This information to solo journey to Vienna was written by Kat Weiss Butler from Cleveland, Ohio. On this Vienna journey information, Kat shares all her tips about how she navigated Austria on her personal!
Hello Trisha! I stumbled upon your weblog whereas I used to be searching for the least expensive journey locations in Europe. I cherished all of your suggestions and I noticed that you simply studied in Italy! However my query is about solo journey to Vienna. I noticed that you simply’ve been and I need to decide your mind! How protected is it for an American like me, with little or no expertise on touring alone? Is it protected? What are the do’s and don’ts? Something that may assist in my journey shall be appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Jane Burns, United States
Howdy Jane!
Thanks for following my solo journey journeys! Sure, you might be proper – I did examine in Italy and spent a whole lot of time in Vienna as nicely. I cherished going to the operas in Vienna so if that is one thing you want, make sure that to pack that little black gown and go to the Opera Homes!
I’ve not been to Vienna since I studied overseas in Milan so I invited a fellow solo feminine traveler to reply your query.
Initially from Cleveland, Ohio, Kat runs the journey weblog, World Vast Honeymoon. Kat caught the journey bug throughout her semester overseas in Grenoble, France at college, the place she traveled throughout Europe. Since then, she has traveled solo, traveled along with her husband, in addition to with household and mates.
Learn Kat’s solo journey to Vienna story and please be at liberty to depart a remark beneath when you’ve got questions that aren’t answered on this submit. Good luck!
Xx, Trisha
Scared to journey alone? Why not be part of my journeys?
Change the way in which you journey and spend your cash on journeys that matter – journeys that you’ll always remember. My group journeys are extremely targeted on accountable journey, supporting native communities, and avoiding the compulsory touristic circuit.
💃🏽 Vienna solo journey expertise
I ended up selecting to go to Vienna solo again in 2013 throughout my 5-week backpacking journey post-graduation. I needed to discover the locations that I didn’t get to see the primary time I used to be in Europe throughout my examine overseas.
So I ended up making the circuit between Budapest, Vienna, and Prague earlier than jetting off to Greece, then Germany, and eventually the UK.
I’ll be sincere that whereas the town is beautiful, I wasn’t utterly impressed on my first go to. Maybe it was the early summer time rain clouding my imaginative and prescient or the truth that I used to be beginning to get lonely throughout my travels, however Vienna didn’t fairly dazzle me at first.
Sure, the individuals have been pleasant and useful. Sure, the meals was scrumptious. And sure, I completely love historical past so the possibility to go to some palaces like Hofburg and Schonbrunn was wonderful.
However my second go to to Vienna for the Christmas markets utterly turned issues round! Critically, this metropolis is beautiful year-round, however I used to be in a distinct place the second time round. I used to be older, extra assured in myself, and the Christmas markets have been good.
Upon rising from the metro I heard church bells and noticed St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There have been enchanting markets in each nook that I turned. In case you are a fan of vacation markets, then visiting Vienna solo throughout December is unimaginable.
So if you wish to be utterly floored by this metropolis, positively go to throughout the Christmas market season. I actually loved wandering round to the Amhof Market, Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Sq., and the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace.
Nonetheless, with 20+ markets within the metropolis, there are many picturesque locations to go to and luxuriate in Viennese vacation meals like pretzels, gingerbread, potato pancakes, and mulled wine.
No matter if you go to, although, you need to make time to discover the cafe tradition. It’s such an enormous factor in Vienna.
Take it sluggish and indulge your self with creamy scorching chocolate or espresso, and among the finest pastries of your life! In spite of everything, the croissant was invented in Vienna, not France!
I actually didn’t have many preconceived notions previous to visiting Vienna the primary time round. Again in 2013, manner earlier than my journey running a blog days, I actually did little analysis apart from my flight and hostel. I landed within the metropolis and just about wung it.
I didn’t even google what the town appeared like!
Nonetheless, after my first go to, I wasn’t terribly excited to return. However I’m SO glad I gave it a second likelihood. This metropolis actually is magnificent when you give it the possibility!
