THE SOLO WOMANS GUIDE TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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This post is about visiting Vienna, Austria as a solo female
Vienna is an absolutely beautiful city, in the heart of Austria which puts it high on many travellers lists of must visit destinations. But what if you have nobody to go to the Austrian capital with?.
Don’t worry! The city that has been dubbed the City of Music due to its musical legacy, is incredibly easy to have a great time in even when travelling on your own!
Vienna offers so many exciting experiences, and exploring it with a companion can sometimes be overwhelming. When you have to figure out together which attractions to visit, which restaurants to eat at and managing a budget can lead to stress and disagreements.
If you’ve taken the plunge and are going on a solo adventure to Vienna you're in complete control of your itinerary - something I love about solo travel. It’s a time when I can be selfish, make all the decisions and do exactly what I want to do.
If you're unsure about how to make the most of your solo trip to Austria's capital, here's your comprehensive guide to solo travel in Vienna including what to see, how to get around, where to stay, and essential safety tips .
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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Vienna Solo Travel Top Picks:
Save Money : Save money during your solo trip to Vienna by getting a Vienna PASS, which includes access to 60 attractions as well as a hop on, hop off bus ticket.
Experiences: A few top-rated tours in Vienna include:
A classical concert at the beautiful Karlskirche in Vienna
A guided walking tour of central Vienna seeing the city's most popular highlights
Skip the line at Schönbrunn Palace and bus tour of Vienna
Click here for a full list of Vienna tours
Accommodation: Find the best places to suit your style and budget here
Safety: Vienna is safe for solo travel but you should still pack some travel safety essentials. A great item to take is a Personal Safety Alarm that can help scare away potential attackers. Other safety items you should consider are Hidden Pocket Scarves or Hidden Pocket Scrunchies and Clever Companion Hidden Pocket Pickpocket Proof Clothes.
WHERE IS VIENNA?
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Vienna is a capital city known for its grand architecture, stunning art museums, and vibrant cultural scene. It is located in the eastern part of Austria which is a popular European destination. The city itself lies on both sides of the Danube River, which passes through its center from east to west.
But, where is Austria?
It is located in Central Europe and shares borders with the Czechia and Germany to the north, Slovakia, and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
The closest foreign city to Vienna is Bratislava, Slovakia. From Vienna, you can reach Bratislava by car in an hour and 20 minutes.
The city covers an area of 414 square miles (1,072 km2) and has a population of 1.9 million people.
WHY VIENNA IS A GREAT DESTINATION FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
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If you’re looking for an amazing European solo travel experience, Vienna should definitely be on your list as a place to visit.
Vienna consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers. The city's low crime rate and efficient public transportation ensure that you can explore its streets with peace of mind, even during late hours.
Something you probably don’t know about Vienna is that it’s been ranked the world’s most livable city in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey continuously since 2009! That’s a pretty amazing statistic and I reckon if a city is the most livable in the world it’s probably a good choice for a solo traveller.
The people of Vienna are known for their warm hospitality. Locals are friendly, and even though German is the official language, English is widely spoken, making it easy for solo travellers to engage in conversations and seek help when needed. Vienna's openness and friendliness create a welcoming environment for those exploring the city on their own.
Due to Viennas popularity as a tourist destination there is a lot of information available in English. Most, if not all of the citys tourist attractions are well prepared for international visitors and have information in multiple languages including audio tours.
When it comes to the attractions you can easily visit the museums, churches and architectural sights as a solo person.
In my eyes, Vienna is an absolute must-visit city and there’s no reason to skip it just because you’re travelling solo. In fact, it might be one of the best cities in Europe to explore alone.
ARRIVING IN VIENNA
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Getting to Vienna, Austria is pretty straightforward due to its well-connected transportation infrastructure.
Here are several ways to get to Vienna:
By Air
Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) is the primary gateway to the city. It's located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of Vienna's city center. You can book flights directly to Vienna from major international airports worldwide. The airport connects to downtown Vienna via the public transport system so all you have to do is take the S7 metro and you’ll be in central Vienna in less than 30 minutes.
The ticket costs €4.20 and is valid for further transportation in Vienna as well. There are also other trains and buses from the airport to Vienna, but the S7 is the most convenient as well as the cheapest option.
But it’s also common to fly into Bratislava with one of the cheaper airlines and go to Vienna directly.
