Nicola & Joh’s guidebook

Nicola
Nicola & Joh’s guidebook

Sightseeing

This guidebook has been curated by Nicola, a passionate enthusiast of museums and history. It's important to note that while it may not encompass every available option in Vienna, it certainly highlights the most iconic historical landmarks that are highly recommended for a first-time visit to the city (in my humble opinion).
Beautiful architecture (Klimt himself decorated part of the inner staircase), wonderful Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artifacts; on the upper flore, a gargantuan number of flemish and romantic paintings await you!
640 locals recommend
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
Maria-Theresien-Platz
640 locals recommend
Beautiful architecture (Klimt himself decorated part of the inner staircase), wonderful Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artifacts; on the upper flore, a gargantuan number of flemish and romantic paintings await you!
Great place to spend an afternoon, especially with kids
196 locals recommend
Technisches Museum Wien
212 Mariahilfer Str.
196 locals recommend
Great place to spend an afternoon, especially with kids
A small window on the mind of famed architect Hundertwasser, albeit small in size it is a location worth visiting.
191 locals recommend
Hundertwasser Village
34-38 Kegelgasse
191 locals recommend
A small window on the mind of famed architect Hundertwasser, albeit small in size it is a location worth visiting.
Whether one goes for the animals, the interesting building, or the view from the top, Haus des Meeres is always a safe bet.
331 locals recommend
Haus des Meeres - Aqua Terra Zoo
1 Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz
331 locals recommend
Whether one goes for the animals, the interesting building, or the view from the top, Haus des Meeres is always a safe bet.
Explore the opulent former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating history. This palace (and adjacent gardens) are especially beautiful in Spring and Summer, due to the breathtaking parks, forests, and walks that surround the castle. During the month leading up to Christmas, you'll also find a delightful Christmas Market right in front of the park. It's a charming and picturesque market that adds to the festive atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that the gardens themselves may not be as enjoyable to visit during this time.
967 locals recommend
Schönbrunn Palace
47 Schönbrunner Schloßstraße
967 locals recommend
Explore the opulent former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating history. This palace (and adjacent gardens) are especially beautiful in Spring and Summer, due to the breathtaking parks, forests, and walks that surround the castle. During the month leading up to Christmas, you'll also find a delightful Christmas Market right in front of the park. It's a charming and picturesque market that adds to the festive atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that the gardens themselves may not be as enjoyable to visit during this time.
Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral, which has been a symbol of Vienna for centuries. It is possible to climb the stairs to one of the towers for a breath-taking view of the city, although it is a rather touristic landmark and can be relatively crowded.
450 locals recommend
St. Stephen's Cathedral
3 Stephansplatz
450 locals recommend
Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral, which has been a symbol of Vienna for centuries. It is possible to climb the stairs to one of the towers for a breath-taking view of the city, although it is a rather touristic landmark and can be relatively crowded.
Admire the splendid Baroque architecture and stroll through the exquisite gardens of this palace, which houses a remarkable collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss." Additionally, in the "upper" side of the Belvedere, visitors may access the botanical garden of Vienna, of which there is a free version as well as a more exotic (yet ticket-requiring) one!
590 locals recommend
Belvedere Palace
27 Prinz Eugen-Straße
590 locals recommend
Admire the splendid Baroque architecture and stroll through the exquisite gardens of this palace, which houses a remarkable collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss." Additionally, in the "upper" side of the Belvedere, visitors may access the botanical garden of Vienna, of which there is a free version as well as a more exotic (yet ticket-requiring) one!
Immerse yourself in the magic of the opera in one of the world's most renowned opera houses. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to appreciate its stunning architecture (it is truly worth it!)
537 locals recommend
Vienna State Opera
2 Opernring
537 locals recommend
Immerse yourself in the magic of the opera in one of the world's most renowned opera houses. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to appreciate its stunning architecture (it is truly worth it!)
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a thrilling ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at this expansive park, offering entertainment, green spaces, and the nostalgic charm of Vienna's traditional amusement park.
Prater
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a thrilling ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at this expansive park, offering entertainment, green spaces, and the nostalgic charm of Vienna's traditional amusement park.

