How to Get To Hallstatt From Salzburg, Vienna and CK

by Emily | posted in: Austria | 0

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful towns in Austria, or probably the world, is part of the MUST GO list for any traveler. The scenery of Hallstatt is so amazing and dreaming, just like a postcard right in front of you.

Every year, millions of visitors flock into this Austrian village which with only under 800 residents. The difficulty of transportation to get to Hallstatt cannot stop visitors to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenery of Hallstatt is really worthwhile on a special trip to experience the lovely lakeside town.

Travel Postcard: Perfect One Day Itinerary in Hallstatt

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Transportation Overview: Getting to Hallstatt

The transportation to get to Hallstatt is not very convenient due to its location. Many public transportation options are available to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg, Vienna, or Český Krumlov (CK town) depending on your travel itinerary.

However, all public transport regardless of bus or train required at least change more than once unless self-driving. The ferry ride, called Stefanie is optional. However, we do recommend you choose the ferry ride at least once as it will cross the Hallstätter See, which is the best part of the journey. The ferry schedule matches up the arrival and departure time of the train from Salzburg, Wien, and Linz.

From Salzburg: Bus, Train + ferry
From Vienna, Linz: Train + ferry
Lastly, Cesky Krumlov: By shuttle car

Look confusing, right? No worry, refer to our one glance overview with transportation options listed. You will find out taking public transport is easy to get to Hallstatt. We try to simplify the journey with lesser changing of transportation. It looks complicated, but the actual ride is easy.

Hallstatt Major Transportation Station Location

Bahnstation: Hallstatt main train station for traveler, Hallstatt Bahnhof. Walk 50m of pavement walkway to schiffstation for ferry ride to Hallstatt Markt.
Obertraun: Next stop of Hallstatt station where you can go to Dachstein Ice Cave and five fingers. Take bus #543 to Hallstatt Lahn. Obertraun has cheaper accommodation compared with Hallstatt.
Hallstatt Markt: Connected with ferry ride from Bahnstation. The main market square of Hallstatt.
Hallstatt Lahn: Hallstatt main bus station. The Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt mines is nearby with walking distance.

How to Get To Hallstatt From Salzburg

Salzburg is the closest place to reach Hallstatt by two main option of public transportation, which is PostBus and train from ÖBB or Westbahn.

The ideal traveling time is 2.5 hours together with the waiting time, depending on the frequency, the journey can take up to 3 hours.

Getting To Hallstatt from Salzburg By Bus

If you are choosing to get to Hallstatt from Salzburg by bus, the bus terminal in Salzburg, called Südtiroler Platz is just in front of the Salzburg train station. Look for bus #150 from Salzburg bus station, normally located at platform F, to start your Hallstatt bus journey. You will require a change to bus #542 at Bad Ischl Bahnhof, and lastly bus #543 at Hallstatt Gosaumühle to Hallstatt Lahn. No worry as the bus schedule is well connected and it is easily boarding to the next bus.

Keep in mind that the first bus leaves Salzburg from 5:55 a.m to 6:45 a.m from Monday to Saturday, but not until 8:15 a.m on Sundays. If you are directly going to the Ice Caves, the bus is a better option as the last destination of the bus is Dachstein Visitor Center.

Total fare of €14.6. Get your bus tickets online, purchase them at Salzburg train/bus station, or directly from the driver.

Pros: Cheapest option, with a bus schedule, is well connected.
Cons: Required board three different buses, and not suitable for those have more luggage and the journey will be quite tiring.

By Bus OnlySalzburg Hbf (bus #150) 1.5hr ⇔ Bad Ischl Bahnhof (bus #542) 30min ⇔ Hallstatt Gosaumühle (bus #543) 10min ⇔ Hallstatt Lahn

Getting To Hallstatt from Salzburg By Bus + Train + Bus/Ferry

There is another option if you are choosing to take a bus from Salzburg. Next, transfer from Postbus to ÖBB Regional train in Bad Ischl to Hallstatt. No worry about finding the bus or train station as the train station is right in front of the bus station.

