Exploring Vienna's Airport Surroundings: A Quick Guide

what to do around vienna airport

If you're wondering what to do during a layover at Vienna Airport, there are several options to consider. The airport itself offers various amenities, such as restaurants serving Austrian cuisine and casual eateries open 24 hours a day. You can also take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi to stay connected and share your experiences on social media. If you're looking for a comfortable place to rest, the airport has designated Rest Zones with couches and chairs, and there are nearby hotels like the NH Vienna Airport Conference Center Hotel. For those with longer layovers, exploring Vienna's architectural landmarks, museums, and historical sites, such as Stephansdom and Schonbrunn Palace, is an appealing option. However, keep in mind that getting into the city and back might take some time, so plan your travels accordingly.

Things to do around Vienna Airport

Characteristics Values
Transport to the city centre City Airport Train (CAT), trains, buses, taxis
Attractions in the city centre Stephansdom, Museums Quartier, Donauturm Tower, Schonbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt, Stadtpark, Belvedere Palace
Eateries in the airport Sit-down restaurants like Zugvogel and Jamie's Italian, 24-hour eateries in the Arrivals Hall
Sleeping areas in the airport T3's Concourse F, small cubicles at many gates, Designated Rest Zones, no-armrest seating
Hotels near the airport NH Vienna Airport Conference Center Hotel, Vienna Airport Guide
Other attractions Hallstatt, hop-on hop-off tours, Birdly flight

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Explore Vienna's architecture and museums

If you have a layover of at least 5 hours at Vienna Airport, you can take the City Airport Train (CAT) to the city centre in just 16 minutes. Once you're in the city, you can explore Vienna's beautiful architecture and world-class museums.

Start by strolling to Stephansdom, a towering Gothic cathedral. Then, head to the Museums Quartier, a world-class cultural centre with history, art, and cultural museums alongside sprawling green lawns. If you're interested in design and furniture, check out the MAK Museum of Applied Arts and the Möbelmuseum Wien (Vienna Furniture Museum). For a deeper dive into Vienna's architectural history, visit the Austrian Architecture Museum (Az W), which also includes exhibits on social history.

Music lovers will enjoy the Haus der Musik, a museum dedicated to sound and composers with a strong connection to Vienna, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn. You can also visit the Mozarthaus, Mozart's original home, and the Beethoven Museum, located in the house where he likely wrote his Heiligenstädter Testament. The Third Man Museum combines movie memorabilia with a special exhibition on WWII Vienna.

For ancient history, the Roman Museum showcases Vienna's Roman past through excavations and overviews, while the Ephesos Museum displays statues, reliefs, and other antiquities from a Turkish excavation site. The Papyrus Museum is another highlight, with a globally important collection of papyrus fragments and documents dating back 3000 years.

If you're short on time, you can take a quicker train to Hauptbahnhof and explore the nearby Belvedere Palace and gardens, a magnificent Baroque palace with its own museum.

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Visit the Stephansdom cathedral

If you have a layover at Vienna Airport and are looking for things to do, one option is to head into Vienna and visit Stephansdom, the towering Gothic cathedral that is the symbol of the city. Stephansdom is located right in the centre of Vienna and is an obligatory stop for visitors. The initial foundation stone dates back to 1137, with the current incarnation of the cathedral originating in the mid-13th century. The main entrance door, for example, dates back to this time.

When you arrive at Stephansdom, you won't be able to miss it – just look up! The cathedral's striking multi-coloured roof is made up of 230,000 glazed tiles in ornate chevron patterns, with the tallest tower rising over 136m. You can climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower, from where you can enjoy excellent views of the surrounding district. Alternatively, take the lift up to the viewing platform in the North Tower, where you can see the famous 21,283kg Pummerin bell, the second-biggest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe, which announces the New Year in Austria.

Inside the cathedral, you can take a self-guided tour with an audio guide, wander around the main interior, and visit several small altars with pews for prayer and reflection. You can also light a votive candle or visit the cathedral shop. You can also admire the various architectural styles inside Stephansdom, including Gothic naves, side chapels and choirs, alongside Baroque features like the High Altar. Stephansdom is also one of the best venues for concerts, with works by Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven performed throughout the year.

To get to Stephansdom from Vienna Airport, you can take the City Airport Train (CAT), which will have you in the city centre in 16 minutes. You can also take trains, buses or taxis.

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Check out the Museums Quartier

If you have a layover at Vienna Airport, you might be wondering what to do with your time. The airport is divided into three terminals: T1 and T3 house larger carriers, and T1A is home to budget airlines. If you've got at least 5 hours, you can store your bags and head to the city centre, which is only 16 minutes away by train.

