Small alleyways, hidden courtyards and idyllic city walks: the best way to explore Vienna's most beautiful spots is on foot. This is the only way to discover places that are often overlooked by car or public transport. Whether you're strolling through historic streets, stopping off at a cozy old Viennese coffee house or looking for quiet corners away from the tourist crowds - we'll tell you how to explore Vienna in a relaxed way, step by step.

Tip: Before you set off, you should definitely check out the Vienna Welcome Card, as it gives you great discounts on many sights.

Why discover Vienna on foot?

We Viennese love to refer to our city as a village, because here you really do always see each other twice (at least). In fact, this supposed village-like feel can also be wonderfully applied to other areas: between magnificent historical buildings and green oases, the city's highlights are so close together that the best way to explore them is on foot. You are also guaranteed to discover some hidden gems along the way - be it a secret courtyard or a cozy café in one of the pedestrian zones. And if you do need to cover longer distances, you can use the well-developed public transport network - even free of charge with the Vienna Welcome Card.

The highlights: walking in the 1st district 

We've already teased it: the best way to discover the sights in the 1st district is on a walk. You'll stumble across historic buildings and charming alleyways almost by chance - from St. Stephen's Cathedral to the Albertina and the enchanting Blutgassen district. It is also particularly beautiful to stroll along the Ring, past magnificent buildings such as the Vienna State Opera and City Hall. Along the way, traditional Viennese coffee houses invite you to take a break. Enjoy a Melange at Café Landtmann, find a cozy spot like Gustav Klimt once did at the Café Museum or get a different kind of coffee to go at the Fenster Café - where cappuccino and co. are served in a Stanitzel.

Tip: don't forget your Vienna Welcome Card and save on admission and coffee house visits. 

Hidden gems: hidden alleyways and courtyards

As beautiful as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and the Ringstrasse are, a detour to hidden alleyways and courtyards is worthwhile on any walk through Vienna. Because the city keeps some of its greatest gems pretty well hidden. So our tip: keep your eyes open when strolling through the city center, otherwise you might miss something. Although there is a wide selection of secret passageways in the first district, you should definitely not miss the Schmeckender-Wurm-Hof. Here you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city center for a moment and immerse yourself in a bygone (and legendary) Vienna. 

Out into the countryside: parks and hiking trails

A discovery tour through Vienna on foot doesn't have to be limited to the city center. If you prefer to stretch your legs in the countryside, there are plenty of opportunities for that too. Close to the city center, the Stadtpark, Burggarten and Volksgarten invite you to stroll between meadows and trees. A little further out, the Türkenschanzpark and the adjacent Cottage Quarter are wonderful places to stroll. And if you have wisely packed your hiking boots, you should definitely make a note of Vienna's city hiking trails. City hiking trail 1 takes you through picturesque vineyards up to the Kahlenberg, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of Vienna and a delicious glass of wine at one of the many wine taverns. 

Taste it once: culinary walks

Have you already visited the most beautiful sights, discovered the most secret courtyards and are wondering where else to go? We think so: You only really experience Vienna when you taste it. The best place to start your culinary tour is the Naschmarkt, where international delicacies from oriental spices to fresh seafood await you. From here, you can take a wonderful stroll past the historic Karlskirche church to the typical sausage stands in the city center and sample the Käsekrainer and Leberkässemmeln. The classic: Bitzinger at the Albertina. Those with a sweet tooth should not miss out on a fluffy Kaiserschmarrn at the end. There are several Kaiser's branches throughout the city that will provide you with this sweet delicacy - from classic with apple sauce to Nutella and Oreo.

Tip: show your Vienna Welcome Card and enjoy a discount. 

Relaxed: Sightseeing tours

Would you prefer a relaxed tour of the city instead of planning your own route? No problem, because there are numerous city tours in Vienna where you can discover the most beautiful spots completely stress-free. With Vas Tours Vienna, you can experience highlights such as Michaelerplatz, the Hofburg, the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna State Opera, while a local guide provides you with exciting stories about imperial Vienna and useful insider tips. We can also recommend the CityRiddler puzzle tour to amateur detectives. You can discover hidden gems and historical sights on your own while solving tricky challenges - flexibly or with a fixed tour. Remember to take your Vienna Welcome Card with you, as it gives you great discounts on both tours. 

Fancy more insider tips for your next walk? Here we reveal the most beautiful places in Vienna. And if you'd like a bird's eye view of the city, you'll find the best views of Vienna here.