Tips to enjoy your first weekend in Vienna, Austria
Have you just arrived in Austria? We’ve rounded up some great things to do in Vienna, including cafes, parks, museums, and restaurants.
Billy Joel had it right — Vienna waits for you. Now that you’ve arrived, we want to help you explore the city.
All of Blueground’s furnished apartments in Europe, the Middle East, and North America have everything you need to live well. You’ll find fast Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable work-from-home setups.
The best part of choosing to rent with Blueground is that you can spend your first weekend exploring your new city, not shopping for towels or a new bed frame. Here are just some of our favorite things to do in Vienna.
Friday: One Night in Vienna…
Once you’ve wrapped up your workweek, head to Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt in Mariahilf to browse the stalls and pick up some fresh cheese, meat, and produce. The market has been in operation for more than 100 years and is an important part of the city’s fabric.
It’s also a great place to eat dinner, if you’re not up for cooking or you’re into dining early. (The market closes at 7:30 pm.)
After you’ve had dinner, settle in for a movie night! Richard Linklater’s 1995 film Before Sunrise chronicles the adventures of two backpackers — played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy — who spend a magical night together in Vienna.
In less than two hours you’ll get a whirlwind tour of Vienna. The film’s locations include several of the city’s famous coffeehouses as well as Wiener Riesenrad, Maria Theresien Platz, and Zollamtssteg Bridge.
If you end up loving the movie, it’s worth noting that there are not one but two sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
Saturday: A Day in the Park
Get up bright and early so that you can head to Wiener Prater, one of Vienna’s best-loved parks. This vast greenspace in Leopoldstadt, the city’s second district, is carved out of the former hunting grounds of Austria’s emperors.
If you want to hit your steps early, a lovely boardwalk lined with trees runs nearly three miles through the park. There are also biking and running trails throughout Wiener Prater.
The park is home to the Wiener Riesenrad, a massive Ferris wheel that is one of Vienna’s best-known landmarks. If you’re looking to entertain the little ones, there are also children’s rides as well as several playgrounds throughout the park.
After you’ve had your fill of Wiener Prater, head to Schönscharf, a traditional Thai restaurant in Innere Stadt, the city’s first district. Schönscharf serves up authentic curries alongside Thai staples like papaya salad and grilled prawns. There are vegan and vegetarian options, and everything on the menu can be ordered for takeout.
If you’re dining with a friend, you can also order from Schönscharf’s summer specials menu — and get a little taste of almost everything on offer.
Sunday: Coffee and Culture
Vienna’s coffeehouses are famous the world over. The city’s residents love their java, and you owe it to yourself to try a mélange. This Viennese speciality is made from either espresso or filter coffee blended with hot milk, then topped with foam. We love the espresso-based mélange at Café Schwarzenberg, the oldest cafe on Vienna’s Ringstraße.
The atmosphere is cozy, yet refined. It’s the perfect place to linger over coffee and a pastry or two and watch the world go by.
Once you’re adequately caffeinated, stimulate your senses at the Belvedere Museum. This gorgeous art gallery set within a refurbished castle has a large collection of paintings by notable Austrian artists, including Gustav Klimt. There are also guided tours available for groups of up to 10 people. The palace was once the summer residence of the Prince of Savoy, and the beautiful gardens on the grounds are also worth exploring.
Do you want to keep exploring? Here’s our guide to some of Vienna’s districts.
Blueground wants all of our guests to feel like locals from day one, whether they stay with us for a month or a year — or longer. Our furnished apartments in Vienna and our other global markets are individually designed and equipped with absolutely everything our guests need to show up and start living. Find out more about the Blueground experience.
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