The 25 Best Experiences in Vienna

Travellers yearning for an adrenaline rush will find what they’re looking for at the rope park in Kahlenberg, a hill up in the forest offering spectacular views of Vienna. Located on the very edge of the city, the park has 17 courses that reach up to 20 metres (66 feet) into the air, as well as a thrilling zip line. Beginners are welcome, as the courses range in height and difficulty. Hungry after the workout? Josefinenhütte, next to the rope park, offers a pub garden and home-made Viennese cuisine.

Take one of DDSG Blue Danube’s ships on a round trip through the beautiful Wachau. The cruise leaves Krems and arrives about 5 hours later back at the starting point. On board you can enjoy wonderful views and regional dishes in the restaurant. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team.

Want to kayak or go white-water rafting where the Austrian Olympic team trains? Located on Danube Island, the 250-metre-long (820-foot-long) artificial white-water course invites participants to get an adrenaline kick by taking part in numerous water activities. Beginners can opt for short and long courses, while those interested in white-water adventure can participate in an hour-long lesson and paddling practice, followed by guided tours through the river.

To challenge your mind while exploring Vienna, join in on this clue-driven tour that requires only a smartphone to complete. The answers to each of the 12 riddles will take you to secret locations around the city, as well as the filming locations for the movie Before Sunrise (1995). From historical landmarks to unfamiliar spots, discover the best of the Austrian capital with this easy but fun game.

Discover Vienna’s glorious Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, set in the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace, with this 1-day hop-on, hop-off train tour. Enter the gardens and ride a mini-train around the lawns and attractions without any tiring legwork. Hop on and off at nine stops to see highlights such as the Gloriette viewpoint, Obelisk Fountain and Schönbrunn Zoo. Alternatively, stay on board for the full 50-minute circuit around the gardens’ treasures. Entrance fees to the Schönbrunn Palace and other garden attractions such as the Gloriette and the zoo are not included. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team.

Founded in 1867, the Vienna ice-skating club has placed a rink directly in front of the historic Wien Konzerthaus each winter season for more than 100 years. One of the largest rinks in Europe, its location creates a charming atmosphere that’s perfect for couples looking to skate together for the price of one on Friday evenings. To get an even lower price, visit the rink two hours before closing, as the entrance fee halves. For a festive moment, visit on a Friday evening when the rink turns into a disco with DJs spinning tunes, or on Thursdays when hits from the ’70s and ’80s are played on request.

Explore beautiful sites surrounding the southern part of the Vienna Woods on a half-day guided coach tour. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Mayerling hunting lodge, the beautiful monastry of Heiligenkreuz and a guided walking tour through Baden. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team.

With Austria being the home of classical music, one of the best things to do when visiting Vienna is to attend a music concert. Performed by Orchestra 1756 – an ensemble that plays historical instruments – this 75-minute performance showcases Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna has been training Lipizzans, Europe’s oldest domesticated horses, for more than 450 years, earning its spot on UNESCO’s list for intangible cultural heritage. Each horse prepares for years for the ballet at Hofburg Palace, which used to be the principal palace of the Habsburg ruling family. Special lights and Viennese music accompany the once-in-a-lifetime 90-minute gala performance.

A landmark in Vienna, the Giant Ferris Wheel has adorned the city skyline since 1897 and has even made appearances in movies like The Third Man (1949) and The Living Daylights (1987). The candlelight dinner for two includes an aperitif, two bottles of wine, a three-course dinner and, of course, 360-degree panoramas of Vienna. Admire the views from above while indulging in a tantalising dinner with options such as beef tartare, home-made pasta, smoked trout, wiener schnitzel and dark chocolate mousse.

When it comes to relaxation and self-care, Therme Wien is the place to visit. Home to multiple pools, saunas, a spa, restaurant, café and bar, it has enough activities to fill several hours. Pools with thermal water are heated between 28C and 36C (82-97F) and filled with water coming from a source that has been used for wellness purposes since 1969.

Wine has been produced in and around Vienna since the Roman Empire. Local wines in Austria include blaufränkisch (an indigenous red grape), zweigelt (a newer variety that’s a cross between blaufränkisch and St Laurent) and grüner veltliner (Austria’s most widely planted grape). Step back in time by going into Vienna’s deepest wine cellar where you’ll try three Austrian wines along with snacks from the in-house family-owned delicatessen.

This bus tour takes you from Vienna to Salzburg, where you will visit the most popular sights of the city and some of the original filming locations of the film ‘The Sound of Music’. On the tour there will be a picture stop at Salzkammergut and a guided walking tour through the old town of Salzburg, passing Mozart’s birthplace, Mirabell Palace, Salzburg Cathedral and the Festival Hall. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team.

