visit vienna with family

THE 10 BEST Vienna Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in vienna with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Schönbrunn Palace

2. Historic Center of Vienna

3. Tiergarten Schoenbrunn - Zoo Vienna

4. Schonbrunner Gardens

5. Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)

8. Stephansplatz

9. Rathausplatz

10. Ringstrasse

11. Hundertwasserhaus

12. MuseumsQuartier Wien

13. Haus der Musik

14. Kunst Haus Wien. Museum Hundertwasser

15. Volksgarten

16. Haus des Meeres - Aqua Terra Zoo

17. Stadtpark

18. Graben and Kohlmarkt

19. Technisches Museum Wien

20. Kahlenberg

21. Danube Tower

22. Christmas Market on Rathausplatz

23. Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna

24. Maria Theresia Denkmal

25. Madame Tussauds Vienna

26. Wiener Riesenrad

27. Kultur und Weihnachtsmarkt Schloß Schönbrunn

28. Burggarten

29. Vienna Woods

30. Michaelerplatz

What travelers are saying

• Johanna A 4 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing! Loved it! It was absolutely amazing! Many many things to see, even my 10 year old enjoyed very much! Wouldn’t recomrnd with small child because there are many satira and the place is huge, you have to walk a lot. Read more Review of: Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) Written April 29, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Attractions
• In the Rain
• Public Transport
• Central Station
• SIM Card for Tourists
• 1 Day in Vienna
• Park and Ride
• Shopping Guide
• Restaurant Guide
• Nightlife Guide
• Lifestyle Guide
• Viennese Cuisine
• Imperial Palace
• Christmas Markets
• St. Stephens Cathedral
• Hotels Near Vienna Airport
• Exclusive Luxury Hotels
• Conference Rooms
• Interpreters

25 Best Things to Do with Kids in Vienna [with Tickets & Map]

Here is our list of attractions for the whole family

Vienna is one of the most exciting metropolises in the world and inspires both young and old visitors with its exciting attractions and experiences!

To ensure that your visit to Vienna is an unforgettable event for the whole family, here are the 25 best sights for children in Vienna that you should not miss.

Let's get started!

Other Recommended Articles:

• Top 10 Things to Do in Vienna
• Best Recommended Hotels in Vienna
• Exceptional Attractions in Vienna
• Best Restaurants in Vienna
• Shopping in Vienna
• Public Transport in Vienna

1.   Schönbrunn  Zoo

As the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the highlights of Vienna.  Not only is it part of the Schönbrunn UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also been named “Best Zoo in Europe” five times in a row.   The zoo, on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace, was opened in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, Maria Theresa's husband, as an imperial menagerie.

700 animal species, some endangered animals, live here on an area of 17 hectares.  These include pandas, tigers, orangutans, polar bears, koalas and elephants. A train commutes between the Tiergarten, the Emperor's breakfast pavilion, the elephant house and the Tyrolean Court.

Popular Ticket Options:

• Ticket Overview of Schönbrunn Zoo
• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo: Book here!   (Most popular option)
• Schönbrunn Children's Museum Tour with Zoo Option:  Buy now!
• Vienna PASS with free admission to Schönbrunn Zoo:  Buy here!

Best Ticket Option:

• Tickets for Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Zoo Skip The Line: Book here in advance!

2. Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum & Maze, Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon

In the Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum , children can be princesses and princes for a day and get to know the everyday life of imperial children.  For this purpose, 12 rooms in the west wing of the Residenz were converted into a children's museum, where children can become active and e xperience history in a playful way.   What is particularly nice, however, is that the children can try out everything themselves at many stations.

In addition to the palace  and zoo , a v isit to the maze, the labyrinth and the labyrinthikon  is an experience for the whole family.  Whoever finds the right way through the high hedges in the maze will be rewarded with a viewing platform. In the labyrinth  opposite, a bridge has to be crossed and a hall of mirrors provides lots of fun.  The Labyrinthikon has various playgrounds for running around and playing, including a climbing frame, a hall of mirrors, a large xylophone and a water playground.

• Vienna PASS with free admission to Schönbrunn Children's Museum, Maze, Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon: Buy here!

3. Indoor Playground Family Fun

Vienna's largest indoor playground in the 22nd district is a small children's paradise.  In the huge indoor and outdoor Family Fun adventure park, children up to the age of 12 can experience fun and action thanks to attractions such as trampolines, go-kart tracks, fun shooters, wave slides, bull riding, climbing walls, electric go-karts and much more. 

A mix of amusement park, action area and delicious gastronomy awaits the little ones in the 7,500 m² play area.  The little ones are also taken care of, a 1,000 m² small children's area is dedicated to them alone.

4. Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is a p opular destination for the whole family.   The interactive museum amazes not only children with extraordinary illusions and exhibitions. In addition to optical deceptions, illusions and holograms, they can also expect a rotating tunnel through which they can defy physical forces, as well as an antigravity room.   Put your brain to the test here!

• Get your ticket now for incredible moments and amazing tricks at the Museum of Illusions!

5. Prater & Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

A classic Viennese attraction is  Prater in Vienna  with its famous Giant Ferris wheel .  The Viennese landmark in the heart of the city provides ultimate fun , especially with the Wurstelprater  amusement park,   which has been around since the early 19th century.  Be sure to take a ride on the iconic   Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel and look out over the rooftops of Vienna. At the highest point of the wheel, at a height of 64.75 meters, you can enjoy an amazing view over Vienna.

Another exciting attraction in Prater is the  Liliputbahn .  For train lovers, the Liliputbahn with its open carriages is certainly a special experience, because various locomotives, including steam locomotives, operate on the route. The almost 4 km long round trip takes 20 minutes.

But the Prater is much more than just an amusement park. It is one of the city's "green lungs" and a popular recreation area for locals and tourists alike.  It is also a popular sports facility and even offers "excursions into space" in the planetarium.

• Ticket Overview of Popular Giant Ferris Wheel Ride
• Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride tickets  
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (ride on Ferris Wheel selectable)
• Vienna PASS including ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

6. Haus des Meeres

Haus des Meeres  is very popular with young and old. An a dventurous journey into foreign animal and plant worlds awaits you here.  About 10,000 tropical and native animals and plants are presented over more than 4000 square meters, spread over ten floors.  In addition to Austria's largest aquarium , there is a glass tunnel that you can walk through and the " Brandungsriff" adventure aquarium .  It is also exciting that the Haus des Meeres is housed in an anti-aircraft tower from World War II.

7. Time Travel Vienna

Time Travel Vienna is located in the historic vaults of Michaelerkloster in the center of Vienna. It is a real highlight for the whole family.  During a virtual journey through time of about 50 minutes, you can travel to eight different stations in Vienna's rich history.  Thanks to the multimedia experience with s pecial effects and innovative technology, the informative journey becomes an exciting history lesson that even children will be enthralled with.

Highlights include an original wartime air raid shelter, the  Virtual Reality Music Ride  in Walzer Hall, and a 5D cinema that takes you back to Vienna at the time of the last major plague epidemic, or you can take a virtual horse-drawn carriage ride.

• Admission Ticket & "Sisi's Amazing Journey" Virtual Reality Experience
• Admission Ticket, Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour

8. ZOOM Children's Museum

The ZOOM children's museum in the Museums Quarter has won awards.  In addition to the Children in Museums Award, it received the  2011 Promising Practice Award . 

Young visitors can look forward to exciting experiences, because they can touch everything in the museum's exhibition rooms , ask questions and learn with all their senses.  In the children's museum there are the ZOOM hands-  on exhibition s, the  ZOOM studio  for artistic activities, the  ZOOM a nimation laboratory and the play area ZOOM ocean .

9. Old Danube Lido

The Alte Donau lido is a family-friendly pool that is one of the largest and most diverse outdoor pools in Vienna .  It offers various pools for swimmers and non-swimmers, and has a 150-meter-long pebble beach with slides and a Noah's Ark to play with.  There are many different ways to get active in sports, ranging from football and badminton to gymnastics and fitness equipment.

10. Museum of Technology

You are offered a fascinating insight into the world of technology in the Museum of Technology. The family-friendly museum provides not only free admission for children, but also has an adventure area for children aged 2 to 6 years.   In 2001, the Museum of Technology was expanded by the incorporation of the Austrian Media Library, which represents the Austrian archive for audio recordings and videos on cultural and contemporary history.

• Get your skip-the-line ticket to the Museum of Technology and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of technology.

The Fiaker, a two-horse carriage, is a comfortable and exciting way for children to explore Vienna.  Totally kitschy for some, absolutely romantic for others, the carriages are part of the Viennese cityscape and are popular photo opportunities for many tourists.  There are stands for the Viennese rental carriages at various locations in the city. During a tour, you will visit Vienna's city center while listening to exciting stories.

• Visit a Horse Stable + Fiaker Ride Back to the City Center & Secrets of the Fiaker   (recommended)
• 30-minute Fiaker Ride through Vienna's Old Town
• Carriage Ride through Schönbrunn Palace Garden
• Mozart Concert with Dinner and Carriage Ride

12. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum  houses one of the largest natural science collections in Europe.   The museum, which was originally located in the Imperial Palace , is one of the most important natural history museums in the world.   The new building was constructed according to plans by Gottfried and Carl Semper and opened in 1789 by Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Today, you can see more than 100,000 exhibits in 39 exhibition rooms.  Since 2014, a digital planetarium has been one of the museum's main attractions.  Other highlights are the dinosaur hall and the statue of Venus von Willendorf.  Numerous interactive stations invite you to participate and discover, which makes it even more exciting for children.  And especially great, Children under the age of 19 have free entry.

A very special highlight is the Night at the Museum , in which the little ones experience an exciting program in the museum all night long.

13. Bohemian Prater

On the outskirts of Vienna, right next to Laaer Berg recreation area, Bohemian Prater awaits with exciting attractions.  The small amusement park is particularly well suited for families who want to spend a relaxing day away from the big city.   Just like its big brother, Vienna Prater , there are various rides and restaurants in Bohemian Prater, some of which are 100 years old.  The center of the amusement park is the Tivoli.

14. Danube Cruises

A scenic Danube cruise is a great experience for young and old.  It's one of the most leisurely and enjoyable ways to explore Vienna. During a wonderful trip through the Danube Canal, you can e njoy the imperial city from the water and relax at the same time.   Alternatively, you can go on a tour of the Wachau, which is very popular with the Viennese themselves.

• Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal with Lunch Option
• 3.5-hour Grand Danube River Cruise
• Evening Cruise along the Danube
• Sightseeing Boat Tour with Lunch
• Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs & Buffet   (recommended)
• Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

15. Imperial Treasury

The Imperial Treasury  is located in the Swiss Wing, the oldest part of the Imperial Palace .  With its valuable exhibits, which impress both children and adults , the treasury is one of the most important collections in the world. 

Highlights are the insignia and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, such as  the imperial crown and the Holy Lance , the crown of Emperor Rudolf II, which later became the Austrian Imperial Crown, as well as precious jewels and the  agate bowl , which was considered the legendary Holy Grail.  An audio guide for children is also available.

• Overview of the Best Ticket Options for the Imperial Treasury
• Ticket to the Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace 
• Combo ticket for the Imperial Treasury, the Kunsthistorisches Museum & Kunstkammer Vienna
• Private Tour of the Hofburg Imperial Palace with the Imperial Treasury + Highlights of the Old Town

Best Ticket Options:

• Tickets for Imperial Treasury: Book your ticket here!

16. Chocolate Museum Vienna

Chocolate Museum Vienna in Prater  is a magnet for big and small chocolate lovers.  The museum's guests are greeted by a special employee, Pepper the robot.  The tour of the museum is designed as a quiz, and those who take part in the quiz are rewarded with chocolates.  

Passing through a mock jungle with artificial cacao trees and jungle animals to the Chocolate Museum's basement is just a highlight of the visit.  You can also prepare your own chocolate creations yourself.

• Book now a chocolate workshop and free tasting at the Chocolate Museum. A treat for young and old!

17. Zeiss Planetarium

An exciting journey through the world of astronomy awaits visitors of all ages in the Zeiss Planetarium. The journey through the starry sky lets you look into the infinite worlds of space .  You are invited to dream and gaze at the stars, be it with multimedia shows or with special programs for children and families.

18. Madame Tussauds Vienna

Since 2011, the Vienna branch of Madame Tussauds wax museum has been delighting visitors of all ages.  It is located in Vienna's well-known amusement park,  Wiener Prater .  Take selfies with international stars, personalities from Austrian history such as Emperor Franz and Sisi or stars of the music industry such as Falko and Mozart. The highlight for many is the  interactive 5D experience "Sisi Uncovered 5D" .

• Secure your ticket for Madame Tussauds now  and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with your favorite stars!

19. Danube Tower & Danube Park

Austria's tallest building is an experience for young and old!  The 252-meter-high Danube Tower  on the edge of the Danube Park is a landmark of Vienna and a popular destination.   On the viewing terrace, at a height of 150 meters, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Austria's capital.  You can indulge in culinary delights in the tower café at 160 meters or in the rotating tower restaurant at 170 meters.

As one of the largest parks in the city, the Donaupark   also offers numerous attractions, such as children's playgrounds, climbing combinations, ball courts, gaming tables with chess boards and skater facilities.

• Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower   (Most popular option)
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (Danube Tower selectable)

20. House of Music

In the Haus der Musik  sound museum, located in  Palais Archduke Carl ,  children and adults can transform themselves into composers.   The museum in the historic old town was opened in 2000. The history of music is presented in a multimedia and interactive way, starting with the first human musical instruments up to the present day. 

Here, you not only learn more about the grandiose composers, you can become one yourself! Compose your own music and conduct the Vienna Philharmonic yourself. A great experience for young and old.

• Admission Ticket to Haus der Musik  
• Ticket to Mozarthaus Vienna (incl. audioguide)

21. Old Danube & Floridsdorf Water Park

The  Alte Donau  local recreation area is a magnet for visitors in the city of Vienna.  In summer, this idyllic place attracts with swimming opportunities, pedal boats, boat rentals and a wide range of restaurants, while winter offers pure ice skating fun.

Part of the Old Danube is the idyllic Floridsdorf water park , a popular place for young and old. About a third of the natural park is water.  To the west of the water park there is a natural winter quarters for mallards, seagulls, coots, swans, gray herons. There is also a large active playground in the park.

• E-Boat Rental of a "Floating Island" for a Leisurely Trip on the Old Danube
• Guided Kayaking Tour on the Old Danube

22. Dschungel Vienna

Dschungel Wien is located in the Museums Quarter and deals with performing arts.  As a theater for children, teenagers and young adults , it is aimed at people aged 0-20 with various events.  Each season, 60 productions are realized and played in over 500 performances. The program is supplemented by various workshops. In addition to delicious children's dishes, the   j ungle café also offers space to romp and play.

23. Urania Puppet Theater in Vienna

The Urania puppet theater in Vienna was founded on the initiative of two elementary school teachers who set up a puppet theater in an adult education center in 1948. This was very popular. Since 1950, the Urania in Vienna has housed the puppet stage, the main characters of which are  Kasperl and Pezi .

24. Ice Apricot Dumplings in  Tichy I ce Cream Parlor

The Eissalon Tichy is o ne of the best ice cream parlors in Vienna.   Even if it took a while for the ice cream parlor's apricot dumplings, which were invented there in 1967, to win the hearts of customers, they are now considered a Viennese specialty.  About 35,000 ice apricot dumplings are produced every week. The apricot is covered in vanilla ice cream instead of batter and rolled in slivers of nuts.

25. Lainz Zoo

Lainz Zoo was originally designed by Ferdinand I of Austria in 1561 as a fenced-in hunting ground for his family.  Today it is a nature reserve and offers visitors of all ages a unique cultural and natural experience.  There are various attractions, such as the nature and forest educational trails, the enclosure with ancient cattle, various vantage points, camp meadows for picnics, a lookout tower, forest playgrounds and the Nikolai chapel.  The Hermesvilla, Empress Elisabeth's "Castle of Dreams" , which shows various exhibitions, is particularly worth seeing.

Map with Locations

By loading the map, you agree to Google's privacy policy. Learn more

Always unblock Google Maps

(link to map)

Related Articles:

65 best things to do in vienna [with tickets & map], 30 best museums in vienna [with tickets & map], 20 exceptional attractions in vienna [with map], top 10 things to do in vienna: with online tickets & tours.

15 Awesome Things to do in Vienna with Kids

Magical. Regal. Extraordinary. Vienna is all of these, plus more. It is quintessential Europe. If you are looking for the ultimate European getaway, Vienna has to be one of your stops. Definitely check out the following things to do in Vienna with kids… or even without. You can’t go wrong.

Top 15 Things to do in Vienna with kids

1. prater amusement park.

Yes, it has a large Ferris wheel, but it also has been called one of the top ten most beautiful city parks worldwide . That’s quite a reputation to live up to.

Walk, run, cycle, even ride on horseback. Many people enjoy the natural beauty here. Even if you don’t go into the amusement park, take a picnic lunch and enjoy some downtime.

Entering the amusement park is free. However, rides are pay-as-you-go and can range from 5€ and higher.

The giant Ferris wheel is 10€, however, if you have the Vienna Pass , it is free (along with Madame Tussaud’s – right across from the Ferris wheel).

➡️ Click here to check out the Vienna Sightseeing Pass – a 1, 2, 3 or 6-day pass that gives you free access to 70+ attractions plus unlimited rides on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus for one low price.

2. Spanish Riding School

Who doesn’t love seeing beautiful horses put on a show?

Come see the Lipizzans – the Ballet of the White Stallions – put on an enchanting show at the Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace.

Unfortunately, we missed the timing of their performance, but we were able to see them in the courtyard.

Check their website for showtimes before you start your day.

3. Schönbrunn Palace

What can I say? This complex is the crown jewel of Vienna. If you do nothing else on this list, head to Schönbrunn for the day.

Yes, I say ‘day’ because, besides the extravagant palace, the next four items on this list are also on the palace grounds.

Schönbrunn Palace is Austria’s most visited tourist attraction.

Commissioned as a hunting lodge for Emperor Leopold I in the late 1600s, it later became the summer residence for the Habsburgs under the reign of Maria Theresa.

Wander through the baroque palace and stunning grounds wishing this was your summer home. Oh, maybe that’s just what I did! Am I the only one? Definitely consider this complex as one of the top things to do in Vienna with kids.

Tours and prices

Ticket prices vary depending on which tour you choose. In addition, there are also several combo tickets available giving you access to other sites.

The grand tour allows you to access 40 rooms and is 22€ for adults, 15€ for children 6-18. Get the free audio guide or take a guided tour (for a nominal amount). Little K absolutely loved the audio guides. I think it’s because she could actually listen and learn about things instead of just walking around. Definitely try them out.

The Vienna Pass includes the Grand Tour in addition to the Schönbrunn Zoo, Carriage Museum and Strudel show. See, your whole day is planned!

If you happen to be here around the Christmas holidays, you need to visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn! It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Important : You will get a timed entry ticket for the palace when you first check-in. Even though we arrived about an hour after opening, our entry ticket was for two hours later. Check out numbers 4 through 7 on this list of things to do in Vienna for how we spent our time.

4. Schönbrunn Zoo

Admittedly, we don’t usually go to zoos in Europe. Even though I have been vacationing here for years, this was the first zoo encounter I had.

We had time to kill before entering the palace, so we walked through the palace gardens to the zoo.

Famous for its pandas and home to over 700 species of animals, the Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world! If you can’t make it to China to see the pandas, definitely see them here.

Vienna is very clean and the same can be said about its zoo. Everything is manicured and taken care of with the utmost precision.

Take note that it is a lot of walking, especially if you are coming from the palace. If you have little kids with you, definitely take a stroller.

Even with an 8-year-old, we took breaks and luckily brought snacks and drinks with us. Plus, the palace is a decent walk from the metro station.

Just remember that the grounds are massive. It was in the 90’s (Fahrenheit) when we visited and this ended up being a very long and tiring day.

5. Imperial Carriage Museum

To the right of the palace, find the Imperial Carriage Museum.

Get a glimpse into how royalty traveled.

See the royal carriages of Maria Theresa, Napoleon, and Franz Joseph. Trust me, here in Vienna, you hear those names a lot! I loved learning about the history and culture of Vienna. It really is one of the most regal cities in Europe.

❇️ Click here to check on prices for the Vienna Pass – use it for 1, 2, 3 or 6 days to save money on over 70 attractions!

6. Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn

Attached to the main palace to the right, is the Children’s Museum. Get some insight into the lives of children of royalty.

See toys they played with, how they learned and then dress up in some regal costumes.

Take a picture as your royal souvenir.

7. Attend the Strudelshow

Ok, I have to mention the Strudelshow. Again, it’s on the palace grounds, directly to the left in the long building.

Although we were not intentionally going to this, it was included in the Vienna Pass .

Talk about entertaining! It’s a quick 20-minute show where you watch how to make the strudel dough. Learn the secret ingredient in the apple filling as well!

Both German and English speaking guests are entertained as you learn the basics of strudel making. Furthermore, take home a recipe card and try it yourself.

Little K was called up to help finish the strudel.

For a more detailed look, click here to learn more about the best apple strudel in Vienna . Oh, and yes, you do get to sample it.

8. Ride the Ring Tram or Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you prefer to ride rather than walk, check out either the ring tram or the hop-on, hop-off bus.

Vienna’s main, historical center is situated within the ‘ring’. A road encircles this area and the ring tram travels around it. We took this just to get a better view of the city as many of Vienna’s stately buildings line this road. An audio system in eight languages gives you historical context as you are driving around the ring.

The hop-on, hop-off bus has four different routes, differentiated by color. Use this to get to destinations or take the entire ride to see the city.

Useful if you had enough of walking as there really is so much to see in the city.

Tip – Don’t take the hop-on, hop-off bus if you want to get somewhere quickly. Instead, take the metro and walk. I know this from experience!

9. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Right in the heart of the ring is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is a Viennese gothic symbol built in the 12 th century.

Take a guided tour or just walk around in awe as you marvel at the intricate stained glass and statues throughout this massive cathedral.

Walk the 364 steps up the tower for grand views over Vienna. Or, if you are like me, let your husband and children walk up the tower and you can sit in a pew and be mesmerized by the interior beauty of the cathedral.

10. Visit outdoor cafes

Talk about fun! There are so many cafes. You could visit a different one each day and not repeat any.

I was on a quest to find the best café in Vienna . Therefore, I made it a little game to see which one had the best dessert.

