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Picture of Vienna, Austria

Travel Guide for
Vienna

Austria

Temperate, warm summers, cold winters

Introduction

Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, sits along the Danube River and is famous for its imperial history, stunning architecture, and vibrant coffee culture. During mid-December, the city transforms into a festive wonderland with crisp winter air and temperatures around 0°C, perfect for cozying up with friends.

You can explore grand sites like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or wander through whimsical Christmas markets with mulled wine and sweet treats. Vienna’s lively arts scene, historic cafés, and affordable group activities—like skating at Rathausplatz or attending a classical concert—make it an ideal getaway with friends on a budget.

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Travelling with friends · 12–17 Dec · Average budget

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Picture of Vienna, Austria

Itinerary for Vienna · December 2025

Itinerary

Vienna · December 2025

Viewing Day 1 · Sat 13 Dec. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.

  1. 1
    Stroll Through Vienna’s Christmas Markets at Rathausplatz
    Kick off your Vienna adventure by exploring the festive Christmas market at Rathausplatz. Enjoy the twinkling lights, artisan stalls, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit with friends in the heart of Vienna!
  2. 2
    Historic Walk Down Graben and Kohlmarkt
    Take a scenic walk down Vienna’s vibrant Graben and Kohlmarkt streets, famous for elegant holiday decorations and chic shops. Experience the city’s festive buzz and admire the beautiful baroque architecture all around you!
  3. 3
    Coffee and Cake at Café Central
    Relax and savor a traditional Viennese coffee and cake at the iconic Café Central. This historic café is perfect for soaking up Vienna’s culture while enjoying delicious pastries in a grand setting that dates back to 1876.
Christmas at Schönbrunn Palace Vienna: Classical Concert and Christmas Market

Christmas at Schönbrunn Palace Vienna: Classical Concert and Christmas Market

4.2 (45 reviews)

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As an ideal addition to a Christmas music evening, we offer culinary vouchers that can be redeemed at any gastronomic stand at the Christmas Market Schoenbrunn. • Christmas market culinary voucher (includes 1 mug, 1 hot drink & 1 dish) • Classical concert at Orangery Schoenbrunn Visit the Christmas market during the opening time! 8. November to 6. January | 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM except christmas and new year's eve The Concert starts normally at 8:30 P.M.* *except: 24.12. 3:00 P.M. 25.-30.12. 8:30 P.M. 31.12. 7:00 P.M. 01.01. 4:00 P.M. & 8.30 P.M.

From €84 EUR

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Key Facts

Location

Eastern Austria

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

1,950,000

Language

German, English, Turkish

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type F/C

Time zone

UTCCET (UTC+1)

Country code

+43

Internet access

High-speed, widely available, moderate cost

Climate

Temperate, warm summers, cold winters

See More Austria Facts

Language:

German

  • hello

    hallo (hah-loh)
  • goodbye

    auf wiedersehen (owf vee-der-zay-en)
  • yes

    ja (yah)
  • no

    nein (nine)
  • how much

    wie viel kostet das? (vee feel kohs-tet dahs)
  • please

    bitte (bit-tuh)
  • thank you

    danke (dahn-kuh)
  • excuse me

    entschuldigung (ent-shool-dee-goong)

Logistics

Vienna is easily accessible by air, train, and bus, making it great for group travel on an average budget. Vienna International Airport (VIE) hosts many international flights, and city center connections are quick via train or bus. Numerous European cities are also linked to Vienna by efficient and budget-friendly trains, like ÖBB or Railjet.

For affordable travel, international buses—such as FlixBus—run frequent routes throughout Europe. Direct Danube River cruises are less common, but seasonal boats from nearby cities like Bratislava are an option. Between December 12 and 17, expect cold temperatures and possible snow, so allow for minor weather-related transit delays and dress warmly for comfortable city travel.

