A Layover in Vienna: Ultimate Guide to 24 Hours or Less

Planning a trip across Europe and finding yourself on a layover in Vienna? Me, too!

My boyfriend and I are a digital nomad couple and, last year, when we travelled from Spain to Albania, it was easiest to book flights via Vienna. So, we decided to make a 24-hour layover in Vienna out of it. 

So much fun! Fret not, however, if you only have 12 hours or even less. 

As long as you have more than 8 hours in between flights, I’d say it’s worth leaving the airport to get some cultural and culinary delights in. 

Accounting for 90 minutes to get off the plane and into the city, and 2 hours to leave the city and get back into the plane, you have 4 to 5 hours of exploring. 

The Mozart Memorial in Vienna's Burggarten, with a flowerbed shaped like a treble clef in the foreground, perfect for a layover in Vienna.

Of course, the longer the better. Between the musical and historical influences, the art, the surrounding nature, and the delightful (and heavy!) Austrian Cuisine, there’s plenty to consume for the eye and the belly. 

The list of activities below is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do during a layover in Vienna, but it will get you to the right places. 

If I had to choose only two things to do during a layover in Vienna, it would be to visit the truly stunning Museum’s quarter and eat Vienna Schnitzel. You don’t even have to go inside any of the museums. Just bringing a coffee and picnicking outside the buildings is a treat thanks to their unique and pompous architecture. 

Let’s get you set up with planning your run-away from the airport into Vienna. 


Getting From Vienna Airport To City Center

To ensure swift transport from Vienna airport to city center, I recommend calling an Uber. The ride costs approximately $50 each way, depending on the time of day. 

Based on our recent experience, it might be best to avoid riding with any of the cab drivers that await travellers right outside the entrance.

The driving etiquette was subpar and he tried to rip me off, threatening to report me to the police. Not a great experience. Our Uber driver back was a delight, though. 

The stunning glass and steel architecture of the Palmenhaus in Vienna, an ideal spot to explore during a layover in Vienna.

Alternatively, you can grab the City Airport Train. Departing right at the arrivals terminals, the train connects the airport with Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern station. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, trains run from 5:34 am to 12:18am and cost no more than $5 per person per ride. Trains depart from the station every 30 minutes. 


Luggage Storage At Vienna Airport

If you’re like me, you travel with your habitat spread across two large suitcases. Unless you’re spending a night at a hotel, you may want to drop your luggage (or carry on) at the airport for safekeeping. 

To do just that, Vienna International Airport provides luggage storage services for travellers. The facilities are available in multiple locations within the airport:

  • Terminal 1: Near the check-in area.
  • Terminal 3: Also near the check-in area and in Arrivals.
  • Car Park 4 (P4): On Level 0.

These services are available from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. The cost varies depending on the type and size of the luggage: €5.00 per piece of hand luggage, €10.00 per piece of check-in luggage, and €3.00 per clothing unit per day.


Things To Do During A Layover In Vienna

At last, let’s get to the things you can do in Vienna on a layover. Rather than offering a step-by-step itinerary, I’ve opted to provide you with my top things to do, in the order of how you’d do them from morning to evening. 

A picturesque waterfall cascading down a rocky, lush green hillside.

This way, you can plug into the list based on when you arrive in Vienna and your onward flight schedule. Here you go:


Morning

Breakfast at a Traditional Viennese Coffee House

Start your day at one of Vienna’s iconic coffee houses. Café Central, located at Herrengasse 14, is a great choice with its historic ambiance and delicious pastries.
While I usually opt for protein in the morning, ordering Apfelstrudel or Sachertorte for breakfast is most certainly called for at this restaurant. Any selection of ham and “Brötchen” are also a must-order.

Explore Vienna’s Old Town

After breakfast, take a stroll through Vienna’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Stephansplatz and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Hike up onto the rooftop terrace for a gorgeous panoramic view over the old town, and step down into the catacombs that lay beneath.

Hofburg Palace

Next, head to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburgs. Around here, you can get lost in the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection.

If you’re short on time, the architecture and natural allure of the city will still welcome you with plenty of gorgeous streets and cute shops. 

A grand statue of the Greek goddess Pallas Athena in front of the Austrian Parliament Building, under a clear blue sky.

Here, you’ll want to be sure to buy an Austrian delicatessen: Mozartkugeln – handcrafted chocolate, filled with pistachio and marzipan. You’ll find that there are silver-blue and gold-red Mozartkugeln. The silver-blue ones are more expensive as they’re handcrafted. They also taste better, in my opinion!


Midday

Lunch: Wiener Schnitzel

For lunch, indulge in a traditional Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmüller, a restaurant famed for this classic dish. A local beer is a great option to go with the Schnitzel. Alternatively, a white wine from the region, Grüner Veltliner, is an excellent choice.

Oh, and if you’re not in the mood for a savory lunch, go for the ‘healthy’ option and order a Kaiserscharn. An Austrian stable, similar to the most fluffy pancake in the world.

If you’re feeling fancy, I recommend having a coffee with Mozartlikör as dessert. It’s basically the chocolate described above in liquid form, with alcohol added. The Liquor is delicious both by itself and when added to a strong cup of coffee. Any restaurant in Vienna will offer it.
Just ask!

