Vienna
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Logistics
Getting There
Vienna is a sizable city and can be accessed directly from many larger European cities by plane. Another suitable option is traveling to Vienna by train depending on where you are traveling from. Vienna is connected to many of the Eastern European countries by relatively quick trains. It is also accessible from further locations if you are willing to take a long train journey. For instance, there is an overnight train from Florence to Vienna. You can buy a sleeper car which holds 6 people. The sleeper car has 6 beds that fold down into 3 different levels. The car is not very spacious, but provides an interesting way to travel, and overall a unique experience. The train ride from Florence to Vienna takes about 10 hours in total.
Getting Around
Due to its size, Vienna is difficult to explore solely on foot. Fortunately, the metro system is reliable and efficient. If traveling to Vienna for a weekend, purchase the 48 hour metro pass for about 13 euros.
Accommodations
Vienna is more expensive than some of the other Eastern European locations. That being said, since the metro system works well, it gives you more flexibility on where to stay as you can stay in the less expensive areas and leverage the metro to get into the downtown area.
Things to do and see
Schönbrunn Palace
This is one of Vienna’s main attractions and located a few miles west of the city center. You can explore the gardens for free and/or choose to take the Imperial Tour to see the inside of the Palace. If you just want to see the gardens, that is free!
Ringstrasse
A large road that acts as the outer ring surrounding the center of Vienna. A few key buildings on this road include Parliament, the Opera house, Museum Quarter, Rathaus, and the University of Vienna.
Belvedere Palace
The exterior of the palace is nice, and you can walk around the grounds. It is mainly an art museum inside
Rathaus
Town hall
Naschmarkt
Oldest market area in Vienna and good place to grab a quick snack
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Church in the center of Vienna with a beautiful tile roof
Mariahlifer Strabe
Big shopping street
Christmas Markets
Visit around the holidays to enjoy Vienna’s famous Christmas markets
Rathausplatz
Easily the most famous Christmas Market in Vienna, the market in front of the town hall is the largest and most crowded. There is a large Christmas tree placed right out front and is lit up beautifully. The whole area in front of the building is filled with stalls selling treats, Christmas decorations, warm drinks and more. There is even an ice rink in the area.
Maria-Theresian Platz
One of the largest Christmas markets in Vienna. This market is open longer than some of the others and is located between the Museum of Natural History and Museum of Art.
Museumquartier
One of the more unique Christmas Markets found in Vienna
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
A Christmas Market that is less busy and quieter than some of the others. This is a great spot to find more unique art within the stalls and has the gorgeous backdrop of the palace.
Schonbronn Palace
Located outside the city, but one you can easily pair with visiting the palace itself. Plan to visit the palace late afternoon so you can enjoy the palace in the daylight but also see the Christmas market at night with the lights illuminated. The Christmas Market has a magical feel with the palace in the background.
Stephensplatz
This Christmas Market is found right at the base of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and has a variety of stalls.
Karlsplatz
There is often live music playing outside and the booths have a focus on different types of crafts.
Food and Drinks
Zwolf-Apostelkeller
Dinner
Authentic Viennese food located near the city center
I Rigazzi
Dinner
Italian Restaurant near Maria Theresian Platz
Christmas Markets
Snaks
The Christmas Markets have mulled wine, sausages, and many other snacks to eat outside and enjoy with live music and holiday spirit all around!
Other Notes
Duration
A short weekend visiting Vienna is the perfect amount of time to explore the city. If you’re into history and museums, you may enjoy spending more time here to visit many of the city’s museums. If not, a weekend is perfect.