Free Vienna City Guide With Native Insight

UPDATE 18th DECEMBER 2021: In recent days Austria has lifted its full lockdown for those vaccinated or recovered, with Christmas markets, museums and other public institutions re-opening their doors. In most public spaces specific (and widely available) FFP2/KN95 masks are mandatory, including on public transport and in taxis. From 20th December, hotels and restaurants will re-open for guests. If you plan to travel to Austria over Christmas keep watching the news, consult your country's home office, airline/train operator and check back with your accommodation provider.
When indoors, FFP2 masks are mandatory in supermarkets, and public transport. Restaurants, most non essential shops, and cultural venues will be closed. For travellers from most EU countries, no quarantine applies if they are either tested, vaccinated or have recovered. (Follow Vienna Unwrapped on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.) To gather inspiration for the time after lockdown when free travel will be possible again use this free Vienna City Guide, insight, and tools to find out what to see and experience in Vienna: In a week, three days, or in one day. Check out the best time to visit Vienna as it successfully manages the coronavirus. And how you can safely book hotels, concerts, and opera tickets.

Using my up-to-date Vienna city guide and insight as a native, give yourself an insider's head start: Either roam this site to your heart's content or get a no-sweat 1:2:1 solution. For classical sightseeing and hidden gems. For practical advice into local weather, dress codes, safety, tipping in Austria, concert and opera tickets, day trips from Vienna, and much more. Find out how other Vienna travellers prepared their time in Vienna.

To prepare for your trip, learn about our Viennese UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Spanish Riding School, our amazing Baroque architecture and Gustav Klimt art. And get ready to experience things like Viennese cooking classes in locals' homes, boat trips on the Danube to Wachau Valley, a listed World War II Air Defence Tower, and a bunch of local grandmas' cakes that go far beyond Sachertorte.

Concert settings have changed due to corona virus restrictions. However, if you like Mozart, Strauss and other classical music, you will find no shortage of concerts, piano recitals, operas, galas and operettas to choose from. My tips will help you to stay clear from tourist traps, stay safe and get your money's worth.

To discover your ideal time for visiting Vienna explore these seasonal highlights. For example, in the summer people gather at various open-air food and music festivals, and take bike tours, Danube boat trips and walks in the vineyards. In the autumn and winter, that is when the most amazing classical music events, Christmas markets and elegant balls take place.

Where to stay in Vienna? Find out about the best luxury hotels, boutique hotels and cheap hotels in Wien in 2020. Although many are in the city center, consider lovely central districts such as the 4th, 5th , 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. And definitely the 2nd district - trendy Leopoldstadt. Essentially, all of them have great public transport connections to the city center.

Where to shop and what to buy in Vienna? Whether it has to be a porcelain Lipizzaner from Augarten, a quirky Austrian fashion accessory or a simple pack of Mannerschnitten wafers, do head for quality shops in town. What's more, shopping off the mainstream, for example, will lead you into charming neighborhoods you may otherwise have missed!

Which is the best Vienna city pass? Where to get the best metro maps and city maps? How to use your cell phone in Wien? And what are the best self-guided walks? To get around in Vienna on your own make a few preparations using my free planning tools and tips in my Vienna City Guide.