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12 city trips that are easy-to-reach from Vienna by train that you absolutely must do

Can’t get enough of the city life now that traveling is possible again, why not enjoy a quick trip to some other exotic urban setting we’ve put together a list of easy-to-reach cities you can visit just by hopping on the next train. these all make for a perfect (long) weekend getaway..

Here are 12 city trips that are easy to reach from Vienna by train in less than 6 hours:

Images via Unsplash

Budapest – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Budapest, Hungary

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Budapest-Keleti (around 2h 39min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: the giant and beautiful gothic style parliament building, take a dip at the Instagram-famous thermal Széchenyi Baths, to sit at the Danube somewhere other than Vienna, take in the views of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, to try the tasty Hungarian cuisine, to enjoy the rough but grand vibe of the city

Less obvious reasons: munch on a delicious langós with various toppings at the central market hall, to take a ship as public transport instead of the metro, partake in endless games of pinball at the Flipper Muzeum, spend rainy days at a former aristocrat’s mansion that was turned into Szabo Ervin Library, to spend a night at one of the very cool hidden open air ‘ruin bars’ located in the courtyard of buildings (like  Racskert ,  Szimpla Kert) , enjoy the view from the 360 Bar

Images © Graz Tourismus - Tom Lamm © Graz Tourismus - Harry Schiffer

Graz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Graz, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Graz HBF (around 2h 35min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  catch some  scenic views from the Schlossberg and the clock tower, visit an artificial island on the river Mur that looks like a giant shell, admire the beautiful buildings in the old town, take hundreds of pics in front of the outlandish art-museum Kunsthaus Graz that looks like a human heart

Less obvious reasons: build-your-own lunch at one of many Bausatz Lokale in the city, walk through Schlossbergtunnel, take in some modern art in a religious building at church St. Andrä, slide down the largest underground slide in the world at ‘The Slide,’ eat your way through the daily market,  Kaiser-Josef-Platz Market

Munich – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Munich, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Munich HBF (around 4h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to drink  beer in the beer gardens (obvious, right?), visit the Hofbräuhaus , to eat Weißwurst for breakfast with a Wheat beer in a place where both is socially acceptable, to check out the town hall at Marienplatz aka. the city’s most favourite postcard-building, to explore the multiple periods of art in the Neue Pinakothek, to experience a car-lover’s dream in the BMW Museum, Munich’s former Olympics Venue at Olympiapark, spend time shopping and walking around the so-called ‘bohemian neighbourhood’ of the city, Schwabing

Less obvious reasons:  see  the devil’s footprint at Munich’s Frauenkirche, walk a hidden stairway that leads to nowhere called ‘Umschreibung’, the pavement memorial of the nazi-opposing student group White Rose, to explore the nearby alps on nature day trips out of the city, to indulge in some heavy and hearty Bavarian cuisine, to watch (or join in yourself) the people surfing on the one wave in a stream known as the Eisbachwelle, go for a walk in West Park or the English Gardens, spends some thinking time in the NS-Dokumentationzentrum , go for a swim in the Müller´sches Volksbad

Images via Pixabay

Nürnberg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: NÜRNBERG in GERMANY

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Nuremberg HBF (around 4h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to explore the castle of Nuremberg, beautifully arranged fresh fruits and vegetables in the Hauptmarkt, see where renaissance-painter Albrecht Dürer lived and did his work

Less obvious reasons: Bratwurst at the last real “Bratwurstküche”, to let your inner kid loose in the Toy Museum, a medieval Holy-Spirit-Hospital turned restaurant, a rather grim interpretation of married life in the form of the fountain-sculpture Ehekarussel, the home of the city’s former executioner and some surprisingly beautiful views out his windows

Prague – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Prague, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Praha hl.n. (around 4h)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to marvel at the   astronomical clock in the main square , for strolls across the Charles Bridge, to take a scenic route to the Prague Castle, for some very affordable Bohemian cuisine and local beer, for the buzzing nightlife (including the likes of Chapeau Rouge  , Roxy , Hemingway Bar ), to enjoy the romance of its medieval streets

Less obvious reasons: ice-cream filled chimney cake, a huge graffiti wall in honor of John Lennon, to dance the night away in the five-story club, Karlovy Lazne , for pickled cheese, relaxing at the Beer Spa (just please don’t drink the bath water)

Blick über die Salzburger Altstadt vom Mönchsberg Images: © Tourismus Salzburg, Fotos: Breitegger Günter

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick vom Kapuzinerberg auf die Salzburger Altstadt und auf die Festung Hohensalzburg, Untersberg im Hintergrund

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick über den Mirabellgarten auf die Salzburger Altstadt

Salzburg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Salzburg, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Salzburg HBF (around 2h 30min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to binge on the  original Mozartkugel chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth, to check if the hills are actually alive with the sound of music, frolicking in a flower field between scenic mountain views, baroque architecture, to visit classical music’s most famous Wunderkind W.A. Mozart house, to catch impeccable views of the old town from the Kapuzinerberg, to explore the blissful nature surrounding the city, to climb up to the fortress and see the city from above, wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, do a kitschy skip in the idyllic setting of the Mirabell gardens

Less obvious reasons: beer with the locals at Augustiner Bräu , visit the stone dwarfs at the Zwerglgarten, five human-sized gherkins (unfortunately not edible), visit the Eagle’s Nest

Images: © Vienna Würstelstand

Bratislava – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Bratislava, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Bratislava (around 1h 7min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s just a stone throw away from Vienna, cheap booze resulting in fun nights out, to check out the UFO bridge and enjoy the view up high in the Flying Saucer , the charming streets and squares to wander through

Less obvious reasons: enjoy Middle Europe’s renowned and very affordable cuisine, find out how closely connected the city is to Vienna, to go on a hunt throughout the city to find ALL the hidden human-sized bronze statues, listen to some music in an upside down pyramid or in a granary, lounge on the ‘Magio Beach’ on the Danube riverside, to get messy with the amazing racks of ribs in Meštiansky pivovar 

Images: via Pixabay & Vienna Würstelstand

Brno – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Brno, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Brno main train station (around 2h 11min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s very easy to reach from Wien, the cheap beer, the heartwarming bohemian comfort food, the mix of gorgeous Modernist and Medieval architecture

Less obvious reasons:  it’s undiscovered by tourists, there’s plenty of Instagram-worthy buildings and spots to take pictures at, to climb the highest church tower and have a grand view over the city, to enjoy a vibrant city during summer, to experience the hip cafe scene

Dresden – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Dresden, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Dresden (6h 40min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit one of the trendiest city’s to visit at the moment in Germany, to taste some quality German beer, to check out a historically important city that’s been rebuilt from scratch, to check out the halls of magnificent masterpieces by the old masters in the  Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister , visit the architecturally unique, Semperoper , to marvel at the plentiful architectural gems

Less obvious reasons: to really check out why it’s known as a living and breathing book of German history, to taste a glass of fine wine from the surrounding wine-growing region, to take a long stroll and check out the alternative scene of the city that tries its best to match Berlin’s vibe (and it’s doing a damn good job), for some serious bar-hopping

