The 12 free activities and visits to Vienna

Are you planning to discover the Austrian capital with a small budget? Here are the 12 free activities and visits to Vienna!

On the banks of the Danube, the majestic Austrian capital offers its visitors a grandiose architectural and cultural heritage. Carried by an exceptional history and considered today as one of the high places of modern art in Europe, the city of Vienna is undoubtedly a must-see.

Every year, nearly 15 million tourists are rushing in the footsteps of Sissi the Empress , to discover Palace of the Hofburg , taste the mythical Viennese coffee or attend an opera in the prestigious rooms of Vienna. Classified at UNESCO World Heritage, the city’s historic centre reflects a surprising and unusual mix between classic and modern.

Although the cost of living is about 10% below that of France, Vienna remains a relatively expensive destination for tourists. Yet it is perfectly possible to enjoy all its charms, and to spend a rich and exciting holiday without ruining.

To help you, here is the guide of the 12 free activities and visits to Vienna!

1. The parks of the city

This is an activity within reach of all scholarships! Enjoy the beautiful weather to stroll through the beautiful parks of Vienna. The city offers many green spaces, perfectly maintained. You'll probably enjoy the Kahlenberg a small hill north of the city. The Lainzer Tiergarten , former hunting reserve of the imperial family, is the ideal place for a family walk in the middle of nature. You will find playgrounds for children, educational trails, and even cafes for a break. Take the time to admire the beautiful Villa Hermès located in the park.

2. Museums

It is probably the most popular of the free visits to Vienna. The 1 Sunday of each month, Wien Museum Karlsplatz , as well as about twenty museums attached to it, open their doors to the public free of charge.

You can visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the Wien Museum Karlsplatz and discover the history of the city from the Neolithic. Also take a tour at the Otto Wagner Pavilion, the Roman Museum or the Roman Museum Military History Museum . Know that the houses of Beethoven and Mozart also participate in these exceptional openings. Consider checking, in advance, the opening hours on the websites of the various museums.

3. Discover the Hundertwasserhaus

Inspired by the architect Gaudí , Hundertwasserhaus — created by Hundertwasser — is one of the most famous buildings in Austria. Colored, unusual and green, this building, still inhabited, is a free visit to make in Vienna absolutely.

A few steps away you will find the Kunst Haus which houses the works of the famous avant-garde artist Hundertwasser .

4. MUSA

The MUSA which opened its doors in 2007 , brings together the contemporary art collection of the city of Vienna. Access is entirely free and allows you to become familiar with the current art. The museum is easily accessible to people with reduced mobility and a shop allows to bring back a small souvenir or to offer beautiful works of art.

5. The Stephansdom Cathedral

Observe the Gothic architecture of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral , or Stephansdom in German, is one of the most interesting free activities to do in Vienna. This cathedral, which is found on the Austrian Euros of ten cents, dates from the 12th century and experienced a great restoration in 1945, after being partially destroyed by a fire.

Raise your head to admire its colored roof and two-headed eagle, the emblem of the Hasburg Dynasty. The cathedral, which attracts nearly 3 million tourists each year, is composed of 2 towers, one of which contains the largest bell in Austria. For the anecdote, know that it was here that the marriage of Mozart . Unfortunately, the entrance to the cathedral and its catacombs is paid. You can nevertheless surrender free at the Sunday office, and discover this Austrian jewel.

6. Discover the Vienna Ringstrasse

Built between 1860 and 1890 on the order of the emperor François-Joseph , The Ring is a boulevard that extends over more than 5 kilometres and brings together the most beautiful monuments of Vienna.

You can admire the splendid New Renaissance National Opera, the Imperial Palace, the Parliament, the City Hall, or the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts. Many other palaces and parks border the Ringstrasse, considered one of the most beautiful avenues in the world.

7. The banks of the Danube

To enjoy the charms of the city of Vienna for free, visit the edges of the Danube . Walk on the shores of this mythical river and enjoy the many green spaces and landscaped beaches, beautifully maintained by the city.

This is the ideal place to picnic with family or friends. There you will find many pontoons to admire the river and outdoor pools to refresh yourself in the summer. The bravest can even dive directly into the Danube.

8. An opera or ballet

No doubt the most popular of the activities to be done in Vienna! If you cannot offer a ticket for the National Opera , know that it is possible, several times a week, to enjoy free retransmissions of ballets and opera.

You can enjoy the remarkable programming of the Vienna Opera comfortably installed on seats arranged for this purpose, without paying a centime for these periods:

• April to June
• September
• between Christmas and the day of the year

9. Vienna water castles

This is a free activity to do in Vienna that comes out of the ordinary! Visit the water castle Wasserturm by Favoriten , located in the 10th arrondissement of the city. You will have free access inside the building, but also to the observation platform that offers a panoramic view of Vienna.

Attention, however, the visit must be reserved 14 days in advance and can only take place if 8 persons participate. Another possibility is to enjoy a temporary exhibition organized in the water castle.

10. Attend a concert

Vienna is considered by many as the European musical capital. Throughout the year, the city, but also many actors of the Viennese music scene, offer free concerts and other musical festivals.

See you at Schoenbrunn Summer Night Concert for a fabulous concert of classical music or the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne to be envoured by the choirs. The B72 and The Chelsea rooms also regularly offer a wide range of free concerts.

11. La Karlsplatz

Located south of the Ring, the Karlsplatz is the most frequented place in the city. Take the time to stroll through the vast green spaces of the square. You will see in particular the statue of Henry Moore , the pavilions of the metro, the church of Saint-Charles or the Museum of History of the City of Vienna.

12. The Naschmarkt

Dating from the 16th century, the Naschmarkt was first a milk market before becoming, in the 18th century, the main place for the exchange of fruit and vegetables in the city.

Today, the Naschmarkt has become a huge compound market 120 stands spread over nearly 2 kilometers. Enjoy the many free samples offered by traders to taste local specialties such as spätzle or bretzl.