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All About Vienna

Vienna and Austria travel guides, accommodation, attractions and tips

Exploring Vienna with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide to the Austrian Capital

Vienna, the city of art, culture and Waltz has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking the glory of imperial palaces and the charm of historic streets.

But is it suitable for families with children?

No worries – Vienna has plenty to offer to your little ones too!

From interactive museums to infinite green spaces. There’s something for every age. If you’re planning a family trip to Vienna , don’t hesitate.

Here’s how to make the most of it with your young ones.

Table of Contents

Getting Settled: Finding Family-Friendly Accommodation

First things first.

Before digging into Vienna’s attractions , it’s crucial to find the right place to stay. Vienna has a range of family-friendly accommodations. You will definitely find something, from cozy apartments to hotels that adjust their offer specifically to children’s needs.

Consider locations near parks or public transportation for easier access to attractions.

For those moving to Vienna with kids, securing a comfortable and convenient living space is crucial. Finding services like a Vienna Moving Company can smooth the moving process, ensuring a trouble-free transition for the whole family.

Exploring Vienna’s Family-Friendly Attractions

Once settled, it’s time to explore!

Vienna is full of attractions that are fun for the whole family. Start your adventure with a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace . While parents admire the magnificent interiors, older kids can wander around in the palace gardens or enjoy the interactive Children’s Museum inside. The maze and the Gloriette viewpoint are also great spots within the palace grounds that offer both fun and pleasing views.

The tropical house, Crocodile park, The terrarium – these are must-sees which ensure a memorable experience for the entire family.

For a dose of history blended with fun, the Time Travel Vienna tour offers an engaging journey through Austria’s past, complete with multimedia effects that will surely attract children and adults alike.

This interactive experience includes 5D cinema, animatronic shows, and virtual reality, making history both entertaining and educational.

Don’t forget to hop on the iconic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater amusement park for breathtaking views of the city.

The Prater also features numerous rides and attractions that cater specifically to children, such as carousels, bumper cars, and miniature trains.

Cultural Immersion: Engaging Activities for Kids

Vienna isn’t just about history and amusement parks; it’s also a hub of culture and creativity. Here’s a few ideas:

• Engage your children in hands-on experiences at the ZOOM Children’s Museum , where they can unleash their artistic talents and explore various interactive exhibits. The museum’s diverse sections, including the “Ocean” play area for toddlers and the “Animation Studio” for older kids , ensure that children of all ages have a fantastic time.
• Alternatively, join a family-friendly cooking class to learn the secrets of Austrian cuisine together. Many local cooking schools offer classes where families can prepare traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Apfelstrudel , providing a fun and delicious way to bond.
• For a relaxing day outdoors, head to the Vienna Woods or the Danube Island , where kids can run freely, ride bikes, or enjoy a picnic amidst nature. The Vienna Woods offer numerous hiking trails , and some are easy enough for children. The Lainzer Tiergarten , a wildlife preserve in the Vienna Woods, is an excellent spot for families to explore and see animals like wild boar and deer.
• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend a classical music concert tailored for children , introducing them to Vienna’s rich musical heritage in a fun and accessible way. The Wiener Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera frequently offer family-friendly performances that are both entertaining and educational.

Dining Out: Family-Friendly Restaurants

Finding the right place to eat with kids can sometimes be a challenge, but Vienna has you covered.

Many restaurants offer children’s menus and play areas, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for the whole family.

For a unique dining experience, try a heuriger , a traditional Austrian wine tavern often found on the city’s outskirts. These taverns serve local wines and hearty meals, with outdoor seating perfect for energetic kids.

Places like Mayer am Pfarrplatz not only offer delicious food but also provide a relaxed, family-friendly environment with beautiful outdoor gardens.

Shopping with Kids: Fun Souvenirs and Treats

A trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without bringing home some unique souvenirs. Visit the Naschmarkt , Vienna’s most famous market, where you can find a wide variety of foods, spices, and local products. Kids will love the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to try some local treats.

Another must-visit is the Manner Shop near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you can stock up on the famous Manner wafers. The store offers a wide range of wafer flavors and other sweet treats that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.

5 Practical Tips for a Smooth Family Trip

Before concluding your family adventure in Vienna, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Plan Ahead : Research attractions and activities suitable for your children’s age group and interests. There are numerous websites that provide comprehensive guides to family-friendly activities.
• Pack Wisely : Carry essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing for your outings. Vienna’s weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key.
• Use Public Transportation : Vienna’s efficient public transport system makes getting around with kids hassle-free. Trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway) are stroller-friendly and offer easy access to most attractions.
• Take Breaks : Pace your itinerary to allow time for rest and relaxation, especially for younger children. Vienna has numerous parks and green spaces where families can take a breather.
• Stay Flexible : Be prepared to adapt plans based on your children’s mood and energy levels. Having a few backup activities or indoor options can be handy, especially if the weather changes unexpectedly.

In conclusion, Vienna is not just a destination for grown-ups; it’s a city that welcomes families with open arms. With its wealth of family-friendly attractions, cultural experiences, and practical amenities, Vienna promises an unforgettable adventure for both kids and parents alike.

For more tips on exploring Vienna , check out other guides to family-friendly activities. And if you’re looking for an ultimate itinerary to make the most of your trip, you might find this three-day itinerary helpful.

Prepare for an unforgettable family getaway in Vienna, where every corner is a new discovery and every moment is filled with wonder and excitement.

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• Viennese Cuisine
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25 Best Things to Do with Kids in Vienna [with Tickets & Map]

Here is our list of attractions for the whole family

Vienna is one of the most exciting metropolises in the world and inspires both young and old visitors with its exciting attractions and experiences!

To ensure that your visit to Vienna is an unforgettable event for the whole family, here are the 25 best sights for children in Vienna that you should not miss.

Let's get started!

Other Recommended Articles:

• Top 10 Things to Do in Vienna
• Best Recommended Hotels in Vienna
• Exceptional Attractions in Vienna
• Best Restaurants in Vienna
• Shopping in Vienna
• Public Transport in Vienna

1.   Schönbrunn  Zoo

As the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the highlights of Vienna.  Not only is it part of the Schönbrunn UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also been named “Best Zoo in Europe” five times in a row.   The zoo, on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace, was opened in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, Maria Theresa's husband, as an imperial menagerie.

700 animal species, some endangered animals, live here on an area of 17 hectares.  These include pandas, tigers, orangutans, polar bears, koalas and elephants. A train commutes between the Tiergarten, the Emperor's breakfast pavilion, the elephant house and the Tyrolean Court.

Popular Ticket Options:

• Ticket Overview of Schönbrunn Zoo
• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo: Book here!   (Most popular option)
• Schönbrunn Children's Museum Tour with Zoo Option:  Buy now!
• Vienna PASS with free admission to Schönbrunn Zoo:  Buy here!

Best Ticket Option:

• Tickets for Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Zoo Skip The Line: Book here in advance!

2. Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum & Maze, Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon

In the Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum , children can be princesses and princes for a day and get to know the everyday life of imperial children.  For this purpose, 12 rooms in the west wing of the Residenz were converted into a children's museum, where children can become active and e xperience history in a playful way.   What is particularly nice, however, is that the children can try out everything themselves at many stations.

In addition to the palace  and zoo , a v isit to the maze, the labyrinth and the labyrinthikon  is an experience for the whole family.  Whoever finds the right way through the high hedges in the maze will be rewarded with a viewing platform. In the labyrinth  opposite, a bridge has to be crossed and a hall of mirrors provides lots of fun.  The Labyrinthikon has various playgrounds for running around and playing, including a climbing frame, a hall of mirrors, a large xylophone and a water playground.

• Vienna PASS with free admission to Schönbrunn Children's Museum, Maze, Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon: Buy here!

3. Indoor Playground Family Fun

Vienna's largest indoor playground in the 22nd district is a small children's paradise.  In the huge indoor and outdoor Family Fun adventure park, children up to the age of 12 can experience fun and action thanks to attractions such as trampolines, go-kart tracks, fun shooters, wave slides, bull riding, climbing walls, electric go-karts and much more. 

A mix of amusement park, action area and delicious gastronomy awaits the little ones in the 7,500 m² play area.  The little ones are also taken care of, a 1,000 m² small children's area is dedicated to them alone.

4. Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is a p opular destination for the whole family.   The interactive museum amazes not only children with extraordinary illusions and exhibitions. In addition to optical deceptions, illusions and holograms, they can also expect a rotating tunnel through which they can defy physical forces, as well as an antigravity room.   Put your brain to the test here!

• Get your ticket now for incredible moments and amazing tricks at the Museum of Illusions!

5. Prater & Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

A classic Viennese attraction is  Prater in Vienna  with its famous Giant Ferris wheel .  The Viennese landmark in the heart of the city provides ultimate fun , especially with the Wurstelprater  amusement park,   which has been around since the early 19th century.  Be sure to take a ride on the iconic   Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel and look out over the rooftops of Vienna. At the highest point of the wheel, at a height of 64.75 meters, you can enjoy an amazing view over Vienna.

Another exciting attraction in Prater is the  Liliputbahn .  For train lovers, the Liliputbahn with its open carriages is certainly a special experience, because various locomotives, including steam locomotives, operate on the route. The almost 4 km long round trip takes 20 minutes.

But the Prater is much more than just an amusement park. It is one of the city's "green lungs" and a popular recreation area for locals and tourists alike.  It is also a popular sports facility and even offers "excursions into space" in the planetarium.

• Ticket Overview of Popular Giant Ferris Wheel Ride
• Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride tickets  
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (ride on Ferris Wheel selectable)
• Vienna PASS including ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

6. Haus des Meeres

Haus des Meeres  is very popular with young and old. An a dventurous journey into foreign animal and plant worlds awaits you here.  About 10,000 tropical and native animals and plants are presented over more than 4000 square meters, spread over ten floors.  In addition to Austria's largest aquarium , there is a glass tunnel that you can walk through and the " Brandungsriff" adventure aquarium .  It is also exciting that the Haus des Meeres is housed in an anti-aircraft tower from World War II.

7. Time Travel Vienna

Time Travel Vienna is located in the historic vaults of Michaelerkloster in the center of Vienna. It is a real highlight for the whole family.  During a virtual journey through time of about 50 minutes, you can travel to eight different stations in Vienna's rich history.  Thanks to the multimedia experience with s pecial effects and innovative technology, the informative journey becomes an exciting history lesson that even children will be enthralled with.

Highlights include an original wartime air raid shelter, the  Virtual Reality Music Ride  in Walzer Hall, and a 5D cinema that takes you back to Vienna at the time of the last major plague epidemic, or you can take a virtual horse-drawn carriage ride.

• Admission Ticket & "Sisi's Amazing Journey" Virtual Reality Experience
• Admission Ticket, Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour

8. ZOOM Children's Museum

The ZOOM children's museum in the Museums Quarter has won awards.  In addition to the Children in Museums Award, it received the  2011 Promising Practice Award . 

Young visitors can look forward to exciting experiences, because they can touch everything in the museum's exhibition rooms , ask questions and learn with all their senses.  In the children's museum there are the ZOOM hands-  on exhibition s, the  ZOOM studio  for artistic activities, the  ZOOM a nimation laboratory and the play area ZOOM ocean .

9. Old Danube Lido

The Alte Donau lido is a family-friendly pool that is one of the largest and most diverse outdoor pools in Vienna .  It offers various pools for swimmers and non-swimmers, and has a 150-meter-long pebble beach with slides and a Noah's Ark to play with.  There are many different ways to get active in sports, ranging from football and badminton to gymnastics and fitness equipment.

10. Museum of Technology

You are offered a fascinating insight into the world of technology in the Museum of Technology. The family-friendly museum provides not only free admission for children, but also has an adventure area for children aged 2 to 6 years.   In 2001, the Museum of Technology was expanded by the incorporation of the Austrian Media Library, which represents the Austrian archive for audio recordings and videos on cultural and contemporary history.

• Get your skip-the-line ticket to the Museum of Technology and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of technology.

The Fiaker, a two-horse carriage, is a comfortable and exciting way for children to explore Vienna.  Totally kitschy for some, absolutely romantic for others, the carriages are part of the Viennese cityscape and are popular photo opportunities for many tourists.  There are stands for the Viennese rental carriages at various locations in the city. During a tour, you will visit Vienna's city center while listening to exciting stories.

• Visit a Horse Stable + Fiaker Ride Back to the City Center & Secrets of the Fiaker   (recommended)
• 30-minute Fiaker Ride through Vienna's Old Town
• Carriage Ride through Schönbrunn Palace Garden
• Mozart Concert with Dinner and Carriage Ride

12. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum  houses one of the largest natural science collections in Europe.   The museum, which was originally located in the Imperial Palace , is one of the most important natural history museums in the world.   The new building was constructed according to plans by Gottfried and Carl Semper and opened in 1789 by Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Today, you can see more than 100,000 exhibits in 39 exhibition rooms.  Since 2014, a digital planetarium has been one of the museum's main attractions.  Other highlights are the dinosaur hall and the statue of Venus von Willendorf.  Numerous interactive stations invite you to participate and discover, which makes it even more exciting for children.  And especially great, Children under the age of 19 have free entry.

A very special highlight is the Night at the Museum , in which the little ones experience an exciting program in the museum all night long.

13. Bohemian Prater

On the outskirts of Vienna, right next to Laaer Berg recreation area, Bohemian Prater awaits with exciting attractions.  The small amusement park is particularly well suited for families who want to spend a relaxing day away from the big city.   Just like its big brother, Vienna Prater , there are various rides and restaurants in Bohemian Prater, some of which are 100 years old.  The center of the amusement park is the Tivoli.

14. Danube Cruises

A scenic Danube cruise is a great experience for young and old.  It's one of the most leisurely and enjoyable ways to explore Vienna. During a wonderful trip through the Danube Canal, you can e njoy the imperial city from the water and relax at the same time.   Alternatively, you can go on a tour of the Wachau, which is very popular with the Viennese themselves.

• Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal with Lunch Option
• 3.5-hour Grand Danube River Cruise
• Evening Cruise along the Danube
• Sightseeing Boat Tour with Lunch
• Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs & Buffet   (recommended)
• Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

15. Imperial Treasury

The Imperial Treasury  is located in the Swiss Wing, the oldest part of the Imperial Palace .  With its valuable exhibits, which impress both children and adults , the treasury is one of the most important collections in the world. 

Highlights are the insignia and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, such as  the imperial crown and the Holy Lance , the crown of Emperor Rudolf II, which later became the Austrian Imperial Crown, as well as precious jewels and the  agate bowl , which was considered the legendary Holy Grail.  An audio guide for children is also available.

• Overview of the Best Ticket Options for the Imperial Treasury
• Ticket to the Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace 
• Combo ticket for the Imperial Treasury, the Kunsthistorisches Museum & Kunstkammer Vienna
• Private Tour of the Hofburg Imperial Palace with the Imperial Treasury + Highlights of the Old Town

Best Ticket Options:

• Tickets for Imperial Treasury: Book your ticket here!

16. Chocolate Museum Vienna

Chocolate Museum Vienna in Prater  is a magnet for big and small chocolate lovers.  The museum's guests are greeted by a special employee, Pepper the robot.  The tour of the museum is designed as a quiz, and those who take part in the quiz are rewarded with chocolates.  

Passing through a mock jungle with artificial cacao trees and jungle animals to the Chocolate Museum's basement is just a highlight of the visit.  You can also prepare your own chocolate creations yourself.

• Book now a chocolate workshop and free tasting at the Chocolate Museum. A treat for young and old!

17. Zeiss Planetarium

An exciting journey through the world of astronomy awaits visitors of all ages in the Zeiss Planetarium. The journey through the starry sky lets you look into the infinite worlds of space .  You are invited to dream and gaze at the stars, be it with multimedia shows or with special programs for children and families.

18. Madame Tussauds Vienna

Since 2011, the Vienna branch of Madame Tussauds wax museum has been delighting visitors of all ages.  It is located in Vienna's well-known amusement park,  Wiener Prater .  Take selfies with international stars, personalities from Austrian history such as Emperor Franz and Sisi or stars of the music industry such as Falko and Mozart. The highlight for many is the  interactive 5D experience "Sisi Uncovered 5D" .

• Secure your ticket for Madame Tussauds now  and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with your favorite stars!

19. Danube Tower & Danube Park

Austria's tallest building is an experience for young and old!  The 252-meter-high Danube Tower  on the edge of the Danube Park is a landmark of Vienna and a popular destination.   On the viewing terrace, at a height of 150 meters, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Austria's capital.  You can indulge in culinary delights in the tower café at 160 meters or in the rotating tower restaurant at 170 meters.

As one of the largest parks in the city, the Donaupark   also offers numerous attractions, such as children's playgrounds, climbing combinations, ball courts, gaming tables with chess boards and skater facilities.

• Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower   (Most popular option)
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (Danube Tower selectable)

20. House of Music

In the Haus der Musik  sound museum, located in  Palais Archduke Carl ,  children and adults can transform themselves into composers.   The museum in the historic old town was opened in 2000. The history of music is presented in a multimedia and interactive way, starting with the first human musical instruments up to the present day. 

Here, you not only learn more about the grandiose composers, you can become one yourself! Compose your own music and conduct the Vienna Philharmonic yourself. A great experience for young and old.

• Admission Ticket to Haus der Musik  
• Ticket to Mozarthaus Vienna (incl. audioguide)

21. Old Danube & Floridsdorf Water Park

The  Alte Donau  local recreation area is a magnet for visitors in the city of Vienna.  In summer, this idyllic place attracts with swimming opportunities, pedal boats, boat rentals and a wide range of restaurants, while winter offers pure ice skating fun.

Part of the Old Danube is the idyllic Floridsdorf water park , a popular place for young and old. About a third of the natural park is water.  To the west of the water park there is a natural winter quarters for mallards, seagulls, coots, swans, gray herons. There is also a large active playground in the park.

• E-Boat Rental of a "Floating Island" for a Leisurely Trip on the Old Danube
• Guided Kayaking Tour on the Old Danube

22. Dschungel Vienna

Dschungel Wien is located in the Museums Quarter and deals with performing arts.  As a theater for children, teenagers and young adults , it is aimed at people aged 0-20 with various events.  Each season, 60 productions are realized and played in over 500 performances. The program is supplemented by various workshops. In addition to delicious children's dishes, the   j ungle café also offers space to romp and play.

