How expensive Is Vienna? Travel costs & Budget Tips

Vienna attracts millions of visitors every year – and for good reason. Before booking your trip, you might be wondering: Is Vienna expensive, and how much money should you realistically plan for?

While Vienna is one of the larger (and not cheapest) cities in Europe, it still offers plenty of options for different travel budgets. With the right planning, you can experience the city comfortably without overspending.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the typical travel costs in Vienna – including accommodation, food, transport, and attractions – so you can plan your city break with confidence.

How expensive is accommodation in Vienna?

Vienna offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to elegant luxury hotels. Prices vary depending on season and location, with higher rates during summer and the Christmas period.

Here’s what you can expect per night:

• Hostel dorm bed: from approx. €25
• Private room / guesthouse: from approx. €70
• Mid-range hotel: €100–180
• Luxury hotel: €200+

I strongly recommend booking early to get the best choice and prices. These are my personal recommendations:

• Budget: Wombats City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt
• Mid-range: Hotel Kärntnerhof
• Upper mid-range: Hotel Kaiserhof Vienna
• Luxury: Hotel Sacher Vienna

Or explore the best areas and options in my guide: Where to stay in Vienna – the best neighborhoods & hotels.

Is food expensive in Vienna?

Vienna caters to all budgets when it comes to food.

• A full meal in a traditional Viennese restaurant costs around €18–25
• In upscale restaurants, main dishes often start at €40
• Breakfast in a café: around €10–15, including a drink
• Fast food menu: from approx. €7

To save money, you can shop at supermarkets and prepare simple meals yourself. If you’re interested in Austrian cuisine, I recommend this culinary experience at Restaurant Stefanie.

How expensive is public transport in Vienna?

Vienna’s public transport system is excellent – and fairly affordable.

• Single ticket: approx. €2.40
• Multi-day tickets or the Vienna City Card* offer good value if you plan to use public transport frequently

Taxis and services like Uber are available but can be pricey. The good news: many major sights are within walking distance, making walking one of the best (and cheapest) ways to explore the city.

How much do attractions and sightseeing cost in Vienna?

Vienna offers a great mix of free, low-cost, and premium attractions. Some popular sights come with higher entrance fees:

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: from approx. €25
• Spanish Riding School training sessions: from approx. €17
• Imperial Treasury: around €16
• Kunsthistorisches Museum: approx. €21

Pro tip: If you plan to visit many attractions, the Vienna Pass can help you save money.

Good news for budget travelers:

• Guided tours of the Austrian Parliament are free (advance booking required)
• The Prater park and its green areas are free (rides cost extra)
• Many museums offer free admission at specific times
• Exploring the historic old town costs nothing

Budget tips for visiting Vienna

You can easily keep your costs down with these tips:

• Explore historic districts and parks – completely free
• Plan ahead to benefit from discounts and time slots
• Stay in accommodation with a kitchen
• Join a free walking tour and tip what you feel is fair
• Use the Vienna Pass if you want to see many sights
• Avoid tourist traps and eat where locals do

Final thoughts: Is Vienna expensive?

Vienna is an impressive city with a rich cultural scene – and it remains surprisingly accessible for different budgets.

While accommodation prices can rise during peak seasons, there are still plenty of options at every price level. Food ranges from affordable Viennese classics to high-end dining experiences, and public transport makes getting around easy.

Many attractions are free or reasonably priced, and with a bit of planning, Vienna can absolutely be enjoyed on a budget.

I hope this guide helps you estimate the costs of your Vienna city trip and plan with confidence.

Your daily budget depends heavily on how long you stay. If you’re still deciding on trip length, this guide on how many days to spend in Vienna helps you choose realistically.