Vienna tours

What time of year to take guided tours of Vienna depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your visit. Each season has its perks:

• Spring (March to May). Spring in Vienna offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens. It’s an excellent time to explore outdoor attractions and is less crowded.
• Summer (June to August). The peak tourist season in Vienna, summer is generally warm and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as strolling through parks.
• Autumn (September to November). Autumn brings mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage to Vienna. It’s a great time to explore the city’s cultural offerings, such as visiting museums, attending concerts, or experiencing the vibrant autumn atmosphere at traditional wine taverns.
• Winter (December to February). Vienna in winter is magical, with its festive markets, dazzling Christmas decorations, and the possibility of snowfall. It’s a great time for trips to Vienna when you can experience the city’s rich musical heritage through classical concerts and opera performances.

The weather in Vienna is generally mild year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 30°F in the winter to 75°F in the summer. The city experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal.

• Spring (March to May). Spring in Vienna brings milder temperatures and longer days. However, it can still be quite variable, with occasional rain showers. The city’s many parks and gardens are awash in color in springtime, and some of Vienna’s most popular festivals take place.
• Summer (June to August). Summers in Vienna are generally warm and pleasant, with occasional hot days. Average temperatures range from 59°F to 79°F, but can occasionally reach higher. It’s the peak tourist season, with longer daylight hours and various outdoor events taking place.
• Autumn (September to November). Mild temperatures and colorful foliage characterize autumn in Vienna. September is often pleasant, with temperatures similar to summer. However, October and November gradually become cooler, ranging from 43°F to 61°F in November. Rainfall is more frequent during this season.
• Winter (December to February). Winters in Vienna can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 24°F to 39°F on average. Snowfall is common, especially in December and January. Winter is a festive time with Christmas markets and the opportunity to enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating.

Vienna, the vibrant capital of Austria, offers an abundance of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities to do on trips to Vienna are:

• Explore the historic city center. Stroll through Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the Hofburg Palace complex, and wander along the charming streets of the Innere Stadt, where you’ll find architectural gems, quaint cafes, and shops.
• Attend a classical music concert. Vienna has a rich musical heritage, and attending a classical music concert is a must-do experience. If you’d like to see a performance during your free time on a tour of Vienna at renowned venues like the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein, or the Vienna Konzerthaus, we suggest you plan ahead to secure tickets.
• Take a Danube River cruise. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Danube River, which runs through Vienna. Take in the picturesque views of the city’s skyline, bridges, and waterfront attractions while relaxing on a cruise.

Learn more about Vienna’s musical history →

The capital city of Austria has a rich culinary tradition that includes a variety of delicious and popular foods. Here are some of the most well-known and beloved dishes to sample on guided tours to Vienna:

• Wiener Schnitzel. Perhaps the most famous Viennese dish, Wiener Schnitzel, is a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet. It is typically served with a slice of lemon and a side of potato salad or parsley potatoes. It’s a must-have for Vienna travel!
• Sachertorte. This indulgent chocolate cake is a Viennese classic. It consists of dense chocolate cake layers with a thin layer of apricot jam in between, all covered in a smooth chocolate glaze. It’s often enjoyed with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.
• Apfelstrudel. A beloved Viennese dessert, Apfelstrudel features thinly sliced apples mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, all encased in layers of flaky pastry. It is typically served warm and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Sacher-Würstel. A Viennese take on the classic hot dog, Sacher-Würstel consists of a grilled sausage, usually a Frankfurter or Käsekrainer, served in a roll and topped with mustard, ketchup, and crispy onions.

Everything to know about Austria’s signature dessert, the Sachertorte →

Renowned for its musical composers, world-famous Weiner Schnitzel, and gleaming royal palaces, Vienna tours offer exceptional experiences that can make your visit even more memorable. Some of the unique experiences to have on our tours in Vienna include:

• Exploring Viennese coffee culture: Indulge in Vienna’s renowned coffee culture by visiting traditional coffee houses, such as Café Central or Café Sacher. Savor delicious pastries like Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel while enjoying the cozy ambiance.
• Touring Vienna’s street art scene. Vienna has a thriving street art scene, particularly in the districts of Favoriten and Neubau. Take a street art tour or wander through the streets to discover vibrant murals, graffiti, and urban art installations.
• Visiting the Lost Garden at Schloss Schönbrunn. If you are looking for a fun way to spend some free time on a trip to Vienna, try to find your way out of The Lost Garden at Schloss Schönbrunn. Built in 1686, the challenging topiary maze features over 1,400 boxwood hedges forming its walls.

Here’s the inside scoop on the most unique things to do in Vienna →

When packing for trips to Vienna, Austria, it’s important to consider the season and the activities you plan to engage in. Here’s a list of essential items to pack for your trip:

• Weather-appropriate clothing. Pack clothes suitable for the season of your Vienna travel. In summer, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. In winter, pack warm layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and hat.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Vienna is a city best explored on foot, so bring comfortable shoes for walking. Opt for shoes that provide good support and are suitable for both urban environments and visits to parks or palaces.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on our Vienna, Austria tours.
• Travel adapter. Vienna uses the Europlug Type C and F electrical outlets, so bring a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Vienna travel packages, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don’t forget to download the Go Ahead Tour Companion app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.

On trips to Vienna, Austria, it’s helpful to be aware of the cultural customs and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. Some things to keep in mind are:

• Greetings. When meeting someone for the first time, greeting with a handshake and making eye contact is customary. Use formal titles like “Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau” (Mrs./Ms.) followed by the person’s last name until invited to use their first name.
• Dining etiquette. When dining in Vienna, waiting until everyone is seated before starting the meal is customary. Keep your hands visible on the table, but avoid resting your elbows. Finish everything on your plate, as leaving food behind may be considered wasteful.
• Tipping. It’s customary to leave a tip in Vienna. Generally, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants. In cafes, leaving a small tip is standard, and rounding up the fare for taxis or giving a small tip to service providers like hotel staff or tour guides is also customary.
• Language. While many Austrians speak English, it’s considered polite to learn a few basic German phrases or greetings, such as “guten tag” (good day) and “danke” (thank you). Making an effort to speak a few words in German is often appreciated.
• Respect for historical and cultural Sites. Vienna is rich in history and cultural heritage. Show respect when visiting historical sites, churches, museums, and memorials. Follow any guidelines or rules regarding photography, dress code, and behavior within these places.

German serves as the country’s official language, and it is widely spoken and understood throughout Vienna. However, English is commonly understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments catering to visitors.

The euro (€).

Order some euros from your bank before you travel to Vienna, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive to stock up on some of the local currency. For tips on using the euro while on trips to Vienna, check out our blog on currency exchange →