Exploring Vienna, Austria By Riding The City's Famous Attractions

There are many ways to get around Vienna, Austria, and see the sights. If you're looking for a thrill, head to the Prater amusement park, which has rollercoasters, bumper cars, ghost trains, and the iconic 200-foot-high Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel. You can also explore the city by bike, with numerous cycle paths and bike rental options available. For a more relaxed experience, you can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, or Fiaker, which has been a part of Vienna since 1720. Alternatively, you can use Uber or public transport to get around.

Cycling in Vienna

Cycling is a popular way to get around Vienna, with the city boasting over 1,740km of cycle routes. The city's bike-friendly policies and continuous expansion of its cycle route network have encouraged many to opt for two wheels.

There are various rental options available in Vienna, including the WienMobil Rad bike-sharing system, which offers over 3,000 seven-gear smart bikes from more than 200 stations across the city. Registration can be done via the Nextbike smartphone app or online, and standard bike rental costs €0.75 for 30 minutes, with a 24-hour cap of €19.

Popular cycling routes in Vienna include:

• Along the Danube: The Austrian section of the Danube bike trail starts at the German border and continues through Vienna towards Slovakia. It is mostly flat and free of traffic.
• The Ringstrassen: Cycle and pedestrian routes that circle the old town, passing by many of Vienna's landmarks.
• Along the Donaukanal: A dedicated bike route runs along the southern bank of the Donaukanal, an arm of the Danube that flows close to the city centre.
• Vienna Woods: Known as a biking paradise, combining beautiful sights with a pleasant ride.

When cycling in Vienna, it is important to follow the relevant regulations and be mindful of pedestrian areas and public transport options.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

Horse-drawn carriages have been transporting people around the city for centuries and remain a popular way for tourists to explore. The carriages are usually parked near the Hofburg Palace and other tourist hotspots. The traditionally costumed coachman will entertain visitors with stories about the places along the route, revealing the secrets of Vienna's history.

You can find horse-drawn carriage stands in different areas of the city: Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten. The short tour (around 20 minutes through the centre of the Old City) costs €60, while the long tour (around 40 minutes through the Ringstrasse and the Old City) costs €105. You can also book individual sightseeing tours directly through the fiaker companies.

Vienna's Prater

The Prater in Vienna, Austria, is a large public park in Leopoldstadt, with the Wurstelprater amusement park lying in one corner. The name 'Prater' possibly derives from the Latin 'pratum' meaning 'meadow' or 'praetor' meaning 'magistrate, lawyer'. The area was first mentioned in 1162 and over the years has been a hunting ground, a site for the 1873 Vienna World's Fair, and a venue for running events.

Attractions and Rides

The Prater is well-known for its thrilling rides and attractions, including:

• A 200-foot-high Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) offering spectacular views
• Ghost trains
• Go-karts
• Rollercoasters
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
• A light-up disco
• Historical museum
• The Prater Turm
• Hotel Psycho ghost train
• The Giant Ferris Wheel
• The Prater Tower

Food and Drink

The Schweizerhaus restaurant is famous for its traditional Austrian cuisine and beer. There are also many other eateries and restaurants throughout the park, including:

• Zum Englischen Reiter
• Luftburg - Kolarik Im Prater
• MOZAIK Cafe & Restaurant
• Living Kitchen By Zoku Vienna

Accessibility

The Prater is easily accessible by tube, tram or Uber. Entry to the park is free, and it is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, the attractions are open daily only from 15 March to 31 October. During the winter season, some businesses remain open if the weather is pleasant.

Uber in Vienna

Uber is available in Vienna, Austria, and can be used to get around the city as well as to and from the airport. Uber Reserve allows you to request a ride up to 90 days in advance.

Uber is an alternative to taxis in Vienna, although some people report that the cost is similar. Uber is also criticised for its customer service, as there is no one to talk to if you have a complaint. However, Uber is preferred by some because you don't need to carry cash.

In Vienna, Uber drivers must have a taxi license and insurance. Uber drivers may not know the city and its streets very well, and there may be a shortage of drivers.

Other transport options in Vienna include public transport, which is reportedly good and affordable, and walking, as many attractions are close by.

E-scooters and e-bikes

E-scooters

Lime has over 2000 e-scooters available to rent across the 23 administrative districts of Vienna. To ride an e-scooter, you must be over 18 and hold a valid driver's license. It is important to note that e-scooters are subject to specific traffic rules. E-scooters with a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour and 600 watts are classed as bicycles and must follow the same rules as when riding a bicycle. This means obeying traffic rules and speed limits, not riding on pavements and ensuring your e-scooter is equipped according to Austrian bicycle regulations. E-scooters exceeding 25 kilometres per hour and 600 watts are classed as motorcycles and can only be ridden with a driving license. For this class of e-scooter, wearing a helmet is mandatory.

E-bikes

E-bikes are a comfortable option for getting around Vienna, especially for covering long distances or hilly stretches. When buying an e-bike, it is important to be aware of the different types available and the relevant regulations. A pedelec, for example, is a bicycle with electric support that assists your pedalling up to 25 km/h. As this type of e-bike is classed as a bicycle under Austrian law, no insurance or helmet is required. However, other types of e-bikes may be classed as motor vehicles and require homologation and liability insurance.

General Safety

When riding e-scooters and e-bikes, always be mindful of your safety and that of other road users. Wear a helmet whenever possible, follow speed limits and never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Frequently asked questions