And, in fact, throughout my complete 5-week solo journey to Europe, I used to be continuously informed to not do it. That it was too harmful. That will be just like the film Taken.
This affected me a lot that I wasn’t even excited to embark on the journey whereas I used to be packing to go! However I’m SO glad I did it. I discovered a lot about myself, as one at all times does whereas journeying solo to locations they’ve by no means been.
Touring solo, to Vienna and throughout Europe, taught me to be snug eating on my own. Perhaps that sounds bizarre, however it’s one thing not lots of people are actually snug with.
And once I went, worldwide mobile phone plans have been so costly, making the choice to peruse the web on my cellphone form of not possible.
I discovered easy methods to navigate via the town, and gained a lot confidence in myself and easy methods to discover my manner virtually anyplace.
🙋🏽 Is Vienna good for solo touring?
Vienna is bursting with opulence from the various extravagant palaces to the flashy cafes. There are designer boutiques, stunning cathedrals, and ample alternatives to take heed to classical music.
The house of Mozart, the Habsburgs, and even the birthplace of Marie Antoinette is definitely value visiting! I extremely suggest visiting throughout the vacation season for essentially the most magical Christmas markets.
However when you’re open-minded, select the correct place to remain, and take the time to benefit from the opulence of the town, Vienna is really a beautiful place to journey by your self!
You may also like:
✅ Is Vienna protected for solo feminine vacationers?
Completely! I’ve visited Vienna twice in my life, as soon as within the summertime (the place I traveled solo) and as soon as for the dazzling Christmas markets (with household), and I’ve to say, as a solo traveler it was a protected place to go to.
I stayed in a hostel, took a free strolling tour, and even wandered the town alone and loved it a lot.
I even actually loved the truth that you possibly can sit in a restaurant with a very good guide and a scrumptious cup of scorching chocolate and be utterly unbothered for hours on finish.
The one bizarre expertise I had whereas touring solo to Vienna was from a person working at my hostel. We have been chatting as he was tidying up my dorm whereas I used to be ending my laundry and he requested what I used to be doing.
I replied that I used to be exploring and maybe sitting in a restaurant to learn for the day. He then supplied to indicate me round and blatantly supplied me intercourse.
It was actually uncomfortable and stunning, however upon a agency “no,” on my finish I used to be left alone.
Aside from that, I additionally imagine I selected the flawed hostel, as I had a more durable time assembly mates once I visited. And belief me, the hostel makes all of the distinction (positively learn evaluations earlier than selecting!).
Often between the strolling excursions and bar crawls you’re certain to make mates, but it surely was a bit tougher, and I felt lonely at instances.
Nonetheless, I did take pleasure in strolling the streets on my own, window purchasing, and trying out the flowery palaces!
✈️ Planning your solo journey to Vienna
Greatest time to go to Vienna, Austria
When planning your solo journey to Vienna, keep in mind that it has 4 seasons and every season has their distinctive enchantment! It’s a year-round journey vacation spot and you may decide your favourite season!
Right here’s a suggestion on the very best time to journey to Vienna by season:
March to Could is Spring in Vienna with delicate climate and fewer vacationers. That is the very best time to see the gardens of Vienna burst into bloom!
June to August is summer time in Vienna however take be aware that this can be a excessive season and it may be costly. Presently, Vienna journey buzzes with out of doors occasions, music festivals, and vigorous markets.
September to November is autumn in Vienna and is marked by gorgeous foliage and a wealthy cultural calendar. It’s the season for solo vacationers who take pleasure in artwork and music, festivals, and exhibitions.
December to February is winter in Vienna. Though chilly, winter transforms Vienna right into a festive wonderland. The well-known Christmas markets and New Yr’s celebrations are a must-see!
In case you plan to go to throughout the summer time, don’t go in June or July to keep away from greater costs. It’s higher to do your solo journey to Vienna in the direction of the top of the summer time (August).
