I kept postponing my trip to Vienna, convinced that its high prices would limit my experience – or worse, leave me feeling like I barely saw anything. But I was wrong. Visiting Vienna on a budget turned out to be not only possible but surprisingly enjoyable.
With plenty of free and affordable things to do and a few smart money-saving tricks, I realized I could explore the Austrian capital without rushing (or without overspending) and see not only famous sites but also have non-touristy experiences.
Mark and I arrived in Vienna after months of slow living in a small Slovak town in the Low Tatra Mountains. We had wandered through Slovakia, spent a weekend in Bratislava, and then made our way to Vienna – a city that instantly felt bigger, livelier, and full of possibilities.
We came for Vienna’s beauty and grandeur but left with something more: a deep appreciation for its art, music, and hidden old passages. And the best part? We did it all without breaking the bank.
Our entire three-day getaway (from early morning on the first day to late night on the last) cost us just €362 for two. That included a tour, accommodation, parking, plenty of meals, evening drinks, and even a climb to a viewing platform (excluding flights since we arrived by car from Slovakia). And that’s not even everything we managed to do!
Below, I’m sharing all the cheap things to do in Vienna that we experienced, plus a few we saved for our next trip (returning soon!). Soon I plan to add our exact 3-day itinerary for Vienna
Cheap travel to Vienna is absolutely possible! I hope these tips help you explore Austria’s capital in an interesting way while keeping costs low.
How to Have a Cheap Vienna Vacation
Here’s exactly what will help you have a trip to Vienna on a budget:
✔ Affordable Accommodation: If you like staying in hotels, I found this budget-friendly property offering great value for money. Although if you don’t mind being a bit further away from the center, this is the cheapest flat available throughout the whole year (only €59 per night in low season). We stayed in this chic hotel where we paid €72 per night (you can find the same price even for the May through October period).
✔ Cheap Car Rental: If you’re driving from Vienna to Slovakia or to the Alps region, renting a car at the best rate is possible from U-Save or AutoUnion company.
✔ Public Transport Pass: Vienna’s transport system is excellent, purchase a multi-day pass which will save a lot compared to single tickets.
✔ Best Affordable Tours: Some guided experiences are totally worth it. We booked this walking tour (free) for an insider’s perspective but there are many others that don’t cost much, including tours for foodies like a baking show & tasting for example.
✔ Cheap & Delicious Food: Try traditional würstelstands (sausage stands), roasted chestnuts (maroni), potato twists, cheap bakery chains, and other nice places where to stop for a snack or meal.
✔ Free & Discounted Attractions: Many of Vienna’s top sights are free or have discounts with the Vienna Pass – a great way to save on entry fees.
✔ Best Budget Viewing Platform: Want a stunning view without the hefty price tag? Skip expensive towers and head to this viewpoint instead (note: free to enter, just buy a drink).
By planning wisely and using these budget-friendly options, you can experience the best of Vienna without overspending!
What is the cheapest time to visit Vienna? The thing is that there is no really expensive time when to go to Vienna because the only price issue here is accommodation, as it’s the only thing that keeps rising in cost – everything else remains the same.
So, just book your stay in advance and compare prices (since even in summer and in December during Christmas, you can find decent apartments for €50-60 per night, like RXM apartment or Happy Hostel where it is possible to rent a private room for this price).
Cool & Cheap Things to Do in Vienna Under €20 for Two
Not many people know that, but while being a very expensive city in Europe, Vienna also offers a ton of cool things to do on a budget or without paying anything.
Here is a quick list of my favorite cheap Vienna activities and in this post you’ll also find free things to do in Vienna on any visit. I know you’ll love them too:
1. Go on a Free City Tour!
Exploring Vienna with a free walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know the city without spending a cent. These tours are led by local guides many of whom have licenses. While the tour itself is free, it’s customary to leave a tip (€7-€10 per person) if you enjoyed it.
We went on this free tour through Vienna city on our first day of arrival to get acquainted with the city. But here are several other tours worth checking out:
- Downtown Walking Tour – covers history & exploration of Vienna in Roman times, Middle Ages, Jewish era, around 1900, in the Third Reich, and modern times
- Jewish Traces and Hitler’s Vienna – focuses on Jewish heritage in Vienna, as well as Adolf Hitler’s presence in the city
- Vienna at Night – fun, storytelling-style tour with plenty of interesting insights.
2. Rent a Bike on the Cheap to Cruise Around
Vienna is one of the best cities in Europe for cycling, with well-maintained bike lanes and scenic routes along the Danube and through historic districts. Renting a bike is a budget-friendly way to explore the city while covering more ground than on foot.
The cheapest option is WienMobil Rad, Vienna’s official bike rental system. Registration costs €1, and after that, the first 30 minutes of every ride are free. If you plan your route well, you can switch bikes at different stations and keep riding without ever paying more. Even if you exceed the free time, rental costs are minimal, around €0.60 per hour or €4 per day.
For a full-day rental, private bike shops like Pedal Power or GreenRide offer rates around €12-€15 per day, which is still a great deal compared to other European capitals.