Obertraun is the next station after Hallstatt and some people choose this option mainly because of staying at Obertraun or planning to go to Ice caves. If you have time, you could spend a few interesting hours in Bad Ischl until you continue your journey to Hallstatt.

In the last step, taking the bus or ferry is depend on your preference. While, Hallstatt train station is the opposite of Hallstatt town and required to take the ferry to cross the lake, called HallstätterSee.
Total fare of €14.6 + an additional €3 for the ferry ride.

Pros: Suitable for those stay in Obertraum
Cons: Required to change many types of transportation and an additional €3 for the ferry

By Bus + Train + BusSalzburg Hbf (Bus #150) 1.5hr ⇔ Bad Ischl Bahnhof (change from bus to ÖBB train) 35min ⇔ Obertraun (Bus #543) 10min ⇔ Hallstatt Lahn

By Bus + Train + FerrySalzburg Hbf (bus # 150) 1.5hr ⇔ Bad Ischl Bahnhof (change from bus to ÖBB train) 30min ⇔ Hallstatt Bahnhof (ferry) 10min ⇔ Hallstatt Markt

Getting To Hallstatt from Salzburg by Train + Ferry/Bus

You can choose ÖBB or Westbahn train to Hallstatt when departing from Salzburg. Getting to Hallstatt by Westbahn train will be cheaper due to the slightly longer traveling time. But I do recommend choosing ÖBB if you manage to get the Sparschiene ticket at a cheaper fare. The earliest train departs from Salzburg leaves at 5:12 am to Wien direction with one hour per train.

In our opinion, this is the best option for traveling to Hallstatt from Salzburg. The train is easier, faster, punctual, and more comfortable. No need to worry about cannot board the bus in case of too many people, and the most important train has a better view.

Although the fare is slightly more expensive but worth it. You possibly can get the Sparschiene ticket from ÖBB at a cheaper fare if you buy the ticket early. I manage to grab the Sparschiene ticket for €9 during my last visit to Hallstatt, which is a very good deal. However, take note that no change on departure date, time, or traveler is allowed for a Sparschiene ticket.

Total fare of €29.6 + €3 for the ferry ride.

You can choose to get down at Obertraum and take a bus to Hallstatt. Again, a good option for those going to Obertraun for five fingers and ice caves. The bus fare is €2.2 for a single trip.
Total fare of €29.6 + €2.2 for the bus.

Pros: Train is more comfortable and easier.
Cons: The traveling journey is slightly longer compared with the bus. The fare is more expensive than the normal fare.

By Train + FerrySalzburg Hbf (ÖBB or Westbahn) 45min ⇔ Attnang-Puchheim (ÖBB transfer) 1.5hr ⇔ Hallstatt Bahnhof (ferry) 10min ⇔ Hallstatt Markt

By Train + BusSalzburg Hbf (ÖBB or Westbahn) 45min ⇔ Attnang-Puchheim (OBB Transfer) 1.5hr ⇔ Obertraun (Bus #543) 10min ⇔ Hallstatt Lahn

How to Get To Hallstatt By Train From Vienna and Graz

Getting to Hallstatt from Vienna or Graz will be easy as not many options available. The best and recommended from Vienna or Graz to Hallstatt is by train station until Hallstatt Bahnhof, and then change to bus or boat ride.

From Vienna, the cheaper fare is €19 for a Sparschiene ticket and can range up to €55 from ÖBB. During the weekend, Vienna has a direct train departing from Wien hbf Vienna train station to and from Hallstatt train station, which takes only about 3 hours. Another train option is using the Westbahn train from Wien to Attnang-Puchheim and then proceeding for the ÖBB train to Hallstatt train station.

While the train fare from Graz is as low as €9 if buy earlier. Both traveling times from Vienna and Graz normally takes 3.5 to 4 hours with two or three times of interchange required.