To get to Vienna from Bratislava airport you simply get on one of the shuttle buses which leave about once per hour. A ticket costs between €10 and €15 and the ride usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
By Train
Vienna has excellent rail connections to neighbouring countries and major European cities. The city's main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station), is a key hub for both domestic and international trains. It's well connected to cities like Budapest, Prague, Munich, and Zurich, among others.
By Bus
Long-distance bus services operate to and from Vienna. Vienna International Bus Terminal (VIB) is the main bus station, located at Erdberg in the southeastern part of the city. Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer routes from various European cities.
By Car
If you're travelling from neighbouring countries or regions, you can easily reach Vienna by car. Austria has a well-maintained network of highways, and the city is easily accessible from major nearby cities. If you want to hire I car I recommend RentalCars.com due to their great customer service and unbeatable prices.
By River
For a unique and leisurely experience, you can also reach Vienna by boat along the Danube River. Many river cruise lines include Vienna as a stop on their itineraries.
By Tram or Train from Nearby Cities
You might also arrive into Vienna from Bratislava which is just an hour away by train. In that case, you’ll pay €13 for a return ticket which takes you from Bratislava’s central station to Vienna’s central station.
GETTING AROUND IN VIENNA
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Once you arrive in Vienna, you’ll find that the public transport system is excellent. It’s a highly efficient system consisting of trams, buses, and an underground metro system (U-Bahn) that makes it so easy to navigate around the city.
There are five underground lines (U1-4, U6) and ten fast trains (S1-4, S7, S40, S45, S50, S60, S80). There are also 29 tram lines and numerous bus lines, including several night buses.
Train - Underground and Fast Trains
The underground lines run between 5am and 12:30am. Additionally, on Friday and Saturday nights as well as the nights before public holidays they run all night.
During the day you won’t have to wait more than six minutes at most for a train, and even on weekend nights they still run every 15 minutes.
The fast trains in the city centre run as often as the underground, but some of the ones that serve the suburbs are far less frequent. As a tourist, you will most likely stay in the city center though so you’ll never have to wait long for a train.
Buses and Trams
Not all buses and trams run until 12:30 am. Night buses are available between 12:45am and 5am. During the week they run every 30 minutes — and more frequently on weekends.
Purchasing tickets
The tickets for all public transport in Vienna are essentially the same - with a few exceptions such as airport shuttle buses. This means that if you change from tram to metro to bus you won’t have to buy a new ticket.
You can purchase various types of public transportation tickets, including single-journey tickets, day passes, or longer-term options, depending on your stay and travel needs. However, the machines on trams and buses only have single tickets.
You don’t have to validate your tickets or show them to the driver, it’s possible for ticket inspectors to approach you and ask to see your ticket.
Bike
If you prefer being a bit more active Vienna is a very bikeable city. This is an excellent way to remain flexible and independent.
You can also take your bike onto the metro for free on Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm and after 6:30pm, as well as Saturdays from 9am and all day on Sundays. You can not take your bike onto buses or trams though.
You can also take your bike onto the fast trains, but you have to purchase an extra bike ticket. This is a great option if you want to explore some of the suburbs by bike.
On foot
A great and relatively easy way to get around Vienna is on foot. Many of the important sites are located in the city centre within walking distance from each other.
It’s one of my favourite ways to get around Vienna because as a tourist you will often stumble across beautiful buildings and gorgeous views that you didn’t plan for. Just make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
Taxi
Taxis are an option as well but not one I’d particularly recommend especially if you’re heading out of the city borders. This is because if the taxi takes you out of the city borders you have to pay for its fare back as taxis from Vienna are not allowed to pick up passengers outside of the city.
The transport system as a whole is very reliable and user friendly so you won’t have any issues getting around the city.
11 THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA AS A SOLO TRAVELLER
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One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is having total freedom over your schedule. You have the luxury of being able to pick and choose exactly what you want to do, how long you want to do it for and when you want to do it.
Whether you have a weekend, a week or even longer in Vienna feel free to pick the sights and attractions that appeal to you.
1. Visit the museums
Vienna has a multitude of different museums that you can enjoy as a solo traveller. in fact, there’s probably enough museums for you to spend a week just visiting them!
There’s the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Albertina, not to mention all the museums in the Museumsquartier.