The Viennese culture relishes downtime and conversation with friends. Take time on your vacation to do the same.

Enjoy a drink or coffee and a little pastry to go with it (don’t worry, you can share… well, maybe you can – I had a hard time with it).

Little K learned she loved to make iced tea herself from a pot of hot water, tea bags, and ice cubes. Little things… stop and enjoy them as you are trying to see the top things in Vienna with kids.

11. Zoom Children’s Museum

This is the only item on my list of things to do in Vienna with kids that we didn’t make it to. It was on my list, but there just wasn’t enough time.

Zoom is a highly interactive and hands-on experience. If your kids love getting their hands dirty while learning, this is the place for them.

The museum is divided into 4 different areas based on age group:

• Interactive exhibition (ages 6-12)
• Ocean (8 months – 6 years)
• Studio (ages 3-12)
• Animation studio (ages 8 -14)

Check the Zoom website for specific program start times.

12. Hofburg Palace – Imperial Apartments of the Habsburg’s

I guess I just have a thing for royalty and history.

Vienna’s largest building was the ruling home of the Habsburg’s for seven centuries.

Check out how the royalty lived by visiting the Imperial Apartments. They lived here until 1918. Furnishings have been restored for historical authenticity.

While you are here, see the Imperial Silver collection. Can you imagine using all of that? What about cleaning it? Not. For. Me.

Oh, and yes, the Hofburg Palace, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Treasury are all covered on the Vienna Pass .

13. Sisi Museum

Located within the Hofburg, the Sisi Museum dedicates itself to Empress Elizabeth.

Take the audio guide and walk through the exhibit room to see how she lived, how she ruled and how she loved.

This was an exquisite look into the life of Vienna’s most famous empress.

Little K loved this – and she is 8. Not sure if it was the exhibits or the audio guide or she just felt grown-up going through it, but she learned a lot and was able to talk about Sisi after we left. Kids are not too young for this!

14. Imperial Treasury

This is the place to drool at the jewels, gold and other treasures of the Habsburg’s.

Also located within the Hofburg Palace, see the Austrian Imperial Crown as well as the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Empire. Remember all this from world history?

The Treasury houses ancient items such as the agate bowl which was once thought to be the Holy Grail. Take time to read the text next to objects and be impressed that you are standing next to items you learned about it school.

Don’t forget to see the largest cut emerald in the world.

15. Wachau Day Trip

Changing gears here! See the natural beauty of the Vienna countryside and get outdoors.

As I was researching things to do in Vienna with kids, this day trip kept popping up. It’s a wonderful way to see the Danube and a different side of Vienna.

The Wachau Day trip entails taking a train to Melk, walking through the town and seeing the gorgeous monastery on the hilltop, cruising the Danube by boat before heading back to Vienna by train.

➡️ Click here to check prices for this Wachau Day trip to Melk, the Abbey and the Danube River Cruise

Don’t forget to stop and have lunch! We ate schnitzel at a quaint outdoor café in Melk before heading to the monastery.

This was a different experience, yet fun, especially the relaxing boat ride.

Vienna with Kids

Wow – there is just so much to see and do in Vienna. I honestly can say I want to go back, although just not sure when! I added coming back to Vienna to visit the Christmas markets to my bucket list.

✅ Click here to check the prices of the Vienna Pass for 1,2 3 or 6 days to save the most money on all your Vienna attractions!

On this trip, we stayed at the stately Park Hyatt right smack in the middle of everything. Stay tuned, I’ll have a review coming soon.

If you are planning a European trip, don’t overlook going to Vienna with kids. I know that usually London, Paris, and Rome are at the top of the list when you think of Europe, but Vienna is absolutely incredible. You don’t want to overlook it.

Have you been to Vienna? What would be your top things to do with kids in Vienna? Please let me know in the comments!

For other fun Austrian moments, check out these posts:

• Best apple strudel in Vienna
• Best cafés in Vienna
• Is the Salzburg Card worth the money?

Enjoy this post? Please PIN it for future reference. Thanks.

Christine is a Disney World annual pass holder and overall Disney expert and fanatic. She often visits the Disneylands around the world naming Disneyland Paris her favorite. To continue reading, click more about me .

Similar Posts

4 Days In Rome Itinerary (2024) – Your Eternal City Planning Guide

Rome Sweet Rome. This incredible Italian city belongs on every bucket list, and we were recently lucky enough to visit as a family ourselves! In this post, we’re sharing all that we’ve learned about the Eternal City and put together this 4 days in Rome itinerary, so you, too, can enjoy this beautiful city. This…

21 Epic Fountains in Rome You Need to See

We recently visited Rome as a family and were blown away by all the fabulous fountains we found in the Italian capital. While everyone’s surely heard of the Trevi Fountain, there are many more fountains in Rome well worth visiting.  Many of these are located close to other famous sites too, including the Spanish Steps,…

Visiting Italy: Your Ultimate Italy 101 Guide for First Timers

Italians know how to dress, they know how to eat and they know how to live La Dolce Vita. They also make great wine and are incredibly warm and welcoming toward children. If you travel as a family, why on earth wouldn’t you want to go to Italy? This guide to visiting Italy is intended…

International travel checklist – Do these 11 things before you leave

Are you traveling internationally for the first time and wondering what you need to do before you go? It’s definitely more complicated than domestic travel. Certain things only apply to international travel. Add these items to your international travel checklist to help sort out what needs to be done before you leave. 1. Get a…

14 Amazing Things to do in Salzburg

Salzburg, the city of white gold, gets its name from the salt which has been mined here over the centuries. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws visitors by its sheer charm and ambiance. With so much history and beauty, you will not be at a loss when deciding what to do…

Best Time to go to Rome

Rome – the ultimate historic, foodie, cultural – and of course romantic – destination. Before you start reading that Rome travel guide to plan your trip, though, it’s worth giving some thought to this question. When is the best time to go to Rome in Italy? There is no straightforward answer to this. You might…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommend article

Please complete all the mandatory fields marked with an * .

Recommendation successfully sent

Thank you for recommending our article.

The data and email addresses you provide will not be saved or used for other purposes.

• Email is a mandatory field.
• Please enter a valid email address.
• Email address valid
• Name is a mandatory field.

Subject: Recommendation from www.vienna.info

• Error: Please wait a moment, verification is still in progress.
• Error: Please try again. If the error continues to occur, it means we cannot identify you as a human being. You will not be able to send the form for security reasons.
• Share page Share on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn recommend

You are here:

• For Families

Information for your stay in Vienna with the family

Well prepared, your trip to Vienna becomes an unforgettable experience!

Before your trip to Vienna

On our family pages, discover tips for sightseeing or museum visits with children and find out what you can do in the sunshine and in absolutely all kinds of weather .

In the event search you'll find events for children and for the whole family during your planned stay.

Wien Hotels & Info informs you about family rooms and sends brochures to your home for you to browse.

When in Vienna

You'll receive free information on Vienna and a city map with the opening times of most attractions in our tourist info . The comprehensive and free wienXtra-kinderinfo in the MuseumsQuartier provides information on the current Vienna program for kids. Vienna tips for youngsters aged 13 and over is available in the wienXtra-jugendinfo .

Public transport

Children up to 6 years of age always travel for free on Vienna's public transport services. During the Vienna school holidays as well as on Sunday and public holidays, all children under 15 years of age ride for free on public transport . This rule also applies to students attending an Austrian school until they turn 24 - student ID required!

• Half-price tickets for children from 6 to 15 years: €1.20 in advance as well as on board the tram and bus. Each stamped ticket is valid up to the destination, including (several) transfers. This ticket is also valid for the carriage of dogs on Vienna's public transport services. There are no multi-day tickets for children or seniors.
• What's more: For each Vienna City Card , which offers more than 210 discounts at attractions, restaurants, out shopping and free travel on the subway, bus and tram (or in combination with Hop-On-Hop-Off - with Big Bus or Vienna Sightseeing Tours) for 24, 48 or 72 hours, one child up to its 15th birthday rides along for free.

Family Fun Gate at Vienna Airport

And when it’s time to fly home again, the little passengers can pass the time before departure in a special area in Check-in 3 that’s open around the clock. The area of around 90 m2 has slides, a climbing wall, a climbing frame, a maze, a revolving door and foam snakes. A nappy-changing station is available for the very little ones. And any number places for the parents to sit.

Tourist Info Vienna

• https://www.wien.info
• [email protected]

Opening times

• daily, 09:00 - 18:00

Accessibility

• no steps (Automatic sliding doors 150 cm wide)
• Seeing eye dogs allowed

Tactile Vienna maps for the visually impaired are available for disposal on location. There is an inductive listening system.

WIENXTRA Children's Information

• www.kinderinfowien.at
• +43 1 909 4000-84400
• [email protected]
• Tu - Fr, 14:00 - 18:00
• Sa - Su, 10:00 - 17:00
• on holidays, 10:00 - 17:00
• no steps (Swinging doors )
• Wheelchair accessible restroom available.

Double swinging door with time-delayed closing mechanism, opens to the outside 2 steps inside the facility to the cuddle area for small children

WIENXTRA Youth info

• www.jugendinfowien.at
• +43 1 909 4000-84 100
• [email protected]
• Mo - Fr, 14:30 - 18:30

Rate this article

Feedback to the vienna.info editorial team, thank you very much for your feedback.

Thank you very much for your feedback on our item.

1 error has occurred. errors have occurred.

• Salutation is a mandatory field.
• Message is a mandatory field.

ivie - The official city guide app

Free of charge for iOS and Android

Discovering Vienna anew with your smartphone? ivie, the digital city guide for Vienna, is your perfect companion.

Fancy more?

Tourist info, air travel to vienna with austrian airlines, airport transfer with the vienna city card, city airport train (cat), express train s7, park & ride, garage parking, öbb railjet, ivie - your personal vienna guide, city tours by bus, bus connections, filter results.

The Passport Kids

Adventure Family Travel

2 Days in Vienna: An Itinerary with Kids

In: Austria , Blog , Europe , Itineraries by Nicole Last Updated: June 4, 2021

Sharing is caring!

Vienna, Austria is known as the City of Music, with musical influences such as Mozart and Beethoven weaved through the city. Vienna has so much to see and do that putting together 2 days in Vienna itinerary can be overwhelming. But, we have outlined the best things to do in Vienna for a weekend or 48 hours in Vienna to hopefully make your trip planning easier.

Vienna is the capital of Austria and situated along the Danube river. This city is full of history, museums, architecture and a massive amount of places to visit. We tried to narrow it down in this Vienna itinerary to hit all the highlights of what to see in Vienna with kids!

Top 10 Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

Day 1: schonbrunn palace, old town , butterfly house, and state opera house, 1. schönbrunn palace  .

Schonbrunn Palace is one of the top things to do in Vienna! Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage site to see what life was like for the imperial monarchy living in this grand palace. The palace is magnificent in every way that you could imagine, with top to bottom elegant details as you go through every room.

2. Schönbrunn Botanical Gardens 

After you have finished viewing the inside of the Schönbrunn Palace, there are huge gardens behind for you to walk around and explore with your palace admission ticket. Walk among carefully manicured gardens and water features scatter throughout the walking paths.

3. Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace

Located right beside the Palace is a very cool interactive museum for kids to explore, play and dress up like the monarchs of the time. The children’s museum was one of the fun things to do in Vienna with kids , so much so that they didn’t want to leave.

I highly recommend to do this with kids in Vienna, and do this after you have seen the Palace so they have something to look forward to since sometimes the Palace itself can be less entertaining for kids. Little ones will love that they can touch everything in the museum and not get in trouble.

You can spend all day at the Palace exploring other places like the Maze with the Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon playground and Schloss Hof in the Marchfeld (they have a shuttle service to take you to this location.) One thing I wish I knew about before was the Strudel Show and tastings! But, we only spent the morning exploring the palace, museum and gardens to make the most of our Vienna 2 day itinerary.

Schönbrunn Palace Tips:

• There are a couple of different options for seeing the Schönbrunn Palace, either on your own through the Imperial tour of 22 rooms or the Grand tour of 40 rooms, these are both with audio tours.

Don’t forget to get your Skip the line tickets for the Schönbrunn Palace HERE!

• We went with the family pass to get entrance into Schonbrunn Palace (22 rooms) and the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace. Get your tickets here in advance and save time with the queue that can sometimes take up to 3-4 hours for your tickets.
• Another option is to go with a guided tour around the Palace and the gardens, which you can check out some options here.
• If you have purchased tickets ahead of time with BigBus or the Vienna Pass, you will go to a different entrance to retrieve your passes for admission, just look for the signs at the palace.

Going to Schonbrunn Palace is one of the best places to visit in Vienna, and a must see while visiting the city.

View this post on Instagram Even if palaces aren’t your thing, the gardens alone should take you to visit Schonnburn Palace! Did you know this was the first place #Mozart had his first concert – at age 6! #Schonnbrunn #vienna #Austria #familytravel #amazing . . . . #Passportkids #familytravel #kidstravel #ftb100 #tinytravels #familytrip #familytraveltribe #tbscommunity #havekidswilltravel #tmom #lpkids #travelwithkids #familymemories #kidswhotravel #worldschooling #unschooling #trekarooing #familyjaunts #travelkids #cntraveler #travelingwithkids A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Aug 29, 2017 at 7:25am PDT

4. Vienna’s Old Town ( Innere Stadt )

Head down toward the Innere Stadt (Inner City) by the Vienna State Opera house and enjoy the center of the city. Walk along the streets and enjoy the architecture and buildings located in the city center. 

5. Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)

Located within walking distance is the Butterfly House at the Palm House in Burggarten which a beautiful art nouveau structure. This indoor buttery house has hundreds of butterflies in this tropical rainforest. So many different kinds to find and see in this little oasis.

6. Vienna State Opera

In the city of music, you need to go to some type of event that involves music. If you are lucky enough you will be able to attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera house! We attended a medley of performance from various musicians and amazing to watch it inside the state opera house.

The price of admission just to sit in the audience is worth the cost. Check for what performances are playing and book your tickets in advance.

If there are no performance playing you can take a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera House, here is one to consider.

Day 2: House of Music, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Burggarten, and Museum Quarter

7. house of music (haus der musik).

The House of Music is the perfect place to take kids (and adults) to have a greater appreciation of the music and history of music in Vienna. This place is amazing and one of the best things that we did in Vienna with our children. We learned so much and the entire place is a hands-on learning experience for kids so it fun and exciting for them to be engaged.

8. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

A stunning and beautifully constructed cathedral nestled into the streets of Vienna. The roofline and details of the tile roof is memorizing with all the intricate detail.

9. Mozart Monument & Burggarten

Vienna has beautiful parks to walk in and we enjoyed the green space by the Mozart monument which has an amazing open space. We picked up some food for picnic lunch and enjoyed the food in the park with the amazing tranquillity of the flowers, trees and people quietly walking through the park.

There is a lot of building and architecture in Vienna and we found the green space to be a good break from the major landmarks.

10. Heldenplatz & Museum Quarter

Wander around Heldenplatz and view all the amazing monuments, buildings and architecture located in this area. We literally stumbled upon all these monuments all within close walking distance to each other with green space scattered in between.

Travel Tip: An option that we should have done for this day was to take a Vienna sightseeing bus or Hop On Hop Off Bus , to go around to all the different areas. This would have been easier to navigate and less walking for the kids.

There are so many museums in Vienna , you can have your pick from some of the best museums in the world – Natural History, Fine Arts, Contemporary and so many more. Our kids were done with walking around and just wanted to go to the park, but if it would have been a rainy day we would have went and check out one of these museums.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Our accommodations in Vienna was at this hotel in the Wieden area , we choose this hotel because it was walking distance to the main train station for ease of use to get to Budapest in a couple of days. It was clean, basic, budget and worked for 3 night stay.

It was close to Upper Belvedere and the transportation on the tram 6 made it really easy to get to Old Town Vienna with cheaper hotel prices. The area had a few restaurants and grocery stores close by. You can check out more hotels in the Wieden area -District 4 here.

I would either recommend for your first visit to Vienna to stay in either the Inner Stadt (Innerstadt) or MuseumQuartier areas for ease of walking around to the best sights to see in Vienna.

There are also many VRBO apartments in Vienna options. Check out the same areas as mentioned – Inner Stadt, MuseumQuarteir and Wieden, If you are looking for a more home-based experience or staying longer. I always use the map function when searching in VRBO to choose by area. Even though VRBO doesn’t give you an exact address until after booking, the location is very close to the markers in my experience.

Innere Stadt – District 1 in Vienna is in the heart of the city and perfect for your visit to Vienna. With the close proximity to main attractions prices can be higher for hotels than in other areas, but you save time and in the hub of everything with lots of restaurants and cafes close by. Check out some hotel or apartment options in the city center area of Innere Stadt here.

MuseumsQuartier – District 7 in Vienna is located close to all museums and a little bit further out from Vienna’s old town but can be a little less touristy with great cafes and restaurants. We wandered around this area one evening and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Click here for some hotel or apartment options in the MusuemQuartier area.

Map of 2 Day Vienna Itinerary

Here is an easy map to use for this 2 Day itinerary of Vienna ! You can zoom in, hover over and click to find out details, save it for your trip and get a better understanding of where things are in Vienna.

• Day 1 – Marked in Yellow
• Day 2 – Marked in Purple
• Other Vienna Attractions – Marked in Orange
• Airport & Train Station – Marked in Blue

Other Vienna Attractions

If you have more than a 2 day Vienna itinerary, then here are some other Vienna tourist attractions and options that you could add or substitute from the things that we did in Vienna. Add any of these on to your trip to make a 3 day Vienna Itinerary !

• Spanish Riding School – We actually tried to get tickets for this, but the days that we were there they didn’t have any shows occurring. Be sure to plan and get your tickets in advance here and don’t miss out like we did.
• Natural History Museum – If you have a rainy day or more time this is a great option.
• Walking Tour -There is so much history and information that can be explained in this amazing city, so maybe consider looking into a walking tour to get a better understanding of the history of Vienna.
• Giant Ferris Wheel – Fun for families or anyone for that matter! You will find it at the entrance of Praters Amusement Park. We knew we weren’t going to take the kids to the amusement park, so we didn’t want to just go to the ferries wheel and then leave. Looks very cool to check out! Don’t forget to get your Skip the Line tickets for the Giant Ferris Wheel here!
• Hofburg Palace – If your family loves history this could be another option to visit.
• Schönbrunn Zoo – It was honestly too hot for our kids to be outside when we went, otherwise we would have tagged this onto the end of visiting the Schönbrunn Palace since it is right there. 
• Upper Belvedere & Lower Belvedere – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vienna is the Belvedere. Check out this interesting tour if you are thinking of finding out more info from a historian.

Vienna Travel Tips

• Vienna PASS – Seriously look into this Vienna PASS if you are going to be going to any of the places above most likely these will be part of this pass and save you money and time. The best part of the Vienna PASS is the Skip the Line passes for the major attractions in Vienna.
• The main language spoken and written is German in Vienna. Also, don’t be surprised that Vienna is referred to as Wien, as that is how it is in German.
• Austria’s currency is Euro, so this makes it very easy while travelling from other European countries.
• Visitors visas – Austria is part of the Schengen Area, so most don’t need a tourist visa. But, as part of the Schengen Area, you have up to 90 days in any 180-day period in these countries included.
• Be sure to try a few of the local food specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Apple Strudel and a proper coffee.

• The airport in Vienna – There is only one airport in Vienna. You can either look into booking a shuttle service for your family or look into the City Airport Train (CAT). You can get your CAT tickets here in advance from the Airport to Wien Mitt (just 16 minutes). For a family of 4, I sometimes find the best price is a booked car service.
• Vienna has a great tram system and Ringstrasse (Ring Road) is a great path to take to go around the heart of inner Vienna.
• Check the days when museums and attractions are open, most are NOT open on Mondays.
• Stores are typically closed on Sundays for shopping.
• Don’t forget to have travel insurance for your vacation in Vienna. We used World Nomads for the time that we spent in Europe.
• If you are looking for more details or research on Vienna, we always bring or get more inspiration in travel guides. Here are a few we recommend:

Day Trips from Vienna

Vienna can be a great central hub for some all-day tours and plan some Vienna day trips . There are many options to consider if you want to stay in one spot and visit other locations during the day. I wish we would have considered this and seen so many other places close by without having to move our luggage! These would be really easy day trips to enjoy and check out places close by.

• Vienna to Bratislava day trip along the Danube River
• Budapest, Hungary for the day
• Salzburg, Austria for the day

Best time to visit Vienna

We visited at the end of August and it was over 30C, and incredibly hot one day for our kids in the heat at Schonbrunn Palace, plus it was extremely busy with tourists. If you have the option I would suggest the shoulder months of May & June in the spring or September & October in the autumn; these would be perfect months for comfortable walking and touring temperatures to visit Vienna. 

The month of December for the Christmas markets, decorations, lights and festivities would also be a great time to visit Vienna if you are okay with a bit of cold.

Two days in Vienna will just scratch the surface to the amount of history and places there are to visit in this great city. But, for our first visit to the city as a family, we thought these 2 days in Vienna were enough to explore a few places and get a feel for what to do in Vienna.

We went to Vienna on our 10 day visit to Prague , Vienna and Budapest on our 1 year trip around the world with our family . We couldn’t decide which city to visit so we decided to visit each for two days to get a sample of each city. These three cities and countries are an easy 10 day trip to Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest Itinerary) .

A weekend in Vienna is a great idea for the family to see some of the highlights and great places here! If you have been to Vienna, Austria is there anything you would add?

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More Info:  Disclosure

Connect With Us

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Planning a Family Trip to Vienna

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it oozes Old World charm. It's full of marble-clad buildings, impressive coffeehouses, art museums and leafy parks and plazas hugging the Danube River. There's truly something for everyone in this family-friendly European city filled with culture and history. Visiting palaces, watching the famous horse ballet, savoring art in all forms or enjoying fantastic playgrounds are among the activities families can enjoy in the city's historic districts.

How to Get There

The Vienna Airport (VIE) is about 10 miles from the city. Once you land, you can either take a train directly from the terminal to the city center via the express City Airport Train (CAT), which takes 16 minutes and costs €11 or a local train, which takes about 23 minutes but costs less, at €4.20. The CAT has more space for luggage. There are also two buses: The Air-Liner (€5) and the Vienna Airport Lines (€8), which both go into the city.