By Train From ViennaLinz Hbf (Wien-Hauptbahnhof) 2hr ⇔ Attnang-Puchheim (ÖBB transfer) 1hr 15min ⇔ Hallstatt Bahnhof (boat) 10 min ⇔ Hallstatt Markt

By Train From GrazGraz Hbf (ÖBB) 1hr 51min ⇔ Stainach-Irdning (ÖBB transfer) 2hr 50min ⇔ Hallstatt Bahnhof (boat) 10 min ⇔ Hallstatt Markt

How to Get To Hallstatt From Cesky Krumlov

From Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt, there is no formal public transportation that can directly go to Hallstatt. Traveler needs to transfer to Salzburg and then proceed for bus or train option.

However, share shuttle services are operated by private companies like CK Shuttle, Bean Shuttle, and more. This greatly helps in getting between Český Krumlov and Hallstatt. The fare varies starting from 800CZK / €30 for about 3 hours ride depending on pick up and drops off location. The drop-off location normally is Hallstatt Lahn as a car is not allowed to enter Hallstatt except for residents.

Hallstatt Transportation Money Saving Tips

Most importantly, get the Sparschiene ticket from ÖBB where you can save up to 80% off the full fare if your traveling date and time is confirmed. No change on traveling date, time, and change can be done after the purchase. Normally a limited number of tickets available on sale per train and price will be getting more and more expensive after the cheaper range of tickets sold. Afternoon and weekend tickets are always top picks from travelers. Do check your Sparschiene ticket 6 months in advance!

Salt adventure tour combined ticket at €37.3 offered from ÖBB with normally cost of €40. This combined ticket includes the boat transfer to and back from Hallstatt Markt to Hallstatt train station and admission to Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt mines with funicular included. The €2 or €3 of saving might be a little, but you are able to board the boat earlier if you have the boat ticket purchased.

Getting to Hallstatt, Best Option?

How to choose your transportation option when getting to Hallstatt? For me, it is actually pretty straightforward.

From Salzburg to Hallstatt, choose the train if you are able to get the Sparschiene ticket from ÖBB. It is more comfortable and easier compare with the bus. If the train fare is too expensive, consider taking the bus if money is a concern for you. Additionally, you can also consider the bus option if you are getting to Obertraum or Ice Cave.

While from Vienna, Graz, and Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt, there is even easier to plan. Board the train from Vienna or Graz to Hallstatt, easy and simple. If you are planning to Hallstatt from Cesky Krumlov, the private shuttle will be sending you right to the Hallstatt Lahn without so many times of transfers.

Looking For Central Europe Itinerary?

Hopefully, our transportation guide on getting to Hallstatt is helpful. No worry about planning your Central Europe travel as the transportation of getting around is pretty simple.

If you are interested, see how we travel around nearby like Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Salzburg, Munich, Bratislava, and Budapest. Our itinerary included all the tips for getting around, where to stay, what to eat, and money-saving tips. Happy travel!

Top 10 Prague Travel Tips For First Time Visitors

by Emily | posted in: Czech Republic | 0

Last updated on May 8th, 2023

The essential top 10 Prague travel tips are based on my traveling experience when visiting Prague. Hopefully, my top 10 tips for visiting Prague will help with your Prague traveling plan.

The beautiful and historical Prague has been famous for years, and a lot of travel tips or a handy guide are available online from lots of travel experts. Thanks for those handfuls of travel tips, my Prague trip did not have any trouble and I really enjoyed my traveling time in Prague during my past few visits.

Looking through a bunch of travel tips, some may apply and some may not depend on your planning. Read through Top 10 Prague Travel Tips for visiting Prague before embarking on your Prague travel and you will thank me later.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Tips For Visiting Prague

Here are the essential Top 10 Prague Travel Tips on how to plan your Prague travel trip:

Plan your Arrival and Departure Transportation
Get Your Local Currency in Smart Way
Best Transportation in Prague – On Foot
Plan Your Trip in Smart Way
Where to Stay In Prague
Avoiding Crowds in Prague – Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, And Prague Castle
Safety in Prague
Don’t Save Your Money – Just Eat and Drink
Tipping in Prague
Nightlife at Prague

Prague Travel Tips: We recommended to stay nearby Prague Area 1 for easy getting around and food hunting. The Hotel Rott is centrally situated on the historical Malé Naměstí, next to Old Town Square. It has a high reputation by offering great size rooms with clean bed. Popular pick in Prague.