Flights to Vienna
The airport that serves Vienna, Austria is Vienna Worldwide Airport positioned in Schwechat, about 25 minutes drive to the town middle. The next US cities have direct flights to Vienna through United Airways:
- Chicago (ORD): 8h 50m, from $808 USD
- Los Angeles (LAX) through Austrian Airways: 11h 25m, from $1,079 USD
- New York (JFK) through United Airways: 8h 16m, from $709 USD
- Washington DC (IAD): 8h 40m, from $804 USD
In case your metropolis of departure is just not on the checklist above, count on to fly to Vienna for 15+ hours with layovers. I do know it’s A LOT however you’ll be able to mix your solo journey to Vienna with different European locations which have direct flights from the US.
European nations are small they usually have an environment friendly prepare system from nation A to nation B. Hungary, Germany, and Italy are Vienna’s neighboring nations which you’ll be able to add to your journey.
Canadian vacationers can fly direct to Vienna from Toronto through Air Canada. The flight time is round 8 hours and 20 minutes with round-trip tickets beginning at $1,204 USD.
Australian vacationers can fly via New Delhi (India) from Sydney with a whopping 40-hour flight period. Costs begin at $886 USD.
What number of days do you want in Vienna?
2-4 days in Vienna is a short however sufficient time to satisfy your Vienna journey itinerary.
In 2-4 days, you’ll be able to cowl the important highlights of Vienna, together with main historic websites like Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and a choice of museums and galleries.
There may even be sufficient time to find the well-known coffeehouse tradition and luxuriate in a style of the native delicacies.
In case you have extra time, per week in Vienna permits for day journeys to close by sights, such because the Wachau Valley, Bratislava, or perhaps a enterprise into the Vienna Woods.
In case you have the posh of extra time, extending your solo journey to Vienna past per week offers you the possibility to really immerse your self within the metropolis’s tradition.
You possibly can attend varied musical performances, from opera to classical concert events, go to extra off-the-beaten-path sights, and even take part in native occasions or workshops.
Is 5 days in Vienna too lengthy?
No, 5 days in Vienna is just not thought of too lengthy however the preferred Vienna journey period is 2 days. You’ll have ample time to go to main landmarks with out feeling rushed.
This additionally contains the chance to discover inside these sights, quite than simply viewing them from the surface.
Touring solo means you’ll be able to tailor your itinerary to your pursuits and tempo. With 5 days in Vienna, you’ll be able to take your time and have slower-paced days.
What to pack for Vienna journey
On your solo journey to Vienna packing checklist, make sure that to convey layered clothes. The climate in Vienna will be unpredictable. Pack layers corresponding to t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a light-weight jacket or blazer.
In case you are touring to Vienna throughout the winter (November to February), convey a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and a heat hat.
Additionally, convey thermal underwear and socks for extra heat. A Moisturizer and a lip balm are additionally a should as a result of winters in Vienna will be harsh!
Deliver chargers on your digital units and a European journey adapter. Vienna makes use of kind C or F plug. For carrying necessities throughout day journeys, convey a Small Daypack or Crossbody Bag.
In the course of the summer time, convey gentle clothes like shorts, skirts, and breathable materials. Pack a swimwear when you plan to go to any public swimming pools or spas. An umbrella or a water-proof jacket are necessities, particularly if touring in spring or autumn.
Vienna includes a whole lot of strolling, so snug sneakers are a should. Contemplate fashionable but comfortable strolling sneakers or boots. In case you plan to attend the opera, a live performance, or tremendous eating, embrace a proper outfit or good informal put on.
🚌 Getting round Vienna
Solo journey to Vienna is simple with the town’s seamless and traveler-friendly transportation system.
The airport is nicely linked to the town middle by prepare (CAT – Metropolis Airport Prepare), S-Bahn (native prepare), and bus, making your arrival and departure clean and hassle-free.
