If its your first time in Vienna, I would walk around the Hofburg complex first, then do one of the paid attractions: Sisi Museum, Spanish Riding School, Albertina, or the Kunsthistorisches Museum. If you are going to an art museum, do research beforehand on what you'd like to see.
For your first visit to Vienna I recommend staying in one of the inner districts (those numbered 1 through 9). They're central and close to everything you'll want to see. I live in the 19th district, which feels more like a small town than part of Austria's capital.
This being said, here is what you should not miss when it comes to Vienna's traditional food: Wiener Schnitzel, Spare Ribs, Tafelspitz, Goulash, Würst, Kaiserschmarrn, Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce, and Sachertorte.
In Vienna, DO greet people politely ("Guten Tag"), respect quietness on transport, validate transit tickets, embrace the slow cafe culture, stand on the right on escalators, and carry cash, while DON'T be loud in public, jaywalk, eat on the subway, expect fast service in cafes, or forget to separate your recycling. Be mindful of personal space and the strong local etiquette for politeness and efficiency, especially regarding greetings and public transport rules.
Ottakring, situated in the western part of Vienna, is a diverse district known for its vibrant atmosphere. Most of Ottakring is safe. But areas around the Ottakring U-Bahn station and Gürtel Street are sketchy. Especially at night, you might encounter drunk people or people fighting.
Vienna's Ringstrasse. The world's most beautiful boulevard is home to many of Vienna's most famous sights and museums, as well as grand palaces and spacious parks.
The must-see sites in Vienna include the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Belvedere Palace. Having breakfast in a Vienna coffee house and dining on a slice of Sacher Torte are also must-have experiences.
How much should you tip? When tipping serving staff, Austrians normally add 5% to 15% to the bill so it's rounded up to a convenient number. If the bill is 9 Euro, maybe round up to 10. If it's 25, round up to 28.
The best areas to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors are the historic Innere Stadt, a central hub with iconic landmarks, and vibrant Neubau, known for its artistic flair.
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most popular tourist spot. And for good reason: it's gorgeous. A tour through the interior is a tour through some pretty impressive European history. Visit in the early morning, when the park gates are open but the ticket office isn't.
A: The locals are naturally aware that most foreign visitors cannot speak German. As a result, you're unlikely to offend anyone by addressing them in English as long as you're not arrogant about it. Indeed, you'll find people eager to practice their English on you!
Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, is common. Be careful on public transport and in areas popular with tourists. Take care using ATMs. Avalanches, flash floods and mudslides occur in alpine areas.
In the neighborhood bordered by Felberstrasse and Hütteldorferstrasse near Westbanhof in the 15th District, is a well-known red light district, especially after nine p.m. when the legal working hours for prostitutes in Vienna begin.