One place you can visit is the Museums Quartier, a world-class cultural centre with history, art, and cultural museums alongside sprawling green lawns. It is located southwest of Maria-Theresien-Platz and is easy to reach via subway. It is also near the Hofburg Palace. The cultural centre boasts world-famous museums such as the Leopold, the Museum of Modern Art (Mumok), and the Kunsthalle. It also has a lively mix of trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars.

There are seven ways to get from Vienna Airport to the Museums Quartier, including shuttle, train, bus, and driving. The fastest way is to take a shuttle, which takes 18 minutes and costs $50-65. The cheapest way is to drive, which costs $4-$6 and takes 19 minutes. If you're looking to save money, be aware that the shuttle option is significantly more expensive than the other options. Taking a train or bus will also take more time, and there is no direct train from the airport to the Museums Quartier.

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Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour

If you're looking to explore the local area during a layover at Vienna Airport, one option is to take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city. Vienna is known for its stunning architecture and museums, and these tours can provide an easy and flexible way to see the city's top attractions.

Big Bus Tours offers a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour of Vienna, with pre-recorded commentary available in eight different languages. The tour covers the city centre and extends up to Danube Island, with 16 stops in total. You can purchase tickets online, on the bus, or at any hop-on, hop-off point, and they offer a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Adult tickets start at €42.00, with discounts available for online bookings.

The bus tour takes you to several notable locations in Vienna, including the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, with its beautiful grounds and Gloriette. You can also explore the nearby Belvedere Palace and its gardens, as well as the Stadtpark, all of which are easily accessible from the Wien-Mitte Station.

The City Airport Train (CAT) is a non-stop train that can take you from the airport to the city centre in just 16 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the local train S7 to Wien-Mitte Station or the train to Hauptbahnhof to access the attractions mentioned above. Remember to allow sufficient time for your return journey to the airport, including travel time and airport procedures.

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Eat at sit-down restaurants or 24-hour eateries

If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, Vienna Airport has a variety of dining options to choose from. For a sit-down meal, you can visit restaurants like Zugvogel or Jamie's Italian, helmed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. These restaurants offer a range of casual Austrian dishes, including coffee, pastries, Sacher tort, pretzels, and traditional beer. If you're in the mood for something more informal or on the go, the Arrivals Hall is home to several 24-hour eateries. Here, you'll also find a supermarket that opens at 5:00 a.m., providing you with a range of options to suit your needs.

If you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, you can consider heading into Vienna's city centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) can get you there in just 16 minutes, and you can store your bags pre-security in terminals T1 and T3. Once in the city, you can explore the architecture and museums that Vienna is renowned for. Visit Stephansdom, a towering Gothic cathedral, and take in the performances of street artists in the area. For art and history enthusiasts, the Museums Quartier offers a world-class cultural experience.

For those who prefer to stay connected, the airport provides free WiFi access, allowing you to surf the internet, catch up with friends and family, or update your social media. If you need to recharge your devices, keep an eye out for the small cubicles at various gates, which offer privacy while charging your technology. Additionally, designated Rest Zones provide comfortable seating and couches for a quick break.

If you're travelling with children, Vienna Airport has dedicated children's restaurants that cater to young passengers with big appetites. The airport also offers a range of fast-food options, including the American Diner Big Daddy, which is known for its burgers and chips. With a variety of dining choices available, you're sure to find something to suit your taste buds and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a long layover, you could head into Vienna city centre and explore the architecture and museums. The public transit system makes it easy to get into the city, and you can store your bags at the airport. Once you're in the city, you can visit Stephansdom, a towering Gothic cathedral, or head to Museums Quartier, a world-class cultural centre.

Vienna Airport offers a bus tour of the apron, as well as an aviation-themed Visitor World experience room. You can also take advantage of the airport's free WiFi, or catch up on some sleep in one of the designated Rest Zones. There are also several hotels within walking distance of the airport.

There are several sit-down restaurants, including Zugvogel and Jamie's Italian. There are also casual eateries serving Austrian fare, such as coffee, pastries, pretzels, and traditional beer. For 24-hour dining options, head to the Arrivals Hall, where you'll also find a supermarket.

If you have access to a car, you can take a day trip to Hallstatt, a town known for its mountain peaks, serene lakes, small villages, and magnificent alpine scenery. You can also marvel at the Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens, or head to the nearby Belvedere Palace and gardens.

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