I’d be lying if I said Vienna, Austria, topped my bucket list. In fact, I didn’t know a single thing about the country before Matt and I clicked “book.” For our first wedding anniversary, we opted for a honeymoon do-over (more on that later) and chose to head across the pond for our second European adventure. 

Using my favorite travel package builder, I had three vacation options of comparable length and price for us to choose from: Venice and Rome, London and Paris or Vienna and Prague. Knowing we’d be visiting over Thanksgiving and that Christmas celebrations would just be beginning, we could NOT decide what we wanted to do! So, we consulted the expert. Matt’s grandmother, Betsy, spent many years of her life in Europe – growing up in Serbia and traveling the world throughout her adult life. We knew she’d help us make the best decision!

We called her, explained our options and told her to pick. Whatever she chose would be our final decision… but my heart sank when she firmly and confidently chose Vienna and Prague. 

A deal was a deal, and a few weeks later our bags were packed and we were en route to Austria. 

Needless to say, IT. WAS. AMAZING! I’ve rounded up six top recommendations for your visit to Vienna. 

Go at Christmastime

The Vienna Christmas Markets were INCREDIBLE! The largest market is located outside of the town hall and has an ice rink running through it. This is one of my most favorite memories in the whole world! 

Book a Tour

While we were able to communicate just fine, Vienna was not as universally fluent in English as other European cities we’ve visited. While many may roll their eyes at touristy guided tours, I can’t recommend them enough when you only have a few days in a major city. Our tour lasted 4 hours with an English-speaking guide who was able to help us get our bearings and nail down places we wanted to return to spend more time later in the day. 

Tour the Schönbrunn Palace

What was once a SUMMER HOME for the Hapsburg family (think Marie Antoinette), this unbelievable home has a whopping 1,441 rooms – one of them is made entirely (floor to ceiling) of PORCELAIN. LIKE A TOILET. WHY. The outdoor gardens were unbelievable, even when we visited during winter! The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see while you’re in Vienna. 

Keep lots of loose change

Many European cities require payment for public restrooms, but we found ourselves in multiple situations while in Vienna where we weren’t able to access a restroom because we didn’t have appropriate change. Carrying cash (in the appropriate currency) is very important when traveling abroad. 

Wander

Our fondest memories were made when we ditched our plans and simply wandered. We stumbled upon tons of history, beautiful consulates, unique bars and incredible restaurants. Vienna is very clean (there are massive fines for littering) and very safe. 

Eat (and drink) every chance you get – especially wine!

My time in Vienna taught me to love and appreciate wine for the delicacy that it is. I’m no sommelier, but the wine here was some of the best I’ve ever had. Prepare to get a glass at every meal (it’s cheap!) and grab a bottle or two+ to keep in your room. Also, BEST FOOD EVER!

A few things on our list for next time: 

1. Go to the Opera. 
2. Ride the giant ferris wheel. 
3. Visit the roller coaster restaurant. It was closed when we went and I was so sad! 
4. Detour to Budapest. We had the option to add Budapest to our trip and we declined. We have regretted it greatly ever since! The train ride from Vienna to Prague was quick and easy, and Budapest would’ve been a very easy stop.