To help help you’re time the best thing to do is take a look at all the different museums and create a list of the ones that interest you the most. There are museums for any kind of interest, such as the Sigmund Freud Museum, the Museum of Illusions, Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Art Museum, The Leopold Museum and so many more.
Even if you’re not usually the biggest fan of museums you should visit one or two of them to learn about Vienna and its history.
2. Explore Vienna’s Castles and Palaces
Vienna is the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and so it doesn’t just have one castle or palace - it has quite a few!
The Hofburg and the Belvedere are amazing buildings that also house important museum collections now. At the Hofburg Palace you will be able to visit the Spanish Riding School, where you can watch the horses during their morning exercises. You can witness the riders leading the horses in strengthening activities while enjoying classical Viennese music.
Neugebäude Palace was the main imperial palace until the completion of Schönbrunn Palace. While it’s no longer as glorious as it once used to be it’s still worth a visit if you like palaces.
Unless you have a lot of time in Vienna you probably won’t be able to visit all the palaces and their museums. The bet thing to do is take a look at what’s on offer and pick the ones that appeal to you the most.
Don’t forget to take your camera as you will be able to get some magnificent photos of the castles and their gardens.
3. Attend a classical music concert
Vienna is known as the City of Music thanks to the city’s important role in the rise of classical music.
Tickets for the musical events are pretty affordable and depending which concert hall you go to you can get tickets from around £13 - £50.
Enjoy a wonderful classical concert with a period instrument ensemble at the beautiful Karlskirche. If you fancy some Mozart and Strauss you can get tickets for a concert in the Orangerie Schönbrunn, located in the Schönbrunn Palace area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In my opinion, the best place to go for a classical concert in Vienna is in the Golden Hall at the Musikverein. Here you can see a concert at one of Vienna’s finest concert halls and listen to magical works by Mozart and Strauss. Performed by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra in period costumes.
Or you could go to the amazing and spectactular Hofburg Palace to listen to the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra which is an experience you won’t forget.
There are far fewer performances in the summer months so if this is something you want to do whilst in Vienna I’d recommend booking in advance to secure your seat.
If you’re on a bit more of a budget and these tickets are out of your price range you can head to St. Peter’s Church that has a free organ concerts every day.
4. Visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace
This baroque castle made it onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites for a reason.
It’s an absolutely amazing palace to visit. If you’re in Vienna around Christmas time the Christmas market around the Schönbrunn Palace is a great evening.
A stroll through the extensive gardens of 3 provides a feel of what it must have been like to be a member of the Habsburg monarchs, who once used this as their summer residence.
The grand entrance is incredible and there are 22 staterooms in this famous Austrian palace. You can admire the 40-meter long Great Gallery and the Hall of Ceremonies and see how the Habsburg Dynasty lived as you stroll through lavish halls and peek into private chambers.
It’s a must visit when in Vienna.
There are guided tours that tell you more about life at Austria’s biggest palace — like this private tour or this skip-the-line tour.
As one of Austria’s most visited sights the palace can get quite busy, so if possible try to avoid the weekends.
5. Marvel at the incredible Viennese architecture
The historic Old Town of Vienna is the area known as Innere Stadt (district 1). It is encircled by the grand Ringstrasse which has been described as the most beautiful boulevard in the world and is home to many of Vienna’s most famous sights and museums as well as grand palaces and spacious parks.
You should walk through the Old Town as you will be stunned by the beautiful historic buildings in the city and then walk the ring road - Ringstrasse. You can book a guided tour of the Ringstrasse.
You can take a guided walking tour around the Old Town and be given information about all the fabulous buildings and architecture in the city.
As an alternative to walking the Ring Road, you can take Tram 1 or 2 to have a look at the typical Ringstrasse architecture.
6. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s most popular landmark and is well worth a visit for the incredible views you get from the spire.
You can prebook tickets to avoid any queues when you visit or get a guided tour of the cathedral.
Additionally, they host concerts which you can attend. It’s truly magical to hear classical music concerts in such a unique venue.
About 20-minutes walk from St Stephen’s Cathedral is the stunning Vienna City Hall, a magnificent building built between 1872 to 1883 and showcasing a Neo-Gothic style and it’s definitely worth making sure you see it when in Vienna.
7. Take a tour of Vienna
As a solo traveller taking a guided tour can be a great way to meet other solo travellers or just other travellers/tourists in general. It’s really good to have this experience with others and often I’ve planned additional experiences with people I’ve met on guided tours and you can do the same.
