Vienna, Austria is a city that took me by surprise. On our 2017 trip, shown on the map below, we (my Dad, sister, and I) took the Eurail to visit a number of eastern European cities. Between its history, architecture, and culture; Vienna stood out above the rest. We spent a weekend in this breathtaking city and LOVED every moment of it. Here’s my Vienna travel guide.
We planned this trip for early August hoping to miss most of the summer crowds. Trains were the ideal way to travel, so after flying into Copenhagen we slowly made our way south. Over the next two weeks, we spent time in Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Paris, and Amsterdam. Looking back, I shouldn’t have tried to fit so many destinations into one trip. But hey, you live and you learn!
Where to Stay in Vienna
We were flying by the seat of our pants on this trip. Meaning we didn’t book our accommodations ahead of time. GASP. Why would we do such a thing? Isn’t that risky? The answer is yes, it is risky. But, it was also rewarding. We could adjust our plans as needed throughout the trip. Before arriving in Vienna we decided to book a stay at the 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier. We chose this hotel because it is in a great location to walk or explore the city on bikes. If you’re looking for something a bit homier I linked some Airbnb options below.
First time using Airbnb? Earn $55 off your first trip!
Balcony Opera Alley City Center & Top City Center Near Naschmarkt
Where to Eat in Vienna | Naschmarkt
As soon as we checked into the hotel and unpacked our bags we headed out to explore. After walking a few blocks we stumbled upon a huge outdoor market. Low in behold it was the Nashmarkt, one of Vienna’s most famous markets dating back to the 16th-century. There were rows of colorful stalls, carrying everything from fresh dates to mangos the size of my head. We were guided down the walkway by w
What to Do in Vienna | Bike the City
One of my favorite memories in Vienna is biking all over the city. I’m a firm believer that biking is one of the best ways to explore major European cities. On our second day in Vienna, we rented bikes. At the time, I was not very comfortable on a bike. But after we explored over ten miles I felt like I could conquer anything.
Want to rent a bike on your trip? Look for EU city rental bikes, they’re not hard to spot!
What to See in Vienna | Exploring the City’s History
But what made this trip so special? Was it the biking city tour? Or perhaps the food? Thinking back on this trip I remember how peaceful Vienna is. It’s a city with both charm and history. In fact, it’s legacy was shaped by residents like Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud. Around every corner, there is a glimpse of the past. If you want to plan a trip itinerary be sure to check out this article for an extensive list of museums, palaces, gardens, cathedrals worth seeing.
As for me, I prefer to wander! We chose to spend our days exploring Vienna without any checklists or tour guides. There’s so much to see in this city you honestly don’t need them.
This laid-back city is full of culture and beauty. Do yourself a favor and add Vienna, Austria to your European bucket list!