Taxis usually cost around €35 and there is a car-share service called DriveNow , but you have to register to join for €29. (In addition, it costs 28 cents/minute, €9/hour or €80/day. This might come in handy if you want to use a car during the rest of your trip.) After a brief suspension, Uber is operational in Vienna but Lyft is not. Note that when arriving during morning traffic (which is common for flights from the US), the driving time to the city can take quite a while considering the relatively short distance.

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines is the flagship carrier for Austria and is headquartered at the Vienna Airport. It's part of the Star Alliance, so if you have miles on any partner airline, you should be able to get a seat at a good valuation. Austrian flies direct from Chicago O'Hare (ORD), New York-JFK, Newark Liberty (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD), with seasonal flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA). Like with most airlines, award availability in economy is much better than in business class, but sometimes business class awards become more available in the weeks and days leading up to departure.

Here are some additional tips when booking Star Alliance awards to Europe using miles .

Other Airline Options

Unfortunately, Austrian is going to be your only nonstop option to Vienna from the United States, but if you are willing to connect in Europe, you can fly on many of the major carriers and alliances. Here are tips for using your miles to fly to Europe and our favorite international carriers for families, in case you have the luxury of choice.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Vienna is divided into 23 districts. They are arranged in a circle around the city's center, or First District, which is surrounded by the Ringstrasse. This ring boulevard is where the old city wall used to stand. The National Theatre, the National Opera, Hofburg Palace, Stephansplatz and its famous cathedral, the Spanish Riding School, various major museums, City Hall and Parliament are all on the Ringstrasse and in the First District.

It would be easy to remain in the Inner Stadt, but many of the other Inner Districts (1 to 9) are worth checking out. The Outer Districts (10 to 23) are more residential.

The Second District, or Leopoldstadt, is where the city's famous public park, Prater, is found. It's also home to farmers markets, cool cafes and trendy bars and restaurants. Landstrasse (Third District) is home to the lovely Stadtpark as well as Schwarzenberg Palace, Konzerthaus and the popular Belvedere Palace -- plus lots of families live in this district.

The Sixth District, or Mariahilf, has an aquarium with a view, tons of cafes and restaurants, and a major shopping street. The Seventh District is home to MuseumsQuartier, one of the largest cultural centers in the world. Alsergund, or the Ninth District, is home to the Freud Museum, Liechtenstein Palace and the Museum of Modern Art.

Best Points Hotels in Vienna for Families

Hotel imperial.

Vienna has several Old World-style grand hotels dripping with gold, marble and history, but this one (my family's favorite) is bookable with points. Hotel Imperial is part of Marriott's Luxury Collection as a Category 6 property. It might seem a bit too "don't touch anything" for kids, but the hotel is actually quite welcoming to children and the rooms and suites are extremely spacious — plus it offers child-size robes and slippers. Did we mention the famous almond and chocolate Imperial Torte was born here and you get a mini one on your pillow every night at turndown? It's time to live your monarchical fantasies.

Rooms for families of three start at 50,000 Marriott points (plus €50), or 62,000 points. There is good availability for larger rooms and suite categories. As with all Marriott redemptions, your fifth night is free in standard rooms . If a standard room can work for you, this is also the perfect opportunity to use your up to 50k free-night certificate that comes with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card on your card's anniversary.

Another Luxury Collection property in the city that costs only 35,000 Marriott points is the Art Deco-inspired Hotel Bristol. You can use an up to 35k free-night certificate that Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card holders get on their card anniversary. Both hotels are ideally located on the Ringstrasse. For rooms that sleep three, you may need to book a slightly higher room category.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

Four grand, 19th-century houses on the Ringstrasse, make up The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna , with 220 rooms, lavish staircases, ornate fireplaces and luxurious yet understated décor. Parents will appreciate the spa with its whirlpool, sauna, and indoor pool with underwater music. There's also a rooftop bar with panoramic views open during the summer.

You can book a club-level room with lounge access for 50,000 Marriott points plus €220, or 66,000 points for a premium room. A junior suite is 84,000 points. This is another terrific place where you can use your 50k free-night certificate if a standard room will do the trick.

Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel

A more affordable Marriott option is the Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel. It's in an old military riding school from the 19th century. Rooms are comfortable and there's a family room option with a king bed and pullout sofa. Plus, there's an indoor pool.

This hotel starts at 25,000 Marriott points, but the only points availability available online is for a room that accommodates two people.

InterContinental Vienna

The elegant InterContinental Vienna is in a 1960s-era high-rise that has a plush, lobby with chandeliers and spacious rooms with a retro vibe. Upper floors have spectacular views and their own concierge. There are free beds for children under 4. Extra beds can be added to your room for a fee for kids up to age 18. There are packages for kids such as a trip to Vienna's famous Schönbrunn Zoo. Plus, the Parlor restaurant has an out-of-the-schnitzel-box healthy children's menu.

This hotel starts at 35,000 IHG Rewards Club points, but usually only classic rooms are available to book with points. Remember, your fourth award night is free if you have the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. There are also many bonus opportunities to purchase IHG points to top off your account, if needed. If you are trying to save your IHG points, stay at the Holiday Inn Vienna City for only 25,000 IHG points per night.

Hilton Vienna

The Hilton Vienna is a no-frills option, but it does have a good location off the Stadtpark, which has several playgrounds, and is also near the U4 subway to Schönbrunn and the zoo.

This hotel costs 28k–50k Hilton Honors rewards points per night. There is a maximum number of three guests for a standard room with one king bed or two twin beds. Also, when using your Hilton Honors points, if you have any sort of Hilton status, you'll receive your fifth night free.

Fortunately, earning status is quite easy since Hilton Silver status automatically comes with the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates & fees).

Related: Which Hilton Credit Card Is Best for Family Travelers?

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

A new hotel that opened its doors in May 2019, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is next to the Schweizergarten and close to Belvedere Palace. The design is modern and there is contemporary art by local artists on display throughout the hotel and in the 303 rooms with sleek furnishings and details like heated bathroom floors. There's a rooftop bar, spa, and a nightly free wine hour with snacks. This hotel is a steal right now at 12,000 World of Hyatt points for the classic room.

If you prefer an even more luxurious stay with your World of Hyatt points, the Park Hyatt Vienna starts at 25,000 points. You can earn points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Both hotels have standard rooms that are only technically rated for two people, but at 12k points per night, perhaps getting two rooms for your family is more feasible at the Andaz than the Park Hyatt.

Other Options

A favorite hotel that's not from a major brand is the famous Hotel Sacher Wein , which has adorable amenities for kids, including an activity book, board games and bath supplies. The hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, which does have a points-based loyalty program. If you prefer an apartment stay, some good rentals are Adagio Aparthotel Vienna , Urban Flats Vienna City Center and the very basic Apartments Messe-Prater .

You might not be able to use your traditional hotel points at these properties, but this is the perfect opportunity to redeem your miles earned from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can use your miles to "erase" a portion or all of any purchase from your credit card statement that codes as "travel."

Trip-Planning Tips

Vienna has ideal and mild weather in the spring and fall. Summers get a bit hot, but not typically overbearing, making summer a peak travel time (with higher prices). Winter often brings snow and mid-November through December is a true highlight because of the Christmas lights, elaborate decorations and charming markets. November and March can be very rainy. Here are tips for visiting the Vienna Christmas Markets.

Vienna City Card

The Vienna City Card offers options for 24, 48 or 72 hours of unlimited travel on public transportation and discounts at museums, shops and restaurants. Some cards include a hop-on, hop-off bus tour and an airport transfer. The cost starts at €17 but there is a 10% discount for booking online.

Language and Currency

The primary language of Vienna, as well as the rest of Austria, is German. That said, English is widely spoken and understood in many parts of Vienna. The currency in Austria is the euro, so be sure and pack a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

Bottom Line

Vienna is an incredible central European city that's often overlooked for by European travelers in favor of places like London , Paris and Rome . Often cited as of the most livable cities in the world, it's easy to navigate, clean, full of culture and really shouldn't be skipped. Families will find more than enough to keep them entertained here and then easy access to other nearby cities such as Budapest and Prague.

Here are some more travel tips for visiting Vienna:

• • 5 Tips for Visiting Vienna's Famous Christmas Markets
• • 4 Things to Love About Vienna
• • Old World Luxe: A Review of the Park Hyatt Vienna
• • Flight Review: Austrian Airlines (767-300) Business Class, From Vienna to JFK

For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex card, click here.

Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

Looking for things to do in Vienna with kids? Austria’s capital is an ideal destination for families and we’ve rounded up the best things in Vienna for kids.

Vienna is a beautiful city filled with plenty of culture, history, and stunning architecture. It’s also a great place to explore with children, as there are plenty of activities that will keep them entertained and engaged. From outdoor activities to kid-friendly museums, here are some of the best things to do in Vienna with kids.

READY TO TRAVEL? USE OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES Accommodations: Booking.com  | Hotels.com | Expedia Rental Car: Discover Cars Travel Insurance:   SafetyWing Tours and Activities: Viator | Get Your Guide eSIM:   Airalo

Best Things to Do in Vienna with kids

1. haus des meeres.

A visit to the Haus des Meeres, meaning “House of the Sea”, is one of the best things to do in Vienna with children. It was easily the highlight, at least for my kids, of our time in Vienna. 

Originally a World War II flak tower, the building has now been converted into an aquarium and terrarium with over 10,000 animals from all over the world. Each floor has a different theme, ranging from monkeys and birds to crocodiles, turtles, snakes and even sharks!

Walk through the glass “Atlantic Tunnel” on the lower floor and feel as if you’re in the middle of the ocean.

Other floors feature different types of snakes, chameleons, piranhas, and monkeys. Other interesting creatures that my kids seemed to know about, but I hadn’t heard of before, including a gila monster, an inland taipan and a reticulated python. 

There’s also a 2 story area with a viewing bridge where you can see the komodo dragons and another two story area where birds are flying freely while Adam, the Gavial crocodile rests in the water below. 

And be sure to stop and see the giant shark aquarium, where you can walk all the way around, watching the sharks and plenty of other fish swim past. Check ahead for days and times and plan your visit to see the shark feeding!

Then head up to the rooftop where you can step outside for 360° views across Vienna. There’s also a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view.

The Haus des Meeres is one of the more popular attractions in Vienna for kids and families, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to try and visit through the week if possible.

2. Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)

The Schönbrunn Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited attractions in Austria and it’s easy to see why!

This grand palace was originally built in the 1600’s as a hunting lodge and then became the summer residence of the Habsburgs for over 200 years. Now the palace and grounds are open for visitors to explore and there is plenty to do here with kids.

The palace offers guided tours of the extravagant palace or you can pick up a free audio guide and explore the rooms on your own.

And the Children’s Museum in Schönbrunn Palace is a lot of fun for kids. From costumes to dress up in and toys to play with, this is a great place for kids to learn about what life was like at court during the 18th Century. It makes history fun and is hands-down one of the best things to do in Vienna with kids!

Also on the palace grounds is the Schönbrunn Zoo , which is the world’s oldest zoo and home to over 700 species.

Known for its giant pandas, the zoo is also home to koalas, orangutans, Siberian tigers, African elephants and meerkats. There’s also a rainforest house, monkey house, coral reef display, polarium and the polardom, where polar bears dive below the water.

As it’s a large zoo with plenty of walking, a stroller or wagon is a good idea so little legs don’t get too tired.

Also at Schönbrunn, the Strudel Show is a fun experience that kids will love. Learn how to make strudel dough and the secret ingredients in the filling. The show is 20 minutes long and includes a recipe card to take home, as well as a sample.

The Strudel show , as well as entrance to the zoo and the grand tour of Schönbrunn are included in the Vienna PASS, but you can also purchase skip-the-line tickets separately if not purchasing a Vienna PASS.

Schönbrunn Palace is a fantastic place to visit with kids, and with plenty to do, it’s easy to spend the whole day there.

4. Imperial Butterfly House (Schmetterlingshaus)

The Imperial Butterfly House, known as Schmetterlinghaus, is actually part of the Hofburg Palace complex, at the edge of Burggarten Park.

The large greenhouse is filled with butterflies from all over the world, as well as tropical plants and waterfalls.

It’s a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, or a great idea if you’re wondering what to do with kids in Vienna on a rainy or chilly day.

5. House of Music (Haus der Musik)

Vienna is known as the classical music capital of the world, and the House of Music is a great place to introduce kids to the city’s musical heritage.

There’s giant instruments and plenty of interactive activities, where kids of all ages can try their hand at making music. Kids can try conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, compose a waltz by rolling a dice or try out the stairs that work like a piano.

There’s even activities for the youngest kids – toddlers can make different facial expressions and move their heads to bring a picture of Mozart to life.

6. The Spanish Riding School

The famous Spanish Riding School has been training horses and riders for over 400 years, and it’s a unique experience that can only be found in Vienna.

The school is known for its Lipizzaner horses, which are trained in traditional dressage styles, and the performances are truly awe-inspiring.

Tickets can be purchased for a performance of the Lipizzans , but as it’s one of the top things to do in Vienna, be sure to book tickets in advance, as they are often sold out months ahead of time.

Visitors can also take a guided tour of the stables to get up close and personal with the horses, or you can watch the practice sessions in the mornings, which is great for young kids, as you can leave whenever you, or they, have had enough.

**Kids under 4 are not admitted (for safety reasons). 

3. Time Travel Vienna

Bringing Vienna’s past to life, Time Travel Vienna is a fun way to learn about the city’s history. Travel back through the past 200 years and experience what life was like in Vienna during Roman times, the Middle Ages and the 20th century.

Learn about Austria’s famous royal family as you’re introduced to the Habsburg family. Meet characters like Emperor Franz Josef, Maria Theresa and Empress Elisabeth, and hear about everyday imperial life.

You’ll also hear from the famous composers Mozart and Strauss, and experience what it would have felt like in a World War II air raid shelter.

The 3D experience is just under an hour and is available in several languages.

Time Travel Vienna is a great way to teach kids about the city’s history and make learning fun.

7. Natural History Museum

Located in the MuseumsQuartier in the center of Vienna, the Natural History Museum is a great place to take kids.

With over 100, 000 aritfacts, from giant insects to huge diamonds and dinosaur bones, there are plenty of activities and interactive exhibits to keep them entertained.

Check out the huge allosauraus skeleton or the giant fossilized dinosaur poop from millions of years ago!

There’s also a meteorite room with world’s largest meteorite collection and a video simulator to simulate a meteor strike.

And entrance is free for kids!

8. Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)

No visit to Vienna would be complete without a ride on the giant ferris wheel in the Prater!

This iconic landmark in Vienna dates back to 1897 is the oldest of its kind in the world and offers fantastic views of the city.

In addition to the ferris wheel, there are hundreds of other rides and stalls to enjoy. Entrance to the Prater amusement park is free but the ferris wheel and other rides require tickets.

It’s open every day of the year and tickets for the Ferris wheel can be purchased ahead of time or are free with the Vienna PASS .

Other popular attractions include Madame Tussaud’s, the Vienna Chocolate Museum and the Vienna Planetarium.

The Riesenrad is also home to one of Vienna’s Christmas markets , the Winter Market at Riesenradplatz.

9. Museum of Technology (Technisches Museum)

Vienna’s Museum of Technology is a huge museum with lots to explore.

Multimedia presentations show how technology improvements have influenced our daily lives, from the early days of steam engines to the latest tech gadgets.

The museum is home to over 15,000 items ranging from a mining tour to a singing Tesla coil, where lightning bolts create sound and make the coil ‘sing’.

There’s also lots of big machines to explore and plenty of buttons to press and with toddler play areas as well as 30 interactive learning stations for older kids, there’s something for kids of all ages.

➡ Check out the Vienna PASS – a 1, 2, 3 or 6-day pass that gives you free admission to 70+ attractions plus unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides.

10. ZOOM Kindermuseum

A visit to ZOOM Kindermuseum, Austria’s first museum for kids, is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Vienna with kids.

With hands-on and interactive experiences, this is a fantastic place for kids to explore and learn.

Children are welcome to touch, feel, examine and ask questions as they play and learn through fun activities.

There are four different areas based on ages, including an interactive exhibit where kids learn about art, science, architechture and everyday culture, a zoom studio where kids work together with visual artists to explore various art techniques and an animated film studio where kids take on the roles of screen writers, directors, photographers and sound engineers.

Entry is timed and ticketed, and often sold out – be sure to book ahead!

11. Stadtpark

Stadtpark is a large park located in the center of Vienna and it’s a great place to take the kids for a picnic, or just to run around and enjoy the fresh air.

In addition to the large green spaces, there are also gardens and a pond with ducks in the summer.

It’s also home to the John Strauss monument, which is possibly the most photographed site in vienna.

There’s also a large, fenced-in playground area for kids, which was one of the best that we found in Vienna.

And there’s a mobile coffee and espresso truck cart there as well, which is a bonus for the parents!

Vienna also boasts plenty of other great parks and play areas, from the grounds at Schönbrunn Palace or Belvedere Palace to the Volksgarten and Buggarten in the City Center.

In the summer, there’s swimming, boat rides and a beach on Danube Island.

More details can be found in this full post on the best parks and playgrounds in Vienna .

12. Ring Tram

Vienna’s historical centre is within ‘the Ring’, and the Ring Tram is a fun way to get around the city.

The tram’s route takes you on a loop around the old city, passing by imperial palaces, churches and parks, and it’s a great way to take in the sights – especially with kids, as they can see some of Vienna’s most iconic sights without tiring out their legs. 

Tickets can be bought from the trams, or you can purchase a Vienna card for 24-hour unlimited travel on public transport around the city.  

13. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus  

The Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing bus tour is a great way to get around the city and take in the sights.

This hop-on, hop-off tour takes you past all of the best things to see in Vienna with commentary in multiple languages.

There’s even a specific kids’ channel in German and English, where they can learn about the city’s history and listen to stories about the people and places of Vienna.

There are four different routes and tickets are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

It’s a great way to get to different destinations or take the entire ride to see the city.

*If you have the Vienna PASS (see below), the hop on, hop off bus is included in the pass.

Other Things to See in Vienna with Kids

Stephansdom  .

St. Stephens’ Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must see in Vienna, even with kids.

Built in the 12th century, you can take a guided tour or just explore the church and admire its architectural beauty.

The cathedral’s 463 steps can be a bit much for little ones, but the view from the top floor is certainly worth it – you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view.

It’s free to enter the cathedral but there is an entrance fee for the viewing platform at the top. 

Rathaus 

Rathausplatz is Vienna’s main public square, where you’ll find the City Hall and other important buildings as well as plenty of open spaces.

In the summer months, it’s a great place to take the kids for a picnic or to enjoy free movies and concerts.

In December, this is the home of the largest of the Christmas markets in Vienna , an illuminated light path and skating trail, as well as a ferris wheel and carousel for kids. 

Hofburg Palace 

Once home to the Habsburgs, Austria’s imperial family until the end of World War II, the Hofburg Palace is now the official seat of Austria’s president.

What originally started as a fortified castle in the 13th century has been expanded over the centuries and today it’s one of the largest palace complexes in the world, with 19 courtyards, and over 2,600 rooms! 

The palace grounds are open to the public and there are several great attractions inside the complex, including the Imperial Apartments and the Hofburg Treasury.

Explore the different rooms of the palace and the ‘Sisi Museum’ which houses personal items belonging to Empress Elisabeth (also known as Sisi), Vienna’s most famous empress.

There are also guided tours of the palace, where you can explore its grand corridors and lush gardens. The highlight of a visit here is the Imperial Silver Collection, one of the world’s largest collections of silver artifacts. 

Tours are included in the Vienna PASS .

Opera House (Staatsoper)

One of Vienna’s iconic symbols, the Staatsoper is an imposing building and while it might not seem like the best place to visit with kids, you can’t visit Vienna without seeing it! 

As one of the leading opera houses in the world, the Staatsoper features 350 performances each season. Children aged five and older are able to view regular performances, or there are also special children’s events offered for kids of all ages. 

But you don’t have to attend a performance to experience the inside of the famous Opera House.

Guided tours of the Opera House take you inside where you can walk across the marble floors and under the impressive chandeliers, learn about the history of the building and get close to the stage where popular opera singers have performed. 

Whether you take a guided tour of the Opera House or take in some live opera performances, it’s an unforgettable experience and shouldn’t be missed when visiting Vienna. 

Belvedere Palace 

The palace complex at Belvedere Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vienna’s most popular attractions.

With extensive gardens and two palaces, which are some of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Europe, Belvedere Palace is a great place to spend a day in Vienna.  

Originally built as the summer palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy, and later the residence of Franz Ferdinand, Belvedere Palace is now open to the public and houses the world’s largest Klimt collection. 

The Upper Palace is home to the famous artwork of Gustav Klimt, including his iconic painting, “The Kiss”.

And while some rooms have been turned into modern museum galleries, others have been left untouched since the 18th century, with ornate furniture, marble floors, numerous frescoes and statues, and impressive ceilings.

The Lower Palace and its surrounding gardens offer even more to explore with a beautiful orangery, grotto and fountain. The palace grounds provide plenty of room for children to run around and explore while parents enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park-like landscape. 

There’s also a children studio where kids can draw, paint, dance and experiment with art. Or pick up a museum detective kit with 20 pages of puzzles and games to keep them engaged while you wander through Belvedere palace. Entrance is free for kids under 18. 

And if you’re visiting Vienna in December, Belvedere Palace also hosts one of Vienna’s Christmas Markets , which looks like something out of a fairy-tale with the palace backdrop and the lights reflecting off the lake in front of the palace. 

Unlike Schönbrunn, Belvedere Palace is within walking distance from the City Center and an easy walk from the train station. 

Graben 

The Graben is one of Vienna’s most popular streets, and one of the oldest in the city. Starting at Stephansplatz, this pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, boutiques, cafes and some great restaurants. 

Along the street you’ll find some of the oldest traditional businesses that served the imperial court, as well as modern department stores and brand-name boutiques occupying historical buildings. 

It’s a great place to walk along anytime of the year. In the summer, there are plenty of outdoor cafes to relax in.

And during the Christmas season, the Graben is transformed into a festive winter wonderland, with lights and decorations throughout the street and Christmas markets located on either end.

Danube Tower 

The Danube Tower is one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks and Austria’s highest tower. At 252 meters high, the tower provides a 360 degree view over Vienna and the Danube Valley from its observation deck.  