There are various city tours whether you want to explore Vienna on bike, on foot, or by bus.
There are both general tours that give you an overview of the city’s main sights as well as tours that focus on specific topics or areas, such as Sigmund Freud tours or Jewish tours.
Most tours are available in German or English so yo udon’t need to worry if German isn’t a language you speak. You can also get tours in other languages if you would prefer.
8. Try Vienna’s signature cake
Vienna’s signature cake is delicious! It’s called Sachertorte and it is a luxurious combo of dense chocolate sponge, dark chocolate ganache and finely-spread apricot jam. It is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream.
Its recipe is a closely guarded secret and you’ll find various versions of this sweet treat in cafés all across the city.
Ther is a fierce rivalry between the Hotel Sacher and Demel over claims to the original recipe. They’ve even gone to court over it.
When I visited Vienna I choose to get the Sachertorte from Hotel Sacher but why not sample both!
9. Check out the street art in Vienna
There is a lot of street art to discover in Vienna and you can even take a guided tour if you’d like to learn more about the art and understand the urban masterpieces.
Along the Danube Canal beneath a few bridges, there are officially approved areas for graffiti artists. They’re a great example of how street art can enhance the look of a city.
Street Art Passage is another collection of colourful art in a tunnel that leads up to the MuseumsQuartier. It’s quite the contrast to the exhibitions inside the museums.
If you’re visiting Vienna in August don’t miss Calle Libre which is an ‘urban aesthetics’ (aka street art) festival taking place in the 7th District of Vienna. It’s a free event with workshops, demonstration and discussions. Previous years have seen 15,000+ attendees!
10. Go on a music tour
Many classical composers lived and worked in Vienna and there are statues all over the city honoring them. In fact, you can visit the former homes of musicians like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss.
There are incredible monuments, museums and temples of music such as the Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera House.
There are so many interesting music tours in Vienna such as at the Mozarthaus Vienna where you can explore the only Vienna apartment of Mozart’s that has been preserved, where he lived from 1784 to 1787 and composed more music than anywhere else.
In the Vienna Central Cemetery, which is one of the largest cemeteries in the world, you will find the graves of people like Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and Schönberg. Explore on your own or book a guided walking tour for a greater understanding of this place.
11. Explore Vienna beyond it’s main sites
One of the best things I love to do in a new place is to just aimlessly wander. As much as I love researching a place and finding the top things to do it’s great to just wander and see what you discover.
Strolling down a random side street could unveil a secret work of art, statue or building that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Or perhaps you could get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way and you could stumble upon a lively market or a square that is a local secret.
You can also book more quirky tours like a time travellers tour or an educational tour exploring homelessness in the city.
Just remember Vienna is more than just the popular tourist attractions. Get out there and try to experience another side to Vienna.
What top attractions are a must-see in Vienna?
The must-see attractions in Vienna are:
What are the best tours to do in Vienna with kids?
The best tours to do in Vienna with kids are:
See all family-friendly activities in Vienna on GetYourGuide
WHAT TO EAT IN VIENNA AS A SOLO TRAVELLER
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Before we talk about all the delicious tasty food Vienna has to offer we should talk about eating alone as a solo traveller.
As a society we definatly have a perception that eating alone is somehow weird and strange. I know when I first started travelling solo eating out alone was one of the things I struggled with the most.
I think for most people it is difficult to get used to eating alone when travelling solo but you do get used to it. I promise! You will definitely get some odd looks sometimes but over time it become something you will just brush off and eventually you won’t even notice it.
If you want to you can bring a book, a journal, or another quiet activity to enjoy while you eat can help ease any awkwardness you feel.
Depending on your personality and how comfortable you feel you can also strike up conversations with people around you. I’ve spent many an evening having chats with people next to me in a restaurant. It’s great, as if they’re local you can get some amazing insider travel tips from the locals or if they’re fellow travellers they also could have some amazing recommendations.
Now that we’ve talked about dining solo lets discuss Vienna and it’s food.
Vienna is a culinary treasure trove with so many delicious foods you should try whilst visiting. It is famous for a variety of dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and desserts like Sachertorte and Kaiserschmarrn.
Austria isn’t known for it’s vegearian or vegan food traditionally but these days most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes and there are numerous vegan restaurants in Vienna as well. There’s really something to eat for everyone in the city.
