FAQ for Vienna
We at My Guide Vienna have put together a list of the most commonly asked questions about Vienna and Austria. If you feel there is something worth adding, please feel free to contact us.
- Which is the best time of the year to visit Vienna? Vienna is great at ANY time of the year, no matter if spring (famous for its lilac bushes everywhere in the city), summer (enjoy the local music venues and events or Danube beaches), autumn (spend your evenings at the wine taverns in the vineyards) or winter (Christmas Markets everywhere). It will always be a trip to remember!
- I have only got a short time in Vienna. What are the most important sites to see? This is a difficult question, as Vienna has so many sights and things to do. Check our Vienna's TOP ATTRACTIONS section and pick what you like most - we have made sure this is well worth your time and you will be pleased to get some help here. Also, if you really want to go "local" there is many insider tips you should check out as they will make sure you have an unforgettable time in Vienna.
- Do I need a Visa for Austria? Holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa. Nationals from EU-countries as well as Switzerland and Liechtenstein may remain for an unlimited time. For further information check Austrias official visa info link.
- Is Vienna safe? Vienna happens to be one of the safest cities in the world. Even though it is one of the most visited cities of Europe, and with tourist season being open all year round, the city has not been witness to many violent crimes. The city is one of the safest destinations for lone travelers, but also for females and elderly tourists - harassment is not common. Check out our Practical Information section for more information.
- Is Vienna easy to get around? Public transport in Vienna is one of the most efficient and best developed in the world and definitely the best way to get around the city. The city centre is quite small so it is easy to get around on foot, otherwise biking is an excellent alternative.
- Where should I stay in Vienna? There are a number of different accommodation options in Vienna which vary hugely in location, price and style. From hostels to 5 star hotels, where you stay is dependening on your preference and budget. Check out our Accommodation guide.
- Is it safe to drink water from the tap in Vienna? Yes, very much so! Vienna’s water flows directly from the mountain springs in the Styrian/Lower Austrian Alps, reaching the Austrian capital 36 hours later, without pumps and under the strictest regulations. It’s not for nothing that Vienna is the best city in the world to live in!
- How can I get from the airport to the city centre or my hotel? The airport is very close to the city centre (approx. 15km) so all options are quick and easy. Your best bet is the airport train CAT - best to check out our airport transfer site for further information.
- Should I take a tour in Vienna or is it better to travel independently? Whether or not you decide to take a tour in Vienna depends on your personal preference. While some visitors like to have a pre-arranged package or custom tour with an expert guide, others prefer to organise their trip themselves. We can recommend you the best tour and sightseeing operators, or your individual private tour guides - they have been carefully selected after quality and ability to accommodate customer needs.
- Do I need any vaccinations for a trip to Vienna? No. There are no vaccinations required in Austria.
- How cheap/expensive is Vienna? Vienna ranks at number 24 in the world ranking of expensive cities. The cost of accommodation and food is generally lower than in most of the attractive European and North American cities, but is generally more expensive than other central/eastern Europe countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, etc.).
- What language is spoken in Austria? Will it be hard to get by with English? German is the official language of Austria. You will have no problem getting by in English as locals in Vienna are used to visitors, and are used to communicate with them.
- Should I take out travel insurance before visiting Austria? Yes, although as a EU or western citizen you will have no problems as you are covered with your local EU insurance plan. Please check our Medical section for further details.
- What is there to do for children in Vienna? Vienna is a very child-friendly place with lots of activities and adventures for children. Check out our section on visiting Vienna with kids.
- Should you tip in Vienna? Tipping habits and amounts are pretty much the same in Vienna as elsewhere in major western cities. Tip porters, taxi drivers, waiters and waitresses, hairdressers and anybody who fixes anything for you during your stay. There are no hard and fast rules, and it's hard to offend... The only people you really must tip are taxi drivers and restaurant or bar staff. If you don't tip them, it's considered a sign that you were very dissatisfied with the food, drink or journey. When tipping, normally add 5% to 15% to the bill so it's rounded up to a convenient number. So if the bill is 9 Euro, round up to 10. If it's 25, round up to 27. It's flexible.
In case you have further questions or need some advice - please do not hesitate to contact us by mail. We will make sure you get an answer asap.
