20 Fun things to do in Vienna alone

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that shouts elegance and history. Famous for its classical music, grand palaces, and cozy coffee houses, it’s an excellent destination if you are travelling alone. I cannot find any single reason why you shouldn’t visit Vienna- they have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural options, learn history or enjoy some quiet time, there are plenty of activities you can do solo. Here’s a guide to 20 fun things you can do in Vienna alone.

Although I lived half of my life in the southern Poland, just a few hours away by car, I only managed to visit Vienna last summer. Not only that: I did not twice. First, I travelled to Vienna alone after visiting the country by public transportation, then with my husband as part of a Central Europe road trip.

1. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace

In my opinion, one of the top fun things to do in Vienna alone is visiting the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Schönbrunn Palace must be high on the list of things to do in Vienna.

As I already mentioned, I visited Vienna twice- the first time I stayed near Schönbrunn Palace for a few days, so I could easily visit it during the day and attend the night concert. I do not necessarily recommend visiting the palace during the day as it gets really busy (dah!), but the gardens are stunning and huge.

However, I really think that one of the experiences that is a truly memorable is visiting Schönbrunn Palace at night. Wander through the palace rooms on a self-guided audio tour and enjoy the stunning gardens at your own pace without people around, was the highlight for me.

Don’t miss the Gloriette for panoramic views over Vienna.

This is what the palace looked like at night. There were only 8 people in my group, so basically it was empty. Such a different and amazing experience. It was definitely a highlight of my visit and one of the best things to do in Vienna alone.

2. Tour the Hofburg Palace

The former residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Hofburg Palace is a must-see. Visit the Sisi Museum to learn about the fascinating life of Empress Elisabeth (who became a beloved but mysterious figure in Austrian history) or tour the lavish Imperial Apartments.

3. Stroll through Naschmarkt

As Vienna’s most famous open-air market, Naschmarkt is perfect for solo exploration. Taste local Austrian specialties, international street food, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. And if you get bored of doing everything alone, there are organised tour options as well.

4. Enjoy a classic Vienna coffeehouse

Vienna’s coffee culture is legendary, and its coffee houses are a haven for solo travelers. Café Central, a historic hub for intellectuals like Freud and Trotsky, offers an elegant atmosphere and exquisite pastries.

Café Sacher is the place to try the famous Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam. It would be amazing to bring a book or journal and spend hours enjoying the Viennese tradition of slow coffee sipping. However, these days, I ma not sure you can do that, as these coffee places are so popular that sometimes it’s hard to get a table.

Another gem is Café Demel or Café Landtmann, beloved by locals and tourists alike thanks to a cozy and elegant setting with views of the Vienna City Hall. If you want to step back into Vienna’s artistic past, Café Hawelka is a must-visit, a classic café that has hosted writers, poets, and artists for decades.

5. Explore Belvedere Palace

Art lovers will appreciate the Belvedere Palace, home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” Wander through the beautiful baroque gardens that surround the palace.

6. Attend a classical concert at Musikverein or at one of many churches

Vienna is synonymous with classical music. Enjoy an evening concert at Musikverein, one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. Experience the music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss performed by talented musicians.

But there are many more places where you can be part of some musical masterpieces so popular in Vienna. The options are just endless (like this one, for example). I attended two concerts: Mozart at Schönbrunn Palace and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche. Both were amazing.

7. Visit the Albertina Museum

This world-class art museum is perfect for a solo visit. The Albertina holds a stunning collection of graphic arts, paintings, and photography. It contains an extraordinary collection of masterpieces, including works by Monet, Klimt, Degas, and Picasso.

8. Wander through the Prater park

Take a peaceful stroll or rent a bike to explore the Prater, Vienna’s massive public park. For a bit of adventure, ride the Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) for stunning views of the city.

9. Discover the Vienna State Opera

Whether you’re an opera fan or not, touring the Vienna State Opera is a fantastic experience. You can take a guided tour or book a standing ticket to see a world-class performance for a budget price.

10. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Climb the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a breathtaking view of Vienna’s skyline. If you prefer to stay grounded, explore the cathedral’s Gothic architecture and historical significance. I was lucky to get such a beautiful pink sky close to sunset with an incoming storm.

11. Take a boat ride on the Danube

The Danube River flows through Vienna, offering a unique perspective of the city. Book a Danube River cruise for a relaxing solo outing, where you can enjoy picturesque views of Vienna’s modern and historical landmarks. You can even visit Bratislava on a day trip. In fact, Vienna is such an amazing city for day excursions to other capitals. I put a short list here (in case you still have some time to spare).

12. Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Spend a few hours at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bruegel. So, if you’re an art and history lover, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is an absolute must.

13. Wander through the museums quartier

Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier is a vibrant cultural hub. Whether you want to visit the Leopold Museum or just relax on the MQ’s iconic outdoor lounge chairs, this area is a great spot for solo travelers. There are also plenty of cafés, bookstores, and art installations scattered throughout, making it a great place to people-watch and soak in Vienna’s artistic energy.