The city of Austria is renowned for its spectacular displays throughout the holiday season and is thought to boast some of Europe’s best Christmas markets. One of the most well-known and customary is held in front of the Belvedere Palace, where there are a number of stalls offering traditional handicrafts, a lot of hearty Austrian fare and beverages, such as mugs of gluhwein (mulled wine), and daily choir performances. Christmas cheer can also be evoked at the Karlsplatz, Schönbrunn, and Freyung markets.

The Karls Church in modern times | © Vienna Tourist Board

Fortunately, Vienna offers lots of cozy spots to hide from the cold, and there’s nowhere better than a classic Viennese coffee shop. There is always a wide variety of cakes and pastries, including the deliciously rich chocolate Sachertorte (shown below), and the cafés modify their menus to include some winter specialties.

A gorgeous piece of Sachertorte with a serving of whipped cream | © Vienna Tourist Board | © Vienna Tourist Board

Austria’s capital, renowned for being a European cultural powerhouse, offers a wide variety of performances and concerts all year long. But if you want the best selection of shows, winter is one of the most unique seasons to go. There are countless options for concerts, ranging from the world-renowned Vienna State Opera House to more relaxed church performances.

A new year’s concert | © Vienna Tourist Board

Winter is when Austrian cuisine really shines. During the chilly months, you will appreciate the calorie-dense sweet and savory dishes made with the abundance of ingredients found in a Viennese kitchen! Foodies will have a plenty of options when they visit in the winter, from the street vendors selling roasted chestnuts and potato wedges to the markets offering warm mugs of glühwein (mulled wine). Read our guide to the best eateries in the city and try some classic recipes at home.

A maroni stall in Vienna | © Vienna Tourist Board

One of Vienna’s many day spas, which are frequently found within boutique hotels or neighborhood swimming pools, is the ideal destination for anyone looking for relief from the cold weather. See here for our selection of the greatest saunas to help you beat the winter blues.

Indulge in a spa treatment | © Palais Kempinski

With almost 50 million viewers worldwide, Vienna’s annual New Year Concert is a truly enormous event. An unforgettable way to start the new year is always assured with legendary performances by the city’s philharmonic orchestra and other visiting international musicians.

It takes about an hour to travel from Vienna to the charming Wachau Valley in Lower Austria, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This wine tasting tour includes a visit to the well-known, picturesque town of Dürnstein as well as a river sail between Spitz and Melk. Along the Danube River, there are castles and a large monastery. Vineyards that produce the best wines in the area also have breathtaking views of the water. While tasting Austrian wines will likely be your top goal, it’s also worth stopping by the rustic inns in the area to sample local fare, such as schnapps and other products derived from the area’s renowned apricot trees.

In addition to its wine, the Wachau Valley is a historically significant place. History buffs will find the old town of Melk especially fascinating; this tour includes a visit to the 11th-century Melk Abbey, which rises above the Danube River. Discover the rich history of this region by viewing exquisitely illuminated medieval manuscripts in the abbey’s library. The nearby village of Dürnstein’s cobblestone alleyways are topped by the remains of a fortress where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Travelers can take a boat ride along the Danube to enjoy the picturesque river views or drive around the neighborhood.

Experience Vienna’s enchanting nightlife on this small group tour. Begin with a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine, followed by expertly crafted cocktails at a stylish bar. Savor fine Austrian wines at a cozy venue as your guide shares stories about the city’s vibrant culture and history. Perfect for those seeking an intimate and immersive evening, this tour showcases Vienna’s charm and flavors after dark.

Dive into imperial history with a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, skipping the long lines. Explore lavish rooms once home to the Habsburgs, learning about their fascinating lives and legacy. Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, admiring sculptures and fountains. This experience combines convenience with expert insights, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Vienna’s royal heritage and architectural splendor.

Discover Vienna’s energetic nightlife on this unforgettable pub crawl. Visit some of the city’s best bars and clubs, enjoying welcome drinks and exclusive specials along the way. Meet fellow travelers, play games, and dance the night away in lively venues. Perfect for party lovers, this guided tour provides an authentic taste of Vienna’s social scene and guarantees a night of fun and memories.

Explore Vienna’s historic heart on this captivating walking tour. Stroll through cobblestone streets and grand squares, visiting landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories of Vienna’s imperial past and cultural heritage. Ideal for history buffs and first-time visitors, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the city’s architectural and historical treasures.