Images © Pixabay © Vienna Würstelstand

Innsbruck – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Innsbruck, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Innsbruck (4h 14min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit the Goldene Dachl and the Bergisel Ski Jump stadium , to get that priceless Alpine feeling, to experience some epic hikes around the city

Less obvious reasons: to take the Hungerburgbahn funicular railway and the Hafelekar cable car all the way up the 2,556 metres mountain for the breathtaking views over the region, to rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings, to check out the hip café and foodie scene in the old town, to see Innsbruck’s version of their own unique Ampelpärchen aka. Ampelskier

Images via Pixabay & Unsplash

Košice – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Košice, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Košice (around 6h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to check out a former European Capital of Culture and enjoy some Central European charm

Less obvious reasons: to eat your way through town and try some Lokše (thin pancakes), or Bryndzové halušky (dumplings with sheep cheese – the national dish), to admire the historic buildings of the old town, to check out the nearby Spiš Castle which is the largest castle site in Central Europe

Linz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Linz, Upper Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF, or Wien WBF to Linz HBF (1h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to check out the rich cultural scene, take the steep Pöstlingberg tram up the Pöstlingberg for the great view over the city, the stunning old town

Less obvious reasons: to eat the famous Linzertorte, to check out the Hip Hop capital of Austria, to check out the local club and somewhat underground party locations such as KAPU , Stadtwerkstatt , Exxtrablatt or Solaris , to enjoy the summer breeze next to the Danube in summer, to eat and dance at the cafés/bar/art and cultural space mix on the ship that is the Salonschiff Fräulein Florentine , check out the Ars Electronica Center

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Vienna Central Station: A Complete Guide

Known for its parks, picnic areas and beautiful landscapes, Vienna has been named the “Greenest City in the World”. Yet, it is also the intellectual and artistic capital of Europe, cultivating the likes of Freud, Beethoven and Mozart. Was it the wide open green spaces enveloped by the distant Alps that inspired them to such exquisite creativity and passion?

When visiting, make sure you hit the highlights of this amazing city. Schönbrunn Palace is a great place to start where Mozart entertained the masses as a mere six year old. Then, have lunch or simply a coffee at the Café Central Vienna. For 150 years, the best minds in Europe have been meeting here, creating, conspiring and making the world a better place.

However, don’t leave the city without enjoying the great outdoors. Visit Vienna Woods and its vineyards in Perchtoldsdorf. After a tasting, go on a short hike where you can catch views of the Alps from one of the many cliffside outcrops.

Whether its gorgeous outdoor spaces or charming historical architecture, this bustling city awaits your exploration. Traveling around Europe by train is definitely the way to see everything on your itinerary in a convenient and enjoyable way. Vienna Central Station is the perfect place to kick off your tour by riding the rails.

• 1 Vienna Central Station Overview
• 2 How to Navigate Vienna Central Station
• 3 How to Buy Tickets at Vienna Central Station
• 4 Where to Eat at Vienna Central Station
• 5 Where to Stay Near Vienna Central Station
• 6 How Early do you Need to Arrive at Vienna Central Station
• 7.0.1 Switzerland
• 7.0.2 Saltzburg
• 7.0.3 Budapest

Vienna Central Station Overview

You will find the largest railway station in Vienna, serving 145,000 passengers per day at Vienna Central Station. It is also one of the newest stations in the world, having opened in 2015. The vision was to have a central hub for transportation that was fed by urban city living and ample retail space. What resulted is a progressive and modern area that is the new heart of the city. Vienna Central Station has since replaced the previous three dead end terminals with a through terminal that has allowed travel through Vienna to be seamless and uncomplicated with fewer transfers and more destinations.

How to Navigate Vienna Central Station

The layout of Vienna Central Station kept the modern traveler in mind with its efficiency and navigability. Entering in through the Main Entrance on the Northern side of the station is the most convenient, as it is closest to the city center. Once inside, you will see an atrium lined with shops and restaurants. The Ticketing Office and the First Class Lounge are also on the main level along with an Interspar Supermarket near the Southside Entrance.

To the right of the main entrance are the stairs and escalators for platforms 3-12 that are one level up from the ground level. If you are to take the staircase to the left, Platforms 1-2 can be reached on the underground level. Here, you can also access left luggage, toilet areas and coin changers.

How to Buy Tickets at Vienna Central Station

There are three ticketing offices at the station. The main Ticketing Office is located on the main floor on the Northern side of the tracks. You can get information from ticketing agents about any needed travel as well as itineraries that might meet your needs. If you find yourself needing a Westbahn or Regiojet ticket, their offices are by the First Class lounge also located on the main level.

We book our train tickets in Europe using either  Trainline  or  Rail Europe . These services offer an easier customer experience as we’ve found our credit cards work better when booking through these sites. Eurostar Tickets can be booked on either platform. In addition  Rail Europe offers rail passes  if you are planning a longer trip.

Where to Eat at Vienna Central Station

If the Interspar Supermarket does not serve your needs, there are many other places to provision and dine in or near the station. If you don’t want to go far from your platform due to a quick stop, there are many fast food venues and cafés to curb your appetite.

However, if you have time before you depart, try some of the places in the BahnhofCity Mall adjacent to the station. For some mouth-watering pizza, try L’Osteria and savor their authentic, made to order pizzas, that will transport you to the Italian Riviera. For a great poke bowl try Bali Bowls and get yoru fix of “fresh” before you set off on your next adventure. If you need to get away from the chaos that can come with travel, go across the street to Der Ringsmuth for some delicious schnitzel and a pint that is sure to calm your nerves and revitalize.

Where to Stay Near Vienna Central Station

Located just steps from the station you can find the AZIMUT Hotel Vienna just a 3 minute walk from the station. Here, you can enjoy a gym, sauna and an outdoor area to enjoy some lawn games. Comfortable beds and spacious tubs round out this stay and make a great place to hang your hat for a few days.

One of the newest places to stay near the station is Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof just, located just 0.2 miles from the station. With it’s grand opening in 2015, this motel is clean, modern and has all the conveniences you need to rest up for your next adventure. Walk to your platform is less than five minutes.

If you are hoping to stay in a historical building, yet have the modern conveniences you expect, try Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna. This18th century hotel will shower you with the finer things in life. With its lavish decor of cherry hardwood floors, heavy wainscoting, opulent chandeliers and fine fabrics, you will feel like royalty. Subway access will have you on your platform before you know it, rested and ready for your trek.

How Early do you Need to Arrive at Vienna Central Station

Because of the modern and beneficial layout, you can virtually show up moments before your train is scheduled to depart. It is said, even if you arrive without a ticket in hand, it is easy to get a ticket and be on your train in no time. However, you may want to satisfy your inner shopaholic inner self and arrive early to browse through BahnhofCity Mall before you go onto the next exciting city.

Best Trips From Vienna Central Station

Switzerland.

One of the best places you can go from Vienna is Switzerland. Check out our list of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland for some inspiration for your trip.

