Backpacking in Vienna. The historically and culturally rich city of Vienna is a gem in the already glittering crown of Europe. Once a Roman defensive spot against Germanic tribes, Vienna is today the capital of Austria and a city that is immensely popular among budget travelers and backpackers alike. This is a vibrant and fully modern city, and time spent here is inevitably time spent in the lap of higher-minded pursuits.Practicalities
Summer is probably the best time to visit Vienna as that's when the city is at its warmest. That's not to say winter is out of bounds - far from it in fact - but just that, as the temperature drops significantly during the winter months, travelers can find the conditions a touch unwelcoming.
Once in the city, getting around is a straightforward task. Public transport such as buses and the subway provide an efficient means of transportation. Even better is the bicycle. The backpacker can hire a CityBike from all the major locations in the city. Registration costs just EUR1 and the first hour of biking if free. This healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel proves a great way to see and do Vienna.
In terms of accommodation, the options in Vienna are numerous for the backpacker. For example, there are many hostels in Vienna that cater to the tastes of different individuals. For the traveler looking for a fun hostel to stay in, the Wombats City Hostel is an ideal place. It offers great facilities and a party atmosphere. It also falls well within the budget of backpackers and budget travelers.
The Palace Hostel Schlossherberge is another Vienna hostel that has emerged as one of the best accommodation options in the city over the years. Situated atop the small hill of Wilhelminenberg, this hostel offers free breakfasts, bicycle hiring facilities, and loads of other stuff at a genuinely great price.
Things to Do and See in Vienna
Since Vienna is a city with such a rich history, visiting the many museums in the city is basically a must for the earnest backpacker. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Imperial Treasury and the New Palace, for example, call for attention.
For those interested in contemporary visual art, meanwhile, the Vienna House of Arts is also a must visit because it is home to many works by the best contemporary masters.
Another must visit in Vienna is the Schloss Schönbrunn, a building that is recognized as a site of World Heritage by UNESCO. This palace has been witness to many great historical events, including a meeting between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khruschchev during the Cold War years. It also houses an old zoo and many gardens that are also worth an hour of your time.
For book lovers, the Austrian National Library is a good point of call. It has an enviable collection that's extremely well maintained. This great library's priced possession is a fifteenth century manuscript of the Holy Gospels.
Having zoomed around the city all day long, you'll probably want to drop into one of the many coffee shops along the streets of Vienna. Coffee drinking is a tradition in Vienna, and there is no better way to understand the city and get to know its locals than over a steaming cup of strong black coffee.