Weather

Vienna has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters, from December to February, are cold, with average temperatures between -1°C and 4°C (30–39°F). Snowfall is possible, and days are often cloudy, but the festive atmosphere brightens the city with holiday lights and Christmas markets.

From December 12 to December 17, expect chilly temperatures and the chance of light snow or rain. Extreme weather is uncommon, but cold snaps can happen, so dress warmly. The crisp air and early sunsets add a cozy charm to Vienna’s arts, culture, and gastronomy scenes, making sightseeing and festive events especially magical during this period.

Food & Drink

Vienna’s local cuisine is famous for Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Apfelstrudel, best enjoyed with a glass of Austrian wine or locally brewed beer. Traditional drinks also include Viennese coffee, often savored in iconic cafés like Café Central or Café Sperl. For hearty and budget-friendly meals, try Gasthaus Pöschl or Figlmüller for schnitzel.

Vibrant spots like Naschmarkt offer street food and diverse international flavors, while Gösser Bierklinik is great for classic beer and Austrian fare with friends. Vegan and vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in trendy districts. Tipping is customary—round up the bill or leave about 5–10% for good service. Reservations are advised on weekends and holidays.

A picture of Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish consisting of a thinly pounded veal cutlet, coated in breadcrumbs, and...

A picture of Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel, also known as apple strudel, is a delectable Austrian dessert made with paper-thin layers of flaky pastry...

A picture of Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle is a comforting dish of soft egg noodles mixed with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and topped with...

A picture of Sachertorte

Sachertorte

Sachertorte is a famous Viennese chocolate cake distinguished by its layers of dense chocolate sponge cake, spread with...

A picture of Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy, shredded pancake dish that is lightly sweetened and often studded with raisins. It is...

Accommodation

For a trip with friends on an average budget, the Innere Stadt (1st District) is great for walking to major sights, while Mariahilf or Leopoldstadt offer a lively vibe and affordable stays. Popular mid-range hotels like Motel One or Hotel Beethoven are comfortable and central—find great deals on Hotels.com.

If you prefer hostels, Wombat’s City Hostel and a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof are social, clean, and wallet-friendly. For a unique experience, check out boutique hotels in Neubau, a trendy artsy district. December 12-17 covers the festive Christmas market season, so book early on Hotels.com, as accommodations fill up fast during these dates.

Attractions

5.0 (46 reviews)
Private Tour to Wachau-Hallstatt-Salzburg

Private Tour to Wachau-Hallstatt-Salzburg

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Our private full day trip from Bratislava-Vienna shows you the must-see places in Austria in a comfortable and flexible manner. First we bring you to the highlight of the picturesque Wachau Valley, the most romantic village Durnstein on the Danube River. The next highlight is the City of the Sound of Music - Salzburg, where you will have free time to stroll through the same scenes in the Old Town that you can see in the film and enjoy the world capital of classical music.

From €290 EUR

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5.0 (44 reviews)
Private tour of historical Vienna with Jan

Private tour of historical Vienna with Jan

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This private tour gives you an insight into the history of Vienna and Austria through a leisurely stroll in the city’s old town. The stories and topics are many, and all equally fascinating: Learn about one of the greatest dynasties in the world, the Habsburgs. Witness how their influence shaped Vienna and understand why the city is a baroque centrepiece in History. Uncover some of their biggest stories and the Grande Finale as their Empire came to a disastrous end a bit more than 100 years ago. It was a Golden age for Vienna, but also a schizophrenic one; modern, progressive, but also antisemitic and nationalistic. Surrounded by stunning art and architecture, and with these stories and more to guide you, I bring life to these ancient monuments and make this an immersive and unforgettable experience.