There’s also the Turm Restaurant, which is 170 metres high and rotates constantly, offering diners an excellent view from above. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Vienna

• Many of the popular attractions and things to do in Vienna are in the historical city centre but some, like Schönbrunn Palace, are outside the centre and can be accessed by public transport. 
• The Vienna City Card offers free public transport , discounts at many attractions, and free entry to museums. This can be a great way to save money if you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions. **Children under 6 ride free on public transport, and children under 17 are free on Sundays and public holidays.
• Additionally, the Vienna PASS offers 1, 2, 3, or 6 days of sightseeing , including free admission to many attractions and unlimited hop-on, hop-off bus rides. Depending on how many attractions and museums you plan to visit, the Vienna PASS might be a worthwhile option. We’ve noted below when the Vienna PASS includes admission fees. 
• Vienna is a popular destination, espeically in the summer months, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time, so you can ‘ skip the line ‘ and show your QR code at the entrance. We use Get Your Guide to purchase tickets for tours and attractions, as we find they have plenty of options, no booking fees and you can book directly from your phone – which is helpful when you show up and find there’s a long line to get in!

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Hotels in Vienna

Vienna has plenty of accommodation options, from budget hostels to 5 star-hotels, and many family-friendly hotels. We recommend staying in the Innere Stadt , the historical city center, although Mariahilf and Leopoldstadt also have many hotels that are convenient and within walking distance to attractions. Here’s a full post on where to stay in Vienna for families .

Hotel Sans Souci Wien

Located directly across from the MuseumsQuartier, Hotel Sans Souci Wien is in an excellent location for sightseeing and within walking distance to many of the city centre attractions. The hotel offers spacious rooms and family-friendly suites, and a complimentary breakfast is included.

Hotel City Central Wien

Located right at the edge of Leopoldstadt, Hotel City Central is only a 10-minute walk from Stephansplatz and the historical centre. The hotel offers large comfortable rooms, as well as family-friendly suites with interconnected rooms and three apartments that are perfect for self-catering.

KH Opera Apartments

Conveniently located a block from the Opera House and about 15-minute walk from Rathausplatz, KH Opera Apartments are perfect for families visiting Vienna. This is where we stayed when visiting Vienna for the first time, and I loved the high ceilings, great views of Karlsriche and fully-equipped kitchenette, which made is easy to cook breakfast and some quick meals.

Each of the units has a spacious living room area with a sofa bed, as well as a separate bedroom, which is great if you’re travelling with young kids who go to bed earlier than the adults.

A&O Hostels

If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Vienna for families, A&O Hostels are a good choice. The hostel offers dorm-style rooms as well as private family-friendly rooms with a set of bunk beds, and a shared kitchenette area for self-catering meals.

We stayed at the A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof, which is conveniently located a block from the main train station, making it a perfect location if you’re doing any day trips from Vienna, and also offers easy to access public transport within the city. 

FAQ : Visiting Vienna with Kids

Is vienna a kid friendly place to visit.

I found Vienna to be an excellent place to visit with kids. There were plenty of activities and attractions for kids, as well as lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Vienna stroller friendly?

Vienna is quite stroller friendly, as most of the city is wheelchair accessible, which means that you won’t have a problem with strollers either.

Trams with a wheelchair sign next to the number  will be easy to access with a stroller and there are dedicated stroller spots on all trams.

Lifts are availble in the subway and most tourist attractions, and there is always someone willing to help if needed. 

Is Vienna affordable?

Vienna can be quite affordable for families, depending on where you decide to stay. There are plenty of budget options available, from hostels to apartments and even hotels, so you should be able to find something within your price range.

You’ll also find that food and attractions are reasonably priced, and options like the Vienna PASS offer unlimited travel on public transport and discounted admission to many attractions. 

Is Vienna safe?

Vienna is generally a very safe city, with low levels of crime and you should have no problems exploring the city during the day.

As always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and to take usual precautions when it comes to your personal belongings.

Conclusion: Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do with children in Vienna.

It’s a beautiful city filled with plenty of history and culture, as well as educational experiences and fun activities for kids.

From visiting the top Vienna attractions sights like the Opera House and Schöbrunn Palace to the great parks and playgrounds, Vienna offers something for everyone and is sure to be a memorable vacation destination for the whole family. 

Happy travels!

For more inspiration and ideas on travel in Vienna and Central Europe, be sure to check out these posts:

• Is Bratislava Worth Visiting?
• Best Playgrounds in Prague
• Best Christmas Markets in Vienna 2022 (plus Highlights for Kids)
• Bratislava Christmas Markets (2022)
• Best Christmas Markets in Prague

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.

18 top things to do in Vienna

Jul 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Cycling on Danube Island in Vienna's Donaustadt district. © Balakate/Shutterstock

Museums filled with masterpieces, brilliant baroque streetscapes, sumptuous palaces and epicurean delights, naturally Vienna is an unmissable stop on your Europe adventure.

Now with street art, craft beer brewing, an analogue-only hotel stay, and summer ‘beach bars’, contemporary Vienna continues to flourish as a creative cultural hub.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The jewel in Vienna's artistic crown is its Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna . As well as accumulating vassal lands, the Habsburgs assembled one of Europe's finest collections of art and artefacts. Housed inside a majestic neoclassical building, the highlight of this incredible cache is the Picture Gallery, an encounter with a vast and emotionally powerful collection of works by grand masters, such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder's evocative and 'industrial' Tower of Babel from the 16th century or the bright plenitude of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's Summer.

Vienna’s coffee houses

Great works of art have been created in these 'living rooms' of the Viennese. Patronised by luminaries such as Mahler, Klimt, Freud, Trotsky and Otto Wagner in their day, Vienna's Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) were added to the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Many retain their opulent original decor, and often specialise in a particular cake, such as the Sacher Torte, an iced-chocolate cake with apricot jam once favoured by Emperor Franz Josef, at Café Sacher. New-wave coffee houses are putting their own twist on the tradition.

MuseumsQuartier

Have you had enough of culture yet? No? Good, because the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is a 90,000 sq metre exhibition space encompassing 60 cultural institutions ranging from fine art, music, theatre, and dance to game culture, street art and photography. Highlights include – including the Leopold Museum , MUMOK , Kunsthalle Wien , Architekturzentrum and Zoom but there are multiple micro-museums and creative spaces to explore. It’s also one of the key locations for the annual Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) held over six weeks in May and June.

The annual Calle Libre street art festival focuses on one guiding theme as celebrated artists respond across curated walls for a week each summer. Founded almost a decade ago by Jakob Kettner, the festival brings together live paintings, street art works, guided tours, film screenings and workshops for urban aesthetics. You’ll get the chance to learn more about Vienna’s burgeoning street art scene, discover works from local and international artists, and find out what issues are shaping and challenging the city today. 

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

For a spin around Vienna's architectural highlights, jump on a tram and travel along the Ringstrasse , one of Europe's most magnificent streets. The circular boulevard of imposing state buildings was carved out of the space once occupied by fortifications protecting Vienna from Ottoman Turk attack in the 16th century. You’ll pass the Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Gestapo headquarters site, the neoclassical facade of Parlament, Austria’s parliament, the Athena Fountain, and Äusseres Burgtor (Outer Palace Gate). The Roman gate leads the way to the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg.

Schloss Schönbrunn 

The magnificent rococo former summer palace and gardens of the Habsburgs are a perfect place to experience the pomp, circumstance and gracious legacy of Austria's erstwhile monarchs. A visit to 40 of the palace's lavishly appointed rooms reveals the lifestyle and the eccentricities of Europe's most powerful family. Beyond the Unesco-listed palace, Schloss Schönbrunn Gardens invite a stroll past pseudo-Roman ruins, along bucolic paths winding through leafy woods and a stopover in the gardens' highlight, the Gloriette, with mesmerising views of the palace and city beyond.

Hofburg Palace 

The former wintering ground of the Habsburg monarchs for over 700 years, Hofburg is a living palace today. One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, it now houses a fine collection of museums, is home to the Austrian president, Austria's National Library and public offices. It is also the temporary home of the Austrian Parliament while the main building undergoes renovations expected to be completed in 2024. 

Donauturm tower

The newly renovated 1960s modernist Donauturm tower offers panoramic views across the city and the Danube river. It’s also located in one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city, the Danube Park making it doubly worth a visit. From the top you’ll see the entire surrounding region of Vienna on a clear day. Who can resist booking a sunset meal at a rotating restaurant at 170m high? This is peak tourist, and we love it. The set-price Viennese three-course meal includes lift tickets.  

Whether it's coffee houses, local dining, or a pub crawl, there are a host of tours on offer to the best places to eat and drink in Vienna. Bi-lingual local tour guides guide visitors to different, seasonally appropriate (Christmas market foodie tour anyone?) locations to show off the best the city has to offer. One popular outfit founded by local couple Melinda and Thomas, Vienna Food Tours covers the variety of cuisines that influenced Viennese food: sampling appetizers, a sausage stand, mains, and of course something sweet to round it off over a whole afternoon. 

Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel 

It’s famous among cinephiles as the place Graham Greene sent his fictional character Harry Lime for a slow rotation in the 1949 film The Third Man. The 1897-built Riesenrad , otherwise known as the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, rises above the beautiful green open spaces of the Prater in Vienna’s 2nd district. A ride takes you high above the city and the wooded parkland and meadows below. Save some time to explore the Prater by foot or bicycle after you return to ground level.

Schloss Belvedere 

Living up to its Italianesque name 'beautiful view', this 18th-century palace and garden ensemble is deceptively close to Vienna's city centre while still creating a feeling of being worlds apart. Symmetrical, finely sculpted and manicured gardens overlooking Vienna's unfolding skyline connect two exquisite palaces dedicated to a who's who of Austrian art. Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss is a highlight. The masterpieces on display are complemented by interiors so stately that they're worthy of a visit in their own right.

Stephansdom 

A Gothic reminder of another age, the Stephansdom is Vienna's heart and soul. The awe-inspiring cathedral lords over the city, topped by an intricately tiled roof, with its distinctive row of chevrons and Austrian eagle. Below the cathedral are the Katakomben (catacombs), with their eerie collection of the deceased; inside, a magnificent Gothic stone pulpit presides over the main nave; and rising above it to dizzying heights is the South Tower with its viewing stage offering dazzling panoramas over town.

Copa Cagrana Beach

Just beyond the city centre, nestled by the Donauinsel, lies Copa Cagrana Beach , a stretch of sandy beach bars, pop-up food stalls and a large open-air TV viewing area that locals flock to in the summer months. Only open between June and September Vienna makes the most of the holiday atmosphere with volleyball courts, trampolines and green space beside the water. Nibble on delicate Trześniewski sandwiches (open finger sandwiches) as you look across the Donaukanal, or satiate your summer cravings with a fresh spritzer.

Vineyard hiking

The hills surrounding Vienna are awash with vineyards and views, ripe for hiking and tippling in equal measure. Held in autumn (typically late September or October), the annual wine hiking day sees over 190 winemakers set up small wooden huts along the popular walking paths above Vienna, where thirsty hikers can stop in to try the fresh wine harvest of the year. Pick up your glass from one of the hiking-day stations at the bottom of the trail, and meander your way from Neustift to Nussdorf, Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf, or the shorter Ottakring to Neuwald route. The ‘hikes’ themselves are quite low impact and allow plenty of time to stop, sip and enjoy the fresh air.

VHS, vinyl and typewriters

Seeking a true digital detox can be challenging, with a constant barrage of tech an unavoidable part of our daily lives. To help you stay offline and relax, 25 Hours hotel has collaborated with Supersense cafe to create the first ‘analogue hotel room’ for your perfectly curated escape from modern life. Replacing wi-fi and wide screens with a typewriter, VHS player and vinyl records, the suite offers a stylish retreat to the simpler technologies of decades gone by. Perfect for a truly unplugged weekend getaway. If you want to explore further, book a bicycle from their friends at Schindelhauer.

Craft beer has come of age in Vienna with a number of bars specialising in locally made brews. Just off Mariahilferstrasse, Ammutson Craft Beer Dive 's commitment to fresh tap beer from local microbreweries is a welcome addition to the scene. While stalwart craft beer venues like Beaver Brewing Company continue to provide a hearty mix of delicious food, alongside their expansive and regularly changing craft beer menus. Beer drinkers, on your marks...

Christmas markets 

Vienna's much-loved Christmas market season runs from around mid-November to Christmas Eve. The Christkindlmärkte atmosphere is magical with stalls in streets and squares selling wooden toys, festive decorations and traditional food such as Würstel (sausages) and Glühwein (mulled wine). The centrepiece is the Wiener Weihnachtstraum Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz but you'll find Christmas markets across the city including at Schloss Schönbrunn.

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 15th district

The 15th district is experiencing a rejuvenation thanks to community driven events, interesting stores and markets. Brunch and coffee lovers can get their fill at Landkind , Das Augustin and Turnhalle im Brick 5 , and see Austria’s best barista slinging lattes at GOTA Coffee Experts . Hidden down the district's side alleys is the unique indie art gallery, Improper Walls , and quirky stores such as Metaware , a ‘gift shop for nerds & geeks’.

In the evenings, there’s a wealth of food and drink options to explore in the district, from Das Eduard’s pita burgers on its outdoor terrace, to indie bar ein affee and wine haven Reinwein . Vegetarians can enjoy the secluded delights of restaurant and art gallery Hollerei , a short walk from Meidling Hauptstrasse station.

This article was first published in May 2019, last updated by Tasmin Waby on 29 June 2021.

Free things to do in Vienna Best day trips from Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published May 2019 and updated July 2021

Explore related stories

Architecture

Jun 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Panama City’s hippest neighborhood is also its smallest and most historic. Here's our guide to the best things to do in charming, timeless Casco Viejo.

May 15, 2022 • 12 min read

Mar 9, 2021 • 5 min read

Feb 17, 2020 • 6 min read

Dec 4, 2019 • 5 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Travel Tyrol

Austria travel blog, vienna with kids – the 10 absolute best things to do, plus how to save money, what to eat, where to stay.

Visiting Vienna with kids confirms why the Austrian capital was named the most liveable city in the world for 9 years in a row. There are so many cool things to do in Vienna for kids that we keep on going back for more.

Our longest family trip to Vienna was 6 days. Here is our summary of all the best things to do in Vienna with kids , tips for eating and drinking, and which hotels are family-friendly. You’ll also discover that there is a surprisingly big selection of free things to do in Vienna for kids.

6 Reasons to Visit Vienna With Kids

• Any city that was named the best city to live in (for the quality of living) nine years in a row (from 2000 to 2018), must be family-friendly too.
• While Vienna hasn’t entirely escaped the mad rush of mass tourism , it’s nowhere near as bad as other European capitals such as Paris or Rome.
• Many, and I mean MANY, attractions and museums in Vienna are free for kids .
• There are plenty of uncrowded green spaces and pedestrian areas in Vienna where kids can run wild.
• The variety of things to do in Vienna with kids is endless. From watching twin pandas in the world’s oldest zoo to “conducting” the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to dressing up like emperors and empresses – it’s all possible in Vienna.
• When travelling with kids, it’s hard to pack up and move to another city every couple of days. Vienna is ideally located for day trips to other great cities such as Bratislava, Salzburg, and Budapest.

Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Vienna With Kids

Vienna museum of technology.

When a bunch of local families is standing in line to get into a museum before it opens on a Sunday morning, you know it must be something special. But despite the big number of visitors, it never feels crowded inside.

Tip: Buy your ticket online and skip the lines.

The Vienna Museum of Technology is BIG . And there are so many interactive stations for curious minds to get hands-on experience that kids aren’t frustrated by not getting a turn.

Distinct areas focusing on different aspects of technology make it easy to navigate the Vienna Museum of Technology. The fact that there are simple-to-understand explanations in English, is an added bonus.

There are lots of buttons to press for entertaining examples of action and reaction. Find out what it’s like to travel 1,000 km an hour around the gardens of Belvedere Palace, take a cable car ride in South America, stand in a hot air balloon , record your time on a speed slide, and present the news.

The railway collection of the Vienna Museum of Technology alone is worth the entrance fee for adults. There are more than 60 large-scale exhibits, including the court saloon carriage of Empress Elisabeth.

Parents of very small children will be delighted by the MINI Mobil area . Here, kids between 2 and 8 can ride on cars, fly a model airplane, launch a rocket, and play dress up.

• For an additional fee of €4,50 (adults and children), you can watch a high voltage demonstration or tour an underground coal mine.

Schönbrunn Palace

From the Vienna Museum of Technology it’s just a short walk to Schönbrunn Palace, so that’s where to head next.

Of all the Viennese Palaces , Schönbrunn is the best one to visit with kids. Not only is there a special children’s museum but the gardens and parks are like one giant playground. And don’t forget the Schönbrunn Zoo which deserves its own separate section below .

Start your visit to Schönbrunn with a plan to avoid wandering around aimlessly. You can even split up to ensure every member of the family enjoys the outing. I used my Sisi Ticket to go on a grand tour of the Schönbrunn Palace interior, while C and M headed for the maze .

The Labyrinth area is also home to climbing poles with sound-effects, water gargoyles, and a jumping station. And in the Labyrinthikon playground, there’s an Archimedes screw and unique bird climbing frame to make sure the kids spend all their excess energy.

While walking around the gardens and park is free for everyone, an entrance fee to the Schönbrunn Maze and Labyrinthikon is charged. Tickets cost €6 for an adult and €3,50 for children between 6 and 18.

M wasn’t particularly interested in the Schönbrunn Children’s Museum , but I can imagine that little girls might find it fascinating. Here, children of three and over discover what it was like to be the child of an emperor . It includes dressing up and learning “court manners” such as the correct way to address the imperial couple.

Adults pay €8,80 to enter the Children’s Museum and kids from 3 to 18 pay €6,70 . For a few Euros more, you can also buy a combination ticket for the Schönbrunn Maze and the Children’s Museum. You can find all the Schönbrunn ticket details here .

Schönbrunn Zoo

Your kids won’t give two hoots that this is the world’s oldest zoo , but they will love the giant panda twins Fu Feng and Fu Ban. Or any of the other 700 plus species from anteaters to penguins for that matter.

The Schönbrunn Zoo entrance is not even a 5-minute walk from the main palace building. It was on our itinerary during our first family trip to Vienna. You’ll need at least four hours to thoroughly enjoy it. This means you can easily plan to spend an entire day in and around Schönbrunn Palace with kids .

Schönbrunn Zoo is well laid out with lots of shady resting places between the animal enclosures. There’s a South America Park where the anteaters live, a Polarium for the penguins, and guess who lives in the ORANG.erie ?

For a unique view of Schönbrunn Palace and the outskirts of Vienna, you must walk the treetop trail. In the new Giraffe Park, you can also look the African longnecks in the eye from the 3-metre high gallery.

Haus der Musik / Vienna House of Music

The Vienna House of Music is a great way to introduce kids to music and composers in the music capital of the world . The Viennese certainly know how to successfully introduce interactivity to museums.

Walking up the “piano stairs” to the first of five floors of musical exploration is a taster of what awaits. Conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and rolling a virtual dice to compose a waltz and hear it played back to you are just some of the activities for kids to create music magic in the Vienna House of Music.

The prenatal listening room is filled with the sounds a baby hears in the mother’s womb. In the adjacent sound gallery, you can listen to some beautiful and not so beautiful sounds. If you don’t know what a Pfurtz (fart) sounds like, you will after a visit to the Vienna House of Music ?. (Although M wasn’t convinced the sound was authentic ?).

Time Travel Vienna

If you want your kids to learn at least a little bit of Viennese history , then Time Travel Vienna is the place to go. In 50 minutes, you’ll journey through 2,000 years of Viennese history by way of a 5D cinema, magical Fiaker ride , and Viennese waltz to mention a few.

Time Travel Vienna is an underground experience in the former wine cellars of St Michael’s monastery and has a bit of a “ghost tour” feeling to it. You’ll get a rat’s eye view of ancient Vienna from the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral, see “bodies” move in the plague pit, find out what it felt like in an air raid shelter in WWII , and listen to the Habsburgs having a go at each other.

The tours are in German, but English audio guides are available. Tours start every 20 minutes, so there’s not really long waiting times. However, they do recommend making a reservation on weekends.

We visited the Vienna House of Music in the morning and Vienna Time Travel in the afternoon of our 2 nd day of sightseeing. They are within an easy walking distance from each other in the historic city centre. In between, we walked down the pedestrian zones of Graben and Kärtnerstraße , taking in sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral , the Plague Column , and St Peter’s Church . And don’t forget to stop for coffee and cake in one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses !

Even if you don’t know what the Prater is, you must’ve heard about the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel or Wiener Riesenrad that was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I.

At the entrance to the Prater amusement park, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is still as big an attraction today as it was over 100 years ago.

“If you haven’t once in your life taken a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel and enjoyed the  breathtaking views over the roofs of Vienna , you haven’t really been to Vienna at all.”

That’s what the official website of the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel says and that’s what we did. M found it a bit slow, but while his mom and dad were enjoying the golden hour views over Vienna, he used our elevated position to check out the rides in the amusement park .

The Wiener Prater is a large public park in Vienna’s 2 nd district. Known as the Wurstelprater , the Prater amusement park is the oldest of its kind in the world.

Be warned, there are hundreds of rides and stalls with the potential to make a huge dent in your wallet. The best is to give your kids a fixed allowance to make do with. The individual rides cost anything from €1,50 to €5,00 per ride.

M and I went on a roller coaster and he challenged his dad to a bumper car dual. He also won a keyring with target shooting. In true Prater style, we ended our evening with a sausage and drink from the Würstelstand Bitzinger .

Prater Opening Times

The Giant Ferris Wheel goes every day of the year except for about 10 days in January when it’s closed for maintenance. The opening and closing times vary slightly according to the different seasons, so always check here before you go.

The rest of the Prater amusement park is also open year-round although most of the rides are closed in winter, with exceptions during holidays and on good-weather days. The main season, when everything is open, is from mid-March to the end of October .

More Prater Attractions for Families

• Madame Tussaud’s Vienna is directly opposite the Giant Ferris Wheel entrance on Riesenradplatz. A highlight is the interactive Sisi Uncovered experience.
• The Prater Museum takes you back in time to when the former imperial hunting grounds were opened for the public’s enjoyment in 1766.
• Stepping off the Giant Ferris Wheel, you can reach for the stars in the Vienna Planetarium .
• A special winter market , basically a Christmas market, from mid-November to the first week in January.
• Become a chocolatier in the Vienna Chocolate Museum .

