Vienna Travel Guide

The breathtaking interior of St. Stephan’s Cathedral

Wilkommen!

Welcome to my travel guides! With a love for authentic and luxurious travel experiences, I’ve visited 35 countries across 4 continents, soaking in diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Here, I’ll share my personal travel guides, from hidden gems to top-tier hotels, must-see sites, and mouth-watering eats, all while continuing my adventures based in London. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply daydreaming about travel, I hope these guides inspire you to explore the world in style and comfort.

Vienna holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its rich history and stunning architecture, but because it’s also part of my heritage as an Austrian. I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in this magnificent city, which allowed me to experience its culture on a deeper level. From the elegance of the Hofburg Palace to the timeless charm of the coffeehouses, Vienna blends old-world tradition with modern sophistication. For me, it’s a city that feels like home, filled with vibrant art, music, and unforgettable experiences around every corner.

Stay

Hotel Sacher: Right in the center of the city, the Sacher cannot be beat. Plus, the Cafe Sacher Wien has some of the best Sacher Torte in town, while being incredibly stunning. Their spa has luxurious chocolate massages and you need to take home some of their chocolate bath products!

The famous Sacher Torte from Hotel Sacher

See

Kunsthistoriches Museum: My absolute favorite museum in Vienna is right inside the Museum Quarter. The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, housing an impressive collection of artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Bruegel, all set within a stunning Renaissance-style building. Plus, it is only a few steps away from the Schmetterlinghaus, a beautiful cafe that houses butterflies.

Cafe Central: Café Central, an iconic Viennese coffeehouse, has long been a cultural hub, known for its grand architecture, intellectual atmosphere, and famous patrons like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky, offering a timeless blend of history, literature, and classic Viennese coffee culture. You may need to wait a bit, but it is well worth it!

St. Stephan’s Cathedral: St. Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna, is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate stonework, and vibrant tiled roof; visitors can explore its historic catacombs, admire the impressive interior, and climb the South Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city from above.

Hofburg Palace: The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is home to several fascinating museums, including the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, which explores the life of Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Silver Collection, showcasing the grandeur of the Habsburg court through its extensive array of opulent tableware and household treasures. Plus, during ball season (winter), they host a TU student ball that you need to attend if you’re visiting!

Eat

Plachutta: Famous for its traditional Tafelspitz, this classic Viennese restaurant offers an authentic Austrian dining experience with high-quality local ingredients.

Gasthaus Pöschl: A cozy, no-frills spot serving hearty, traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and goulash, popular with both locals and visitors.

Figlmüller: Known as the "home of the Schnitzel," this iconic restaurant has been serving its famous oversized Wiener Schnitzels for over 100 years.

Tips

  1. The public transit system is clean, efficient, and intuitive. That being said, the major sites are mostly walkable!

  2. For an easy/interesting day trip, try Bratislava! It’s about an hour via bus.

  3. Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world, and makes for a great solo trip with tons of museums and cafes that are nice to explore at your own pace.

The TU Ball in the Hofburg Palace