Private day trips from Vienna to places you'll never forget

The official currency in Austria is the euro. Vienna has extensive ATM networks, and credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and attractions. Some smaller cafes and shops prefer cash.

The official language of Austria is German, specifically Austrian German, which has a distinct vocabulary and pronunciation from German spoken in Germany. English is widely spoken in Vienna's tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially by younger people. Learning basic German phrases is appreciated by locals.

The best time to visit Vienna is April through May and September through October when weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Spring brings blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures. Fall offers golden foliage and fewer tourists. December is magical for Christmas markets despite cold weather. Summer can be hot but features outdoor concerts and festivals.

Popular day trips from Vienna include Salzburg for Mozart's birthplace and Sound of Music locations, Hallstatt for alpine lake scenery, and Prague for Gothic and Baroque architecture. The Wachau Valley offers vineyard terraces and medieval towns like Durnstein. Bratislava lies just 40 miles away, while Budapest provides stunning riverside parliament buildings and thermal baths.

Vienna consistently ranks among Europe's safest cities with very low crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, on public transport and at Christmas markets. Keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings. Scams targeting tourists are rare. Solo travelers feel comfortable exploring Vienna day and night.

Vienna is famous for imperial palaces like Schonbrunn and Hofburg, stunning Baroque architecture, and musical heritage as home to Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. The city is renowned for traditional coffee house culture, Sachertorte chocolate cake, and the Spanish Riding School's Lipizzaner horses. Vienna also features world-class museums, opera houses and the Ringstrasse boulevard.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for Vienna's extensive historic center and palace gardens. Smart casual clothing works for most situations, though nicer attire is appropriate for opera, concerts and upscale restaurants. Bring layers as weather can change quickly. Winter visitors need warm coats, scarves and gloves. Summer requires lighter clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located 12 miles (19 kilometers) southeast of the city center. The airport serves numerous European and international destinations.