The Metropolis Airport Prepare (CAT) is a continuous prepare which can take you to the town middle inside 16 minutes. A one-way ticket prices 24 euros ($27 USD) and is legitimate to be used for six months.
Wiener Linien: public transportation in Vienna
U-Bahn (Subway): The U-Bahn is right for solo vacationers as a result of its velocity and protection throughout the town. The community is simple, with clear maps and signage in each German and English, making Vienna journey a breeze.
Trams and Buses: Trams in Vienna should not solely useful but in addition a pleasant method to see the town, particularly the enduring Ring Tram. Buses fill within the gaps and are notably helpful for reaching locations exterior the town middle.
The Vienna Metropolis Card provides limitless public transport and reductions at many sights. It’s a cheap choice for solo vacationers trying to maximize their Vienna journey expertise.
Buy a single ticket for a one-way journey or think about a 24, 48, or 72-hour cross for limitless rides, which is economical for in depth exploring. There are additionally weekly passes, best for longer stays.
Listed below are the costs for the Vienna Metropolis Card:
- 24-hour cross: 17 euros ($19 USD)
- 48-hour cross: 25 euros ($27 USD)
- 72-hour cross: 29 euros ($32 USD)
Vienna is a walkable metropolis!
Vienna’s metropolis middle is compact and eminently walkable, making it good for solo explorers preferring to absorb the sights at a leisurely tempo. A lot of Vienna’s main sights are inside straightforward strolling distance of one another.
You too can bike in Vienna
For individuals who take pleasure in biking, Vienna is bike-friendly, with well-marked bike lanes and routes. The town’s bike-sharing program, Metropolis Bike Vienna, is handy for brief journeys and is usually a enjoyable method to discover the town.
Uber and taxis in Vienna
Taxis are dependable and will be hailed on the road, which is very handy for late-night journey when public transportation companies are diminished. Uber can be out there in Vienna.
Renting a automotive and driving in Vienna
Whereas driving in Vienna is feasible, it’s typically not beneficial for solo vacationers because of the glorious public transport choices, visitors, and parking challenges within the metropolis middle. Renting a automotive in Vienna is right in case you are touring with a bunch.
🔻 Discover rental automobiles in Vienna, Austria 🔻
💵 Vienna journey prices (1 individual)
Solo journey to Vienna is at all times costly as a result of there is no such thing as a one to share the bills with. I met a whole lot of fellow vacationers throughout the journey which allowed me to share taxi rides and even restaurant meals.
Right here’s a tough thought of what I spent for my journey to Vienna:
Merchandise | Value |
---|---|
Hostels (dorm mattress) | €20-€40 ($22-$44) |
Finances Motels (primary room) | €50-€100 ($55-$110) |
Quick Meals, Road Meals, Supermarkets | €10-€20 ($11-$22) |
Quick Meals, Road Meals, Supermarkets | €10-€20 ($11-$22) |
Informal Eating places (Mid-range) | €20-€40 ($22-$44) |
High quality eating eating places (excessive finish) | €40+ ($44+) |
Public Transport (Single Ticket) | €2.40 ($2.65) |
24-Hour Journey Move | €17 ($19) |
Taxi Begin (Regular Tariff) | €4 ($4.40), plus €1.42 ($1.57) per km |
Schönbrunn Palace (Grand Tour) | €18 ($20 |
Hofburg Imperial Palace (Sisi Museum) | €15 ($16.50) |
Belvedere Palace | €16 ($17.60) |
Kunsthistorisches Museum | €16 ($17.60) |
Vienna State Opera (Tour) | €9 ($9.90) |
Opera or Live performance Ticket | €30-€150 ($33-$165) |
Espresso at a Conventional Espresso Home | €3-€5 ($3.30-$5.50) |
Sim Card | €10-€20 ($11-$22) |
ATM withdrawals in Vienna: ATMs (referred to as ‘Bankomat‘) are available all through the town, together with on the airport, prepare stations, and in most neighborhoods. They settle for main worldwide debit and bank cards.