You can’t leave Austria without visiting Salzburg. With its wide open spaces and views of the most beautiful mountains in the world, it’s worth the trip just for this alone. However, there are so many other options for recreation in Salzburg. From the quiet historic streets of Old Town Salzburg, to dominating fortresses, Salzburg is a place everyone should visit at least once. In under 2.5 hours, you can be gazing up at the massive ceiling of St. Peter’s Church or strolling the gardens of Mirabell Palace (Sound of Music). One thing is for sure in that Salzburg can’t be missed.

Budapest is just a short 2.5 hour train ride and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Step off the train and behold the magnificent architecture that envelops you. Tour St. Stephen’s Basilica and then take a walk down Andrássy Avenue to get a sense of just how special Budapest’s architecture truly is. Next, you have to make time to try one of the 123 hot springs or nine medicinal baths around Budapest. Széchenyi Thermal Baths is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Soak in the steaming hot water that contains calcium, magnesium, hydro-carbonate, as well as containing sodium and sulphate and feel rejuvenated for your next adventure.

Vienna has culture, beauty and so much to do, you will have to plan to stay a week to get it all in. When it is time to say goodbye, Vienna Central Station will be calling to take you to your next destination on your trip of a lifetime around Europe.

Wendy Edwards

27 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Capital of the Republic of Austria and one of Europe's most visited cities, Vienna (Wien) owes much of its charm and rich history to its splendid location on the banks of the Danube River. For centuries the gateway between West and East Europe, it was the natural nucleus of the once sprawling Habsburg Empire, and to this day remains Austria's most important commercial and cultural hub.

Vienna continues to attract over 17 million visitors each year with its many great historical sightseeing opportunities, its fabled collections of art, glittering palaces, and exceptional musical heritage. This appreciation of the nation's rich culture is still very evident in Vienna's magnificent museums, its fine concert halls, and one of the world's great opera houses.

With an unmistakably cosmopolitan atmosphere, Vienna retains a distinctive charm and flair. This is very much accentuated by its fine old architecture; its famous horse-cabs, known as Fiakers; as well as its splendid coffeehouses with their famous Viennese cakes and pastries.

Whether you're looking for great places to visit in Vienna for a single day, or multiple things to do over several days, you'll have plenty of choices in this elegant city. If time permits, consider taking some day trips to explore the beautiful surroundings and nearby cities . And be sure to refer often to our exhaustive list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Vienna, Austria.

1. Explore Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

2. visit the historic hofburg, 3. kunsthistorisches museum and maria-theresien-platz, 4. a baroque masterpiece: belvedere palace, 5. take the kids to vienna zoo (tiergarten schönbrunn), 6. get your art fix at the albertina museum & albertina modern, 7. the vienna state opera house, 8. see st. stephen's cathedral, 9. see the dinosaur relics at the museum of natural history (naturhistorisches museum), 10. vienna city hall (rathaus) in the historic city center, 11. visit the prater and ride the giant ferris wheel, 12. take in a performance at the spanish riding school, 13. see the royal burial vaults in the imperial crypt and the capuchin church, 14. visit the leopold museum & vienna's museum quarter, 15. st. peter's catholic church (peterskirche), 16. dine like royalty at the famous demel: vienna's ultimate café, 17. st. charles church (karlskirche), 18. see the city views from the danube tower (donauturm), 19. walk by the colorful homes of hundertwasserhaus, 20. take a stroll on donauinsel (danube island), 21. learn about the austrian parliament building, 22. kärntner strasse and the donner fountain, 23. take in a show at the burgtheater: austria's national theater, 24. museum of military history, 25. the franciscan church: st. jerome, 26. jewish museum & judenplatz holocaust memorial, 27. sigmund freud museum, where to stay in vienna for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in vienna, vienna, austria - climate chart.

The spectacular 18th-century Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) is worth visiting not only for its magnificent architecture, but also for its beautiful park-like setting. One of Vienna's top tourist attractions, this beautiful Baroque palace contains more than 1,441 rooms and apartments, including those once used by Empress Maria Theresa.

Tour highlights include a chance to see the Imperial Apartments, including Emperor Franz Joseph's Walnut Room and his Bedroom, which still has the small soldier's bed in which he died. Of Empress Maria Theresa's rooms, highlights include her richly furnished and decorated garden apartments, along with her Breakfast Room with its floral artwork created by her daughters.

Schönbrunn Park and Gardens is another must-see here. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the park, with its sweeping vistas and sumptuous Baroque gardens, is one of several top free things to do in Vienna (although you will have to pay to enter the maze and some of the adjoining buildings, such as the 1883 Palm House). If traveling with kids, visit the Children's Museum for a chance to see them dressed up as a prince or princess.

A good way to get to the palace and avoid the wait at the entrance is on a Skip the line: Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna Historical City Tour . These popular tours begin with a handy pickup from your central hotel or the Opera House. After a narrated drive along the famed Ringstrasse, past major attractions like the Hofburg Palace, City Hall, and the Vienna State Opera, you'll tour Schönbrunn Palace without having to wait in line. The tour continues to Belvedere Palace, where you can see Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and other famous Austrian art with a discounted admission.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria

• Read More: Visiting Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace: Highlights, Tips & Tours

For more than six centuries the seat of the Habsburgs – and the official residence of every Austrian ruler since 1275 – the Hofburg is perhaps the most historically significant of Vienna's palaces. The official seat of the Austrian President, this sprawling complex consists of numerous buildings reflecting various periods, including architectural flourishes from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo movements.

All told, this vast complex covers 59 acres with 18 groups of buildings, including 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Its main attractions are the Imperial Apartments , the Sisi Museum , and the Silver Collection , while other notable sites within the complex include the Imperial Chapel (Burgkapelle) and the Hofburg Treasury with its large collection of Imperial regalia and relics of the Holy Roman Empire. Informative guided tours are available in English.

You can stop at the Hofburg and the city's other important tourist attractions on the Vienna Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour . This is by far the best option for first-time visitors who want to see the major sites and get acquainted with Vienna. One-, two-, or three-day options are available.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna, Austria

• Read More: Exploring Vienna's Imperial Hofburg Palace: A Visitor's Guide

Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien) is housed in a magnificent building created expressly to show off the tremendous art collections of the Hapsburg royal family. The superb collection of Dutch art features the world's largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including his masterpiece Tower of Babel .

There are also paintings by Raphael, Titian, Bellini, Caravaggio, and Vermeer, plus portraits by Velazquez. While the museum's specialties are late Italian Renaissance, Baroque, and Flemish painting, the collections go far beyond those with classical Greek and Roman art and Egyptian artifacts.

English language guided tours are available and can be tailored to your specific interests. The museum's café is also worth a visit, especially for its atrium setting and tall, elegantly decorated walls and ceiling.

The museum overlooks Maria-Theresien-Platz, the focal point of which is the grand monument to Empress Maria Theresa. The statue was commissioned by Franz Joseph I and was unveiled in 1887. This massive monument depicts the Empress on her throne while surrounded by major personages of her day, including a number of generals on horseback. The high reliefs depict illustrious figures from the fields of politics; economics; and the arts, including Haydn, Gluck, and Mozart.

