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Three varied walks through Vienna: Explore the city on the Danube on foot
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – and the best way to explore the Austrian capital is on foot! With its imperial palaces, winding alleyways and green oases, there’s so much to discover that your feet won’t want to stop. We’ll show you three different walks that reveal Vienna from different angles: sometimes grand, sometimes cosy, sometimes truly green. Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
Walk 1: The Ringstrasse – Imperial splendour over 5 kilometres
Duration: approx. 2–3 hours | Length: approx. 5.3 km | Difficulty: Easy
Imagine that in the 19th century, the old city walls were simply torn down – and in their place, one of Europe’s most magnificent boulevards was created. Vienna’s Ringstrasse is an open-air architectural museum and perfect for anyone who loves to marvel at imposing buildings.
The route
Start at Schwedenplatz and follow the Ring clockwise. Your first stops: the Urania (Austria’s oldest public observatory!) and the former War Ministry, now home to several federal ministries. Continue past the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) to the Stadtpark, where you’ll find the famous golden Johann Strauss monument – the perfect photo opportunity!
Next, you’ll come to the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s most important opera houses. From here, you’ll stroll through the Burggarten, with its Palm House, to the Hofburg, the former imperial palace. Heldenplatz and the Volksgarten are perfect for a quick breather before you pass the Burgtheater on your way to City Hall – a neo-Gothic fairytale castle that is beautifully illuminated in the evening.
The route continues past the University of Vienna and the impressive Votivkirche before you arrive back at the starting point.
Our tip
The walk is particularly lovely in spring and autumn, when the trees along the Ringstraße are in bloom or turning colourful. And don’t worry: there are countless cafés along the route for a coffee break!
Walk 2: Through the Old Town – Hidden alleys and historic charm
Duration: approx. 2 hours | Length: approx. 3 km | Difficulty: Easy
If you want to experience the real Vienna, you need to lose yourself in the alleys of the Old Town. Here, Baroque splendour meets cosy coffee house culture, and a new discovery awaits around every corner.
The route
Start at Stephansplatz in front of St Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna’s landmark with its striking south tower. Stroll along Kärntner Straße, the city’s largest pedestrian zone, as far as the State Opera House. From here, you can explore the winding alleyways: via Weihburggasse, you’ll reach the charming Blutgasse (it sounds more dramatic than it is!) and Bäckerstraße with its historic houses.
Continue on to Franziskanerplatz with its idyllic fountain – perfect for a short break. Via Ballhausplatz, home to the Federal Chancellery, you’ll reach the Graben, one of Vienna’s most upmarket shopping streets, with the imposing Plague Column in the middle. Here, some of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses await you – time for a slice of Sachertorte?
To finish off, you can stroll through Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg or back to St Stephen’s Cathedral via Michaelerplatz. This route shows you Vienna at its most charming!
Our tip
Getting lost is definitely encouraged here! You’ll only find some of the most beautiful courtyards and hidden spots if you simply turn down an alley that looks interesting. And: do look up – the façades are often adorned with beautiful details.
Walk 3: Green Vienna – Parks, the Danube Canal and an escape from the city
Duration: approx. 3–4 hours | Length: approx. 6 km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Vienna is greener than many people think! Almost half of the city consists of green spaces. This walk shows you the relaxed, natural side of the Danube metropolis.
The route
Start in the Stadtpark at the Johann Strauss monument and follow the Wienfluss out of the city. The river may be small, but the riverside promenade is wonderfully green and peaceful. From here, head to the Donaukanal – not to be confused with the Danube itself! Along the canal, you’ll find street art, small bars and, in summer, a relaxed beach bar atmosphere.
Follow the canal northwards to the Friedensbrücke, cross the canal here and stroll through the leafy streets of the 9th district to Sigmund Freud Park. From here, it’s not far to the Volksgarten with its beautiful rose beds (a dream in summer!).
Through the Burggarten grounds, you’ll reach Heldenplatz and can optionally make a detour to the nearby Augarten, one of Vienna’s oldest Baroque gardens.
Our tip
Pack a picnic blanket! In Vienna’s parks, it’s perfectly normal to lie on the grass and soak up the sun. Along the Danube Canal, you’ll also find plenty of small food stalls serving international cuisine – perfect for a quick bite to eat.
Your base for walks in Vienna: The a&o Hostels
Whether you’re travelling to Vienna alone, with friends, as a couple or with the whole family – the two a&o Hostels in Vienna are the perfect base for your walks through the city!
a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
Located right next to the main station, the a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof offers excellent transport links: you can reach the city centre in just a few minutes by underground or even on foot (around 20 minutes to St. Stephen’s Cathedral). This modern hostel offers everything you need for a relaxing city break – from affordable dorm rooms to comfortable double rooms and spacious family rooms.
Perfect for backpackers, couples, families and school groups looking for a central place to stay.
a&o Wien Stadthalle
The second a&o in Vienna is located near the Stadthalle and is just one underground stop away from Westbahnhof. From a&o Wien Stadthalle, you can start your day in a relaxed manner – the historic city centre is within easy reach, and the trendy 7th district (Neubau) with its vintage shops and cafés is right on your doorstep. A real highlight: the nearby “Stadtbahnbögen”, where Vienna’s hip crowd parties in bars and clubs!
Perfect for anyone who wants to experience alternative Vienna as well as sightseeing.
Why a&o?
- Affordable prices: From budget beds to comfortable family rooms – there’s something for everyone here.
- Central location: Both hostels are well connected to local transport.
- Best price guarantee: Book directly and save!
- Wide range of room options: Dorm rooms, private rooms, family rooms – the right option for every type of traveller
- 24/7 reception & bar: perfect for early risers and night owls
- a&o Club: Become a member and save up to 25% on your booking!
Practical tips for your walks in Vienna
Best time of year: Vienna is lovely all year round, but the temperatures are particularly ideal for walking in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). Public transport: Vienna’s public transport is excellent – with a day ticket (approx. €8) you can use all underground trains, trams and buses. Perfect for combining walking with hopping on and off public transport!
Coffee breaks: Vienna is the city of coffee houses – treat yourself to a melange (milk coffee) and a slice of cake every now and then. Classics include Café Central, Café Landtmann and Café Sacher. Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must! Many of Vienna’s streets are cobbled, and you’ll easily cover 15,000 steps in a day.
Water: In summer, there are public drinking fountains with fresh spring water everywhere in Vienna – just top up your bottle and off you go!
Exploring Vienna on foot is simply magical
Whether you’re into magnificent buildings, winding alleyways or green oases – Vienna has the perfect walk for every taste. Best of all: you can combine or shorten the routes however you like. And after a day full of discoveries, you’ll look forward to your cosy room in one of the two a&o hostels – perfectly located, affordable and with all the comforts you need for your trip to Vienna.
Pack your bags and discover Vienna step by step – the city will enchant you!
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