A must-visit on your trip to Vienna is a typical Viennese coffee house. These don’t only serve coffee but also traditional Viennese dishes. They are an important part of Viennese history, and Viennese Coffee House Culture is even listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Like most big European cities,Vienna is a multicultural city and locals don’t usually stick to eating just Viennese food. There is a variety of international restaurants whether you’re craving Italian, Chinese, or Japanese cuisine.
Food to try in Vienna
Wiener Schnitzel: Perhaps the most iconic Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel is a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet. It's typically served with a slice of lemon, lingonberry jam, and potato salad. Variations using chicken or turkey are also available.
Apfelstrudel: This famous Austrian dessert consists of a thin, flaky pastry filled with spiced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and often raisins. It's traditionally served warm and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Sachertorte: Vienna's most famous dessert, the Sachertorte is a decadent chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and covered in a shiny chocolate glaze. It's often served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
Sacherwurst: Vienna's answer to the hot dog, the Sacherwurst is a sausage made from a blend of pork and beef, often served in a roll with mustard.
Brettljause: This is a traditional Austrian snack, consisting of a wooden board (Brettl) with a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, and bread. It's perfect for a light meal and pairs well with a glass of Austrian wine.
Austrian Coffeehouse Specialties: Vienna is renowned for its coffeehouse culture. While enjoying a cup of coffee, don't forget to try coffeehouse specialties like Melange (similar to a cappuccino), Einspänner (black coffee with whipped cream), and Maria Theresia (a mix of espresso and orange liqueur).
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENNA AS A SOLO TRAVELLER
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Vienna is separated into 23 different districts with the first district being the centre of the city and the numbers spread out from there. Each district has something different to offer as a visitor to Vienna.
When you are out and about you can identify which district you are in by looking at the street sign and working at the two numbers in the middle of the four numbers on the sign (cryptic!)
To be honest you don’t really need to worry too much about where you stay due to the amazing public transport system in Vienna.
Something to bare in mind when visiting Vienna and booking accommodation is that many Viennese hotels are in historic buildings which means they’re often not that spacious.
If you are from North America keep in mind that air conditioning is not as common in Europe as it is there or in other regions. If air con is something you require it’s important to specifically filter for that facility when searching for your accommodation.
When looking for the best place to stay in Vienna, consider the reason for your trip.
Close to top attractions: 1st District (Innere Stadt)
Less touristy and cheaper alternative: 2nd District (Leopoldstadt), 3rd District (Landstraße)
Hip area with lots of bars: 6th (Mariahilf), 7th (Neubau), 8th (Josefstadt)
1st District: Innere Stadt (1010)
Pros: Right in the middle of attractions, lots of restaurants around.
Cons: Touristy and expensive.
The Innere Stadt (Inner City) is the heart of Vienna and the other 22 districts wrap around it.
Lots of the top Vienna attractions can be found in the 1st District such as the Vienna State Opera, Rathaus (town hall), St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Austrian Parliament Building.
Hotels in the First District come at a premium price!
Hotels in Vienna City Centre
Budget £ Hotel Pension Residenz is a great budget option to stay in the city centre. It’s right behind Vienna University and is a 5-minute walk from Town Hall and the Ringstraße Boulevard. The Schottentor Underground Station (line U2) is just 300 metres away and there are a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops is nearby. Check availability here.
Midrange ££ Hotel Am Parkring offers panoramic views over Vienna and is located opposite the City Park (Stadtpark) on the Ringstraße boulevard. The Weihburggasse Tram Stop is right outside, and the Stadtpark and Stubentor Underground Stations are within 200 metres. An underground car park is available on site. Check availability here.
Luxury £££ Hotel Sacher Wien is the home of the original Sacher-Torte. Located in the heart of Vienna, opposite the State Opera and right next to the Kärntner Straße. The Karlsplatz transport hib offering connection to all parts of Vienna is just a 2-minute walk away. The Ringstraße, the Albertina Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace with its Congress and Event Centre are only a 5- to 10 minutes walk away from Hotel Sacher Wien. Check availability here.
2nd District: Leopoldstadt (1020)
Pros: Cheap hotels in Vienna, close to Prater, Messe-Prater Underground Station (line U2).
Cons: Large area so can be further away from central attractions.
Leopoldstadt is still a central option for Vienna accommodation with the added bonus that you can avoid the mass of tourists in the 1st District.
