Vienna was the opening chapter of our Central Europe winter trip, and it could not have been a better place to begin. Arriving just before Christmas, the city welcomed us with snow-dusted streets, elegant architecture, and a festive atmosphere that felt refined rather than overwhelming. Our Vienna trip in winter set the tone for the rest of the journey – slow, walkable, well-organised, and deeply atmospheric.
This was not a rushed sightseeing visit. Instead, Vienna allowed us to settle into winter travel, enjoy a white Christmas, and experience the city at a relaxed pace before moving on to Budapest, Prague, and Dresden.
Vienna was the first stop on our Central Europe Winter Trip: Four Countries, One Unforgettable Journey. Read the full journey here → Central Europe Winter Trip
Arrival in Vienna: From Edinburgh to City Centre with Ease
We departed Edinburgh around 7:00 am and landed in Vienna at approximately 11:00 am local time (Vienna is one hour ahead of the UK). Having already installed the ÖBB app before travelling, our arrival process was smooth and stress-free.
After collecting our luggage, we checked the app and found a direct train at 11:34 am from Vienna Airport to Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). The station is only about 14–15 minutes away, with no intermediate stops.
We booked tickets for the whole family directly through the ÖBB app for around €15 total, which represented excellent value.
Important tip: There is another airport train called CAT (City Airport Train). Do not take this if your destination is Vienna Central Station – it does not stop there and is significantly more expensive.
The airport train station is clearly signposted and only about a two-minute walk from the baggage belt.
Hotel Location and First Impressions of Vienna trip in winter
Our hotel was located close to Vienna Central Station, just a 10-minute walk from the platform. As our check-in time was 3:00 pm and the room was not yet ready, the hotel kindly allowed us to store our luggage and freshen up using their washroom facilities.
This location proved ideal for the entire stay for this Vienna trip in winter. Being so close to the main station made:
- Airport transfers simple
- Day trips easy
- City exploration flexible
For our first day, we decided not to use public transport at all and explore on foot.
Day 1: Belvedere Palace and Christmas Markets
After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant and began our Vienna exploration on foot. Belvedere Palace was within walking distance, making it the perfect first destination of our Vienna trip in winter.
Belvedere Palace (Exterior and Gardens)
We focused on the exterior and gardens rather than the interior. Even in winter, Belvedere’s grounds were beautiful, with snow enhancing the palace’s symmetry and elegance.
We spent time walking through the gardens, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful winter atmosphere.
Belvedere Christmas Market during Vienna trip in winter
Right outside the palace, the Belvedere Christmas Market added warmth and colour to the scene.
Highlights included:
- A relaxed, less crowded atmosphere
- Traditional wooden stalls
- Festive lights against the palace backdrop
- Seasonal food and warm drinks
After enjoying the market, we returned to the hotel. By then, our room was ready, allowing us to check in, unpack, change, and rest briefly with a coffee in the room.
Evening Walk to Karlsplatz Christmas Market
Later in the evening, we headed out again on foot to Karlsplatz Christmas Market, about a 15–20 minute walk from our hotel.
Karlskirche and Karlsplatz Christmas Market during Vienna trip in winter
Set beside the stunning Karlskirche, this market felt atmospheric and cosy. The illuminated church created a dramatic backdrop, and the market itself was lively without feeling overwhelming.
We enjoyed:
- Hot chocolate and mulled wine
- Local festive food
- A relaxed evening walk back through the city
Dinner that night was at a nearby Indian restaurant, offering a comforting end to our first full day in of our Vienna trip in winter.
Day 2: Parliament, Christmas Markets, and St Stephen’s Cathedral
On our second day of our Vienna trip in winter, we purchased a 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket using the ÖBB app. This covered:
- Trams
- Metro (U-Bahn)
- Suburban trains within the city
The ticket proved extremely convenient.
After breakfast, we started later in the day, heading out around 1:00 pm.
Parliament House and Rathausplatz
Our first stop was the Austrian Parliament Building, an impressive structure that looks especially striking in winter light.
From there, it was a short walk to Rathausplatz Christmas Market, one of Vienna’s most famous.
The market stood out for:
- Its grand City Hall backdrop
- Wide, well-organised layout
- Festive lighting and music
- Calm crowd flow despite its popularity
From Rathausplatz, we used a tram to visit another Christmas market, enjoying how easy it was to move around the city.
St Stephen’s Cathedral and Historic Cafés
By evening, we reached St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most iconic landmark. Its Gothic architecture was breathtaking, especially when illuminated after dark.
Nearby, we visited a traditional old Viennese café, where we enjoyed evening snacks and coffee – a quintessential Vienna experience.
Dinner that night was at a local Austrian restaurant, bringing the day to a relaxed close.
Day 3: Christmas Eve at Schönbrunn and St Stephen’s Cathedral
Christmas Eve was one of the highlights of our Vienna trip in winter.
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna trip in winter
We visited Schönbrunn Palace, exploring the exterior and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Even without entering the palace, the scale and elegance of the grounds made the visit worthwhile.
Christmas Eve at St Stephen’s Cathedral during Vienna trip in winter
Later, we returned to St Stephen’s Cathedral for the Christmas Eve celebrations. The atmosphere was lively yet respectful, with a large crowd gathered to mark the occasion.
Nearby, Aida Café, close to the cathedral, was extremely busy, with long queues. We were fortunate to get a table and enjoy:
- Coffee
- Vienna’s famous local cake
We had an early dinner that evening and returned to the hotel to rest, as the next day required an early start.
Christmas Day: Budapest Day Trip from Vienna
On Christmas Day, we took a day trip to Budapest, travelling by RegioJet in first class with onboard meals.
The journey was:
- Comfortable
- Smooth
- Well-organised
- Surprisingly enjoyable for a holiday travel day
Budapest offered a contrasting atmosphere, and we returned to Vienna around 10:00 pm, ready for our final night.
A detailed guide to this experience is available here:
[Budapest Day Trip from Vienna – Christmas Day Experience] (link will come soon)
Departure Day: Returning to Belvedere and Onward to Prague
The following morning, after breakfast, we checked out around 12:00 pm. With some time before our 1:45 pm train, we returned to Belvedere Palace, this time exploring the café and enjoying a final relaxed moment in the area.
The train journey from Vienna to Prague was smooth and scenic, and we arrived in Prague in the evening, ready to continue the journey.
The remaining days were spent exploring Prague and a day trip to Dresden, completing our Central Europe winter adventure.
Why Vienna Is Ideal for a Winter Trip
A Vienna trip in winter offers:
- Elegant Christmas markets without excessive crowds
- Snow-enhanced imperial architecture
- Excellent public transport
- Walkable neighbourhoods
- A refined café culture perfect for cold days
Vienna felt calm, welcoming, and exceptionally well-managed – even during the busiest festive period.