5 alternative things to do in Vienna, Austria

If you are an expat living in Vienna or you have been there many times, I guess you have already seen all the top attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, Prater, Belvedere etc. (check also: 10 best things to do in Vienna) and you wonder if there are any other interesting things to do. Or maybe instead of running between sights you just prefer exploring off the beaten path places and looking for hidden gems? Well, I have spent one year in Vienna and I must admit there was a time when I felt tired of visiting crowded touristic places and I was more excited by discovering offbeat spots in town. If you also are looking for some altervative things to do, I hope you will find some ideas in this post.

1. Exploring the outskirts of Vienna.

Have you ever wonder what is at the metro end station or where the tram that you catch every day goes from? I did!

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Grinzing, a district in Vienna where you will feel like in a small Austrian town

And what’s more, I’ve discovered many interesting places in that way such as Tichy Eissalon at Reumannplatz U1 with the best peanut ice-cream I have ever had, the newly built-up area of Seestadt Aspern U2 or Karl Marx-Hof, the longest single residential building in the world, located next to the metro station Heiligenstadt U4 (see: Interesting facts about Vienna). The great thing about places like these is they are rather non-touristic so you’ve got a chance to see the everyday life of Vienna

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Sisi Chapel, a hidden gem in the Vienna Woods

If, on the other hand, you are looking for places where you can have some rest from the city rush and get closer to nature, there are 9 well marked and accessible by public transport city hiking paths (Stadtwanderwege) that run mostly through the Vienna Woods or local recreation areas.

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Lainzer Tiergarten, a wildlife preserve on the outskirts of Vienna

Never heard of Böhmischer Prater, Kurpark Oberlaa, Sisi Chapel or Bisamberg? Well, it’s time to change it! Don’t forget to visit the green area of wildlife preserve Lainzer Tiergarten with scenic viewpoints and beautiful Hermesvilla hidden in the woods.

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In Lainzer Tiergarten you can find Hermesvilla, the dream palace of Empress Sisi

2. Visiting the UNO City, a modern part of Vienna.

Tourists who visit Vienna are usually focused on sightseeing the historic center, some of them not even heard about UNO City. The Vienna International Centre is a new part of the city with modern skyscrapers and building complex hosting the United Nations Office. The fun fact is that DC Tower, the highest building in Austria is located there.

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Modern architecture of the Vienna International Centre

Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Donaupark while walking there. This large green area is a perfect place for a picnic or kite flying. You can also enjoy a view of the city and its surroundings from the 150 meter-high Danube Tower or ride around the park on a board of the quaint Danube Park railway. The area of UNO City is located near the Danube River, best get off at metro Kaisermühlen VIC U1.

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Donaupark, a beautiful park near the Vienna International Centre

3. Sailing on the Old Danube waters.

The Old Danube (Alte Donau) is an idyllic recreational area of Viennese where you can rent an electric or paddle boat and sail on the calm waters, enjoying the spectacular view of UNO City skyscrapers. There are many charming restaurants with floating beer gardens. In Schinakl you can even rent unique, ecological ‘swimming islands‘ with cozy sofas, tables, and sun terraces. Five times a year during the full moon, boat rental companies offer romantic cruises by moonlight where a man can admire the beauty of Old Danube with a bottle of Prosecco. Every July the Light Festival takes place there with a great fireworks show.

4. Getting lost in the city.

Sometimes the best way to find something really interesting is to leave a map and get wonderfully lost so I suggest you just to get off at metro wherever you want and go for a walk. Don’t run between sights and top attractions, take it easy!

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The Gothic church Maria am Gestade in the first district of Vienna

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Vienna is full of architectural gems that are waiting to be found

Maybe you will explore some beautiful off the beaten path places or hidden courtyards. Whatever it would be, you will be proud of yourself that you discovered something new. Just like this, I have found a charming little quarter Spittelberg.

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Spittelberg, a romantic quarter near the MuseumsQuartier with small art galleries, atmospheric restaurants, and cafes

5. In-line skating on the Danube Island.

Vienna has its own island and no, it’s not a joke. What’s more, the Danube Island (Donauinsel) is a paradise of skaters. It’s a 21 km long free of traffic area which was constructed when the new bed for the Danube was dug to prevent flooding. The island is very long, but only about 200 m wide and because of its shape it’s often called The Spaghetti Island.

