8 must-visit hidden gems in Vienna

A trip to Vienna isn’t complete without digging into its iconic attractions: listening to the music of renowned composers like Mozart, tucking into a crispy Wiener schnitzel, and strolling through gleaming royal palaces. But, there’s even more to the City of Dreams than meets the eye. Hidden gems in Vienna reveal even more intriguing sides of the Austrian capital, from lost gardens to lively jazz bars. Here’s the inside scoop about the most unique things to do in this vibrant city, so you’ll know exactly how to spend your free time in Vienna on your next Vienna tour.

1. Explore the Lost Garden at Schönbrunn Palace

This opulent palace, originally constructed in the 16th century, is one of the can’t-miss places to visit in Vienna. The Habsburg monarchs summered here (and used it as a hunting lodge), and today it’s recognized as a key architectural and historic monument—which means that visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Vienna.

However, nestled just beyond the palace, you’ll find the Lost Garden (or the Irrgarten). One of the most charming hidden gems in Vienna, this off-the-beaten-path area is actually just beside the main garden of the palace. Featuring quiet, secluded nooks with statues and pathways as well as a challenging topiary maze, the Lost Garden is the perfect place for a peaceful walk after exploring the main palace. Its maze, which was demolished in the late-19th century before being reconstructed in 1999, is its most famous feature. See if you can make it to the end of the labyrinth while on our Germany, Switzerland & Austria tour or Budapest, Vienna & Prague tour.

2. Shop at Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt

There’s nothing like an outdoor European market, especially when you can sample local specialties while browsing dreamy food and craft stalls. Exploring these cultural hubs is one of the most unique things to do in the city and one of our favorite ways to spend free time in Vienna. If you’re visiting Vienna during the holiday season on our Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague tour, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in these culturally enriching markets. But if not, you should still add two of our favorites to your next trip to Vienna: Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt.

We like to think of Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt as the best hidden gems in Vienna if you’re interested in finding unexpected snacks and great souvenirs. Karmelitermarkt is just across the canal from the city center in a trendy neighborhood. Here, you’ll find plenty of locals bustling about on Saturdays as they shop for fresh produce.

If you’re looking for a market with even more variety, Brunnenmarkt may be worth the trip. Located about two miles west of the Innere Stadt, this 170-stall market is the largest in Vienna and features a more affordable and diverse selection, influenced by Vienna’s immigrant communities. On your next trip to Vienna, make sure to stop by one of the Turkish food stalls for some delicious treats, like a flaky baklava.

3. Taste local sips at wine taverns in Grinzing

Calling all wine lovers: 1,700 acres of vineyards dot Vienna’s landscape, which means you’re in for a very lively wine scene. We recommend dabbling in the Viennese Heuriger, or wine tavern, tradition in the village of Grinzing. You travel to this village on our tours to Vienna and enjoy an evening full of traditional food, music, and entertainment. This charming rural escape just minutes from the city isn’t just for food and wine, either—you can also explore the cobblestone neighborhoods or take a scenic hike.

The Heuriger experience is not to be missed, as it’s sure to give you a taste of local culture and tradition. While this experience is always a must-do while in Austria, your Tour Director won’t bring you to just any of the wine taverns—they’ll bring you to the best hidden restaurants in Austria. When you dip into a Heuriger, expect delicious local eats (be sure to try Wiener schnitzel!) paired with wines made right under their roof. Whether you’re on our Highlights of Eastern Europe tour or Budapest, Vienna & Prague tour, there’s the opportunity to have your Heuriger experience at night, where you can really see the special atmosphere of these iconic wine taverns.

4. Get your coffee fix at Jonas Reindl

The Austrian capital is known for its coffee house culture, so there’s no shortage of cozy shops to get your daily drip during your Vienna tour. If you’re a java snob, however, we recommend checking out one of the hidden gems in Vienna: Jonas Reindl. A trendy coffee shop with three locations all over the city, this roaster is rightly popular among locals and students—so you know it’s worth going.

