Vienna is a city where you can really create the holiday of your dreams. From the ultimate in luxury dining, culture and accommodation to cheap and cheerful street food stands, the city caters to both ends of the financial spectrum. We always want our guests to get the most out of our destinations, so we’ve put together this brief guide to Vienna on a budget.
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Wander and Walk
One great thing about Vienna for travelers on a budget is that there’s plenty to see by just walking around. You’ll get some exercise and you don’t have to spend any money doing it. One great place to spend a Saturday afternoon is the Naschmarkt. It’s an interesting outdoor market with restaurants mixed in. You’ll find it near the Karlsplatz U Bahn. Near the Naschmarkt you’ll see the flowery Jugendstil buildings which are perfect for photos.
You won’t want to miss the Hofburg in Old Town. This was the center of the Hapsburg dynasty. If you take Michaelerplatz to approach it you’ll get the full effect. For something really different, go to the third district to see the Hundertwasserhaus and Kalke Village.
Another great walk is along the recessed banks of the Danube Canal (not the Danube but the canal that runs through town). You’ll find restaurants and cafes and plenty of places to sit and relax. The Schottenring U-bahn stop is the best place to find your bearings.
The Prater is another fun place to wander. It’s an amusement park and recreational complex just outside the city center. A ride on the famous ferris wheel is only about $10.
Free Visits
There are a few museums and monuments in Vienna that are free to see. St. Stephan’s church is one where you can at least get a glimpse inside without paying an entrance fee. The Michaelerkirche and the Augustinerkirche are also free. The choir sings in the latter at 11 am every Sunday morning.
While you won’t get into the Belvedere without paying, you can wander the grounds of this Baroque palace, which is actually two palaces connected by a sprawling and beautiful garden.
Each Tuesday from 6pm to 10pm you can visit the MAK to see a lovely collection of decorative art. If you’re in Vienna on the first Sunday of the month, the Wien Museum on Kalsplatz offers free entry.
Cheap Eats
There are plenty of places to eat well in Vienna on a budget. Bunkerei Augarten is an outdoor restaurant and beer garden in a large park called the Augarten. They have vegetarian food at a good price. It’s a great place to eat, drink a beer or coffee, and stroll around the park.
Talad Thai Shop is a Thai grocery store that makes food right out of the back that. It’s delicious. There are only a couple of tables in the corner to eat, but the food is authentic and delicious.
Pizza Mari offers some of the best pizza in Vienna.
For something really different, check out Café 7stern, a cafe, restaurant, cinema and cultural complex run by the Austrian communist party. It’s where Marx would hang out if he wanted eggs Benedict.
Save on the Basics
If seeing museums is at the top of your list of things to do in Vienna, consider getting a 72-hour Vienna Card. It gives you full use of public transport and discounts on the major sights. You can also buy a week-long Wochenkarte which gives you access to trams and busses and the U-Bahn from Monday to Friday.
Are you planning a trip to Vienna? We’re Austria travel experts. Just get in touch if you’d like help creating the ideal holiday!
Nataly was one of our Central Europe Destination Managers from 2013-2018, based in Prague. Originally from Ukraine, Prague has been her home for many years. She loves exploring the Czech Republic and neighboring countries whenever the opportunity arises.