How to Explore Vienna as a Solo Budget Traveller

Austria is generally considered a safe place for solo travellers. Still, I didn't realise how welcoming it was until I embarked on a journey to Vienna. Despite initially plannin to skip this city, Vienna's beauty, exceptional coffee, and grand palaces surprised this solo traveller.

The Journey to Vienna

Vienna is easy to access via plane, starting with a 2.5-hour flight from London. Trains are available from many European cities. However, the journey to Vienna via rail is often long, costly, and unnecessarily stressful, with multiple stopovers.

Once you arrive at Vienna Airport, follow the signs to the City Airport Train (CAT) to access the city. These signs will take you directly past ticket machines, available in German and English, to purchase your rail transfer from the airport. Train announcements on the CAT are not translated into English, so follow your journey on Maps or have your translator ready.

Where to Stay

There are many great suburbs to base yourself in, from Mariahilf to Leopoldstadt. However, staying in Innere Stadt, Vienna's charming old centre, positions you within walking distance of the best attractions, restaurants and coffee houses.

Staying in this area also reduces the need to use public transport. As a solo traveller without a car and little knowledge of the language, I found this made my time in Vienna more relaxing.

Innere Stadt accommodation can be expensive. However, hotels like Ibis are available nearby, so staying here isn't impossible for budget travellers. Saint Stephens Cathedral is located in the heart of Vienna, so consider its proximity to hotels when searching for accommodation.

Coffee

Whether you are a serious coffee drinker or not, experiencing Viennese coffee is a must. The complexity and richness of even the simplest latte can only be understood in one of Vienna's many coffee houses.

Some cafés even act like a public lounge room, making them the perfect environment for a solo introvert. Café Central is popular among tourists and locals, making it a good place to start your coffee journey.

Food

There are so many great places to eat and drink that I couldn't possibly list them all. However, these are the best cafés and restaurants I have found in Vienna.

Joma

Despite being a fantastic lunch or evening cocktail spot, I suggest ordering the Birchen muesli and fresh juice for breakfast. Joma can get busy, so be prepared to wait for a table or ensure that you book in advance.

Coffee Fellows - coffee, bagels, breakfast

Located amongst the shops of Mariahilf, Coffee Fellows provides a seat for those wishing to take a break. Serving perfectly brewed coffee and bagels, this café is fantastic for lunch.

Offerl Wollzeile 31

This bakery is a sweet tooth's direct link to the best cakes and pastries. You won't be disappointed with this bakery. Offerl Wollzeile 31 is also a great place to buy bread for your morning toast if breakfast is not included at your hotel.

Wurstelstand Leo

Wurstelstand Leo is a great option for solo travellers on a budget. Its signature dish is sausages, which will certainly satisfy your growling stomach.

Café Frauenhube

Known as one of Vienna's oldest cafés, Café Fraueghube is yet another place for coffee and cake. Although savoury dishes are served, you shouldn't leave without buying one of their classic Viennese chocolate cakes.

Tours

Horse-drawn Carriage (Fiaker) Rides

The old town and Hofburg Palace make a beautiful backdrop for a horse-drawn carriage ride. These generally require two people, so solo travellers will pay double to ride. However, if you can afford it, I highly recommend booking a fiaker tour at one of the stands in the city or on Get Your Guide.

Vienna Big Bus Tours

This hop-on, hop-off bus provides 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets and is a great first-day tour that helps visitors discover the city. Tickets are available on Get Your Guide, but I suggest visiting the Big Bus ticket stand opposite Zara on Mariahilf. If time permits, add the scenic river cruise to your ticket.

Do it Yourself

Booking tours as a solo traveller can be hard as they are often cancelled due to low occupancy, especially in low season. You can visit several attractions within and around Innere Stadt with a good pair of walking shoes. Many walking tours start from the Albertina Museum, so this could be a good spot to start your day. Ivie, Vienna's city guide app, may also help with your DIY tour.

Palaces

Whether you visit Hofburg Palace, Schonbrunn Palace or Belvedere Palace, these grand structures will leave you in awe. It's worth going inside at least one Palace, even if you aren't a history buff.

Hofburg Palace

Due to its central city location, Hofburg Palace is a good choice for short stays as it is easily accessible by foot. The Imperial Apartments, Spanish Riding School, Sisi Museum, and Imperial Treasury can be explored within half a day.

Since the courtyards and gardens are free to explore, travellers can also experience the Palace on a budget. Hofburg Chapel and Heldenplatz are two interesting and free places to visit at Hofburg.

Schonbrunn Palace

Considered one of Vienna's most popular attractions, this Palace requires a 30-minute tram ride outside the city. Between the gardens, zoo and touring the inside of Schonbrunn Palace, you may need to dedicate an entire day to this attraction.

Despite its lavish chandeliers and elegant ballroom, this Viennese summer palace is expensive and may not suit budget travellers. Regardless, the two-hour guided or self-guided tour provides insight into the life of 17th and 18th century royals.

Belvedere Palace

This Palace is known for its extensive art collection. Upper Belvedere houses The Kiss, a Gustav Klimt painting, and Lower Belvedere contains a medieval art exhibition.

Lower and Upper Belvedere are in separate buildings, each with an admission fee. As a budget solo traveller, I only visited Lower Belvedere. Despite not being an art enthusiast, I thought the medieval stables and Renaissance rooms of this Palace were a great place to spend an afternoon.

Shopping

Vienna's streets are a paradise for shoppers of all kinds. Mariahilf is a good option for big brand names and souvenirs. There are also some great bakeries and chocolate shops in every corner surrounding this area, so visit Mariahilf on an empty stomach.

If you're looking for quirky boutiques, explore the old town near Hofburg Palace. Browsing its spectacular window displays, filled with everything from bags to cuckoo clocks, also allows budget travellers to shop without feeling pressured to buy something. Finally, Neusmarkt, located in Vienna's University, is the place for foodies. This market also hosts a flea market on Saturdays.

After spending five nights in Vienna, I found it hard to leave. With its friendly locals, a bakery on every street, and historic buildings towering over you, solo travellers will feel at home in this grand city.