23. Urania Puppet Theater in Vienna

The Urania puppet theater in Vienna was founded on the initiative of two elementary school teachers who set up a puppet theater in an adult education center in 1948. This was very popular. Since 1950, the Urania in Vienna has housed the puppet stage, the main characters of which are  Kasperl and Pezi .

24. Ice Apricot Dumplings in  Tichy I ce Cream Parlor

The Eissalon Tichy is o ne of the best ice cream parlors in Vienna.   Even if it took a while for the ice cream parlor's apricot dumplings, which were invented there in 1967, to win the hearts of customers, they are now considered a Viennese specialty.  About 35,000 ice apricot dumplings are produced every week. The apricot is covered in vanilla ice cream instead of batter and rolled in slivers of nuts.

25. Lainz Zoo

Lainz Zoo was originally designed by Ferdinand I of Austria in 1561 as a fenced-in hunting ground for his family.  Today it is a nature reserve and offers visitors of all ages a unique cultural and natural experience.  There are various attractions, such as the nature and forest educational trails, the enclosure with ancient cattle, various vantage points, camp meadows for picnics, a lookout tower, forest playgrounds and the Nikolai chapel.  The Hermesvilla, Empress Elisabeth's "Castle of Dreams" , which shows various exhibitions, is particularly worth seeing.

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15 Awesome Things to do in Vienna with Kids

Magical. Regal. Extraordinary. Vienna is all of these, plus more. It is quintessential Europe. If you are looking for the ultimate European getaway, Vienna has to be one of your stops. Definitely check out the following things to do in Vienna with kids… or even without. You can’t go wrong.

Top 15 Things to do in Vienna with kids

1. prater amusement park.

Yes, it has a large Ferris wheel, but it also has been called one of the top ten most beautiful city parks worldwide . That’s quite a reputation to live up to.

Walk, run, cycle, even ride on horseback. Many people enjoy the natural beauty here. Even if you don’t go into the amusement park, take a picnic lunch and enjoy some downtime.

Entering the amusement park is free. However, rides are pay-as-you-go and can range from 5€ and higher.

The giant Ferris wheel is 10€, however, if you have the Vienna Pass , it is free (along with Madame Tussaud’s – right across from the Ferris wheel).

➡️ Click here to check out the Vienna Sightseeing Pass – a 1, 2, 3 or 6-day pass that gives you free access to 70+ attractions plus unlimited rides on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus for one low price.

2. Spanish Riding School

Who doesn’t love seeing beautiful horses put on a show?

Come see the Lipizzans – the Ballet of the White Stallions – put on an enchanting show at the Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace.

Unfortunately, we missed the timing of their performance, but we were able to see them in the courtyard.

Check their website for showtimes before you start your day.

3. Schönbrunn Palace

What can I say? This complex is the crown jewel of Vienna. If you do nothing else on this list, head to Schönbrunn for the day.

Yes, I say ‘day’ because, besides the extravagant palace, the next four items on this list are also on the palace grounds.

Schönbrunn Palace is Austria’s most visited tourist attraction.

Commissioned as a hunting lodge for Emperor Leopold I in the late 1600s, it later became the summer residence for the Habsburgs under the reign of Maria Theresa.

Wander through the baroque palace and stunning grounds wishing this was your summer home. Oh, maybe that’s just what I did! Am I the only one? Definitely consider this complex as one of the top things to do in Vienna with kids.

Tours and prices

Ticket prices vary depending on which tour you choose. In addition, there are also several combo tickets available giving you access to other sites.

The grand tour allows you to access 40 rooms and is 22€ for adults, 15€ for children 6-18. Get the free audio guide or take a guided tour (for a nominal amount). Little K absolutely loved the audio guides. I think it’s because she could actually listen and learn about things instead of just walking around. Definitely try them out.

The Vienna Pass includes the Grand Tour in addition to the Schönbrunn Zoo, Carriage Museum and Strudel show. See, your whole day is planned!

If you happen to be here around the Christmas holidays, you need to visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn! It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Important : You will get a timed entry ticket for the palace when you first check-in. Even though we arrived about an hour after opening, our entry ticket was for two hours later. Check out numbers 4 through 7 on this list of things to do in Vienna for how we spent our time.

4. Schönbrunn Zoo

Admittedly, we don’t usually go to zoos in Europe. Even though I have been vacationing here for years, this was the first zoo encounter I had.

We had time to kill before entering the palace, so we walked through the palace gardens to the zoo.

Famous for its pandas and home to over 700 species of animals, the Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world! If you can’t make it to China to see the pandas, definitely see them here.

Vienna is very clean and the same can be said about its zoo. Everything is manicured and taken care of with the utmost precision.

Take note that it is a lot of walking, especially if you are coming from the palace. If you have little kids with you, definitely take a stroller.

Even with an 8-year-old, we took breaks and luckily brought snacks and drinks with us. Plus, the palace is a decent walk from the metro station.

Just remember that the grounds are massive. It was in the 90’s (Fahrenheit) when we visited and this ended up being a very long and tiring day.

5. Imperial Carriage Museum

To the right of the palace, find the Imperial Carriage Museum.

Get a glimpse into how royalty traveled.

See the royal carriages of Maria Theresa, Napoleon, and Franz Joseph. Trust me, here in Vienna, you hear those names a lot! I loved learning about the history and culture of Vienna. It really is one of the most regal cities in Europe.

❇️ Click here to check on prices for the Vienna Pass – use it for 1, 2, 3 or 6 days to save money on over 70 attractions!

6. Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn

Attached to the main palace to the right, is the Children’s Museum. Get some insight into the lives of children of royalty.

See toys they played with, how they learned and then dress up in some regal costumes.

Take a picture as your royal souvenir.

7. Attend the Strudelshow

Ok, I have to mention the Strudelshow. Again, it’s on the palace grounds, directly to the left in the long building.

Although we were not intentionally going to this, it was included in the Vienna Pass .

Talk about entertaining! It’s a quick 20-minute show where you watch how to make the strudel dough. Learn the secret ingredient in the apple filling as well!

Both German and English speaking guests are entertained as you learn the basics of strudel making. Furthermore, take home a recipe card and try it yourself.

Little K was called up to help finish the strudel.

For a more detailed look, click here to learn more about the best apple strudel in Vienna . Oh, and yes, you do get to sample it.

8. Ride the Ring Tram or Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you prefer to ride rather than walk, check out either the ring tram or the hop-on, hop-off bus.

Vienna’s main, historical center is situated within the ‘ring’. A road encircles this area and the ring tram travels around it. We took this just to get a better view of the city as many of Vienna’s stately buildings line this road. An audio system in eight languages gives you historical context as you are driving around the ring.

The hop-on, hop-off bus has four different routes, differentiated by color. Use this to get to destinations or take the entire ride to see the city.

Useful if you had enough of walking as there really is so much to see in the city.

Tip – Don’t take the hop-on, hop-off bus if you want to get somewhere quickly. Instead, take the metro and walk. I know this from experience!

9. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Right in the heart of the ring is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is a Viennese gothic symbol built in the 12 th century.

Take a guided tour or just walk around in awe as you marvel at the intricate stained glass and statues throughout this massive cathedral.

Walk the 364 steps up the tower for grand views over Vienna. Or, if you are like me, let your husband and children walk up the tower and you can sit in a pew and be mesmerized by the interior beauty of the cathedral.

10. Visit outdoor cafes

Talk about fun! There are so many cafes. You could visit a different one each day and not repeat any.

I was on a quest to find the best café in Vienna . Therefore, I made it a little game to see which one had the best dessert.

The Viennese culture relishes downtime and conversation with friends. Take time on your vacation to do the same.

Enjoy a drink or coffee and a little pastry to go with it (don’t worry, you can share… well, maybe you can – I had a hard time with it).

Little K learned she loved to make iced tea herself from a pot of hot water, tea bags, and ice cubes. Little things… stop and enjoy them as you are trying to see the top things in Vienna with kids.

11. Zoom Children’s Museum

This is the only item on my list of things to do in Vienna with kids that we didn’t make it to. It was on my list, but there just wasn’t enough time.

Zoom is a highly interactive and hands-on experience. If your kids love getting their hands dirty while learning, this is the place for them.

The museum is divided into 4 different areas based on age group:

• Interactive exhibition (ages 6-12)
• Ocean (8 months – 6 years)
• Studio (ages 3-12)
• Animation studio (ages 8 -14)

Check the Zoom website for specific program start times.

12. Hofburg Palace – Imperial Apartments of the Habsburg’s

I guess I just have a thing for royalty and history.

Vienna’s largest building was the ruling home of the Habsburg’s for seven centuries.

Check out how the royalty lived by visiting the Imperial Apartments. They lived here until 1918. Furnishings have been restored for historical authenticity.

While you are here, see the Imperial Silver collection. Can you imagine using all of that? What about cleaning it? Not. For. Me.

Oh, and yes, the Hofburg Palace, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Treasury are all covered on the Vienna Pass .

13. Sisi Museum

Located within the Hofburg, the Sisi Museum dedicates itself to Empress Elizabeth.

Take the audio guide and walk through the exhibit room to see how she lived, how she ruled and how she loved.

This was an exquisite look into the life of Vienna’s most famous empress.

Little K loved this – and she is 8. Not sure if it was the exhibits or the audio guide or she just felt grown-up going through it, but she learned a lot and was able to talk about Sisi after we left. Kids are not too young for this!

14. Imperial Treasury

This is the place to drool at the jewels, gold and other treasures of the Habsburg’s.

Also located within the Hofburg Palace, see the Austrian Imperial Crown as well as the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Empire. Remember all this from world history?

The Treasury houses ancient items such as the agate bowl which was once thought to be the Holy Grail. Take time to read the text next to objects and be impressed that you are standing next to items you learned about it school.

Don’t forget to see the largest cut emerald in the world.

15. Wachau Day Trip

Changing gears here! See the natural beauty of the Vienna countryside and get outdoors.

As I was researching things to do in Vienna with kids, this day trip kept popping up. It’s a wonderful way to see the Danube and a different side of Vienna.

The Wachau Day trip entails taking a train to Melk, walking through the town and seeing the gorgeous monastery on the hilltop, cruising the Danube by boat before heading back to Vienna by train.

➡️ Click here to check prices for this Wachau Day trip to Melk, the Abbey and the Danube River Cruise

Don’t forget to stop and have lunch! We ate schnitzel at a quaint outdoor café in Melk before heading to the monastery.

This was a different experience, yet fun, especially the relaxing boat ride.

Vienna with Kids

Wow – there is just so much to see and do in Vienna. I honestly can say I want to go back, although just not sure when! I added coming back to Vienna to visit the Christmas markets to my bucket list.

✅ Click here to check the prices of the Vienna Pass for 1,2 3 or 6 days to save the most money on all your Vienna attractions!

On this trip, we stayed at the stately Park Hyatt right smack in the middle of everything. Stay tuned, I’ll have a review coming soon.

If you are planning a European trip, don’t overlook going to Vienna with kids. I know that usually London, Paris, and Rome are at the top of the list when you think of Europe, but Vienna is absolutely incredible. You don’t want to overlook it.

Have you been to Vienna? What would be your top things to do with kids in Vienna? Please let me know in the comments!

For other fun Austrian moments, check out these posts:

• Best apple strudel in Vienna
• Best cafés in Vienna

Is the Salzburg Card worth the money?

Enjoy this post? Please PIN it for future reference. Thanks.

Christine is a Disney World annual pass holder and overall Disney expert and fanatic. She often visits the Disneylands around the world naming Disneyland Paris her favorite. To continue reading, click more about me .

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The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

Feb 5, 2020 • 5 min read

Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna retains a feeling of grandeur and elegance. Today, its numerous parks and palaces are open to the public, and the chandeliered ballrooms and frescoed corridors house an incredible breadth of museums. It might not seem like an obvious family destination, but there are some museums, parks and gardens that are particularly good for families with younger children. Here are the top things to do in Vienna with kids.

1. Natural History Museum

The  Natural History Museum  is the reason many visit Vienna. It's a truly encyclopedic collection of natural wonders housed in one of a pair of twin palaces (across the way is the Kunsthistorischesmuseum ). For historians, the highlight is the Venus of Willendorf (the world’s oldest sculpture), but the kids will hightail it to the dinosaur exhibits, which include numerous complete fossils as well as moving, roaring, life-size mechanical reproductions. There are so many taxidermy specimens of animal life – an example of just about every creature you could imagine. Beware, the collection is huge and it would take a full day to do it justice.

2. House of Music

The House of Music  balances grown-up displays (portraits of famous composers, artefacts from their lives) with interactive exhibits that children love: a musical staircase, for example, each step of which is a virtual piano key, so you can play your way up and down. There is also a charming virtual conductor installation, where Zubin Mehta, conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, interacts with you and helps you lead his orchestra – and if you are too choppy with your conducting, the musicians will give up on you and grumpily stop playing.

3. Spanish Riding School

If your children love horses, then catch the famous  Spanish Riding School show, or even a practice session (which are open to the public and ticketed). See the Lipizzaner horses in action, dancing and leaping, but be sure to book ahead. These shows are regularly sold out and the lines to buy tickets on the day often wind the length of several city blocks. You can catch a free preview by looking into the glass atrium of the stables across the street from the performance space.

4. Zoom Children’s Museum

Zoom Children’s Museum  is one you should reserve before you arrive. Unlike most museums, it does not have open exhibition spaces that you wander through, but rather offers a series of themed exhibits that are accompanied by museum staff. They lead kids through various activities, such as one on the human body, one on oceans, another on animation, and more. All the exhibits are hands-on, for specific age groups, and entry is ticketed and at precise times. This is regularly sold out, so be sure to book ahead.

5. House of the Sea

The House of the Sea  private museum was built in a former Nazi air-raid tower, made to withstand Allied gunfire. The concrete tower opens up to a surprising variety of aquatic and terrestrial animal life. The lower floors include a glass tunnel that allows you to walk through an enormous tank, as rays and sharks cruise by on all sides. The exhibits are generous and expansive (not something one can always expect from a private museum), with several hands-on installations. A huge highlight for children is a two-storey open space criss-crossed by bridges and containing a combination of pens (for the crocodiles and turtles) and an open run for birds, monkeys, bats and more. 

6. Vienna Zoo

The world’s oldest zoo began as an imperial menagerie back in 1752. Today it features over 700 species sprawled across 42 acres (17 hectares) of the elegant Schönbrunn Palace Grounds. You can visit special shows and feedings of various animals, like the elephants, sea lions, penguins, wolves, tigers and even giant anteaters. This is so expansive, and a bit outside the city centre, that a full day should be dedicated to it.

7. Prater Park and the Giant Ferris Wheel

While your kids are unlikely to be familiar with the classic Orson Welles film, The Third Man (1949), parents can live out their film noir fantasies by riding the Riesenrad  (Giant Ferris Wheel) in Prater  park. First built in 1896, the current version dates to 1947, and provides spectacular views of the city. Prater is lovely for a stroll and also features an amusement park with over 250 attractions, a museum of chocolate, and even harness horse-racing, so there is plenty to do.

There are two city cards available for tourists, Vienna City Card and Vienna Pass. While they offer a long list of perks, they may not be good value for a family. The cards are pricey, and the biggest benefit is free use of public transport. If you visit only two attractions per day (which may be as much as kids have energy for) then the cards may not suit.

Another useful tip is to buy entry tickets online – even if you are standing next to the attraction. You can skip lengthy lines by buying your ticket with your smartphone and showing the ticket QR code at the door, cruising past all the people who are waiting to buy tickets the old-fashioned way. 

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Best day trips from Vienna    Free things to do in Vienna    A first-timer's guide to Vienna's winter balls   

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2 Days in Vienna: The Best Things to do in Vienna with Kids

During our recent month trip in Europe we spent only 2 days in Vienna.  Whilst it wasn’t very long, it certainly gave us enough time to check out some of the best things to do in Vienna with kids. 

If you’re going to visit Vienna with children and wondering what to do in Vienna in 2 days, then you’re going to find this post helpful.  In this post I detail all the top things to do in Vienna with children of varying ages, from tiny toddlers to teenagers.  We look at some of the best places to visit in Vienna in 2 days, including some of the most popular Vienna tourist attractions as well as some suggestions if you have a little more time. 

As well as looking at what to do in Vienna with kids, this post covers off on how to get around in Vienna and some tips on where to stay in Vienna for families.

Click here if you want to see our exact Vienna itinerary.

Page Contents

• 1.1 1. St Stephen’s Cathedral
• 1.2 2. Hofburg Palace
• 1.4 3. Giant Ferris Wheel
• 1.5 4. ZOOM Children’s Museum
• 1.6 5. Naschmarkt Markets
• 1.7 6. Schonbrunn Palace
• 1.8 7. Schonbrunn Zoo
• 1.9 8. Fiaker Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
• 1.10 9. Danube Tower
• 1.11 10. House of Music
• 1.12 11. Hundertwasser House Vienna and Museum
• 1.13 12. Spanish Riding School
• 1.14 13. Belvedere Palace
• 1.15 14. River Cruise
• 1.16 15. Time Travel
• 1.17.1 Christmas Markets
• 1.17.2 Ice Skating
• 2.1 Red Vienna City Card
• 2.2 Vienna Pass
• 2.3 Vienna Flexipass for 3, 4 or 5 Top Sights
• 3.1 1. Vienna City Tour with Guided Tour of the Schönbrunn Palace
• 3.2 2. Vienna Walking Tours
• 3.3 3. Tram Ring Tour
• 3.4 4. Traditional Dinner and Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller
• 3.5 5. Day Trip to Wachau and Danube
• 3.6 6. Half Day Tour to Vienna Woods
• 3.7 7. Day Trip to Hallstatt through the Austrian Alps
• 4.1 Exquisit Wien
• 4.2 Pension Primavera
• 4.3 Pension Mozart
• 5.1.2 OBB Railjet
• 5.1.3 Express Train S7
• 5.2 Arriving By Train
• 6 Getting Around Vienna
• 7.1 Want to keep this handy?  
• 7.2 Click on the image below and pin it to Pinterest.