Neighborhoods

Indulge in a sensory experience at Vienna's largest and most vibrant open-air market. Explore the stalls offering a variety of fresh produce, spices, international cuisine, and more.
929 locals recommend
Naschmarkt
929 locals recommend
Indulge in a sensory experience at Vienna's largest and most vibrant open-air market. Explore the stalls offering a variety of fresh produce, spices, international cuisine, and more.
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a trip to the picturesque Vienna Woods. Enjoy nature walks, hiking trails, and visit historic sites like the stunning Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.
Vienna Woods, Austria
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a trip to the picturesque Vienna Woods. Enjoy nature walks, hiking trails, and visit historic sites like the stunning Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.

Food scene

The best Indian food in town in my opinion, and it is right next door! Don't be fooled by the simple look of this restaurant: there is no better Indian cuisine in the city (and definitely opt for the take-away option, as the in-house dining is not their strongest suit). But be careful when deciding upon the level of spiciness!
6 locals recommend
Nam Nam Deli
22 Arbeitergasse
6 locals recommend
The best Indian food in town in my opinion, and it is right next door! Don't be fooled by the simple look of this restaurant: there is no better Indian cuisine in the city (and definitely opt for the take-away option, as the in-house dining is not their strongest suit). But be careful when deciding upon the level of spiciness!
One of our favourite breakfast places in the 4th district, it is easily accessible on foot from the apartment and definitely worth visiting. On the weekend, they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet truly to die (or rather live) for!
81 locals recommend
Zweitbester
2 Heumühlgasse
81 locals recommend
One of our favourite breakfast places in the 4th district, it is easily accessible on foot from the apartment and definitely worth visiting. On the weekend, they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet truly to die (or rather live) for!
There are plenty of good Pizzerie in Vienna (no clue why, but there are really a lot). This is our favorite in terms of dough and traditional pizza, and we warmly recommend it to any traditional pizza lovers!
24 locals recommend
Riva Pizza Favorita
4 Favoritenstraße
24 locals recommend
There are plenty of good Pizzerie in Vienna (no clue why, but there are really a lot). This is our favorite in terms of dough and traditional pizza, and we warmly recommend it to any traditional pizza lovers!
This pizzeria is definitely not traditional, neither in its dining-in atmosphere nor its flavour combinations. However, the dough is superb, the cooking is masterfully done, and if you like to dare with your flavors you should give it a shot!
16 locals recommend
Pizza Randale
1 Kettenbrückengasse
16 locals recommend
This pizzeria is definitely not traditional, neither in its dining-in atmosphere nor its flavour combinations. However, the dough is superb, the cooking is masterfully done, and if you like to dare with your flavors you should give it a shot!
This cozy breakfast place is furnished, decorated, and run by grandmas and grandpas (along with a young and vibrant staff), who bake daily delicious cakes like... only grannies know how to do! A bit pricy in the last years, but still a worthy experience.
85 locals recommend
Vollpension
16 Schleifmühlgasse
85 locals recommend
This cozy breakfast place is furnished, decorated, and run by grandmas and grandpas (along with a young and vibrant staff), who bake daily delicious cakes like... only grannies know how to do! A bit pricy in the last years, but still a worthy experience.
A typically Austrian restaurant, loved mostly by Austrian natives and locals. It offers lovely seasonal dishes and staples of the Austrian cuisine (such as the roasted duck with red cabbage and chestnuts in winter), and we totally encourage anybody wanting to try true Austrian cuisine to have a go!
43 locals recommend
Silberwirt
21 Schlossgasse
43 locals recommend
A typically Austrian restaurant, loved mostly by Austrian natives and locals. It offers lovely seasonal dishes and staples of the Austrian cuisine (such as the roasted duck with red cabbage and chestnuts in winter), and we totally encourage anybody wanting to try true Austrian cuisine to have a go!

City advice

Ways to save

City by bike with CityBikes

CityBikes are 1-hour-free bikes that can be accessed from hundreds of stations across the city of Vienna. A bancomat card or credit card is necessary in order to rent a bike (the registration process is free), after which one may use a bike for up to an hour for free. Then, either pay a small (and still worthy) amount, or park the bike in any station, wait 5 minutes, and pick a new one! It really makes a world of difference when visiting the city! even more considering that the transports are fairly expensive in Vienna.