Are you backpacking to Vienna and trying to figure out what to do while you’re there?
It can be tough and overwhelming to determine what activities you’re going to partake in and what sites to see - especially if you’re only going to be there for a few days, or even a week.
With so many options, how do you choose? And how do you not go broke while you’re there?
I’ve been there, and that’s why I’ve come up with three new, budget-friendly activities for you to participate in on your visit to Vienna.
Don’t worry, these’ll keep your wallet intact and allow you to see the full-fledged beauty of the city - so you don’t sacrifice anything.
Let’s jump into it:
Table of Contents:
Prater on a Shoestring: Experience Vienna’s Amusement Park for Less
Photo by Manel & Sean on Unsplash
I remember how excited I was to visit Prater, the famous Vienna amusement park with the gigantic ferris wheel - the one that some film buffs will recognize from “The Third Man” (1947).
Photo by Peter Amende on Unsplash
Heading there at sunset, I was delighted to discover how beautiful the park looked beneath the pink and purple sky, with all of its neon lights, carnival game stalls, and rides lighting up the atmosphere.
The smell of cotton candy abounded, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Being a film buff, I HAD to get on the Riesenrad - the ferris wheel I just mentioned. I remember even the lineup for this ride was entertaining, with us headed through the Prater Museum, which included dioramas of the park and timeline trees of the park’s development artfully painted and decorated throughout the gallery as you wait.
The ride itself is awesome, since you get to see the entire city from the top of the ferris wheel. And best of all? It’s slow, so you get to stay up there for a while.
You can actually visit the park for free, and rides are between €3.50 - €15. Tickets for the ferris wheel are usually around €14 - €15 for a 12-15 minute ride.
You can of course experience more rides, and I remember just having fun walking around the park at night, amidst the glowing and flashing colorful lights of the carnival, and simply experiencing the atmosphere.
There’s a free planetarium you can check out as well.
2. Echoes of History In Vienna’s Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The Vienna Central Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in the world. It’s a really cool place to explore, not just because of that, but because of all the famous people buried there, including composers Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Franz Schubert.
The cemetery is beautiful to look at, with green, tree-lined avenues, really pretty and gigantic tombstones, and colorful walking paths - because of the flowers and greenery.
Entry is free, and there are usually not that many tourists here - so you don’t need to worry about getting pickpocketed.
Sections include the old Jewish cemetery and the musicians’ graves.
You can also do a guided tour for a small fee if you prefer a more structured visit with an in depth history of the cemetery and the people buried there.
3. Check Out Naschmarkt, Vienna’s Food Market
Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash
I love markets, and if you like them as well, then you can’t miss Naschmarkt, the city's most famous market. It’s not only a feast for the eyes, but also for your ears, nose, and mouth, since it offers music - particularly in the summer, outside the delis -, local culture, and cuisine for very little money.
Stretching over a mile long, the market features over 100 stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, fresh produce, spices, meats, cheeses, and a wide variety of international street food. It's a perfect spot to sample Viennese specialties like falafel, kebabs, schnitzel, sausages and pastries at reasonable prices. We talked about this briefly in our last blog post, and I wanted to impart to you the benefits of this particular market, since it’s a feast for all the senses.
On Saturdays, the market also hosts a popular flea market where you can find everything from vintage clothing to antiques. Strolling through the Naschmarkt is free, and it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Pro Tip
Make sure to bring cash, and not just credit / debit cards when you visit the market. While most of the vendors do take credit / debit nowadays, it’s never a bad idea to have cash on you for smaller purchases i.e. at the flea market.
And as always, beware of pickpockets; keep your wallet in a purse or fanny pack that is close to your body at all times.
Bonus Tip: Take a Walk Through the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
Though just outside the city, The Vienna Woods, a large forested area on the outskirts of Vienna, offer trails for hiking, walking, and biking. It’s a great place to stay active, enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and take some incredible photos for free.
There’s tons of wildlife and panoramic views of the entire city as well as the Danube River.
You can also pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the numerous trails, as well as hiking through the park.
The coolest part about this place is that it also has ancient ruins of castles and monasteries, adding a FREE touch of history to your outdoor adventure. It’s also easily accessible by public transportation, which is less than a 20 minute train ride from the city.
Now that you know the coolest spots to visit in Vienna and how to save money while experiencing this city, go out into the City of Music, and have fun.
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Until next time, have the best time of your life out there; stay curious, adventurous, and resilient.