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Donauinsel, a great place for roller skating in Vienna

If you have never had roller skates on your foot before don’t worry, you will learn quickly and soon you will appreciate how fast you can move from one end to another. However, be careful in the south-part Lobau area, I think steep shores might be quite dangerous, especially for beginners. I suggest you get off at metro Donauinsel U1 and choose the north, ‘Kahlenberg’ direction.

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Donauinsel is also a nice place to relax or have a picnic

Vienna is not only Innere Stadt, Prater and Schönbrunn Palace, be an explorer and find your own favorite sights in town and remember, some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.



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  48 comments for “5 alternative things to do in Vienna, Austria

  1. April 12, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I once had to do a project on the Vienna Opera house – I built my own miniature version out of styrofoam! – and have wanted to see the real one ever since…

    • April 12, 2016 at 8:44 pm

      Oh, really? I love this building! The best view on Opera is from Albertinaplatz I think, it looks great on the evening when it’s illuminated 🙂

  2. Veronica Pototska
    April 12, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    I have the best memories from visiting Vienna before the Christmas last year! You definitely offered a lot of amazing activities for a warmer weather! I would love to go back again in summer

    • April 12, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      Vienna looks magical before Christmas, I know how charming are all those Advent Markts 🙂

  3. Juliana Wynkoop
    April 12, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    My mother studied abroad in Austria, and it’s always been my dream to visit there. I loved your curiosity in wanting to know where the tram starts and ends (I can totally relate! ). Great post and awesome photos!

    • April 12, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      Thank you Juliana! Yes, I’m always curious about things like that and I really enjoy exploring non-touristic parts of popular cities, sometimes it’s completely different world.

  4. April 13, 2016 at 4:20 am

    The pictures are stunning! I think in-line skating would be my favorite thing to do.

    • April 13, 2016 at 7:15 am

      It’s even more exciting at Summer when the area of bars and restaurants ‘Copa Cagrana’ is open 🙂

  5. Bernard Tan
    April 13, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Very beautiful photos you have there! I would love to visit Vienna soon. What camera are you using for all this photos? I totally can relate to you about getting lost, that was what I did when I was in Vietnam, and happily walked into some interesting cafe.

    • April 14, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      Thank you, I’m glad you like it. Talking about camera, I use Nikon D3100 so nothing professional to be honest. I think I will need an upgrade soon.

  6. April 13, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    I love posts like this that highlight the lesser known things to do in a city. some of that architecture is absolutely stunning!

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      Thank you 🙂

  7. April 14, 2016 at 12:07 am

    Vienna has been on my list of places to visit for so long, you’ve encouraged me even more so to go now! Your photography is beautiful, Vienna looks like both a charming and modern city. These are fantastic tips and I’ll definitely have to bookmark this post.

    • April 14, 2016 at 6:36 pm

      I think Viennese perfectly mix historic architecture with modern design, they really know how to do it!

  8. sanketdhume
    April 14, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Austria’s very high on my bucket list. Although I’m more interested in the Tyrol countryside, I think Vienna and Innsbruck have some extraordinary history and art scene. Definitely worth checking out.

    • April 14, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      Tyrol is also on my list of places I’d like to visit. And Grossglockner.

  9. ANN LIN
    April 14, 2016 at 7:45 am

    I absolutely love finding the hidden gems and getting off the beaten path when I visit a place. It’s where you find the true vibe of the city, away from all the tourist bustle. The city hiking paths seem amazing. I’m someone who always needs a bit of nature even though I’m a city girl! The architecture in Vienna also seems absolutely beautiful.

    • April 14, 2016 at 6:42 pm

      Well, I’m also city girl who likes being close to nature so I have found Vienna as a perfect place for living. Talking about city hiking paths, there is also one in the nearest Alpine peaks where the water of Vienna comes from and it’s also worth seeing!

  10. Nikki Celine
    April 14, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Great post, I love this. I love finding places that aren’t your normal tourist attraction. The photos are beautiful and the architecture is stunning. It’s on my list 🙂

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      Thank you. Wandering off the beaten path is always exciting to me 🙂

  11. April 14, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    Beautiful! I haven’ t been there yet, but after seeing all your fotos and reading about your experiences I’d def love to go !
    Miriam from http://www.be-sparkling.com

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      It’s really charming city, you will like it 😉

  12. April 14, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    Your photos are beautiful!! What a lovely city… you had me at peanut ice cream!

