Vienna Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Perched on the grand Danube River is the Austrian capital, Vienna. The largest city in Austria, Vienna attracts tourists from around the world looking to experience some of the best music, art, and architecture in Europe. Vienna is often listed as one of the most livable cities in the world. 

Vienna has a long history spanning over 2,000 years. For over 400 years, it was an imperial city, controlled first by the Holy Roman Empire and then the Austro- Hungarian Empire. Following Vienna's occupation during World War II, the State Treaty was signed, making Vienna part of an independent Austria. 

Today, Vienna is a pristine city with remarkable architecture and fascinating culture, which is sure to please any visitors. Book yourself a spot at a luggage storage service in Vienna, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe.

9 Best Ways to Experience Vienna in 2024

Vienna’s position in the middle of Europe means it has a long and complex history. And its status as the former capital of a vast multinational empire has left it with an astonishing legacy of beautiful buildings and fascinating culture. You could spend a lifetime in the Austrian capital without exhausting everything there is to do. But if you only have limited time in the city, a guided tour can help you experience the best of what it has to offer. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Vienna and dive into some of the many fascinating layers of the city.

Best kayak tour — Venture Vienna

Being about as landlocked as cities get, Vienna may not seem like an obvious place to explore by boat. But its location on the Danube combined with many smaller rivers and canals means that paddling is actually a great way to see a different side of the city. The company offers city tours and tours of the surrounding wine region, and it’s a perfect way to get more activity in while you learn about the city. Contact them at info@venturevienna.com or 43 677 62728100.

Best driving tour — La Dolce Vienna

An Ape is a three-wheeled van that takes its name from the Italian word for bee. Fun to drive, these vehicles are a quirky way to explore the city. La Dolce Vienna offers ten different tours both day and night where you can drive yourself in this unique vehicle. Children and dogs are allowed, so grab the family and get ready to explore. Contact them at hello@ladolcevienna.at or 436605090783.

Best movie tour — Vienna Cult Tours

Vienna has been the setting for dozens of films over the years, including Orson Welles’ The Third Man, Captain America: Civil War, and Goodbye Mr. Chips. This quirky tour explores the city through its film locations, offering a unique way to experience Vienna. The tours run every day and last between two and three hours, meaning you get a great taste of some of the city’s most visually impressive locations. Contact them to book at office@vienna-cult-tour.at or 43 676 7492594.

Best hiking tours outside Vienna — Wiener Wandern

Outside the city itself, there’s lots to explore in the Vienna region. If you want to see more of Austria’s natural side, this is the company to call. Offering half and full day hiking tours, the company can tailor their tours to your requests so you can see more of what you want to. Pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the forests and hills of the Austrian countryside. Contact them at booking@wienerwandern.at or 43 660 6503450.

Best food tour — Vienna Food Walk

As a center of waves of immigration over centuries, Vienna has its own unique cuisine. But as the modern capital of a European nation, it also has plenty of dishes from around the world. Vienna Food Walk offers a three to four hour tour with five stops that will let you sample different aspects of the delicacies the city has to offer. Alternatively, if you prefer to go on a self-guided tour, they also have an audio guide which will steer you toward some of the best eateries in the city. Food fans shouldn’t miss this exciting tour, and you can contact them to book at info@viennafoodwalk.at or 43 664 3964433.

Best car tour — ViennaGuru

A private tour can be the best way to see as much of the city as possible if your budget allows. This company specializes in car tours that will take you to see the city’s incredible museums, palaces, and other historic sites. They can also help you explore Vienna’s unparalleled musical heritage and cultural treasures. Tours can be booked online, or you can contact them at booking@viennaguru.com or 4369919253683.

Best carriage tour —Fiaker Baron Ges.m.b.H

If you don’t have a time machine, this may be the next best thing. Rolling through the historic heart of Vienna in a horse-drawn carriage is an unforgettable experience that will make you feel as though you’ve been taken back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This classic tour visits six different locations and gives you insight into the history of Vienna through the ages. Tours can be booked online or by contacting them at office@fiakerbaron.info or 4369981974007

Best wine tour — City & Wine Vienna

Austria has a long tradition of winemaking, and there are several well-established vineyards in the countryside surrounding Vienna. This company offers two different tours that can help you explore the region’s wines and their importance to Vienna’s history and culture. With up to 12 tastings per tour, you’ll get a good grounding in Austrian wine. Contact them at info@cityandwine.com or 436602058522.