From €360 EUR

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5.0 (38 reviews)
A private Historical Walking Tour in Vienna

A private Historical Walking Tour in Vienna

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Experience Vienna at your own pace with a private walking tour that combines in-depth local knowledge, iconic landmarks, and a few hidden gems — all tailored to your interests. This is not a group tour. It's just you (and your companions), your expert local guide, and Vienna’s magnificent Old Town. We'll start by picking you up directly from your hotel/accommodation or we meet at the meeting point. From there, your guide will lead you on a relaxed walk through Vienna’s most beautiful historic areas, bringing centuries of imperial history, music, art, and culture to life with fascinating stories and personal insights. Whether you're interested in royal palaces, Mozart and Beethoven, Viennese coffeehouse culture, Jewish heritage, or hidden courtyards, we’ll shape the tour around what you care about most.

From €260 EUR

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5.0 (33 reviews)
Vienna Woods Wine Tour - Wines, Vines & Good Times!

Vienna Woods Wine Tour - Wines, Vines & Good Times!

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Lower Austria is the cradle of Austrian viticulture, so we want to take you to the beautiful forests & vineyards of the Thermal Region, just south of Vienna. Home to traditionally quaint wine villages and some unique local varietals, we showcase the finest in farm-to-table Austrian wine tours. In summer, we'll hike through these foothills to the alps along forested trails, as well as through lush green vineyards on their southern facing slopes. We'll stop en route to appreciate some beautifully expansive views over the forest canopy & the Vienna basin over to Hungary & Slovakia, before reaching one of Austria's oldest wine villages for lunch and a winery visit. In the winter time, instead of the hike, we visit two wineries to focus our attention more on the history of Thermal Region wine making, and on meeting a local vintner to learn about modern day wine production - all with glasses of the best the region has to offer in our hands, of course!

From €149 EUR

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5.0 (28 reviews)
Private World War II Walking Tour in Vienna

Private World War II Walking Tour in Vienna

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On March 15, 1938, from the balcony at Vienna’s Heldenplatz, or Heroes Square, infamous dictator Adolf Hitler delivered his speech announcing the Anschluss to a crowd of more than 200,000 people. Thus, Austria became part of the Third Reich, and Nazi Germany. Travel back in time, and join our World War II expert on a 2,5 hour private walk through the inner city of Vienna, where you will learn everything about Adolf Hitler’s youth spent in Vienna, the rise of the National Socialism, the war itself, its victims and perpetrators, Hitler’s eventual downfall, and the post war years where Vienna was occupied by the Allied powers. Stops will include (but are not limited to): War and Fascism Memorial State Opera Schillerplatz Heldenplatz Cafe Central Judenplatz St. Stephen’s Cathedral Karl Lueger Platz If you’d like to delve further into Austrian World War II history, and explore sights and attractions outside of the inner city, consider upgrading to our World War II 5-hour tour package.

From €375 EUR

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5.0 (28 reviews)
Private Tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum: Secrets of Masterpieces | Tickets included

Private Tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum: Secrets of Masterpieces | Tickets included

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The title of masterpiece gives a work of art a special status and if you are going to visit a museum for the first time, you want to see famous works by renowned masters. The Museum of the History of Art in Vienna has many paintings, gems and statues that count to the world famous masterpieces. They include paintings by Rembrandt, Cranach, Vermeer, Raphael and Caravaggio, sculptures by Canova, Gianbologna as well as works by ancient Greek and Roman artists. And you don't need experts to enjoy their works. This tour of the museum is for those who value both an aesthetic pleasure as well as an intellectual one. We will go through all the collections of one of the best art museums in the world and look at masterpieces from different perspectives to understand why this particular work, and not the neighbouring one, has made on the shortlist of must-see objects. To do this, we'll follow the museum's list of most valuable exhibits and I'll not only tell you their official histories and characteristics, I'll also explain how artists have used our cognition and clever self-promotion. We will also discuss the fickleness of worldly fame and the role of the spirit and the taste of the times. Among the major masterpieces we will break down in detail are Benvenuto Cellini's "Saliera", Raphael's "Madonna in the Meadow", Peter Brueghel's "The Tower of Babel" and "Hunters in the Snow", Caravaggio's "Madonna with Beads", Vermeer's "Allegory of Painting" as well as The Reserve Head from the Egyptian collection and Sarcophagus with Amazons from the Greek collection. On a tour with me you can not only enjoy the art, but also learn to navigate a little more in the intricacies of such a subtle matter as "genius".