The Best Things to do in Vienna with Kids

Throughout this section I have provided a comprehensive guide to all the best Vienna attractions for kids.  I tried to provide as much information as possible to make your planning easier, including locations, opening hours and ticket prices.

You will note that for many of the Vienna tourist places I often recommend you purchase your tickets in advance from Klook or Get Your Guide .  Yes, I will receive a small commission if you do purchase from these sites – but as you will see in most cases you will save yourself a bit of cash in doing so.  Other times the price may be the same, but you will save time by not having to line up at the attraction for tickets.   I use these sites myself to book tickets for our travels around the world.

Please note that all prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing and may fluctuate depending upon changes to currency conversion and rate increases.

To check the rate in your local currency, click here.

1. St Stephen’s Cathedral

Whether you have one day in Vienna or one week, you can’t visit Vienna without a experiencing the magnificence of St Stephen’s Cathedral. The outside of the Cathedral is decorated with coloured tiles to depict the double headed eagle which is the coat of arms of the city of Vienna.  Inside you can see vast treasures and relics alongside the tomb’s and burial sites of a number of historically important Austrian people. Climb the 343 steps into the tower room where 13 bells hang and you get a marvelous view of Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral is located in the centre of the city and is one of the must things to see in Vienna.

Location: Stephansplatz, 1010 Vienna

Opening Hours: 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 10pm on Sundays and holidays

Price: Entry is free but, it costs 3€ to climb to the viewing platform and to take the lift in the north tower is 4€.

Taking a tour in the Cathedral is a great option as you get access to everything with an audio guide included for 21€. 

2. Hofburg Palace

A must do in Vienna (even if you just have one day in Vienna ) is to visit at least one of the palaces lived in by the Habsburg family.  The Hofburg Palace was their main residence and here you can visit private apartments and state rooms set out as they would have been for the family. Visit one of the most important treasure chambers in the world which hold a number of imperial crowns and royal jewellery.

We didn’t have time to visit the inside of Hofburg Palace but did visit the Schonbrunn Palace which was well worth it.  We did walk around it though and through the gardens.  I highly recommend that when you’re looking for things to do in Vienna with family you take them to at least one of these magnificent palaces. 

Location: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna 

Opening Hours: 9am to 5.30 pm September to June and 6 pm July and August

Price: 13.9€ for adults, 8.20€ for Children 6 to 18 and free for children under 6.  You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

3. Giant Ferris Wheel

If you’re wanting fun things to do in Vienna, take the kids for a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park.  The Giant Ferris Wheel was first built in 1897 and has been an icon of the city ever since. If you’re visiting Vienna with toddler or even teenagers, everyone loves a ride on a Ferris wheel!

Location: Prater amusement park at Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna

Opening Hours: Opening hours vary throughout the year. Click here for full details .  

Price: 12€ for adults, 5€ for Children 3 to 14 and free for children 0 to 3. Click here to purchase your tickets online.   You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

4. ZOOM Children’s Museum

When it comes to museums, one of the best museums in Vienna for kids is the ZOOM children’s museum.  This kids’ museum Vienna has on offer, is located within the Museum Quarter and unlike other museums, at ZOOM you don’t just turn up and look around, rather it is made up of a range of workshops which you must book your children into. 

There are a range of workshops available which change throughout the year and are suitable children of all different ages.  Workshops go for around 60-90 minutes and each one is on multiple times per day.

When we were there, we took Myla to the Earth and Soil workshop.  Over 90 minutes, Myla learnt about how we use soil to grow food we eat, how rain, soil and sun work together to grow plants, the different microorganisms that live in soil and dressed up as an archaeologist and dug up the soil for various treasures.

If you’re looking for Vienna activities designed for kids that the family are encouraged to get involved, one of the ZOOM workshops are a must.

Location: Museums Quartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna

Opening Hours: Workshops are on at varying times throughout the day.

Price: Prices vary depending upon the workshop.  The one we went to was free for children but 6€ for adults.  You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

Visiting Prague?  Click here for our detail post on things to do in Prague with Kids.

5. Naschmarkt Markets

For all lovers of food, one of the Vienna top attractions is the Naschmarkt – a local food and produce market.   These markets have a colourful array of 120 stalls stocking fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious cuisines including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian and others with treasures. On Saturday there is a flea market that is well loved by the locals. A visit to Naschmarkt is well worth it, even if you don’t wish to purchase anything.  

Location: Wienzeile, 1060 Vienna

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 6am – 7.30pm and 6am to 6pm on Saturday.

Price: Free

6. Schonbrunn Palace

When it comes to the top 10 things to do in Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace is definitely one of them.  In fact the Schonbrunn Palace is one of the most popular places to visit in Vienna!

As mentioned above, the Schonbrunn Palace was one of the residences of the Habsburg family.  It was in fact their Summer residence – can you believe it!  Now the Schonbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site which has 1441 rooms and some seriously impressive gardens which include fountains and monuments and even its very own zoo!  

Within the palace grounds, there are numerous different attractions and exhibits to see including a tour of the palace rooms, children’s museum, Imperial Carriage Museum, Crown Prince Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Zoo (see below), Palm House and Desert Experience.  Whilst you can enter the palace ground for fee, each of these attractions have an entry free.

To go inside the palace, you must take a self-guided tour.  There are two different tours to choose from the Grand Tour (see 40 rooms) or the Imperial Tour (see 22 rooms which are also included in the Grand Tour).  We decided to see take the Imperial Tour which I thought was plenty to see, any longer might get a little boring for children, although Myla really enjoyed it.

We also went to the Children’s Museum at the palace which in my view is one of the top museums in Vienna to visit with the little ones.  This is a fantastic museum, not just for the children either.  It explained all about the palace in a simple and easy way to understand.  For the little ones, they will love how interactive it is – they are encouraged to touch and play with almost everything!  They can can dress up as kings and queens, play with toys that the children who lived at the palace once did and even visit full replica rooms such as a child’s bedroom, dressing room and toy room.

We also had a quick stroll around the gardens, but given we had limited time in Vienna we simply didn’t have time for anything else at the palace.  Honestly you could spend the entire day here and still not see everything.

There are a number of different tickets that allow you access to different areas. One example is the family pass that gives you access to the children’s museum and the hunting lodge which have a day’s worth of activities each. The family pass saves you at least 50% off the value of buying the tickets individually. Click here for full details of the different entry options and to purchase a ticket.

If you’re visiting Vienna with the kids, make sure you see the Schonbrunn Palace, it really is a Vienna must see!

Location: Schönbrunner Schlossstraße, 1130 Vienna

Opening Hours: from 8am with closing times vary between 5 and 6.30pm throughout the year.

Price: Entry to the palace grounds are free, but there are entry fees to the different exhibits on site.  You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

7. Schonbrunn Zoo

Whilst part of the Schonbrunn Palace, I thought it was also worth mentioning the Schonbrunn Zoo separately as it’s also one of the popular places to see in Vienna, particularly for families. 

The Schonbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world, first built in 1752 and has been voted the best zoo in Europe five times, beating 126 other zoos across Europe.   The zoo is considered to be one of the best and most modern zoos in the world and has some of the most generous animal compounds you will see.

As you can see, you could easily spend the entire day at the Schonbrunn Palace making it one of the perfect days trips from Vienna city for families.

Opening Hours: 9am daily and the closing time varies between 4.30pm and 6.30pm throughout the year. Please note that some of the animal enclosures close one hour or half an hour before closing time.

Price: 20€ for and adult, 10€ for a child (6-18) and children 5 and under are free. Click here for full details and to book your tickets. Save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

8. Fiaker Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Taking a horse drawn carriage around the city to see the top sights in Vienna is a really special way to take the journey.

Myla desperately wanted to take a ride in the horse drawn carriage and whilst I was hesitant due to the price and lack of understanding as to whether the horses were well cared for, we went.  It certainly was a love way to see the Vienna sites, particularly all the pretty Christmas lights around Vienna.

Location: Horse-drawn carriage stands are all over the city including Stephansplatz, Michaelerplatz, Albertinaplatz, Petersplatz and Burgtheater/Volksgarten.

Price: The short tour (approx. 20 min. through the centre of the Old City) costs 55€; the long tour (approx. 40 min. through the Ringstrasse and the Old City) 80€.  You can also get a good discount if you have the Vienna City Card.

9. Danube Tower

One of the popular Vienna Landmarks is the Danube Tower which rises 252 metres above the ground and is the perfect way to get a spectacular view of Vienna’s cityscape. There is a fully accessible outdoor platform and a glass-panned indoor section which allows you to take in the views in strong winds and bad weather.

The terrace at the top of the tower has two floors, one being a restaurant and the other a café.  Both floors making a full rotation on the axes every 26 minutes. So you can enjoy homemade pastries, strudel, and cakes as well as a range of delicious Viennese coffee specialties and warm Austrian delicacies at a table and take in the views while you relax.

Location: Donauturmstraße 4 1220 Vienna

Opening Hours: 10 am and midnight daily

Price: 14.50€ for adults, 9.50 € for kids with under 6’s being free.   Click here to purchase your tickets online.   You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

10. House of Music

This very modern and interactive museum takes you on a journey through five floors filled with exhibits that educate about music and its history.  There is a staircase that is laid out as a the keys of a piano, an opportunity to try your hand at conducting as well as learning about the lives of great composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. 

I really wanted to go to the House of Music as I’ve heard, it’s one of the great family things to do in Vienna, but we just didn’t have time. 

Location: Seilerstätte 30, 1010, Vienna

Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily

Price: 13€ for adults and 9€ for children (children under 3 are free). This includes admission, coat check and an app guide that you can download to your Smartphone; there is a child’s version too. Click here to book your tickets online.    You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

11. Hundertwasser House Vienna and  Museum

For all the art and architecture lovers, add a visit to Hundertwasser House Vienna to your Vienna sightseeing list!  This unique colourfully decorated building was designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and is a must see for lovers of colourful architecture.  On top of the top of the building is more than 200 trees making it a stunning oasis in the centre of the city.

Whilst you can only view the house from the outside, make sure you also stroll through the Hundertwasser Village which is basically a shopping area which the artist has also created. 

You can also visit the nearby museum where you can learn more about Hundertwasser’s work.

Location: The house is located at Kegelgasse 34-38, whilst the museum is located at Untere Weißgerberstraße 13, just a short walk away.

Opening Hours:   The house is available to see at any time, but the museum is open 10 am and 6 pm daily.

Price: The house is free to view, but the museum is 11€ for adults, 5€ for 10 years old+, up to 10 years old are free. Click here to purchase your tickets online.

12. Spanish Riding School

Kids of all ages will love seeing the horse perform at the Spanish Riding School, one of the most popular Vienna points of interest.  Here you can experience the magnificence of the Spanish Dancing white Lipizzaner stallions and the Spanish Riding School.  This is the only place in the world where classical horsemanship is still practiced.

There are three ways that you can take in this experience.

• During the morning training session you can observe the horses being put through their paces and building the strength they need to perform. Morning exercise takes place between 10am and 12noon, you don’t have to stay for the full 2 hours. Tickets are 16€. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.
• Experience a full (70-90 minute) performance by the horses and riders choreographed to traditional Viennese music. These tickets are limited so it is worth booking in advance to get the day that you want. Tickets are 32€ each. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.
• Take a 55 minute behind the scenes tour of the riding school and see the architectural finery of the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole. Tours start at 1pm, 3pm and 4pm. Tickets are 19€ for adults and 10€ for 6 to 18 year olds. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

Please note that children under three cannot enter the Spanish Riding School.

Location: Imperial palace at Michaelerplatz 1 (Besucherzentrum/Visitor Center), 1010 Vienna.

Price: Varies, see above.

13. Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere is a palace that holds an art gallery. Here you can enjoy the amazing art works while taking in the rooms decorated for royalty, some of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Europe. The upper Belvedre holds a permanent exhibition which includes the largest Klimt collection in the world and the “The Kiss”.

The lower Belvedre is a demonstration of the way in which the affluent lived centuries ago including the Golden Room and the Marble Gallery. Artworks can be seen in the lower Belvedere as well, including the stables where there is a medieval exhibit.

There is also 21er Haus which holds a collection of post war to modern day art works. Connecting the upper and lower are gardens that are equally as exuberant.  

Location: Corner of Prince Eugen-Straße and Landstraßer Gürtel

Opening Hours: 10am but closing times vary

Price: There are a variety of different ticket options depending upon what parts of the palace you wish to explore.  Tickets start at €13 for adults and children are free.  Click here for further information and to purchase tickets online.   You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

14. River Cruise

A cruise down the Danube is a lovely relaxing way to see some of the Vienna tourist spots.  There are a range of different Vienna boat trip options such as:  

• A one-hour cruise for 23€ for adults, 11.50€ for children 10-15 years old and children 9 under are free. There are different starting times throughout the day. Check here for full details and to make a booking.  
• A one-hour cruise with a two course meal costs 29€. The cruise departs daily at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.    Check here for full details and to make a booking.
• A 3.5-hour trip which takes in both the Vienna Danube Canal and the great Danube. The tours are carried out with both the French designed MS Vindobona, which is now one of the sights of Vienna (departure 11:30 and 15:00) and the MS Wien, which has a large outdoor deck (departure 10:30 and 14:00). Both ships are air conditioned. A meal of Wiener schnitzel of pork with parsley potatoes is also included. Tickets are 39€. Check here for full details and to make a booking.

15. Time Travel

If you’re looking for some fun kids’ activities Vienna offers, consider visiting Time Travel.  This attraction is a highly interactive multimedia experience which will take you back in time to explore the history of Vienna. With 5D cinema, animatronic shows, music and special effects, this attraction will keep you and your children entertained for hours.  Here you get to experience various parts of Vienna’s history including life in nobility, a bomb shelter during World War II and the comical ideas of Mozart amongst many others. 

Again we ran out of time so didn’t get to visit Time Travel, but this looks like one of the Vienna places to visit where the whole family can learn about Vienna’s history and have a whole lot of fun at the same time.

Location: Habsburgergasse 10A, 1010 Vienna

Opening Hours: 10am-7pm daily

Price: 16€ for an adult, 13€ for a child 5 – 14 years old. Children under 5 enter for free. Click here to purchase your tickets online. You can also save on entry fee with the Vienna City Card.

16. Christmas in Vienna: Things to do in Vienna in December

If you’re visiting Vienna in December, you’re in for a real treat!  We were in Vienna right up until Christmas Eve and let me tell you Christmas in Vienna is gorgeous!!!  The whole city is covered in lights and you’ll find Christmas trees and Christmas markets on every corner.

Here’s a brief overview of top things to do in Vienna in December:

Christmas Markets

One of the best things to do in Vienna at Christmas time is to spend some time at the various 13 Christmas markets dotted across the city.  The markets are Vienna winter attractions in themselves, as they light up the streets and provide delicious aromas from the delightful traditional Austrian food and drink that are served.  Not to mention the numerous stalls selling gorgeous little handicrafts perfect for souvenirs to take home or for Christmas gifts.

We loved visiting Vienna Christmas World which is in Rathausplatz.  These markets are just magical with the Gothic Revival City Hall in the background and massive ice-skating rink.

We visited a variety of other Christmas markets during our short stay in Vienna, you can’t help but visit them as they are almost every street corner!

We found that all of the markets sold similar trinkets and handicrafts as well as delicious baked goods and of course the mulled wine.

Ice Skating

Vienna with kids in winter means ice skating!!  Even this crazy Aussie family gave it a go!

We went ice skating at the Christmas Markets at Vienna Christmas World which is in Rathausplatz.  There is a massive ice skating rink and trails here, but after Christmas it becomes even bigger, in fact the largest artificial ice skating rink in the world!

Other ice-skating rinks in Vienna can be found at Winer Eislaufverein (between Stadtpark and Konzerthaus) as well as Kunsteisbahn Engelmann.

Purchasing a city pass is often a great way to save money if you intend on visiting a few of the Vienna main attractions.  Some passes even include transportation.

As to which pass is the right choice for you, really depends on which places in Vienna you intend to visit.  I recommend you compare the pass price to the individual Vienna tourist sites prices and make the decision from there.

Here are a few passes worth considering:

Red Vienna City Card

The Red Vienna City Card includes unlimited public transport and one child aged 15 or under travels free per card holder.   The tickets cost 17€ for 24 hours, 25€ for 48 hours, 29€ for 72 hours.  

With the card you all receive discounts to over 210 different activities and transport.   For examples discounts include:

• Horse-Drawn Carriage: Save 15 €
• Time Travel: Save 5 €
• Schönbrunn Zoo: Save 3 €
• Giant Ferris Wheel: Save 1 €

So not massive savings. but given you also receive unlimited public transportation, it’s overall pretty good value.  We had the Vienna City card red pass and found it great.  I mean you will need to work out how much you will use it, but if you intend on using public transport to get around then I think it’s well worth while.   Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

There is also a white Vienna City Card, but I think the red card is where the value is.

Vienna Pass

With this pass you have unlimited access to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses that cover routes to all the major attractions in Vienna. The bonus is that all children under 6 get free access to all inclusive offers with an adult that holds the pass.

This pass gives you free entry to 70 of the top attractions across Vienna. With bonus fast track entry to these attractions:

• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Belvedere (Upper and Lower Belvedere)
• Desert Experience House
• Imperial Treasury
• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) & Neue Burg
• Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation
• Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Technology
• Schönbrunn Zoo
• Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
• Winter Palace

To understand the savings you could get here is a breakdown of the entry fees for an adult to some of the attractions. 

Schonbrunn Palace Grand Tour: 17.50€

Schonbrunn Zoo: 20€

The Giant Ferris Wheel: 12€

The Spanish Riding School: 12€

Hofburg Palace: 13.90€

Hop on Hop off: 39€.

So if you were to were to purchase the 2 day pass at the cost of 89€ you’ve already saved yourself 25.40 €.

The Vienna Pass comes in 1, 2, 3 and 6 consecutive day tickets and start at 59€. You can choose to include a transport card as well which gives you access to all transport networks in Vienna.  And remember you don’t need to purchase one for kids under 6 as they travel free on your pass.  Click here for full details and book your ticket.

