by Courtney Russo LaHurd
Ranked as the most livable city in the world, Vienna, Austria is rich in history, culture, and beauty. It is surrounded by three mountain
I have lived in Vienna as an “expat” for over two years with my husband and three children, ages 6, 4, and 2 years old. While living here, I have made it my focus to find child-friendly restaurants and activities that keep not only my children but me, entertained. My family has personally tested and approved of all of my recommendations below. I am happy to share our favorites with you. I think it is important when visiting a new city to mix the touristy sites with hidden gems where only the locals go. You will find some great “hidden gems” on this list (shhh… don’t tell anyone!).
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Vienna. No need to take taxis while you are here. Everything you want to see is in close proximity and Vienna’s public transportation system is amazingly clean and punctual. Children under the age of 6 rides for free! If you want to give your legs a break while still taking in the city’s sites, I recommend the “Fiaker” Ride (horse-drawn carriage) and the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Main Attractions
1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral:
In the Dome Tour, you will rise above the rooftops and get a birds-eye view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Catacomb Tour only takes 30 minutes but is not for the faint of heart. You climb down multiple steps and it is pretty dark down there. You will be seeing real skeletons!
2. Hofburg Palace:
Its green roof and lavish gold ornamentation are hard to miss. Tours are available but, especially with young children, I suggest walking the grounds at your own pace.
3. Schonbrunn Zoo & Gardens:
This is the oldest zoo in the world!
4. Naschmarkt:
Go hungry and taste test from all of the food stalls. Foods from all over the world are represented here. If samples are not enough, enjoy people-watching and a good meal at one of the many restaurants.
5. Demel:
Established in 1786, this is one of the oldest bakeries in Vienna! Make your way through the crowd to the back of the shop to see the bakers at work. Enjoy Vienna’s famous apple strudel here then grab a chocolate bar to-go from the shop.
6. Cafe Central:
As one of Vienna’s oldest cafes, the beautiful architecture and pastry display are well worth a visit. Sigmund Freud was a regular here among other famous philosophers, poets, architects, and revolutionaries. Insider tip: get here early, tourist lines start forming quick!
If you’re looking for the best of the best in categories ranging from dining to museums, check out my top picks below:
Best Austrian Cuisine:
Salm Brau: Order a beer and Vienna’s famous Weiner Schnitzel. Walk off your meal next door at Belvedere Palace & Gardens.
Best Cappuccino:
Jonas Reindl: Their cappuccinos have foam so thick you need to eat it with a spoon. In fact, I am enjoying one as I write this. Yum!
Best Museums for Children:
The Technisches Museum has two uniquely awesome play areas for children. The ZOOM Children’s Museum is also great but make an appointment online ahead of time.
Best Sweets:
Zanoni & Zanoni does not make your typical chocolate powder mixed with milk. This is thick, creamy, melted chocolate that you eat with a spoon! Their handmade hard candy and lollipops make great souvenirs! For more sweets be sure to check out Zucker Werstadt. Their Xocolat features handmade chocolate and truffles that you must try. Visit Xocolat’s location in Ferstel Passage (city center) for a beautiful walk.
Best Shopping:
At Mariahilferstrasse, you will find everything you need! For bigger names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, enjoy a walk on the pedestrian-only streets in the city center.
Best Vegan/Gluten-Free Cuisine:
Simply Raw Bakery and YAMM.
Best Restaurants with Outdoor Playgrounds:
If you are looking for a restaurant with an outdoor playground for your kids, there are a few options such as the 25 Hours Hotel and the Altes AKH.
Other Tips :
If it happens to rain during your trip and you have to change your plans, I recommend the Artis International Movie Theater. It shows movies in their original language (English… yay!). Monki Park, Mini & Me, YAMM, and Lauserpause are great indoor play spaces for children.
I highly recommend visiting Vienna during Christmas. The best Christmas Markets for children are Rathausplatz which has amusement park rides, Karlsplatz has a HUGE haystack area in the center for children to jump in, and Altes AKH which has pony rides!
Vienna really is an amazing place to experience, and is extremely easy to navigate with young children. You will find a great mix of culture and history, along with touristy attractions, all in an idyllic setting. I cannot recommend it enough!
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