Anda
These days I try to experience a city rather than just visit the sights and check its attractions off a list. Tours and group activities are a great option in a new city, especially when you travel solo. You get to see the city from a local’s point of view, learn about the best places to eat and also meet people. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you need to be alone all the time. So, from my recent trip to Vienna, I wrapped up the best city tours and experiences.
Spoiler: There will be some food, wine, and craft beer involved, but that comes as no surprise if you read my blog before.
Without further ado, here’s my list of the best tours and activities to try in Vienna.
1. Vienna Tours: Free Vienna Walking Tour
I don’t remember ever taking free tours before, but this won’t be my last one. If they will be anything like the one in Vienna, they are a great way to start a trip to a new place. Free tours are tip-based, so you tip the guide at the end of the tour, based on how much you enjoyed it.
Major cities always have them and they are usually organized by companies that also offer paid, themed tours. It’s a good way to test the company out too if you plan to book multiple tours.
We took the Vienna Free Walking Tour with Prime Tours on our first afternoon in Vienna and I can’t think of a better way to get a feel for the city.
The tour started in the square in front of Albertina Museum, in close vicinity to the Hofburg. Though we didn’t cover great distances in the 2 hours of the tour, we received plenty of information in a fun and easy manner. We heard some history, but also tales and legends about Vienna. Anna, our guide with a yellow umbrella did a great job at introducing us to Vienna. You can book the tour directly on Prime Tour’s website.
My conclusion: guided walking tours are the best way to get your bearings in Vienna or any other city for that matter.
2. The Strudel Show in Vienna
A trip to Vienna isn’t complete without a few things: a walk through Schoenbrunn Gardens, a slice of freshly baked apple strudel, and a visit to one of Vienna’s famous coffee shops. But what if you could combine all these into the most Viennese experience? While visiting the Schoenbrunn, you can get acquainted with the most Viennese pastry – the apple strudel.
The strudel is the star of the unique Strudel Show at Cafe Residenz on the Schoenbrunn grounds. I can’t think of a better way to take a break between visiting the Schoenbrunn Palace and the Gardens.
Click the link for my full review of the Strudel Show in Vienna. You can book your place at the Strudel Show on Get Your Guide.
3. A Viennese Wine Tasting
I never thought of Austria as a wine region, so I was intrigued when I discovered wine tasting options in Vienna.
Vienna has vast vineyards within the city’s borders, which is unusual for a capital city. The soil is perfect for white grape varieties. We did the Austrian and Viennese wine tasting at one of the best wine and delicacies shops in town: Haas and Haas. The setting is an underground Roman cellar, and we tasted some great local boutique wines.
Click the link to read my review of the Austrian Wines Tasting. If you like wine, book here and don’t miss out on this Viennese wine tasting.
4. Vienna Tours: A Spooky Tour
Every major city in Europe has a long history and, as such, some creepy hidden stories. I took a similar Ghost Tour in Prague and it was a lot of fun. It’s not kitsch or scary, but the stories bring you closer to the city’s past. The Spooky Vienna Tour we took didn’t disappoint either. We heard bloody tales, mysticism intertwined with reality checks.
Before we knew it, we had walked all around Vienna City Center, and heard stories covering anything from the Imperial family to knights and artists. It was my favorite of all Vienna tours, and I highly recommend booking the Prime Tours Spooky Ghost Walk.
5. A Picnic by the Danube
One of the locals’ favorite timeouts is a picnic by the Danube in the center of Vienna. When I say picnic, I don’t mean the classic colorful picnic blanket on the grass, but more of a sitting on the Danube waterfront. It’s a concrete picnic area but with a trendy vibe.
There are a few terraces by the waterfront, but people also like sitting on the ground with a beer, chatting, and enjoying the sunset. On one side of the river, a few old boats at anchor became bars and restaurants. You can sit outside on the top deck on a sunny day and enjoy the atmosphere and the views.
6. A Danube Cruise
Since Vienna is one of the capitals on the Danube, a river cruise is almost mandatory. Whenever possible, I enjoy seeing a city from the water. It’s a fresh perspective, and the waterfront is usually lined with some of the most important buildings.
The Danube Cruise in Vienna will take you around the Danube Canal, from the historic district to the newer side of town.
7. Exploring the Viennese Coffee Culture
When preparing an itinerary for Vienna, it’s impossible not to read about the city’s coffee culture. In fact, the coffee house culture in Vienna is such a big deal that it’s on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
A visit to one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses is a special experience. The interiors are old-fashioned, with grand rooms. marble tables, and comfortable seating. Coffee comes on a silver tray, with a glass of water next to it. Order a melange (a coffee topped with milk foam) and complete the experience with a cake.
Some of the famous coffee shops in Vienna often have queues outside. It’s best to book ahead at Café Central or Café Sacher. Another idea is to join a Viennese coffee house tour or this Café Hawelka experience. You’ll get to try some of the best coffee and cake Vienna has to offer. In addition to that you’ll also find out a lot about the Viennese coffee houses’ history.
8. Vienna Tours: A Street Art Tour in Vienna
I know, street art is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the imperial capital. However, there are plenty of walls that are worth a little detour in the city. If you are short on time, head to the Street Art Passage, conveniently located in the Museumsquartier. For some less formal street art, take a walk along the Danube Canal.
Your best bet though is to join a guided street art tour and hear more about the artists and the artworks’ significance.
9. A Craft Beer Tasting
You know by now that I love craft beer, and I rarely miss an opportunity to try some. Most of the beer they drink in Vienna is either Austrian, German, or Czech. They usually brew Pilsner or Lager, so I was looking for something different. So, a craft beer tasting in a local bar was right up my alley. Click the link to read my full Vienna beer tasting review.
10. Exploring the Grinzing
One of the surprises I had in Vienna was finding out about the extensive vineyards within the city limits. Now, you can taste the local wine in just about any restaurant in Vienna, but the real deal is getting out there and exploring the Grinzing area.
You can get to Grinzing by train (38) or bus (38A) from central Vienna. Then, make your way through the vineyards, take some amazing pictures, and taste the wine at one of the Heurigen (wine taverns). It’s a perfect afternoon!
Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!