Vienna Flexipass for 3, 4 or 5 Top Sights

If you are planning to visit a few select attractions this might be a better option for you. You get to pick either 3, 4 or 5 attractions to visit out of 30 different ones.  The good news is whatever pass you choose it’s valid for 30 days from the first day you use it.

Here are attractions covered and their entry fees:

Schonbrunn Zoo:    20€

Upper Belvedere: 15€

The Danube Tower: 15€

Vienna Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour: 28€

So if you purchased the five attraction pass for 58.50€ and visited the above attractions you would save 31.50€.  Click here for full details of the pass and to book your ticket.

Vienna Tours

If you’re the sort of person that prefers someone to take care of everything for you, and not have to worry about navigating your way around, you may prefer one of these Vienna tours.

1. Vienna City Tour with Guided Tour of the Schönbrunn Palace

Take a 3.5 hour guided bus tour around Vienna with a special skip-the-line entry and tour of Schönbrunn Palace. You will get to admire the many magnificent buildings along the Ringstraße, the Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna State Opera, the Museum of Art History, the Hofburg Palace, the Austrian Parliament, and the Court Theater.

Tickets are 54€ for adults and 19€ for children (2-12 years old). The tour begins near State Opera. Click here for full details and to book your ticket.

2. Vienna Walking Tours

A Vienna walking tour is a great way to get to see the sights and learn a little more about the city.  A guided walking tour is particularly well worth it if you’re trying to see Vienna in a day or two.  Here are a few walking tours to consider:

• 2 Hour Walking Tour : Get your bearing of the city of Vienna on this guided historical walking tour of the streets of Vienna. You will see the Austrian National Library, the church where many Habsburg weddings were held, the Albertina, the Monument Against War and Fascism, the Imperial Crypt, the Providentia Fountain and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The tour leaves most days and costs 17€ for adults and 8€ for children (6-13 years old). Click here for full details and to book your ticket.
• 5 Hour Underground Walking Tour: Take a look under the Viennese streets and hear the 2000 year history of these parts. You will also visit the Baroque crypt of St. Michael’s Church with well-preserved mummies. This underground tour happens at 1.30pm on Wednesdays and costs 19.50€ for adults and 10.50€ for children (6-18 years old). Please note that this tour does not have access for prams and wheel chairs. Click here for full details and to book your ticket.

3. Tram Ring Tour

If you’re wondering what to see in Vienna in one day, take the Tram Ring Tour.  This is a great low-cost option to see the iconic boulevard of Ringstraße with all its historic architecture and parklands. This tram tour is available 365 days a year. The first ride starts at 10:00 AM, and the last ride is at 5:30 PM. This tour starts at the Schwedenplatz in the first district of Vienna, and whilst riding you can receive historic information with an audio guide.

The tickets are 10€ for adults, 5€ for children 3 to 13 years old and those under 2 are free. Click here for full details and to book your ticket.

4. Traditional Dinner and Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller

This show and meal is for the Sound of Music fans out there. You will be treated to a 3 course meal made with regional specialties. The musical performance is some of the best known operettas of Austria including pieces of composers like Johann Strauß, Robert Stolz and Franz Lehar.

The Rathauskeller is located at Ringstraße in the basement (wine cellar) of Vienna City Hall, Rathausplatz 1 / 1010 Vienna. The show is performed Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm between April and October. Tickets are 65€ for adults, 44€ for children 7-12 years old and free for 0-6 years old. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

5. Day Trip to Wachau and Danube

If you have a little more time in Vienna, there are some great Vienna day trips to choose from.  If you are in Vienna on a Saturday or Wednesday and would like to take a trip out of town this picturesque tour of the Wachau Valley is well worth it. The landscape and the villages make for some of the most picturesque scenery you will see. While touring you will see the town of Dürnstein and the ruins of Dürnstein castle on a nearby hill, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk and on the river cruise you can take in the picturesque views of the Danube riverside.

Tickets at 71.29€ for adults, 31€ for children (3-12), 2 and under travel for free.  You can pick a river cruise down the Danube or a 3 course lunch as part of your ticket. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

6. Half Day Tour to Vienna Woods

Take a leisurely half day tour to the picturesque outskirts of Vienna. Your tour guide will give you an account of the history of the various locations that you will visit. The locations include the former hunting lodge at Mayerling, the memorial chapel, the underground aircraft factory the Germans built during World War II and boat trip at Seegrotte Hinterbrühl  one of the most spectacular natural monuments of the world today.

Tickets are 51€ for an adult and 19€ for 3 to 12 year olds. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

7. Day Trip to Hallstatt through the Austrian Alps

This day trip is 12 hours as you go further from Vienna. Travel along a panoramic road through the heart of the Austrian Alps. You will get to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Austria at Admont Abbey and take a guided walk through the village of Hallstatt.

The bus will pickup from hotels in central Vienna. Otherwise meet at the Tourist Information Office, Albertinaplatz 1, A-1010 Vienna at 7.45am. Please note that no hotel drop off is included. This tour is available on Saturdays from November to March and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from April to October.  Tickets are 119€ for adults and 95€ for children aged 1 to 12 years old. Click here for full details and to book your tickets.

Where to Stay in Vienna

In terms of where to stay in Vienna, for first timers (like ourselves) I would recommend staying either in or as close to as possible the city centre.  The city centre (called Innere Stadt) is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by the Ringstrasse.  The entire area is fairly small, but very picturesque with cobblestone streets.

When it comes to hotels in Vienna, staying within the city centre is fairly expensive, so your best bet it to stay somewhere just outside the city centre close to an underground stop so you can easily get around to all the different places of interest in Vienna.   

Accommodation does tend to be a bit pricey in Vienna, even away from the city centre.  However below I have listed 3 different family hotels in Vienna that I recommend based on their ability to adequately accommodate a family of 2 adults and 2 children, having private bathroom facilities as well as being in a central location. 

For cheaper accommodation you will need to move further out from the city and / or consider getting a room with shared bathroom facilities.

Exquisit Wien

• Exquisit Wien is located just a short 10-minute walk from the Museums Quarter which sits just around the city centre. In fact to walk to the centre of the city centre will only take 30 minutes.  However it is also just 140 metres to the Neubaugasse Underground station so you can easily get around to all the top sites in Vienna.    
• Families are best accommodated in the family room which have a double bed and bunk beds. The family room includes a TV, desk, balcony,  and Wi-Fi.
• This is only just newly listed on TripAdvisor so there is no rating as yet, but on Booking.com it’s rated 9.8/10 among families.
• At the time of publishing the best rate was  $172 AUD per night for 2 adults and 2 children (including breakfast) on Booking.com.

Click here to check the prices and / or to make a booking at Exquisit Wien.

Pension Primavera

• Pension Primavera is located just a short 10-minute walk from the Museum Quarter which sits just around the city centre. In fact to walk to the centre of the city centre will only take 30 minutes.  However it is also just 77 metres to the Neubaugasse Underground station so you can easily get around to all best places in Vienna.    
• Families are best accommodated in a budget double room which have a double bed and a sofa bed. The room includes a TV, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, sitting area and Wi-Fi.
• 92% of people on TripAdvisor rate this hotel as above average and it’s rated 9.2/10 on Booking.com.
• At the time of publishing the best rate was  $168 AUD per night for 2 adults and 2 children on Booking.com.

Click here to check the prices and / or to make a booking at Pension Primavera.

Pension Mozart

• Pension Mozart is located just a short 5-minute walk from the Museum Quarter which sits just around the city centre. In fact to walk to the centre of the city centre will only take 20 minutes.  However it is also just 400 metres to the Museumsquartier Underground station so you can easily get around to all the best places to visit in Vienna.
• Families are best accommodated in the standard quadruple room which have a double bed and two single beds. The room includes a TV, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi.
• 38% of people on TripAdvisor rate this hotel as above average and it’s rated 7.1/10 on Booking.com.
• At the time of publishing the best rate was  $170 AUD per night for 2 adults and 2 children on Booking.com.

Click here to check the prices and / or to make a booking at Pension Mozart.

Getting to Vienna

You will most likely arrive in Vienna via train or plane so below I have included information on how to get to the city centre from both the airport and main train station.

Arriving at the Airport

In most cases for a family you are going to find the easiest and most direct way to get from the airport to your accommodation is by an Uber.  Whilst it might cost a fraction more than public transport, of course the advantage with an Uber is you don’t have to worry about lugging around your bags on public transport.  An Uber will cost around €30.

You could also arrange a private transfer, so your transport is waiting for you once you arrive.  A private transfer for up to 4 people will cost €35.    Click here if you wish to book a private transfer.

If you are a small group or traveling solo, there are plenty of public transport options including the City Airport Train (CAT), the OBB Railjet or the Express train S7.  If you have the Vienna City Card, take the OBB Railjet or Express Train as it will be by far the cheapest option.

There is also a bus option, but it takes longer than the train options below and is more expensive so I haven’t included it.

The CAT leaves every 30 minutes (between 6.09 am and 11.39 pm from airport to the city or 5.37 am to 11.07 pm from the city to the airport) and takes just 16 minutes to reach Wien Mitte which is just outside the city centre.  From here you can transfer to other public transport to reach your accommodation.

Tickets are €11 per person with children under 14 free of charge.  A return ticket is €19.  You can also get a discount with the Vienna City Card .  Click here to book your tickets online.

OBB Railjet

These trains leaves every 30 minutes (between 6.33 am and 11.03 pm from airport to the city or 5.42 am to 10.00 pm from the city to the airport) and takes 15 minutes to reach Vienna Main Station, which is 2.5 km outside the city centre.  From here you can transfer to other public transport to reach your accommodation.

Tickets are €4.20 per adult and €2.10 for children, children under 6 are free of charge.

If however you already have the Vienna City Card, it will only cost an extra €1.80 for adults and €0.90 for children, for a ticket which takes you from the Airport to the Vienna city limits

Express Train S7

These trains leaves every 30 minutes (between 5.18 am and 12.18 am from airport to the city or 4.19 am to 11.49 pm from the city to the airport) and takes 25 minutes to reach Wien Mitte which is just outside the city centre.  From here you can transfer to other public transport to reach your accommodation.

If however you already have the Vienna City Card , it will only cost an extra €1.80 for adults and €0.90 for children, for a ticket which takes you from the Airport to the Vienna city limits

Arriving By Train

The main station in Vienna is Vienna Hauptbahnhof, where most trains will stop.  This station is a few kilometres out of the city centre, so you will need to get transport from her to your accommodation.  If you have the Vienna City Card you can use this to take local transport to your hotel. 

We arrived in Vienna via train, as we had Eurail Global Passes.  Learn more about the different Eurail options here .  However if you are just travelling within Austria, an Austrian Rail pass may be the best option.

Click here to read our guide in whether Eurail passes are worthwhile or not.

Getting Around Vienna

Many of the top tourist attractions in Vienna are clustered together in the city centre so you can easily walk between a few at a time.  However if you do want to rest your legs from time to time, the public transport is really easy to use.  Simply download the OBB App and you can use this to plan any of your journeys.

As mentioned before, having the Vienna City Card is an ideal way of getting around the city as not only do you get unlimited use of public transport and free transportation for kids but you also get massive discounts into some of the best attractions in Vienna too.

Another option is to use the Hop On Hop Off bus, which not only will take you around to all the major attractions but also provide some commentary too.   We had a 2 day pass for the Vienna Sightseeing hop on hop off bus which we found good fun.  We rode the hop on hop off bus on our first day in Vienna as a way to get our bearings around the city.

The Vienna Sightseeing hop on hop off bus route has actually 5 different routes to choose from, each taking you to a different part of Vienna.  There are 50 different stops, at all the major Vienna attractions.  Also whilst on board you get commentary on the various attractions as well.  Just grab some headphones as you board the bus, plug them in at your seat and tune in your language.  They even have a kids audio guide too.  Click here for more information about the Vienna sightseeing hop on hop off buses .

Vienna – Our Verdict

We only had such a short time in Vienna so we barely got to see much at all.  However what we did see we really enjoyed.  

Vienna is a stunning city, which some fantastic buildings and museums to explore.  It’s very easy to get around whether on foot or via public transport.  However accommodation is a little pricey.

Overall we really enjoyed our time in Vienna and hope to come back for a longer period some day soon.

Thanks to the Vienna Tourism for providing us with a Vienna City Pass and for Vienna Sightseeing Hop on Hop Bus for hosting us.  However always, all opinions expressed in this post remain my own.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make any bookings using the links I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.  This helps me provide this helpful information to you at no charge.

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The best family-friendly activities in Vienna

Sometimes overlooked in favor of Paris or London, the central European city of Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Not only is it gorgeous, but Austria's capital city is packed with museums, palaces and one-of-a-kind attractions. In the summer, families can spend plenty of time outside in the city's parks, playgrounds and gardens, while in the winter it turns into a snowy wonderland.

Getting to Vienna with points and miles is doable and there are plenty of family-friendly hotels in the city, some at surprisingly affordable award rates. Once you've booked those, it's time to start planning the fun part, what you'll do when you're there. Experiencing Vienna with children is about experiencing arts and culture in a fun way. Here are some ideas:

Affordable family fun in Vienna

Sometimes finding a bargain in Vienna can seem difficult, but there are actually several free and inexpensive attractions and activities that kids and adults will enjoy.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Spending

Climb the St. Stephen's Cathedral Tower

The city's most famous church, featuring a unique tiled roof, is worth exploring. The St. Stephen's Cathedral South Tower, affectionately called "Steffl" by the locals, is one of the city's main landmarks. Visitors can climb its 343 steps up to the "Türmerstube" for panoramic city views. Tickets for the south tower for adults cost €5, teens age 15–18 are €3, children 6–14 are €2 and children under 6 are free.

See movies outside in summer and Christmas markets in winter

Outdoor cinema is a popular pastime in Vienna, with nearly 10 different locations around the city hosting open-air cinemas throughout the summer. From the Belvedere Palace gardens to Vienna's City Hall Square, there's something for everyone — and most of the screenings are free. Wintertime brings the city's glittering Christmas markets, which, if you can somehow avoid buying anything, are technically free. There are also lots of fun ornaments, bakery items and small gifts for purchase starting at just a few euro. During the winter markets, you'll also find affordable rides and ice skating.

Visit the world's oldest amusement park

The world's oldest amusement park is actually the Prater in Vienna and not the more well-known Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. While it's not the best amusement park we've been to, it's still got an interesting history and makes for a great way to pass an afternoon with kids. Admission to the park is free -- you just pay for the rides you want to go on. Most run between €1.50 and €5, but the giant Ferris wheel costs €12 for adults, €5 for kids 3 to 14, and free for kids under 3. The Vienna Chocolate Museum is just across the street, for you to either indulge or avoid.

Go for a swim

Vienna has several public swimming areas and beaches along the Danube, but the favorite of locals and visitors alike is the famous Strandbad Gänsehäufel . On the Alte Danube (Old Danube, a quaint part of the Danube River stuck in time), this riverside park has ideal swimming conditions and a range of recreational activities like beach volleyball, a climbing park, a soccer field and boat rentals. There are also snack stands to buy things like schnitzel and fries. Entry costs €5.50 for adults, €1.80 for children over 6, and is free for children under 6. In the winter there's ice skating!

Climb around pristine playgrounds

Vienna is an extremely clean city and its gorgeous parks and playgrounds are spotless. That's not to say that kids can't clamber around and play in the sandbox — but even the sandboxes are somehow clean. One of the most easily accessible playgrounds for tourists is behind the impressive baroque Karlskirche church, which is definitely worth seeing. With the glittering dome as a backdrop, there are two playgrounds filled with wooden structures for climbing and exploring: one for older kids and one for toddlers. A favorite structure is a wooden pirate ship.

Educational fun in Vienna

Vienna's history is epic, and the number of museums there is staggering. Here are some of our favorite ways to sneak in some learning.

See a palace

The spectacular 300-year-old Schönbrunn Palace actually has a children's museum inside of it. Experience Schönbrunn Palace shows visitors what life was like hundreds of years ago. In 12 rooms of the former Habsburg residence, kids can see walls painted with fantasy landscapes, speak fan language (a sort of "secret" code using hand fans) and learn about the art of makeup at the court. The best part: Kids can try on Baroque dresses and wigs (get the camera ready).

Also on the palace grounds is the famous Schönbrunn maze, a separate labyrinth with puzzles and games, as well as a playground. There are various tours of the palace available at prices starting from €16 for adults and €11.50 for kids 6 to 18 (kids under 6 are free). Admission to the children's museum is €9.50 for adults and €7.50 for kids (children under 3 are free) and entry to the maze is €6 for adults and €3.50 for kids 6 to 18 (kids under 6 are free). There are also various combination tickets available, including a family pass, which starts at €52 for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Visit the world's oldest zoo

At 250 years old, the Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest in the world. It holds 700 animal species, including pandas, koalas, orangutans and Siberian tigers. There are various feedings scheduled throughout the day. Take the palace train to get around if you start to get tired. Tickets cost €20 for adults and €10 for children over 6 (under 6 are free). Entry to the Desert and Palm houses is not included.

Teach your children about art

Vienna is filled with incredible art museums and they can be daunting, especially with kids. Thankfully, one of the best, the Belvedere , has a children's studio where kids can engage with art and draw, paint, experiment, dance and act. In one of our favorite family museum programs, kids can pick up a museum detective kit (20 pages packed with puzzles and games) for free at the Upper Belvedere's ticket desk and set off on their own journey of discovery through the Belvedere's masterpieces. Tickets start at €8 for adults and are free children up to age 18.

One of our favorite museums in Vienna is kid-friendly without even trying. Kunst Haus Wien is a brightly colored, fantastically shaped museum devoted to eccentric Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Filled with the artist's imaginative paintings and architectural models (some of which became a reality, including the building the museum is housed in), the museum excites those young and old. Be sure to get a snack in the otherworldly garden café. Tickets start at €11 for adults and €5 for children 10 to 19. Children under 10 are free.

Other museums

With so many museums, it can be hard to choose which ones are worthwhile. Aside from all the art museums, we also love the Museum of Natural History , the House of Music , the ZOOM Children's Museum , the Remise Transport Museum , the Museum of Illusions and the Museum of Technology .

