Vienna Guide

Photo by René

Climate and the Best Time to Travel

The climate of the country is continental, cloudy and rather humid, so every season is suitable for a trip to Vienna.

The daily highs vary from +23 to +27 degrees in summer and from -3 to +4 degrees in winter. We can recommend the following months as the best travel time for a holiday in Vienna: May, June, July, and August.
Do not forget your umbrella because it often rains here!

Interactive map of Vienna

Attractions

Museums

Albertina Museum

The Albertina Museum is an art museum located in the city centre. Here you can see the most significant graphic collection of the world. It covers the period from late Gothic to modern times. In addition to the graphic collection, collections of photographs and architectural drawings have also been exhibited in the Albertina since 1999.

The museum permanently houses two collections of Impressionist and early 20th-century art. There is a wide range of masterpieces by such artists as Degas, Matisse, Renoir, Malevich, and Chagall. With its special exhibitions of Picasso and Van Gogh paintings, Albertina has become a major attraction for art lovers from around the globe.

Price

Opening hours

On public holidays, the opening hours of the respective weekday apply.

 Tip: digital tickets are also accepted! If you have booked one online, you do not have to print it out.

❗Notice: CLOSED THROUGH 26 MAY 2020.
The ALBERTINA MUSEUM is currently closed as a preventive measure to combat the further spread of the Coronavirus.
Both the ALBERTINA MUSEUM and ALBERTINA MODERN will be reopening on 27 May 2020.

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History)

If you are interested in culture and history, you should definitely visit this museum. It was opened in 1891 and now is considered one of the largest museums in the world. What can you discover here? The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the Paintings Gallery (which houses artworks of Raffael and Rembrandt), the “Art Chamber”... It is a unique opportunity to see numerous masterpieces from European art history with your own eyes!

Photo by Costel Slincu

Prices

* With valid ID. Also applies to children and teens in school groups.

**Valid for students up to age 25, senior citizens over 65 or on presentation of a valid pensioners' ID, people with disabilities and their assistance, military and community service conscripts, unemployed persons.

Tip: it is also possible to buy an annual ticket for 44 euros or annual ticket U25 for 25 euros.

❗ Notice: CLOSED THROUGH 30 JUNE 2020
Reopening on 1 July 2020. 

Madame Tussauds. Vienna

"It’s more than just wax figures!”- this is how visitors comment on attending this unusual museum. It is located in the heart of Vienna's Prater Amusement Park and has over 80 wax statues of celebrities and famous historical personalities of Austria. It takes more than 800 hours, around 500 precise body measurements and 200 photos to create a single wax figure, which has its amazing results.
Make your dreams come true, and take a selfie with Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, or even Albert Einstein!

Prices

Opening hours:
● daily 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (last inlet: 05:00 p.m.)

❗ CLOSED FROM MARCH 14th UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Castles and the Cathedral

The wonderful summer residence of the Habsburgs, where once Maria Theresia, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Elisabeth stayed. Today, Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most beautiful Baroque sites in Europe, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vienna. It was put on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites for its unique architecture and baroque garden ensemble.

Photo by Bruno Pereira

Prices

Choose a tour which suits you best and discover the beauty of Schönbrunn!

* An international student ID is required for student discounts!

Opening hours

Schönbrunn Palace: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Schönbrunn Palace Park: 6:30 am - 8:00 pm
The Privy Garden/Orangery Garden: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The opening times of Schönbrunn Palace vary according to the season:

● 1st of April to June 30th: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
● 1st of July to 31st of August: 08:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
● 1st of September to 31st of October: 08:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.
● 1st of November to 31st of March: 08:00 to 05:00 p.m.

❗ Notice: CLOSED THROUGH 14 MAY 2020
Reopening on 15 MAY 2020.

Closed until further notice: Children’s Museum, Maze & Labyrinth/Gloriette viewing terrace.

Hofburg - A Treasury of the Habsburgs

An architectural wonder of Vienna, which is definitely worth your visit. Here was at different times the Vienna residence and the court of the dynasty of the Habsburgs. Now it is one of the most important treasuries in the world, which houses two imperial crowns, 15th-century Burgundian treasure, and treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Photo by Sergio Feo

Prices

* Audio guides or tour descriptions available in 13 languages.
** Guided tour of the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
*** An international student ID is required for student discounts!
**** Disability discount with valid ID. Free entry for a companion of blind or wheelchair-bound visitors if an accompanying person is noted on the ID.
***** For school groups, bring along a list of students with names and dates of birth of the pupils as well as the signature and stamp of the school!