Best Budget-Friendly Bike Routes:
- The Danube Cycle Path – scenic ride along the river with stops at Donauinsel for a break.
- The Ringstraße Loop – pass by iconic landmarks like the Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and City Hall.
- Prater Park – peaceful ride through Vienna’s biggest green space, home to the famous Ferris wheel.
3. Explore Schönbrunn Palace Gardens – Free
While entry to Schönbrunn Palace itself is expensive, the gardens are completely free to visit.
Stroll through beautifully landscaped pathways, admire fountains, and climb up to the Gloriette for panoramic city views.
If you want a cheap but unique experience, you can also visit Schönbrunn’s hedge maze and labyrinth for around €8 per person.
4. Ride the Historic Tram No. 1 or 2 – €5.80 for Two
Instead of paying for an expensive tourist bus, take Tram No. 1 or 2 for a cheap and scenic ride around Vienna’s Ringstraße, the grand boulevard encircling the historic center.
For just €2.90 per person, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Vienna State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, Hofburg Palace, and the Danube Canal.
The route offers nearly the same views as hop-on-hop-off buses (although these are quite expensive and reviews are average) but at a fraction of the cost.
If you have a Vienna transport day pass (€8.60), you can hop on and off freely. Otherwise, a one-way ticket is enough to enjoy the ride.
TIP: For the best views, sit by the right-hand window when traveling clockwise.
5. Take in a View from St. Stephen’s Cathedral – €5 or €6
Many rooftop viewpoints in Vienna charge high entrance fees, but St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) offers an affordable way to enjoy panoramic city views. The cathedral itself is free to enter, but for a small fee, you can climb the South Tower or take the elevator up the North Tower for a unique perspective.
- South Tower (Steffl Tower) – €5 → A 343-step climb up a narrow spiral staircase leading to one of the highest vantage points in Vienna. This is the more challenging but rewarding option for those who don’t mind the workout.
- North Tower – €6 → Instead of stairs, you take an elevator up to the Pummerin Bell, offering a more accessible but slightly lower viewpoint.
NOTE: Both options provide great views, but if you’re looking for the highest and most panoramic spot, the South Tower is the way to go. If you prefer less effort and direct access, the North Tower is worth the extra euro.
<<< Cheap Vienna Tours >>>
6. Visit Vienna Opera House for €5-€20
Would you like to visit the famous Vienna Opera without spending too much?
Well, ticket prices there reach triple digits, but it is very possible to get to see the most popular opera shows for €5-€20. For that, you’d need to score a standing-room ticket on the day of a performance. For details, check Operahouse’s official website.
There is also another place in Vienna where to watch opera on a budget – at the Volksoper. Tickets for performances there go for €5-€8 for standing places, but there is an opportunity to watch the opera right by the stage!
Just keep in mind one thing – tickets to the Operahouse and Volksopera sell out fast. Don’t miss the moment and book as early as sales start.
Oh, and one more thing. From April to June, Vienna Operahouse Wiener Staatsoper holds live Opera performances that are broadcast on a big screen right on the street near the entrance. They even organize special seating areas for spectators, so there won’t be a need to stand.
7. Visit a Wine Cellar – Yes, on the Budget Too!
When I check some organized tours to wineries around Vienna, prices shock. For some reason those visits are so expensive. When in reality, there are some inexpensive atmospheric wineries if you know where to look.
For example, for €12 you can visit the Schlumberger wine cellar and even taste their famous sparkling wine after the tour. In fact, this is the oldest producer of local sparkling wines, making them with a complex traditional method.
It has a fantastic location and is easily accessible by public transport. So you don’t even need to devote a separate day for this trip, just add it to one of the days in your existing Vienna itinerary and do something different while visiting the city!
Looking for an alternative way to see the capital of Austria? Here are a few ideas for non-touristy things to do in Vienna.
8. Relax by the Danube Island (Donauinsel) in Summer – Free
Stretching over 21 kilometers, Danube Island (Donauinsel) is one of Vienna’s best free outdoor spots for walking, cycling, and simply unwinding by the water. Originally built as a flood protection zone, it has become a local escape from the city hustle, with green spaces, sandy beaches, and peaceful picnic areas.
In summer, swimming is completely free, with several designated swimming zones and even a nudist beach area for those who prefer it. You’ll also find grassy fields perfect for sunbathing, barbecue spots, and plenty of cycling paths if you want to explore the island on two wheels.
For a budget-friendly outing, grab some snacks from a supermarket (Hofer, Billa, or Spar) and have a picnic by the water, watching boats pass along the Danube. Even in colder months, it’s a great spot for a scenic walk with views of the city skyline.
9. Visit the Hundertwasser Village – Free
Designed by the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Hundertwasser Village is a whimsical, colorful architectural wonder that you can visit for free. Inspired by nature and sustainability, this quirky complex feels like something out of a fairy tale, with wavy floors, uneven walls, and cool mosaics.
Inside, you’ll find small shops selling local crafts, a cafe with a forest-like interior, and plenty of fun details that make wandering through the space an experience in itself. While some nearby Hundertwasser-designed locations, like the Kunst Haus Wien, require paid entry, the village itself is completely free to explore.