    • April 14, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Peanut is my best but Tichy has also different flavors of ice cream like Strawberry, Cocos or Aschanti, all really delicious! I highly recommend this place.

  13. Shiv Blogs
    April 15, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    I loved your pictures, i was in Budapest and Danube completely mesmerized me. I want to a viking cruise on the Danube soon!

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      I really want to visit Budapest, I’m curious how Danube looks there 🙂

  14. Danielle Markley
    April 15, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    Your photos are stunning!! I just love riding the train in Europe and would def just hop on and off randomly. The architecture is so beautiful in Vienna–I had no idea!

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      I like your idea of traveling, I have to do it once. Have you seen the movie ‘Before Sunrise’? It’s about this and the plot is based in Vienna.

  15. Ahammed
    April 15, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    No words for your pictures its Awesome.Your pictures itself speak more about Vienna

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:37 pm

      Thank you 🙂

  16. Kaja Mann
    April 16, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Fantastic photographs! I’ve been to Vienna a few times but never seen the outskirts! (I need to change it soon though) hahah! Wonderful tips, thank you!

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:36 pm

      Thank you. The outskirts are full of hidden gems, definitely worth to visit.

  17. April 17, 2016 at 5:56 am

    Absolutely beautiful pictures! Vienna is one of my favorite cities, though I’ve only been to the touristy parts. I plan to go back and will definitely use your guide. 🙂

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:35 pm

      Thank you. Vienna is definitely worth visiting twice, or even more 🙂

  18. Earth's Attractions
    April 17, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    Vienna is one of my favorite cities in the world. Indeed, there are the main touristic sites, but there is always a special, local experience that you only get if you start strolling the streets, see where they get you. beautiful neighborhoods, houses, buildings everywhere!

    • April 19, 2016 at 7:48 am

      ‘Touristic Vienna’ and ‘local Vienna’ are two different cities in fact. I wish I could gain the local experience everytime I travel somewhere, but it’s not always possible. Sometimes visiting “TOP 10” attractions is all I can do if I have only few hours for sightseeing, it’s a pity..

  19. April 18, 2016 at 8:18 am

    I have only been to Vienna once and it was only for about 48 hours! This makes me super keen to go back and finish exploring this city! xx

    Ps really pretty photos! I feel they capture the vibe perfectly!

    • April 19, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Thank you Kayla! 48 hours is not much for this city, I know it because sometimes I had guests for weekend like my parents who visited me and I had to show them as much as I can in Vienna during 2 days. I choose the most popular and significant places for them but it’s a pity there was no more time… To be honest even 1 year in Vienna is not enough to see everything there.

  20. Katie Karambelas
    April 18, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    This made me miss last summer in Vienna! Definitely my favorite city in Europe! Thanks for letting me reminisce! 🙂

    • April 19, 2016 at 7:30 am

      I have no idea which European city is my favorite, I think Vienna or Barcelona… Both are amazing for me and totally different, so it’s hard to choose between them.

  21. Cai
    April 19, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Vienna looks so peaceful. I love the architecture of this place. A must see place. It also look clean and organized. Would love to visit it someday 🙂

    • April 20, 2016 at 6:34 pm

      It’s as clean and organised as it looks, ‘Ordnung muss sein’ at last :). But it’s also very safe city, for me as woman it was very important. You could even leave your stuff and go swimming in Danube, everything was exactly how you left it. Really great place for living.

  22. April 22, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    I loved it that Vienna has places where I can get closer to nature. I definitely want to spend my afternoons walking in the woods and smelling the fresh breeze of the forest. This is a very informative post and I hope to spend some time in the future 🙂

  23. Tereza Kube
    October 20, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Amazing post! Going to Vienna next week! Love you photos! How do you edit them? 🙂

  24. Matt
    May 10, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    Last time I was in Vienna, I skipped most of the major tourist attractions and just enjoyed sitting in cafes for hours at a time with my wife. I love the cafe culture and not just because Viennese desserts are amazing!