Tips#1: Plan your Arrival and Departure Transportation

Don’t underestimate the nickname of “Prague, The Luggage Killer”. Almost 90% of the streets in the city center are mostly cobblestoned especially for those to stay at Old Town Square.

During my first visit to Prague, my luggage wheel get spoiled when I am the first day traveling Prague from the airport to the hotel and it has been jeopardized the rest of the entire trip. So, I higher recommended traveler takes the shuttle service or private transfer with door-to-door service from the airport.

Learning from my previous experience, I have been using the Prague Airport Transfer, one of the reliable companies providing door-to-door service from the airport to the airport for my next visit. The transportation fee is not expensive at only 290 CZK / €11.5, which is at a reasonable price. If you have more than two people, the fee will be even cheaper with the private transfer of 625 CZK / €25. It not only saves you a lot of traveling time but also energy.

Check out the latest promotion here.

Tips#2: Get The Local Currency in Smart Way

The Czech Republic is using its own currency which is called Koruna. A credit card is acceptable even for the smallest purchases which usually allow credit or debit card purchases.

However, we still recommended getting some Koruna for your trip usage for convenience. Spending in the euro is acceptable but they will give back the change in Koruna and also at a weaker rate. So getting local currency in a smart way is somewhat important.

Make sure you don’t exchange your money on the street when a random person comes over and offers you to exchange your money. They might offer Hungarian Forint instead of Czech Koruna.
The exchange office is one of the alternative ways, but don’t be cheated by the “0% commission” or higher rate display. Ask for the exact amount you will get after all charges and then only sign on the exchange agreement form.
Withdraw money from “Bankomat” instead of the “ATM” machine. Euronet ATM machine is all over Prague and this is known that a higher rate and additional charges will be applied if you withdraw money from Euronet ATM. Instead, chose the “Bankomat”, which is also ATM from the local bank like Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit, and Moneta Bank. Trust me, the exchange rate and some minor fees charges from your bank are the best conversion rate.

Tips#3: Best Transportation in Prague – On Foot

The best transportation to explore Prague is on foot. The majority of the Prague attraction is in Old Town Square and all can be easily reached by foot. Even in the Prague castle, travelers can be reached by walking follow the trails all the way to the castle.

If you are tired of walking, the transportation fee is so cheap that you can get a combined ticket for the metro train, tram, and even buses with a 30-minute ticket for 24 CZK and a 90-minute for 32 CZK. A full-day ticket is for 110 CZK, which only makes sense if you’re making more than 4 journeys.

Make sure to validate your ticket before entering the public transport as you’ll be slapped with a hefty fine if you get caught without a valid ticket.

Tips#4: Plan Your Trip in Smart Way

Plan less, enjoy more. It is very easy to get fun in Prague with so much of hidden gems all over the city. However, make sure you avoid these touristic things in Prague, calm down, and enjoy Prague with one beer, or maybe two at a time. Just spending a day for Prague castle visit with a leisure walk, heading to Charles Bridge at the correct time to avoid the crowd. You may also head to the local market to get some true local souvenirs.

Here is the perfect 3-Days Prague itinerary:

Day 1: Exploring and wandering around Old Town Square
Day 2: Wake Up earlier and head up to Charles bridge and continue to Prague Castle hill
Day 3: The modern look of Prague like Petrin Hill Lookover Tower, Dancing House, Wenceslas Square

Alternatively, for first-time visitors, you may feel free to join the walking tour to know more about the history of Prague within 2-4 hours spent. The walking tour is free but they solely rely on voluntary tips. Give as much as you feel it was worth.

Check out our Perfect Prague itinerary for 3 days.

Tips#5: Where to Stay In Prague

Thanks to its picturesque position on the Vltava River, there is the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses available for travelers from budget to luxury. Location is one of the major concerns and the majority of tourists choose to stay in Prague 1 area so they can easily walk to and from the Old Town.

Tips#6: Avoiding Crowds in Prague

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities and I wish to visit Prague many years ago. The same goes for many people. The mass crowds of people are walking down the famous Charles Bridge and the main streets of Old Town.

If possible, avoid weekends or peak seasons. Head over Charles bridge in the early morning, probably 6 am to 7 am, it’s almost empty with travelers with the same purpose as you. Take an amazing photo with a nice walk in a slow pace, you’ll fall in again with the magical and romantic Charles Bridge. Go to Prague castle and get your ticket before 10 a.m to avoid the long queue. Alternatively, you may also get the skip-the-line ticket here.

Tips#7: Safety in Prague

Prague is a safe city to travel to and it’s perfectly safe for somebody even one person to walk alone at night. Same for other Eastern European countries, Prague is also famous for tourist scams and the three main tourist scams are pickpockets, money changers, and taxi drivers.

Pickpockets: Please pay attention to your valuable item and don’t show belonging openly then everything will be fine.
Money Changers: Be sure to ask around and find a reputable money exchange or take the money from a local bank’s ATM, called “Bankomat”.
Taxi Driver: Taxi rides are the biggest scams in the country, especially in Prague. Prague is so easy to explore by foot or using public transport. If you must, ask your help from the hotel or hostel reception to call a legit company. Uber and Liftago are highly recommended.

Tips#8: Don’t Save Your Money – Just Eat and Drink

The living cost of Prague is so cheap, and you probably only need to spend around $40-50 a day if you’re doing Prague on a budget.

Check out Czech local cuisines like roasted pork with dumplings and cabbage, goulash, and a wide variety of sausages. Alcohol tends to be cheap in Prague compared to other European nations with Pilsner Urquell is so cooling and cheap with only 2.

By spending around $70-80 a day, you can basically spend your money freely.

Beer: Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen
Soup: Goulash, Onion soup
Main Dishes: Duck leg, huge Pork Knuckle, bowls of sausage in dark beer sauce
Street food: trdelník, a huge hot dog with a bunch of different sauces
Drinking water: Free. Directly from tap water is almost always fine to drink.

Tips#9: Tipping in Prague

Tipping in the country is not compulsory but usually expected. The same restaurant will have a service charge already included in your bill, so remember to check your bill. So you may round up your bill to the exact amount for tipping.

If you are not sure, ask the waiters and they will willing to provide information, of course. A tip of 10% is customary.

Tips#10: Nightlife in Prague

The nightlife is the bar is so happening with tons of bars, beer gardens, casinos, and nightclubs available. The nightlife in Prague starts late at the night, probably starting from 10 p.m. Reminder to traveler, don’t get drunk and get into trouble in an unknown country.

How To Travel Prague In Three Days

Prague is a city famous for its world-class castle, wonderful square, delicious food, and refreshing beer. A trip to Prague can be done in one, two, three days, or even longer. Hopefully, my top 10 tips for visiting Prague will give you some inspiration for planning your Prague itinerary.

Spending three days in Prague is wonderful and fun by exploring the old town square, visiting Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, wandering around Wenceslas Square, and more.

How To Spend Three Days at Prague – A Perfect Itinerary

Prague Travel Guide: Things To Do And Not To Do

by Emily | posted in: Czech Republic | 0

Last updated on May 8th, 2023

Prague is one of the most visited cities with more than 7 million visitors each year. The ancient city is full of amazing experiences but also tourist traps all around. Check out our Prague travel guide with Top Things To Do and Not To Do when visiting Prague.

Prague also called “Praha”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with world-class architecture and breathtaking views. It is the capital of the Czech Republic and a compressed city with all the major sign-seeing attractions that can be easily reached by foot.