Forex trade: Forex trade companies can be found on the Vienna Worldwide Airport, main prepare stations, banks, and devoted forex trade workplaces within the metropolis. For higher charges, do it within the metropolis middle, not within the airport.
Utilizing bank cards in Vienna: Bank cards are broadly accepted in Vienna, particularly Visa and MasterCard. You’ll discover them accepted in most motels, eating places, retailers, and even for buying public transport tickets. Nonetheless, money remains to be most well-liked in Vienna.
Tipping: Tipping in Vienna is customary, however non-compulsory. In eating places, it’s commonplace to spherical up the invoice to the closest euro for smaller payments or add 5-10% for bigger quantities, particularly for good service.
🛏️ Lodging for solo vacationers
Vienna provides a spread of choices appropriate for each choice and finances. Right here, we’ll discover several types of lodging and suggest the very best neighborhoods to remain in throughout your Vienna journey.
Vienna hostels
Hostels in Vienna are perfect for finances solo vacationers and people trying to socialize. It options shared rooms or reasonably priced personal choices, communal areas for socializing, and sometimes organizes occasions or excursions.
When selecting a hostel in Vienna, I like to recommend you keep within the areas of Neubau (seventh district) for its vibrant arts scene and café tradition. Leopoldstadt (2nd district) can be an excellent choice!
Boutique Motels in Vienna
Boutique motels in Vienna are perfect for solo vacationers who don’t need to share dorm rooms and desire a private lodging expertise. Most boutique motels within the metropolis have Charming interiors, and attentive service, typically centrally positioned.
Innere Stadt (1st district) has a whole lot of cute boutique motels. This space is within the coronary heart of Vienna and is near main sights. Another choice is the Mariahilf (sixth district) which is a classy space with a number of retailers and eateries.
The place to remain in Vienna: finest neighborhoods
When contemplating the place to remain on your solo journey to Vienna, take into consideration what kind of expertise you need. Do you like being in the course of all of the motion, or a quieter, extra residential space?
Every district in Vienna has its personal character and appeal. Listed below are some beneficial neighborhoods for Vienna journey:
- Innere Stadt (1st district): The center of Vienna, good for first-time guests desirous to be inside strolling distance of main websites.
- Neubau (seventh district) and Mariahilf (sixth district): Nice for individuals who take pleasure in a hip, artsy vibe with loads of cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
- Leopoldstadt (2nd district) and Landstraße (third district): Provide a mix of metropolis life and quieter, inexperienced areas.
- Hietzing (thirteenth district) and Alsergrund (ninth district): Superb for a extra laid-back, residential expertise, nonetheless with lots to see and do.
🧭 Issues to do in Vienna
Should-Go to Points of interest in Vienna
Vienna, a metropolis famend for its imperial historical past and vibrant cultural scene, provides a plethora of iconic sights which can be important for any solo traveler’s itinerary.
Right here’s a curated checklist of must-visit sights in Vienna:
Schönbrunn Palace: As a UNESCO World Heritage web site, this former imperial summer time residence is a masterpiece of Baroque structure. Wander via its lavish rooms and expansive gardens, an ideal solo journey into historical past.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Positioned within the coronary heart of Vienna, this Gothic cathedral is just not solely a spiritual landmark but in addition an emblem of Viennese tradition. Climbing its tower provides a panoramic view of the town, best for solo vacationers.
The Hofburg: This imperial palace advanced, housing the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Flats, and the Silver Assortment, gives perception into the lifetime of the Habsburgs. It’s a window into Austria’s wealthy historical past, finest explored at your individual tempo.
The Belvedere: Comprising two Baroque palaces, the Higher and Decrease Belvedere, this historic constructing advanced is residence to an intensive assortment of Austrian artwork, together with Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”. It’s a must-visit for art-loving solo vacationers.
Vienna State Opera: Even when you don’t attend a efficiency, the constructing itself is an architectural marvel. Guided excursions can be found, providing a glimpse behind the scenes of one of many world’s most well-known opera homes.