Splurges in Vienna

Vienna is not always an affordable city, and there are definitely several pricey activities. These ones are actually worth the indulgence.

See a horse ballet

The world famous Spanish Riding School puts on daily performances with their gorgeous white stallions, known as Lipizzans, in the massive and grand Baroque arena at the Hofburg Palace, often performing to equally grand music. Tickets start at €27 for the nosebleed section and go up (steeply) from there. Another option is to watch the morning exercise for just €15, €7.50 for kids 6 - 12, 3 - 6 are free and children younger than 3 are not admitted. You cannot purchase morning exercise tickets in advance.

Time Travel Vienna

Time Travel Vienna lets visitors feel and experience Vienna's eventful history through 5D cinema, animatronic wax figures, rides and multimedia. Going back to the days of the Roman camp Vindobona, the Hapsburgs, Mozart and World War II, the experience shows Vienna's history in a creative and fun way. Tickets start at €19.50 for adults and €15.50 for children 5 to 14. Children under 5 are free.

Restaurants kids will love

Thankfully, most kids like schnitzel, the unofficial national dish of Austria that's found all over the place in Vienna along with the ubiquitous hot dog and sausage stands.

There are also incredible pastries to be had -- and make sure to drag your kids to at least one grand Viennese coffee house.

Café Central

If you only go to one coffeehouse, make it this one. Café Central in Palais Ferstel has been wowing visitors since 1876 with its high ceilings, magnificent inner courtyard, excellent patisserie and pleasant piano music. Order some kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancake strips) or hot chocolate for the kids so you can sip your coffee in peace.

Skopik & Lohn

Offering a mix of Viennese and French cuisine, trendy Skopik & Lohn has a large outdoor patio where the people-watching is top-notch and kids can be a little louder than they normally would at a restaurant of this caliber. Order them the extremely thin wiener (veal) schnitzel while adults try more exotic fare like mille feuille with smoked eel and duck breasts with thyme jus and rhubarb.

Kolariks Luftburg and Kinderwelt

Classic Austro-Hungarian dishes like goulash, schnitzel, sausages and stelze (grilled pork knuckle) populate the Kolariks menu, alongside salads, pizzas and pastas. There's also a solid beer list and some self-serve taps for the grown-ups to explore while the kids visit the adjacent children's play area complete with bouncy castles, slides and jungle gyms.

Vienna's most well-known market, Naschmarkt , has 120 stalls and restaurants selling everything from produce to sausages to cheese to wine. Neni is a funky Israeli restaurant, while Trattoria Pulcinella sells pizza.

Demel or Sacher

These dueling pastry shops both lay claim to the famous sachertorte; visit both and decide for yourself which one is better. Demel dates back to 1786, while Café Sacher 's red dining room is as grand as it gets.

Bottom Line

Vienna is ripe for discovery by visitors young and old alike. It's impossible not to find something to love in the city, whether its art, history, food or all of the above.

Here are some more travel tips for visiting Vienna:

• Planning a Family Trip to Vienna
• 5 Tips for Visiting Vienna's Famous Christmas Markets
• 4 Things to Love About Vienna
• Old World Luxe: A Review of the Park Hyatt Vienna
• Flight Review: Austrian Airlines (767-300) Business Class, From Vienna to JFK

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

3 Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna Itinerary

Last updated: December 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 46 Comments

We think that three days in Vienna is the perfect amount of time for a visit. Three days will let you see the majority of the main sights in this beautiful city that you’re interested in, plus add in a few of the less well-known attractions, without being too rushed.

In this post, we’re going to share with you our idea of the perfect itinerary for three days in Vienna. As well as covering all the key attractions we think you’ll enjoy visiting, we’re also going to share some practical tips and advice for your visit, including tips on where to stay, where to eat, tips for getting around Vienna, and how to save money on sightseeing.

If you do have less time in Vienna, check out our itinerary for two days in Vienna . But now, let’s take a look at how to spend 3 days in Vienna.

3 Days in Vienna

Day 1 in vienna, mozarthaus vienna.

Vienna is very much associated with Mozart, one of the most well known composers of Classical music. Vienna was his home for many years during his prolific career, and he lived at a number of properties during his time in the city. Only one of these homes survives today – the Mozarthaus , which you’ll find in Vienna’s Old Town on Domgasse. Which is our suggested first stop on day one of our three day Vienna itinerary.

Mozart lived at this property for three years between 1784 and 1787, and it has been open to the public since 1941. In 2004 it was totally redesigned, and now the whole building is a centre dedicated to the life of the composer.

You don’t have to be a Mozart fan to enjoy a visit to this building – it’s a good insight into life in general in Vienna in the late 18th century. Naturally it’s also filled with information about Mozart and his life, so even if you don’t know much when you arrive – you’ll certainly know a lot when you leave!

The Mozarthaus is open daily from 10am – 7pm, and there’s an admission fee. You can see the official website for more details.

Entrance is included for holders of the Vienna Pass and the Go City Vienna Pass .

You can also buy individual tickets online in advance here .

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Mozarthaus is the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral , the seat of the Catholic church in Vienna. This is found right in the centre of the old town. and is hard to miss!

As you approach you will instantly notice the roof, which is decorated with glazed and painted tiles in an ornate design. There are also two large towers – the massive south tower, which stands at 136m tall, and the smaller north tower which is 68 metres tall. Both of these towers are open to the public, and can be climbed for a fee. As expected, the higher south tower offers the best views over the city.

Naturally, you can also go inside the cathedral, which is of a largely Romanesque / Gothic design, and predominantly dates from the Middle Ages. The three nave design with it’s huge columns is definitely an impressive sight and you can visit for free. You can also visit the Treasury.

This does require a small fee (included with the Vienna Pass), but you get to see more stuff and it offers good views of the main church interior from a first floor viewing area. The fee also means it’s a lot less busy, so you can enjoy the building without feeling too hemmed in.

Vienna State Opera House Tour

Vienna has a world famous state opera house which dates from 1869 and has played host to some of the world’s most famous singers and conductors.

If you are particularly interested in the Opera, then a night here watching a performance is likely to be an experience you will never forget. You can check performance times and buy tickets for shows at various venues in Vienna here .

However, you can also visit the opera house without seeing a performance, by taking a guided tour.

These last around forty minutes, and you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of the building, see all the main highlights, and even get a behind the scenes look at how an opera house is run.

Tours run a number of times during the day – see the official website for information and pricing.

Wien Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Vienna, we suggest heading to the Vienna Museum, or Wien Museum.

This is spread out over a number of buildings across the city, but we recommend you visit the main building on Karlsplatz .

Spread across three floors, this building houses an excellent spread of artistic and historical exhibits that will give you an excellent overview of the history of Vienna, as well as some of its more notable artists and other residents over the ages.

On display you’ll find everything from neolithic finds through to Roman archaeological discoveries through to displays from the present day.

There are also notable artworks from Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele on display, as well as two incredible models of the city, one of which shows what Vienna would have looked like in the mid-19th century.

Even if you aren’t usually a “museum” person, we think you will enjoy the Wien Museum, and if you only visit one museum in the city, this should be it.

Karlskirche

Right next to the Wien Museum is the beautifully ornate Karlskirche, or St. Charles Church.

This is an 18th century Baroque style church with two impressive spiral columns on the exterior. It was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, largely to celebrate the end of the plague in the city, and is dedicated to St. Charles, known as a plague healer.

It’s a striking building with the central dome and two spires, and the lake in front of it offers a lovely reflection as well.

Of course, you can also go inside, where one of the highlights are the spectacular frescoes that adorn the interior of the dome.

You can also take a panoramic elevator for a closer view of the frescoes. There’s an admission fee for the church, and you can see that and the opening times at the official website.

We’re going to round off our first day of sight-seeing in Vienna with a visit to one of Vienna’s most famous markets – the Naschmarkt . This is just a short walk from Karlskirche.

The Naschmarkt runs for almost a mile along Wienzelle, and is Vienna’s largest market by far. It’s also got some pedigree, having existed here since the 16th century – although back then if you came here you’d largely only be able to buy milk.

Today there is a lot more on offer than milk. You’ll find fruit and vegetables from the around the world, exotic spices, olives, cheeses, meat, seafood – almost anything you can imagine in fact. There are also many restaurants and food stalls serving everything from sushi to Viennese specialities. A fine way to end your first day exploring Vienna, we think you’ll agree!

Day 2 in Vienna

Spanish riding school.

One of Vienna’s most famous attractions is the Spanish Riding School, home of the Lipizzan horses. These horses and their riders regularly perform shows in the winter riding school arena, a purpose built building which dates from 1729. The shoes focus on classical dressage, and are rightly world famous.

However, you don’t have to book tickets for a show to see these beautiful horses in action. On a number of mornings through the week, the riders and the horses do training exercises in the arena, and you can watch these training exercises for a moderate fee.

It’s worth noting that these are training exercises rather than a whole show, so don’t go expecting to see an elaborate co-ordinated spectacle. If that’s what you’re after, you should attend an actual performance. Also note that photography is not permitted during the training.

If you are interested in the behind the scenes operation of the Spanish Riding School, you can also take a guided tour. We were lucky enough to be taken on a private guided tour, and very much enjoyed getting to meet the horses and learn about their lives.

Just be aware that for the horses’ health, you aren’t allowed to actually touch the horses (although as you can see from the photo, the horses did try and have a nibble on my hair in case it was actually hay!).

For information on times and prices, see the official website of the Spanish Riding School .

Entry to the morning exercise is included on the Vienna Pass and the Go City Vienna Pass . You can also book tickets online here .

I’m now going to suggest a number of museums and art galleries that you might be interested in visiting.

Visiting all three of these might be a challenge if you also want to do the activities at the end of the day, but I wanted to include them all so you can decide which sounds best to you.

You could also add them in to the first day of the itinerary if you have time. It all depends on your own pacing.

The first museum you should consider adding to your Vienna itinerary is the Albertina . This is an art museum, found in the Hofburg Palace complex, which is home to one of the largest print rooms in the world.

With over a million items in the collection, you are assured to see something you like, with art from world renowned artists from Monet to Cezanne to Picasso on display. It’s also home to the Hofburg Palace staterooms, which included as part of your entry fee.

The Albertina is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. There’s an admission fee – you can see more at the official website here . Entry is included on the Vienna Pass.

Natural History Museum

If you prefer your museums to contain fossils, dinosaurs and other items of a natural history theme, then you should head to Vienna’s Natural History Museum .

This is housed in a spectacular building (Vienna has a lot of spectacular buildings), which was purpose built and opened in 1889 as a museum to house the Habsburg collection. Today, the museum collection contains over 30 milion items, collected over 250 years, and makes for an impressive visit.

The Natural History Museum will definitely be for anyone who loves to learn about the history of the earth, and there’s everything here from dinosaur skeletons to exhibits on the history of the solar system. You could easily spend a whole day just exploring this museum if you wanted to.

The Natural History Museum is open Thursday – Monday from 9am – 6.30pm, and Wednesday from 9am – 9pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and for public holidays. You can see full opening hours and ticket prices on the official website here . It’s also included on the Vienna Pass.

Note that directly opposite the Natural History Museum is the Kunsthistoriche Museum . This is built in the same style and is a museum to the arts. So you might opt to visit this instead of (or as well as!) the Natural History Museum.

Sigmund Freud Museum

With Jess’s background as a psychologist, naturally, we had to visit the Sigmund Freud museum in Vienna – and this might be something you are interested in as well.

The museum is housed in the former apartment and office of Freud himself, and has been open to the public since 1971. It’s not a huge space, but it does contain a number of items related to Freud including some of his clothes and part of his antiques collection.

The museum also has information related to the history of psychoanalysis and its influence on art and society. However, it does not contain much original furniture, as most of this was taken to London by Freud when he moved there, and is now in the Freud Museum in London.

There is a small fee to visit the museum, and do be aware that there can be a wait at busy times as it is not a large space and it is a popular spot to visit. You can see opening times and prices at the official website .

Included on the Vienna Pass and Go City Vienna Pass.

City River Cruise

We always enjoy taking a river cruise if it’s an option in a city, and Vienna of course has the Danube. A river cruise is a relaxing way to see a few sights whilst taking the load off your feet (and perhaps enjoying a refreshing beverage?), and there are a number of operators who run cruises in Vienna.

We took the tour with City Cruises Vienna on the MS Blue Danube, which was conveniently included on our Vienna Pass .

This was a fun and comfortable experience, and we saw parts of the city, including a lot of street art, that we hadn’t seen before. Cruises run throughout the year, but the schedule varies depending on time of year.

If you don’t opt for the Vienna Pass, you can book a cruise online in advance here .

Danube Tower

If you’re looking for a good view in Vienna, look no further than the Danube Tower . This tower, originally built to host the 1964 Viennese Horticultural show, is the tallest structure in Austria.

From the viewing platforms, which are 450ft above ground level, you get an excellent view of the entire city and much of the surrounding area.

As well as the viewing area (accessed by high speed elevator) there are also two revolving restaurants in the tower, which would make for a good spot for your evening meal. This would also be a great place to watch the sunset at the end of your second day exploring Vienna!

The Danube Tower is open from 10am – midnight every day, and there’s a fee for visiting. You can find out more on the official site here .

It’s included on the Vienna Pass, or you can buy tickets online in advance here .

Day 3 in Vienna

Schönbrunn palace.

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace , home of the Habsburg empire.

This is a large complex with a lot to see and do, so we suggest you allocate at least half a day, if not more, to your visit.

You’ll also want to arrive as early as you can, as the queues here can become long as the day progresses.

On arrival, you’ll want to join those queues and book your time slot for the palace tour, as well as get tickets for whichever of the other attractions you want to visit. We’d highly recommend access to the gardens, which are massive.

Once you have your tickets and tour time set up, you can plan what to do for the rest of your visit.

There is so much to do at Schönbrunn, including a big zoo (the oldest in the Western world!), the Imperial Carriage Museum, and the Orangery. A visit to the Gloriette, a huge structure which crowns a hill here, offers great views of the palace.

We’d also highly recommend taking the time to visit the Apple Strudel show, where you can learn all about traditional apple strudel making techniques – plus eat a slice yourself.

Schönbrunn Palace is open every day, including public holidays. Closing times vary depending on the time of year, but it opens every morning at 8am, when tickets and display rooms are opened. You can see opening times and prices here .

Schönbrunn Palace is also included on the Vienna Pass , and we highly recommend the pass if you are planning on visiting the palace, which is relatively expensive due to all the various attractions on site.

If you don’t want to buy a pass, we recommend buying a ticket in advance to skip the lines, which you can do from the official site here .

Another option is to take a guided walking tour of the palace, such as this well reviewed one . This will also skip the lines, as well as give you lots of information and historical context about the palace.

To be honest, if you have the time and inclination, you could easily spend all day at Schönbrunn Palace, and we wouldn’t blame you if you choose to do just that. On a warm sunny day it’s definitely one of the nicest places to be in the city.

If you’d rather do a bit more sightseeing though on your third day in Vienna, here are a couple more options for you to consider.

Belvedere Museum

If you have time, we very much recommend a visit to the UNESCO world heritage listed Belvedere Museum .

This actually consists of two buildings, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. which were constructed  in the early 18th century as the summer residence for Prince Eugene, a military commander and statesman of the Holy Roman Empire.

The two palaces are separated by sloped landscaped gardens which contain a number of water features and sculptures, and are considered some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

Within the museum are a number of artworks, including the largest collection of Klimt paintings in the world, as well as works from Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Cezanne. The Upper Belvedere also affords an excellent view of the city.

The Upper Belvedere is open daily from 9am – 6pm (9pm on Fridays), and the Lower Belvedere is open daily from 10am – 6pm (9pm on Fridays). Each palace has an individual entry fee, and you can see full details of fees and opening times here .

Both are also included on the Vienna Pass, or you can buy your tickets online in advance here .

Time Travel Vienna

If you are travelling in Vienna as a family, or you prefer to learn about history in a more interactive way, then you might enjoy a visit to Time Travel Vienna .

This is a fun tour through 2,000 years of Viennese history, told through the medium of costumed guides, animatronic shows and a “5D” cinema experience, as well as various special effects and music.

The tour lasts around an hour, and is available in a number of languages. Definitely a fun way to learn about Vienna!

Time Travel Vienna is open daily from 10am – 8pm, with the last tour starting at 7pm. There’s a fee for entry, and you can check times and prices here , and book tickets in advance here . It’s also included on the Go City Vienna Pass.

Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

Last on our list of what to do in Vienna for three days, before we move on to some practicalities for your visit, is a visit to Prater Park.

This is an old traditional amusement park, a couple of metro stops from the old town centre, which is home to Vienna’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheel .

Originally built in 1897, this was the world’s largest ferris wheel for decades, right up until 1985 in fact. It was seriously damaged in World War 2, and today’s version is the rebuilt model from after the war.

If you’re visiting with a partner and  feeling romantic, you can even hire out your own cabin on the Giant Ferris Wheel and have a romantic meal . Group cabin reservations are also possible, perhaps if you are celebrating a special event.

Otherwise, you can just do what we did, and take the standard tour which lasts around twenty minutes, and offers lovely views of the city.

Prater Park itself is also a lot of fun, especially for families. There are rides, an arcade, a Madame Tussauds and a number of places where you can get food. One thing to be aware of though is that it attractions aren’t open that late all year round, so check opening times on the official website before you go to avoid disappointment.

For the wheel, there is a fee to ride it, and it’s also included on the Vienna Pass. You can also purchase tickets in advance here .

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Map

To help you with your planning, we’ve put together a map of all the attractions in our three day Vienna itinerary. You can see this below, and access the original on Google Maps here .

3 Day Vienna Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: Mozarthaus Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera House, Wien Museum, Karlskirche, Naschmarkt
• Day 2: Spanish Riding School, Albertina, Museum of Natural History, Sigmund Freud Museum, City River Cruise, Danube Tower
• Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace, Unteres Belvedere, Time Travel Vienna, Prater Park and Ferris Wheel

Where (and what) to Eat in Vienna

Vienna has a wide range of excellent restaurants and cafes to choose from, at a variety of price points. There are also plenty of bars of course. Local food specialities in Vienna include Wiener Schnitzel (a breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and of course, Apfelstrudel, or Apple Strudel.