Travelers can enjoy ancient bridges and historical squares, beer at a cheap price, and bohemian food at nice restaurants at fairly affordable prices. Follow our Prague 3-days itinerary with fun and excitement.

Here are the things to do and not to do in the Prague travel guide.

Top 10 Things To Do In Prague

Looking for what to do in Prague during your visit? Here are the top 10 things to do in Prague:

Visit Prague Castle
Visiting Charles Bridge Before Sunrise And Sunset
Wandering in Old Town Square
Go Shopping at Local Farmer Market
Enjoy Your Beer Time Together With Czech Cuisine
Enjoy A Paddle Boat Ride At the Vltava River
Try Trdelník, A Typical Street Food In Prague
Posing With Dancing House
John Lennon Wall
Petrin Hill Look-over Tower

1. Visit Prague Castle

One of the largest and most famous castles in the world consists of multiple sections: St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, The Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, the Powder Tower, and Rosenberg Palace.

You can visit the grounds for free, but you’ll have to buy a ticket to go into most of the buildings. There are a few different options for tickets depending on what you want to see and we recommended circuit B tickets which include the most famous structure St. Vitus Cathedral.

If you want priority access to skip the huge lines, especially in summer, you should buy the Skip the Line: Prague Castle Ticket.

2. Visiting Charles Bridge Before Sunrise And Sunset

Walking across the Charles Bridge is one of the MUST DO Things in Prague when visiting Prague. This 700-year-old bridge is remarkable day and night time. If you wish to see the real beauty of Charles Bridge without the tourist crowd, wake up early and get there before the sunrise. You will be impressed by how beautiful of this living piece of history has spanned the Vltava river and connects Old Prague Center to Mala Strana.

Don’t forget to come back again during sunset or nighttime with a magical atmosphere and musical performances, which show you the different beauty of Charles bridge.

3. Wandering in Old Town Square

One of the most spectacular squares in Europe with Gothic buildings dating back to the 14th century. The highest tower in Prague City is the Old Town Hall, constructed in early 1400 together with one of Prague’s most identifiable icons, the Astronomical Clock.

Some dancing mechanical dolls will show up for some mechanic show to attract dozen of visitors to flock by every hour on the hour. This minute’s show was voted as 2nd most disappointing tourist site in Europe. But if you are there, just spend a few more minutes seeing the show. Maybe you will have a different point of opinion.

Additionally, you can also pay 250 Kč to ascend to the top of the Old Town Hall tower for a spectacular view of Prague city center-surround you.

4. Go Shopping at Local Farmer Market

Head over to Havel’s Market (Havelske Trziste) for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Havelské Street Market is open every day from 6 a.m. and is located on a street nearby Wenceslas Square.

Find some time to walk around the market for some local artists and genuine craftwork. It is also a nice place to look for souvenirs instead of buying from the souvenir stores at Old Town Square.

5. Enjoy Your Beer Time Together With Czech Cuisine

Drink a world-famous Czech beer, or two! Czech beer is amazing, especially after long hours of walking tours. Remember, beer is cheaper than bottled water in Prague.

Be sure to try classic dishes such as roasted pork with dumplings and cabbage, goulash, fried cheese, and a wide variety of sausages. It might not a world-famous cuisine, but surprisingly I love Czech cruise taste.

6. Enjoy A Paddle Boat Ride At Vltava River

Paddle Boat Rental At Prague Vltara River

Enjoy the magnificent view of Prague Castle from the river by renting a paddleboat. There are three to four places offering paddle boat rental onto the Danube. Spend one to two hours experiencing the different beauty of Prague city. The price is not expensive and the paddle at the Vltara river is very easy.

I have so much fun when other paddle boats are around you make it very enjoyable. The view from the middle of the river would have been spectacular.

7. Try Trdelník, A Typical Street Food In Prague

Trdelník, a popular sweet pastry, with filling such as ice cream or chocolate has been spreading in Prague since 2010. This is not Czech traditional food and is known made for tourists, but they still taste delicious and I recommended to try one.