If you're able to squeeze in a little more gallery hopping, head over to the Museum of Applied Arts (Museum für angewandte Kunst), or MAK. This superb museum features traditional Austrian crafts and arts along with contemporary art, design, and architecture.

Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.khm.at/en/

Among Vienna's most popular attractions, Belvedere Palace is really two splendid Baroque buildings: the Lower (Unteres) Belvedere and the Upper (Oberes) Belvedere. Highlights of the Upper Palace include the Ground Floor Hall with its statues, and the Ceremonial Staircase with its rich stucco relief and frescoes.

Also worth seeing is the Marble Hall. This stunning two-story hall features numerous period sculptures, paintings, and ceiling frescoes. The Lower Palace also boasts a Marble Hall, this one noted for its oval plaster medallions and rich ceiling fresco, as well as a Marble Gallery built to house a collection of historic statues.

Other must-see buildings include the Winter Palace, a Baroque building that once housed the Court Treasury; the Orangery; the Palace Stables, home to the Medieval Treasury; and the Belvedere Gardens and Fountains linking the two palaces.

If there's time left in your Belvedere itinerary, be sure to include the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere. This popular art museum in the Belvedere Palace is well known for its extensive collections, including a rich array of sculptures and panel paintings from the 12th to the 16th centuries. But it is perhaps best known for Austrian Symbolist artist Gustav Klimt's The Kiss , a masterpiece of early modern art.

Address: Prinz Eugen Strasse 27, A-1037 Vienna, Austria

• Read More: Exploring Vienna's Belvedere Palace: A Visitor's Guide

The origins of the Vienna Zoo – also known as Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) – can be traced to Emperor Francis I's menagerie. Founded in 1752 it's the oldest continually operating zoo in the world. With many of its original Baroque buildings still intact, it's one of the most pleasant zoos in Europe to visit, particularly if you spend a little time seeking refreshment in the original 18th-century Imperial Breakfast Pavilion that now houses a great café.

A highlight of the zoo's more than 750 species are its giant pandas, including cubs, as well as the many fascinating creatures housed in the interactive Rainforest House and Aquarium. If you're traveling to Vienna with children, be sure to check the zoo's official website for details of feeding times, always a fun family experience. Also worth checking into is the availability of special themed and backstage guided tours.

If after visiting the zoo, you've still got time in your Vienna travel itinerary for more critters, check out Haus des Meeres , a large public aquarium situated in a WWII flak tower. Also worth seeing is the Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus), located next to the Opera house and a pleasant place to unwind after all that sightseeing.

Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.zoovienna.at/en/zoo-and-visitors/visitor-information/

All the great names in modern art are represented, often by multiple works, in the magnificent Albertina museum. Representative examples from all the various schools and movements are to be found here, including French impressionists, Vienna secessionists, the Russian avant-garde, the expressionists, and fauvists, represented by their greatest artists.

These include important works by the likes of Chagall, Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Magritte, Vlaminck, Modigliani, Klimt, Munch, Kandinsky, Münter, Miró, Brach, and Ernst - all are here to compare and admire. All told, this must-visit Vienna attraction is home to over a million works of art plus in excess of 65,000 drawings.

Many of these masterpieces hang in a splendid 17th-century palace where the Habsburg archdukes lived for a century, and their sumptuous State Rooms have been restored to their original glory. In addition to these permanent displays, temporary exhibits are also available for viewing. English language guided tours are available, along with informative audioguides. If traveling with kids, be sure to look into one of the private children's tours, which can also include a fun workshop.

If there's time in your Vienna itinerary, be sure to add the brand new Albertina Modern to your list of must-sees. Located an easy 10 minutes' walk away on Karlsplatz, the Albertina's large collection of post WWII and contemporary art by Austrian and international artists is housed in this newly renovated neoclassical building.

Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.albertina.at/en

One of the world's largest and most splendid theaters, the Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) has hosted many of the world's most prominent composers, conductors, soloists, and dancers. Operatic and ballet performances are staged at least 300 times a year, fuelled by an obsession with music that goes as far back as 1625 when the first Viennese Court Opera was performed.

The current massive Opera House was built in 1869 and is notable for its French Early Renaissance style, while interior highlights include a grand staircase leading to the first floor, the Schwind Foyer (named after its paintings of famous opera scenes), and the exquisite Tea Room with its valuable tapestries.

Capable of accommodating an audience of 2,211 along with 110 musicians, the Opera House is also home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. English language behind-the-scenes guided tours are available.

If music is your thing, you may also want to pay a visit to Wiener Musikverein , a concert hall that serves as home for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (tickets can be booked online in advance). And the House of Music (Haus der Musik) offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into sound and music through interactive displays and demonstrations.

Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/

Vienna's most important Gothic edifice and the cathedral church of the archbishopric since 1722, St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) sits in the historic center of Vienna. The original 12th-century Romanesque church was replaced by a Late Romanesque one in the 13th century, the remains of which are the massive gate and the Heathen Towers (Heidentürme).

Next came reconstruction in the Gothic style in the 14th century, along with the addition of the choir and the chapels of St. Eligius, St. Tirna, and St. Catherine. The famous 137-meter high South Tower (Steffl) belongs to the 15th-century.

Improvements and further construction followed from the 17th to 19th centuries, and the whole structure was rebuilt after World War II. Highlights include climbing the 343 steps to the Steffl's Watch Room for the spectacular views, and the North Tower, home to the massive Pummerin Bell. For those not wanting to tackle the stairs, a fast lift takes visitors to a viewing platform.

Other features of note are the 14th-century catacombs and the Cathedral Treasure, containing many of the cathedral's most important artifacts. Interesting English language guided tours are available, including an unforgettable 1.5-hour evening tour that takes in the cathedral's superb city views.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Read More: Exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Best known for its huge Dinosaur Hall and for the world's largest exhibit of meteorites (which includes the Tissint meteorite from Mars that fell in Morocco in 2011), Vienna's Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) is a fascinating place to visit. Its 39 exhibit halls trace such subjects as the origins and development of humans and the evolution of human culture from prehistoric times.

One of its rarest treasures is the so-called Venus of Willendorf, a pottery figurine dating from between about 28,000 and 25,000 BCE. The museum's newest feature is its Digital Planetarium with full dome projection. The building opened in 1889 and is itself a work of art, especially the magnificent ceiling painting above the main staircase.

A variety of fun workshops and guided tour options are available, and audioguides are provided upon request. The museum's latest addition, "Deck 50," features workshops and lectures, as well as fascinating "meet a scientist" sessions that provide a unique opportunity to ask questions of leading experts in a variety of disciplines.

Address: Burgring 7, 1010, Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.nhm-wien.ac.at/en

Located in the heart of historic Innere Stadt and overlooking Rathausplatz, Vienna's City Hall (Weiner Rathaus) is an impressive Neo-Gothic building that serves as the city's administrative center. Remarkable for its size, it occupies nearly 14,000 square meters of the former Parade Ground.

