Vienna
Currency
EUR
Language
German
Timezone
Vienna
Continent
Europe
Discover Vienna
Vienna was the capital of an empire and kept the scale. The State Opera, the Museum of Art History, the Albertina and the Belvedere — which holds Klimt's The Kiss — are all within walking distance along the Ring, the circular boulevard that replaced the city walls in the 19th century. St Stephen's Cathedral marks the centre.
When to go
April to June, September to October. Winter is cold but it is the season of balls and Christmas markets, and the great museums are at their best when it freezes outside. Summer is pleasant and less saturated than the southern capitals.
Getting around
Vienna's transport is among the best anywhere: metro, tram and bus share one ticket, and the 24- or 48-hour pass pays for itself quickly. Tram 1 or 2 rounds the Ring and makes the cheapest sightseeing tour in the city.
Where to eat
The Viennese coffee house is an institution recognised by UNESCO: you stay for hours on the price of one blend, newspaper included. On the savoury side, schnitzel and tafelspitz are the classics. Twenty halal addresses are listed, a strong ratio for a central European capital.
Good to know
Many museums close one day a week, and the Opera sells standing places on the night for a few euros — one of the best cultural bargains in Europe. Admission runs from 8 to 45 €.
Top Activities in Vienna
Albertina
from €22
Vienna State Opera
from €20
Schweizertor
from €20
Saint Stephen's Cathedral
from €21
Museum of Art History
from €23
Belvedere
Free
Collection of Arms and Armour
from €23
Natural History Museum Vienna
from €21
Karlskirche
from €17
Hofburg Palace
from €20
Austrian National Theatre
from €17
State Hall of the Austrian National Library
from €21
Vienna City Hall
from €16
Imperial Crypt
from €15
Votivkirche
from €15
Musikverein
from €15
Secession
from €18
Austrian Parliament Building
from €13
Hundertwasser House
from €16
Spanish Riding School
from €15
Austrian Museum of Applied Arts
from €18
Museum of Military History
from €18
Café Central
from €14
Giant Ferris Wheel
from €13