Vienna ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world, and for families with kids, it might just be a jackpot. With a wealth of cultural attractions, beautiful views, top-tier public transportation, and affordable dining, I can’t gatekeep my guide on how to travel through Vienna with kids. The capital of Austria should be on your family travel bucket list any time of the year.
As an American mom living in Vienna, I am constantly exploring Vienna on foot or by metro with my 18-month-old. I’m also a lucky aunt—getting to explore the city with my 10-year-old niece and 6-year-old nephew—so I’ve gotten to explore Vienna with kids on many levels over the last few years. If you’re curious about what Vienna, Austria, has to offer, keep reading for some of my favorite ways to explore this culturally rich and kid-friendly city.
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Why Vienna is perfect for families
As a family-friendly destination, it’s a place worth visiting year-round. The city of Vienna truly has something to offer to kids of all ages. In the summer time, visit kid-friendly museums, public swimming pools, the Danube River, and a variety of parks. In the wintertime, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit during the holidays. Its world-renowned Christmas market is a must-see for families.
When it comes to transportation, I can’t fail to mention the ease of traveling with the family. The metro (or subway) in Vienna has family-friendly accommodations—plenty of elevators for strollers, easy access, and clean metros that run frequently (and punctually).
And not only is Vienna beautiful, but as a tourist, one of the first things I noticed about the city is how clean and organized everything is. The buildings are historic and stunning, and it extends to all other aspects of the city. Keep reading for my family-friendly travel guide to visiting Vienna with kids. I’m sharing the best places to stay, tips on how to navigate through the city, and, of course, where to dine!
Things to do in Vienna with kids
With a long list of kid-friendly activities to do in Vienna, these top ideas are ones to add to your family’s travel itinerary.
Visit a park
Vienna is recognized as one of the greenest cities in the world, and for the lull periods in your itinerary, the Viennese parks are a gem. Stroll through Stadtpark right in the heart of the city, along with other gorgeous park options to choose from. For families, enjoy the playgrounds, have a picnic, feed the ducks in the ponds, ride a bike, and grab a bite to eat at one of the park cafes.
Visit a museum and the oldest zoo in the world
Vienna has a great variety of museums, and I highly recommend the Viennese Schloss Schoenbrunn Children’s Museum. Besides being set in a beautiful imperial castle, this is also the site of one of Austria’s last emperors’ summer residences. Kids visiting the Schloss Schoenbrunn can play with toys from the past and learn all about Austria’s imperial history. With that said, families can easily spend a full day at the Schoenbrunn grounds.
Directly next to the castle is a beautiful, expansive garden perfect for a stroll. It also houses the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world, which makes it a must-see for families. Tourists can also expect seasonal markets in the springtime, as well as stunning Christmas markets in the winter. Other museums to add to your list are the Haus der Musik and the 3D PicArt Museum.
Visit an aquarium
For those keen on even more sea and wildlife adventures, Vienna offers one of the most unique aquariums. Haus Des Meeres is an aquarium and zoo built in a former WWII anti-aircraft tower, which also features a 360-degree shark pool, surf reef, and so much more.
Visit the famous Spanish Riding School
The famous Spanish Riding School in the city center offers families a chance to watch riders train with the famous Lipizzaners, a European breed of horses developed in the Habsburg Empire in the sixteenth century.
Visit the Prater Amusement Park
Amusement park enthusiasts can enjoy the Prater. This popular attraction is a very active area with year-round roller coaster rides, train rides, and one of the oldest Ferris wheels in the world (families can also book a dinner in one of the Ferris wheel wagons). Plus, the Prater is free admission, and guests only pay for the rides they take! The Prater is also home to a planetarium, a chocolate museum, and traditional Oktoberfest celebrations in the fall season. On a hot summer day, make sure to grab a table at the traditional and historic Schweizerhaus for a cold beer and some shade. The kids can run around freely outdoors under the restaurant’s chestnut trees.
Visit a farm with family-friendly activities
For families traveling for a longer period, a day trip to Landgut Wien Cobenzl is an exceptional way to spend the day. This is a farm with 100 animals, petting zoos, and a full estate with activities. A similar option is the Lainzer Tiergarten, a forest on the Viennese outskirts, also known for the imperial castle, Hermesvilla.