This attractive and much-photographed building was completed in 1883 and is notable for the famous Rathausmann on top of its 98-meter-high tower, a banner-carrying iron figure presented to the city as a gift from its master locksmith.

The arcaded courtyard in the center of the building is the largest of seven courtyards and is used for popular summer concerts. Highlights of a guided tour of the building include the Schmidt Halle, the large entrance into which carriages would once drive to deposit their passengers, and the two Grand Staircases leading to the Assembly Hall.

Other sights included in the tour are the Heraldic Rooms; the City Senate Chamber, notable for its coffered ceiling decorated with gold-leaf and its huge Art Nouveau candelabra; and the Mayor's reception room. Tours are free and are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1pm, and audioguides are also available.

Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent festivals or events held in Rathausplatz. The old City Hall makes an extremely romantic backdrop for everything from colorful Christmas markets to summer music concerts.

Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/tours.htm

Visiting the Prater (Wiener Prater), a large natural park situated between the Danube and the Danube Canal, is a little like stepping into another world. Covering an area of 3,200 acres, this vast park - once a royal hunting ground - has long been one of Vienna's most popular recreation areas. There's something here for everyone, from thrills and spills in the Wurstel area, with its old-fashioned theme park rides, to dining and dancing, to the dinosaur-themed park for the kids.

A highlight for sightseers is taking a ride on the famous Giant Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad), a Viennese landmark that has provided fine views over the city since 1896. If you can afford it, go for the super luxurious cabin, suitable for parties of up to 12. Other park highlights include the Prater Ziehrer Monument , a larger-than-life statue of composer CM Ziehrer built in 1960; the Prater Museum with its displays documenting the park's history; a Planetarium ; and the Liliputbahn miniature steam railroad traversing a four-kilometer line near the main avenue.

Elsewhere in this vast park there's room enough for horseback riding, swimming in the stadium pool, football, cycling, tennis, and bowls. Also worth visiting is nearby Danube Park (Donaupark). This 250-acre open space is also home to a fun miniature railroad, an artificial lake (Lake Iris), and a theater. Visiting Prater park at night is also fun, and is highly recommended.

Address: 1020 Vienna, Austria

Official site: https://prater.at/en/park-information/

Dating back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the superb Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) was established after the ruler had the famous Lipizzaner horses introduced to his courtesans in 1562.

Today, it's one of Vienna's leading attractions, and one of the leading riding schools in the world, thrilling audiences with fabulous displays of equestrian skills in the Baroque Winter Riding School in the grounds of the Hofburg Palace, where it has been located since 1735. Tickets to these popular performances sell out quickly, so be sure to book as far in advance as possible.

If available, purchase a package that includes a behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to visit the stables, along with a morning training session. An on-site café ensures you can linger a little longer-you'll certainly want to.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.srs.at/en/

Dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, Vienna's Capuchin Church (Kapuzinerkirche) is best known for its spectacular Imperial Vault (Kapuzinergruft). This stunning edifice is home to the Habsburg family vault containing the remains of 145 members of the family (almost all Austrian Emperors since 1633 are buried here).

The nine vaults are arranged in chronological order, making it easy to trace the evolution of taste, at least in burials. A highlight includes the Founder's Vault , the final resting place of Emperor Matthias who died in 1619, and Empress Anna, who died in 1618.

Also of interest is the Maria Theresa Vault , a domed chamber dominated by a double sarcophagus in the Rococo style and built for the Empress, who died in 1780. The sarcophagus takes the form of a bed of state, at the head of which is the Imperial couple with an angel and a crown of stars, while along the sides are numerous reliefs depicting scenes from Maria Theresa's life.

Address: Neuer Markt, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.kapuzinergruft.com

Since opening in 2001, Vienna's Museum Quartier (Museumsquartier, or "MQ") has been home to a variety of first-rate museums that are well worth exploring. A mix of old and new architecture centered around an area that once served as the former royal stables, it's easy to spend the best part of a day (or two) here.

Must-visits include the famous Leopold Museum , noted for its large collection of works by Austria's leading modern artists, such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, and MUMOK , the Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna, featuring more than 10,000 contemporary and modern pieces by renowned artists including Picasso and Warhol.

Another highlight of a visit to the Museum Quarter includes the popular summertime Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen). The event's main offices are located here, so it's a hub of activity once tickets become available, and many of the surrounding buildings are used as venues for a variety of cultural events and concerts. Also located here is the Tanzquartier , the country's leading dance center, along with artists' studios and galleries.

Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria

Official site: www.mqw.at/en/

Modeled on St. Peter's in Rome, Peterskirche – the Collegial and Parish Church of St. Peter – is built on a site originally occupied by a Roman church and later by one founded by Charlemagne in 792 AD. The present edifice was built in the 18th century and boasts a massive dome with a superb fresco and many artistic treasures.

Other highlights include the Barbara Chapel with its magnificent portal, and in which Franz Karl Remp's Decollation of St. Barbara is found, and the choir with its High Altar and painting of the Immaculate Conception. The church is also noted for its frequent organ recitals.

Also of note is the nearby Plague Pillar , a 21-meter-tall Baroque pillar built to commemorate the end of the devastating plague of 1679 that cost at least 75,000 Viennese their lives. The nearby Abbey of the Scots (Schottenstift), built in the 12th century and extensively renovated and enlarged since, is also worth popping into. Its school included Johann Strauss and Austria's last emperor, Charles I, among its pupils, while its fine collection of artwork includes pieces from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Address: Petersplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.peterskirche.at

Founded in 1786, the famous Demel is not only the oldest café and bakery in Vienna, it's perhaps the most memorable food experience you'll have in this wonderful city. Officially known as Hofzuckerbäckerei Demel – shortened to "Demel" by those in the know – this exquisite café serves dishes and cakes carefully prepared by hand to traditional centuries-old recipes.

Some of these delicious treats were once used to satisfy the cravings of Emperor Franz Joseph who secretly had Demel cakes and pralines served during his tête-à-têtes with his lover. Apparently, his unhappy wife, Sisi, was addicted to their legendary violet sorbet.

A highlight of a visit is the Demelinerinnen, the modestly dressed waitresses wearing black dresses with lace collars who still address customers with the formal, " Haben schon gewählt ?" ("Has Madam/Sir already made her/his choice?").

The other highlight, of course, is drooling over the mouthwatering displays of cakes and pastries, including special creations resembling characters or creatures from history and mythology, each a work of art. Reservations can be made in advance online, and are recommended.

Address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, a saint invoked during times of plague, St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) was built in 1737 and remains Vienna's most important Baroque religious building. This vast building is crowned by a magnificent 72-meter dome and is famous for its twin 33-meter Triumphal Pillars, based on Trajan's Column in Rome, with their spiraling bands depicting scenes from the life of St. Charles.

Interior highlights include the fabulous frescoes of St. Cecilia. Be sure to check the church's official website for details of its regular concert program.

Also worth visiting is the Gardekirche , built in 1763 in the city's southern outer district as the church of the Imperial Hospital and later serving Polish congregations. Of particular interest is the painting above the High Altar.

Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1, Vienna, Austria

Few European capital cities in the 50s and 60s were left without that definitive mid-20th-century landmark, the telecommunications tower, and Vienna is certainly no exception. Standing taller than any other building in the city and in fact the tallest structure in Austria, the 252-meter-tall Danube Tower, the Donauturm, opened to great fanfare in 1964 and continues to attract visitors for its spectacular view over the Danube River.

Highlights of a visit include the speedy elevator ride to the observation deck at 150 meters, from which you can also pick out many of Vienna's most important attractions. The other big draw here actually combines two of a traveler's favorite things to do: enjoying incredible views and partaking in world-class dining experiences.

The Danube Tower is in fact home to two restaurants, one fine dining and the other a casual café-style establishment.

Address: Donauturmstraße 8, 1220 Wien, Austria

Official site: https://www.donauturm.at/en/

Famous as Vienna's "nature and human-friendly" apartment block, the decidedly odd (yet fascinating) Hundertwasserhaus is well worth a visit. Designed by painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this brightly colored landmark on the corner of Löwengasse and Kegelstrasse was completed in 1985, and the occupants of its 53 units-perhaps unsurprisingly-consist mostly of artists, intellectuals, and creative types, much like the architect himself.

Although the brightly colored building can only be enjoyed from the outside, you can explore the nearby Kunsthaus Wien, a complex of apartments containing a terrace café where you can rest while soaking up the ambience. Afterwards, pop over to the similarly styled shopping arcade.

Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.hundertwasser-haus.info/en/

If you took the time to enjoy the views from the Danube Tower, you'll have noticed that the city appears to have not just one, but two rivers running through it. No, you're not seeing double. In fact, what you're seeing is the Danube River (the wider of the two) and, running parallel to it, a canal known as the Donaukanal, or "new Danube." Separating them is a long stretch of land known as Danube Island (Donauinsel), and a sightseeing opportunity you won't want to miss.

Although only 210 meters wide at its widest point, the island is over 21 kilometers in length and is a popular spot to walk and relax for locals. Easily accessible via water taxi or bridge, the island is dotted with interesting dining opportunities (both casual and upscale), and is particularly pleasant for those wanting a quiet stroll along the Danube.

Sports enthusiasts are also drawn here, partaking in activities as diverse as biking and rollerblading, along with canoeing, kayaking, and swimming at one of the many beaches . Danube Island is also the scene of the annual Donauinselfest , Europe's biggest open-air festival, and one so popular an estimated three million visitors drop in to enjoy it each September.

Home of Austria's National and Federal Parliament since 1918, the Parliament Building impresses with its vast dimensions. Completed in 1883 for use by the Imperial and Provincial delegations, it boasts many Greek influences, from its Corinthian columns to its rich decoration. Of particular note are the exterior carvings depicting the granting of the Constitution by Franz Joseph I to the 17 peoples of Austria, along with numerous marble statues and reliefs.

Another highlight is the splendid Pallas Athene Fountain with its four-meter-high statue adorned with a gilded helmet and lance, along with figures symbolizing the Rivers Danube, Inn, Elbe, and Moldau.

English language guided tours are available from the Visitor Center where you can also enjoy displays and multimedia presentations about the history of the building and Parliament itself. (Editor's Note: Please be aware that there may be some restrictions regarding tour access due to ongoing renovations.)

Address: Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.parlament.gv.at/ENGL/

Looking to do a little window shopping after all that museum and gallery hopping? Then head to Vienna's most elegant street, Kärntner Strasse. Linking Stephansplatz to the Staatsoper on the Ring and ending at Karlsplatz, this (mostly) pedestrian-friendly area is fun to wander thanks to its lime trees, pavement cafés, fashionable shops, elegant boutiques, and busy shopping arcades.

Although most of the buildings you see today are 18th-century, the Maltese Church still has a few features dating from the 13th-century when the street served as an important trade route (take a peek inside for its coats of arms of the Knights of Malta).

Other notable buildings are Palais Esterházy , built in 1698 and now home to an upscale restaurant, while nearby buildings house high-end clothing stores. Also of note is the exquisite Donner Fountain , built in 1739 by Georg Raphael Donner to reflect the 'caring and wise' city government; it was, of course, commissioned by those who ran Vienna at the time.

The Burgtheater, Vienna's superb National Theater, has long been famous for its productions of German-language plays and performances. Many famous names have acted on its four stages since its founding by Emperor Joseph II in 1776 as the Court Theater. After devastation by bombing and fire in 1945, the theater eventually reopened in 1955 and has since grown in stature as the country's most important theater.

In addition to its size and the caliber of its performances, the building's exterior is impressive on account of its numerous decorative figures, scenes, and busts. Equally as impressive is its interior consisting of rich decoration in the French Baroque style, and a staircase with frescoes by Gustav and Ernst Klimt. Behind the scenes, guided tours are available in English and are well worth the cost.

Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Whether you're a military history buff or are simply interested in learning more about Austria's place in the history of European conflict and warfare, be sure to schedule a visit to The Museum of Military History: Military History Institute (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum - Militärhistorisches Institut).

This remarkable collection is all too often overlooked, but those who do venture here are rewarded by the chance to peruse an immense collection of weaponry and exhibits detailing events in which the Austrian military was involved from the 1600s up to the 1950s. Along the way, you'll see weaponry, from muskets to machine guns, cannons to tanks, as well as vintage aircraft. Add to this interesting dioramas and models, along with uniforms and medals, and you'll want to stay right through until closing.

And be sure to spend time enjoying the splendid architecture, too. The museum is located in the city's sprawling Arsenal, and in places, the lavish interior-such as in the memorial hall-rivals that of any of the city's palaces. English language guided tours are available and come highly recommended.

Address: Arsenal 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.hgm.at/en

The early 17th-century Roman Catholic Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), also known as the Church of St. Jerome, is unique in Vienna for having a Renaissance façade, while its delightful interior is decorated in Baroque style. Highlights include the High Altar from 1707 and a painting of the Madonna and Child from 1550. Other paintings are the Martyrdom of St. Capristan and one of the church's patron saint.

Also of interest is the carved Baroque organ from 1643, the oldest organ in Vienna, notable for its folding doors with their fine carved and painted saints. The church's most famous artifact, however, is a carved image known as the Madonna with the Axe , known for having been carried by Austrian soldiers during their campaign against the Turks in Hungary, and credited for their victory.

Address: Franziskanerplatz 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Established to both celebrate and commemorate Vienna's Jewish population, The Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum Wien) does a stellar job of both. Established in 1986 and spread across two locations in the city-in Judenplatz and Dorotheergasse-the museum features displays and exhibits relating to the history of Jewish culture and religion in Austria over the centuries.

The Dorotheergasse location consists of the main collection, housed in Palais Eskeles, including artifacts and memorabilia relating to Jewish life in the post-WWiI period. A café and bookshop are also located here.

