Vienna is one of the best cities in Europe, and with good reason. A stunning destination steeped in history, it has all the charm of some of the more mainstream places like Rome or Barcelona, but still has more of an authentic charm to it. You can throw yourself down on the grass of the Heldenplatz (also known as Heroes’ Square), a beautiful public spot in front of the Hofburg Palace and take in the beautiful sights, the ideal spot to rest after a busy day of sightseeing. While Vienna is undoubtedly beautiful, like any major city, it can get very busy, and you need to plan your visit strategically. In this article, we take a look at some top tips on how you can avoid the crowds in Vienna and have a peaceful visit.
1. Visit Popular Attractions Early or Late
The best way to enjoy Vienna’s top sights without crowds is by timing your visits strategically. Some of the main places to visit open early, so get there when doors open for the least crowding. The Schönbrunn Palace opens at 8:30 am, so if you’re an early bird, getting here for this time is a great way to beat the crowds. For St Stephen’s Cathedral, we recommend visiting before 9 am or in the evening, same for the Belvedere Palace. When visiting the Hofburg Palace, weekday mornings are quieter than weekends, so aim for these days if possible.
2. Explore Lesser-Known Alternatives
Vienna has plenty of hidden gems that are just as impressive but far less crowded. Some of the best places we recommend you visit include Augarten Palace, Palais Daun-Kinsky, the Secession Building and the Hundertwasser House. The last one on the list can get busy at peak times, so if you want the perfect, unspoiled photos, visit early or opt for the nearby Hundertwasser Village for a quieter experience. Once you’ve ticked off the main tourist attractions, you could try some of the other things to do in the city, such as heading to a shooting range Vienna, or visiting their food markets.
3. Choose Off-Peak Seasons
While the weather is the hottest in the summer, you also get most of the crowds. Late April-May and September-October offer beautiful weather and fewer tourists, making it a much more pleasant time to come. Prices for things like flights also tend to be much better at this time of year. Try and avoid July–August (this is the peak summer and includes the school holiday) and December (because of the Christmas markets). These are beautiful times to visit, but you can find it’s crowded, so it’s up to you with this!
These are just a few top tips on how to avoid the crowds when you are visiting Vienna. Austria’s capital is a stunning city with a lot to give, so take yourself there at a time when it’s not as busy to really make the most of it and see it all in its best light.