Museum Quartier

Post-lunch, head to the Museum Quartier, one of the largest cultural complexes in the world.
Visit the Leopold Museum to see its impressive collection of Austrian art, or explore contemporary works at the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK).

If you have the time, it’s certainly worth spending up to two hours inside at least one of the museums. However, the plaza outside the complex is so very stunning, that it’s worth just walking around there, as well.


Afternoon

Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

From the Museums Quartier, it’s a 40 minute walk towards the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens.

The ornate facade and towers of the Church of St. Michael in Vienna against a vibrant blue sky.

There are red tourist buses everywhere that can take you there as well.
The gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide a serene escape with beautiful landscapes and historical significance.


Evening

Dinner and Coffee

As evening sets in, head back to the city center for dinner.
You can easily do so by public transportation or Uber. You’ll find that there are 100 options for dinner, from the Bratwurst served like a hot dog with mustard on a sidewalk, to gorgeous sit-in restaurants.
We loved having another traditional dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile.

Classical Music Performance

No visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing its rich musical heritage.
And there are plenty of them all throughout the city. Time allowing, you could attend a concert at Vienna State Opera or Musikverein.

Alternatively, especially during the summer, there are plenty of open air festivals open to the public. A quick search of ‘music festivals Vienna’ will reveal opportunities to plan and book in advance.

A serene canal in Vienna with modern buildings on either side, showcasing urban life on a cloudy day.

Stroll Along the Danube

End your day with a peaceful stroll along the Danube River, crossing right through the city. There are evening cruises available for dinner, if you’d like.
One way or another, the illuminated skyline, viewed from the river, offers quite a stunning picture.


Where To Stay During A Layover In Vienna

If your layover encompasses a night, like ours did, it’s best to stay in a hotel in one of two neighbourhoods, Alsergrund or Wieden

Both neighbourhoods will situate you just outside of Vienna Downtown.
This places most things within walking distance, granted you like getting your steps in. When we stayed there, we spent a night at Austria Trend Hotel Ananas, which offered a great location and fairly good value for about $130 a night. The breakfast was vast, too, although the restaurant itself seemed overdue for a renovation. 

Here are a few hotel options for both neighbourhoods:

The intricate interior of St. Peter's Church in Vienna, with beautifully painted ceilings and grand arches.

Alsergrund

Alsergrund is an ideal neighbourhood if you are wanting convenient access to Vienna’s top cultural attractions and excellent local dining options, all while being close to the city center.

Hotel Regina offers classic Viennese charm with modern amenities. It is situated near the Votive Church and is within walking distance of the city center. The hotel provides comfortable rooms, a traditional Austrian restaurant, and a cozy bar.

The Harmonie Vienna combines elegant design with a focus on comfort. You can enjoy the fitness room, a hearty breakfast buffet, and the proximity to several museums, and the Sigmund Freud Museum.

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, with its Gothic architecture standing tall under a partly cloudy sky.

Wieden

Wieden is perfect for local markets, trendy cafes, and easy access to Vienna’s main attractions, all within a walkable distance to the city center.

Hotel Das Triest is a design hotel known for its stylish interiors and luxurious comfort. The hotel features a beautiful courtyard, a rooftop terrace, and an acclaimed restaurant. It’s located near the Naschmarkt and the Vienna State Opera.

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien in Wieden offers a blend of tradition and modernity. With elegantly furnished rooms, a well-equipped fitness center, and a delicious breakfast spread, this charming hotel ensures a pleasant stay. It is conveniently located close to Karlsplatz and the Vienna University of Technology.


Layover In Vienna: FAQs

Do I Need Cash In Vienna?

Well, you might. If you’re travelling within the EURO zone, you’ll likely already have a few EUR bills on you. There are a few street vendors and mom-and-pop shops that will only take cash, and waiters will appreciate their tips in cash, as well. 

A tranquil, tree-lined sidewalk in Vienna, shaded by lush green foliage, perfect for a peaceful walk during a layover in Vienna.

If you end up in a traditional cab (outside of Uber), they’ll likely not have the ability to take a card, so be prepared with cash.

Outside of these two scenarios, I usually just pay with my Wise travel card everywhere and let Wise take care of conversions. I also use the card to draw money when needed, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so safely at the airport. Look for a EuroNet ATM and you won’t pay ATM fees. 


Is Vienna Safe At Night?

Vienna is super safe at night, which is awesome if you’re on a layover and want to explore after dark. The city’s got a low crime rate and great public transport that’s safe even late at night.
The city center, Graben, and the Danube Canal are all well-lit and lively, perfect for dining and entertainment. Just take the usual precautions and you’ll be good to enjoy Vienna’s nightlife, whether you’re catching a concert or strolling along the Danube.


Conclusion: A Layover In Vienna


So there you have it! Vienna is absolutely worth visiting during a layover.

Dina-Marie has given you everything you need to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. With her tips on transportation, luggage storage, and the best spots to explore, you’ll be able to dive into Vienna’s rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine even in a few short hours.

Whether it’s a quick coffee at a historic café, a stroll through the beautiful old town, or a visit to iconic landmarks, Vienna promises to leave you with memorable experiences. Enjoy your adventure!

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Austria. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.

The historical Heldentor (Heroes' Gate) in Vienna, with pedestrians walking under the bright summer sky.


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