Many of the restaurants throughout Vienna will serve the classics, with prices ranging from 13 – 18 euros for a main course in our experience. We enjoyed particularly good food at Zwolf Apostkeller  and Glacis Beisl , both of which serve high quality traditional Viennese food at reasonable prices.

Where to Stay in Vienna for 3 Days

As we often do when visiting a city like Vienna, we opted for an apartment . This was right in the city centre, and meant that we had room to work, cook meals and do our laundry.

Of course, there are plenty more options in Vienna, with everything from hostels through to mid-range hotels and of course, luxury five star hotels available. Here are some recommended options to consider:

• wombat’s CITY Hostels Vienna – Found in Naschmarkt, near the large city market, and close to the museum quarter, this is a highly rated hostel that offers both dormitory and private rooms at a great price. For hostels, also consider CH-Hostel .
• CH-Budget Centre Rooms – at the budget end of the spectrum, this is a well located guesthouse offering free wifi, private bathrooms and TV’s, with a good value breakfast also available.
• Motel One Wien-Staatsoper – just 100 yards from the Vienna State opera, this three star property is fantastic value. Air conditioned rooms are all en-suite, and WiFi is available throughout.
• Hotel Am Parkring – A highly rated and great value four star property that offers stunning views over the city from its high floor location
• Hotel König von Ungarn – Vienna’s oldest hotel, this four star property is well reviewed and rooms come with free wifi and air conditioning
• Hotel Imperial – a great value yet impressive 5 star luxury hotel in the heart of the city, with a range of rooms that include luxury amenities, marble bathrooms, and at the higher end, a butler service
• Grand Hotel Wien – a highly rated and centrally located 5 star historic property which offers 5 restaurants, luxurious rooms, spa and business centre. A fantastic choice at the high end

We recommend you checkout the Vienna listings on Booking.com if you prefer a hotel stay, we find they usually come back with the widest choice and best deals, plus once you book a few times you get access to Genius discounts, which can save you even more.

For more tips and ideas on how to get the best deals on accommodation (and more!), check out our comprehensive travel resources page .

How to Save Money on your Vienna Trip

As a European capital. Vienna is not exactly a budget destination, although there are ways that you can save money on your trip.

Nearly all the attractions on this list carry an entry fee, which ranges from a few euros up to thirty euros per person. So the cost of sightseeing can very quickly add up.

Thankfully there’s a solution, which is the excellent Vienna Pass . We’re big fans of using city passes like this to save money, and think that the Vienna Pass is one of the best value city pass cards available.

To give you an idea of the savings, if you visited all the attractions on the itinerary above, you’d be looking at over 250 euros in attraction entry fees per person.

With the Vienna Pass, all of the attractions above are included, with the exception of the Karlskirche, Wien Museum, Time Travel Vienna and the Vienna State Opera Tour. It also includes a great many other attractions not listed above, which means you can see even more should you want to.

And a three day Vienna Pass normally only costs 153 euros (as of April 2023). As you can see, this is a considerable saving.

Of course, you’ll want to check your own savings against the attractions you want to visit, and you can see many of the attractions covered by the Vienna Pass here . We definitely think you’ll find it saves you money, and the included Hop on Hop off bus is a real bonus as well for helping you get around the city.

Also check out the Go Vienna pass from Go City. They offer both a customisable pass for Vienna as well as an all-inclusive pass.

The inclusions are slightly different to the Vienna Pass, so depending on what you plan to see one of these options might work out better .

Finally, if you don’t think you’ll use the Vienna Pass enough to get value out of it, you might instead consider the Vienna City Card . This includes free transport around the city, as well as discounts at the major attractions and museums.

Where to see Live Music in Vienna?

A popular question that we are asked from visitors to Vienna is where to attend a classical music concert in the city.

There are many venues throughout the city which offer live music, from the opera house through to performances in churches, many of which will be classical music concerts.

Popular performances include:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche
• Mozart and Strauss at Kursalon Vienna
• Classical Concerts at Schönbrunn Palace
• Classical Concerts in St. Anne’s Church
• Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church

For more options, visit this page on the official website for Vienna, which has event listings for every type of musical event, and in particular, classic music lovers will want to check out the Classical Music listings .

You can also purchase tickets for live music in Vienna on this website .

How to Get Around Vienna

Vienna is a very walkable city for the most part, and the majority of this itinerary can be done on foot. There are a few locations that are a little further out of the old town centre, like Schönbrunn Palace, the Danube Tower and Prater Park, for which you might need to take public transport or a taxi.

Vienna has an excellent public transport system that includes a metro, buses, and trams. We invested in a three day travel card for our time in Vienna, which gave us free access to all the public transport options in the city.

To be honest though, we didn’t use it enough to really justify the cost – we found ourselves walking between most of the sights, or taking Vienna’s hop on hop off bus.

As discussed above, if you pick up a Vienna Pass , this includes a Hop on Hop off bus pass good for the duration of the pass, which is excellent value.

There are multiple routes around the city, including to all the major sights in this itinerary (including Schönbrunn Palace), and it’s a fun way to do a bit of sight-seeing whilst resting your legs as well.

If you don’t pick up a Vienna Pass or a travel card, instead consider the Vienna City Card . This includes free transport around the city, as well as discounts at the major attractions and museums.

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Vienna

We hope this post gives you nearly all the information you need to plan out your three days in Vienna.

However, we have some additional resources that we think you might find useful for planning your trip. Do check back from time to time and bookmark this page, as we’re always updating and adding new content to our sites to help you make the most of your travels!

• Our guide to spending 2 days in Vienna , if you are visiting for a shorter trip.
• We also have a number of other detailed itineraries , which cover cities, countries and road trips around the world.
• Visiting Vienna in summer? Take a look at our tips for visiting Europe in summer to make the most of your time
• Looking for a guidebook? We used the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Vienna , and found it very informative
• Planning to stay in an apartment? Check out our guide to over 20 websites that allow you to book apartments online to make sure you get the best deal

And that sums up our post on how to spend three days in Vienna! As always, we hope you found it useful, and that you have a wonderful trip! If you’ve got any questions or thoughts on how to spend three days in Vienna, let us know about them in the comments below!

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Marianna says

13th September 2023 at 9:42 pm

Hello there ! currently planning an (almost) 3-day city break to Vienna with my partner and stumbled upon your post.. it’s really very helpful, especially when (like us) , you don’t have enough spare time to plan trips ahead! thank you 😃 About Vienna pass, does it provide skip-the-line/fast-track access to the sights it includes? And would you need to book a slot separately to visit each sight, or you can just drop by, show your Vienna pass and get into the sight?

Laurence Norah says

14th September 2023 at 6:11 pm

Hi Marianna!

Thanks very much 🙂 So the Vienna Pass currently (September 2023) includes skip the line access to the following attractions:

Belvedere 21 – Museum of Contemporary Art Albertina Belvedere (Upper and Lower Belvedere) Desert Experience House Gloriette, Maze, Privy Garten, Orangery Garden and Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Hofmobiliendepot · Imperial Furniture Collection Imperial Palaces Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden Imperial Treasury Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (Museum of Art History) Leopold Museum mumok (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation) Museum of Natural History Museum of Technology Schönbrunn Zoo Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel State Hall of the Austrian National Library

As far as I know you don’t need to pre-book with the Vienna Pass, you should just be able to turn up 🙂

Have a great time in Vienna and let me know if you have any more questions! Also, if you have any feedback about this guide after you have visited feel free to let me know 🙂

1st September 2023 at 8:20 am

I will be in Vienna on a business trip for 3 days. The hotel is in the center (Stephansplatz), I will use the metro twice a day. What card will be profitable to buy or single tickets. There will be no time to visit museums.

3rd September 2023 at 7:54 pm

Honestly, only using the metro twice a day I think buying single tickets will make more sense. A single ticket is currently €2.4, so two rides will be €4.8. A 24 hour metro card is €8. So unless you will be riding more, single tickets will make more sense.

Have a great time in Vienna!

Rachna says

20th July 2023 at 5:33 am

Love the itinerary. We are going from August 7- Aug 10. Do you think we can cover eveything in this. We also have a concert that we pan to see in one of the days. if u had to suggest 2 museums which one would you suggest n what will u leave .

24th July 2023 at 9:00 am

Thanks! Yes, you should be able to see everything on the itinerary. The Wien Museum is still mostly closed other than some temporary exhibits. In terms of which museums to visit, it really depends on what you are interested in seeing. If you prefer natural history (dinosaurs etc), then obviously the Natural History Museum would be a pick. But there are museums covering art, psychology, etc. So it really depends on what you want to see and what interests you 🙂

Enjoy Vienna!

Lea Tufford says

4th July 2023 at 9:55 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

Thank you for this wonderful information. My family and I are leaving for Vienna this Friday. We are visiting a few other places in Europe. Do you have any blogs on other cities?

5th July 2023 at 10:10 am

We certainly do! It will depend on where you are going but we have content on a number of European cities and destinations, including Rome, London, Paris and Barcelona. You can see all the areas where we have content on our destinations pages:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/europe/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

5th July 2023 at 1:40 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for this. I see you have information on Munich and Berlin, which we are also visiting so I will check out those cities. Do you have any information on Salzburg and Prague? Those are the other two cities on our trip.

Kind regards, Lea

6th July 2023 at 11:44 am

I don’t unfortunately, I have visited both those cities but it was a very long time ago so my information is not up to date. I do hope you have a lovely trip though!

6th July 2023 at 2:09 pm

Thank you Laurence,

Belle Wong says

19th May 2023 at 9:35 am

Thanks for the Info. For the Spanish Riding schools, to visit with the Vienna Pass, do you need to pre-book ? Can you go any time or need to go at specific timing ?

20th May 2023 at 2:24 pm

So with the Vienna Pass you can only visit the training which takes place in the morning. It should be between 10am and 11am, with the entry time is 15 minutes before that. You don’t need to pre-book as far as I know. Hopefully this answers your question!

Have a great time in Vienna and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

30th August 2022 at 8:02 am

Thanks for this wonderful info

30th August 2022 at 11:16 am

My pleasure Anu, have a great time in Vienna!

John Wong says

11th July 2022 at 10:35 pm

Hello, Can you explain how to book the MS Blue Danube 75 min Boat Cruise ahead of time, with the Vienna Pass? E.g. Do I buy the Vienna Pass now, then the pass will give me some coupon code, and then I can use the code to book the Boat Cruise?

12th July 2022 at 11:23 am

As far as I know the Vienna Pass doesn’t currently allow for advance bookings in this way. Other city passes do allow this for sites with reservations, such as the Paris Pass for reservations to places like the Louvre, but this isn’t currently supported. What we did was we just went to the ticket office with our pass and booked our tour in person.

30th October 2021 at 7:55 pm

Thanks for all the good suggestions, but did I miss something? What about the Kunsthistorisches Museum?

31st October 2021 at 10:35 am

Thanks very much for your comment! So I also like the Kunsthistoriche Museum, which I included in my 2 day Vienna itinerary . I didn’t want to overfill this itinerary, but you are right in that it does warrant an inclusion. So I’ve made a note about it in the Natural History museum section.

26th February 2020 at 8:33 am

Thank you for this! One of the best blog posts about a city I’ve honesty ever read. You’ve given me plenty of ideas for our upcoming trip!!

26th February 2020 at 10:42 am

Thanks very much Anna – that’s appreciated! Have a great time in Vienna, and do let me know if you have any questions!

stuart rosen says

30th October 2019 at 9:09 am

Very informative

Looking to go in May is this a good time ? Also Saltzburg day trip can it be done in one day have limited time?

30th October 2019 at 11:00 am

Thanks very much. May would be a great time, the weather is likely to be fairly warm but it won’t be as crowded as the summer months. It’s one of our favourite months to travel in Europe.

It would be possible to visit Salzburg from Vienna as a day trip, although be aware it’s around a 2.5 hour train ride each way, so you will want to get an early morning train to make the most of your time in Salzburg.

Have a great trip!

David Lynn says

16th September 2019 at 7:17 am

Just read your blog and took some good notes. I will be in Vienna for just three days; 5 Oct – 7 Oct. 2019. Your blog was very helpful. Thank you very much! David

16th September 2019 at 8:23 am

Our pleasure David – have a great trip to Vienna 🙂

Mohini says

7th June 2019 at 5:14 am

Thank you for sharing such valuable information Lawrence Norah. We are travelling to Wien today and will be there for 4 days. Your blog has been of great help!!

7th June 2019 at 8:35 pm

My pleasure, have a great trip Mohini!

Jennifer Kates Ramlo says

27th May 2019 at 4:55 pm

Just read your blog regarding things to visit in Vienna. Thank you for the wealth of information! We will be there in a few weeks and I now have a better idea as to how to spend my time. I’ll be sure to look for other posts regarding some of the other cities we will be visiting. Thanks again.

27th May 2019 at 6:40 pm

Our pleasure Jennifer. Do let us know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

26th May 2019 at 9:26 am

Very happy to stumble across your blog. Heading to Vienna on Jun 8th for 3 full days and will definitely use your travel tips to plan our itinerary. Thank you

26th May 2019 at 10:52 am

Our pleasure Helen! Have a great trip 😀

3rd March 2019 at 4:13 am

We will be going to Vienna end of March, thank for the helpful tip. If you don’t mind, can you tell us which apt you stayed at as we are looking for one with Airbnb Much appreciated

3rd March 2019 at 9:27 am

I don’t mind at all. To be honest though, we rarely share our AirBnB apartments as we find that many hosts don’t stay on the platform for more than a few years, and so our recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our apartment was this one , however you’ll notice they are not currently taking reservations until July 🙁

1st March 2019 at 5:46 pm

Will be following this itinerary on our upcoming trip this weekend!

Thank you for sharing this…. looking forward to all that Vienna has to offer

2nd March 2019 at 8:00 am

Have a fantastic time Eddy, and do pop back to let us know how it went!

Vandana says

20th September 2018 at 6:14 am

We will be visiting Vienna on 4th October for 3 days this article is a big help .Laurence and Norah.We will follow it as it is .Thanks for sharing.

21st September 2018 at 2:21 pm

Thanks Vandana! Have a great trip, and let us know how it goes!

franklin says

31st August 2018 at 3:16 am

just found out your blog about Vienna in 3 Days. Enjoyed reading it very much. will be visiting Vienna in Mid-March 2019.

31st August 2018 at 10:27 am

Have a great trip Franklin 🙂

Kristall Spaces says

20th August 2018 at 3:12 pm

Fantastic article, thanks for sharing this 🙂

I have been to Vienna loads of times and loved every single visit.

The city is rich with culture and incredible architecture.

Other notable places in Austria I would visit are Salzburg, Berwang and Otztal.

George Tod says

27th May 2018 at 10:15 pm

Hi. We went to Wien last September and now plan a trip to Salzburg this September. Do you have anything recommendations on Salzburg accomodation, where to stay/ things to do and trips tp Halstadd

28th May 2018 at 2:08 pm

Hi George – unfortunately not, we’ve not travelling in Salzburg and we only share information from personal experiences. Have a good trip though!

Valdenio says

21st May 2018 at 5:28 am

Going to. Vienna for our 25th anniversary, Thanks for your itinerary and tips

21st May 2018 at 1:31 pm

My pleasure – happy anniversary and have a wonderful trip!

HiCinko says

17th April 2018 at 1:08 pm

Vienna seems to be quite an iconic place to visit.

18th April 2018 at 6:20 am

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Vienna Friendly History for Family with Kids Guided Walking Tour

Make history fun on a family walking tour of Vienna. Explore the Old Town, visit the Imperial Treasury and discover Austrian history, legends and fairytales. Extended options: tickets to the House of Music and horse carriage ride!

• Explore the highlights of Vienna with a 5-Star Family Guide
• Make history fun and immerse yourself in amazing stories, legends and fairytales
• Discover royal treasures in the Imperial Treasury with skip-the-line tickets
• Play with the interactive exhibits in the House of Music with skip-the-line tickets (3 and 4-hour options only)
• Enjoy an unforgettable horse carriage ride around the Old Town (4-hour option only)

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• 2 - 4 hours
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Hear the legend of the Basilisk in the Well and other interesting legends of Vienna on a family tour of the Old Town. Explore the historic center with a Private Guide to discover fun things to do in Vienna for families with children. Feel the magic of this beautiful city!

Choose the 2-hour option to see the best of Vienna and visit the Imperial Treasury in Hofburg Palace. On this walking tour you will discover some of the most beautiful and important palaces, churches and monuments of Vienna while playing games and learning about the city. Your Private Guide will entertain you with fun stories and activities for children to inspire them to solve the mysteries of the Habsburg empire.

The main highlight of this family tour will be a visit inside the Imperial Treasury where the most precious imperial artifacts, crown jewels, and historical militaries are kept. From expensive diamond necklaces to medieval swords, every kid will find something interesting here. With skip-the-line tickets you will avoid standing in long lines at the ticket office, so you will have more time to explore the Old Town with your Private Guide.

Choose the 3-hour option to see the best of Vienna and visit the Imperial Treasury and the House of Music. Skip-the-line tickets to both attractions are included to save time. The House of Music is a one of a kind sound and music museum with modern and interactive exhibits that allow you to learn through play. Your children can put their musical talent to a test by playing the Virtual Conductor, see various musical instruments, and learn about great musicians such as Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven!

Choose the 4-hour option to enrich your family adventure in Vienna with a horse–drawn carriage ride! On this extended tour, you can fully explore the Old Town on foot and in a traditional horse-drawn carriage that will make your children feel like they are in a real fairy tale. This is your chance to see the highlights and hidden gems of Vienna, from the Town Hall to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy a medieval-style adventure and visit the House of Music and Imperial Treasury.

• Family Tour of Vienna with the Imperial Treasury, House of Music and Horse-drawn Carriage Ride (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
• 5-Star Private Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
• Skip-the-line tickets to Imperial Treasury (all options)
• Skip-the-line tickets to House of Music (3 and 4-hour options only)
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• Horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old Town (in 2 and 3-hour options)

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• Skip-the-line tickets allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you may have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.

