On The Go: Cost-Free, Worry-Free
Free bikes for hire, Image: Canva
Rather than paying for a taxi or bus tickets, make use of the many city bikes in this metropolis on the Danube! Register once in the app, and you can ride around Vienna for an hour for free. When the hour is up, you’ll have to wait 15 minutes, but then you can pick up the next bike and jet off on another free adventure. Honestly, who needs a car? You can find out more about the bike program by searching for it online.
Cheap and Ugly: The Vienna Ugly Tour
Vienna city centre, Image: Canva
The Greek historian Thucydides once said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But tourists and the locals both agree: With its countless splendid buildings around the ring road, the Austrian capital is a beautiful city overall. On the Vienna Ugly Tour, though, you’ll dive into a new, ugly version of Vienna, full of architectural sins. For a reasonable €10, the British tour guide, Eugene Quinn, will show you his list of unaesthetic highlights. As you visit the 19 unattractive stops, you’ll realise that everyone and everything has flaws, even the wonderful city of Vienna.
The Nicest Toilets in the City — Guaranteed!
When you just can't hold it, Image: Canva
Public toilets are rarely (OK, never) comfortable places to be. If you absolutely can’t avoid stopping to use one, your eyes and nose are sure to protest. But because almost everything in Vienna looks Renaissance, classical, or modern (as is the cliché), even the public loos are an attraction here. You’ll have to pay 50 cents to enter the subterranean toilet in the Graben before you can freshen up in an art nouveau atmosphere. But there’s no other place under preservation order where you can do that!
Relax in the Museumsquartier
Museumsquartier in Vienna, Image: Canva
The Museumsquartier (MQ for short) is in the middle of the city, and it’s a symbol for the slow merging of past and present in Vienna: Renaissance and modernity collide here — in the architecture, in the art on display, and in the atmosphere. Even those who don’t know much about art are often drawn to the impressive complex to spend the evening in good company with a glass of wine and some snacks. If you want to join them, go ahead, kick back, and relax on one of the many colourful and comfortable pieces of plastic furniture.
Dive into the Student Life of this University City
University of Vienna, Image: Canva
Let’s just say, in comparison to some universities, the University of Vienna looks like the Palace of Versailles. Many prominent graduates, like Sigmund Freud and Erwin Schrödinger, have made their way through these famous columned halls. As you stroll through the corridors, you’ll be surrounded by a feeling of wisdom. Find out if this atmosphere inspires you and your learning ability by going on a tour through the main buildings, the campus, and the university’s botanic garden. You’ll also find exciting lectures and other events listed on their website.
Skip the Suit: High Culture, Low Prices
Vienna State Opera, Image: Canva
The renowned Vienna State Opera is just as much a part of the city as Empress Elisabeth herself, and it’s one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The opera is hoping to open up the elite circle of high culture to younger people, which is why they offer standing-room-only tickets for an unbelievable bargain of €10, no matter your age or occupation, starting 80 minutes before the performance begins. Everyone is invited to take in the magic of the opera for a while. And don’t worry: You don’t need to wear a suit and polished shoes; plenty of people come in t-shirts, jeans, and trainers. A list of upcoming shows can be found online.
Free Entry to the Museum and Many Events
Excavation at Michaelerplatz, Image: Canva
All year round, hundreds of free concerts, readings, discussions, etc. take place all across Vienna. For example, on the first Sunday of the month, many of the museums in Vienna do not require admission. There’s also the Gürtel Nightwalk, a traditional and vibrant festival in the hip pubs between the streets of Alser Straße and Thaliastraße. This free programme is kicked off by the Donauinselfest, Europe’s largest music festival. Falco, Cro, and countless other acts from all over the world have performed on the green Donauinsel island for more than 100,000 people.
Affordable Accommodations in Vienna
Image: Aktiv Camping Neue Donau
If you love nature, but still want to go shopping and sightseeing in the city, staying on a campsite in Vienna is your best bet. Some sites are right at the edge of the city or in a lovely location on the shore of the Danube. Public transport is an easy and convenient way to get to from the campsite into the heart of the Austrian capital. On camping.info, you’re sure to find your favourite campsite in Vienna. Aktiv Camping Neue Donau is centrally located, and this well-kept campsite on the Danube is perfect for a city break, with biking paths that lead right to the city centre.
We hope you have a wonderful city trip in the Austrian capital. Pfiat di!