The Jewish Museum Vienna at Judenplatz houses displays relating to the social, cultural, and religious lives of the city's Jewish population. Highlights include a chance to visit an authentic medieval Jewish synagogue, along with art and photography collections. Afterwards, be sure to spend time in Judenplatz itself and visit the Holocaust Memorial located in the heart of the square.

Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.jmw.at/en

Established in 1971, the Sigmund Freud Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most remarkable thinkers of modern times. Located in Freud's former home (it was built in 1891, the year he moved in, and was his home for 47 years), the museum features rooms and exhibits relating to the history of psychoanalysis, including its influence on art and society as a whole.

Many of Freud's original writings are housed in the museum's research library, considered one of the most important such facilities in the world. In addition to personal artifacts from his life, along with his collection of antiques, an impressive modern art collection is housed on the property, too.

Address: Berggasse 13, 1090 Vienna, Austria

Official site: www.freud-museum.at/en/

The Ringstrasse circles Vienna's old city center, replacing the walls that once enclosed it. Most of the city's major attractions are inside or along this ring, with major museums surrounding the buildings of the former Habsburg Palace, the Hofburg. As you might expect, most hotels in this compact center are in the luxury range. Budget hotels are found farther outside the ring or in the attractive neighborhood around Schönbrunn Palace and the zoo.

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Things to Do near Vienna : A delightful two-hour road trip from Vienna, Graz is Austria's second biggest city and is popular for its many well-preserved Baroque buildings, especially those located in the Old Town area. Two hours west, and you're in lovely Linz . Also on the magnificent River Danube and once home to such luminaries as Wolfgang Mozart, Linz boasts numerous great museums and art galleries. For more ideas of great day trips from Vienna , be sure to check out our list of the top excursions to destinations such as the Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey.

Head for the Hills : Widely regarded as one of Europe's most attractive cities, Salzburg sits under the shadow of the 1,853-meter-tall Untersberg, adding a distinctive character to the city's old medieval city center. Innsbruck is another city that's beauty is enhanced by its mountain scenery, and is a special favorite of those who enjoy superlative skiing. Also popular with ski enthusiasts, the dramatic scenery of Kitzbühel is the perfect backdrop for hiking and biking adventures in summer.

Austria Vacation Ideas : The lovely shoreline of the Hallstätter Sea is where you'll find the pretty town of Hallstatt , one of the loveliest destinations in Austria and one that offers a variety of great vacation experiences. The medieval town of Klagenfurt is another great option and is famous for its charming Old Town center with its many galleries, shops, and cafés (and be sure to wander along its old canals, too). Exploring the sites of Bregenz is another good option, and is especially popular for sightseeing due to its location on the shores of Lake Constance.

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Vienna Central Station: Our Railway Hub Explained

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With 5 levels, 12 platforms and 90 shops the city’s main railway hub Vienna Central Station is complex. In German, the train station is called Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien HBF or Bahnhof City Wien. To get around, see the central station map, Hauptbahnhof’s exact location in Vienna, nearest hotels, restaurants and attractions, and fastest routes to the center and airport below.

Location of Vienna Central Station

For orientation, Vienna’s central railway station is located about 2 km south of the Vienna City Centre , in the 10th district of Favoriten.

Wien Hauptbahnhof, Am Hauptbahnhof 1, 1100 Vienna

Vienna Central Station Map

Once you enter the Vienna Central Station from Wiedner Gürtel you will find the Austrian Railways’ Travel Center, marked in red in the map below. In Austria, the Austrian Railways are known as OEBB. Either buy your tickets at the train station’s travel center and get advice on train routes and departure platforms. Alternatively use one of the 26 ticket machines for self-service which are scattered throughout the railway station.

If you intend to travel from North to South, for example Prague or Graz, use the overground platforms 3-12. To use the speed railway S-Bahn, descend to the underground platforms 1 and 2.

To access the Vienna Central Station map including sub levels in 3D in a separate window, click here .

Vienna Central Station to City Centre

For the fastest route to the city centre from Vienna’s Central Station take metro U1. In about 5 to 7 minutes you alight either at Karlsplatz for Ringstrasse boulevard, or at Stephansplatz in the historic centre.

Trains To Vienna Airport

From Vienna Central station, take the IC or Railjet to Flughafen Wien ( Vienna International Airport ). Between 5.42 am and 10.12 pm they run every 30 minutes and take 20 minutes to the airport. Alternatively, you can also take the S7 S-Bahn regional service, which will arrive at the airport in 25 minutes.

Where to Find Lockers At The Railway Station

To use Hauptbahnhof’s lockers, descend to the Lower Ground Floor 1, and find room 006 to 009.  Renting locker space at Vienna’s main train station costs from just a few Euros per day. In the table below, you can see the different dimensions of available lockers, and prices per day.

Source: OEBB, 2020

Hotels Near Vienna Central Station

Among these hotels are sophisticated places like the Andaz Hotel am Belvedere by Park Hyatt (photo), quirky hotels like Hotel Daniel, and great value-for-money accommodation such as Motel One.

To search for the best online deals for these and other hotels and apartments, click on hotels near Vienna Central Railway Station .

Nearest Restaurants from Vienna Central Station

While you will find modern restaurants and take aways at the station, a few lovely eateries hide just nearby: For example, restaurant Der Ringsmuth serves excellent Austrian and contemporary cuisine and is just a minute walk from the station. Probably the best neighborhood café serving great value-for-money lunches is Café Goldegg , at 7 minutes walk from the station. For a 12 minutes walk, you will be rewarded with fine Austrian food at contemporary brewery Stöckl im Park right in the Belvedere gardens.

Der Ringsmuth; Johannitergasse 1, 1100 Vienna

Café Goldegg: Argentinierstrasse 49, 1040 Vienna

Stöckl im Park: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 25, 1040 Vienna

Nearest Attractions to Vienna Central Station

Another impressive attraction nearby is the Museum of Military History , aka Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, at 15 minutes walk. If you love contemporary art and don’t mind empty space, try the Belvedere 21 at 6 minutes walk.

Belvedere Palace: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

Museum of Military History: Arsenal 1, 1030 Vienna

Belvedere 21: Arsenalstrasse 1, 1100 Vienna

Where To Travel From Vienna Central Station

Over the past few years, the Central Station has turned into a key European transport hub. This means Europe round trips via Vienna have become easier: There are more and faster connections from other European and Austrian cities, and you can change between trains from one spot. What’s more, you now arrive directly at Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Meidling station, no matter from which European intercity destination you started.

From Vienna Central station you can travel across Europe along three main corridors

• The Baltic-Adriatic corridor allows you to travel from Poznan and Warsaw via Bratislava to Vienna, and further south to Graz, Venice and Bologna.
• Along the Rhine-Danube corridor you go from Strasbourg and Munich or Frankfurt and Nuremberg to Salzburg and Vienna, and further down to Budapest and Bucarest.
• Taking the Orient-East Mediterranean corridor you can travel all the way from Hamburg and Berlin via Dresden and Prague to Vienna, and then further south east to Budapest, Sofia and Athens.

