Lexi Webster
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. While some of the city's highlights come at a cost, there are also numerous free activities and sights to enjoy. From strolling through the historic centre and admiring the architecture to visiting free museums and soaking up the atmosphere in Vienna's famous coffeehouses, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So, whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, here's a guide to help you make the most of your time in Vienna without breaking the bank.
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What You'll Learn
Explore Vienna's historic centre and Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna's historic centre and Schönbrunn Palace are must-visits when in the city. The historic centre is a great place to start exploring Vienna. The old town is compact and flat, making it easy to walk around. The centre mainly includes Innere Stadt and the areas immediately outside of Ringstrasse.
Begin your day by visiting the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the symbols of the city. Entry is free, but to explore the entirety of the cathedral, you will need to purchase a ticket. From there, wander through the Graben and Kohlmarkt, two of Vienna's most famous shopping streets, adorned with stunning Baroque buildings, elegant shops, and charming cafes.
Make your way to Graben Street, where you will find the Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church), the second oldest church in Vienna. The church is a testament to Austrian Baroque, with a large dome that is richly frescoed inside, depicting the coronation of the Virgin Mary.
Vienna's oldest square, the Hoher Markt, is also located in the historic centre. Here, you will find the Ankeruhr, a clock in the Art Nouveau style, with figures of Viennese history moving every hour.
The former imperial residence, the Hofburg Palace, is another major highlight of the historic centre. You can explore the grounds, the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Spanish Riding School.
The Austrian National Library is a hidden gem in the centre of Vienna. The Prunksaal, or State Hall, stands out with its baroque design and towering shelves filled with ancient books.
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna's most popular tourist spot, is a must-see. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its remarkable Baroque architecture and synthesis of the arts. The palace grounds include the Tiergarten, an orangerie, a palm house, and the Wagenburg. The sculpted garden space between the palace and the Neptune Fountain is called the Great Parterre.
You can explore the palace's interior, which takes you through impressive European history. Visit early in the morning when the park gates are open, but the ticket office isn't, and walk up to behind the Neptune Fountain for a view of the landscaped gardens and palace without the crowds.
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Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina
Vienna is a city brimming with art and history, and two of the best places to experience this are the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina. Both museums are highly regarded and host world-famous exhibitions.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is a world-class cultural institution in the heart of Vienna. It is known for its artistic treasures, including several works by Bruegel. The museum offers an annual pass that grants unlimited entry to the cardholder and a companion, allowing them to bypass the queues. The pass also includes half-price audio guides and a 10% discount in the shop. The museum also has a spectacular cocktail bar in the Kuppelhalle, which hosts Kunstschatzi evenings with guided tours of the museum highlights.
Albertina
The Albertina is renowned for hosting prestigious art exhibitions, often featuring world-famous names or intriguing themes. It has three locations: the Albertina Museum, Albertina Modern, and Albertina Klosterneuburg. Tickets can be purchased for each location separately or as a combined ticket, which allows one-time entry to each location within a year. The Albertina offers reduced admission tickets for special groups, including seniors, young adults under 26, and individuals with special needs.
Free Entry
While neither museum advertises free entry, there are a few ways to visit these museums on a budget. The Kunsthistorisches Museum offers an annual pass for young adults under 25 at a discounted rate of €27. Additionally, some museums in Vienna offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month, and the MAK museum in Vienna offers free entry on Tuesdays between 6 pm and 10 pm.
Both the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina are must-visits for anyone interested in art and history, with their impressive collections and exhibitions showcasing the best of Vienna's cultural offerings.
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Wander the streets of Vienna's old town
Vienna's old town, encircled by the grand Ringstrasse, is a designated World Heritage Site. The old town is compact and flat, making it easy to wander the pedestrianised streets and explore the city's history, culture, and elegance.
Begin your walk at Stephansplatz, the central square in Vienna, named after Stephansdom, Vienna's primary cathedral and one of the tallest churches in the world. The square is surrounded by iconic landmarks and vibrant street life, including the modern Haas Haus, which stands in striking contrast to the traditional architecture of Stephansdom.
Next, stroll down Kärntner Straße, a bustling shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes. Be sure to stop by the legendary Sacher Cafe, famous for its delectable Sachertorte, a luxurious chocolate sponge cake with dark chocolate ganache and apricot jam.
Art lovers will want to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and exquisite architecture. Nearby, Saint Peter's Church (Peterskirche) offers a spiritual respite with its stunning baroque design.
End your walk at the Imperial Crypt, which provides a glimpse into the Habsburg dynasty's history, and the Spanish Riding School, showcasing equestrian excellence.
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Experience the city's heurigen (wine taverns)
Vienna is the only capital city in the world with serious vineyards within the city limits, and with Austrian wine the best it’s ever been, the city's heurigen (wine taverns) are a must-visit. The word Heurigen stems from Heurige, meaning "this year's" wine, as in fresh. The city's bucolic outskirts are dotted with rustic winery-run taverns offering aromatic white wines, like Gruner Veltliner and Gemischter Satz, and traditional Austrian fare, including schnitzel, blood sausage, potato salad, ham, and various savory cheesy spreads with dark sourdough bread.
Heurigen are snapshots of the 17th and 18th centuries, often featuring wood-lined dens with vine-covered courtyards and musicians in lederhosen playing the accordion and fiddle. The atmosphere is always relaxed, laid-back, and slow. While some heurigen are open year-round, many smaller ones are only open on specific weekends or days during the season from May to November. Therefore, it's essential to check the opening hours and days before planning your visit.
One notable heurige is Zahel, a 250-year-old farmhouse and one of Vienna's oldest. It boasts a rustic interior with a terraced garden, friendly staff, and reasonably priced, large portions of food. For a more scenic option, try a heurige on the slopes of the Kahlenberg, offering tremendous views across the Danube and the opportunity to dine amidst the vineyards.
To truly experience the heurigen culture, wander through neighbourhoods like Stammersdorf and Grinzing, exploring various wine taverns and soaking in the unique atmosphere of each. Remember, there's nothing fancy about visiting a heurige—they are simple, authentic places where you can enjoy good wine, food, and company.
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See the Roman ruins and the Sisi Museum
Vienna, Austria, is a city with a rich history, and its Roman ruins are a testament to that. Known as Vindobona during the Roman Empire, the city was a military camp with an attached civilian city, housing about 6,000 soldiers. Today, you can explore the remains of this ancient settlement beneath Hoher Markt Square in the heart of Vienna. Here, you'll find a showroom opened to the public in 1961, displaying the preserved wall remains from different epochs.
The Roman camp in Vienna had an asymmetrical layout, which is still reflected in the city's street plan. Streets like Graben, Naglergasse, and Rotenturmstraße follow the unusual layout of the camp, which was likely influenced by a flood of the River Danube in the 3rd century. The name "Graben," meaning "ditch," hints at the defensive ditches of the military camp.
When visiting the Roman ruins, keep in mind that the centre of Michaelerplatz has also been widely investigated by archaeologists. Here, traces of a Roman legionary outpost and a crossroad have been discovered. The current design of the square includes a rectangular opening that evokes these archaeological excavations.
In addition to exploring the Roman ruins, visiting the Sisi Museum in Vienna offers a fascinating insight into the city's imperial past. The museum is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, and showcases her personal belongings, artwork, and objects associated with her. The exhibition includes 40 rooms, with highlights such as her coach carriage and details of her exercise regimen.
The Sisi Museum offers a unique perspective on imperial life, and you can purchase tickets online or at the museum. The palace, however, is not climate-controlled, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. The museum also provides an audio guide, which can be helpful in navigating the exhibition and learning more about the displays.
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