Should You Visit Vienna?

Is Vienna worth visiting?

Vienna is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Vienna is the capital of Austria and its beautifully situated on the Danube River. It's an artistic city that has a long history of classical music including being home to such renowned musicians as Mozart and Beethoven. The city has many palaces and beautiful architecture. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Conde Nast Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2023.

Vienna, Austria

Reasons to Visit Vienna

Music
On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Historical Sights
Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Shopping
The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Museums
Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Food
The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Nightlife
The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Vienna, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Vienna. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums. Also, you'll be able to listen to some live music.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Vienna. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Vienna can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the live music.

Is Vienna worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Vienna, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can admire the historic sights, listen to some live music, and enjoy an evening out.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Vienna

Lots of Tourists
Vienna sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Vienna might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Vienna here or see if Vienna is expensive here.

Related

What is Vienna most famous for?

Vienna is most famous for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. People visit this impressive city for its great music, historical sights, and shopping. It's also known for museums and food. And many travelers come for the nightlife, as well. It is often described as ritzy, classical, traditional, artistic, and musical.

What is the most famous sight in Vienna?

The most popular sight in Vienna is The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Vienna on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and other attractions here.

How touristy is Vienna? Is it a popular city to visit?

Vienna is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Food, Coffee and Market Walking Experience: $212
• Private Tour of the Belvedere Palace with an Art Historian: "Pictures of Austrian Identities". Art & History Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets: $196
• Private Tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum: Secrets of Masterpieces | Tickets included: $218
• House of Strauss Museum Entry Ticket: $25
• Entrance ticket and Sunday brunch at House of Strauss: $49
• Exclusive VIP Top 10 Tour Vienna in Tuk Tuk: $141
• Gems of Vienna-Tour: $38
• Private Photo Tour in Vienna: $218

How long should I spend in Vienna?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Vienna is two to five days. Since Vienna has a variety of activities such as music, historical sights, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Vienna?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Vienna?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Vienna?.