From €240 EUR

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5.0 (26 reviews)
Private Tour of the Belvedere Palace with an Art Historian: "Pictures of Austrian Identities". Art & History Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets

Private Tour of the Belvedere Palace with an Art Historian: "Pictures of Austrian Identities". Art & History Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets

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How would you describe Vienna - the capital of culture? The birthplace of the waltz? The birthplace of psychoanalysis? All of these, and more, are true characteristics of the Austrian capital. The Genius Loci (spirit of place) is packed with details and you won't find them in quite as many places as in Belvedere. Do you want to discover what works of art from the different eras can tell you about the specific Austrian and Viennese identity? Then take a tour of the Belvedere and gain an insight into the different facets of the national character. In Gustav Klimt's golden "Judith" and "The Kiss" we can explore why female sexuality is the focus of medical interest in Vienna. The troubling mood of Egon Schiele's "Embrace" and "The Girl and Death" can also help us understand why this city became the birthplace of psychoanalysis. The ornate baroque decoration of the palace, the accent on the ancient heroic themes will explain the special imperial atmosphere of the city, in which the Viennese live and in which tourists so eagerly dive. And Ferdinand Waldmüller's pellucid paintings will try to enchant us by showing the famous "Viennese cosiness" and we have to make an effort to see what tragedies lie behind these well-marketed images. The gilding of medieval altars and Klimt's golden masterpieces, the sparks of intellectual life and Viennese humour that glimmer through the sombre paintings of Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka - what really makes this famous palace's collection shine? And what exactly shows us the true face of the (former imperial) capital? The answers to these questions await you in the galleries of Belvedere Palace.

From €195 EUR

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5.0 (26 reviews)
Private Introduction to Vienna Walking Tour

Private Introduction to Vienna Walking Tour

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Discover Vienna's multi-faceted history on a 3-hour small-group, history walking tour with an expert scholar guide. Marvel at the city's iconic buildings and admire their prestigious history and breath-taking architecture. Admire Stephansdom, Museum Quartier, and many other iconic sites.

From €470 EUR

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5.0 (24 reviews)
Private Vienna Music Tour

Private Vienna Music Tour

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More composers have lived in Vienna than in any other city in the world-find out why on our private Vienna music tour! Our musical odyssey will begin with a private guided tour at the State Opera house (entrance fee NOT included) where you will get behind-the-scenes access to the most famous opera house in the world. Afterwards, we'll embark on a leisurely musical stroll through the inner city of Vienna. Stops will include (but are not limited to): - Palais Lobkowitz (where Beethoven premiered his Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” and the home of his main patron) - Hofburg Imperial Chapel (where the Vienna Boys Choir perform every Sunday) - The Mozart Memorial - Former dance salon where the Waltz King Johann Strauss made the ladies swoon - St. Stephen's Cathedral - Mozart's home and many more! Heads up! Your tour includes skip-the-line entry at the Opera House, but the ticket price is not covered in the tour fee. You'll need to pay for your Opera House ticket at the entrance.

From €375 EUR

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5.0 (23 reviews)
Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries with a Winemaker

Taste and Tour Small Organic Wineries with a Winemaker

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As a vineyard owner, winemaker, and a student of viticulture I can offer guests my unique experience and education. I will be able to show them up close and with hands-on experience what it takes to make wine from the soil to the bottling process. In addition, I am very close with the wine-making community in Krems which affords me the opportunity to create curated experiences for my guests. Lastly, in my 25-year career at IBM, I worked with colleagues and partners from more than 50 countries around the world, I have international experience with people of all types of backgrounds and cultures.

From €95 EUR

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