Opening hours

The Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Imperial Silver Collection are open every day - even on public holidays!

❗ Notice: CLOSED THROUGH 14 MAY 2020. Reopening on 15 MAY 2020.

Opening hours from May 15, 2020 onwards:
● from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights in Vienna. It is also considered a symbol of Vienna and Austria. Its height is 136m and thus it is visible from most parts of the capital. The grand cathedral on the main square of the city is known not only for its exterior beauty but also for numerous relics: icons, devotional pieces and world-famous works of art.

Prices: Admission is free. (The cathedral or catacomb tours have to be paid extra).

Photo by Wei-Feng Xue

Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 06:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sun, 07:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Holidays, 07:00 - 10:00 p.m.

❗ CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Theater and Opera

A balanced cultural life in Vienna exists due to a large number of theaters and operas. Here are the top 5 of the most interesting and popular ones, which we recommend you to visit:

● The Burgtheater of Vienna;
● The Ronacher Theater;
● Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna Opera);
● Vienna Volksoper;
● Theater an der Wien.

 Entertainment for everybody!

The Wiener Prater

The Wiener Prater is an amusement park located in the center of Vienna. The park’s most famous attraction is the Ferris Wheel, which is the oldest one in the world. At the same time, it is the oldest landmark of Vienna. The park offers over 250 attractions for those who prefer a rather thrilling form of entertainment.

Prices

The prices for attractions vary between 1,50 and 10 euros. The entrance is free of charge.

Photo by Andreas Binder

Opening hours

The peak season for the Vienna Prater is from the 15th of March to the 31st of October. Most attractions are open at this time from 10:00 a.m. until 01:00 a.m. depending on weather conditions. In the low season, only a few attractions (Prater Tower, Black Mamba, Wildalpenbahn, Hotel Psycho, Boomerang, and Blumenrad) are open.

❗ CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Hundertwasser House

If you are tired of boring and typical architecture and want to discover something new, then you must visit Vienna's Hundertwasserhaus. On the one hand, it is a completely normal residential building, and on the other hand, it is a meeting place for all architecture lovers. You wonder why? Find out yourself :)
Look for it at Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna, Austria.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

The 250-year old zoo is home to more than 700 species of animals. Here, fun for both children and adults is guaranteed. Desert house, palm house, animal feeds - all this you can discover and observe in the Tiergarten Schönbrunn!

 Opening Hours

● January daily, 09:00 a.m. - 04:30 p.m.
● February daily, 09:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m.
● March daily, 09:00 a.m. - 06:30 p.m.
● April-September daily, 09:00 a.m. - 06:30 p.m.
● October daily, 09:00 a.m. - 05:30 p.m.
● November-December daily, 09:00 a.m. - 04:30 p.m.

Foto: Ferdinand Svehla

The aquarium terrarium house and the Tirolerhof are closing at the regular closing time of the zoo, the birdhouse an hour before, all other animal houses half an hour before that.
The desert house is located outside the Zoo, it has its own opening hours and its own entrance fee.
Children under 14 years old are only allowed in the company of an adult.

Photo by Karl Prucha

Tickets and Prices

* Discounts for children and adolescents from the 6th to the 19th birthday are only valid upon presentation of a valid ID.

Events and holidays

Vienna is known not only for its sights. This city also hosts major events, such as concerts and festivals, annually. You can find events that are suitable for people of all ages, in case you are traveling with your entire family.

1. The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic

The tickets are limited and it is not easy to get hold of one. But the lucky ones, who succeed to get one, will experience unforgettable emotions.

2. The Vienna Opera Ball

Where does the waltz come from? From Vienna! The State Ball of Austria takes place every year in February and attracts people from all over the world. To mark the occasion, the entire Vienna State Opera is transformed into a ballroom over several floors.

Photo by Heisenberg Media

3. Christmas markets in Vienna

Not only Germany is famous for its Christmas markets! The Christmas markets in Vienna are open until December 24th and every year, they count around 700,000 visitors. The festive mood is guaranteed here!

4. The Vienna City Marathon through the city center has been completed by tens of thousands of people since 1984. If you want to participate or just watch, come to Vienna in April.

Photo by Gabriel Hess

5. Donauinselfest, Europe's largest open-air festival by the Danube. Although international stars appear on the stages, the entrance is free! It will take place at Donauinsel in September 2020.

6. Viennale – Vienna’s International Film Festival is a 14-day festival that takes place in October. It is mainly dedicated to national and international documentary films and short films.

What the local cuisine has to offer?

Perhaps, you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a delicious meal in Vienna? Do not worry! We have already made a list of the best restaurants, where you can not only indulge in culinary delights but also embrace a special atmosphere.

● Figlmüller Bäckerstraße (Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Vienna)
● Café Central (Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna)
● Plachutta Wollzeile (Wollzeile 38, 1010 Vienna)
● Hard Rock Cafe (Rotenturmstrasse 25, 1010 Vienna)
● Café Sacher (Philharmonic Street 4, 1010 Vienna)

Photo by DC Reels

Shopping

Vienna's shopping district located in the Mariahilfer Straße offers an opportunity to go on a shopping spree in hundreds of shops selling fashionable clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

The shops are open for you from Monday to Friday from 09.00 a.m. to 06.30 p.m., on Saturdays - from 09.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. On Sundays you can go on a carefree trip - this day all shops are closed.

Public transportation

The public transport system of Vienna forms a well-developed and convenient network of subways, trams, trains and buses.

Main stations of the trains: Resselgasse (Karlsplatz) - Meidling Station - Vösendorf - Maria Enzersdorf Südstadt - Baden Baden Landesklinikum.
The trains and buses usually run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., on Sundays and public holidays: from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Tip: With the Vienna Card, your travel through the city via public transport is free.

Vienna Card

Discover Vienna with the City Card for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This card is a sort of a voucher for all visitors of Vienna. There are 4 different types of Cards. What is included?

Red card

● Free travel by public transport.
● For each Vienna City Card, a child under the age of 15 will travel free of charge.
● Discounts at museums and tourist attractions for the duration of your stay (max. 7 days).

Prices: Advantage card for 24 hours - 17 EUR, for 48 hours - 25 EUR, for 72 hours - 29 EUR.

Vienna City Card (including Transfer)

● Free travel by public transport.
● 2 children under the age of 15 travel for free.
● Transfer from and to the airport with your chosen form of transport (CAT, ÖBB Railjet, express train S7, or Vienna Airport Lines).
● The Airport Transfer is valid for 7 days and can be redeemed more than once.
● Discounts at museums and tourist attractions for the duration of your stay (max. 7 days).

Prices: Advantage card for 24 hours - 43 EUR, for 48 hours - 51 EUR, for 72 hours - 55 EUR.

Vienna City Card (including Tour)

● Free travel by public transport.
● 1 child up to the 16th birthday travels for free
● 24h Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket for Big Bus (red and blue lines) and a guided city walk
● Discounts at museums and tourist attractions for the duration of your stay (max. 7 days).

Prices: Advantage card for 24 hours - 34 EUR, for 48 hours - 42 EUR, for 72 hours - 46 EUR.

Vienna City Card (including Transfer+Tour)

● Free travel by public transport.
● Transfer on all modes of transport to and from Vienna Airport
● 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off (A bus tour that involves visiting some attractions)
● Discounts at museums and tourist attractions for the duration of your stay (max. 7 days).

Prices: Advantage card for 24 hours - 60 EUR, for 48 hours - 68 EUR, for 72 hours - 72 EUR.

You can buy any type of card in hotels, at the Tourist-Info on Albertinaplatz (daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.), at the Tourist Information Center (daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.) at the Tourist-Info Airport (daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.) or at Big Bus Vienna, from ticket sales and information points of Wiener Linien (e.g. Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Westbahnhof, Wien Mitte/Landstrasse), the Vienna City Card app or in the online shop.

Accommodation

Like every European capital, Vienna provides numerous hotels in different price segments. Everyone can easily find something here according to their preferences. The most popular are the Hotel Tyrol, the Renaissance Vienna Hotel, the Hotel Kaiserhof, and the Austria Classic Hotel.

Hotel rates for one room with a bath range between 47 euros to 290 euros per person for 1 night. Prices vary according to the type of room, hotel’s location, and prestige. Both budget travelers and those who like to pamper themselves with luxury will find an option to their liking.

A room in a 3-star hotel costs an average of 87 euros per person for one night, including such amenities as air conditioning, room service, Wi-Fi, and parking.

You can also find an option in a 5-star hotel for an average of 225 euros per night, where you may indulge yourself in sauna or massage, and enjoy some culinary delights from the local restaurant.

Enjoy your future trip and do not forget that the HotelFriend team always has the cheapest deals for you!