Experience Vienna’s imperial grandeur and world-class culture without succumbing to its reputation as one of the world's most expensive cities, thanks to guidance provided by DW Travel host Anja Koch. Anja Koch details how travelers can navigate the Austrian capital, renowned for its baroque palaces, Gothic masterpieces, and ranking as the second most livable city in the world as of 2025, through free attractions, affordable transit, and budget-friendly, authentic cuisine.
The exploration of Vienna, a city home to over two million people, begins at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the essential landmark that has attracted millions of annual visitors since its construction started in the 12th century. While access to the main altar costs 7 euros and climbing the 136-meter-high tower is an additional fee, visitors can enter a modest area of Austria's tallest church for free, which provides a "pretty good view of the interior".
To traverse the city efficiently and cheaply, Anja Koch highlights Vienna’s well-connected public transportation network as a superior alternative to the expensive horse-drawn carriages, known as Fiaker, which cost 60 euros for just 20 minutes. Tram lines 1 and 2, which essentially circle the city center, can be used as a "mini tour". A single ticket is 2.40 euros, and a 24-hour pass costs only 8 euros.
The tram conveniently leads to Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), one of the most impressive neo-Gothic buildings in the city, which houses the office of the mayor. The best part for budget travelers is that guided tours of the Rathaus are offered free of charge. Inside, visitors can view the impressive festival hall, large enough for 1,500 couples to dance the Viennese waltz simultaneously, and the Arkadenhof, one of Europe's largest inner courtyards.
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When it comes to dining, Anja Koch advises against expensive city center restaurants where a Viennese veal schnitzel can cost up to 30 euros. Instead, the recommended affordable Austrian classic is the sausage stand, or Würstelstand, which is considered a true institution and often remains open late. A must-try is the Käsekrainer, a pork sausage containing 10 to 20 percent cheese, available for 7.40 euros. This sausage stand culture was officially recognized on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2024.
For an authentic local perspective, Anja Koch recommends connecting with Vienna Greeters, an association that offers completely free tours guided by residents, such as retiree Norbert Wulfert. These tours bypass the typical tourist hot spots, lasting up to four hours, and provide local insights, including information on Vienna's housing policy and tips for local restaurants and cafés. To satisfy the desire for "imperial splendor," travelers can visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, with its 1,441 rooms. While seeing the emperors' living quarters costs 34 euros, the expansive garden, filled with fountains and statues, can be enjoyed for free, providing an "imperial feeling". For a magnificent view over the city, the Gloriette, originally built as a temple of fame and symbol of imperial power, and where Emperor Franz Joseph I once had his breakfast, is available to climb (it now houses a café).
Even luxury accommodation can be accessed affordably. The Grand Ferdinand, a luxury hotel promising Viennese elegance, offers beds in a dormitory setting, complete with chandeliers and mahogany beds, for 50 euros per night. Crucially, dormitory guests enjoy the same access to amenities as guests in expensive rooms, including the pool and roof terrace.
Finally, world-class culture is accessible at the Vienna State Opera, one of the most important opera houses globally, known for featuring composers like Puccini, Wagner, and Mozart. The opera is equipped with an unusually large orchestra pit capable of accommodating up to 110 musicians. Anja Koch advises that between September and June, standing room tickets are sold starting at 10 AM on the day of the performance for less than 20 euros, allowing visitors to experience world-class musicians and singers, provided they are willing to stand.
