Is Vienna Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Vienna

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by Olivia Ellis


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How expensive is Vienna? This is probably one of the main questions you’ll have in mind when planning a trip to the elegant Austrian capital city. In recent years, Vienna has come in first as the world’s most livable city, and spending time in this city full of beauty, elegance, and culture will help you appreciate that title. But will a trip to Vienna come at a high cost? 

The Austrian capital is a destination that’s affordable on any budget and with the right planning. From booking accommodation in advance to eating some of Vienna’s delicious street food, you’ll be on your way to a memorable trip to the world’s most livable city, and one of the most eclectic and classic cities.

In general, Vienna is likely in the mid-range of trip costs in comparison to more affordable Germany and more expensive Switzerland

Vienna Trip Cost Guide

Travellers to Vienna will find that it is less expensive than many other Western Europe cities and can expect to spend around €70 to €255 per person per day.

However, these prices will vary depending on how you choose to allocate your budget across accommodation, transport, food, entertainment and activities.

An infographic outlining the average costs of travelling to Vienna

Accommodation Prices

Just like anywhere else in the world, the cost of your accommodation in Vienna will likely depend on your budget as well as your type of desired accommodation.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the further you decide to stay in the city center, the higher the nightly cost of your accommodation. In Vienna, your options for types of accommodation range from hostel beds to luxurious 5-star hotels.

If you’re hoping to save the most money during your trip to Vienna, I suggest looking into booking a room in a hostel.

Northern and Central Europe have some pretty modern and exciting hostels, so you’re in luck if you decide to book a hostel in Vienna. For me, one of the biggest benefits aside from the cost when staying in a hostel is the centrality.

With hotels and Airbnb you’ll typically pay a steeper cost for the location whereas, in a hostel, the cost is pretty consistent no matter where you are. As for costs, expect to pay around €30 per night for a bed in a hostel in Vienna. 

Belvedere Gardens in Vienna
Belvedere Gardens in Vienna

If you aren’t keen on staying in a hostel for whatever reason but would still prefer to maximize your money on your Vienna itinerary, you may want to look into mid-range hotel options.

Per night, expect to pay on average €100 in a mid-range hotel in central Vienna, so again, not the cheapest city, but it’s also quite affordable in comparison to other European cities.

Would you prefer to go all out and stay in a nicer hotel room during your stay in Vienna? The average cost per night in a higher-end hotel room is around €200, but this can continue upwards of hundreds of euros depending on the hotel. 

Another option for accommodation in the Austrian capital city is to book a stay through Airbnb. Airbnb has pretty central options in Vienna for accommodation as well as affordable costs giving you a glimpse into what life is like for a local.

For a room or private flat in the center of the city, I’d say the average to expect to pay through Airbnb is around €70-150 per night depending on the type of property. 

Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace

Transportation Prices

Another factor you’ll want to consider when arranging a trip to Vienna is the amount you’ll plan on spending on transportation while there.

Fortunately, Vienna is quite a small, pedestrian-friendly city and it’s quite easy to get around on foot, especially during the warmer months. As a result, you won’t be too dependent on the public transport system.

Otherwise, Vienna has a fantastic transportation system that includes the bus, metro, and tram systems. Tickets for all three modes of transport within the city are inclusive of the same ticket, with a single ticket costing €2.40.

Most cities in Europe have transportation tickets for a period of time, typically an hour upon validation, for any mode(s) of city transport within a period of time. On the other hand, in Vienna, a single ticket only will take you from point A to B, and you can’t take a circular route or return to your original destination. 

If you think you’ll be walking the majority of your trip and will only take public transport here and there, I think single tickets when needed are the best option.

Otherwise, if you think you’ll be mainly taking public transportation during your time in Vienna, the city offers discounted travel passes for allotted periods.

Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral)

This offers unlimited use on all modes of transport within city boundaries for the amount of time of the pass once validated. A 24-hour pass is €8, 48 hours is €14.10, and a 72-hour pass will cost €17.10. A weekly pass is also available for €19.70.

As for getting to and from the airport during your stay in Vienna, the best way is by train transport from just outside the airport terminal (a 5-minute walk). A one-way ticket to/from the Vienna airport is €14.90 and return is €24.90. The journey is just over 15 minutes to the center of the city. It can be booked here.

If you prefer to take a taxi to/from the airport in Vienna, there is a fixed price of €42, which isn’t too expensive but also isn’t the most affordable option for a budget Vienna itinerary. 

You can also get to Vienna by train from many other European cities including Prague, Rome or Munich as well as other cities in the country such as Salzburg or Graz if you’re planning a longer trip through Austria. You can check schedules and prices here.

Waiting at Train Station for the Vienna to Graz Train
Waiting at Vienna Train Station

Food Prices

So far, we’ve covered accommodation and transportation, and now we’ll cover one of the most important factors on any trip; food.

While accommodation is quite affordable, food is likely going to take the most out of your budget on a Vienna trip. With that being said, it still is possible to visit Vienna and not have to worry about spending the majority of your trip budget on food.

To make this possible, I recommend taking advantage of the affordable foods that Vienna has to offer, including its delicious street food. The most popular option is easily sausages of different varieties found at numerous vendors throughout the city.

Other affordable options for food in Vienna are kebab, falafel, various Asian foods, and more. Expect to pay €2.50 for a sausage at a classic stand throughout the city.

If you’re particularly interested in exploring more of Vienna’s street food scene and saving quite a few euros, Vienna has a wonderful street food market, Vienna Naschmarkt. Here you’ll find the best street food in the city, a thriving atmosphere, and vibrant spots to grab a drink or two. If you have a higher budget, you can organise a food tour at the market.