Within Central Europe, there are lots of fast and comfortable connections to Vienna. If you are located in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg or the Netherlands, choose a high speed railway journey with Intercity Express (ICE), with Railjet if you are based in Budapest or Munich. From Brussels, Austria’s new Nightjet service will take you in sleeper trains or couchettes to Vienna in about 14 hours.

Train Connections And Tickets

To find your way across Austria and Europe, search for the Austrian Railways’ train connections in the widget below.

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Vienna Central Station: Info, Timetable & Train Connections

The Vienna Central Station, the former Südbahnhof, is located in the 10th district of Vienna at Südtiroler Platz.

It is the most modern and at the same time the most important national and international transport hub in Austria.

All long-distance traffic in all directions is handled from the main station, all long-distance trains of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) stop here.

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Timetable with Arrivals and Departures

Arrival times.

The current arrival times with platform information and delay information can be found here:

Departure Times

The current departure times with platform information and delay notices can be found here:

Train Connections

Long-distance and regional trains as well as S-Bahn and U-Bahn depart from Vienna Central Station, all ICE trains pass through Vienna Central Station. In addition to connections throughout Germany, numerous routes in Europe are served.

With around 140,000 passengers and 1,170 trains daily, Vienna Central Station is the busiest long-distance station in Austria.

The provincial capitals of Bregenz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Linz and St. Pölten are directly connected to Vienna Airport via the main train station.

The long-distance buses from Flixbus also make a stop at the main train station in Vienna.

The U1 passes the main station. The underground station is only 500 meters away from the overground train tracks.

U1: Reumannplatz - Südtiroler Platz - Hauptbahnhof - Karlsplatz - Stephansplatz - Praterstern - Kaisermühlen VIC - Kagran - Leopoldau

The S-Bahn lines depart from platform 2 in the direction of Wien Mitte. With the S7, which also connects the main train station with the airport, you can be in Wien Mitte or Wien Praterstern in just a few minutes. Both are important transport hubs in Vienna and offer transfer options to the Vienna S-Bahn and U-Bahn network. In addition, lines S2, S3, S60 and S80 run via Vienna Central Station.

The S-Bahn runs continuously at night from Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays. All S-Bahn trains run at least every 20 minutes, and at night every 30 minutes.

The following bus lines go to Vienna Central Station: 13 A, 69 A

Tram lines 18, D and O depart from the main station. Line 18 runs underground.

Regional Trains

The regional trains to the surrounding federal states start from Vienna Central Station, for example Bratislava can be reached in one hour and Prague in 3.5 hours. Day trips to the Wachau, about 80 kilometers west of Vienna, which is a UNESCO World and Natural Heritage Site, are a good idea.

Rent a Bus at the Main Train Station

We are happy to help you rent buses for all occasions, be it for group travel, company outings, school trips, events or otherwise.

Here is more about public transport in Vienna .

There is a taxi rank at the Sonnwendgasse entrance. There are other taxi ranks at the corner of Weyringerstraße/Favoritenstraße or in Landgutgasse.

The basic fee for taxis in Vienna is 3.80 euros, the first 4 kilometers cost 1.42 euros, the next 5 kilometers 1.08 euros and each additional kilometer 1.05 euros. 

The night rate applies between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.: The basic fee is 4.30 euros, the first 4 kilometers cost 1.62 euros, the next 5 kilometers cost 1.28 euros and each additional kilometer costs 1.18 euros. 

Standing and waiting time will be charged at 27.80 euros per hour.

Here is more about taxis in Vienna .

Car Rentals

Among others, the rental car providers Sixt, Europcar and Avis are at your disposal. The offices are on the ground floor of the main train station. Of course you can book your rental car online in advance. The vehicle will then be available to you as soon as you arrive.

Car sharing providers at Vienna Central Station include ÖBB Rail&Drive and Car2Go.

Food, Restaurants and Cafes

The gastronomic offerings in the main station is varied. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, various food stands offer a quick meal for in between - from Burger King and McDonald's to North Sea, Starbucks and Wienerwald, there is something for every taste. If you want to eat extensively and in peace, you can enjoy Italian cuisine on the ground floor in L'Osteria.

Shopping, Stores and Shops

Of course you can buy everything you need for travel at Vienna Central Station - and much more. There are over 60 shops selling everything from newspapers and cosmetics to clothing and jewelry, press articles and groceries.  The DM market is on the ground floor, Deichmann and Tchibo are on the first basement floor

• Post Office: You will find a post office on the ground floor, it is open Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Pharmacy: The pharmacy at Vienna Central Station is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Parking and Garage

Vienna Central Station offers parking spaces for 600 vehicles. The underground parking lot is open 24 hours a day, 1 hour costs 4 euros, the daily rate is 40 euros.

Lockers and Luggage Storage

The lockers at Vienna Central Station are located on the 1st basement floor. The price is between 2.00 and 4.50 euros per day depending on the size.

BAGBNB is located 800 meters from the main train station, where you can leave your luggage for up to 24 hours. Online reservation is required at Bagbnb.com .

ÖBB Travel Center and ÖBB Information

The ÖBB travel center and information can be found on the ground floor of the main train station.

The ÖBB Lounge is on the 1st floor above the bars. It is open daily from 06:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Access is granted to travelers with a 1st class ÖBB Austria Card, 1st class Interrail, Eurail and European East Pass as well as the DB Bahn Bonus Comfort BahnCard First 100. For more details , please refer to the following link to Oebb.at.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are available on every level of the main train station.

Lost & Found

More than 250,000 items are lost in stations and trains every year.

If you find something at the train station or on the train, you can hand it in to the train staff or to the lost and found office in the train station. Lost property is registered there and waits seven days to be picked up by its owner.

Anyone who has lost something on the trip needs an investigation request. You can either call the lost and found service hotline on +43 1 93000 9722 222 or submit the application directly online at infrastructure.oebb.at .  ÖBB maintains a lost and found office at Vienna Central Station.

The Austrian Federal Railways offers free WiFi access at Vienna Central Station.

Hotels at the Train Station

There are numerous hotels near the main train station. Just a minute's walk away you will find the Motel One Wien Hauptbahnhof, Apartment Vienna and Apart Sky are about 500 meters from the train station. There are also numerous other providers in all price ranges, hotels with or without stars, guesthouses and bed & breakfasts.  

Seminar Rooms and Conference Hotels

We will be happy to help you rent seminar rooms for your events or choose a conference hotel that exactly meets your expectations and requirements.

Vienna Tourist Information in the Main Train Station

The Tourist Info offers all the information you need about Vienna directly on site. Here you can get information on maps, tickets, sightseeing tours, theaters, events, general information about the city and information on hotels.  All staff are multilingual.

Tourist information can be found at the ÖBB InfoPoint when you arrive at the main train station.

Address: Am Hauptbahnhof 1, 1100 Vienna.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00

Opening Times

The station building is NOT open 24 hours a day, it is locked between 1:30 and 4:00.

• Address: Vienna Central Station, Am Hauptbahnhof, 1100 Vienna
• Phone: +43 (0) 5- 1717
• Website: www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at

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