Vienna is a traditional city known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven.. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Vienna that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Vienna?
You should plan to spend around $192 (€176) per day on your vacation in Vienna. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $63 (€58) on meals
- $20 (€19) on local transportation
- $204 (€187) on hotels
A one week trip to Vienna for two people costs, on average, $2,685 (€2,464). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,343
€1,232
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,685
€2,464
-
One Month
Per person
$5,754
€5,280
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,685
€2,464
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,370
€4,928
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,508
€10,560
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Vienna cost?
A one week trip to Vienna usually costs around $1,343 (€1,232) for one person and $2,685 (€2,464) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Vienna on average costs around $2,685 (€2,464) for one person and $5,370 (€4,928) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Vienna will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Vienna on average costs around $5,754 (€5,280) for one person and $11,508 (€10,560) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Vienna expensive to visit?
Vienna is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Vienna has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $74 (€67) per day, mid-range travelers spend $192 (€176) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $516 (€472) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vienna.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Vienna is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Saint-Tropez or Pompeii.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Vienna Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Vienna?
The average Vienna trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vienna travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vienna cost?
Vienna on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$38
(€35)
|
$102
(€94)
|
$290
(€266)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(€7.09)
|
$20
(€19)
|
$55
(€50)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(€23)
|
$63
(€58)
|
$155
(€142)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
(€15)
|
$42
(€38)
|
$106
(€97)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€3-10)
|
$9-28
(€9-26)
|
$24-73
(€22-67)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Vienna, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $74 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Vienna is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Wombat's City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt, Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna, and MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic. The city also includes an efficient public transit system, which is perfect for budget travelers looking to avoid high taxi or rideshare fees. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Vienna, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Those traveling to Vienna often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $192 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Vienna. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Hotel Am Stephansplatz is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Vienna here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $516. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Vienna at Night: Private Evening Experience with Food & Drink - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Vienna
Hotel prices in Vienna can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $90 up to around $168. From $59 for budget options to $280 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Vienna for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $204 (€187). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $102 (€94) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Vienna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vienna include:
- Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol starting at $129
- Hotel Am Stephansplatz starting at $126
- Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna starting at $164
- Hotel Kaiserhof Wien starting at $160
- Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel starting at $141
Thanks to Vienna's great public transit, staying outside the city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
Many people spend up to a week in Vienna. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Walking is a common way to explore Vienna, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.
Transportation Budget in Vienna
Vienna has an excellent public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time in the city. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 (€19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vienna. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vienna is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
€19
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Vienna Airport Private Arrival Transfer for $181 details
- Vienna Airport to Vienna City Private Airport Transfer Austria for $86 details
- Vienna Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to City centre for $87 details
How much does it cost to go to Vienna? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Vienna will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Vienna are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Vienna. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Vienna
The food in Vienna is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Vienna can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vienna is $63 (€58) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$63
€58
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vienna is around $63 (€58) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $156. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Vienna are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Food in Vienna is quite diverse. Portion sizes are usually large and in recent years there has been an increase in vegetarian options. If you're having trouble interpreting the menu, you can ask for an "English menu" and most restaurants will have one to offer. Most restaurants also offer a daily special which will be written on a chalk board or on an insert in the menu. These dishes are usually the best deal with the freshest ingredients. Bread is usually offered on the table, but there is an additional charge. You will likely be charged by the piece, so if you do not want it, don't take it. Tips are usually 10%.
If you're on a particularly tight budget, street food or fast food can be an option. Sausage is available in many different styles. There are snack bars around town that sell both hot sausages and hot dogs with a variety of accompaniments. Other fast food includes Yugoslavian or Turkish style dishes. Doner Kebaps and sandwiches are common. The cheapest meal available is an Austrian sandwich. This can be purchased at a supermarket for about a euro. It is made with sliced brown bread, ham and cheese, and gherkin. You can have other style sandwiches prepared at supermarkets as well. They will usually only charge you for the ingredients.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Vienna. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tastes of Vienna Food Tour inc. Lunch, street food, 3 drinks for $153 details
- Nabiel's Vienna Cooking Class for $161 details
- Best of Food Tour Vienna for $128 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vienna
Visitors find Vienna irresistible, especially for its music, historical sights, romance, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vienna typically cost an average of $42 (€38) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$42
€38
Most of Vienna's sights are concentrated in the Innere Stadt area. There you will find St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) and many musueums. The two most famous museums in the city are Kunsthistorisches Museum (the Museum of Fine Arts) and Albertina. Other sights are found in the Outer West district, such as the Schloss Schonbrunn palace. This palace is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Vienna is world famous for its glamorous balls. Most of these are held during the carnival season and they are often hosted at elegant locations such as the Vienna Hofburg or the City Hall, Rathous. The most recognized balls include the Opera Ball in the State Opera and the Ball of the Wiener Philarmoniker. Other balls are hosted by professional guilds such as the Kaffeesiederball, hosted by the Vienna Coffee house owners.
Another world-famous activity in Vienna is to see the Lipizzaner Stallions. These "dancing horses" put on performances at the Hofburg Palace. For more information, see this great guide to seeing the Lipizzaner Stallions in Vienna.
Although Vienna is a large urban city, it is home to a number of parks and other open spaces. From public squares such as the Museumplatz to large public cemetaries that date back centuries, if you need your fix of sunshine, Vienna offers a lot.
Museums and Attractions:
Vienna boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Music:
The music scene in Vienna is popular and draws a crowd. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town attracts a large number of visitors. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Vienna. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Jewish Vienna Walking Tour for $140 details
- Private Tour of the Belvedere Palace with an Art Historian: "Pictures of Austrian Identities". Art & History Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets for $204 details
- Private Tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum: Secrets of Masterpieces | Tickets included for $242 details
Nightlife Budget in Vienna
When it comes to nightlife, Vienna has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $19 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Vienna per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
€17
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Vienna. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Vienna Woods Wine Tour - Wines, Vines & Good Times! For $182 details
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Vienna, Austria for $28 details
- Austrian Private Wine Tasting Evening for $145 details
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 16, 2024
Traveling in Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the largest city and capital of Austria. It has a population of over 1.7 million and is a cultural, political and economic center for the country. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some complain that it feels more like a museum than a real city. Outside of the historical center though, is a young and vibrant city with a huge music scene, many street performers, and eclectic and fun restaurants and nightclubs.
Vienna's climate has four seasons. Spring usually begins in late March and is very short. Summer weather quickly creeps in and Vienna is pleasant and warm through June, July and August. Some days may be hot and humid, but in general, this is a wonderful time to visit. Fall begins in September and temperatures become quite cold by November. These months are also known to be very windy and overcast. Winter is cold and rain or snow is not uncommon. If it does snow, it tends to melt quickly, but skies are often overcast and grey.
Neighborhoods & Around
Vienna's districts include Innere Stadt, Inner East, Outer East, Inner South, Outer South, Inner West, and Outer West. Innere Stadt is where you will find the greatest concentration of sights, attractions and museums. Inner East is where Prater and the Danube Island are found and Outer East has the Donauturm (Danube Tower) which has one of the best views of the city. Inner South has the Belvedere, the Vienna House of the Arts, and the Vienna Museum, and Outer South has the Wotruba Church, Gasometer, and Lainzer Tiergarten. Inner West is where you're find the museum district and Outer West has Wagner Villa and Schloss Schonbrunn.
Related
Are you a student or backpacker headed to
Switzerland or
Austria?
Need a hostel in
Zurich or
Vienna?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.