Expect to find high-quality specialty coffee in a modern-yet-relaxed atmosphere, where you’ll get to rub elbows with fellow coffee-loving locals. On trips like our Germany, Switzerland & Austria tour, where we offer a full free day in Vienna, people watching in a wonderful cafe is a great way to slow down. Try a Wiener melange, the local answer to the cappuccino, and pair it with any of the decadent pastries served daily.

5. Listen to live jazz at Porgy & Bess

When it comes to Vienna’s musical history, Mozart and Beethoven probably come to mind. But did you know the city is home to some acclaimed jazz clubs as well? If you love a good trumpet riff, you won’t want to miss a night at Porgy & Bess. Austrian and international jazz greats grace the stage daily, so you’re guaranteed to hear an unforgettable set regardless of when you visit during your Vienna tour.

Located in the city center, the very intimate Porgy & Bess has been a beacon for jazz since the 1990s, but the rotating schedule of live music also includes blues and even experimental avant-garde acts. We love recommending using free time to take a post-dinner outing to this iconic performance venue on our Central Europe for Solo Travelers tour. It’s the perfect way to get to know your travel companions!

6. Follow in royal footsteps in Hofburg Palace

This 2,600-room palace was originally constructed during the Middle Ages and remains one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The Habsburg monarchs chose it as their seat of power. Today, the palace serves as the official residence and workplace of the Austrian president, as well as a home for multiple museums. Hofburg Palace is a gleaming symbol of the capital’s political history and is one of the unique places to visit during your trip to Vienna.

The palace grounds feature countless secret rooms and corners that visitors often miss. On our Budapest, Vienna & Prague tour, there’s an entire free day, a few hours of which can be spent slowly exploring the lesser-visited areas of the palace complex. For example, there’s the Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus), where you can marvel at countless butterflies from all over the world flying around a tropical greenhouse. You can also take guided tours of the Imperial Apartments, where you can learn a lot about Empress Sisi. Pro tip: The best time to do it is early in the morning, when you’re least likely to encounter long lines.

7. Stroll down the Prater Hauptallee

If you’ve seen a photo of Vienna, you’ve probably spotted the iconic Ferris wheel spinning on the skyline. It’s a major attraction at Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Most visitors head to Prater for the ride, but the park also features one of the hidden gems in Vienna—Prater Hauptallee. This 2.5-mile-long, tree-lined street provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cars are prohibited, so local joggers and inline skaters flock to the boulevard for their daily endorphin rush.

On your own trip to Vienna, a stroll down Prater Hauptallee is a great way to experience just how green the city is—the boulevard is lined with about 2,500 trees, after all. It’s also the ideal running track for travelers looking to add a workout to their visit. If you want to explore further, the surrounding meadows, woods, and former channels of the Danube River are easily accessible, too. Sometimes, Vienna’s hidden gems are actually hiding in plain sight!

8. Spend an afternoon in Kurpark Oberlaa

Speaking of tranquil environments, we always recommend a few hours exploring Kurpark Oberlaa—a truly idyllic park. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Vienna. This large, beautifully landscaped park located in the south of Vienna is almost like a wellness complex—there are thermal springs, quiet lakes, aromatic rose gardens, and modern sculptures. It’s a pretty spot for a picnic, too! During your free day on our Highlights of Eastern Europe tour, you can bring lunch and spend an afternoon by the water, soaking up the beauty of the park.

Originally built for the Vienna International Garden Show, the grounds overflow with colorful blooms to admire. Once you’ve had your nature fix, you can spend a few hours soaking in the thermal baths, then eat a delicious Austrian Sachertorte at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa—no Vienna tour is complete without a tasty cake or two!

Which hidden gem in Vienna would you like to see on your trip to Europe? Shop our Vienna tours now and you’re one step closer to discovering them for yourself.