Explore Vienna like a local

Written by Joe Ira

Vienna, the charming capital of Austria, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life. If you want to experience Vienna as the locals do, this guide will help you uncover the city's hidden gems, iconic attractions, and authentic local spots.

Christmas Market Disclaimer: Due to the overwhelming number of articles online with great reads on Vienna’s Christmas Markets, we will omit them from our Vienna guide. That said, they are absolutely charming, fantastic, and must-do if you are visiting in December!

A few notes before we get started -

The best way to get around the city is public transportation. It works great, is safe, and is cheap. There are of course also Taxis/Ubers.

While Vienna is overall a very safe city, it is best policy to always be careful when walking alone at night (this goes for any city!). There are two areas that can be intimidating once it’s dark (during the day they are totally fine), and I’d just completely avoid at night if alone. They are the 10th district (Favoriten) and Ottakringer Straße (Balkanmeile).

Start with the Essentials

1. Schönbrunn Palace A visit to Vienna isn’t complete without exploring Schönbrunn Palace. This beautiful area was once the imperial summer residence and remains one of Vienna’s most important landmarks. You could easily spend a day here, exploring the Palm House, the Zoo, and the incredible gardens. The park behind the castle is also really pretty. Grab a panoramic view of the city at the “Gloriette”. Schönbrunn Palace. There is also a hop-on, hop-off bus that stops at Schönbrunn, and is a good way to get an overview of the city, including some history and interesting facts.

2. Laxenburg Castle Continue to fill your castle-lust and head to Laxenburg Castle. This picturesque summer residence is surrounded by beautiful grounds and is basically a cool museum inside a castle. While it is further from the city center, it is worth the visit.

Dining Experiences

While Austria’s cuisine doesn’t have the best reputation internationally, you’d be far mistaken if you miss some of the local favorites. The country also produces fantastic Beers, Wines, & Coffee, which are a must with any meal!

To the left, is a popular meal called “Schweinsbraten” which is a roasted pork with Knödel and sauerkraut. This one is covered in a beer-sauce. Pork, or “Schwein” is probably the most commonly eaten meat in the country.

Tipping around 10% is typical across the country. If paying by credit card, you need to calculate the tip & verbally tell the waiter the total bill amount including tip before you swipe your card.

1. Figlmüller This is THE schnitzel restaurant in Vienna. If you are going to try one Austrian food, this is it. Their crispy, tender schnitzels embody the essence of Austrian comfort food. Don’t forget to pair it with a high quality Austrian beer, as always.

2. Knödel Manufaktur Knödels are basically little bread-based dumplings, and are a staple in Austria. Pop into this awesome little place to try different types of dumplings (more a take away place than a sit down). I recommend getting some of their dessert dumplings here. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick and tasty bite. Knödel Manufaktur.

3. Drechsler Wienzeile This is my absolute favorite breakfast spot in Vienna. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and FANTASTIC coffee at Drechsler Wienzeile, located near Naschmarkt. Find Drechsler Wienzeile.

Neighborhoods, Parks & Fun Areas

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1. Schwedenplatz (Bermuda Dreieck) This super fun party area is known as the “Bermuda Triangle” because people come here to party all night and can “get lost” in the party… and not remembering the next day! This is where you will find your next Austrian-Best-Friend by sharing a beer with a stranger. While these bars are mostly dominated by a younger crowd, there is fun to be had for all age groups. But to be clear - this is a party area, so don’t expect the same classic, upscale Viennese establishments you will find elsewhere across the city.

2. Naschmarkt Really cool outdoor market

3. Brunnenmarkt & Yppenplatz Recently dubbed “Vienna’s Coolest Neighborhoords”, these are colorful areas with lots of restaurants, a food pavilion and a ton of Balkan food. My partner and I enjoy coming here during the day and evening.

4. Mariahilferstraße Shopping area, really fun to walk around. If you want to show how American you are, you can come here to get a decent hamburger : )

5. Prater Spend a day or evening at the Prater, Vienna’s expansive public park and amusement area. Enjoy a relaxing walk or visit the famous Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the Schweizerhaus for excellent Czech food (and Beer!!) I go to Schweizerhaus pretty much every time I’m in Vienna.

6. Stadtpark and Türkenschanzpark These green spaces are perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying nature away from the city’s hustle.

7. Danube Canal (Donaukanal) In the evening, head to the Danube Canal around Schwedenplatz. This vibrant area comes alive with bars and a lively crowd. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a drink, soak in the energetic atmosphere, and mingle with locals. Danube Canal.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Alte Donau On a warm day, head to Alte Donau for a refreshing dip or a relaxing day by the water. It’s a great spot for cooling off and enjoying nature. You can also bike along Donauinsel, which offers scenic views and a fun outdoor experience. We typically just rent the City Bikes, which have public parking stalls across the city and you pay by hour. Alte Donau.

2. Kahlenberg For stunning city views and a touch of nature, visit Kahlenberg. You can take a bus from the U4 endstation “Heiligenstadt” to reach the top, where you’ll find excellent places to enjoy a glass of local wine and appetizers. The area is surrounded by “Heurigen,” traditional wine taverns, making it a perfect spot for experiencing Viennese wine culture. Kahlenberg.

Historical and Cultural Highlights

1. Wien Museum Karlsplatz For a deep dive into Vienna’s history, visit the Wien Museum Karlsplatz. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the city’s past through various exhibits and themes. Wien Museum Karlsplatz.

2. Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museum Located in the 1st district, these renowned museums are must-visits for those who are into art and history. They offer extensive collections ranging from ancient artifacts to masterpieces of art. The 1st district itself is perfect for wandering, with its beautiful architecture and high-end shops.

Museums and Art

There are a bunch of museums in Vienna. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Wien Museum If you are interested in the history of Vienna and the surrounding area, this museum is pretty fantastic. It’s fairly new, and entry is free (or, at least used to be free!). It will give you good insight of the history of the city. Each level of the museum has a different topic or epoch as a theme.

2. Albertina Explore the Albertina Museum for its impressive art collections and exhibitions. The museum’s stunning architecture and diverse range of artworks make it a highlight for art lovers.

3. Mumok Located in the MuseumsQuartier, Mumok is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its unique collections and engaging exhibitions provide a fresh perspective on the art scene.

Other Notable Bars & drinking places

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1. Rooftop Bars Vienna has a bunch of really amazing rooftop bars with excellent views of the city. This is one of my top rooftop bars, Chez Bernard Restaurant et Bar, which has a wonderful view and is perfect for enjoying a drink while overlooking Vienna’s skyline. Type in rooftop bars in Google, plenty will show up.

2. Needle Vinyl Bar Located in the first district, this bar only plays Vinyl music in a super cozy atmosphere with fantastic service. Even the drink menus are on Vinyl! Even better yet, this bar actually gives you water with your drink, a rarity in Austria! We went with the cocktails here, but as it is a first district establishment, be prepared to spend $$.

3. Strandbar Herrmann Classic meeting point

4. Hannelore Bar & Living Room This place has a really cool, upscale atmosphere with a massive tree in the center. Teetering nn the brink of being “snooty”, this place has a dress code to get in, and is filled with Viennese professionals and those on a fancy date.

5. WerkzeugH Very local, unassuming bar with lots of plants and couches. Expect to see students discussing class projects, or relaxing after a midterm.

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