The most famous landmark in Leopoldstadt is the vintage, Wiener Prater fairground which includes the Ferris Wheel. Some of the hotels in Leopoldstadt overlook the Danube Canal, which can be amazing at sunset.
So if you are looking for cheap hotels in Vienna that are conveniently located near public transport, the 2nd District may be for you.
Hotels in 2nd district - Leopoldstadt
Budget £ Hotel Weisses Lamm is a great budget hotel where you can enjoy a continental breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kunst Haus Wien - Museum Hundertwasser, St. Stephen's Cathedral and St. Peter's Catholic Church. Check availability here.
Mid range ££ Vienna Grandeur Escape is a great 1 bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, a living room, and a flat-screen TV. Check availabilty here.
Luxury £££ Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront is located directly on the banks of the Danube River. It offers an open-air riverside pool with amazing views of the city or the Danube. The Waterfront Kitchen offers dishes made from fresh seasonal ingredients from Austria and Northern Italy. Check availability here.
Hotels in the 3rd district - Landstraße (1030)
Pros: Very close to the heart of Vienna and Belvedere.
Cons: Fewer hotel choices.
Landstraße (Country Road) does have a more local feel which is down to the fact that locals do reside and work in this district. It feels a lot like you’re in the 1st district.
This area is home to the outrageously grand, Belvedere which houses the famous Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’.
Hotels in 3rd district - Landstraße
Budget £ Schloss Belvedere Private Rooms offers really good value double rooms for less than £40 per night. It’s less than 1 km from Belvedere Palace, a 13-minute walk from Vienna Main Railway Station and 1.9 km from Karlskirche. Check availability here.
Mid range ££ Jimmy's Apartments Emerald is a great mid budget hotel near Museum of Military History, Belvedere Palace and Karlskirche. There’s a dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine. Check availability here.
Luxury £££ TrIIIple 7Heaven is close to Ernst Happel Stadium. It offers an amazing view on top floor with rooftop pool. There is a balcony and air-conditioning. Check availability here.
Hotels in the 7th district - Neubau (1070)
Pros: Very cool area, nightlife, close to museums, walking distance to 1st District.
Cons: Some hotels can be pricey.
Hipster bars, independent shops, art galleries and traffic lights with same-sex couples.Welcome to the hip 7th District.
Home to the MuseumsQuartier, 7th tends to attract a younger crowd with disposable income.
Hotels in 7th District - Neubau
Budget £ Jugendherberge Wien is a great hostel just 20-minute walk of the City Hall, Parliament and the Leopold Museum. It has female only dormitories with access to shared bathroom facilities. It’s a really good budget option. Check availability here.
Mid range ££ HeyMi Apartments Mondschein is less than 1 km from Leopold Museum and a 13-minute walk from Natural History Museum. These apartments offer a kitchenette features a dishwasher, an oven and a toaster. There’s also a terrace to enjoy the outdoor space. Check availability here.
Luxury £££ Hotel Sans Souci Wien is directly opposite the Museum Quarter and a 5-minute walk from the Ringstraße Boulevard in the centre of Vienna. The large Sans Souci Spa includes an indoor pool and a modern fitness centre with a personal trainer is available as well. Check availability here.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN VIENNA?
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The weather is Vienna is a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Vienna brings milder temperatures and blossoming landscapes. March can still be chilly, with occasional snow showers, but by April, temperatures begin to rise. May sees more pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). Spring is a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Vienna is warm and often sunny. Highs range from 20°C (68°F) in June to 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Summer is the peak tourist season, with numerous outdoor events, festivals, and al fresco dining options. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Vienna is marked by pleasant, cooler weather. Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in September to 5°C (41°F) in November. The city's parks and forests transform into a colorful display of autumn foliage, making it a picturesque time for a visit.
Winter (December to February): Vienna in winter can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. December is festive with Christmas markets, but it can also be quite chilly. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C (25°F) to 3°C (37°F). Vienna's architecture and coffeehouses offer cozy indoor experiences during this season.
Keep in mind that Vienna's weather can be somewhat unpredictable, so it's advisable to check the forecast closer to your travel dates. If you're visiting during the summer, make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sun. In the winter, bundle up with warm clothing to enjoy the city's enchanting holiday season.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS IN VIENNA
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Hopefully, you can now see that Vienna is an amazing place to travel to as a solo female traveller. You’re fully equipped with knowing how to get to Vienna, how to get around Vienna, what to do in Vienna, what to eat and where to stay when travelling solo. Now, let’s look at some important tips for staying safe and making the most from your solo trip to Vienna, Austria.