The Prater and Large Ferris Wheel: For a contact of caprice and a improbable view, a journey on the historic Large Ferris Wheel within the Prater amusement park is a should. It’s a pleasant expertise, particularly for solo guests.
Off the Crushed Path Vienna Journey
Vienna is not only about grand palaces and historic websites; it additionally has quite a few hidden gems that supply a singular expertise to solo vacationers searching for one thing totally different:
Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery): As one of many largest cemeteries on the planet, it’s not solely a resting place for well-known personalities like Beethoven and Brahms but in addition a tranquil spot for contemplation.
Hundertwasserhaus: This vibrantly colourful condo home designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser is a feast for the eyes and a stark distinction to Vienna’s conventional structure.
Spittelberg Quarter: Wander via the slender, cobblestone streets of this charming neighborhood, full of Biedermeier-era homes, quaint retailers, and comfy cafes, away from the hustle and bustle.
Naschmarkt: Discover native and worldwide delicacies at Vienna’s most well-known market. It’s an excellent place to take pleasure in a leisurely stroll, pattern some native meals, and really feel the heart beat of the town.
Karmelitermarkt: Much less identified than the Naschmarkt however equally charming, this market within the 2nd district provides an genuine native expertise, with quite a lot of contemporary produce and eateries.
Heurigen (Wine Taverns): Go to one among Vienna’s conventional wine taverns positioned on the outskirts of the town, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in native wine and meals in a country setting, typically with reside music.
Museums and Artwork Galleries in Vienna
Vienna’s wealthy tapestry of artwork and historical past is prominently displayed in its multitude of museums and galleries. For solo vacationers, these cultural havens supply the liberty to discover at your individual tempo, diving deep into the worlds of classical artwork, modern creations, and historic treasures.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum: Residence to a formidable assortment of works by artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Velázquez, this museum is a paradise for artwork lovers. The constructing itself, an art work in its personal proper, provides to the expertise.
The Albertina: Housing one of many largest and most essential print rooms on the planet, the Albertina provides a mixture of classical and fashionable artwork, together with masterpieces by Dürer, Klimt, and Picasso.
The Belvedere: Showcasing a complete assortment of Austrian artwork, together with the world’s largest assortment of Gustav Klimt work, the Belvedere is not only a museum however a chunk of Vienna’s historic panorama.
The Museum of Fashionable Artwork (MUMOK): For solo vacationers fascinated with modern artwork, MUMOK is the place to go. Its assortment contains works from the twentieth and twenty first centuries, providing a distinct perspective on the artwork world.
The Leopold Museum: Specializing in Austrian modernism, the Leopold Museum homes a major assortment of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. It’s a must-visit for individuals who need to perceive Vienna’s fashionable creative roots.
Music and Stay Performances in Vienna
Vienna is usually referred to as the “Metropolis of Music,” and for a very good cause. Its musical legacy, embodied in its live performance halls and opera homes, provides solo vacationers an enriching cultural expertise.
Vienna State Opera: One of many main opera homes on the planet, it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in high-quality performances in a shocking architectural setting. Even when you’re not attending a present, guided excursions can be found.
Musikverein: Identified for its acoustically good Golden Corridor, the Musikverein hosts quite a lot of concert events, together with performances by the Vienna Philharmonic. For classical music lovers, this can be a must-visit.
Theater an der Wien: This historic theater provides a spread of operas, from classical to modern. It’s an excellent place to expertise world-class opera in an intimate setting.
Jazz and Music Golf equipment: For individuals who favor fashionable beats, Vienna has a vibrant jazz and modern music scene. Golf equipment like Porgy & Bess and Jazzland supply reside music in a comfy ambiance.
Road Performances: Don’t overlook the impromptu road performances you could encounter in varied components of the town. They add a spontaneous and joyful component to your Vienna journey expertise.
Experiencing Vienna’s cultural choices solo permits you to totally immerse your self within the second, whether or not you’re marveling at a masterpiece in a quiet gallery or shedding your self within the music of a reside efficiency.
