Vienna tours

Things to do in Vienna

Vienna is a place where history and modernity have found a way to coexist. It's a city that feels like it's been caught in its own unique rhythm, full of waltzes and the scent of Apfelstrudel drifting from the cafes. It’s not just about the picturesque views; it’s about getting a real sense of what Vienna is all about. Imagine being able to bypass the crowds at Schönbrunn Palace. You could walk around the Naschmarkt, sampling food and wine, or explore the Innere Stadt’s cobblestone streets. It’s not just about seeing; it’s about understanding the stories behind the facades and discovering those lesser-known spots. Coffee culture here isn’t just a cliché, it’s something you experience. With a guide, Vienna becomes more than a place you visit; it becomes a part of your story. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Vienna. Explore Vienna your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Vienna tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Vienna for every interest, including: History tours: Step into Habsburg life at the Hofburg’s Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, then visit the sombre Imperial Crypt to see elaborate sarcophagi. Climb St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s south tower or wander Schönbrunn’s state rooms and garden alleys while hearing palace stories. Art and Culture tours: See Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere and compare it with Schiele’s works and the Secession building’s Beethoven Frieze. Watch morning exercises at the Spanish Riding School or pair a peek at the State Opera with Mozart’s apartment on Domgasse. Architecture tours: Walk the Ringstrasse to read styles at Parliament, the Rathaus, and the State Opera, then contrast them with Otto Wagner’s Postsparkasse and the art nouveau pavilions at Karlsplatz. Add Hundertwasserhaus and the skyline around Donau City for a full timeline. Central areas are very walkable, and the U-Bahn, trams, and S-Bahn link major sights efficiently, which makes tours easy to pace. If you want door-to-door comfort or have limited time, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Vienna inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Vienna, and while you're at it, check out some popular neighborhoods that can be part of your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to know a neighborhood than to have a local by your side. - Innere Stadt: This historic heart of Vienna is perfect for families and cultural tourists. Wander through narrow streets, discover grand architecture, and explore St. Stephen's Cathedral. Your guide can share stories about the city's rich history and vibrant present. - Neubau: Known for its creative vibe, this neighborhood attracts those who appreciate art and culture. You'll find galleries, quirky shops, and plenty of local cafes. It's a great spot for multi-generational groups to soak up Vienna's contemporary scene. - Landstraße: A diverse area that offers a bit of everything, from the Belvedere Palace to local markets. It's ideal for tourists seeking meaningful connections with the city's cultural and historical layers. - Leopoldstadt: Families will enjoy the Prater Park, while those interested in local life can explore the markets and cafes. This area offers a mix of relaxation and urban exploration. Day trip ideas from Vienna Use Vienna as your base to reach nearby towns, rivers, and vineyards that fit easy day trips, and shape your time with tours that focus on history, scenery, or food. Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey: Follow the Danube past terraced vines and small villages, then step into Melk’s hilltop abbey to see grand halls and quiet courtyards. If you like wine, medieval streets, or riverside cycling, this valley fits your pace, and your tour can lean into tastings, photo stops, or easy walks. Bratislava, Slovakia: Ride about an hour to a compact old town with a castle on a low hill, cobbled lanes, and lively cafés. This side trip suits you if you enjoy architecture, street art, and Central European history, and it adds a quick cross-border angle to your day trips from Vienna. Vienna Woods, Heiligenkreuz, and Baden: Slip into shady forest paths, visit a working medieval abbey, and stroll spa-era streets in Baden. Hikers, music fans, and anyone who wants fresh air close to the city get a good mix here, and your tour can include short forest trails or a calm village lunch. Carnuntum Roman City and Hainburg: Walk through reconstructed Roman houses and ruins that make daily life easy to picture, then add a stop in the walled town of Hainburg on the Danube. If ancient history and hands-on sites interest you, this route keeps the focus on stories you can see up close. Lake Neusiedl and Rust: Head to a shallow steppe lake known for birds, flat bike paths, and calm shoreline villages like Rust. This day works well for cycling, sailing views, and local wine, and it stays relaxed with short drives between stops. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Vienna most travellers miss.