House of the Sea – Aqua Terra Zoo

Get this – Vienna’s aquarium is in a former WWII anti-aircraft tower in Esterházypark. (One of the fascinating facts we learned on a Big Bus Tour )

The Haus des Meeres or House of the Sea – Aqua Terra Zoo is home to more than 10,000 creatures living under the water as well as on land. The latter includes crocodile, monkeys, and fruit bats which can be seen in Krokipark and the House of the Tropics .

Surrounded by 500,000 litres of water and schools of fish in the Atlantic Tunnel , it must feel as if you’re in the middle of the ocean.

Sadly, we didn’t have time to go inside the House of the Sea . But judging by the lines to get in (mostly locals on a school holiday morning) I think the place must be a hit with kids.

Play in a Park

More than half of Vienna’s metropolitan area is made up of green space . You will encounter many gardens and parks while out sightseeing with your kids. It’s generally safe to just let them run wild or use the play equipment if there is.

Some of the gardens M played in on our trip, are Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, the Volksgarten, and Wienerberg Nature Reserve . The latter is adjacent to the Arion Cityhotel , the first hotel we stayed in. It was great to have all that natural space to move around in and watch the sunset after a day out sightseeing.

In summer, the Danube Island is an open-air paradise for sport and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can try from swimming to stand-up paddling and climbing to jumping on trampolines and taking a boat ride.

The CopaBeach near the Reichsbrücke on Danube Island is a free beach and recreational area, complete with loungers, sunshades, sand, and tropical plants.

Spanish Riding School

Although we only had time to peek into their stables , watching a performance of the Spanish Riding School is on our list of things to do on our next visit to Vienna.

The famous Lipizzaner stallions are still performing the same dressage tricks as 450 years ago when the Spanish Riding School started. You can watch them perform some of these tricks during their morning exercise .

If you’re unable to attend the exercise, you can also go on a behind-the-scenes guided tour or even watch a gala performance of the “white ballet”, as the horses are sometimes referred to.

If, like us, you want to have a quick, and free, look at the horses in their stables, simply head down Reitschulgasse from St Michael’s Square in front of the Imperial Palace. There are big viewing windows into the Stallburg, as it is called, from where you can watch the horses and their handlers.

Note: Kids under 3 are not admitted to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Butterfly House

Visiting the Butterfly House or Schmetterlinghaus provides a great change in scenery when out sightseeing in Vienna’s historic centre. It’s part of the bigger Imperial Palace complex right behind the Albertina Museum.

There are literally hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House. See if you can spot the beautiful Blue Morpho Butterfly.

Disclosure: We received a media kit from Vienna Tourism which included white Vienna City Cards, Sisi Tickets, and press accreditation for the Museum of Technology and the House of Music. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Tips for Saving Money in Vienna With Kids

Visiting Vienna with children need not break the bank. There are many cool things to do in Vienna with kids that don’t cost a cent . And if you do visit attractions with an entrance fee, there are ways to pay less .

Entry to over 30 museums in Vienna is free for kids under 17 or 18. They include the brilliant Museum of Technology , Belvedere , the exhibition section of the Zoom Children’s Museum , and the Natural History Museum.

• Do research about all the things to do in Vienna with kids. Make a list of everything you find interesting. Use this to draw up separate lists for “must-see” and “maybe” .
• Check the entry fees of attractions on your must-see list and add them up for each person in your group.
• Now, compare the prices of the Vienna City Card , Vienna Pass , and the Flexi Pass with the entry fees on your list. In my opinion, a combination of the red Vienna City Card (free travel on public transport) and the Flexi Pass can be a good deal if you’re visiting at least 3 high-cost attractions.

• One child up to the age of 15 travels free with every Vienna City Cardholder. It also gives you discounts to many attractions, restaurants, and cafés in Vienna. We used it to get a discount at Time Travel Vienna, the Giant Ferris Wheel, and the maze at Schönbrunn. The Flexi Pass is a lot cheaper than the Vienna Pass and includes all the cool things to do with kids in Vienna.
• If breakfast isn’t included in your hotel rate, you can end up paying €15 per person extra for breakfast. In this case, check if there’s a café or bakery near your hotel where you can find a much cheaper (and probably nicer) breakfast with better coffee. Aida in Mariahilfer Street was a great choice for us.

• Carry water bottles and fill them up at one of the many free drinking water fountains scattered around the city.
• Buy sandwiches from a bakery or supermarket and enjoy them in a nearby park for lunch.
• If you’re looking at eating in a restaurant at least once a day, opt for lunchtime. The reason is that many restaurants have special lunch menus with a starter and main or main and dessert for under €10.
• On Sundays and public holidays, all children under 15 travel free on the Vienna’s public transport.

Eating and Drinking with Kids in Vienna

It’s not hard finding things to eat in Vienna that kids love. Schnitzel, würstel (sausages), cake, pastries, and open sandwiches are all hits with little ones.

Most Viennese restaurants have schnitzel on the menu, some also in a kids’ portion. The real Wiener schnitzel is from veal and more expensive (anything from €16 to €20). Pork Schnitzel is much cheaper (from €8).

We had 4 schnitzel in just as many days in our search for the best schnitzel in Vienna . They all came with different accompaniments – from potato salad and parsley potatoes to a mixed salad and French fries . Sometimes you get lingonberry sauce with it and sometimes ketchup (tomato sauce).

For in-between hunger pangs or something on the go, a sausage with bread from a Wiener Würstelstand is ideal. The most popular and arguable the best-tasting sausage to try is the Käsekrainer . Currywurst , another favourite, is a sausage smothered in curried ketchup with curry powder sprinkled over. I also tried the Burenwurst but wasn’t impressed.

Your kids won’t complain if you want to taste all of Vienna’s famous cakes . Besides, visiting a famous Viennese Coffeehouse like Café Sacher or Demel where you are served by waiters in formal black and white attire, is an experience in itself.

Naturally, you should try the Sachertorte at Café Sacher and the Klimttorte in Café Klimt. Then there are Schokotorte, Jogurttorte, Apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte – and too many others to mention. Take a look at the displays where possible and decide what you want before sitting down.

TIP: We found Café Sluka in Kärtnerstraße to be very family friendly. The waitress kept on bringing us glasses of ice-cold water to quench our thirst. Don’t get stuck in the front of the café. There are many beautiful seating areas at the back, with a “hidden” entrance in Weihburggasse.

Open Sandwiches

A fellow South African who regularly visits Vienna put us on the trail of Trzesniewski , a Viennese institution for over 100 years.

With 23 different toppings on small dark bread slices, all laid out on a counter for you to choose from, this is a great brunch or lunch venue with kids in Vienna. M loved the colourful mashed pea and carrot topping. At €1,30 apiece , you can get a variety of sandwiches for everyone to try.

The original Trzesniewski, which opened in 1904, is on Dorotheergasse off Graben in the historic centre. You can check their website to find more branches.

Maybe not as healthy as Trzesniewski, but not unhealthy either, is Duran Sandwiches . Gourmet toppings on mostly fresh white bread are what makes this open sandwich maker stand out.

We discovered Duran while walking down Mariahilferstraße and simply had to sample some of the delicious-looking sandwiches.

Both Trzesniewski and Duran sandwiches are the perfect size for little ones to hold and bite into.

You can’t visit Vienna with kids and not introduce them to Krapfen. These are doughnut-like treats with fillings in the middle. The best-known and most popular Krapfen is the Marillenkrapfen which is filled with apricot jam. For the moment, a Vanillekrapfen , filled with vanilla custard, is M’s favourite. You’ll find Krapfen in any decent bakery and even some cafés.

Family-friendly hotels in Vienna

Of course, it wasn’t possible for us to stay in them all, but I did thorough research before making our choice based on our budget. We stayed in:

• Arion   Cityhotel – It’s not fancy, but the location next to the Wienerberg Nature Reserve is great. We loved our room with a balcony looking out over the trees. The triple room was huge and the best place for M to recover from his tonsillitis. The hotel kitchen made a good schnitzel at a good price which we could have in our room. A direct bus from the Vienna Opera stops about 4 minutes away from the hotel. The journey is no longer than 15 minutes. However, finding more public transport options can be tricky if you don’t know the city.

• Arthotel Ana Boutique Six – Kids stay free when sharing a bed with their parents. However, we paid €30 for an extra bed for M for 2 nights. The rooms are much smaller than Cityhotel Arion but the location more convenient for sightseeing . The Mariahilfer shopping street and Zieglergasse U3 station is a 3-minute walk away. The breakfast at Art Hotel Ana Boutique Six isn’t great but there are free coffee and tea in the reception at all hours.

More family-friendly hotels in Vienna

• Falkensteiner Wien Margareten – Close to the city centre and the 2 main train stations. The Falkensteiner Wien Margareten make families feel welcome with a gift for the kids, children’s corner at breakfast, and Falky Corner play area. They also organise family events inside and outside the hotel.
• Jufa Hotel Wien City – Large family rooms, a chill lounge, buggy rental, and a play corner with table tennis and more make this hotel a hit with families visiting Vienna.
• Hotel City Central Wien – Vienna which is especially family-friendly, with staff trained to make children feel welcome and special. Family rooms consist of two interconnected bedrooms. There are also three apartments where families can cater for themselves if they wanted to.
• a&o Hostels – Really affordable but simple, but functional family accommodation where children under 18 sleep free in their parents’ room. There is one near the main train station and one near the city hall .

*Disclosure*

Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.

Recent Posts

Related Articles

A guide to the best Viennese Palaces

The Viennese palaces of Schönbrunn, Belvedere and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) are a reminder of the splendour of the Habsburg era in Austria. Schönbrunn boasts a beautiful park to get lost in, Belvedere sparkles with […]

The best cities in Austria to visit this year

Which are the best cities to visit in Austria? This is a question I often get, especially from first-time visitors. My short answer is Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Read on for the long one.   […]

The Best Classical Concerts In Vienna

Attending one or more classical concerts in Vienna is an opportunity not to be missed by music lovers. No other city can claim to have been home to a more impressive list of composers.  Mozart, […]

I have to admit I am new to fatherhood with my daughter being to, but I have traveled around Euroland quite a lot and I wouldn’t even have thought of putting Vienna as a child friendly destination. It looks like I am wrong and there is plenty to do for children here. Danke for the tips and if I do take my child there, I know what to do now 😀

These are great tips for those who travel with kids. My brother and his family (he has 4 kids) are going to Vienna next year. I’m sure they’ll find these tips useful.

I had no idea Vienna was such a great place for families to visit – although to be honest, I’d love to do a lot of these things myself as well. I definitely fancy a trip on that Ferris Wheel, what fabulous views!

How playful to see Vienna through children activities. I’d love to ride that Ferris wheel and try out the other rides too. The pasties of course look wonderful.

Any museum that carefully recreates the sound of a fart is the museum for me. The zoo sounds similarly amazing, I’d love to get up close and personal with a giraffe! And now I’m really in the mood for a good schnitzel. I can’t believe the jaguar is actually a cake! Thanks for sharing.

You’re right – if a city has made it to the list of most livable cities in the world for 9 years, it has to mean something and must be a family-friendly one with loads of kids activities! I have been to Vienna but never looked at it from that point of view because I don’t have any kids. Prater was definitely something that came to my mind but I did not even know that Schönbrunn palace had a zoo close by!

Vienna is high on my list and Schönbrunn Palace Is at the top. I had not heard of The Prater and I’m riding that Ferris Wheel for sure!

I would never in a million years had thought Vienna would be so family friendly! Fantastic options you’ve highlighted. Seriously it all looks way better than the typical cartoon character ‘family fun’ venues I usually read about. I’d personally like to try the hot air balloon experience at the Museum of Technology, since hot air balloon ride (one day) is on my bucket list. Going to Pin this into my Family Travel board cuz it’s a keeper!

Vienna would be such a cool city to visit with kids. So much history. I would have to take mine to the music museum because of the musical history of Vienna. I would also do the Time Travel Tour. We love ghost tours anyway and seeing “bodies” in the plague pit and WWII air raids bracket so much of Viennese history.

just came back, it was amazing thanks sooooo much!

Very useful information. Thank you Linda!

Linda, this is the best blog I have read. So useful and great to find a blog when planning a trip with young children. We are in Vienna this weekend and I am basing the trip on your recommendations. Thank you

So great to read all these top things to do with kids in Vienna. Bring back joyful memories when we were there before Christmas last year. Just realised that there is much more to explore for a second trip for sure 🙂

Copyright © 2024 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes

15 Things To Do In Vienna With Kids

Are you about to land at Vienna Airport ? Vienna is well known for its amazing culture and historical heritage, and in fact, the whole Old Town is a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site , which shows its importance in Viennese history. The town is also one of the world's music capitals and has been home to some amazing composers and artists. With around 100 museums dedicated to art, music, the natural world and other topics, Vienna is a great place to plan a vacation.

This city can be an amazing choice for a family trip too. There is such a huge variety of things to explore in Vienna that young and old kids can have a fun time. Consider leaving your bags in a safe space by using luggage storage in Vienna before you and the kids go walking around the Austrian capital.

Walk through the Museum of Illusions

This Vienna museum is dedicated to optical illusions and mind tricks. The exhibits displayed here use mirrors, altered perspective and other secret ways to trick your eyes into seeing something that isn't there.

The museum is small but hosts some pretty fun activities, from posters to spinning light displays. Even grown-ups can have fun here and it is a great place to take pictures for the family photo album. You can find the Museum of Illusions in the City Centre, just a short walk away from other main attractions.

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next booking.

Feel like royalty at Schönbrunn Palace

One of the most iconic spots in the city is the famous Schönbrunn Palace . The palace is beautiful and stands as an incredible work of architecture, and the gardens are stunning too. Seeing this landmark in person is a must for everyone visiting Vienna, but even kids can have fun here in the Kinder program.

Children who visit the palace can dress up in different medieval-themed clothes and they can choose to be royalty or middle-class. Once they help set up the imperial dining table the kids can learn all about the life and food of royals from centuries ago.

Eat torte at Demel

Speaking of food, if you and the little ones want to try some of the more modern dishes you can eat the delicious Viennese desserts at Demel. This shop has been in business since 1888 and they serve tasty strudels and cream cakes that the whole family will love.

The shop's kitchen is enclosed in glass which lets you look inside and see the treats and pastries being rolled out and iced right before your eyes. You can find this restaurant and others in Michaelerplatz square.

Get creative at ZOOM Children's Museum

This is definitely one of the city's best kids activities, especially for those that like to get their hands dirty. The museum has a couple of different exhibits that most kids love, like an art workshop, animated film studio, ocean-themed room and creative hands-on exhibitions.

This is a great place for young children to explore their talents and the fun activities offered here will encourage them to think and learn. This is the first children's museum ever built in Austria and has been a favorite among tourists and local families since 1994.

See Amazing Creatures at Haus des Meeres

If you and the kids like aquatic animals or reptiles, you will have to stop by this aquarium and terrarium. You can see sharks, fish, sea turtles and other creatures in the tropical seawater section, or boa constrictors, crocodiles and poisonous snakes in the other exhibits.

Haus der Meeres even has an enclosure where you can observe tropical monkeys and birds flying between branches. If you go during feeding time you can watch from safely behind the glass while the handlers feed the animals.

Blast to the past at Time Travel Vienna

This is one of the newest attractions found in the City Centre and is quickly becoming one of the best activities for families. Go here to take a journey through the history of Vienna, all the way back from when it began to the present day.

The establishment features 5D animated shows that keep you engaged using virtual reality, special effects and animation. On your adventure through time, you will visit a WWII raid shelter and plague pit. This is a fun way for the family to learn about Viennese history.

Get up close with bugs at the Butterfly House

Locally known as Schmetterling Haus, this small conservatory is a great spot for families to spend an afternoon around plants and insects. You can get up close with incredible butterflies of all sizes and colors, and some might even land on you if you're lucky.

You can watch them fly about the room, relax on plants or hatch from cocoons. The Schmetterling Haus is located in Josefsplatz square and is open every day of the week all year round.

Take a ride at Prater Amusement Park

This is one of the oldest and largest amusement parks in Vienna and home to one of the city's iconic landmarks. ReinsenRad is also called the Giant Ferris Wheel of Vienna and was built all the way back in 1897. The wheel has been upgraded regularly, making it a safe and fun activity for tourists. You will be 65 meters in the sky when you reach the top, offering some of the best views of the city.

If you or your children like more intense rides you can try out the Boomerang roller coasters, or play on the bumper cars if you prefer more relaxing entertainment.

See the animals at Schönbrunn Zoo

Visiting the zoo is one of the best things to do in Vienna with kids. It is home to lots of different animals including the endangered Giant Panda. Aside from seeing some adorable and amazing animals, Schönbrunn Zoo has an aquarium exhibit with an underwater tunnel and a terrarium with snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies.

Kids will love exploring the on-site adventure playground or watching the staff feed the sea lions. In the giant rainforest house, you will find creatures and vegetation similar to that of a real rainforest. Some of the animals you could see here include birds, otters, fruit bats and lizards.

Take a carriage ride around Old Town

While your family is out exploring the city you are sure to come across some of the horse-drawn carriages. The fiaker offers a traditional way to see the city and can give you a guided tour that even the younger kids will enjoy. You can choose between long or short rides, depending on your budget and how long the kids want to sit still.

Hop aboard one of the elegant coaches to see the city in a new way. The experience is complete with friendly coachmen dressed in costume, beautiful horses and comfortable seating. You can start one of the rides at either Michaelerplatz Square or Stephansdom Square.

See something cool at the Natural History Museum

Kids and terrific museums definitely go together! If you visit Vienna, the Natural History Museum will have to be at the top of your bucket list. This establishment is full of things that children will enjoy, from the dinosaur hall to interactive video displays. The building began its collection in 1750 and has some very old artifacts, like the famous Venus of Willendorf statue that is an estimated 29,000 years old.

You can wander around the building at your own pace, or find the top 100 exhibits using a guidebook from the shop. Kids get in for free and adults can buy tickets for an affordable price. End your visit with a souvenir from the gift shop, or continue on to the Art History Museum that is found right next door.

Get a snack at Zanoni & Zanoni

Zanoni & Zanoni is the perfect place for the family to stop for a sweet treat. This is another local cake shop that also sells ice cream and gelato. They offer several delicious flavors like tutti-frutti, cherry, hazelnut and vanilla.

The cafe has two locations, but the main shop can be found in Lugeck near the Johannes Gutenberg Monument. After grabbing your snack, take a short walk around the area to see what other activities are nearby.

Watch horses dance at the Spanish Riding School

This is one of the best activities offered by Vienna tourism and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. If you come for the morning practices you can see the white stallions do impressive jumps and dressage movements that will look like dancing.

You can get tickets for a grand tour of the stables to meet the horses up close. The arena is gorgeous with hanging chandeliers and ornately decorated walls but the real stars of the riding school are the Lipizzaner stallions.

Explore the Technical Museum

This museum focuses on science and technology and offers a great hands-on experience to all of its guests. Younger kids will have lots of fun in the MiniXplore section of the museum while adults and older children will be more interested in the In Motion exhibits.

You will find machines like planes, cars and trains here accompanied by displays on how they work. In total there are 12 areas dedicated to topics relating to physics, work and energy. There are lots of things to explore here and temporary displays pop up now and then too, so you will always have something new to discover.

Watch a show at Schönbrunn Palace Marionette Theater

This Vienna marionette theater, or locally known as the Marionettentheater Schloss Schönbrunn, is a top activity when kids visit the city. The shows put on here range from old Viennese folk stories to popular fairy tales like Aladdin or Hansel and Gretel. The theater also performs its own unique shows.

Presentations are offered in several languages, but the performances and lifelike puppets are worthy of a visit on their own. The productions often tell tales about the royal family, like their show called Sisi's Secret which is a musical about Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

What are the best family activities in Vienna?

Best things to do with older children.

Demel offers delicious local desserts that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but older guests might be able to appreciate the food more.

The Technical Museum

Vienna's Technical Museum can be fun for everyone, although younger children might be confined to the play areas whereas older kids can understand more of the exhibits.

The Spanish Riding School

This is a great attraction to visit when vacationing in Vienna but some of the younger guests might get bored, making it a better choice for older kids.

Butterfly House

The whole family can have fun at the Butterfly House, but since there will be lots of walking it might be better suited to grown children. Build up an appetite and then look for a fabulous Vienna brunch .

Time Travel Vienna

Time Travel Vienna is a great educative activity and mature audiences might get more out of the experience.

Best Things to do with Younger Children

Schönbrunn palace marionette theater.

The marionette theater is full of animated voices, music and puppets, making it the perfect activity for younger kids.

Schönbrunn Zoo

Everyone can enjoy visiting the zoo, especially the little ones who will get to meet some animals that have come from around the world.

Zanoni & Zanoni

Zanoni & Zanoni has a large variety of dessert and snack choices so even the pickiest of eaters will find something that they like here.

Haus der Meeres

The Haus der Meeres has exhibits featuring all kinds of creatures and young visitors will be mesmerized by the different land and aquatic animals.

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Vienna is exciting and entertaining for everyone in the family, whether young or old.

Free Things to do with Kids

Prater amusement park.

The Prater Amusement Park is free to enter and explore although some individual rides, like the giant Ferris wheel, might cost money.

Schönbrunn Palace

Some events hosted here will require tickets, but walking around the palace grounds and gardens is completely free.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum offers free entry for guests under 18 and prices are affordable for grown-ups too, making it an optimal choice for a family outing.

ZOOM Children's Museum

Similarly, the ZOOM Children's Museum offers free admission for kids and one accompanying adult in most of their exhibits, and you can get a good deal on family packages too.

You can explore the Old Town to your heart's content free of charge, although some extra activities, like carriage rides, can have additional costs.

Planning a Great Family Vacation in Vienna

These are just some of the things that you can do in Vienna with kids, and once you reach the town you will discover even more things to do – many of them for free . If you are here during the Christmas holidays you can visit one of the local Christmas markets, or take the family to see a performance by the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It can be expensive to plan a family vacation especially if you have more than one child, but if you do your research you can find easy ways to save money while visiting Austria's capital city.

Explore the world

Get the bounce app.