What and the place to eat in Vienna
The coffeehouse tradition in Vienna
Vienna has an enormous coffeehouse tradition that has even been acknowledged by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has deep historic roots and is a major a part of the town’s social material and each day life.
The coffeehouse custom in Vienna dates again to the seventeenth century. In response to in style lore, the idea was launched by the Turks throughout the Siege of Vienna in 1683.
After the Turks have been defeated, they left behind sacks of espresso beans, which have been initially mistaken for camel feed. Georg Franz Kolschitzky, who had lived within the Ottoman Empire, acknowledged the beans and began the primary coffeehouse.
Over the centuries, Viennese coffeehouses advanced into social and mental hubs. They have been frequented by writers, artists, intellectuals, and politicians.
These institutions grew to become referred to as “public residing rooms,” the place individuals may meet, talk about, and linger over newspapers in a relaxed ambiance.
Immediately, the coffeehouse continues to be a staple of Viennese tradition, although the context might have advanced. They continue to be locations of social gathering, reflection, and delight, cherished by locals and vacationers alike.
Café Central: Well-known for its grand interiors and historic significance, Café Central has been a gathering place for intellectuals and artists since 1876. Solo vacationers will benefit from the palatial setting and the in depth menu of conventional Viennese espresso and pastries.
Café Sperl: Identified for its conventional Viennese appeal, Café Sperl is a quieter various, good for individuals who need to take pleasure in a leisurely espresso whereas studying or journaling.
Demel: A former imperial and royal confectionery bakery, Demel is famend for its beautiful pastries and muffins. It’s a must-visit for solo vacationers who recognize the sweeter aspect of Viennese tradition.
Café Hawelka: This cozy and bohemian coffeehouse is thought for its genuine, unaltered Viennese ambiance. It’s an excellent place to mingle with locals or take pleasure in a quiet second alone.
Kleines Café: Set in a quaint sq. within the coronary heart of the town, this tiny café is right for people-watching and having fun with a extra laid-back espresso expertise.
Should-try Austrian dishes in Vienna
Vienna’s culinary scene provides an array of conventional dishes that solo vacationers shouldn’t miss. Eating alone in Vienna is a pleasant expertise, with many eateries providing a welcoming and cozy ambiance for solo patrons.
Wiener Schnitzel: No go to to Vienna is full with out making an attempt the basic Wiener Schnitzel. Head to locations like Figlmüller or Schnitzelwirt to savor this iconic Viennese dish.
Apfelstrudel: For a candy deal with, attempt the standard Apfelstrudel. Cafés like Café Landtmann or Café Mozart supply among the finest on the town.
Viennese Sausages: For a fast and satisfying meal, pattern the Viennese sausages at a Würstelstand (sausage stand). Bitzinger Würstelstand am Albertinaplatz is a well-liked alternative.
Tafelspitz: For a extra upscale eating expertise, attempt Tafelspitz, a boiled beef dish, at locations like Plachutta or Meissl & Schadn.
Heuriger: Go to a conventional Viennese wine tavern, referred to as a Heuriger, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in native wines together with a buffet of Austrian specialties. Heuriger Wieninger and Heuriger Sirbu are nice choices.
🫱🏻🫲🏽 Learn how to meet individuals in Vienna
In case you are touring solo to Vienna, staying in hostels will allow you to fulfill fellow vacationers. Wombat’s Metropolis Hostel is without doubt one of the finest occasion hostels in Vienna.
In case you are not into the loopy scene, I don’t suggest you to remain in occasion hostels. The bars are loud and generally, they’re proper subsequent to the rooms! You possibly can nonetheless go meet individuals in these occasion hostels. They settle for non-guests to drink and occasion of their bars.
Each Monday, there’s a traveler meet-up at Gelis/Garten organized by expats and locals of Vienna. Everyone seems to be free to hitch this gathering so come at 6:00 PM to fulfill fellow solo vacationers!
