Author: Sean Keener

Vienna, Austria

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Budget Scale: 1-5

1-least expensive; 5-most expensive
4 – Although not as expensive as Rome, Paris or London, Vienna is not exactly a very cheap place to visit. Still, you can get away with less cash if you choose a private room in a hostel and decide to eat sandwiches from the bakeries. In the summer and during the Christmas Market , prepare to part with quite a bit of cash.

Indie Travel Scale: 1-5

1-not a good Indie Travel destination; 5-a great Indie Travel destination
4 – Vienna is well connected to the rest of Europe and Indie travelers will absolutely love the various train and bus routes available. Within the city, the public transportation is excellent (and affordable if you choose the passes). You shouldn’t be surprised if they greet you in English even at the Market.
Indie Travel Tips
Getting off the beaten path may be difficult in a capital city like Vienna, and if you are looking to spend little money, the only choice is to avoid both summers and winters. But it is still possible to get an indie experience in Vienna.

  • Rent a bike and enjoy the city while working out. Vienna is a bike-friendly city definitely worth exploring on two wheels. Better yet, head outside the city and explore the bike trails.
  • Or pack your walking shoes and enjoy the inner city. It’s pedestrian friendly and you get plenty of opportunities to take photos. Tip: stay close to Westbahnhof and you won’t need to use the public transportation unless you want to go to Prater or the Zoo.
  • Catch one of the free festivals which take place in the city. Hint: head to the City Hall.
  • Explore the outdoor markets. You’ll see anything from the stinky durian to the excellent Greek olives.
  • Head to Prater and take a ride in the Giant Ferries Wheel. Or enjoy some of the rides in the park.

Why you should add Vienna to your RTW travel list

Of course Vienna wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of the sites that makes it famous. Here are some ideas on what to do if you’ve never been there or plan on staying for a while.

  • The Ringstraße (Ring Road) is dotted with important buildings. Get a map and plan your route. If you don’t fancy walking or biking, get a travel day pass and use the tram.
  • Vienna is the city of opera and theatre. But prepare to part with quite a lot of money for such an experience.
  • The Rathaus (City Hall) , St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Parliament are three of the buildings you should plan to check out.
  • Schonbrun and its gardens will offer a chance to learn some history and relax. Hike up to the Gloriette, too.
  • Museumquartier: if you are into history or arts, then plan to spend some time checking out at least some of the museums.
  • Danube Tower offers incredible views of the city. Try bungee jumping if you are up to it.
  • The food and especially the sweets: does strudel ring a bell? Try it, hot, from a bakery.
  • Shopping: crisis might have closed down some of the stores, but Mariahilfer Straße and the pedestrian street around St. Stephan’s Cathedral are worth checking out. Tip: plan your visit in late summer to catch the big discounts.

Why you should not add Vienna to your RTW travel list

  • The city is very popular among tourists, which means it’s quite hard to get away from them. July, August and December are the busiest months. Try to plan your visit in early Spring to avoid the huge crowds.
  • The public transportation is amazing but it can surely add up. Invest in a travel card (especially if you plan to stay longer) to save some money.

Vienna, Austria – What do you need to do?


Photo credit : Cristina Puscas

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