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

The best things to do in Vienna

When you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission, Learn More >>

The first thing that struck me about Vienna was how German it felt. The way it looked, the way it worked. It was organised, it felt safe. Vienna is so royal, the Hapsburg Royals created a city of palaces and buildings that ooze class, regality and stature. Some of their buildings and architecture have to be among the top things to d in Vienna,

Get the Go City Vienna Pass

Bike riding in vienna.

The metro is easy to use and the city is easy to navigate. There is plenty to do and the food is amazing. Vienna attractions are everywhere, and you will easily find something for everyone in this city.

Know before you go. Our top Vienna travel tips

Travelling to Vienna can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in Vienna and having the best place to stay in Vienna and wander is extremely important. Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation to Vienna to make it completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Vienna

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Vienna. You find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels. Likewise, you will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using   Hotellook  and  Agoda   to find the best prices in Vienna.

Luxury: Located in the city centre under a 10-minute walk to the Hofburg and St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the Radisson Blue Style Hotel . The Radisson features an onsite restaurant, bar and fitness centre for your use. The 24-hour front desk can organise tourist activities for you

Mid-Range Premium TV Channels, Bar, Restaurant and a 24-hour front desk are just some features at the ibis Wien Mariahilf . Located southwest of downtown Vienna, the hotel is surrounded by shopping opportunities, food and beverage options

Budget:  Each room includes a shower/toilet, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer, and Bed linen. MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz . This Vienna accommodation has a games room and guest kitchen. Car Parking, tourist information and bike hire are available

Vienna apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Vienna, then an apartment is the best choice for you and your family. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options as well. Check out the map below to find the perfect  Vienna accommodation

How to get to Vienna Austria

Vienna is one of the premier tourist destinations in Central Europe. Vienna is serviced by long distant buses, and planes all of which bring people daily to the city.

• Vienna is the capital city of Austria. Vienna International Airport is 18 kilometres from the city centre. The main carriers at Keflavík are Austrian Airlines and Eurowings. You can check the prices of international flights to Austria with Kiwi Flights .
• Bus tickets to Vienna with Flixbus start at € 2,20. You can travel directly to Vienna from 208 destinations by Flixbus. Book your bus ticket to Vienna today
• Trains to Vienna will generally arrive at the city’s Hauptbahnhof. Trains arrive from all over Europe daily. Book your trains with Omio , Omio features free cancellations and multilingual customer service
• You can easily drive to Vienna with major highway connections all over Europe. You can pick up a rental car at Vienna Airport .

How to get around Vienna

• Vienna’s comprehensive and unified public transport network is serviced by trains, trams, buses, the underground (U-Bahn) and the S-Bahn regional trains.
• Tickets and passes for Wiener Linien services (U-Bahn, trams and buses) can be purchased at U-Bahn stations and on trams and buses.
• The Vienna City Card entitles you to free public transport and major discounts at over 200 Vienna attractions. For the ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> latest prices check here!
• The Vienna Hop on hop off sightseeing bus is another great way to get around the city. It will drop you and pick you up at the major sights around town without having to navigate the public transport system. For more information ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> search here!

Using your phone in Vienna

Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact with who you need is a top priority. Plan your trip out and  order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling , data, and calls.

Get digital delivery of the Go City Vienna Pass to your device for easy use. The Go City Vienna Pass offers the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility. Save on admission to 40+ top attractions and tours including Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour and Madame Tussauds. Multi-entry passes such as this are great for families visiting Chicago. There are 2 different passes to choose from.  Buy your Go City Vienna Pass today.

Things not to miss in Vienna

Everywhere you go there is another amazing building with a history, dating back hundreds of years waiting to be explored. We spent 4 days in Vienna and loved every minute of the time we spent in this amazing city that straddles either side of the mighty Danube River.

The Prater Amusement Park is a Vienna institution. The Prater Ferris wheel is easily distinguishable as one of the most recognised symbols of Vienna. The giant Ferris wheel was erected in 1827 and since then generations of Viennese residents plus hoards of tourists have enjoyed the Prater.

As well as the Giant Ferris Wheel many attractions such as carousels, halls of mirrors and laughter, ghost trains and roller coasters grace the grounds of The Wurstelprater as the park is still lovingly referred to. The sheer size of the Prater is amazing, think a city block and more.

This Vienna Amusement Park is not just a fun park, it’s filled with green open spaces filled with walkers and cyclists as well as joggers and riders. Children have fun on the playground, race their BMXs, roller skate and throw themselves into the sand on the beach volleyball courts. In winter, Prater Park, Vienna has snowmaking machines that turn the park into one big snowball-fighting arena.

Where to eat at the Prater

Summer nights find people strolling the fairgrounds, enjoying the attractions, sideshows and food on offer. Talking about food The Prater has 2 specialities that are a must for world food lovers.

The Pork Knuckle at The Schweizerhaus beer garden is of legendary proportions and comes served at the 2kg minimum in size and The Langos, a dough speciality of Hungarian origins.

Family Travel Ti p : Food and drinks were really reasonable so we didn’t really take any from home. The one thing to remember is that you do have to pay to use the toilets there so keep some change on hand!

Related Posts

• 8 tips for a successful travel insurance claim
• Why is staying in a hostel good for you?
• Best things to do in Munich Germany

Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo

Regal, yes Regal is the word I most closely associate with Vienna. Schonbrunn is the epitome of regal in Vienna. The palace you see now was built and remodelled during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa in 1743. Today this sprawling palace complex, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1996, is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions.

The palace contains 1441 rooms. Guided tours run throughout the opening hours, you can take the Imperial tour and the Grand tour. The short tour of the regal rooms in the palace will familiarise you with the opulence of the imperial age and the lives of the Hapsburg royals who lived in the palace. The palace often plays home music in the shape of a classical concert.

The gardens at the palace are 1.2 kilometres east to west and 1 kilometre north to south. The Garden and park area are free of charge to enter and are popular with walkers and joggers. If you explore the park, you should make the walk to the Gloriette on the crest of the hill. It has a viewing platform that exposes the park and a panoramic view of Vienna.

Family Travel Tip: The Vienna Zoo is located at Schonbrunn Palace. The Vienna Zoo has the most successful Giant Panda breeding programme outside of China. In the gardens, there is a maze which is fun for both kids and adults to explore. Schonbrunn Palace, Gardens and Zoo require a whole day to explore.

Vienna points of interest – The Belvedere

The Belvedere Garden is located in a suburb of Vienna Austria. The complex consists of an Upper Belvedere and a Lower Belvedere with the palace separating the areas. exploring the Belvedere Gardens is one of the best free things to see in Vienna. The Belvedere palace and gardens were built during a period of Hapsburg rule.

The Hapsburgs were responsible for a period of extensive construction in Vienna. At the time, Vienna was the Imperial Capital of the Austrian Empire. The building was completed around 1723 and the Belvedere Gardens were opened.

There are a contemporary art museum and another gallery that displays a permanent collection of Austrian art. The Palace and Belvedere Gardens were designed by Bavarian garden designer Dominique Girard.

The Gardens follow a concept that copies the French design of arranged trees and hedges, sculptures, fountains and cascades. Tours are available for those wanting to visit the inside of the Belvedere.

Just after you exit at the bottom gate, you will find Sa lm Brä u . T his beer hall, the microbrewery is a Long-standing venue with wooden benches, serving its own beers & freshly cooked home-style dishes . It is one of the Vienna hidden gems to find

Family Travel Tips: Belvedere Garden is great for the whole family. Our kids enjoyed the sculptures, waterfalls and maze-like hedges. Marley enjoyed drawing, as you can see! Belvedere Garden is also good on the family budget as it costs nothing for entry to gardens.

Do I need travel insurance in Austria? We always say if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel. Get your travel insurance now to protect your epic holiday in Austria from any small hiccup. For Australian travellers,   we recommend Fast Cover Travel Insurance For worldwide travellers,   we recommend AXA Travel Insurance

Visiting Vienna: St Stephens Cathedral

If you only have a day in Vienna, then St Stephan’s is a must. St Stephan’s (Stephansdom) is now one of Vienna’s most recognisable buildings and major tourist attractions. There have been churches on this site since 1147. The church that tourists flock to and locals pray in was started in the 13th century. Construction of St Stephan’s took 65 years.

The feature spire on this church stands 136 metres high. During wars and sieges, the spire served as an observation tower for soldiers guarding against attacks on the city. Up until 1955, the tower was manned every night looking out for fires in the city.

The soot from the city over the centuries has darkened the once-white exterior of this amazing Vienna monument. St Stephans cathedral has 23 bells that toll at different times for different occasions.

One very famous Ludwig van Beethoven finally discovered his total deafness while in the cathedral when he witnessed birds flying out of the church because of the bells but Beethoven himself could not hear the bells toll.

Another famous musician Mozart was married in this church, his children were christened here and his funeral was held here. Mozart served as the music director of the church just prior to his death. The inside of the church contains 18 alters and many chapels.

There are tombs, catacombs and crypts in St Stephans. Famous royals from the Hapsburgs dynasty and Bishops are interned in the church.

Family Travel Tip : We found taking the girls there after a long day was not the best idea. I felt like I was always saying shhh, shhh to the girls, as I was concerned we were upsetting the locals while they prayed. I would recommend going in one at a time if your kids have had a big day or starting there while they are in good moods.

The Imperial Treasury – The Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg in the city centre house the Imperial Crown Jewels of the Austrian Empire. Relics and treasures from the 10th century through to the 19th century are on display in this permanent exhibition. This exhibition represents over 100 years of European history. The Imperial Treasury is divided into two collections spanning numerous rooms. The collections are the Secular collection and the Ecclesiastical Collection. The Secular Collection displays Imperial artefacts from the House of Habsburg, including jewels, crowns, orbs and robes. Treasuries were propaganda machines built to legitimise power and wealth.

The Ecclesiastical collection contains numerous religious treasures, including relics and objects ascribed to the private ownership of Saints. The collection was amazing we spent over 3 hours looking at the displays.

Highlights of the Ecclesiastical collection include The Holy Lance (the lance that was supposed to have pierced Jesus’s side), parts of the true cross, The Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, The Imperial Crown of the Austrian Empire, The Coronation Robes of the Kingdom of Lombardy and the cradle of the king of Rome just to name a few.

The religious relics at the Vienna Hofburg were a real highlight for me. I am not religious at all, but I love religious history and to possibly see tangible artefacts were amazing. The robes, crowns and jewels were amazing.

Family Travel Tip : There are no food and drink allowed in some sections of the exhibition. We asked the security guards where we were able to give the girls something to drink and they happily helped us. Having the audio guides kept the kids happier as the exhibition is extensive.

Must do’s in Vienna Madame Tussauds

The popular Madame Tussauds chain of wax museums is open in Vienna. Madame Tussauds Vienna is packed full of international figures that everyone will know including Taylor Swift, and Angelina Jolie. You will find well know footballers and skiers mixing it with Napoleon and Anne Frank. Madame Tussauds is fast becoming one of the best Vienna attractions to see. Madame Tussauds is one of the top things to do in Vienna in Winter.

The Vienna Naschmarkt

One of the best things to do in Vienna is to visit the market. Vienna is home to many markets, both permanent and pops-up style. The Vienna Naschmarkt has been a permanent fixture and landmark in Vienna since the 16th century. The Naschmarkt is where east meets west, north meets south in a melting pot of meats, vegetables and cuisines for everyone.

Try coming to the market for your lunch, you won’t be disappointed. You will also find some amazing food in the shops that surround the Naschmarkt in Vienna. On Saturdays, the Naschmarkt is also home to the city’s famous flea market, where everyone looks for a bargain.

Try a café located adjacent to the market for cake and coffee. Order a Sachertorte, a traditional pastry of Austria made of chocolate and whipped cream with a thin layer of apricot jam, You will not be disappointed with a Viennese coffee house.

Vienna bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location either in town or out in the surrounding areas. You will find bike tours are the best way to go if you want to get an up-close and personal experience of the city.

You will either have a guide to point out all the important attractions or a map to follow. The bike tours will take you on a Vienna family 2 wheeled adventure. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore on your own.

Weather in Vienna

Vienna is known for its mild climate with its warm and pleasant summers and winters that can drop below freezing. Vienna attracts a high number of sunny days each year, making it an ideal destination for sun lovers. In summer expect, for July and August, to have average high temperatures of 24 °C in the afternoons and lows 14 °C during the nights. Temperatures can on occasion exceed 30 °C. In a Vienna Summer.

In winter; from December through to February, the temperatures drop but are still relatively mild in comparison to some other cities in northern Europe. Daily highs are only around 4°C, while the average low temperatures drop to below zero. January is the coldest month of the year in Vienna, while December and January both have average low temps below zero.

Where are the best places to stay in Vienna

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in Vienna.

Popular cheap hotels in Vienna include Boutique Hotel Stadthalle , Das Capri. Ihr Wiener Hotel , and Hotel Austria. Hotel Sans Souci Wien , Hotel Kaiserhof Wien , and Hotel Altstadt Vienna all received great reviews from families travellers in Vienna.

You can compare and book your stay on Trip Advisor and Expedia

We hope this article from us here at   Wyld Family Travel  has you inspired to visit Vienna Austria. There are so many things to do in Vienna with kids, singles and couples. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Austria click through to our  Austria Destination Guide page  for more brilliant inspiration.

More travel inspiration for your trip to Austria

12 Great Hostels for families in Europe

Wildlife Park Poing – Munich Bavaria Germany

28 thoughts on “The best things to do in Vienna”

I love Vienna: I went there as a kid and it stayed as my favourite city for years. I never saw the treasure though, looks amazing

Vienna is pretty high on my list of must-see places and the Prater just made it shoot higher! I love ferris wheels!

Last year when I was in Europe, I wanted to visit Vienna but somehow was not able to do. After reading your post I feel like I should visited the place. It really beautiful and awesome city 🙂

Schonbrunn is stunning – Hopefully I’ll get to Vienna soon!

Looks like a really picturesque city, one of many European Cities I would love to visit!

I only went to Vienna on a really short stopover, I wish I had had more time!!

Our kids have loved the Prater since there were no lineups, and also it was a nice break from other touristy spots in Vienna.

The palace, the garden, the crown jewels and the cathedral. Gosh! You have tempted me to head there asap. Lovely tips to go along with it. Thanks

Wow, so basically you go to Vienna and experience the most lavish of all places and then realize how different we live today. That’s so cool. We’re suckers for palace tours.

Vienna is high up on my list! I’d love to go in the fall. Bookmarking, thanks for sharing 🙂

I love Vienna, we went just before I had the kids and took my MIL, its a really accessible city isn’t it. Stunning architecture.

Travel snob alert: I actually was not a fan of Vienna! I know, I know. It was too museumy, palacy and upscale for me! lol. I much prefer the Austrian Alps or Salzburg to the posh feeling I got from Vienna

Oh the landmarks on your list I’ve only seen Schonbrunn. Managed to do a tour and visit its zoo on my very short trip to Vienna. Would love to go back and explore some more sometime soon.

Phew, I’m glad I won’t be the only negative Nancy about Vienna…Thank you LeAnna. I visited Vienna a few months ago and just wasn’t a big fan. The vibe was too snooty and upscale for my tastes. I also found the city to be generally tourist unfriendly, with too few signs even indicating what building I was actually in front of. I did enjoy the visit to Schonbrunn Palace and loved tasting out some cakes, but overall I was glad to move on. I’m glad you and your family had a great time in Vienna. Perhaps one day, I’ll have the time to give it another chance.

I had seen so many photos of the Prater and had no idea it was in Vienna as they were mostly stock photos on ads etc how funny to find out!

Thanks for sharing! We are heading to Vienna this summer and it’s nice to learn about some of the great things the city has to offer. We are hoping to check out the Schonbrunn Palace–I can’t believe how many rooms there are!! The Imperial Treasury also sounds great, as well. We are getting really excited to visit Vienna soon!

I had no idea Vienna was so fancy! The Prater sounds like a fun place to spend some time. Belvedere Gardens look beautiful, and even better that admission is free!

Always wanted to go to Vienna just to go to Schonbrunn. So beautiful, so… yeah as you say regal. I’m sure more so in person. Someday!

We don’t know Vienna yet, I must say that I am more a “mediterranean” person 😉 Anyway I keep this in mind, thanks ! (and the pictures are so great!!)

Great list! I was just in Vienna last year but unfortunately I missed out on visiting The Hofburg. We were there during the Christmas markets and it was magical.

Darn, it there goes everything, I wanted to do in Vienna. Love the photo of St Stephens Cathedral. I will need to visit it when I head back that way.

very amazing, in Bali also amazing, a lot of tourist attractions in Bali nice

Somehow it didn’t take my comment. Sorry… so here I try again. I really liked your list about Vienna as an Austrian. Although I was wondering why you thought the city is so German to you? You meant Austrian? Anyways, great tips.

Love Vienna. I think its the only where I saw actual wolves in a zoo. Big fierce animals, wolves. And as a fan of the Viennese Secession, I find the city just great. Haven’t taken my girls yet but hopefully, one day!

Vienna is quite high on my list of places for second visit. Mark, these are some good tips for first time visitors and they have tempted me again. 🙂

I’ve always wanted to visit Vienna! Thanks for this list. I will keep in mind the items there for when I finally get to go visit some day. 🙂

Bookmarking this one for our trip next year!

I was looking for a blog where I can get the best offbeat things to do in Vienna on my next trip thanks for your suggestions.

Comments are closed.

10 Family-Friendly Activities in Vienna During Winter

Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by gregor

Embark on a winter wonderland adventure in Vienna with my guide to the top 10 family-friendly activities that guarantee magical moments Bundle up for the ultimate Vienna experience as we explore the city’s enchanting winter offerings From the captivating Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour to the adrenaline pumping Giant Ferris Wheel Ride theres something for every family member In this blog I’ll share firsthand experiences and valuable insights as a passionate travel blogger Get ready for a ride through Viennas rich history indulgent chocolate workshops skip the line access and unforgettable performances Lets make your winter getaway an extraordinary blend of fun and learning.

Read More About  :

• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA IN MAY 2023
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA IN APRIL 2023 (EASTER)
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA IN MARCH
• 10 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA AT NIGHT
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA WITH KIDS – FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN VIENNA
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA ON A BUDGET
• BEST THINGS TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN IN VIENNA
• BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
• ALBERTINA MODERN MUSEUM IN VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS
• VIENNA PASS REVIEW 2023 – IS THE VIENNA PASS WORTH IT? – AN INSIDER REVIEW
• NATURHISTORISCHES MUSEUM WIEN – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS
• SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL IN VIENNA – SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS
• THE STEPHANSDOM CATHEDRAL IN VIENNA, SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS
• RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• THE 12 MOST BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES IN VIENNA TO VISIT (AUSTRIA)
• MUSIC CONCERT AT PETERSKIRCHE FROM CLASSIC ENSEMBLE VIENNA
• CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN VIENNA 2023 – WHERE TO SEE THEM
• BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS IN SALZBURG
• VIENNA CHRISTMAS: TOP REASONS TO VISIT VIENNA IN WINTER (+ TIPS!)
• WHAT TO BUY AT VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKETS, TOP PICKS & MUST-BUYS
• VIENNA CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDE 2023 – EMBRACING THE MAGIC OF VIENNA AT CHRISTMAS
• BEST CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA – UPDATED 2023

Best Family-Friendly Activities in Vienna

A winter wonderland of imagination and education.

Vienna Winter Canvas is not just about frosty air and snowflakes it is a journey through time and enchantment Begin your expedition with the Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour an immersive experience that brings the city tales to life Through the lens of history and engages your family in a captivating narrative that blends education with sheer wonder.

Ferris Wheel Delights and Panoramic Views

Elevate your Vienna experience with a thrilling spin on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel This is not just any ride it is a Skipthecashierdeskline adventure that ensures more time enjoying breathtaking views and less time waiting The cityscape transforms into a winter wonderland creating memories that linger long after the ride concludes.

Equine Elegance at the Spanish Riding School

For a touch of elegance witness the Performance Of The Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School The grace of these magnificent creatures set against the backdrop of Vienna architectural splendor paints a tableau of sheer beauty it is not just a show it is a dance that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on young and old hearts alike.

Chocolate Alchemy and Family Fun

Indulge your senses in a unique experience at the Chocolate Workshop in the Chocolate Museum w Tasting Unleash your creativity as a family and craft delectable treats It is more than a workshop it is a symphony of flavors that celebrates togetherness and the sweet side of Vienna.

Unveiling Secrets with Guided Tours

Delve deeper into Vienna attractions with guided tours Explore the Spanish Riding School’s inner workings with a Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour Uncover the illusions at the Museum of Illusions and discover the diverse wonders of Schönbrunn Zoo all with skip-the-line privileges.

Madame Tussauds Where Wax Meets Reality

For a dose of celebrity encounters secure your Madame Tussauds Admission Ticket Pose with lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars it’s an interactive experience that sparks laughter and amazement.

EcoFriendly Exploration on Electric Buses

Take a sustainable spin through Vienna with an Electric Bus Tour Explore the city’s nooks and crannies while reducing your environmental impact It is a chance to see Vienna through a different lens one that prioritizes both exploration and conservation.

A Grand Finale of Artistry and Harmony

Conclude your Vienna journey with the grandeur of a Spanish Riding School and Vienna Philharmonic Show Witness the harmonious blend of equestrian artistry and musical brilliance in a performance that transcends ordinary entertainment. I assure you that these recommendations are not just activities they are gateways to a Vienna winter filled with imagination education, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

As we bid adieu to this enchanting journey through Vienna winter offerings I trust these recommendations have woven a tapestry of joy and wonder for your family From the magical echoes of the Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour to the panoramic thrills of the Giant Ferris Wheel Ride each experience was carefully curated to create memories that transcend the season. The grace and prowess of the Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School painted a portrait of equine elegance while the delectable delights of the Chocolate Workshop added a sweet note to your family adventure Guided tours revealed the secrets of Viennas attractions providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the city’s rich tapestry.