14. Discover Hundertwasserhaus

Visit the quirky and colorful Hundertwasserhaus, a residential building designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The playful, irregular design of the building is an Instagram-worthy stop.

I personally, did not enjoy this place much- somehow did not fit in the aesthetics of Vienna that I had created in my head.

15. Kayaking on the Danube

For a unique and active way to experience Vienna, consider kayaking on the Danube River. Paddling along this iconic waterway will give you a completely different perspective of the city, taking you past green islands, modern architecture, and peaceful nature reserves.

The Old Danube (Alte Donau) is a particularly scenic area, perfect for a relaxed kayaking trip, while the New Danube offers longer routes with breathtaking views of Vienna’s skyline. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even explore the Danube-Auen National Park, a beautiful protected area rich in wildlife.

16. Take a cooking class

Learn to make traditional Viennese dishes by enrolling in a cooking class. Many classes are designed for small groups, making it a fun, social experience while learning how to cook Austrian specialties like Wiener Schnitzel or Apfelstrudel.

17. Relax at a Viennese Heuriger

A visit to a traditional Viennese Heuriger is a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the city’s famous wine culture. These cozy, rustic taverns – found mainly in the vineyard-covered outskirts of Vienna, like Grinzing or Neustift am Walde – serve delicious local wines straight from the producer. Order a brettljause, a classic platter of cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh bread.

18. Walk along the Ringstrasse

One of the best ways to take in Vienna’s grandeur is by walking along the Ringstrasse, a boulevard encircling the historic city center. Built in the 19th century, this architectural masterpiece is lined with Vienna’s most impressive landmarks, including the Austrian Parliament, City Hall (Rathaus), Burgtheater, and the stunning Vienna State Opera. Strolling this scenic route solo allows you to admire the elegant mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, stop for coffee at a historic café, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna’s imperial past.

19. Visit the Austrian National Library

Take a quiet, solo trip to the Austrian National Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The State Hall is an architectural masterpiece filled with rare books and intricate baroque details.

20. Go to the Spanish riding school

A visit to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna is an unforgettable experience, especially for those who appreciate equestrian excellence, history, and Austrian tradition.

This world-renowned institution, dating back to 1572, is the only place where the classical dressage of Lipizzaner horses has been preserved and practiced for centuries. It is located in the stunning Hofburg Palace. You can attend a morning training session, where riders and horses rehearse their routines, or book a ticket for the full gala performance.

Even if you’re not a horse enthusiast, the baroque Winter Riding Hall, with its grand chandeliers and opulent architecture, makes this a must-see attraction in Vienna. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as performances often sell out quickly and they don’t happen every day either.

How to move around Vienna

Vienna has an efficient, affordable, and well-connected public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city.

The U-Bahn (metro), trams, and buses operate frequently, and a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour Vienna Travel Card gives you unlimited access to all public transport. The U-Bahn is the fastest way to get around, while the trams are perfect for sightseeing as they pass by major attractions like the Ringstrasse and Schönbrunn Palace. I prebooked my transportation cards and had them available on my phone, in case of revision.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and FreeNow are available but more expensive.
To get to and from Vienna International Airport (VIE), the City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest option, reaching the city center (Wien Mitte station) in just 16 minutes. A cheaper alternative is the S-Bahn (S7) commuter train, which takes about 25 minutes. Airport buses also run frequently, serving different parts of the city.
Bus VAL2- it’s an easy and cheap option. One way fare costs €10.50 and you can prebook it online or pay on the bus.

If you want to explore places outside of Vienna, check out how to visit Austria using public transportation. Or if you prefer to have a car at your convenience, check out this post. I travelled by car as well as public transportation and put all my best tips in these posts.

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Where to stay in Vienna when visiting alone

When traveling solo, choosing the right area to stay in Vienna can enhance your experience by offering convenience, safety, and plenty of things to see and do.

If you want to be right in the center of the action, the Innere Stadt (1st District) is perfect. Staying here means you’re within walking distance of iconic attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Opera House. You’ll be able to have everything within walking distance. It’s also home to a variety of cafés and restaurants.

For a more local vibe, the Neubau (7th District) offers a bohemian atmosphere, filled with cozy cafés, independent boutiques, and vibrant street art, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in Vienna’s artsy side.

If you prefer a quieter experience while still being close to the city’s top attractions, Leopoldstadt (2nd District) is an excellent choice. It’s near Prater Park and has easy access to public transport to explore the rest of the city.

I stayed for a few nights near Schönbrunn Palace, so I could easily explore the gardens, not rush and not worry about returning at night after the concert.

However, whichever district you choose, Vienna is a safe and welcoming city for solo travelers, and its efficient public transport system. You may search for your accommodation through Booking.com (that has discount options if you have Genius status), but recently I like to search and compare prices on hotels on Trivago as well.

See also:

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Klook for all sorts of bookings- offers discounts.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.