Today, I prefer to live in a city than simply visit its sights and tick off its attractions. When you are traveling alone, tours and group activities can be a great way to explore a new place. It’s a great way to meet new people, get to know the locals and learn the best restaurants. You don’t have to travel alone if you are traveling solo. From my recent trip to Vienna I’ve compiled the best city tours.

Spoiler – There will be food, wine and craft beer. But that’s not a surprise to anyone who has read my blog.

Here’s a list of my favorite tours and activities in Vienna.

1. Vienna Tours: Free Vienna Walking Tour

This is the first time I’ve taken a free tour, but it won’t be the last. They are great for starting a trip in a new city if they’re anything like the free tour I took in Vienna. The free tours are tip based. You tip the guide based on your enjoyment of the tour.

They are always available in major cities and are organized by the same companies who offer themed paid tours. If you’re planning to book more than one tour, this is a great way to try out the company.

On our first day in Vienna, we took the Vienna Free Walking Tour offered by Prime Tours. I cannot think of a more effective way to experience the city.

The tour began in the square, right in front of the Albertina Museum and close to the Hofburg. We didn’t travel far in the two hours, but we were able to learn a lot of interesting information. We learned some history but also heard stories and legends of Vienna. Anna, the guide with a yellow raincoat did an excellent job of introducing us Vienna. Prime Tour offers a direct booking option on their website.Anna is our Vienna walking tour guide

I’ve come to the conclusion that guided walking tours in Vienna, or any city for that fact, are a great way to learn about your surroundings.

2. Strudel Show in Vienna

Vienna wouldn’t be complete without some of its most famous attractions: a stroll through the Schoenbrunn Gardens and a freshly baked apple strudel. What if you combined all of these things into the ultimate Viennese experience. You can also try the apple strudel at Schoenbrunn.

Strudels are the stars of the Strudel Show, a unique event at Cafe Residenz in Schoenbrunn. There is no better way to relax between the Schoenbrunn Palace Gardens and Schoenbrunn Palace than the Strudel Show at Cafe Residenz.

You can read my complete review of the Strudel Show Vienna by clicking the link. Get Your Guide allows you to book your seat at the Strudel Show.

3. A Viennese Wine Tasting

When I learned that Vienna offers wine tasting, I was very intrigued.

Vienna is home to vast vineyards, which is rare for a capital. The soil is ideal for white grapes. Haas & Haas is one of the most prestigious wine shops in the city. We tasted local boutique wines in an underground Roman cellar.A Roman cellar to taste Viennese wines

You can read my review on the Austrian Wines tasting by clicking the link. Book here to avoid missing this Viennese Wine Tasting if you enjoy wine.

4. Vienna Tours: Spooky Tour

Each major European city has a rich history, and as such, many creepy stories. It was great fun to take a Ghost Tour like this in Prague. The stories are not scary or kitsch, but they bring you closer into the past of the city. We were not disappointed by the Spooky Tour of Vienna. We heard bloody stories, mysticism mixed with reality checks.

We were able to walk all over Vienna City Center and hear stories about everything from the Imperial Family, knights, and artists. The Prime Tours Spooky ghost walk was my favorite tour in Vienna. I would highly recommend it.

5. A Picnic by The Danube

A picnic on the Danube is one of the most popular activities in Vienna. If I say picnic I do not mean a colorful blanket spread on the grass. I am referring to a picnic on the Danube shoreline. The concrete area has a modern, trendy feel.

Some terraces are available on the waterfront. However, many people prefer to sit on the ground, drink a beer and enjoy the sunset. A few old boats anchored along the river have been converted into bars and restaurants. On a sunny, warm day you can enjoy the view and atmosphere from the top deck.

6. Danube Cruise

A river cruise in Vienna, one of the Danube’s capitals, is almost a must. When I can, I like to see a city on the water. The waterfront offers a new perspective and is often lined with the city’s most significant buildings.

You can take a Danube Cruise from Vienna to see the city’s newer and historic side.

7. Explore the Viennese coffee culture

It’s impossible to avoid reading about Vienna’s coffee culture when planning an itinerary. The coffee culture of Vienna is so important that it has been included on the UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage.

Vienna’s coffee houses are a unique experience. Interiors are grand and old-fashioned. Marble tables and comfortable seating. The coffee is served on a tray made of silver, and a glass filled with water is placed next to it. You can order a melange, a coffee with milk foam on top. Then finish the experience by ordering a cake.

There are often queues outside some of Vienna’s famous coffee shops. You should book in advance at Cafe Central and Cafe Sacher. You can also join a Viennese Coffee House Tour or the Cafe Hawelka Experience. You will get to taste some of Vienna’s best coffees and cakes. You’ll learn a lot more about the history of Viennese cafes.The Viennese melange is a mild coffee with frothy milk on top.

8. Vienna Tours: A Street Art Tour in Vienna

Street art may not be the first thing you think of when thinking about the imperial city. There are many walls in the city that are worth exploring. The Street Art Passage is conveniently located in Museumsquartier if you’re short on time. Take a stroll along the Danube Canal to see some street art that is less formal.

The best way to learn more about street art and its significance is to take a guided tour.

9. A Craft Beer Tasting

You probably know that I am a big fan of craft beer and rarely miss the chance to taste it. Vienna’s beer is mostly Austrian, German or Czech. Usually, they brew Pilsner and Lager. I wanted to try something new. A craft beer tasting at a local pub was just what I needed. To read the full Vienna beer review, click on this link.

10. Explore the Grinzing

The fact that there are vineyards in the city was a pleasant surprise. You can find local wines in any restaurant in Vienna. But the real experience is to explore the Grinzing region.

Grinzing is easily accessible from Vienna by bus or train (38A). You can then walk through the vineyards and take amazing photos, before tasting the wine in one of the Heurigen. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon.