The capital of Austria, Vienna, is usually high on the must-visit list of any traveler coming to Europe. However, it ranks quite  high among the cities which require a solid budget to visit.

Accommodation is affordable if you don’t mind a shared dorm, but once you aim for a private room, it quickly starts to feel pricey (for the budget traveler). There are plenty of options to travel to Vienna, but you may want to try the by land approach and fly to a larger hub in area (such as Budapest). What struck me pretty odd was not finding free museum entrances or any free walking tours.

So what’s there to do if you are looking for free things?

1. Take a DIY walking tour of the Historic Center of Vienna

You can literally make it last as  long as you want but you will need to plan breaks. Grab a map (it should come with your Vienna card, if you got one, or just ask at the hostel if they have one) and start walking.

There are some small and not very expensive museums to check out, too. Papyrus Museum, Globe Museum and Esperanto Museum have a combined ticket of 4 euros / pax (or 3.60 if you have Vienna card).

2. Walk on Ringstrasse

The walk takes about 1-2 hours but if you are lazy you can take the tram (no1 or no2), but that’s not free. Again, make sure you have a map and some good walking shoes.

Must see places include: The Parliament, The Opera House, Hofburg and some museums.

3. Naschmarkt

Vienna’s biggest open air market is a feast for the eyes and senses. I expect some money will be spent on sweets. Back in 2008 I’ve bought the best apple strudel ever from the market. As well as some spices.

It is open Monday through Saturday 9am – 6.30pm (restaurants until 11pm), while on  Saturday  it is a flea market.

4. St. Peter’s Church

It is the second-oldest church in Vienna and is the most lavishly decorated baroque church in Vienna

5. Stadtpark

The Viennese City Park can offer an option to spend some time checking out the flora and the monuments, especially when it’s warm outside.

6. Free concerts in front of the Town Hall

Or other free events. Back in 2008 we ended up in Vienna during a film festival. The entrance was free.

7. Christmas Markets

Taking photos and walking among the stalls is free. However, you’d probably want to get something while there. And may I just say the mulled wine and the mulled cider are to die for?

8. Schönbrunn gardens

The vast gardens can be visited for free. Plus you can walk up to the Gloriette for some lovely views (but you can cannot climb it during winter). If the weather is fine, you can spend a lot of time in the gardens.

I was in Vienna two times: during summer and during winter. The Gardens were easier to tackle in winter (of course) but we did go on a sunny day so there were tourists around. During summer, it was super packed.

9.The Burggarten (Palace Garden)

It is a palace garden of the Hofburg which can take some of your time…during summer. Otherwise you’d have to settle for the Palmenhaus (Palm house) only and it’s not free.

10. The interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Part of the interior can be visited for free. A small part. But you can take some photos and get an idea if it’s worth it to pay for the rest.

Photos by Alex and Cris P.