It is interesting to see the yeast dough glazed in sugar, wrapped around a spindle called “trdlo” and then rotated continuously over an open flame until the dough is cooked in golden brown color perfection with sugar caramelized.

A fresh, warm trdelník is a treat well worth savoring.

8. Posing With Dancing House

The Dancing House (Tančící dům) is one of the most interesting Prague buildings, designed by American architect Frank O. Gehry. This stunning building is surrounded by historic architecture, making it one of the unique buildings in Prague city.

Pose for pictures in front of Prague’s Dancing House together with the unusual shape of the building.

9. John Lennon Wall

A quick stop to John Lennon Wall for a colorful photo if you’re in the area. Lennon Wall has been continuously painted over and over again with John Lennon-inspired art and Beatles lyrics among other graffiti.

The vibrant rainbow of the John Lennon Wall is the only place in Prague where graffiti is legal.

10. Petrin Hill Look-over Tower

Petrin Hill Look-over TowerOne of the best places to view the city of Prague from above is the Petrin Hill Lookout Tower. This 63.5-meter tall steel-framework tower on Petřín Hill is the highest point in Prague and was inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris!

There is a small fee of 50 CZK to climb the tower, but it’s worth it.

Top 5 Not To Do in Prague

Before starting on our travel guides, below are some of the general NOT TO DO lists when traveling in Prague, take a look to have some idea on what to do for safety and scam in Prague.

Top 5 NOT TO DO in Prague:

Do Not Exchange Money On The Street
Do Not Trust the “0% Commission” From Exchange Office
Do Not Take Money From “ATM” but “Bankomat” from Local Bank
Do Not Take a Taxi On The Street
Do Not Show Your Valuable

The local currency of the Czech Republic is Crown (CZK or Kč) and locals called it “Koruna” instead of “Crowns”. Most locations in Prague do accept euros but they will return you in CZK after converting to a weaker rate. So we will still advise you to exchange or take some money from ATM for trip usage but try not to keep Koruna as it can be used in the Czech Republic only.

1. Do Not Exchange Money On The Street

Commonly, people will approach you to exchange your money on the street but at a weaker rate. Please approach to reliable exchange office or take money from the ATM from the local bank.

2. Do Not Trust the “0% Commission” From Exchange Office

Like many of Europe’s cities, most of the exchange offices claim for “0% commission” or a high exchange rate with a nice display to attract customers but in the end charge an exorbitant “exchange fee” when you exchange with them.

Remember to ask for the final amount you will get but not the exchange rate. Also, beware not to sign an exchange rate agreement before you make sure of the amount that you will get.

3. Do Not Take Money From “ATM” but “Bankomat” from Local Bank

The “ATM” is also one of the horrible currency exchange scams in Prague. You will surprise by tons of ATMs at every corner of Prague city center. Most of them are EuroNet ATMs with horrible rates or additional fee charges include.

Use “Bankomat” which is also ATM in local Czech from the Czech Republic local banks like Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit, and Moneta Bank for money withdrawn from your debit card. Your local bank might charge you some additional fee, but trust me, the exchange rate and charges are way better than you use EuroNet ATM.

4. Do Not Take a Taxi On The Street

Tourists getting ripped off by taxi drivers in Prague is becoming more and more common. Try to avoid taking taxis on the street especially those parked around trains or bus stations, even with metered taxis. You will be surprised by the final price when you reach the destination.

App-based taxi services in Prague, Liftago provide similar transport services to Uber and guarantee a cheaper fare. It helps travelers from being scammed by taxis.

5. Do Not Show Your Valuable

Remember to keep your valuable belonging with you and avoid busy carriages on metros and trams. Pickpockets are one of the problems in the major tourist area in Prague. Pay more attention to your belonging to avoid unwanted bad things happening.

