Capital city, Austria
Vienna
Imperial palaces, coffeehouses, opera and some of Europe's best public transport at fair prices for Western Europe. Very safe and easy for solo travelers; winters are grey and shops close on Sundays.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,590–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,300–3,200Details
- Value for money26/100Better value than 25% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Air quality11 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet107 MbpsFixed broadband, Austria medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableVienna's tap water comes from mountain springs and is excellent; public fountains (Trinkbrunnen) are drinkable.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$79–158Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in most shops and restaurants, but Heurigen wine taverns, sausage stands and small cafés often want cash.Details
Where to stay in Vienna
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Innere Stadt (1st district) | Sightseeing, short stays and the opera; touristy and pricey |
| Neubau and Mariahilf (7th, 6th) | Cafés, boutiques and nightlife; popular with nomads |
| Leopoldstadt (2nd) | Close to the Prater and Danube Canal; diverse and lively |
| Josefstadt and Alsergrund (8th, 9th) | Quiet residential streets, university area and cafés |
Apps that work in Vienna
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lieferando | Widest restaurant choice |
| foodora | Good coverage and frequent offers |
| Wolt | Fast delivery in central areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ÖBB: Train tickets, times and Sparschiene fares
- WienMobil: Vienna public transport tickets and routes
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and reliable; a fixed fare to the airport is common. Public transport covers most trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Austria.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in most shops and restaurants, but Heurigen wine taverns, sausage stands and small cafés often want cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (Bankomat) rarely charge foreign cards; Euronet and independent machines add fees. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or add about 5–10%, telling the server the total when you pay.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever cards are accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
Emergency numbers
Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier shops or HoT SIMs at Hofer supermarkets; prepaid SIMs must be registered with ID. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Austria
Going to Vienna solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.