For those interested in alternative architecture and unique art, it’s a must-see – and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Vienna on a budget!
10. Browse Vienna’s Outdoor Markets – Free to Browse
Vienna’s outdoor markets are more than just places to shop – they are interesting cultural experiences where locals and visitors come together.
Even if you don’t buy much, you can sample free food, enjoy the market vibe, and find affordable street food for just a few euros.
11. Watch an Outdoor Movie in Summer – Free Entertainment Under the Stars
From June to September, Vienna transforms into an open-air cinema city, hosting free film screenings in beautiful locations.
The most popular spot is Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), where the massive outdoor screen plays classic films, opera performances, and concert recordings. There is also a good variety of affordable street food.
Other free summer screenings take place at:
- Augarten Park – Hosts indie and international films in a cozy park setting.
- Karlskirche (Karlsplatz) – Occasionally features free concerts and movie nights.
- Donauinsel (Danube Island) – Sometimes offers summer film screenings right by the water.
12. Check Out the Impressive National Library – €10
Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) is one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna and one of the largest book depositories in the world with Baroque-style interiors and historical significance.
Founded in 1735 by Emperor Charles VI, the library originated from the imperial family’s collection, which dates back to the Middle Ages. It is housed within the Hofburg Palace, the former royal residence, adding to its grandeur. The library holds over 7.5 million items, including rare manuscripts, early printed books, ancient globes, maps, and papyri, many of which are unique and have no equivalents elsewhere in the world.
I personally love the most the State Hall (Prunksaal) with its frescoed ceilings, ornate wooden bookshelves, and impressive sculptures. Entrance costs €10 per adult and is well worth a visit.
13. Don’t Miss House of Music – Legendary Museum of Vienna
The House of Music is a hidden gem in Vienna which is possible to visit cheaply and get interactive journey into the world of sound and melody.
Housed in the former palace of Archduke Charles, where the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1842, the museum spans four floors, each dedicated to different aspects of music.
You can compose a waltz with a dice game, explore sound effects and acoustics, and learn about legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. A special section on Beethoven even demonstrates how he continued composing despite losing his hearing.
How to Visit on a Budget: regular ticket costs €16 per adult but you can visit daily from 8 PM to 10 PM for only €8.
This is a great deal for budget-conscious travelers. Find more details on the museum’s website.
14. Attend One of the Concerts of Classical Music on a Budget
There are 150 concert venues in Vienna where a visit to a classical music concert costs from €15-€20 per person or more. But there are cheaper options when it’s possible to save.
One of them is the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra which offers inexpensive tickets to connoisseurs of classical music.
The Golden (or Big) Musikverein Hall impresses with its luxurious interior and excellent acoustics. It is from there that a big New Year’s concert is broadcast to the whole world.
It is possible to buy a ticket for €5 but this does not include seating. They allow only standing in different halls of the Musikverein. Although for this price you cannot expect much in terms of seeing, only audibility which is excellent.
Find out more details and purchase inexpensive tickets in advance on the Musikverein website.
15. Visit Museums on Free Days or with Discounted Entry
One of my favorite things to do in Vienna cheap is visit one of the museums for free or at a discounted rate.
Several museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month which is excellent for budget travelers. Some of the best free options include:
- Wien Museum Karlsplatz – covers Vienna’s history from ancient times to modern days.
- Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum) – fascinating collection of timepieces from different centuries.
- Otto Wagner Pavilion – work of Austria’s famous Art Nouveau architect.
- Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum) – Austria’s military artifacts, from medieval armor to WWII relics.
If you miss the free museum days, Albertina Museum and Leopold Museum offer discounted evening tickets between €9-€12 instead of the full price.
If you plan to head to multiple attractions, Vienna City Card provides discounts on museums, public transport, and other activities.
Where to Buy Cheap Souvenirs in Vienna?
Souvenirs in Vienna are expensive. For example, prices for magnets start from €5 depending on the store. We saw the most expensive souvenirs at the Naschmarkt market.
But the cheapest souvenir shops are on Mariahilfer Strasse, main shopping street in Vienna, in the Laimgrube neighborhood.
If you want to buy souvenirs not spending much, then look for them in shops at museums. Surprisingly, prices are similar or even lower compared to prices in specialized souvenir stores around Vienna.
For sweet gifts-souvenirs and Austrian specialty chocolate, I like Mozart sweets, Manner Viennese waffles, Leschanz chocolates, and Mostly Mozart. Regular big supermarkets have good chocolates as well but more basic and less authentic options.
You can also buy unusual cheap souvenirs, old-times clothes and jewelry as well as other unique items in second-hand stores. Most of these are located near the Volkstheater metro station and the Rennweg train station.
Hoping to Travel More in Europe on a Budget?
I have other helpful tips for other destinations (that I explored all on my own) that are very possible to visit affordably:
- Visiting Tallinn on a Budget – where I live & share my best tips
- One Day in Helsinki on a Budget – under €100 for two
