Top 10 Free Things to Do in Vienna (Insider Guide + How to Get There)
Vienna’s old-world charm and imperial legacy don’t have to cost you a cent. From grand palaces to open-air concerts and street art, these top 10 free things to do in Vienna are budget-friendly and easy to reach.
1. Schönbrunn Palace Gardens & Gloriette
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM
How to Get There:
Take
U4 (green line) to
Schönbrunn Station. Walk ~10 minutes to the palace entrance.
The Gloriette viewpoint is located up the hill in the back gardens.
Explore manicured Baroque gardens, Roman ruins, and fountains—all for free. Don't miss the iconic hilltop Gloriette for panoramic views.
2. Ringstrasse Walking Tour & Historic City Center
Address: Loop around Innere Stadt (1st District), Vienna
Opening Hours: Accessible 24/7 (best during daylight)
How to Get There:
Start at
Karlsplatz or
Schottentor using
U1, U2, or U4, then walk along the ring road.
Stroll past Parliament, Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera, and the University. Each stop offers iconic imperial-era architecture.
3. MuseumsQuartier Courtyard & Enzis
Address: MuseumsQuartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
Opening Hours: Courtyard open daily
How to Get There:
Take
U2 to
Museumsquartier Station or
U3 to
Volkstheater and walk 3 minutes.
Chill on colorful Enzi loungers and enjoy the buzz of Vienna’s modern arts district—totally free.
4. Naschmarkt & Brunnenmarkt
Address:
- Naschmarkt: Linke Wienzeile, 1060 Vienna
- Brunnenmarkt: Brunnengasse, 1160 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM – 2 PM (closed Sundays)
How to Get There:
- Naschmarkt: U4 to Kettenbrückengasse
- Brunnenmarkt: U6 to Thaliastraße, then walk 5 minutes
These vibrant local markets are great for browsing fresh produce, spices, and multicultural street food. Sampling optional, browsing is free.
5. Stadtpark & Belvedere Gardens
Addresses:
- Stadtpark: Parkring 1, 1010 Vienna
- Belvedere Gardens: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
Opening Hours: - Stadtpark: Daily 6 AM – 10 PM
- Belvedere Gardens: Daily 7:30 AM – sunset
How to Get There:
- Stadtpark: U4 to Stadtpark Station
- Belvedere: Tram D to Schloss Belvedere
Admire the famous Johann Strauss monument, baroque landscaping, and sweeping views from Upper Belvedere’s garden terrace.
6. Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Address: Donauinsel, 1220 Vienna
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
How to Get There:
Take
U1 to
Donauinsel Station—you’ll land directly on the island.
This urban oasis offers peaceful river walks, cycling paths, and beach bars (free to enter). It's perfect for sunny afternoons and locals’ favorite jogging route.
7. Rathausplatz Open-Air Events
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours: May–September (evenings), for festivals and film nights
How to Get There:
Take
U2 to
Rathaus Station, exit at
Rathausplatz.
From classical concerts to film screenings and food stands, this summer festival hub brings free entertainment to the heart of Vienna.
8. Prater Park & Hauptallee
Address: Prater Hauptallee, 1020 Vienna
Opening Hours: Park open 24/7
How to Get There:
Take U1 or U2 to Praterstern, then walk 3–5 minutes into the park.
Home to the famous Ferris wheel, the Wurstelprater amusement park charges for rides, but walking or cycling through the main alley (Hauptallee) is free and relaxing.
9. Hundertwasserhaus & Danube Canal Street Art
Address:
- Hundertwasserhaus: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna
- Danube Canal: Along Donaukanal, accessible from Schwedenplatz
Opening Hours: Visible daily (best in daylight)
How to Get There:
- Hundertwasserhaus: Tram 1 or O to Hetzgasse
- Danube Canal: U1 or U4 to Schwedenplatz
Admire vibrant, quirky architecture and canal-side murals showcasing Vienna’s alternative art scene. Great photo ops guaranteed.
10. Free Walking Tours of Vienna
Starting Points: Often near
Albertinaplatz
Opening Hours: Daily at 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM (check tour providers)
How to Get There:
Use
U1 or U3 to
Stephansplatz or
U2 to Museumsquartier, depending on your meeting point.
These tip-based tours are led by locals and history buffs who’ll guide you through centuries of Vienna’s story—pay what you feel is fair.
FAQs About Free Things in Vienna
Are these attractions really free?
Yes! All listed locations offer free public access, although some may have additional paid exhibitions nearby.
Can I use public transport with a day pass?
Yes. A 24-hr ticket (~€8.60) or Vienna City Card is ideal for using trams, metros, and buses throughout your visit.
Is everything walkable?
Most inner-city attractions are within walking distance, but metro rides save time for outer districts like Schönbrunn and Donauinsel.