Best city walking tour — Jan Kepinski

Vienna has so much history that it can be hard to take it all in. This walking tour makes it easy by offering six different tours that focus on different aspects of the city’s history. That way you won’t be overwhelmed by all there is to learn. The company also offers off-the-beaten-track tours where you’ll see locations most tourists remain unaware of. It’s a great way to learn more about the city and understand what makes it tick. Contact them at contact@weguidevienna.com or 43 676 693 2563.

A weekend in Vienna

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend away or a cultural excursion with the whole family, you can't go wrong with a vacation in Vienna. It's hard to plan the perfect weekend away in the City of Dreams, so drop your bags off at a Vienna luggage locker and organize a visit to some of these top attractions. 

• Take a tour of the Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Hapsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace contains over 1,400 rooms complete with opulent furnishings and decorations spanning hundreds of years.
• Spend an hour or two admiring the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Built in the 14th century, this Romanesque and Gothic style cathedral is among Vienna's finest buildings.
• Discover Vienna's musical pedigree at the Vienna State Opera. Don your best clothes for a night watching a world-class opera, or just pay a visit to the museum and learn about the venue's history. 
• Book a table at one of the best restaurants in Vienna. Popular eateries dotted across the city include the Pramerl & the Wolf, the Palmenhaus, and Erich.

Vienna lockers

Vienna is a safe city that's easy to walk around; however, many of the city's best attractions won't let you in with any large bags. To avoid having to find somewhere to store your luggage last minute, consider booking a Vienna storage locker through Bounce. Bounce has secure facilities across Vienna, situated at local businesses. As well as offering the best luggage storage services in Vienna, it's also a breeze to book yourself a spot through the Bounce app. Waste no time and book a convenient storage locker in Vienna today!

Off the beaten path in Vienna

If you dislike crowded tourist hotspots or just fancy getting out into the Austrian countryside, you may want to avoid Vienna's top attractions and step off the beaten path. Luckily, there are a few lesser-known attractions and plenty of open areas where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

• Escape the city without straying too far with a visit to Prater. This large urban park is very popular but still provides a tranquil spot for a stroll. Prater also contains an amusement park, which features the iconic 210-foot tall Giant Ferris Wheel.
• Explore Austria's beautiful landscape at the Lainzer Tiergarten. Spanning over 6,000 acres, this wildlife preserve is perfect for woodland walks and wildlife watching. 
• Marvel at the ancient Castle Liechtenstein. This castle was constructed in the 12th century and features hundreds of remarkable artifacts, including original weaponry, artworks, and furnishings.

What to do alone in Vienna

Solo sightseers in Vienna won't be short of excellent excursions to enjoy. With dozens of museums and ancient churches, Vienna is ideal for backpackers and business people alike. Swing by a Vienna luggage locker and plan a visit to one of these attractions for solo sightseers.  

• Peruse the collection at Belvedere Palace. Another one of Vienna's grand palaces, Belvedere Palace features an art collection with works by world-famous painters, including van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt. 
• Take in picture-perfect panoramas from Danube Tower. Standing at over 820 feet tall, Danube Tower is the tallest structure in the country and provides some of the best views of Vienna.
• See the exotic animals at Schönbrunn Zoo. Founded in the 18th century, Schönbrunn Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the world and boasts a collection of amazing and endangered animals, including Siberian tigers, giant pandas, and cheetahs.

The best souvenirs in Vienna

Vienna is a unique city, and you'll no doubt want to pick up something to remember your trip. If you're looking for a souvenir, make sure you pay a visit to Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest market. Here, you'll find a range of local produce and handmade nicknacks that make for superb mementos. Decadent Sachertorte or Mozartkugel are among the most popular edible souvenirs in Vienna. 

If you'd prefer a permanent nicknack to remember your trip, consider picking up a traditional snow globe or a piece of Augarten Porcelain to display back home.