Ranked the most liveable city in the world for the 10th consecutive year by the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, Vienna attracts locals and visitors alike with outstanding attractions, magnificent restaurants, world-famous cafés, artisan shops, and fascinating street markets.
What to do
Tip: Visit viennapass.com to get hassle free entry into over 60 of the top attractions in the city.
Prater
An amusement park within a public park, Wurstelprater is old but gold, with a 65 metre high Ferris wheel that towers over the city.
Price: The park is free with rides costing between AED6 – AED20
Suggested time: 3-5 hour (bonus: it is open 24 hours a day!)
Spanish Riding School
One of the oldest of its kind in the world (seriously, it was founded in 1572), this school is a real treat for animal lovers or those interested in the classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition.
Price: AED30 – AED73 (children below 6 enter free)
Suggested time: 1-2 hours
Fun fact: The famous Lipizzaner horses perform during their morning workouts or during gala events.
The Belvedere
Calling all architecture and art lovers. With its two Baroque palaces, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you will experience 800 years of art ranging from the Middle Ages to present day, while the Belvedere 21 is a showcase for contemporary art.
Price: AED102 (children under 18 enter free)
Suggested time: 2-3 hours in each area
Tip: Remember to hold on to your tickets to get access to each museum.
Schönbrunn Palace
Built in the 17th century, this fortress in Vienna was the summerhouse of the Austrian imperial family for several hundred years – with a count of 1,441 rooms. Its stunning architecture, luxurious interiors, and beautiful gardens are well worth a visit.
Price: AED43 – AED71 (children under 6 enter free)
Suggested time: 4-6 hours
Schönbrunn Zoo
Built over 267 years ago, this imperial menagerie is known as the oldest zoo in the world, and is home to over 8,500 animals from more than 700 different species.
Price: AED41 – AED82 (Children under 6 free)
Suggested time: 3-5 hours
Tip: You may want to get a family day pass for AED245. This is valid for 2 adults and 3 children.
Did you know?
The Palace of Schönbrunn, its gardens, and zoo belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schönbrunn.
A Big Bus Tour is a great way to see all the sights of Vienna. Designed to entertain every member of the family with onboard commentary, you can hop off at any stop to explore the city. Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel and discover dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum, then visit the many palaces that dot the city. When you’ve seen it, done it, and group selfied it, simply re-join the tour.
Tip: Visit the Tiergarten Schönbrunn zoo where you can walk through a rainforest house, experience desert conditions, see a live coral reef, and call in on the giant pandas.
What to eat
Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
With its flaky crust and spiced apple and raisin filling, and topped with sprinklings of cinnamon and sugar, this Austrian delicacy is great as a standalone dessert or coupled with your favourite hot drink.
Cafe Stein offers a special Sunday service to relieve stressed parents. Mum and dad can enjoy an undisturbed breakfast whilst an experienced minder takes care of the youngsters in the kids’ room.
Wiener Schnitzel
One of Austria’s national dishes, this thin cutlet, usually of veal, is breaded and then pan-fried. Found in many restaurants and eateries in the city, it is something for every meat lover to try.
Wiener Wurstel (Viennese Sausages)
One of the best and cheapest things to eat in the city is the on-the-go snack. Readily available, this meaty street food is served in slices (unlike its US and UK counterparts) with mustard and ketchup.
Where to stay
Courtyard by Marriott Vienna Prater/Messe (4-star)
Highly rated for its comfortable beds (booking.com) and with the scenic landscape of the Heart of downtown Vienna, this luxury hotel is a mere 10-minute walking distance from the city centre.
Price: *AED800 per night for 1 room, 2 adults, and 2 children
Breakfast available
Multilingual staff
Ibis Styles Wien City Hotel (3-star)
Known as the Vienna ‘home away from home’, this hotel offers families the promise of relaxation, a great breakfast buffet, and a good time.
Price: *AED700 per night for 1 room, 2 adults, and 2 children
Breakfast available
Multilingual staff
Family-friendly
Children’s activities
ActiLingua Apartment Hotel (3-star)
Stylishly modern with a touch of classic charm, your family is sure to enjoy this spacious and airy Vienna home. Located about 5-10 minutes walking distance from the metro line puts you at ease of transport to all the wonderful attractions.
Price: *AED600 per night for 1 room, 2 adults, and 2 children
Breakfast available
Multilingual staff
*Prices are based on an average from booking.com, tripadvisor.com, and expedia.com for the first week of October and are subject to change.