Take a dip in a pool
Most pools are accessible by public transport. Amongst the most popular public pools are the Schönbrunner Bad and Schafbergbad, which are great for kids. Not only do guests have access to the pools, but they can also take a dip in the Danube River. Other pools with scenic views are the Gänsehäufel Strandbad and the Alte Donau (old Danube). The locals love the Alte Donau, which is more lake-like, with rentable activities such as electric boards and stand-up paddle boards, and a stretch for biking along the river—endless options with little ones. Don’t forget to grab ice cream; the locals love gelato in the summertime!
Visit a vineyard
If you’re visiting Vienna in the summertime, it would be remiss not to experience one of Vienna’s Heurige, a German word for an establishment with harvested wine—exceptional for summer afternoons. Vienna is the only capital city in the world that grows large quantities of wine within its city limits. Tourists can enjoy delicious white wines in taverns or take in all the city views from the vineyards. Most importantly, it’s a family-friendly option: the adults sip on their wine, and kids can run around the vineyards. To get there, locals hike to the Viennese vineyards from the city, but taxi access is only minutes from the city center.
Watch an opera performance
The appreciation of music is certainly felt throughout Vienna. Without a doubt, one of the most famous aspects of Austria is its history of music—think Mozart, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and one of the most beloved film classics, The Sound of Music. The Vienna State Opera offers year-round programs with opera performances, and the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir offers performances from February through June. And if you can’t get enough, the Vienna State Ballet is worth seeing, too.
Enjoy Vienna’s coffee culture and food
With kids in tow, we can’t forget the topic of where to eat. Vienna is famous for the Wiener Schnitzel and its sausage and Turkish döner stands, but the city offers plenty of dining options. Expert tip: Make sure to book in advance (to avoid any kid meltdowns) at popular restaurants such as Figlmüller or Plachutta. And while tipping after a meal is common, only a few euros or up to 10 percent is necessary. American-style tipping is absolutely not expected in Vienna.
Vienna is also famous for its coffee culture. Its historically charming coffee houses can be found throughout all corners of the city, a must-try, especially when traveling with kids. Don’t forget to try their delicious cakes, too! Some of the most famous ones to check out are Café Sperl, Café Landtmann, and Café Central (just be ready for the possibility of long lines).
For another fun but casual alternative—especially in the summer months—take the family to Naschmarkt. This is Vienna’s famous open market with 120 stalls ranging from Vietnamese food to Indian food to Turkish food to Italian food, with wide selections of spices and crafts.
Where to stay in Vienna with kids
There are plenty of hotels catering to families throughout the city. Some of the best hotel options include:
The Max Brown Hotel
The Max Brown Hotel is a boutique hotel in Vienna’s seventh district. The hotel is stylish and playful, while also in close proximity to plenty of sights. The MuseumsQuartier, or museum quarter, is a short walk from the hotel and close to the Museum of Natural History—a hit with kids.
The 25 Hours Hotel
The 25 Hours Hotel is quirky with funky wall murals and wooden interiors. At nighttime, locals and tourists enjoy the rooftop bar for Spritzes. Kids enjoy the lofty rooms, the burger truck, and the pizza.
Hotel Sacher Wien
If price is not an obstacle, the Hotel Sacher Wien is a one-of-a-kind experience at one of Europe’s landmark hotels. Centrally located in the heart of Vienna’s first district, travelers can easily shop and visit the famous Opera House nearby. Don’t forget to line up for the hotel’s famous Sacher cake, a chocolate cake with light jam filling, served with fresh whipped cream!
How long to stay in Vienna
Depending on the time of year, families can plan on visiting the Austrian capital for a minimum of three days and up to 10 days—especially if you plan on visiting some of the surrounding areas. In the winter season, for instance, spend a 10-day itinerary visiting Christmas markets in the city center, followed by visiting nearby kinderhotels (children-focused hotels) to enjoy skiing and the beautiful Austrian countryside. For a shorter trip, plan to maximize your time in the capital!
Tips for getting around Vienna with kids
Take advantage of the public transportation
In Vienna, you’ll find that it is not necessary to get around by car. In fact, Most areas of the city and the outskirts are easy to get to by metro, trains, buses, and trams. So, take advantage of the clean, affordable, and easily accessible public transportation. Notably, all public transportation in Vienna is entirely handicap and stroller-friendly. As an added tip, if you want to hold on to your stroller during flights throughout Europe and beyond, pick a travel-friendly stroller. My YOYO stroller can fit into an overhead bin and does not need to be checked in during flights.