Whether skipping lines at the Museum of Illusions or marveling at wildlife with Schönbrunn Zoos skip the line tickets each moment was designed to maximize enjoyment Madame Tussauds brought celebrities to life and an Electric Bus Tour allowed you to explore sustainably ensuring your footprint was as light as the winter snow. Finally, the grand finale a harmonious blend of artistry at the Spanish Riding School and Vienna Philharmonic Show This experience transcended mere entertainment leaving an indelible mark on your hearts. Vienna in its winter attire proved to be more than a destination it became a canvas for family bonding learning and laughter As your devoted travel blogger I hope this journey filled your days with warmth and your nights with the magic that only Vienna in winter can provide Until the next adventure may your travels be as delightful and enriching as the winter days spent in this captivating city Safe travels fellow adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Here are some recommendations for a memorable family day out in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens: Explore the vast gardens surrounding the Schönbrunn Palace. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, the maze, and the Children’s Museum, making it a perfect blend of history and outdoor fun. Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn): One of the oldest zoos in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo provides an exciting day for children with a diverse range of animals, educational exhibits, and special children’s activities. Prater Park: Home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater Park is an amusement park with a variety of rides suitable for different age groups. Don’t miss the Liliputbahn, a miniature railway ride. Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum): Delve into the wonders of the natural world with fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and a giant globe. The museum often hosts interactive events for children. Vienna Children’s Museum (ZOOM Kindermuseum): Designed specifically for kids, this interactive museum encourages hands-on exploration in various themed exhibits, fostering creativity and imagination. Technisches Museum Wien (Technical Museum): Ideal for older kids, this museum showcases technological advancements engagingly. Interactive displays cover everything from transportation to robotics. Haus des Meeres (House of the Sea): A thrilling aquarium housed in a World War II flak tower, where kids can marvel at marine life, walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, and enjoy the panoramic views of Vienna from the top. Vienna Prater Liliputbahn: Take a charming train ride around Prater Park. The Liliputbahn is a miniature railway that captures the fascination of young minds. Augarten Park: A vast green space with playgrounds and open areas for picnics. It’s a great spot for a relaxed day outdoors, and the porcelain factory in Augarten offers guided tours for older kids. Globenmuseum (Globe Museum): Located within the Austrian National Library, this unique museum displays a fascinating collection of globes, perfect for cultivating an interest in geography.

Vienna, with its rich history and cultural heritage, offers several fun facts for kids to enjoy: Imperial Treasure Hunt: Vienna was once the center of the powerful Habsburg Empire. Take your kids on an imperial treasure hunt at Schönbrunn Palace, where they can explore secret passages and uncover fascinating stories about royalty. Giant Ferris Wheel Tales: The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater Park has stood tall since 1897. Share the exciting story of this historic ride with your little ones, emphasizing its timeless appeal. Talking Statues: Vienna has talking statues that share interesting tales from the past. One such statue is of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Burggarten, which “talks” about his life and musical genius. Lipizzaner Horses at the Spanish Riding School: Introduce your kids to the elegant Lipizzaner horses, stars of the Spanish Riding School. Share fun facts about their training and performances, making a visit to the school an educational and entertaining experience. Mozart’s Child Prodigy Years: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the musical genius, composed his first symphony at the age of eight! Inspire budding musicians with this incredible fact about Mozart’s early achievements. Vienna’s Musical Legacy: Vienna is often called the “City of Music” with a legacy that includes famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Explore the city’s musical history through fun anecdotes and perhaps catch a family-friendly classical concert. Tiergarten Schönbrunn – Oldest Zoo in the World: The Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest, founded in 1752. Share fascinating facts about its history and the diverse array of animals, making a visit an exciting adventure. Culinary Delights: Introduce kids to Austrian cuisine with delightful facts about popular treats like Sachertorte (chocolate cake) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). A visit to a traditional Viennese café can be a sweet experience! Vienna’s Magical Parks: Vienna boasts beautiful parks and gardens, including the magical Augarten. Share tales of princesses and adventures while exploring these green oases within the city. Museum of Natural History Mysteries: Unveil mysteries at the Museum of Natural History, where kids can marvel at dinosaur skeletons and learn about ancient civilizations through interactive exhibits.

Several Christmassy activities might have you running to the airport: Vienna Christmas Markets: The enchanting Christmas markets in Vienna are a must-visit. The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of holiday treats create a magical atmosphere. The Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall and the market at Schönbrunn Palace are particularly popular. Ice Skating at Rathausplatz: The Rathausplatz transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink. Glide under the stars with the iconic Rathaus (City Hall) as your backdrop. Christmas Concerts: Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” hosts numerous Christmas concerts in historic venues. Enjoy classical music performances and festive tunes to get into the holiday spirit. Vienna’s Festive Lights: The city is adorned with sparkling lights and decorations during the winter season. A stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets, especially around the Ringstrasse, is a magical experience. Admiring the Festive Window Displays: Explore the charming streets of Vienna and take in the festive window displays in the city’s shops. Many stores go all out with creative and enchanting decorations. Delicious Austrian Treats: Indulge in traditional Austrian Christmas treats such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and of course, the famous Sachertorte. Attend a Nutcracker Ballet: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” with a ballet performance. The Vienna State Opera often hosts magical productions during the holiday season. Candlelight Tours at Schönbrunn Palace: Experience the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace with special candlelight tours during the winter season. The palace’s rooms are beautifully illuminated, creating a fairy-tale ambiance. Winter Wonders at Belvedere Palace: The gardens of Belvedere Palace are transformed into a winter wonderland. Explore the grounds, enjoy the festive decorations, and take in the panoramic views of Vienna. Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail: If You are extending your stay into the New Year, join the Vienna New Year’s Eve Trail. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and the spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Here’s why these traditional treats add a special touch to your Viennese Christmas: 1. Spätzle Delight: Spätzle, a type of soft egg noodle, is a comforting and hearty dish often served during the winter season. Whether paired with rich sauces, cheese, or as a side to festive roasts, spätzle brings warmth and a taste of Austrian tradition to your Christmas feast. 2. Krapfen Joy: Krapfen, Austria’s answer to doughnuts, are a sweet indulgence that takes Christmas desserts to the next level. These filled pastries, often with apricot jam or custard, are a delight to the taste buds and a popular treat during the holiday season. 3. Culinary Tradition: Vienna takes pride in its culinary traditions, and spätzle and krapfen are beloved staples that have stood the test of time. Enjoying these dishes during Christmas connects you to the rich gastronomic history of the city. 4. Festive Atmosphere: Viennese Christmas markets and cozy cafes are the perfect settings to savor spätzle and krapfen. Whether you’re enjoying them as street food or in a charming café, these treats enhance the festive atmosphere, providing a sense of warmth and indulgence. 5. Shared Moments: Food has a way of bringing people together, and sharing spätzle and krapfen with family and friends creates memorable moments. It’s a way to bond over a table filled with delicious, seasonal delights, adding to the joy of the holiday season.

8 Best Things to Do and See in Vienna During Winter

Best new year concert in vienna.

The Best Museums To Visit In Vienna

Europe is a dream destination for many. After all, it's home to some of the most historic, charming, and friendly cities in the world. From Amsterdam's canals and endless museums to Florence's incredible food and London's endless family-friendly attractions , there's something for every type of traveler. The list of popular holiday destinations in Europe is extensive, but there is one place that's often overlooked. In fact, it may just be Europe's most underrated metropolis: Vienna.

It's time to change that! The Austrian capital is home to royal palaces, top-rated art museums, family-friendly attractions (like the world's oldest zoo), a rich cafe culture with mouth-watering cakes at every turn, and more. Many of its star attractions are located within walking distance of each other and a large portion are clustered in the MuseumsQuartier. Exploring the historic city center on foot is not only easy but a must. Meanwhile, attractions that are further afield are well connected by an extensive metro and tram network. To help inspire your next trip and make planning your itinerary a little easier, here are the very best must-visit museums in Vienna.

The Hofburg

The Hofburg was once the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the royals' winter residence as of the 13th century. It's one of the largest palace complexes in the world and today, it's home to numerous museums. Interestingly, it's also the official residence of the President of Austria. As a tourist, you can visit the Imperial Apartments to see where and how the Habsburgs lived for over six centuries and walk through lavishly decorated bedrooms, salons, and even Empress Elisabeth's exercise room. The empress, who was nicknamed Sisi, also gets her time in the spotlight in the second major museum here: the Sisi Museum . Comprising over 300 personal objects – including a milk glass complete with a traveling case! – it paints a full picture of the life (and personality) of Emperor Franz Joseph I's wife. A single-day ticket will get you into both attractions. 

Hofburg is also home to the Imperial Treasury where you can see crowns and other royal treasures; the Spanish Riding School where you can see Lipizzaner horses in action at a training or dressage performance; and the Austrian National Library, whose 18th-century State Hall is one of the most beautiful in the world. These require separate tickets.

The Belvedere

Set in a sprawling park, the Belvedere  museum complex is made up of two historic palaces (Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere), a modern-day addition dedicated to contemporary art (Belvedere 21), and lush Baroque-style gardens. You could easily spend an entire day here, but if you're tight on time and still want to visit all three museums (Tip: Opt for the 3-in-1 day ticket), you'll need to allocate about three hours.

Built by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 1700s, Upper and Lower Belvedere were meant to serve as his summer home. Now, the lavish estate houses some of the world's greatest art. Start at Upper Belvedere to see works from the Middle Ages running through Baroque, Modernism, and all the way up to the 1970s. Here, you'll have the chance to view pieces from greats like Egon Schiele, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. However, it's the Gustav Klimt collection – the largest in the world – that sets art lovers' hearts aflutter, including the iconic "The Kiss."

As for Lower Belvedere, it's home to temporary exhibits, like 2023's "Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse," and offers a chance to glimpse how Prince Eugene lived through preserved period rooms, including the Marble Gallery, Gold Cabinet, and Hall of Grotesques. Finish off your visit at Belvedere 21, which was specially built to showcase contemporary art, film, and music.

Schönbrunn Palace And Schönbrunn Zoo

Located just outside the historic city center, Schönbrunn Palace is perhaps the most popular attraction in the city. The sprawling complex became the Habsburgs' summer home under the 18th-century rule of Maria Theresa. Today, the imperial palace, along with its lush gardens and award-winning Schönbrunn Zoo, is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. While you could easily spend half a day exploring the palace, walking through the various green spaces, and getting lost in the park maze and labyrinth, you can tailor your visit to your time frame. Ticket reservations for the palace are a must and you can opt to visit the State Apartments (about 25 minutes), take the Imperial Tour (about 40 minutes) to see Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sisi's private apartments, or the Grand Tour (about 60 minutes) which covers all of the above, as well as Maria Theresa's rooms.

Schönbrunn Zoo, where you can spend the rest of your day, is equally impressive. In addition to being the oldest zoo in the world, it's repeatedly been voted Europe's best zoo and is home to 700 species, from Siberian tigers to capybaras, bearded dragons, exotic birds, and the show-stealing giant pandas. Tip: Make sure to check the daily animal feeding schedule for an added treat.

Depending on what you'd like to visit, there are various combination tickets available. For a family day out, be sure to also stop by the Children's Museum Schönbrunn Palace where kids can learn about royal life through hands-on exhibits.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna looks like a palace and the collection it houses is truly royal in nature. Opened in 1891, the museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I as a place to display the Imperial Collections of the Habsburgs. Step into the opulent entrance hall and you'll be greeted by a dizzying array of sculptures, marble columns, and gold. Walk up the grand staircase and admire the paintings created by brothers Ernst and Gustav Klimt and Franz von Matsch, which decorate all of the empty spaces between arches and columns.

This breathtaking beginning sets the tone for the impressive (and varied!) art collection you'll experience inside. Spanning Ancient Egypt to the late 18th century, artifacts range from Egyptian sarcophagi to Greek and Roman antiquities, some 600,000 coins, as well as paintings by an impressive array of Old Masters. Here, you'll be able to admire works by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Johannes Vermeer, as well as experience the world's largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. In need of a break? You can stop by the café-restaurant for a traditional coffee and torte served in the gorgeous Cupola Hall or settle in for a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Natural History Museum Vienna

The Natural History Museum Vienna has a history as impressive as its displays. Franz I Stephan of Lorraine was a Habsburg monarch, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as of 1745, and an avid lover of the natural world. It was he who founded the Schönbrunn Zoo in 1752, followed by Schönbrunn Palace's botanic garden the following year. His passion was so strong that he even funded scientific expeditions abroad and, in 1750, purchased what was then the world's biggest collection of natural history objects. Among the 30,000 pieces he acquired were fossils, minerals, corals, and much more. Following his death in 1765, the collection was made public, laying the foundation for today's museum.

Located right next to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, it brings together biology, earth sciences, anthropology, and archaeology. The rich permanent collection features everything from fossils to meteorites, minerals, animal specimens, and (always a hit) dinosaurs. Just some highlights include a full-sized pteranodon model, pterosaur skeletons, and an animatronic version of an allosaurus placed next to the real deal.

Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum is conveniently located next to the Natural History Museum Vienna and Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and is home to an impressive array of Austrian modern art collected by Dr. Rudolf Leopold and his wife, Elisabeth Leopold. Dr. Leopold began acquiring works in the 1950s and eventually ended up with over 5,000 pieces from local masters like Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and Oskar Kokoschka. As his obituary in The New York Times pointed out, Dr. Leopold was particularly fond of Schiele, even though his works were taboo and quite controversial at the time. In addition to writing books about the artist, he amassed the largest Egon Schiele collection in the world, comprising 42 paintings, 187 original graphics, and various manuscripts.

In 2001, the Leopold Museum opened to allow everyone to enjoy the fruits of Leopold's art collecting. The space is truly a love letter to the art of Vienna, particularly Viennese Modernism. In addition to the Schiele collection, the permanent exhibition, "Vienna 1900. Birth of Modernism," brings together 1,300 paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, furniture, and more to present a well-rounded picture of the art of the times.

Albertina And Albertina Modern

Although these two museums are housed in separate buildings, it's just a nine-minute walk between them and buying a combined entry ticket will save you over 25% on admission. Begin at Albertina and get lost in the stellar permanent exhibition "Monet to Picasso: The Batliner Collection," which features works by greats like Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne. The museum also hosts top-rated temporary exhibits, like 2023's "Dürer, Munch, Miró: The Great Masters of Printmaking." But it's not just fine art you'll see here. The building that houses Albertina was once the residence of the Habsburg Archdukes and today, there are 20 restored and furnished Habsburg State Rooms for you to visit.

Once you've finished your journey to the past, you can venture over to Albertina Modern for a big dose of contemporary art. While the permanent collection focuses on post-1945 Austrian artists, temporary exhibits take a more international approach with shows like 2022's "Ai Weiwei: In Search of Humanity" and 2023's "Andy Warhol to Damien Hirst: The Revolution in Printmaking."

Tip: It makes sense to do both museums on the same day, given their proximity, but your ticket allows you to visit them on different days within one year.

Former Apartments Of Beethoven, Strauss, And More

Think of a famous composer and chances are, they lived and worked in Vienna – at least for a time. Indeed, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Joseph Haydn all called the city home and six of their former apartments have been turned into museums. You can purchase a combined ticket to save nearly 40% on admission and gain access to: Haydnhaus where Haydn spent the last 12 years of his life; Johann Strauss Wohnung where Strauss lived and worked for seven years; Schubert Geburtshaus where the composer was born; Schubert Sterbewohnung, the apartment where he spent the last few weeks of his life before his death at just 31; Beethoven Pasqualatihaus where Beethoven worked on many of his famed symphonies over eight years; and the Beethoven Museum which showcases the famed maestro's life, work, and struggles. While the museums are compact, they are spread out across the city, so you may want to visit them on separate days. Luckily, your ticket is valid for a full year.

Note: You may also wish to visit Mozarthaus Vienna, the only remaining Viennese apartment that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once called home, but that will require a separate ticket.

Klimt Villa

Located close to Schönbrunn Palace, Klimt Villa is a must-visit for Gustav Klimt fans. While it may not generate as much buzz as, say, Upper Belvedere's collection of Klimt paintings, it is the only space in the city where you can literally walk in the artist's footsteps and learn more about him as a person.

What is now an impressive villa used to be a single-story summer house which Klimt rented and used as a workshop from 1911 until his death in 1918. Notably, while the home was later expanded (and nearly demolished!), the studio space was left untouched. Today, it has been meticulously reconstructed to look as it did when Klimt was in residence. With help from photographs and historical accounts, curators were able to bring Klimt's reception room and studio back to life, offering visitors the unique chance to experience the space as the artist himself would have seen it. Once you're done inside, you can wander out into the very garden he once painted and imagine yourself the subject of one of his works. Tip: If you happen to be visiting on a weekend between May and October, you can enjoy a coffee break in the Garden Café.

Jewish Museum Vienna

The first Jewish museum in the world was founded in Vienna in 1895 and today's Jewish Museum Vienna continues that storied legacy. During WWII, Nazis closed the museum and confiscated its collection, over half of which was never to be seen again. The surviving objects now make up the core of today's museum, which aims to shine a light on Jewish history, religion, and culture. It is split into two locations – Museum Judenplatz and Museum Dorotheergasse – but they can easily be visited at the same time, as they're just an eight-minute walk apart. However, your ticket is valid for seven days, so you can also split them up if you prefer.

We recommend starting at Museum Dorotheergasse where the permanent exhibit "Our City! Jewish Vienna - Then to Now" will teach you about Jewish life from the Middle Ages until the present day. Other highlights include the Atelier, which showcases the art of celebrating various holidays and festivities, as well as Visible Storage, which houses the remaining collection from the original museum. Then, you can make your way to Museum Judenplatz, housed on the site where a 13th-century synagogue once stood until its destruction in 1421. This was the heart of the Jewish quarter at the time and the synagogue's remains can be seen inside the museum alongside a virtual reconstruction.

Museum Of Applied Arts (MAK)

The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) dates all the way back to 1863 when Rudolf von Eitelberger, the first-ever professor of history at the University of Vienna, dreamt up the space to rival London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Initially called the Imperial Royal Museum of Art and Industry, the MAK showcases a wide-ranging collection, from furniture to textiles, contemporary art, and Venetian glass. Its permanent exhibition, titled "Vienna 1900," is a must-see made up of 500 pieces that shine a spotlight on the various art forms of the time. Fans of Gustav Klimt will be delighted to find that the exhibit is home to a shimmering design drawing that runs over three feet in length and is covered in gold leaf, silver leaf, and platinum leaf. The panel depicts the design from the Stoclet Frieze, which Klimt designed for the Palais Stoclet in Brussels (a private home) around 1900.

Other highlights include the MAK Permanent Collection Asia, as well as temporary exhibits from the likes of French performance artist Lili Reynaud-Dewar and New York Minimalist Rosemarie Castoro.

Ernst Fuchs Museum (Otto Wagner Villa)

Yes, the Ernst Fuchs Museum (Otto Wagner Villa) is off the beaten path, but it rewards those who make the effort to reach it with a truly surprising gem of a visit. Accessible by public transport from the Maria-Theresien-Platz, this unique museum brings together two great artists – Otto Wagner and Ernst Fuchs – and offers a rare respite from the crowds.

Famed Austrian architect Otto Wagner (born in 1841) left his stamp all around the city and you can still admire his Art Nouveau creations while wandering Vienna's historic center, from his Majolikahaus (Majolica House) to the Karlsplatz metro station. However, this villa offers the unique opportunity to visit an entire home dreamt up by Wagner. Built in 1888 as a summer getaway for his family, the villa later changed hands and fell into disrepair until Viennese painter Ernst Fuchs (born in 1930) purchased it in 1972. With help from Wagner's original designs, he lovingly restored the home and went on to use it as his own studio. These days, a visit offers the chance to admire the works of both men.

Walk through the opulent rooms filled with period furniture (including Art Nouveau decor designed by Wagner himself), take in the Fuchs paintings adorning the walls, and get ready to have your breath taken away by beautiful touches, like the stunning stained glass windows by Adolf Böhm.

Read this next: It's Time To Ditch These 10 Outdated Travel Tips

Vienna with Kids: Our Incredible Winter Visit

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Vienna was our final stop in a 10-week round-the-world trip with our kids. We were moving from Taiwan to Canada, and traveled to 11 countries in between, mainly in the Middle East, Balkans, and Central Europe.

Since we did a loop around Central Europe, we had actually passed through western Austria about a month earlier, in early November (see my articles on the best places to visit in Austria with kids , what to do in Salzburg with kids and why we loved Innsbruck with kids ).

By the time we took our final train from Budapest (which, by the way we absolutely loved; read about it here ) to Vienna, we were at the tail-end of a long trip, and we tackled the Austrian capital a little differently than we normally would.

Even though Vienna is considered one of the best places to visit in Europe in December , we were tired of traveling, mentally preparing for our new life in Canada, and being the start of winter, it was too cold out for us to do a lot of the usual recommended things to do in Vienna with kids, including spending much time in the city’s huge number of outdoor parks and playgrounds. We also wanted to do some Christmas shopping and not be too rushed for the final days of our trip.

As a result, the Vienna itinerary with kids I’ll provide below is a light one; you could probably pack quite a bit more in than we did if you really wanted to. Still, we managed to visit one different Vienna Christmas market on each day of our trip!

So in this article, I’m not going to give a comprehensive list of all the possible kid-friendly things to do in Vienna (you can find that in other articles). What I will do, though, is cover in great detail our 3-day Vienna itinerary with kids. As usual, we tried to cover a decent mix of things we wanted to see ourselves and ours kids’ choices of what they wanted to do. You may also want to have a look at this budget (rather than kid) focused Vienna three day itinerary .

And for the first time on our European trip, we even braved taking the kids to an art gallery, and it went surprisingly well!

For anyone planning a trip to Vienna in winter with kids, I hope our experiences can give you some ideas or inspiration!

Table of Contents

Getting Around Vienna

The top things to do with kids in Vienna are a little spread out. Many museums and sights are concentrated in the city center (Innere Stadt) but accommodations are also generally more expensive there. Belvedere Palace and the main train station lie to the south of the city center, Prater Amusement Park is to the east, while Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo are found in the west.

Thankfully, the city’s excellent network of metro (U-bahn) , city trains (S-bahn) , trams (Strassenbahn) and buses make getting around Vienna with kids a breeze. If the transportation maps seem complicated, don’t worry about! We mostly just used GoogleMaps to find out what to take to get from point A to point B.

If you’re heading to the airport before or after, the CAT Airport transfer is a direct train from Wien Mitte station to the airport. Alternatively, the regular S-bahn train to the airport is much cheaper, only takes slightly longer, and departs from several stations besides Wien Mitte.

To avoid buying individual tickets each time, consider getting a Vienna City Card . Each adult card also covers free travel for one kid aged 6-15, and under 6 travel free. The card comes in your choice of 24, 28, or 72 hours, with the option to add airport connections. It covers all public transportation in the city, and comes with discounts at various attractions. I would suggest adding up the attractions you plan to visit and rides you will take to determine whether the pass is worth it for your trip. If it’s not, you can also purchase reasonably-priced 24-hour transportation tickets from any ticket machines.