Lastly, I set up and host group journeys for solo vacationers, not simply in Vienna however throughout Europe! Be a part of me in my journeys and let’s journey Vienna alone (collectively)!
✨ Vienna journey suggestions
The Vienna metropolis tax
The Vienna metropolis tax, also referred to as the “vacationer tax” or “lodging tax,” is an area tax imposed on guests staying in paid lodging in Vienna. The tax is ready at 3.2% of the gross lodging charge per evening.
As a vacationer, you can be required to pay this tax. It’s normally not included within the marketed room charge and is added to your invoice on the finish of your keep.
The income generated from this tax is utilized by the town to keep up and enhance native infrastructure and tourism-related companies, guaranteeing a high-quality expertise for guests.
Austrians should not Germans
Austria and Germany are distinct nations with their very own distinctive histories, cultures, and identities. Each are a part of the DACH nations. Don’t confer with them as Germans, however Austrians.
Whereas the official language in each nations is German, there are variations in accents, dialects, and sure points of vocabulary. Austrian German has its personal nuances and is influenced by the nation’s historical past and cultural identification.
Austria has strict privateness legal guidelines on the subject of images
In the case of taking pictures of individuals, the regulation is extra stringent. You need to at all times ask for permission earlier than photographing people, particularly in a manner that could possibly be thought of intrusive or disrespectful.
Austria’s privateness legal guidelines defend the ‘proper to at least one’s personal picture’. Which means that, even in public locations, if somebody objects to being photographed, it’s best to respect their needs.
That is notably essential when photographing kids or individuals in personal settings. Publishing or sharing pictures the place people are identifiable with out their consent will be legally problematic.
In public areas, you might be normally free to take pictures. This contains streets, parks, and most vacationer sights.
Vienna has free ingesting water stations all around the metropolis
Vienna is famend for its distinctive high quality of ingesting water, and one of many metropolis’s commendable options is its abundance of free ingesting water stations.
There are over 1,000 public ingesting fountains scattered all through Vienna. These fountains, identified regionally as ‘Trinkwasser’, are an indicator of the town.
In case you are visiting Vienna throughout the summer time, obtain the Cooles Wien app the place you’ll be able to find ingesting fountains, tub areas, water playgrounds, and so forth close to you. This map is absolutely good!
Austrians worth their ‘Ruhezeit’ (quiet time)
Notably on Sundays and public holidays, loud actions are frowned upon in Austria. This additionally applies to sure “quiet hours” (also referred to as Ruhezeit) throughout weekdays, normally within the evenings and through noon.
Usually, it runs from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with an extra noon quiet time typically noticed round 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM to three:00 PM.
In lots of residential areas, adherence to quiet time is not only a cultural norm but in addition a authorized requirement, with potential fines for non-compliance.
A proper greeting is valued in Austria
A fast, agency handshake whereas making eye contact is the usual. When coming into retailers or eating places, it’s well mannered to say “Grüß Gott” (good day) or just “Hallo”.
Austrians typically keep formal desk manners
Wait to be proven to your seat in a restaurant, and wait till everybody has their meals earlier than beginning to eat. Place your serviette in your lap, and preserve your palms seen on the desk (not in your lap).
Get journey insurance coverage
For one month in Vienna, I solely paid $40 USD for journey insurance coverage By no means journey to Europe with out insurance coverage as you don’t know what can occur.
Save on lodging by volunteering
In case you are touring Vienna or Austria for two weeks or extra, you’ll be able to search for volunteering jobs. I’ve volunteered in lots of nations and have gained many alternative experiences due to this!
I take advantage of Worldpackers to seek out volunteer jobs in Austria. You too can use my low cost code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get $10 USD off on your one-year membership!
Kat lives in Cleveland, Ohio and runs the weblog World Vast Honeymoon. She caught the journey bug throughout her semester overseas in Grenoble, France at college, the place she traveled throughout Europe. Since then, she has traveled solo, traveled along with her husband, in addition to with household and mates.