The elegant capital of Austria is a liveable and relaxing city, as all cities should be but few succeed. Vienna, on the other hand, has put beauty and nobility at the center of everything, with wide streets and squares full of art, well-kept palaces, regal parks, important museums. But let’s not go too far for stereotypes … even if Vienna is a “noble” city, it does not mean that it is “old” or “boring”. Quite the opposite. The Austrian capital is suitable for everyone’s holidays, including the very young tourists.
Best period to visit Vienna
The best period to visit Vienna is summer, the months between June and September. This is because the Austrian summer temperatures are similar to those of the rest of the world in spring, therefore enjoyable even for those who have to do a lot of excursions or visits to indoor places. The harsh winters are less recommended for Viennese tourism, even if the capital – during the Christmas holidays – takes on a whole new and unique aura of magic.
Travel documents
Austria is of course part of the European Union so it is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. When you come visit Vienna from a nation of the Schengen area, you will only need to show an ID paper to enter the nation. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Vienna
Long-sleeved clothes! This is what you should never be without when planning a vacation to Vienna. The cool and, at times, sudden cold climate are surprises that the Austrian summer can bring and you should be ready to face them. From sports shirts, to jackets, to autumn sweaters, stock up on both hiking and city clothes.
Don’t forget your umbrella, which will be very useful for the delicate Viennese summer drizzles. You can – indeed, you should! – pack elegant clothes because Viennese evenings include cultural programs such as theater performances, concerts, visits to museums but also live music evenings in the pubs. As for devices, bring with you the power adapter (the plug is C) and the chargers for your cell phones and cameras.
How to get to Vienna
The best way to reach Vienna is by plane or by train. But being at the center of almost all the commercial routes of Europe, it is also easy to get there by bus and private car, via the S Autobahn, E70, E65, A3 and A1 motorways. From Italy you can get there by taking the A4 or A23 motorway from Venice, from Trieste via the A1.
Vienna is served by numerous railway stations and an international airport, Vienna International Airport (VIE) .
How to move through Vienna
Getting around Vienna is quick and easy thanks to a well-integrated network of public transport that includes the metro, tramways and buses. Of course, it is easy to rent vehicles (cars, bicycles, motorbikes) and there is no shortage of private transfers that provide personalized drivers and shuttles, such as our Transfeero company. However, the suggestion is to explore Vienna as much as possible on foot!
What to see
The most beautiful things to see in Vienna deserve calm and attention. For this reason, you should explore it on foot. Of course, the main attractions are those related to the Austrian empire and Princess Sissi (Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen Cathedral, Schönbrunn Gardens) but also the Opera House, the Town Hall, the Danube River, the Prater park.
Among the most important Viennese museums: the Museum of History and Art, the Natural Museum, Belvedere Castle, the House of Music, the National Library, the Vienna Museum and the most prestigious of all, the Albertina Museum.
But from Vienna as a base you can easily move to Salzburg, Piestany, Graz, up to Bratislava, Gyor and even Budapest can be reached in a few hours by bus.
What to do and NOT to do in Vienna
In Vienna you can, or rather you should, walk calmly, without rushing. You should forget your thoughts and relax. Taste the excellent Viennese pastries and treat yourself to a mini cruise on the Danube. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a classical music concert and… dance a waltz!
What you should never do in Vienna: never order an Italian coffee… in addition to not being at all well-known it is seen as an insult to the excellent local coffee; do not arrive late to restaurants, concerts, appointments in general; never be found without a ticket, where it is mandatory to do so; do not leave bags and objects unattended in the Prater area because that is where the most thefts occur. Important! Never leave your table at a bar or restaurant without leaving the right tip.