How to Plan a Trip to Vienna
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Austria needs.
Your 4-step Vienna plan
Step 1 — Book flights to VIE
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main gateway to Vienna. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to VIEStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Ringstrasse & State Opera for the best first-time visit — Standing tickets to the Vienna State Opera are €3–10 and released 80 minutes before curtain.
Where to stay in ViennaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Ringstrasse & State Opera, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Vienna.
Things to do in ViennaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
CAT (City Airport Train, to Wien Mitte) is €14 and takes 16 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
VIE arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Austria is Schengen. Standard Schengen rules apply. ETIAS launching 2025 for US, UK, AUS visitors currently visa-free.