If you plan to rent a car to get out of Vienna, I recommend using RentalCars , while kiwi.com is what we usually use to find the most convenient and cheapest flights within Europe.

Where to Stay in Vienna with Kids

For our family holiday in Vienna, we decided to stay at this family-friendly apartment in Landstrasse (3rd) district, southeast of the city center. We had simple connections by tram or metro to everywhere we wanted to go, including the main train station, and we could even walk to Belvedere Palace from our apartment (see day three of our Vienna itinerary with kids below).

Two other districts that you’ll want to consider are 4th and 5th; see more info in this detailed guide to where to stay in Vienna .

What made our apartment family-friendly? Well, the hosts themselves (who lived across the hall, though we never met them) had kids. The apartment was huge, and even came with bunk beds, games, and books for the kids. We had laundry, a full kitchen, and an elevator to haul our things up.

Besides having everything we needed, the apartment was tastefully decorated (with odes to Vienna’s musical past), and in a totally quiet, local building/neighborhood, with no other tourists in sight.

Our Vienna Itinerary with Kids: Day 1

For our first day in Vienna, we headed straight to Prater , which is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. The amusement park is at the northern end of Wiener Prater , a huge park in between central Vienna and the Danube.

The amusement park mainly operates from March to October, but the park and grounds remain open year round. Despite the cold December weather we still decided to go; we thought it would be fun for the kids to explore the grounds.

Most importantly, the Wiener Riesenrad (Prater Ferris Wheel) does operate year world. It’s not often you get a chance to ride on the world’s oldest running Ferris wheel!

The Ferris wheel dates to 1897 and is one of Vienna’s most iconic sights. It was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world for around 65 years. After being damaged in WWII, only 15 of its 30 “gondolas” were replaced.

Save time by buying your Prater Ferris Wheel tickets online in advance.

Although we found the Ferris wheel ticket price a little high, we really enjoyed the room full of exhibits housed in retired Ferris wheel gondolas, which is included in the price of the ticket. Each gondola contained detailed miniature displays showcasing the history of the wheel, including what the original amusement park (complete with beer house) and the fiery scene when it was destroyed.

Taking a ride on the gondola is a way to experience an important piece of history in Vienna, not to mention the incredible city views. It’s a rather slow ride, and was perfect for our kids because they weren’t scared at all.

Like our pictures? See the small mirrorless camera we always use when traveling with kids.

Even when most of the rides are closed for the winter, Prater Amusement Park is fun to walk around, and really does feel like stepping back in time. There are also several other facilities to tempt visitors with kids, including the Chocolate Museum, Madame Tussauds Vienna (a wax museum), Vienna Zeiss Planetarium, with daily films shown on its domed ceiling. All of the above are indoors and still open throughout winter.

We were too early in the day for it, but there’s also the Prater Winter Market on site, with numerous activities in the afternoon and on weekends.

With plenty of time and energy left after visiting Prater, we hopped on the metro at nearby Praterstern transportation hub to head to Stephansplatz , a square at the geographical heart of Vienna.

The square is dominated by the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), one of the tallest cathedrals in the world. Its 136-meter tower makes it the tallest structure in Vienna; looking from below, it is impossible not to be humbled by it. We also loved (and hadn’t expected) the multi-colored tiles on the sides of the roof.

We arrived to find a large Christmas market set up around the cathedral in the square. With Christmas just around the corner and lots of presents to buy for family back home, we also sought out Wiener Christmas Salon , a dedicated Christmas ornaments shop.

While we paid a pretty penny for the few items we bought there, all were exquisite and locally produced. Incidentally, in Franziskanerplatz , the small and extremely cute square in front of the shop, my wife exclaimed, “THIS is what I expected Vienna to look like!”

We could have easily spent several more hours exploring the city center of Vienna; there is much more to it than just one square and cathedral…However, all we wanted to do was head back and enjoy our cozy apartment with a bottle of wine, so we did!

Read about our trips to Prague and Bavaria in early winter of the same trip.

Our Vienna Itinerary with Kids: Day 2

One our second day in Vienna, we let the kids decide the program. We presented multiple choices to them, based on our research on the best things to do in Vienna with kids. Here are some of the things they DIDN’T choose, but you may want to!

Schönbrunn Zoo , the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world, was ruled out because it was quite cold during our visit (if you do visit the zoo, make sure to skip the lines by ordering your tickets online ), not to mention that we’d been to several other zoos in previous weeks. The kids also turned down the morning horse exercises at the Spanish Riding School , something I kind of wanted to see myself.

At Schönbrunn Palace, next door to the zoo, the outdoor maze was closed, while dressing up in royal regalia at the Children’s Museum didn’t appeal much to our kids. If you do decide to visit the Palace, you might want to consider letting your kids learn how to make Viennese apple strudels while you’re there!

Similarly, the House of Music , which actually has great reviews and is considered one of the top kid-friendly attractions in Vienna, was ruled out because we had already been to Audioversum during our trip to Innsbruck , almost exactly the same thing.

Last but not least, with the chilly weather, we considered Zoom Children’s Museum , a kind of play center with a variety of programs. However, the activities and programs on offer seemed to require advance reservations.

So what did that leave us with? Well, the kids without hesitation chose House of the Sea (Aqua Terra Zoo or Haus des Meeres ), the main aquarium in Vienna.

Our kids had been obsessed with reptiles, sea creatures and amphibians ever since the beginning of our 10-week trip, when we spotted loads of fish on our family trip to Italy and the Balkans, and saw fire salamanders while traveling in Croatia with the kids .

They had been begging to go to any aquarium for quite a while; we were just waiting for a city that had a good one!

The enormous aquarium consists of 10 floors (they get smaller and smaller as you go up). The fun began the moment we stepped in the front door, where a huge crocodile was visible above in the glass ceiling above the ticket counter!

The excitement only continued from there; the first floor featured an Atlantic tunnel and the chance to touch fish. In a two-floor tropical greenhouse section, monkeys played all around us while bats flew by; it felt like being in a real jungle!

Other awesome highlights included an enormous tank with hammerhead sharks, a wall of miniature jellyfish, and every reptile, sea creature, insect, and amphibian imaginable. The kids even got to see an endangered Chinese giant salamander, something they’d learned about a few weeks earlier and had been talking about since!

Interestingly, the aquarium building was once an anti-aircraft tower in WWII. A staircase from the 9th to 10th floors contains an exhibit on the history of the structure. The 10th floor has a café (closed for renovations when we visited) offering expansive city views.

If possible, try to time your visit with one of the animal feeding times !

After an exciting few hours in the aquarium, we strolled along Mariahilfer Strasse , Vienna’s longest and most fashionable shopping street, which passes by the aquarium.

We enjoyed the Christmas decorations and fresh air before hopping on the metro a few stops to Karsplatz, one of the main squares of Vienna. Mainly we went for the Karsplatz Christmas Market , one of the city’s most beautiful.

Karlskirche church forms a magnificent backdrop to the Christmas market. Numerous stalls in the square offer the usual mix of Christmas items, hot boozy drinks, and delicious foods. This market in particular has a focus on handmade crafts.

Karsplatz Christmas market is very kid-friendly. There was a pen at the center with goats and pigs, a merry-go-round, rides, and a large playground right next to it.

Our Vienna Itinerary with Kids: Day 3

For our final day in Vienna (and our last day of a 10-week trip!), we decided to do something we’d never fathomed doing with our kids before: taking them to an art gallery.

Belvedere Palace was only a 15-minute walk from our apartment. The enormous complex consists of two baroque palaces, an upper and a lower one, both of which are surrounded by the Belvedere Gardens.

The most iconic view is looking across a large pool of water at the southern side of the upper palace. The Upper Palace also houses the Belvedere Art Galley , most famously known for housing a number of Klimt originals.

I’ve always been a fan of Klimt, and I didn’t want to miss the chance to see his works just because we were traveling with kids, so we decided to brave it and bring them along.

We recommend that you order your Belvedere Palace Art Gallery Ticket online before you go to make things easier. Just don’t forget to print it (they can’t scan phones). Children 18 and under are free, but you need to include them when you buy the tickets.

The stunning artwork in the gallery, not only by Klimt but many other artists, made it worth every penny (and all the effort). I had no idea that “The Kiss” was so large, while I couldn’t take my eyes off “Judith and the Head of Holofernes” and some of Klimt’s other lesser-known works. Besides all the paintings, the interior of the palace itself is magnificent as well.

While our kids didn’t love the hour we spent in the gallery, they didn’t hate it either, so we considered it a success. As a word of warning, if you book online like we did, make sure to print your vouchers or you’ll face an ordeal when you try to enter. Also don’t make our second mistake of bringing a backpack into the galleries; you’ll be asked to go back downstairs and check it in at the coat check, which usually has a long line.

By the time we left the art gallery, the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market was just starting outside. We enjoyed a lunch of traditional dumplings, goulash, pretzels, hot boozy egg nog, and mouthwatering pastries.

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that’s all we did for the day! After lunch and walk around the gardens, we headed back to our apartment to pack up our things and prepare to fly to Canada, where we would be setting up our new life, the kids would be enrolling in a Mandarin immersion school to maintain their Chinese ability, and my wife would be becoming a permanent resident upon landing!

Related Posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

What you absolutely need to know before you visit Vienna

With its wealth of architectural grandeur, its rich artistic legacy, its imperial history and some of the finest museums in the world, Vienna, the capital of Austria , has always enticed an overwhelming number of visitors.

Gary and I visited this gorgeous city last June for six days and to be honest it was a bit of a hit-and-miss trip for us. While we fell in love with the beautiful architecture of the city and were thrilled to explore Vienna’s cultural and historical heritage, we were less impressed by the overall cost of the trip.

I am glad to say that we learned a couple of lessons along the way and I would like to share these with you in the article below. Hopefully, by doing so I will be able to answer some of your most burning questions.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU SPEND IN VIENNA?

If you are wondering how many days to spend in Vienna, then the short answer, is probably longer than you think. I would suggest you plan to stay in Vienna for at least for four days, that is three nights. But it really depends on what you want to see and do. So, whilst most Globetrotters will be able to get a good glimpse of the different regions of the city and sample the culture and history in three days, vacationers and culture buffs have a much broader range of sights to choose from depending on their interests and how they wish to fill their time. Gary and I spent five days in Vienna and we really wouldn’t have wanted to reduce that by even one day. Five days felt a little tight and at points, we felt we rushed through the experience. Here is a list of ideas of things to do in Vienna .

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT VIENNA?

Vienna is probably one of the most expensive destinations we ever had the pleasure of visiting. As is the case for many famous European capitals, the sheer number of visitors to the city push up the prices. The excessive cost of our trip wasn’t driven by the price of our flights or that of our hotel. In fact both of those were surprisingly affordable and the main reason we chose to travel to Vienna. The main expense of our Vienna getaway was actually the price of the attractions and that of food. Here is a cost break down of our trip to Vienna: Flights: 70£ (return flight) Hotel: 400£ (with breakfast. Note per person this come down to 200£) 72h Vienna Card: 20£ per person 72h Vienna Pass: 97£ per person Additional Attractions: 66£ per person Additional Transport: 32£ per person Food: 200£ per person Total spent for 6 days in Vienna was 675£ per person

IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT VIENNA ON A BUDGET?

Nonetheless I would argue that it is possible to fill yourself up on the city’s history, culture and sachertorte without having to spend all too much money . So here are my top tips for experiencing all that Vienna has to offer without completely blowing your budget.

ENJOY VIENNA’S FREE ATTRACTIONS

The best w ay to save money in Vienna – or any c ity for that matter – is by making the most of its free attractions. You could for instance take a walk around the Ringstrasse . Or why not visit the city’s many green parks. Indeed entrance to the Burggarten , Stadtpark and  Schönbrunn Palace gardens are all free. If you’re in the city during summer, you can escape the heat by heading down to the banks of the Danube. Danube Island has 42km of beaches as well as boat and bike hire, playgrounds and cafés.

COMBINED TICKETS AND DISCOUNTED ENTRY

Vienna has a great selection of museums, but with many entry fees around €15 per person the costs can add up. But there are ways to save – most museums have reduced-price tickets for students and seniors, and discounts with the Vienna Card range from 5% to 50%. You can also buy joint tickets for various combinations of museums that save on the full entry fees – Many of Vienna’s  museums have discounted entry fees for students and seniors or on certain days of the week. The Wien Museum, for example, is always free for anyone under the age of 19 and for everyone else one the first Sunday of the month. The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) has free entry on Tuesdays from 6pm–10pm, the MUMOK museum of modernist art has reduced price entry for €8 on Thursdays from 6pm–9pm including a tour and the House of Music has a half-price entry for €6.50 from 8pm–9.30pm every day. Another way to save money is to buy joint tickets. A combined ticket for the House of Music and Mozarthaus for instance saves you €5, whilst a combined ticket for the Leopold Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum saves you €4. You can also buy combined passes for the Museums Quartier or the Belvedere.

INVEST IN A CITY PAS S

If you are planning to visit a lot of the city’s main attractions, it would probably be worth investing in one of Vienna’s city passes. A lot of cities nowadays offer tourist cards – a card you purchase that gives you discounts to popular attractions, activities and even transportation.  These cards can be of great value, but sometimes they are not such a good deal. If you are visiting Vienna you have the choice between two cards, the Vienna Pass or the Vienna Card. But which one should you invest in? Gary and I tested out both. Here are our thoughts on the dilemma:

VIENNA CARD

The Vienna Card is issued by the Vienna Tourism Board, and is thus the official sightseeing card for the city. On the surface, this card appears incredibly comprehensive. When you buy it, you get a 119 page coupon book listing more than 210 discounts available to Vienna card holders at museums, some restaurants and cafés, shops and other tourism-related services. The card also gives you 72 (or 48) hours of unlimited travel on all public transportation. And since our hotel was not in the centre of town, we used the metro a lot to get around. A regular 72 hours ticket for public transport (no discounts at museums etc.) costs €16.50 (48hour €13.30) while the Vienna Card is €21.90 (48hour €18.90) so whether the Vienna Card pays off depends on how much you’re going to take advantage of the discounts provided in the coupon book. Note that the discounts for attractions, especially for popular sights, are generally around 10% of the regular (grown up) entrance fee. Some of the less popular places grant discounts of around 20 per cent. Some attractions on the other hand (such as the Belvedere) don’t provide any type of discount. You should also keep in mind that if your accommodation is centrally located (1st district), many sights are in walking distance so that you won’t need to use public transport very often. Before buying the Vienna Card you should therefore figure out how many sights you are planning to visit and whether or not you need to use the public transport system. Since Gary and I travelled about a fair bit and followed a tight schedule of sightseeing for five days, the Vienna Card definitely ended up being a worthwhile purchase. If you’re staying less than three days it’s unlikely that the Card will pay off because there are much cheaper tickets for public transport plus you have less time to make use of the discounts.

VIENNA PASS

The Vienna Pass  is far more expensive than the Vienna Card at 97£ for a three-day pass with travel and 83£ without travel. However, it gives you full access to all of Vienna’s top attractions and you can generally skip the queue. You can also use it to jump onto one of the hop on hop off buses. There are 6 routes with over 50 stops, meaning you can create your own itinerary based on your interests . One route covers the central Ring area, which is where most of Vienna’s landmarks are located, whilst another one goes out all the way to Schönbrunn Palace. To make the Vienna Pass a worthwhile purchase however, I would suggest you aim to visit at least three attractions every day. The entrance to each of Vienna’s most popular attractions is generally around 15£ a pot. The add-on price of the Vienna TravelCard is essentially equal to that of a regular 72 hours ticket for public transport . So if you are planning to make regular use of the city’s subways, trams, buses, and local trains, then you might as well purchase this add-on to the card.

BUY A STANDING TICKET FOR THE VIENNA OPERA

If you are planning a trip to Vienna, the city of music , you really need to attend at least one musical performance. Tickets to Vienna’s famous opera however sell out months in advance and can set you back upwards of 130. If you don’t mind standing throughout the performance however you can snap up a real bargain. Standing tickets for the State Opera House, the Staatsoper , go on sale about 80 minutes before the performance and cost €4 (in the parterre on the ground floor) or €3 (in the balcony or gallery higher up). These special tickets are only available at the office on Operngasse and are pretty popular . So g et there early and be prepared to queue. Note that and you can only buy one ticket per person so if you’re in a group you’ll all need to line up. You can also get standing tickets for the Volksoper and Burgtheater for a similar price, but these can b e booked online and in advance.

ENJOY VIENNA’S FOOD ON THE CHEAP

As I explained previously, one of the main expenses of travelling to Vienna has to be eating out, especially near the busy and touristy central area. But you can save a good chunk of money by making lunch the main meal of your day. Many restaurants offer a cheaper mittagsmenü, where you can get a two- or three-course meal from a set menu for under €10. Another way to save money on food is to seek out restaurants in the cheaper / studenty areas of Neubau and Josefstadt. Or grab a bite to eat at the Naschmarkt which  has over 120 market stalls selling food and drink.

GETTING AR O UND VIENNA

The cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre of Vienna is by jumping onto the But the cheapest way into the centre is on the S-Bahn train. It costs €4.40 and takes around 25 minutes from the airport to Wien Mitte station, which has underground connections across the city. Alternatively you can take  the City Airport Train or the Airport Lines bus, tickets for both of which are discounted if you have a Vienna Card. Gary and I on the other hand splashed out and grabbed an Uber to our hotel   The city centre of Vienna is pretty compact and easily explored on foot. Most of the main attractions (this includes the  Albertina Museum, Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Palace, St Stephens Cathedral and the Museum Quarter) are all within walking distance of each other. It should only take you 5 to 15 minutes to get from one to another. Although if you are feeling especially romantic you might want to treat yourself to a carriage ride around the old town. A few of Vienna’s best attractions, such as the Schönbrunn Palace and the famous Ferris Wheel in Prater Park, are located on the edge of the city and you’ll definitely want to use Vienna’s efficient underground and tram service to get to them. Both the Vienna Card and the Vienna Pass with travel-addon give you unlimited free travel on the underground, trams and buses. The Vienna Card also covers one child up to the age of 15 travelling with you. Other options are travel passes with a 24-hour one costing €7.60 or a weekly pass for €16.20 (valid Monday–Sunday). Lots of companies in Vienna run boat trips along the Danube, but if you are travelling on to Slovakia or Hungary you can take the boat rather than the bus or train and get a cruise included. The Twin City Liner boats take 1 hour 15 minutes to travel between Vienna and Bratislava and cost €32 one way. Or there’s a hydrofoil connecting Vienna with Budapest, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes and costs €109.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY IN VIENNA?

Because Vienna’s city centre is so compact, arguably you can save a fair bit of money on public transport by staying in a hotel near the city centre. Great options close to the city centre include:

Grand Hotel Wien – A classic and elegant 5-star boutique hotel located a 3-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera and the famous Kärntner Straße Shopping Street. The hotel offers 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a spa area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Vienna. The luxuriously-furnished rooms and suites in the Grand Hotel’s impressive historic building are equipped with elegant furniture as well as all modern facilities.

Hotel Sans Souci Wien — A 5-star luxury boutique hotel opposite Vienna’s Museums Quartier. The stand-out feature of this hotel has to be it’s bright and airy contemporary, as well as a fabulous breakfast. Other features you might enjoy. Include the indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam bath and fitness center; bar and restaurant with good reviews; and the pillow menu.

Grand Ferdinand — An elegant luxury boutique hotel with a rooftop pool (and gorgeous views)! The rooms are minimalist, contemporary-looking and open-plan with high ceilings, comfy beds, and muted colors. Great location, fantastic reviews…the only tip from past guests is to skip the on-site restaurants, which by most reviews are over-priced for what you get, especially considering the fantastic selection in the area. Gary and I however quickly realized that hotels outside of the ring area were considerably cheaper than those within. Ans so in the end, it turned out to be more economically for us to book a hotel slightly outside of the city centre and then jump on the subway to reach the city centre within minutes. Our choice fell on:

Falkensteiner Hotel Wien Margareten   – A beautiful modern 5-star hotel designed by Chipperfield located half-way between the historic city centre and Schönbrunn Palace. Highlights include the rooftop spa and the comprehensive and delicious breakfast buffet. All of the hotels rooms are air-conditioned rooms and furnished in a modern Biedermeier style. You can read a more comprehensive review of this hotel on my blog.

PLEASE NOTE: The Vienna Tourism Board provided us with Vienna Cards and lots of information for the purpose of this review

You can  find more guides for Austria here . Or if you haven’t fully decided where to go yet, you can  find other great destinations in Europe here .

Have you been to Vienna? Are you planning a trip to Vienna? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Did you Enjoy this article?

Share it with your friends and family on FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND PINTEREST

PLANNING A TRIP TO EUROPE?

HERE ARE SOME OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING.

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO EUROPE

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

Book your flight now through one of our favourite search engines. We love all three of these because they search the entire web for the best prices and deals. Alternatively, book your flight and hotel in a package directly with Expedia, this could be the cheapest option.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Check out the latest hotel prices in Germany right now. Our personal favourite hotel booking website for Europe, is Booking.com, since they consistently return the cheapest rate for hotels and guesthouses. Expedia is another good option if you are planning to book your hotel in a package with your flight and car.

BOOK YOUR ACTIVITIES AND TOURS

We like to use GetYourGuide to book our activities and tours, ahead of arrival at a destination. This means that we can skip the queue and save time at our destination.

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!

We like to read the reviews before booking a hotel or including a restaurant or attraction in our itinerary. And in our opinion the best place to find independent reviews is:

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on some of the links in this post and purchase something, we might receive a commission. This is a good thing! There is no additional cost to you and we make a tiny bit of money to help fund this website!

ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

DESTINATIONS > EUROPE > AUSTRIA

The Perfect Isle of Wight Itinerary for a Long Weekend

Darbaar – Possibly the best Indian Restaurant in the city of London

2 thoughts on “What you absolutely need to know before you visit Vienna”

Very beautiful description of great city Vienna. I would love to take Vienna Card as it is cost effective. Also this card covers children under 15 which is an advantage because I travel with children. You have given nice budget analysis of expenses in Vienna. Very helpful post for planning.

Great tips guys

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .