Vienna guide 

Sights and monuments -  Slavné i méně známé památky ve Vídni, jako Katedrála Sv. Štěpána, Schonbrunn, Hofurg, Hundertwasserhaus a další.

Accommodation – Are you interested in recommendations for different types of accommodation in Vienna, from a luxurious 5* hotel in the city center to a cheap hostel near the train station or perhaps a capsule hotel? If so, you can find out more here.

Food and drink – Tourists come to Vienna mainly for the schnitzel. If you want to learn about other local specialties, keep reading.

Practical advice – Tips for public transport and vice versa, which part of the city is best enjoyed on foot. Is Vienna a safe city?

Celebrities – Many famous musicians, monarchs, but also physicists and others lived in Vienna.

Weather - When is the best time to visit the city? Four seasons in Vienna.

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is located in the east of the country near the border with Slovakia. The Danube River flows through the city.

Vienna has a long history as the seat of the Habsburg Monarchy. It was also made famous by classical music with important composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. You will find the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic here.

You can visit the city's many impressive architectural monuments, including the Hofburg, Schönbrunn and St. Stephen Cathedral (Stephansdom). The Habsburg monarchs resided in the Hofburg.

Vienna is home to many excellent museums and galleries, such as the Art History Museum, the Albertina and the Belvedere. You will find extensive collections of European art here.

Vienna boasts beautiful parks and gardens, including the Prater and the Volksgarten. The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace are among the most visited.

The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

Viennese cuisine is known for its traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel (fried schnitzel) and Sachertorte (chocolate cake).

In the vicinity of Vienna there is the Vienna Forest, a popular destination for recreational activities and trips.

Vienna has an efficient and extensive public transport network, including the metro, buses and trams, making it easy to get around the city. The 5 metro lines are designated by the letter U and a route number. If you see the name S-Bahn, these are city railway trains.

Vienna is home to many international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Landmarks and monuments

Cathedral of St. Stephan (Stephansdom) - Gothic cathedral, founded in the 12th century. The towers and mosaics of this iconic symbol of the city attract visitors from all over the world. There are 343 steps leading to the south tower of the cathedral, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Vienna. Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien.

Schönbrunn - the former summer palace of the Habsburgs, one of the largest and most beautiful castles in Europe. They built it in the 18th century in the Baroque style, and since 1996 it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The public can visit 45 rooms out of a total of 1,441 in the palace. Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna.

Belvedere - a complex of two palaces, Upper and Lower Belvedere, represents beautiful baroque architecture from the beginning of the 18th century. Inside you can see an art gallery with important works, including the famous painting "Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna.

Hofburg - this impressive palace served as the winter residence of the ruling Habsburgs and now it is a seat of the president. Nowadays you can visit here several museums, including the Sisi Museum, which charts the life of Empress Elizabeth. Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien.

Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) - this museum is one of the most important art institutions in the world. It contains rich collections of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Titian. Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna.

The National Theater (Burgtheater) - one of the oldest theaters in Europe - was built in 1741 by Maria Theresa. The best theater performances take place here. For example, the premieres of two Mozart operas took place here - The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi fan tutte. Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien.

The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) - one of the most prestigious opera scenes in the world. Here you can enjoy top opera performances with the best conductors and singers. The famous Opernball is held here every year, which is one of the most important social events in Austria. Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna.

Vienna Forest - nature reserve near Vienna. If you would like to enjoy nature while visiting Vienna. The Vienna Woods covers an area of ​​approximately 1,250 km² and offers picturesque scenery, including vineyards, castles and monasteries.

Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus) - an impressive neo-Gothic building from the end of the 19th century. It serves as the seat of the city council and the mayor and hosts many cultural events. The traditional Christmas market "Christkindlmarkt" is held every year in front of the town hall and in winter there is an ice rink. Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna.

Prater – Vienna's largest amusement park with the iconic Ferris Wheel and other historic attractions. The Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) was built in 1897 and is one of the oldest surviving Ferris wheels in the world. The Prater is ideal for families with children looking for fun. Address: Prater, 1020 Wien.

Hundertwasserhaus - This unique apartment building was designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and completed in 1985. This colorful and unconventional structure has several notable features - the building has uneven floors in the common areas, which are intended to mimic walking on forest paths. More than 200 trees and shrubs grow on the roofs and terraces of the house, creating a vertical forest in an urban environment. The house houses 52 apartments and no two windows are the same, emphasizing individuality. Hundertwasser refused to accept payment for the design of this building. Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna.

Accommodations

In Vienna, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation - from more than 3,700 hotels, guesthouses, apartments and hostels. The largest share of overbooked accommodation in Vienna is made up of apartments. The most sought-after accommodation can be found in the center of Vienna near monuments and attractions such as the city hall (Rathaus), the cathedral of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Castle, Ringstraße boulevard or Hundertwasserhaus. But Vienna is densely interwoven with the metro network, so you can get to the metro from most accommodation on foot. Accommodation prices depend on the period (seasonal, off-season), location, standard, time of holidays or other so-called top dates.

The 5* hotel Rosewood Vienna offers luxury right in the center of the city. You can park in the private parking lot, work out in the modern fitness center or relax on the roof terrace or in the hotel bar. There is also a restaurant and a 24/7 reception.

If you like boutique hotels, the 4* Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel is located in the city center not far from the Cathedral of St. Štěpán and the famous Kärntner Strasse and Graben shopping areas.
For an additional fee, the hotel offers, for example, a babysitting service or transfers to the airport.

Near the center and the Prater amusement park, a short distance from the metro station, you will find the 3* Austria Classic Hotel Wien. The price includes sauna, fitness and breakfast. You can relax on the roof terrace.

If you are looking for accommodation in a quiet green part of the city outside the center, check out Pension Haus Sanz. You can easily reach the center by bus or tram.

If you are looking for cheap accommodation, you can choose between hostels and capsule hotels. In the latter, you can usually get under 40 EUR per night. For example, the Robin Wood Apartment is within walking distance of the center and you can choose between a single and a double capsule.

Classic "backpackers" will definitely like the Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner, which is located 500 m from the train station Wien Westbahnhof. The reception is open 24 hours a day, and luggage storage is available. You can relax in the garden or on the terrace.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Vienna, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com offer for Vienna.

Food and drink

Wiener Schnitzel – a large fried cutlet of high-quality veal, usually from the part called the "nut". It is coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs and then fried in clarified butter. In restaurants, it is served with potato salad or boiled potatoes.

Sachertorte - famous Viennese cake. Chocolate cake, spread with apricot jam and covered with chocolate frosting. It is often served with whipped cream. The original recipe was created in 1832 by the then sixteen-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher, when he was replacing the sick chef at the court of Prince Metternich. And where do they bake and serve the best one? And where do they bake and serve the best one? Of course right at Cafe Sacher in the Sacher Hotel of the same name.

Apfelstrudel - traditional apple strudel. In Vienna, apple strudel is often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.

Tafelspitz - boiled beef or veal, often served with potato cones, spinach and horseradish. A favorite dish of Emperor Francis Joseph I. You can then prepare a strong soup from the broth.

Käsekrainer - spicy sausage with cheese. It is usually served with mustard and bread.

Wiener Melange - Viennese coffee similar to cappuccino, but with a larger proportion of milk foam.

Einspänner - or Viennese coffee - strong black coffee in a small mug, decorated with a layer of whipped cream.

Almdudler - a non-alcoholic herbal drink, popular as a refreshment.

Viennese beer - Vienna is home to several breweries, so you can enjoy a variety of local beer.

Practical tips

Consider purchasing the Vienna Card, which gives you free or discounted entry to many museums, galleries and public transport.

Vienna has an efficient public transport system, including the metro, city trains, trams and buses. Buy your tickets in advance and use public transport to explore the city in comfort.

In Vienna, you can easily reach many sights on foot. Stroll through the historic center, especially around Stephansplatz and the Hofburg.

Vienna is a safe city, but beware of pickpockets in crowded places like the metro or in front of famous landmarks, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Try traditional Viennese cuisine in local restaurants and cafés. Don't forget to try the Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte.

Some shops and museums may be closed on Monday mornings or Sundays. However, it is better to check the opening hours in advance.

If you are planning to visit popular tourist attractions, such as the Vienna State Opera, be sure to buy tickets online in advance.

Visit local markets such as the Naschmarkt where you can sample fresh food and buy local specialties.

Celebrities conected with Vienna

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) - genius composer and virtuoso musician. Mozart spent part of his life in Vienna, where he created some of his most famous operas and symphonies.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) - major composer. Beethoven also worked in Vienna, where he composed many of his monumental symphonies and piano sonatas.

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) - founder of psychoanalysis. Sigmund Freud worked in Vienna and opened his practice there. His house became a museum and a monument to his work.

Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) - Viennese Secessionist painter and one of the most prominent representatives of the Art Nouveau movement. His famous work includes the painting "Kiss".

Franz Schubert (1797–1828) - another musical genius associated with Vienna. Schubert was a major composer of romantic music and composed many songs, symphonies and piano pieces.

Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916) - long-reigning emperor of Austria-Hungary. Franz Joseph I had his residence in Vienna and was an important figure in European history.

Marie Antoinette (1755–1793) - Archduchess of Austria who became Queen of France and was later executed during the French Revolution. She was born in Vienna in the Hofburg.

Egon Schiele (1890–1918) - painter and artist associated with Expressionism. His controversial artistic style was heavily influenced by the Viennese Art Nouveau.

Erwin Schrödinger (1887–1961) – physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to quantum theory. Schrödinger worked at the University of Vienna.

Lise Meitner (1878–1968) – physicist who played a key role in nuclear fission research. She collaborated with Otto Hanh, although she was omitted when the Nobel Prize was awarded.

Weather

Vienna has a predominantly continental climate with four distinct seasons.

During the mild and mostly pleasant spring, you can admire blooming gardens and parks in Vienna. The temperatures rise gradually from the cold March to the pleasant and warm May, when the temperatures rise to over 20 °C.

In summer, average daily temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, sometimes even higher. In summer, it often rains, storms can also come.

In autumn, you can admire Vienna colored by autumn leaves. Temperatures gradually drop from pleasantly warm September to cold November, when it often drizzles.

In winter, you can expect snow. Temperatures often drop below freezing, especially at night. In the winter months, you can visit the famous Christmas markets or enjoy winter sports activities around the city.

Overall, Vienna offers a diverse climate, allowing you to experience all types of weather throughout the year. When planning your visit, it is advisable to take into account the current climatic conditions and prepare suitable clothing.