For breakfast, head to a local bakery to get a taste of a classic Austrian pastry (around €2-5) and breakfast. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hostel, another cost-efficient option to save money on food is to head to a local grocery store to purchase groceries and prepare as many meals as possible at your accommodation. 

If you’re looking to enjoy one of the many fantastic restaurants that Vienna has to offer, there are boundless options. From modern and trendy restaurants to traditional Viennese Schnitzel spots, Vienna has a thriving food scene.

If you’re looking to eat in a mid-range cost restaurant, you can expect to pay around €20 per person, excluding drinks and sides/appetizers.

This shows that having 2 meals out per day for 2 people can add up pretty quickly and make a generous dent in a Vienna trip budget. With that being said, I do recommend eating at a traditional Austrian restaurant in Vienna at least once to experience classic Austrian comfort foods. 

Another option for travelers in Vienna for meals is to head to a restaurant with set lunch menus. There are quite a few in the city, and these set menus usually give a side option that’s typically a soup or cold side, a main dish, and sometimes dessert.

Costs can vary for set lunch menus but you can expect to pay around €15-25 depending on the number of courses as well as the restaurant. I recommend heading to Wiener Wirtschaft in the 4th district to enjoy the house schnitzel and soup of the day.

Naschmarkt Stalls
Naschmarkt Stalls

Activities Prices

Vienna is a city that has produced countless artists of all fields and this leads to Vienna being a destination full of exciting and interesting spots to visit and explore.

Whether you prefer diving into the history of Vienna and Austria through its many museums and palaces, or you’d rather get involved in the modern scene of the city, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re traveling on a budget, I suggest at least visiting one museum or taking part in one activity to enhance your trip if possible. Alternatively, the city itself is absolutely beautiful.

The imperial charm of the past will capture you from almost every angle while modern-day Vienna shows proudly what makes it such a welcome and livable city today. 

As far as the cost of activities in Vienna, prices are pretty on par with the rest of Europe. Museum entry on average is about €15 and you can expect to pay around €20-25 for popular historical sites in the city.

Walking tours are also another great option to get a good feel for the city with a local and learn more about the history of the city as well as aspects of modern-day Vienna. Walking tour costs can vary from anywhere between free and upwards of €50.

If you decide to take advantage of a free walking tour, keep in mind that tips are usually expected at the end, so make sure you have at least a few euros to tip the tour guide afterwards.

Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace

Entertainment Prices

The city of Vienna is a major hub for cultural events, music, and socializing. Whether you’re more interested in attending a show at the Vienna Opera or experiencing a show at the Vienna Philharmonic to witness the deep roots of Vienna’s musical history, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll also find a multitude of cafes to enjoy a coffee and a slice of Viennese Sacher Torte, or a fun cocktail/wine bar. Tickets for the Vienna Opera can range between €15-300 depending on your chosen seat and tickets for the Vienna Philharmonic typically start around €60.

For those keen on going for a drink, expect to pay  €12 for a cocktail, €5 for a glass of wine or a draft beer, and €3 for a cup of coffee.  Keep in mind that these costs are in less touristy areas, so expect steeper prices if you decide to go for an alcoholic drink or coffee while in Vienna.

If you’re looking to save money during your trip to Vienna, it’s good to know that on the first Sunday of every month, public museums are free. This is a great way to plan your trip to visit spots you’re hoping to see without paying entry fees that add up.

If you have an interest in visiting the opera while in Vienna, you can watch live-streamed shows in the courtyard of the Opera House in June and the Vienna Philharmonic hosts free shows in June. 

Vienna State Opera House
Vienna State Opera House

Average Prices in Vienna

So all in all, is Vienna expensive for tourists? I suppose it can be a pricey destination, but it doesn’t have to be. If you book cheaper accommodation, visit one or two historical sites or museums, and eat mainly street food and maybe one or two meals in a restaurant, it’s pretty affordable.

On the other hand, if you decide to stay in a higher-end hotel, eat most of your meals in a restaurant and visit quite a few sites, it can become a costly trip in comparison to other European capital cities.

Here I’ve broken down all the categories to give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend on a trip to vibrant Vienna.

Keep in mind that these costs are assuming the total trip cost is between two people, so the accommodation cost will be split and costs otherwise are per person. 

Accommodation: €30-100 / night

Transportation: €5-10 / day

Food: €10-60 / day

Activities: €15-25 / day

Entertainment: €10-60 / day

With those costs and categories considered, you can expect to spend an average of €70-255 on a trip to Vienna depending on your budget and trip desires. 

Schloss Belvedere
Schloss Belvedere

While Vienna may have not always been on the top of the list for a Europe trip, it’s now getting up there. With a stunning city background filled with history, art, and culture, spending time in Vienna is truly a joy. Vienna also isn’t an incredibly expensive city to visit either, so if you plan well, you’re on your way to a wonderful trip in the Austrian capital city.

Are you planning a trip to the Austrian capital? Are you wondering about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

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Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Comments

  1. 2 of my friends and I are planning to visit Vienna next week. We are so looking forward to lots of sightseeing, maybe an Opera and possible a light flurry of snow 😃

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  2. My husband and I plan to visit Vienna / Salzburg in the first week of September. We are looking forward to do some sightseeing trips, visit Salzburg. We are interested in art, Classical music and history.

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  3. My teenaged son and I are heading to Vienna in August to visit a friend-very excited! We plan to also travel to other destinations, one being Budapest and need to plan other short stays. I assume train will be the best mode of travel.

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