Vienna on a Budget: 6 Free Things To Do in Vienna, Austria

With just 2 days in Vienna, Austria we wanted to explore the city, but we also wanted to keep our budget intact. A quick look at the high prices for a cup of coffee let us know that Vienna is not a budget destination. 

Vienna, Austria is not the most expensive city in Europe (Zurich has that honor), but it regularly ranks as one of the top 10 priciest cities on the continent.

However, it is possible to visit Vienna on a budget. Below we’ve highlighted several free things to do in Vienna that will suit a range of budgets – from Vienna backpackers to European River Cruise passengers.

 

6 Free Things To Do in Vienna, Austria

Alright, time is money they say, so let’s get right into our list of the Best Things To Do in Vienna, Austria without going broke!

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#1 Free Walking Tour Vienna

One of the prime ways to experience Vienna for free is to discover the city by foot. Much of Vienna’s charm lies is the streets adorned with opulent architecture.

The grandiose museums, ornate churches, spacious gardens and royal palaces can be admired from the outside without spending a single cent. Additionally, some churches are free to enter.

We alternated our Vienna sightseeing between following a map to the top sights and simply wandering through the city along the riverside. We even stumbled upon some incredibly interesting art installations.

Top Tip: If a structured tour suits your style, Vienna Free Tour offers guided, tip-based walks of the city – or you can follow the self-guided free tour of Vienna, Austria by Big Boy Travel.

 

#2 Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna

Schonbrunn Palace is Vienna’s top sight – but touring the interior requires a high-dollar ticket. What many tourists don’t know, however, is that the Schonbrunn Palace Gardens are open to the public.

It’s one of the best things to do in Vienna for free! Stroll the grounds and follow the path up the hill for breathtaking views of the palace and city beyond.

Pro Tip: Want a cheap lunch in Vienna? Pack a picnic and a blanket to dine on the hill with a stunning view!

 

#3 Naschmarkt, Vienna

Visiting local markets is one of our favorite ways to get to a know a place. Perusing the produce and goods gives insight into the local cuisine. In Vienna, the Naschmarkt is the top market to see. Naschmarkt, which dates to the 1780s, has 100 market stalls, making it the city’s largest outdoor marketplace.

Fresh vegetables, meat, spices and sweets are sold from the historic stalls. While purchasing anything requires money, checking out the space and partaking in any of the samples that are offered doesn’t cost a dime. Naschmarkt should definitely make your list of Vienna free things to do!

Top Tip: Wondering what to eat in Vienna Naschmarkt for cheap? Find the Heise u Kalte Wurstwaren window where they sell delicious sausages at a great price.

 

#4 57 Lounge at DC Tower

Standing on the Danube riverside at a height of 720 feet is the DC Tower – Austria’s tallest building. The upper floors are occupied by 57 Restaurant and Lounge, both of which offer incredible views of the city below.

While it will cost a pretty penny for a meal with a view or a cocktail at the bar, there is no cover charge to enter the lounge (making it one of the top free things to do in Vienna, Austria).

Pro Tip: Head to 57 Lounge just before sunset. Order a moderately-priced beer from the bar so you can stay awhile and watch the city lights come on!

 

#5 Wurstelprater Amusement Park

One of our favorite free attractions in Vienna is the Wurstelprater amusement park. Home to the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which was built in 1897 and ranked as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel from 1920 until 1985, there is no admission charge to enter the grounds.

The Wiener Riesenrad and other amusement rides require tickets (ranging from €1.50 to €5 for most rides; €10 for Ferris wheel), but the park itself is one of the free places to visit in Vienna.

Top Tip: Tickets to the Wiener Riesenrad can be purchased in advance or save money with a Ferris wheel and Zoo combo ticket. 

 

#6 Free Vienna Museums 

There are more than 100 museums in Vienna – and some offer free admission days. This is often on the first Sunday of the month.

Visiting the museums on gratis days are one of the most popular Vienna things to do for free. You can find a list of free museums Vienna here, but always check again to confirm they still offer complimentary admission.

Pro Tip: If visiting cultural institutions is high on your Vienna to-do list, consider a Museum Pass that can save time and money.

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Top Tips for Visiting Vienna on a Budget

We have a few more bits of advice before you set off for Austria. The Vienna currency is the Euro and you should check current exchange rates ahead of your trip.

 

Vienna Card vs Vienna Pass

There are two popular sightseeing cards that can help tourists save money. The Vienna Card offers discounts to more than 200 attractions. The Vienna Pass offers free entry into more than 60 sights. Both are available for multiple days and include discounts into top points of interest.

A third option is the Vienna Flexi Pass, which is probably more suitable for longer stays. For a flat rate, it offers entry into 2 to 5 sights over a 60-day period. 

• Learn more about the Vienna Card
• Book your Vienna Pass today
• Buy the Vienna Flexi Pass for your trip

 

Where To Eat in Vienna

Seeking out cheap eats in Vienna isn’t the easiest task. A trip to the grocery store will be the most cost-saving way to eat in Vienna.

However, street food in Vienna – like kebabs and sausages to-go – are fairly inexpensive. With our two days in Vienna, we avoided eating in sit-down restaurants.

Top Tip: The Vienna café culture is difficult to resist, but usually comes at a high price. We saw ‘specials’ for a coffee and cake for €10.

 

Where To Stay in Vienna

Our go-to resource for affordable accommodations is Airbnb. We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. 

However, for those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Vienna hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center.

Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) priced at about $200 USD/night. Novotel Wien Hauptbahnhof, Boutiquehotel Stadthalle or Hotel Austria – Wien. 

Budget travelers can search for Vienna Hostels – like Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner and Wombat’s City Hostels Vienna Naschmarkt. 

Start your hotel search now for your trip to Vienna on Booking.com 

 

Before You Go to Vienna

• Vienna is a walkable city…but only if you pack the right travel shoes! Don’t forget a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes. I (Sarah) have always packed these shoes by Columbia, Skechers and Reef. Kris prefers wearing shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Vienna. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel that takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera.
• If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your trip to Austria, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
• Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day pack to carry all your everyday essentials (like a trusted guidebook).
• Get (and stay) organized by using our Trip Planning Printables and our Guide To Planning a European Vacation!

Start planning your trip to Austria! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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