within walking distance. Housing is also one of the most expensive in the city, as most buildings are true architectural relics. The historical centre of the city is a part of the UNESCO world heritage. That is why a small apartment will cost at least EUR 1,500 per month.
- Währing and Döbling
Both districts are located on the north side of Vienna and can offer both apartments (starting from EUR 700 per month) and townhouses (around EUR 2,500) for rent. There are many parks and even vineyards around with village-style architecture. At the same time, both neighbourhoods have a convenient public transport connection with the city centre.
Austria is among the six most peaceful countries in the world, and its capital is one of the safest cities with nearly two million inhabitants. So, it does not matter which neighbourhood you pick, as they are equally safe and beautiful.
Understanding Local Transportation in Vienna
Most sightseeing objects in Vienna are located within the city centre (Innere Stadt), so you can easily reach them on foot or by bicycle. But if the weather is bad or your spectrum of interest goes beyond the city centre, you might use public transport, a taxi, or a rental car.
The public transport in Vienna consists of buses, trains, trams, and underground lines. You can get almost everywhere within the city and the nearest countryside day and night. Also, it is cheaper (EUR 2,6 per trip) and faster than a car.
The average price for a taxi ride in Vienna is around EUR 1,5 per kilometre. There are many local taxi companies you can use. Taxi in Vienna is completely safe, just make sure it is licensed. There is also Uber in the city.
Car rental agencies in Vienna can be found at the airport and in almost every part of the city. The price starts from around EUR15 per day. You just need to have a valid driver’s license (at least one-year-old) and a passport. But remember that you need to pay for parking almost everywhere, and the city centre mainly consists of narrow streets for pedestrians only.
What to See in Vienna on the First Visit?
Vienna is not only a comfortable city to live in but also a huge open museum. Many buildings here are architectural masterpieces that can tell you a story that took place here hundreds of years ago. Take a look at a few must-see locations in Vienna:
Free sights:
- Belvedere Palace & Garden
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Hundertwasser House
- Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
- Rathausplatz
- Volksgarten
Places with admission fare:
- The Albertina Museum
- Prater Theme Park
- Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Art History
- Vienna State Opera
- Sigmund Freud Museum
Vienna offers many interesting places to see in every district. There are at least 100 museums in the city.
Conclusion
Vienna is a big city with numerous sights and exciting activities so everyone can find something interesting. It is impossible to see everything in Vienna in one day, so we recommend coming for at least a long weekend. Fortunately, Vienna can offer housing for every type of tourist and convenient public transportation along with numerous car rental services.
Turn your dream trip to Vienna into reality with our handy how-to guide!