The currency in Austria is the € Euro. You can often pay by debit or credit card although you should always carry some cash, just in case.
The Viennese climate has a shorter spring and autumn and longer summers and winters. While the summers can get quite hot you should also be prepared for the possibility of rainy days, but more so in spring and fall. Winters don’t get as cold as you might expect in Austria, but they can still be quite uncomfortable due to the humidity. Make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip so you can pack accordingly.
There’s no need to buy bottled water, the tap water is amazing. The water comes from the Alps not far from the city so whether you’re at a restaurant, Airbnb, or in your hotel you can drink tap water. There are also fountains in the city centre and in many parks if you’re out and about and get thirsty so make sure you take a reusable water bottle.
Opening hours might differ from what you are used to. Most shops open between 8am and 9am and close between 6pm and 7pm, except Sunday when all shops and even many restaurants are closed.
Don’t expect the friendliest service at restaurants and bars. The Viennese are notorious for being quite reserved and can even be perceived as rude or arrogant. Try to simply enjoy the fact that you will be left alone while eating your meal.
You can get free WiFi at most restaurants, cafés, and bars as well as at your accommodation. The entire MuseumsQuartier also has free WiFi available and there are numerous WiFi hotspots throughout the city. If you leave the city itself you may need to purchase an Austrian SIM card to be able to stay connected.
If you’re looking for souvenirs make sure to leave the typical tourist shops. Museum shops are more likely to sell authentic local products as are smaller boutiques or specialty shops.
You shouldn’t get completely lost in Vienna due to the helpful street signs. Any street sign first displays a number which is the number of the district you are in. The tourist information center and the City of Vienna have free city maps available so that even if you lose internet connection you will be able to find your way around.
SOLO TRAVEL IN VIENNA FAQS
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What are the best things to do alone in Vienna?
Wondering what to do alone in Vienna? The options are truly unlimited! The museums in Vienna are perfect for exploring alone, as are the castles, and there are countless tours you can join. Plus just wandering the historic streets can be fun!
Is Vienna safe to travel to alone?
Yes, Vienna is a safe city for solo travel. It has a pretty well-traversed tourism network and great public transportation. As always when you’re travelling solo you take necessary precautions. Research your destination, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow local advice and customs. Always keep your belongings secure and trust your instincts. As long as you do all of this you should encounter no issues in Vienna.
Is Vienna good for solo travel?
Yes, Vienna is a great city for solo travelers. There are so many things to do in Vienna alone plus the city has excellent public transportation and many food options.
Is it lonely to travel to Vienna alone?
Solo travel can be both solitary and social, depending on your preferences. It offers opportunities to meet new people and make friends while also allowing for personal reflection and independence. It’s entirely up to you how social you want to try to be. You can stay in accommodation with shared spaces to try to meet people or try to spark up conversations in bars and restaurants. Or on the other side if you want the time to yourself you can, of course, get that too.
How do I meet people when travelling alone in Vienna?
Meeting people while solo travelling is often easy. Stay in hostels, join group tours or activities, visit local events, and use social apps and platforms to connect with fellow travelers.
What should I do if I get lost or in an emergency while travelling alone in Vienna?
Always carry important documents, have a local SIM card or access to Wi-Fi, and share your itinerary with someone you trust. Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and contact your embassy or consulate if needed.
How can I stay safe as a solo female traveller?
Female solo travellers should prioritise safety by choosing well-lit accommodations, avoiding risky areas at night, and dressing modestly in culturally conservative places. It's also a good idea to research local customs and laws.
Is it more expensive to travel alone?
Travel costs can vary, but solo travellers often have the flexibility to choose budget-friendly options and make financial decisions that suit their preferences. I have found though, it often works out slightly more expensive when choosing single hotel rooms than it doesn when I’m sharing with someone.
How can I overcome language barriers when travelling alone in Vienna?
English is widely spoken in Vienna although I always encourage people to learn at least a few basic phrases in the local language - German in Austria. It’s just manners to at least attempt to speak a little in the language of the place you are visiting. You could use translation apps or carry a pocket dictionary to help you.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights t using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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