What to & Must Visit in Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that smoothly blends royal history with modern ideas. If you’re wondering what to & must visit in Vienna, this guide will take you through the must-see sights, culture, and food. From its grand palaces to cozy coffeehouses, this city offers a rich trip for travelers who love photography, culture, lifestyle, and food. As a digital nomad, I took a trip through Vienna and its nearby cities, capturing its charm through my lens while finding the ups and downs of its lifestyle—including my trouble finding weed in Vienna due to Austria’s tough laws.
What to & Must Visit in Vienna: A Photographer’s Dream
Vienna is a dream spot for photographers. The city is filled with stunning old buildings, cute alleys, and lively markets. Some of the must-visit photography spots include:
- Schönbrunn Palace – This 18th-century baroque palace offers amazing gardens and a wide view of the city.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral – A Gothic wonder, perfect for deep city shots.
- Belvedere Palace – Known for its pretty mirror pools and Gustav Klimt’s painting The Kiss.
- Naschmarkt – A busy market full of fresh food, spices, and street sellers, great for street photography.
What to & Must Visit in Vienna: The Culture Hub
Vienna is known for music, art, and deep history. Walking through the city, you’ll see tributes to music legends like Mozart and Beethoven, and some of the best museums in Europe:
- Kunsthistorisches Museum – Home to great Renaissance and Baroque works.
- Albertina Museum – A must-see for fans of modern and new art.
- Vienna State Opera – Even if you don’t watch a show, the inside is worth seeing.
Beyond museums, the coffeehouse culture is a key part of Viennese life. I spent hours working at Café Central, a classic café that once hosted Freud and Trotsky.
What to & Must Visit in Vienna: Tasting Local Food
A trip to Vienna is not complete without trying its classic dishes. Some foods that stood out during my visit include:
- Wiener Schnitzel – A crispy, golden veal cutlet served with potato salad.
- Sachertorte – A famous chocolate cake with apricot jam, best at Hotel Sacher.
- Kaiserschmarrn – Light shredded pancakes with powdered sugar.
- Street Food – Vienna has some great Würstelstand (sausage stands), selling Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) to Bosna (spicy sausage in a bun).
The Trouble with Weed in Vienna
As someone who looks into cannabis culture while traveling, weed in Vienna was tough to find. Austria has strict laws on fun-use weed, with holding it being illegal, though CBD items are easy to get. The closest choice was CBD shops selling hemp-based items, but the feeling wasn’t the same. If you’re planning to visit and are used to more relaxed weed laws, be ready to adjust your hopes.
What to & Must Visit in Vienna: Cheap Places to Stay
While Vienna has fancy hotels, there are plenty of budget-friendly stays that offer comfort without a big price. Here are a few great choices:
- Wombat’s City Hostel – A well-rated hostel with a fun social vibe, perfect for solo travelers.
- MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz – Cheap, stylish, and near the city center.
- Motel One Wien-Staatsoper – A budget-friendly hotel with nice rooms close to top sights.
If you’re traveling outside of Vienna, cities like Salzburg, Linz, and Graz also have cheap guesthouses and Airbnbs with pretty views of the Austrian countryside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what to visit Vienna & must visit Vienna, this city is a special place, full of history, culture, and tasty food. Whether you’re taking photos, enjoying its lively feel, or just having coffee in a classic café, there’s something for every traveler. While my trouble finding weed in Vienna was a downside, it didn’t take away from the joy of this great city.
For those planning to visit, check out some of my suggested travel gear below to make your trip smooth and fun!
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Happy travels!
– Digital Nomad