Public transport tickets range in cost from €1.50 (about $2) per day to €9.70 (about $10) for a day pass per person, and even provide access and connections to the Vienna airport.
Take a train to surrounding cities
For those who want to explore further, tourists can hop on a national train to Salzburg and Innsbruck, and also to nearby popular cities such as Budapest. Check the official train website for all timetables and bookings in advance.
Vienna has an ability to balance culture, history, and ease of getting around that makes it a pure joy to experience with kids. Whether you’re pushing a stroller through imperial gardens, sharing a chocolate cake in a centuries-old cafe, or hopping on a spotless metro for the next adventure, the city makes family travel feel refreshingly simple. As an American mom living in Vienna, I truly appreciate all that the city has to offer for just about everyone. No matter the season or age of your little travelers, Vienna has a way of turning family moments into lifelong memories. Hopefully, my travel guide to visiting Vienna with kids makes everything easier.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Vienna?
Vienna is worth visiting all year round, with different activities to do with the family depending on the season. In the warmer months, visit a park, a vineyard, a pool, and a market. In the winter months, visit a museum, the Christmas markets, the Spanish riding school, or the opera.
How many days to spend in Vienna?
Families can plan on visiting the Austrian capital for a minimum of three days and up to 10 days—especially if you plan on visiting some of the surrounding areas.
Can you take a day trip to Vienna?
For families taking a day trip to Vienna, carve out the most memorable attractions, and stick to a hotel in the first Bezirk (or district). This will give you easy and quick access to the metro (subway) to jump from one place to the next. Start your day with a tasty breakfast or brunch at Falstaff or Joseph Brot. In the afternoon, visit the Schoenbrunn castle and grounds or a museum. End the day with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center (kids love this!). For dinner, grab a Wiener Schnitzel (veal cutlet) at Plachutta–in the summer, ask for an outdoor table. For plenty more dining options, explore what the city has to offer based on your preferences.
Are day trips outside the city worth it?
Yes, it’s worth taking a day trip outside the city of Vienna, too. Within Austria, Salzburg is about two hours by train and offers beautiful sights, shopping, dining, and lots of music (it is also Mozart’s city of birth). And for super fans of the classic film, The Sound of Music, the movie tour is wonderful! Tourists can visit film locations and the beautiful lakes within the region.
Outside of Austria, Bratislava (Slovakia’s capital) is only a short drive and even a ferry ride away. The small city center is fun to explore, with a nearby castle offering views of the city.
Budapest (Hungary) is another nearby capital city and is fun to visit by train. The Danube River passes right through the city center of this former Habsburg city.
Is there tipping in Vienna?
Tipping after a meal is common; only a few euros or up to 10 percent is necessary. American-style tipping is absolutely not expected in Vienna.
Is it okay to speak English in Vienna?
The national language of Austria is German, and the local Viennese dialect is Weanarisch. Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A little bit of German can go a long way in impressing the locals. Some popular words to keep in mind:
- “Servus” is a common, informal, and friendly greeting in Austria, Bavaria, and other parts of Central Europe. You can say it as you enter a shop, restaurant, or pretty much anywhere across the city. You’ll get extra points with the locals for using this greeting.
- “Entschuldigung” (ent-shool-dee-goong), meaning ‘pardon’ or ‘excuse me,’ is helpful in getting the attention of a waiter in a restaurant or stopping someone on the street for directions.
- “Toilette” or “wo is die Toilette?,” when looking for a bathroom.
- “Sackerl” (sak-el) means ‘plastic’ or ‘paper bag’. Austrians prefer this word over the more commonly used “Tüte” across Germany. It’s important to note that you do not automatically receive a bag when making a purchase across Austria. Usually, you need to request a bag or pay approximately 30 cents for one.
- “Danke” means ‘thank you!’
- “Tschüss” (tchooss) or even “Ciao” can be used when saying ‘bye’.
Vildana Kurtovic, Contributing Writer
Vildana is a marketing and communications professional currently working and living in Vienna, Austria. When she’s not crafting marketing campaigns, she enjoys writing, traveling the globe, and spending quality time with her family—especially with her very active 1-year-old son. Originally from Bosnia, she grew up in metro Detroit, Michigan, and has since called Atlanta, New York City, and now Europe home.