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The guide made a remarkable job with kids, they were listening all the time and in Imperial Treasury were very curious about all objects like big swords or armor.

Kinder hatten wirklich viel Spaß. Und ich bin froh, dass unser Führer eine so gute Einstellung zu Kindern hatte.

House of Music turned out to be perfect attraction for kids! Because of fun, but also of education. Great combination!

Kids happy, so the parents too! :) Thanks!

Good that I found it, we enjoyed a lot ;)

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Things to Do in Vienna with Kids: Your Travel Guide to Exploring Austria's Capital City

Hosted by a Context Expert, discover the charms of Vienna

Vienna is a place of wonder – not just for adults but kids too. The enchanting blend of old and new, the elegant buildings and architecture around every turn, it’s a gorgeous place full of history and intrigue. If you’re thinking about visiting the City of Dreams, there are a wealth of great activities, kid-friendly tours and guides, and family-friendly attractions in Vienna.

Let’s explore the possibilities for young travelers in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Vienna's Family-Friendly Attractions

Part of Vienna’s magic comes from its rich cultural history. Some of the most famous composers and artists came from Vienna, and it’s no wonder when you see how inspiring and captivating the city can be. Your kids can experience that inspiration firsthand by visiting some of Vienna’s renowned cultural and historical institutions.

Key Vienna Museums and Exhibits

No matter your family’s interests (or ages), there are great museums and exhibits for kids in Vienna.

Vienna Natural History Museum

Dinosaur bones, life-size dinosaur models, fossils, and so much more – what more could kids ask for? The museum is the perfect place to explore and learn. Some of the most famous exhibits at the Vienna Natural History Museum include the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistoric figurine dating back to around 28,000 BC, and the meteorite collection, which contains specimens from Mars and the Moon. The museum also has an extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a Diplodocus and a Stegosaurus. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Vienna Natural History Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on various natural history topics.

Haus der Musik

If the thought of bringing busy kids into a museum makes you slightly nervous – take a trip to the Haus der Musik where music and noise are encouraged. Dedicated to the art and science of music, this museum features interactive exhibits, sound experiments, and so much more.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Virtual Conductor, where your kids can conduct their own symphony. Many exhibits were designed with kids in mind, so they can make noise to their heart’s content.

This is not just a trip to any zoo, but to the world’s oldest zoo. The Vienna Zoo has more than 700 species of animals, including giraffes, tigers, koalas, and everything else kids can’t wait to see. The giant pandas are often considered the star of the show, as very few zoos are lucky enough to have these amazing animals.

You can also take kids on the Schönbrunn Panorama Train , which takes nine stops including the Gloriette. This easily accessible activity is excellent for small children and people with wheelchairs.

Outdoor Activities for Kids in Vienna

There’s nothing like fresh air to refresh and recharge on a big vacation. Check out these fantastic and unique spots to get outside with the kids.

Prater Amusement Park

The Prater Amusement Park is home to a variety of rides and attractions. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, dating back to the late 19th century.

The park includes a mix of modern rides and traditional attractions. Some of the most popular rides at the Prater Amusement Park include the Wiener Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city, and the Praterturm, a tower that drops riders from a height of 117 meters. In addition to its thrilling rides, the park also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a large green space where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Vienna City Beach

What kid wouldn’t love a day at the beach? Even though Vienna is landlocked, you can still enjoy a day on the sand. This unique urban beach on the banks of the Danube River offers visitors a relaxing place to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy various recreational activities.

The beach features sand volleyball courts, a beach bar, and a variety of lounging areas where visitors can soak up the sun. There is also a swimming pool with a sandy beach area perfect for families with children. In addition to its recreational offerings, Vienna City Beach hosts events throughout the summer, including concerts, movie screenings, and sports tournaments.

Donauinsel Recreational Area

One of the most popular outdoor activities for families is the Donauinsel Recreational Area, a long, narrow island in the middle of the Danube River. The Donauinsel offers visitors a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, swimming, and boating. There are numerous walking and cycling paths that run the length of the island and several beaches where visitors can swim and sunbathe.

The island also features a variety of sports facilities, including soccer fields, basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas.

Historic Landmarks

Many experts say traveling is the best form of education for kids – so take some time to visit historic landmarks suitable for children in Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace

Your kids will not forget a trip to the opulent Schönbrunn Palace . This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors built in the 18th century.

The palace also features beautiful gardens, considered some of the finest in the world. The lush gardens feature a variety of architectural landmarks, including the Gloriette, a beautiful structure that offers panoramic views of the city. Our Schönbrunn Palace tour is perfect for families and children since our small-group tours are customized to that day’s guide and group.

Hofburg Palace

Continue your exploration of the Hapsburg family’s power with a trip to Hofburg Palace , a historic palace in Vienna's center. It was the primary residence of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the center of the Habsburg Empire for over 600 years. The palace features a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque, and contains over 2,600 rooms.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a historic complex of two Baroque palaces in Vienna, Austria. The palaces were built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a famous military commander.

The palaces are surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, and offer visitors stunning views of the city. The Upper Belvedere Palace is home to one of the world's largest collections of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Some of the most famous works in the collection include Klimt's "The Kiss" and "Judith."

Tips for Touring Vienna with Kids

Visiting Vienna with kids doesn’t have to feel intimidating – it’s a beautiful, family-friendly city with so much to offer travelers of all ages. Here are some insider tips and tricks to help you create a memorable and fun-filled trip.

• Prioritize attractions – don’t try to see everything in one day. Depending on your kids’ ages, pick one or two things to do in a day and build in time for some rest and playtime.
• Time your tours – although nap times can be unpredictable (or nonexistent) on vacation, consider nap timing when booking tours. Also, try to take tours or visit landmarks outside peak hours to avoid crowds.
• Take kid-friendly tours – tours are a fantastic way to keep younger travelers engaged and entertained. Check out family-friendly guided tours in Vienna and book some tours that interest your family.
• Book accommodations with kids in mind – Vienna has many options for family-friendly accommodations. Whether you prefer a hotel's amenities or a vacation rental's privacy, you can find options for every budget.

Kid-Friendly Food and Drink Options

Finding food kids will eat can be a concern when traveling, but there is plenty of Austrian cuisine for kids. One of Austria’s most famous dishes, wiener schnitzel, is a thin, breaded, pan-fried chicken or veal cutlet and is an easy option for kids.

Dig into some delicious kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake, usually served alongside a fruit compote or jam for dipping. Spätzle is also a good choice for kids; it’s an egg noodle, similar to Italian pasta, often served with cheese or meat. When all else fails, it’s not hard to find a delicious pretzel!

We didn’t forget dessert – here are some of the best places to find Vienna’s famous pastries. Vienna is known for some of its delectable sweet treats, like apfelstrudel (a sweet and flaky pastry filled with thinly sliced apples, raisins, and cinnamon), linzer tortes (a buttery shortbread crust filled with raspberry jam and topped with a lattice crust of almond pastry), and more.

Stop by some of these spots (and explore others!) to try some of Vienna’s best pastries:

• Café Leopold Hawelka – a legendary café in Vienna's old town that has been serving traditional pastries since 1945. It is known for its Buchteln, a type of sweet yeast bun filled with jam.
• Demel – This traditional bakery and pastry shop has been serving up confectionaries since 1786, and it is located on Kohlmarkt, one of Vienna's most famous shopping streets. It is known for its beautiful displays of cakes, pastries, and chocolates.
• Café Central – this historic café in the heart of Vienna is famous for its Viennese coffee and delicious pastries, including the classic Sacher Torte.

You can also consider taking our Vienna Food Tour , as sometimes a guided tour will inspire kids to branch out and be more adventurous with new cuisines.

Safety Tips for Touring Vienna with Kids

Vienna is a big and bustling city, so talking to kids about public transportation safety and other precautions is important. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Stay at least five steps away from curbs when walking.
• Stick close to family when using public transportation.
• Always look both ways when exiting public transportation.

With so much technology available today, you can leverage tech tools to keep your kids safe.

• Put an Airtag or other tracking device on your kids when going to crowded, busy areas.
• If your kids have a cell phone, make sure they have a translator app in case they get lost and need to communicate with someone.
• Important phone numbers
• Where you’re staying
• Other relevant/important information

Talk to your kids about stranger danger precautions, including:

• Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of who is around you.
• Keep your wallet and phone in a secure place, and be cautious of pickpockets and theft in crowded areas.
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers (like kids' names or where you’re staying), especially if they seem suspicious or ask too many questions.
• If a situation or person feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

You hope you won’t have to deal with an emergency while traveling, but it’s better to be prepared. Here are some tips for handling emergencies while traveling with kids:

• Pack a first-aid kit – bring a first-aid kit with essentials such as bandages, antiseptic, and medications for common ailments.
• Have important documents on hand – keep important documents, such as medical insurance cards and emergency contact information, on hand in case of an emergency.
• Know where to go for medical help – research hospitals or clinics in the area you are visiting ahead of time.
• Keep snacks and water on hand – make sure to have snacks and water readily available for your kids in case of a medical emergency or delay.
• Have a plan for lost kids – discuss a plan with your kids in case they become lost or separated from you, such as staying in one spot or finding a security guard.
• Use technology – consider using technology such as GPS trackers or emergency apps to keep track of your kids and be prepared for emergencies.
• Translate key phrases before you go – if you have allergies or other medical conditions, translate key questions or words so you can be prepared when you arrive.

Plan a Visit to Vienna with Kids

From stunning museums to relaxing outdoor recreation areas, traveling to Vienna with kids is not just possible – it’s incredible. By planning out your itinerary, booking some Context  guided tours , and designing a trip with your family’s interests in mind, you can give your kids the experience of a lifetime.

You Might Also Like:

• Day Trips from Vienna
• Things to do in Vienna with Kids
• How to tour the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
• How to Tour Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace

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ViennaDayTours.com

Vienna, a city renowned for its elegance and cultural heritage, beckons visitors with an array of captivating day tours that promise a glimpse into its rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm.

A popular visitor activity is to take a walking tour . Explore the heart of historic Vienna, where cobblestone streets lead to iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, standing as a testament to Vienna’s medieval past, and the grandeur of Hofburg Palace, once the epicenter of the Habsburg Empire. Amidst the meandering streets, visitors are treated to tales of Vienna’s luminaries and pivotal moments, painting a vivid picture of its evolution.

Featured Vienna Day Tour

Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift

Discover Hallstatt from Vienna: Marvel at peaks, lakes, villages, and alpine beauty. Enjoy town views from the Skywalk.

The allure of Vienna’s imperial legacy comes alive in the “ Schönbrunn Palace Tour ,” an enchanting journey into opulence. This UNESCO World Heritage Site opens its doors to reveal opulent chambers, elaborate gardens, and stories of emperors and empresses. The Baroque gardens, adorned with sculpted fountains and the Gloriette vantage point, offer a breathtaking panorama of the palace and the city beyond.

For those seeking a change of scenery, a “Danube River Cruise” offers a serene escape. Gliding along the Danube, passengers are treated to a unique perspective of Vienna’s modern skyline, with glimpses of the Danube Tower gracing the horizon. The gentle waters narrate a story of the city’s symbiotic relationship with this majestic river.

Venturing beyond the city limits, the Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift is an extremely popular day trip. Embark on a captivating day trip to Hallstatt and the surrounding Alpine peaks, where breathtaking landscapes and the charming lakeside village of Hallstatt await. Elevate your experience with the Skywalk lift, providing a bird’s-eye view of the majestic mountains, crystalline lakes, and the timeless beauty of the Austrian Alps.

Similarly, the “Vienna Woods and Mayerling Tour” offers a tranquil retreat into nature’s embrace. The journey leads to Mayerling, where the Mayerling Memorial Chapel tells the poignant tale of the Habsburg family. Amidst the lush Vienna Woods, tranquility prevails, creating a soothing contrast to the city’s vibrancy.

Wine aficionados are enticed by the allure of the “Wachau Valley Wine Tour,” an expedition through rolling vineyards and charming villages. This fertile valley is home to wineries that produce exquisite wines, complemented by visits to historic landmarks like Melk Abbey. The tour presents a fusion of nature’s bounty and cultural heritage.

Culinary enthusiasts are not left behind, as “ Vienna Food Tours ” deliver a rewarding gastronomic journey. Embracing traditional Viennese cafes and bustling markets, these tours showcase the city’s culinary prowess. From the iconic schnitzel to delectable pastries and renowned coffee specialties, these tours celebrate Vienna’s culinary traditions.

In the realm of Vienna day tours, the options are as diverse as the city itself. Each tour, a portal into a facet of Vienna’s essence, invites visitors to engage with history, culture, and indulgence, all within the span of a day. So, whether wandering cobbled streets or savoring local flavors, these tours unfurl Vienna’s stories in a captivating symphony of experiences.

Book an Amazing Vienna Day Tour Today!

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Vienna: a guide to the 'world's most liveable city' and why you need to visit

Grand hotels, vineyards and museums galore - Austria's capital city has it all

In our true spirit of bringing you the places you might not have visited but really should, we took a trip to the overlooked Central European destination to show you why Vienna is an incredible city everyone should explore.

Known for its UNESCO-protected coffee house culture and art museums displaying the works of Klimt and Schiele, Vienna is far too often overlooked, too. However, after spending a few days here, we were sold. With its elegant architecture, exciting food scene and beautiful hotels, the Austrian capital easily became one of our favourite cities.

A cool new hotel arrival, vineyards that thrive within the city and the fantastically walkable streets (we clocked up a whopping 27,000 steps a day) are just a few of the factors that make Vienna a city you should discover this year.

Whether you're here during a Danube river cruise (try our exclusive sailing with a special appearance from Lucy Worsley ) or an extended break, here's what you should do on a trip to Vienna...

While away the hours browsing world-class art

Vienna has more than 100 museums, making it virtually impossible to fit them all into one short break. If you simply can't visit without seeing one of the world's most iconic works of art, The Kiss , by Viennese painter Gustav Klimt, you'll need a ticket to the Upper Belvedere , which has 24 of his paintings.

We opted for the Leopold Museum in MuseumsQuartier, which houses another of Klimt's most famous paintings, Death and Life . The Leopold also affords the world’s most comprehensive Egon Schiele collection. After exploring the collections inside the museum, it's worth taking the lift up to the rooftop of the Leopold for a free experience that many visitors miss. The MQ Terrace provides panoramic views of the city and allows you to take in the MuseumsQuartier from above. You'll find a kiosk to buy refreshments, or you can simply take your time viewing Vienna from above.

Sip superb local wines at a scenic heuriger

To experience Vienna like the Viennese, you must visit a heuriger , or wine tavern, where you can sample local wines produced mostly by family-run businesses. There are 1,680 acres of urban vineyards and the crisp whites - Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Chardonnay - are often served alongside slices of bread and spreads.

The tradition, which dates back to the 16th century, can be combined with hikes around the city, particularly City Hiking Trail 5 , dotted with oak woods, vineyards and old cellar lanes. We spent a Sunday afternoon at Hans und Fritz , above pretty Grinzing in Vienna's 19th district, where we sipped on refreshing Riesling and selected from the menu designed by celebrated (and three-Michelin-starred) chef Juan Amor. An unmissable way to spend a warm, sunny afternoon or evening in Vienna, Hans und Fritz's wooden tables are placed among the vineyards for a captivating setting with far-reaching views over the city.

Find independent boutiques with a shopping expert

It can be tricky knowing the best places to shop in a new city, especially when you don't have days to dedicate to the 'sport'. One of the top ways to get the most out of your Viennese shopping experience (and practice Austrian efficiency) is by enlisting the help of a personal shopper. One worth knowing about is Shopping With Lucie , a fun and fabulous service that allows you to get to know the city's shopping scene and new corners of Vienna from a local.

Lucie, a half-Austrian New Yorker who has lived in Vienna for 20 years, offers a tailored shopping tour, so whether you've got three hours to pick up specific souvenirs, or you're on the hunt for high-quality leather bags, she's got you covered. Perhaps you have an entire day to browse luxury women's fashion, or you'd like your shopping trip dedicated to a particular craft, like knitted goods or silverware.

During our tour, we visited some wonderful independent boutiques we wouldn't have discovered so quickly if we were shopping independently. Lucie introduced us to SAGAN , the makers of beautifully crafted leather bags, some produced from grape leather, and a collection featuring stunning totes with an outside pocket to carry your book (genius).

A tour with Lucie is also an opportunity to discover some of the charming areas within the districts, or Grätzel, as they are known locally. Often characterised by their unique architecture and atmosphere, these neighbourhoods are the beating heart of Vienna. Spittelberg (where you will find SAGAN), for example, is loved for its romantic courtyards and cobbled streets, while Servitenviertel, over in the ninth district, has a Parisian vibe, cafes and a 19th-century Baroque church, where antique stalls pop up outside on Sundays.

For Austrian brands and boutiques, Mühlbauer is the place for contemporary hats, while quality knitwear and capes can be found at Schauraum . Meanwhile, Petz dates back to 1862 and is one of the few Austrian horn comb makers that still exist. A stop at Jarosinski & Vaugoin is a fascinating experience: here we had a peek inside the workshop of one of the last silversmiths in the world.

Take a break in a historic coffee house

A tradition so significant it's protected by UNESCO, Vienna's coffee house culture cannot be missed. Many of the city's atmospheric cafes offer a step back in time and invite you to leave behind your digital devices (in fact, laptops are frowned upon in the cafes) as you sip on caffeine and relax with a newspaper, often found hanging on wooden sticks - a perfect way to embrace the nostalgia.

Coffees, Viennese dishes and, most importantly, sweets and pastries, are served in the coffee houses, so you can spend hours soaking up the ambiance. A few we'd recommend visiting are Café Schwarzenberg on Ringstrasse (the Sachertorte with cream is a must-try); Cafe Ritter on Mariahilfer Street, another of Vienna's oldest coffee houses, with polished wood, chandeliers and delicious hot chocolate; as well as Cafe Korb, with its mid-century interior and much-loved apple strudel.

Discover the booming restaurant scene

It might not be as renowned as Bologna , Paris and San Sebastian for a foodie break , but Vienna packs a serious punch when it comes to its culinary scene. Not only is it home to the 22nd ' best restaurant in the world ,' Steirereck, but Austria's capital has a host of Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Amador, Apron and Konstantin Filippou.

