How to make the most of your layover in Vienna

If you have a layover in Vienna, it’s a fantastic city to explore even for a few hours. Vienna is known for its stunning imperial architecture, classical music legacy, and world-famous coffeehouses. This “City of Music” was home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and you can feel their influence throughout the city’s historic streets.

In just a short time, you can see highlights like Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or the elegant Ringstrasse Boulevard. The compact city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easy to get around and filled with cozy cafés where you can relax with a slice of Sachertorte.

Whether you're flying Austrian Airlines with a group of friends or family, Vienna Airport and the city itself are a must-see. The mix of old and modern architecture is a marvel to see and experience in a city of culture like Vienna.

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

There's a bunch of technical mumbo-jumbo about airport rules and regulations. It can sometimes be scary to fly when there are so many restrictions and you don't know them all. We're here to help you out with some key info before you decide to leave Vienna airport.

Visa requirements in Vienna

You don't need a visa to exit the airport if you're a citizen of the EU or from one of the visa-exempt countries (USA, Bosnia, Canada, etc.). You can visit Vienna for up to 90 days visa-free! Just double-check what countries are visa-exempt to be on the safe side.

Minimum layover times in Vienna

1. In-airport short layover:
   Vienna International Airport is relatively small and compact. You can prepare for a very short layover and get to every gate quickly. There's also a transfer shuttle to piers that are farther away like C, D, F, and G. Make sure that you have enough time for another security check if it's needed. Customs says you can import things like tobacco and alcohol but check their website to see how much. Make time for a customs check too.
2. Domestic flights: 20 minutes
   No passport control is needed if the departure and destination airports are in the Schengen area (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), as long as you don't leave the airport.
3. International flights: 35 minutes
   Passport control is a must if the departure or destination airport is outside the Schengen area.
4. In-airport long layover: 2 hours
   Vienna Airport has the luxurious Vienna Lounge and Sky Lounge. They include restaurants, play areas, views of the runways, showers, and workstations. Depending on your ticket and membership, lounge access can be free, but you'll have to pay at least €44 for standard tickets. The lounges are perfect while you're waiting for your next flight, and kids can enter for free!
5. Out-of-airport layover: 6h
   Vienna has a lot to see and the CAT train (City Airport Train) will get you to the Wien Mitte Station in just 15 minutes! From the central train station, you can go anywhere and the city center is just minutes away.

What to do in Vienna during a layover

A visit to the city can definitely be worth it if you have enough time. Vienna has an elegant, traditional, and laid-back vibe. The workdays and weekends aren't loud since locals in Vienna prefer a chill way to relax. The younger crowd does like nightclubs, so if that's the vibe you’re after, they have it too. What you can do in Vienna can vary depending on the time of day (and day of the week).

If you decide to leave the airport and explore Vienna, leave your luggage behind with a Bounce partner! Whether you have baby strollers, extra pants, or your work laptop, don't let them drag you down. Find a luggage storage location near the airport and leave your baggage behind.

Morning layover in Vienna

If your layover is in the morning, there are plenty of things to do and see in Vienna. If airport food isn’t your thing, there are some great options in the city to satisfy your cravings! Here are some things to do in Vienna in the early hours:

1. Stop by the Schönbrunn Palace and explore its massive garden, oldest zoo, and stunning viewpoints.
2. Taste the Apfelstrudel and experience the Strudel Show at Café Residenz in the palace area.
3. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and climb the South Tower for marvelous architecture and views.
4. Try the classic Kipferl croissant and Melange coffee at Café Hawelka near the cathedral.

Afternoon layover in Vienna

If you're staying for more than just the morning, here are some additional things you can do for an afternoon in Vienna:

1. Check out the Naschmarkt Food Market filled with fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat dishes.
2. Grab a traditional Wiener Schnitzel or a cheese-filled Käsekrainer sausage.
3. Visit the Belvedere Palace and Vienna's Museum Quarter to see beautiful gardens and artwork.
4. Head over to the nearby Salm Bräu and try their Schweinsbraten roast pork with dumplings.

Evening layover in Vienna

Here are some things to do in the evening in Vienna for a whole-day layover in the city:

1. Visit the Vienna State Opera House and catch a glimpse of Viennese culture.
2. Grab a bite at the Café Mozart just minutes away, and try the hearty Tafelspitz and Sachertorte for dessert.
3. Visit Prate Park, an amusement park with the Giant Ferris Wheel for a view of the city center.
4. Don’t miss the nearby Schweizerhaus beer garden famous for the Schweinsstelze crispy pork knuckle

Overnight layover in Vienna

If you're staying overnight too, here are some late-night activities and hotels where you can stay the night:

1. Take a walk in the Historic City Center for some fantastic views and architecture.
2. Visit some bars and wine taverns to soak up the local vibe and drinking culture.
3. Book a room at Moxy Vienna Airport Hotel just outside the airport if you’re after a budget-friendly hotel.
4. Spend the night at Das Reinisch Hotel for a comfortable experience and a restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Vienna

Here are some tips so you know what to expect and how to budget your stay:

• The weekend is a typical Saturday and Sunday.
• The official language is German, but many locals know English.
• The currency is the euro and you can exchange it at many spots in and around the airport.
• Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world and crime rates are low.
• Budget hotels typically cost around €30, so you can expect to spend €10 per person for food, and transit costs are also quite low.

The most important tip is to enjoy your stay in Vienna! And what better way is there than to leave your baggage behind with a Bounce partner and explore in and around the airport without the baggage!