Private Introduction to Vienna Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Vienna's multi-faceted history on a 3-hour small-group, history walking tour with an expert scholar guide. Marvel at the city's iconic buildings and admire their prestigious history and breath-taking architecture. Admire Stephansdom, Museum Quartier, and many other iconic sites.
Available options
Tour
What's included
3-hour private guided walk in the company of an historian guide
What you'll see
Vienna is not just a city of one past, but a city of many pasts. Delve into Vienna's past and present on an insightful 3-hour walking tour of its colorful history and architecture. Your tour begins at Michaelerplatz, where the Hofburg, the Habsburg’s imperial palace and seat of power since the thirteenth century, dominates the square. Clockwise from the palace is the green and gray Loos House, designed by Austrian architect Adolf Loos (1870 1933).
From there, the tour continues down Kohlmarkt and the Graben, currently one of the city’s most fashionable shopping districts and home to such varied sights as a plague column, a baroque church, grand buildings in many different architectural styles, and the national architectural icon of Austria: Stephansdom.
The tour takes in three areas associated with the Habsburg’s grandiose tripartite burials. While St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the final resting place for their imperial entrails, the humble Capuchin Church nearby houses centuries of sarcophagi of Vienna’s rulers, and St. Augustine’s Church, which contains dozens of silver urns containing the hearts of the Hapsburgs.
Along the edge of the inner city, examine remnants of the old city walls from the 12th century. These walls protected the city from two sieges by the Ottoman Empire (1529 and 1683) but were eventually torn down to make way for the grand circular boulevard of the Ringstrasse (Vienna’s answer to Paris’s grand boulevards).
The walk continues to Schwarzenbergplatz, where a massive fountain and memorial to the Russian soldiers who died liberating Vienna from the Nazis dominates an area where most of the city’s embassies can be found. After a quick detour to the Belvedere Palace, head back towards Karlsplatz and enjoy a stunning view of one of the gold-domed Secession building and the Naschmarkt.
Finally, weave through the Museums Quartier and Maria Theresien Platz, home to the city’s largest concentration of museums, while discussing the present day cultural, political, and economic orientations of Austria and its capital.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please meet your guide outside Cafe Hawelka, Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
About Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.
Top Attractions
Schönbrunn Palace
A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury
Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.
Historical/Art/Museum
2-3 hours
€16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-4 hours (performance length)
€10-200 depending on performance and seat
Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.
Dinner
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Sachertorte
A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Apfelstrudel
A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Coffee house hopping
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending opera or concert performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof
By bus
Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt
Leopoldstadt
Wieden
Hietzing
Day trips
Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.
Festivals
Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June
Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March
Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
- Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
- Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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