Vienna

Overview

Vienna carries its imperial history without feeling like a museum piece — the Habsburg palaces and grand boulevards share the city with a genuinely lived-in coffeehouse culture, where sitting for two hours over a single melange is expected, not rushed. It's a city built for slow mornings and evening concerts.

Getting There

Vienna International Airport (VIE) connects to the center via the City Airport Train (CAT) in 16 minutes or the slightly slower S-Bahn for a lower fare. The city's tram and U-Bahn network covers the historic center thoroughly.

Top Things to Do

• Tour Schönbrunn Palace's gardens in the morning before tour buses arrive.
• Sit for at least an hour in one of the historic coffeehouses, such as Café Sperl or Café Central.
• Catch a standing-room ticket at the Vienna State Opera — inexpensive and available on the day.
• Walk the Ringstrasse boulevard to see the Parliament, City Hall, and Burgtheater in sequence.

Local Tips

Standing-room opera tickets go on sale about 80 minutes before curtain and require queuing in person. Many shops close on Sundays, so plan grocery and souvenir shopping around weekday hours.