At Konstantin Filippou, which opens during the day for a two-Michelin-starred 'Business Lunch,' as well as dinner, you can take a journey through Greece and Austria via the Filippou's impressive seafood menu. Expect the likes of crayfish, red prawn, mussels and mackerel innovateively presented. To start, fresh bread is served with extra virgin olive oil from Filippou's Mama Konstantina range, and dishes like the Langostino and Norwegian scallop are delicately placed on custom tableware.

Discerning dining aside, every visitor to Vienna needs to experience its famous Wiener Schnitzel. The thin slice of breaded veal is usually served with a tangy potato salad and occasionally a side of cranberry sauce. Zum Schwarzen Kameel is a legendary place for Wiener Schnitzel and a place to be seen in the upscale first district.

If you're here in spring, be sure to start with the white asparagus, an Austrian delicacy considered by some to be as fine as caviar. Palatschinken (rolled pancake filled with brandy-infused apricot jam) is the traditional dessert to end your meal, and the bellinis at Zum Schwarzen Kameel are likely to make you stick around for after-dinner drinks.

Just behind the MuseumsQuartier, Glacis Beisl also serves delicious Wiener Schnitzel and when the weather is warm, the garden is a delightful place to dine under vines. The pretty restaurant attracts locals, families and visitors looking for a stylish place to stop for lunch.

Vegetarians in Vienna won't miss out, either. Modern restaurant and cookery school Wrenkh is a well-known spot for plant-based dining and offers a twist on classics, such as the king oyster mushroom schnitzel.

And for a drink with a view, you must head for Das Loft at SO/ Vienna , whether you're visiting in the afternoon or after dark. The sleek rooftop bar has a mesmerising panoramic view over the city, which you can enjoy while sipping creative cocktails.

Check in to new hotels and classic favourites

Vienna is hot right now and East London brand The Hoxton arriving on the hotel scene in 2024 is further proof that now is the time to go. Located close to leafy Stadtpark, the stylish hotel is an affordable, modern alternative to Vienna's more established five-star addresses.

Its rooftop bar, Cayo Coco, is a Cuban-inspired spot for small plates and cocktails from a height, while New York-European-style bistro Bouvier serves up dishes like moules frites, steak and ratatouille. For trips during the warmer months, there is a rooftop swimming pool to cool off, too.

Travellers who wish to stay in a Viennese icon can check in to the Hotel Imperial , a marble-clad grand dame on the Ringstrasse. The palatial hotel provides an unrivalled base to experience the romance, opulence and royal history of Vienna.

Built in 1863 by the Prince of Württemberg for his wife, the Archduchess Marie Therese, the Imperial later hosted famous guests, from Queen Elizabeth II to Charlie Chaplin. Everything here is sumptuous, from the moment the doormen guide you to reception, to the Friday evening jazz in the lounge bar. One of the most impressive rooms in the house is the Maisonette Suite, a two-storey suite with a balcony, marble bathroom with Byredo products and Frette bathrobes, as well as a writing desk and sitting area.

Inspired to visit Vienna? Get a taste of the city on Good Housekeeping's exclusive river cruise along the Danube , where you will visit Vienna's famous Spanish Riding School with TV's Lucy Worsley and explore Bratislava, Budapest and the Wachau Valley.

FIND OUT MORE

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KAYAKING VIENNA

The original & best guided Vienna kayak tour on the Old Danube

Vienna tours redefined

Ever wondered if you can go kayaking in Vienna on the famous blue Danube? We've developed Vienna's only guided kayak tour around the grand river's cleanest, calmest and most peaceful side arms & lakes. Along the way, learn about what makes Vienna such a globally important city, take in some of its most important contemporary architecture and hidden gems, and explore its undiscovered recreational heart. Not only is this a truly unique Vienna boat tour, but if you've been looking for things to do in Vienna with family, then THIS IS IT! Our Vienna kayak tour is popular with couples, solo travelers and larger groups alike, so come join us out on the water, away from the tourist crowds, and out in nature.

Open Water Lifeguard/Guide

Your guide is trained by the RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society - UK) as a certified open water lifeguard, so you can rest assured you're in safe hands on the water. We also provide you with a specialist kayaking life jacket, a 10 liter dry bag to keep your things dry, and a waterproof phone case. You can also keep anything you don't need on the water at our place by the lake.

Perfect for families

Vienna has loads of museums, art galleries and churches but these can get boring pretty quickly for younger (and older!) visitors. We have a range of single & double kayaks on offer, so no matter the level of experience or ability within your family, we'll ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time with us out on the water.

Group & family discounts

On all of our small-group tours we offer an automatic 15% discount on bookings of 4+ adults, and if you're in Vienna with kids we offer children's rates too. Book with us direct to always get the best price, and, in case your plans need to change at last minute, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity is due to start.

VIENNA KAYAKING: NEED TO KNOWS

Unlike other Vienna tours, barefoot or flip flops are best during the tour, or any other footwear that you don’t mind getting a little wet.

We have a storage room where you can keep your things safe while we’re out on the water.

Although we strive to offer family friendly tours in Vienna, we do have a minimum age of 6 years old, and, of course, we have children’s life jackets.

All participants on the Vienna kayak tour must be able to swim. Life jackets (PFDs) are available. You don’t have to be a great swimmer, just don’t sink immediately in case you fall in. If this comes as bad news, then maybe stick to hiking and check out our wine tour instead, and also our FAQ for more info.

Our Vienna boat tours by kayak are ideal for lovers of slow and Eco-friendly travel , so if that’s also important to you then you’re in the right place, as we were awarded the title of Austria’s Eco-Friendly Tour Company 2024 by the Travel & Hospitality Awards!

KAYAKING VIENNA: PRICING CHART & HIGHLIGHTS

Check out our different prices & deals depending on your requirements and circumstances. As the leading provider of Vienna tours for families, we offer reduced children's rates (aged 6-15), so whether you're in Austria with teens or younger kids, kayaking with us is possible for the whole family. Please note that unless our younger guests are experienced solo paddlers, each should be accompanied by a responsible adult in a double kayak.

• Live tour commentary from your certified open-water lifeguard & native English speaking guide
• Single or double kayaks available, PFD/life vest, 10 litre dry bag, and waterproof phone cases all included
• Sightseeing at various lakeside spots around the Old Danube, on Vienna's first & only guided kayak tour
• Meet other international travellers & get insider tips on things to do in Vienna
• Group discounts are applied directly on our booking calendar & checkout
• For large group bookings of more than 8 people, please get in touch via email to discuss the pricing options
• Live tour commentary from your dedicated lifeguard/guide & sightseeing around the Old Danube + tips on things to do in Vienna
• Single or double kayaks available, PFD/lifevest & dry storage equipment
• Private kayaking tours available with either morning or afternoon start times (€459 or €399 respectively)
• 2.5 hour private tour of the Old Danube taken entirely at your group's pace
• Single or double kayaks available, PFD/life vest, dry storage equipment, waterproof phone cases & live tour commentary
• Engaging & intelligent lifeguard/guide, with included photo service of your group activity

VIENNA KAYAK TOUR ITINERARY

Kayaking vienna: booking calendars.

Choose a day to get off the usual tourist path and use either our small-group or private booking calendars below. Get in touch via our contact page if you're looking for a private tour outside of our published availability, or if it's for a larger group.

VIENNA KAYAK TOUR DIRECTIONS

Tour meeting point for all of our kayaking Vienna tours is the western entrance to the 'Kaisermuhlen-VIC' u-bahn station. From the city center take the U1 red line and exit the train to the right. The correct entrance is the one with the 'Tabak' and 'Snack stop' directly opposite. If you are arriving by uber then please tell your driver to head to the 'Platz der Vereinten Nationen' and you will then see the u-bahn station entrance on arrival.

Check out some of our other tours...

Vienna Woods Wine Tour

Discover Austria's gorgeous Thermal Region

Wachau Valley Kayak & Wine Tour

Kayaking the Danube's UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley

Semmering Railway Hike

Hiking the Vienna Alps via the world's oldest mountain railway

10 Family-Friendly Activities in Vienna During Winter

Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by gregor

Embark on a winter wonderland adventure in Vienna with my guide to the top 10 family-friendly activities that guarantee magical moments Bundle up for the ultimate Vienna experience as we explore the city’s enchanting winter offerings From the captivating Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour to the adrenaline pumping Giant Ferris Wheel Ride theres something for every family member In this blog I’ll share firsthand experiences and valuable insights as a passionate travel blogger Get ready for a ride through Viennas rich history indulgent chocolate workshops skip the line access and unforgettable performances Lets make your winter getaway an extraordinary blend of fun and learning.

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Best Family-Friendly Activities in Vienna

A winter wonderland of imagination and education.

Vienna Winter Canvas is not just about frosty air and snowflakes it is a journey through time and enchantment Begin your expedition with the Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour an immersive experience that brings the city tales to life Through the lens of history and engages your family in a captivating narrative that blends education with sheer wonder.

Ferris Wheel Delights and Panoramic Views

Elevate your Vienna experience with a thrilling spin on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel This is not just any ride it is a Skipthecashierdeskline adventure that ensures more time enjoying breathtaking views and less time waiting The cityscape transforms into a winter wonderland creating memories that linger long after the ride concludes.

Equine Elegance at the Spanish Riding School

For a touch of elegance witness the Performance Of The Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School The grace of these magnificent creatures set against the backdrop of Vienna architectural splendor paints a tableau of sheer beauty it is not just a show it is a dance that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on young and old hearts alike.

Chocolate Alchemy and Family Fun

Indulge your senses in a unique experience at the Chocolate Workshop in the Chocolate Museum w Tasting Unleash your creativity as a family and craft delectable treats It is more than a workshop it is a symphony of flavors that celebrates togetherness and the sweet side of Vienna.

Unveiling Secrets with Guided Tours

Delve deeper into Vienna attractions with guided tours Explore the Spanish Riding School’s inner workings with a Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour Uncover the illusions at the Museum of Illusions and discover the diverse wonders of Schönbrunn Zoo all with skip-the-line privileges.

Madame Tussauds Where Wax Meets Reality

For a dose of celebrity encounters secure your Madame Tussauds Admission Ticket Pose with lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars it’s an interactive experience that sparks laughter and amazement.

EcoFriendly Exploration on Electric Buses

Take a sustainable spin through Vienna with an Electric Bus Tour Explore the city’s nooks and crannies while reducing your environmental impact It is a chance to see Vienna through a different lens one that prioritizes both exploration and conservation.

A Grand Finale of Artistry and Harmony

Conclude your Vienna journey with the grandeur of a Spanish Riding School and Vienna Philharmonic Show Witness the harmonious blend of equestrian artistry and musical brilliance in a performance that transcends ordinary entertainment. I assure you that these recommendations are not just activities they are gateways to a Vienna winter filled with imagination education, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

As we bid adieu to this enchanting journey through Vienna winter offerings I trust these recommendations have woven a tapestry of joy and wonder for your family From the magical echoes of the Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour to the panoramic thrills of the Giant Ferris Wheel Ride each experience was carefully curated to create memories that transcend the season. The grace and prowess of the Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School painted a portrait of equine elegance while the delectable delights of the Chocolate Workshop added a sweet note to your family adventure Guided tours revealed the secrets of Viennas attractions providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the city’s rich tapestry.

Whether skipping lines at the Museum of Illusions or marveling at wildlife with Schönbrunn Zoos skip the line tickets each moment was designed to maximize enjoyment Madame Tussauds brought celebrities to life and an Electric Bus Tour allowed you to explore sustainably ensuring your footprint was as light as the winter snow. Finally, the grand finale a harmonious blend of artistry at the Spanish Riding School and Vienna Philharmonic Show This experience transcended mere entertainment leaving an indelible mark on your hearts. Vienna in its winter attire proved to be more than a destination it became a canvas for family bonding learning and laughter As your devoted travel blogger I hope this journey filled your days with warmth and your nights with the magic that only Vienna in winter can provide Until the next adventure may your travels be as delightful and enriching as the winter days spent in this captivating city Safe travels fellow adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Here are some recommendations for a memorable family day out in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens: Explore the vast gardens surrounding the Schönbrunn Palace. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, the maze, and the Children’s Museum, making it a perfect blend of history and outdoor fun. Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn): One of the oldest zoos in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo provides an exciting day for children with a diverse range of animals, educational exhibits, and special children’s activities. Prater Park: Home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater Park is an amusement park with a variety of rides suitable for different age groups. Don’t miss the Liliputbahn, a miniature railway ride. Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum): Delve into the wonders of the natural world with fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and a giant globe. The museum often hosts interactive events for children. Vienna Children’s Museum (ZOOM Kindermuseum): Designed specifically for kids, this interactive museum encourages hands-on exploration in various themed exhibits, fostering creativity and imagination. Technisches Museum Wien (Technical Museum): Ideal for older kids, this museum showcases technological advancements engagingly. Interactive displays cover everything from transportation to robotics. Haus des Meeres (House of the Sea): A thrilling aquarium housed in a World War II flak tower, where kids can marvel at marine life, walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, and enjoy the panoramic views of Vienna from the top. Vienna Prater Liliputbahn: Take a charming train ride around Prater Park. The Liliputbahn is a miniature railway that captures the fascination of young minds. Augarten Park: A vast green space with playgrounds and open areas for picnics. It’s a great spot for a relaxed day outdoors, and the porcelain factory in Augarten offers guided tours for older kids. Globenmuseum (Globe Museum): Located within the Austrian National Library, this unique museum displays a fascinating collection of globes, perfect for cultivating an interest in geography.

Vienna, with its rich history and cultural heritage, offers several fun facts for kids to enjoy: Imperial Treasure Hunt: Vienna was once the center of the powerful Habsburg Empire. Take your kids on an imperial treasure hunt at Schönbrunn Palace, where they can explore secret passages and uncover fascinating stories about royalty. Giant Ferris Wheel Tales: The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater Park has stood tall since 1897. Share the exciting story of this historic ride with your little ones, emphasizing its timeless appeal. Talking Statues: Vienna has talking statues that share interesting tales from the past. One such statue is of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Burggarten, which “talks” about his life and musical genius. Lipizzaner Horses at the Spanish Riding School: Introduce your kids to the elegant Lipizzaner horses, stars of the Spanish Riding School. Share fun facts about their training and performances, making a visit to the school an educational and entertaining experience. Mozart’s Child Prodigy Years: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the musical genius, composed his first symphony at the age of eight! Inspire budding musicians with this incredible fact about Mozart’s early achievements. Vienna’s Musical Legacy: Vienna is often called the “City of Music” with a legacy that includes famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Explore the city’s musical history through fun anecdotes and perhaps catch a family-friendly classical concert. Tiergarten Schönbrunn – Oldest Zoo in the World: The Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest, founded in 1752. Share fascinating facts about its history and the diverse array of animals, making a visit an exciting adventure. Culinary Delights: Introduce kids to Austrian cuisine with delightful facts about popular treats like Sachertorte (chocolate cake) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). A visit to a traditional Viennese café can be a sweet experience! Vienna’s Magical Parks: Vienna boasts beautiful parks and gardens, including the magical Augarten. Share tales of princesses and adventures while exploring these green oases within the city. Museum of Natural History Mysteries: Unveil mysteries at the Museum of Natural History, where kids can marvel at dinosaur skeletons and learn about ancient civilizations through interactive exhibits.

Several Christmassy activities might have you running to the airport: Vienna Christmas Markets: The enchanting Christmas markets in Vienna are a must-visit. The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of holiday treats create a magical atmosphere. The Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall and the market at Schönbrunn Palace are particularly popular. Ice Skating at Rathausplatz: The Rathausplatz transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink. Glide under the stars with the iconic Rathaus (City Hall) as your backdrop. Christmas Concerts: Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” hosts numerous Christmas concerts in historic venues. Enjoy classical music performances and festive tunes to get into the holiday spirit. Vienna’s Festive Lights: The city is adorned with sparkling lights and decorations during the winter season. A stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets, especially around the Ringstrasse, is a magical experience. Admiring the Festive Window Displays: Explore the charming streets of Vienna and take in the festive window displays in the city’s shops. Many stores go all out with creative and enchanting decorations. Delicious Austrian Treats: Indulge in traditional Austrian Christmas treats such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and of course, the famous Sachertorte. Attend a Nutcracker Ballet: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” with a ballet performance. The Vienna State Opera often hosts magical productions during the holiday season. Candlelight Tours at Schönbrunn Palace: Experience the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace with special candlelight tours during the winter season. The palace’s rooms are beautifully illuminated, creating a fairy-tale ambiance. Winter Wonders at Belvedere Palace: The gardens of Belvedere Palace are transformed into a winter wonderland. Explore the grounds, enjoy the festive decorations, and take in the panoramic views of Vienna. Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail: If You are extending your stay into the New Year, join the Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and the spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Here’s why these traditional treats add a special touch to your Viennese Christmas: 1. Spätzle Delight: Spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle, is a comforting and hearty dish often served during the winter season. Whether paired with rich sauces, cheese, or as a side to festive roasts, spätzle brings warmth and a taste of Austrian tradition to your Christmas feast. 2. Krapfen Joy: Krapfen, Austria’s answer to doughnuts, are a sweet indulgence that takes Christmas desserts to the next level. These filled pastries, often with apricot jam or custard, are a delight to the taste buds and a popular treat during the holiday season. 3. Culinary Tradition: Vienna takes pride in its culinary traditions, and spätzle and krapfen are beloved staples that have stood the test of time. Enjoying these dishes during Christmas connects you to the rich gastronomic history of the city. 4. Festive Atmosphere: Viennese Christmas markets and cozy cafes are the perfect settings to savor spätzle and krapfen. Whether you’re enjoying them as street food or in a charming café, these treats enhance the festive atmosphere, providing a sense of warmth and indulgence. 5. Shared Moments: Food has a way of bringing people together, and sharing spätzle and krapfen with family and friends creates memorable moments. It’s a way to bond over a table filled with delicious, seasonal delights, adding to the joy of the holiday season.

8 Best Things to Do and See in Vienna During Winter

Best new year concert in vienna.

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