Vienna in A Day

by Samantha Wilson
(USA)

Use extended layover periods at Vienna International Airport to explore the city of Vienna in A Day. The city is home to a number of historic locations and provides some serious shopping opportunities. Public transportation makes travel from the airport to Vienna’s city center very easy. Advance preparation before hitting the town prevents problems from occurring during the re-boarding process.

Photo provided by f_nikita - Flickr

Preparing To Leave
Before leaving the airport, talk with customer service to ensure airport re-entry is allowed. Ask if another customs clearance is required. Remember that airlines recommend arriving at the gate at least two hours before departure. If time constraints are not an issue, and the airline permits re-entry, head to customer service to inquire about luggage storage options to avoid toting bags around the city. As of August 2011, storage facilities are available for an additional fee from 5:30 a.m. until 11:20 p.m.

Perform all currency exchanges before leaving the airport and dress comfortably. Low-heeled shoes for women, sneakers or hiking sandals for men comfortably support feet in a city where walking is the best mode of transportation. Board the City Airport Train (CAT) for 10 euros, or $14.35 and take a 16 minute ride into Vienna’s city center. The first train leaves Vienna International at 6:05 a.m. The last train to the airport leaves Vienna at 11:35 p.m. Trains operate every 30 minutes.

Things To Do
Past visitors recommend taking tours for a general overview of the city. Walking, bike and traditional tour-bus options are available. The Vienna Tourism Board provides free, downloadable self-guided tours.

A visit to the Hofburg Palace Complex is always popular. The palace is a former winter residence of the Habsburgs, who ruled over Europe until the 18th century. Key points of interest within the huge structure include living quarters known as the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Treasury.

Domkirche St. Stephan is home to a wooden Wiener Neustadt altarpiece, colorfully adorned with a number of religious figures. The tomb of Emperor Frederick III is on the premises. In the south tower, a spiral staircase with 343 steps leads to expansive city views.

Karntnerstrasse, or Carinthia Street, has been compared to high-end shopping districts in New York City. Shops line the brightly-lit street, which served as a trade route to Carinthia during the 1200s.

Naschmarkt has been in existence since the 1600s. The outdoor market specializes in edible goods, but features antiques on Saturdays. Lunch items are highly recommended and the people watching opportunities are excellent.

Visitors to Donauturm Observation Tower and Restaurant accomplish two tasks. Guests enjoy ewe’s cheese wrapped in bacon and strawberry tiramisu. After the meal, a ride on the attached 500 foot elevator provides breathtaking views of the city.