If you haven’t been to Austria, get it on your list. If you haven’t been to Vienna, get it on your list. Vienna in autumn is an absolute banger, and I’m here to spill the beans on the best things to do when the leaves start turning. Forget your typical touristy nonsense – I’m diving deep into the heart of this Austrian gem. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to what to do in Vienna this autumn.
1. Get Your Royal On at Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Look, I know palaces can be a bit “been there, done that,” but trust me, Schönbrunn in autumn is next level. The gardens turn into this insane golden wonderland that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Pro tip: drag yourself up to the Gloriette for a view that’ll knock your socks off. It’s like the city’s giving you a personal autumn light show.
2. Café Crawl Like a Boss
When it gets nippy, it’s time to hit up Vienna’s famous coffeehouses. Café Central and Café Sacher are the big guns, and for good reason. Order a slice of Sachertorte and a melange (fancy talk for cappuccino), and boom – you’re basically Viennese royalty. These spots are perfect for some quality people-watching or pretending to write your groundbreaking novel.
3. Get Tipsy at the Vienna Wine Hiking Day
Two of my favourite things. Wine. Walking. Vienna hosts the Wine Hiking Day in early autumn. You hike through vineyards, chugging wine as you go. It’s exercise and booze combined – basically, the dream. You’ll see a side of Vienna that’ll make you question why you ever thought cities were just about buildings and museums.
4. Feast Your Face Off at Naschmarkt
Foodies, prepare to lose your minds at Naschmarkt. This market is like Disneyland for your taste buds. In autumn, it’s bursting with seasonal goodies that’ll make you want to quit your job and become a full-time eater. Hit up the flea market on Saturdays for some weird and wonderful finds.
5. Class It Up Vienna-Style at the Musikverein
Fancy something more upmarket? The Musikverein is where it’s at for mind-blowing classical concerts. Even if you think classical music is for your gran, give it a go. The acoustics here are so good, they could make a recorder sound like a heavenly instrument. Plus, it’s a great excuse to dress up and pretend you’re in a period drama for a night.
There it is. Five tips and a blueprint for absolutely owning Vienna this autumn. From leaf-peeping to wine-guzzling, café-lounging to culture-vulturing, this city’s got it all. Get out there and seize the season like the travel legend you are!
Want more insider tips? Check out the Vienna Tourist Board website – they have all the latest events covered there.