Vienna has many impressive distinctions.
It is the capital of Austria and one of the nine states of the country, with nearly 2 million inhabitants and its most populous city.
Vienna has been the economic and cultural heart of the country for generations, and every year guests from all over the world come to this historic city to experience some of the most memorable sights on the European continent.
Vienna is steeped in history, but it’s also a center for commerce, entertainment, and gastronomy, full of impressive architecture.
Here are 14 of the best tours in Vienna.
1. Private Vienna Welcome Tour with Local Guide
Back in the late ’70s, Billy Joel declared: “Vienna is waiting for you.”
Whether you took a tip and visited it at the time, or just started visiting four years later, Vienna is definitely a city to experience.
This private, guided, welcome tour introduces new guests to the city’s most popular attractions and is a great way to get started quickly for those with limited time.
Tours can range from 2 to 4 hours depending on the time available and the interests of the participants, meaning you will only spend time on what you want to see.
Entrance fee, food and beverages, and optional activities are not included.
View prices and reviews
2. Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
For most of its existence, Schönbrunn was home to the Habsburg dynasty that ruled the country for generations.
Needless to say, they go out of their way to arrange luxury dates, and for many travelers, the time spent on site is one of the most memorable experiences of their travels.
Priceless artwork, gilded furniture, expansive gardens and dozens of staterooms are some of the palace’s most impressive features, and guests will learn about the family and country’s history with knowledgeable guides.
Tours usually last a few hours, and entry to the Royal Catacombs is optional at the time of booking.
View prices and reviews
3. Lipizzaner performance
For those who don’t know much about horses, the Lipizzaner is a majestic breed that has been trained for generations.
Lipizzaners are said to be the oldest breed in Europe, and their feats seem to defy the laws of physics.
In fact, they are such an impressive cultural attraction that they have been recognized as a cultural heritage symbol by UNESCO.
The hours-long extravaganza usually leaves the audience breathless, and is accompanied by traditional Viennese music that adds to the already unique and inspiring atmosphere.
Tickets tend to sell out quickly during peak hours, so plan ahead if you’re going to visit.
View prices and reviews
4. Vienna Cafe Guided Tour
If you can’t have a coffee in a coffee-loving town like Vienna in three hours, you’re just not trying hard enough.
Participants will not only taste the best Javanese delicacies in the city, but will also learn how the beans are roasted, ground and transformed into an addictive elixir.
Vienna has a unique coffee culture that most visitors find appealing, and there’s no better way to experience it than with this guided coffee tour.
It’s reserved for small groups, so it’s perfect for those traveling with friends and family.
View prices and reviews
5. Lunch Sightseeing Cruise
Boat trips along the Danube are ideal for international tourists who want to see this historic city for the first time from a unique perspective.
The cruise lasts about an hour and includes lunch soup, main course and desert.
The boat is stable and comfortable, and offers guests plenty of indoor areas from which to relax or take in the scenery if the weather turns bad.
You’ll see many of the city’s most famous sights, as well as many stunning examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
View prices and reviews
6. Pie display and tasting at Schönbrunn Palace
Pies take center stage in the lives of many Austrians.
In fact, it’s so popular that many tours offer tourists trips to pie bakeries, which always include a tasting.
Vienna’s famous Schönbrunn Palace is an important attraction and has been one of the city’s baking centers for centuries.
Guests will see how the Viennese pie is made from start to finish, and even get a copy of the original recipe at home.
It definitely won’t be as good as what you eat at Schönbrunn, but you’ll have plenty of chances to eat your fair share before leaving.
View prices and reviews
7. Bus Panorama Night Tour
Vienna is an amazing city no matter when you see it, but many consider it extra special at night.
A great way to end a busy day, this one-hour bus tour offers international guests the option of listening to an audio guide in nearly 20 languages.
Participants will see the Vienna State Opera Building, Belvedere Palace, Natural History Museum and more.
While you can only see them on the bus, you can choose to visit them yourself when you visit them later.
The tour ends early to go out for a nightcap or two.
View prices and reviews
8. Vienna Classical Orchestra at St. Peter’s Church
According to historians, it took nearly 30 years to build St. Peter’s Church in the early 18th century.
Thankfully, Foreman isn’t in a rush, as it’s now one of the city’s most impressive Baroque buildings and regularly hosts premier music events.
Vienna’s classical ensemble includes wonderful classical music from Old World masters such as Bach, Mozart and Schubert.
The evening lasts about an hour and starts on time at 8:00pm, so don’t be late.
Food, drinks, and transportation to and from the church are not included, but it’s close to public transportation so it shouldn’t be a problem getting there.
View prices and reviews
9. Nabiel’s Cooking Class and Naschmarket Tasting Tour
Small group private tours are a great way to get a more unique experience than larger private tours.
This cooking class and tasting tour combo is just the ticket for foodies and those who prefer to get their hands dirty rather than see things from afar.
During the cooking class portion of the trip, you’ll learn many traditional Viennese techniques, such as how to make schnitzels, often rated the best in the world.
You will then head to the Maschmarket to explore and taste the variety of food the vendors have to offer.
There are also options for vegetarians and those with food allergies and dietary restrictions, so please check with your travel agent before booking.
View prices and reviews
10. Vienna Segway Tour
Segways are a great way to get around quickly, and they’re very safe and fun for most ages.
Vienna’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s full of interesting contemporary and historical attractions that can easily be seen together on this 3-hour whirlwind tour.
This is a private, guided small group tour, so guests can customize their experience, meaning no time is wasted on things that don’t fit their interests.
If you’ve never used a Segway, it’s no big deal because they’re easy and you’ll get all the guidance you need before you set off on a sightseeing tour.
View prices and reviews
11. Vienna Highlights Bike Tour
While Segways have their place in urban touring, they’re not very fast, are limited by terrain, and don’t allow a lot of exercise from the rider.
Enter the traditional bicycle – a reliable means of transport, do not know how long.
Led by a local guide, this 3-hour Vienna bike tour includes many of the city’s most iconic and photogenic sights.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Austrian Parliament are among the main attractions, while the sweeping views of the Danube are a perennial favorite.
Participants will have time to stop, relax, take a few photos, and enjoy a cold drink along the way.
View prices and reviews
12. Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Hop-on hop-off bus tours have grown in popularity in recent years, as they offer activity-minded travelers the option to venture out on their own when the spirits move.
Valid for 1, 2 or 3 days, these Vienna tour tickets allow guests to explore many of the impressive city sights in a comfortable double-decker bus.
Tours include multiple routes, free Wi-Fi and reviews.
Riders can get off at any stop they like and choose to spend as much or as little time as possible.
Tours usually last 1.5 to 2 hours.
View prices and reviews
13. Full-Day Vienna Woods Wine Tour
Vienna is a vibrant and bustling city of nearly 2 million inhabitants, and although it is full of attractions, many tourists need a break from the urban environment after a few days.
Thankfully, the Austrian countryside is my feature of towering mountains, green pastures, old-growth forests and idyllic panoramas.
It’s also home to some amazing wineries that have been producing world-class products for hundreds of years.
Lower Austria is the wine heart of the country, and the tour will start at the city’s main train station, before a scenic trip to the spa area and the Vienna Woods.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a tour and wine tasting at two wineries, and interesting commentary from a knowledgeable guide along the way.
View prices and reviews
14. Vienna Musical Private Guided Tour
Vienna has always been a city with a rich musical history, and this 5-hour guided tour is the perfect way for music lovers to find satisfaction in a relatively short amount of time.
With your private guide, you’ll explore sights such as the State Opera House and Mozart Haus, where the famous composer lived many years ago.
You’ll also visit the tombs of masters such as Beethoven and Schubert, and learn about the city’s history and culture from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
Previous guests have described the tour as informative and fun, but it may not be suitable for those travelling with young children.
View prices and reviews
15. Vienna House Orchestra Concert Ticket
Unforgettable musical evenings are not uncommon in Vienna, but these concert tickets for the Vienna Residence Orchestra offer visitors a truly unforgettable experience with one of the continent’s most famous orchestras.
The baroque Palais Auerspert, where Wolfgang Mozart performed many of his most monumental works, has been one of the country’s entertainment and cultural centers for many years.
Although the palace is most closely associated with Mozart, it also played other works by composers such as Joseph Haydn and Christoph Gluck.
The concert starts at 8:15 and lasts about 90 minutes.
Check Prices & Reviews Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Vienna, Austria
Lowest Price Guarantee