What To Eat In Prague

Beer, Everywhere!
Pork knuckle- The most famous dish in Czech cuisine! Try pork knuckles together served with horseradish, mustard, and pickled vegetables. The taste of this is fabulous!
Trdelník – Sweet pastry with your choice of filling like ice cream, chocolate, fruits, and more. Look for stalls that are serving them hot off the fire.
Chlebíčky (an open-faced sandwich) – baguette-like bread with different toppings like cucumber, egg, salami, and ham at many deli shops across the city.
Grilované klobásy (grilled sausage) – The fabulous grilované klobásy is grilled sausages placed inside a roll and served with a bunch of different sauces. Go perfectly together with a glass of a cold Pilsner beer!

Prague Food Guide – Where and What To Eat in Prague

Continue Read On: Traveling In the Czech Republic

Hopefully, my Prague travel guide with things to do and not to do can give you some idea during your visit to Prague. Don’t forget to continue reading on our Prague travel blog including the itinerary, best food to eat, and transportation guide when traveling to Prague.

If you have more time, free feel to plan a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague.

Vienna On Budget: One Day Itinerary Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Austria | 0

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Planning a Vienna itinerary on a budget is pretty easy. Vienna, also known as “Wien” in German, is a UNESCO world heritage site bursting with Imperial history and Baroque architecture with musical accompanied by Mozart and Strauss. Let’s check out how we visit Vienna on a budget with money-saving tips in this travel guide blog. An ideal two or three days of Vienna itinerary.

Located east of Austria, travelers would fall in love with its charm, history, art, music, and true tales of princesses and kings. This beautiful city is well known for Maria Theresa’s reign as well as Emperor Franz Joseph I and his beloved wife, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, aka Sisi. Travelers can explore the world’s cultural heritage by planning a self DIY Vienna itinerary to the world-famous attraction in Vienna.

Despite the history tales, there are so many attractions in Vienna to explore and traveler can plan their day trip based on their interest. For an art lover, you can spend the whole day visiting the museum, enjoying a world-class music concert, or just doing nothing by enjoying a nice cup of Viennese coffee at an elegant classic cafe.

We have summarized all the useful Vienna travel tips in this simple and easy Vienna travel guide blog. You can find the information for a transportation guide on how to get to Vienna city from the airport and getting around in Vienna, a food guide for what to eat and drink, an accommodation guide for where to stay, and of course things to do in Vienna and nearby attraction in budget.

See how we spend three days in this Vienna itinerary full of fun and excitement, especially since we were visiting Vienna on a budget which is something more challenging. Take note that this travel guide to Vienna is compressive. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here. Let’s check it out!

How To Get To Vienna City

Getting To Vienna From Salzburg By Train

Transportation is one of the main considerations when planning on the Vienna itinerary. The nearest airport is Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, airport code: VIE), located 12 miles (19 km) east of the heart of Austria’s capital. The airport and city are well connected by various public transport with different option available.

Transportation From Airport To Vienna City

By Bus: €8 with 20 minutes traveling time. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver on the bus.

By taxi: cost approximately €36 and it will only take 20 minutes to reach the downtown area of Vienna.

By private transfer: The most comfortable transport serves as a driver will be waiting for you in the Vienna airport arrivals hall. Remember to pre-book your private airport transfer and enter your flight information correctly. Cost is similar to a taxi, but a private transfer will guarantee your arrival and send you to your destination as desired.

By Train: Express CAT (City Airport Train) or the slower S7 Schnellbahn (city train). CAT is a dedicated airport train, that costs €11 for one way or €17 for a return ticket with the non-stop route from Wien Mitte to the airport (and vice versa) in 16 minutes. Travelers can easily connect to Subway (U3 and U4), Tram (line O), Train (S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, and more), or Bus (74A) once reach Wien Mitten. So some people will choose to stay at the Wien Mitte area as it is the central location and well connected with various public transport.

The S7 city train is much cheaper compare with CAT, whereas the traveler can get the ticket for €4.20 for a single ticket; €1.80 if you already have a travel pass for the city. As this is the city train, so please expected the crowd during the peak hour and there will be no extra space for luggage. Traveling time is approximately 30 minutes.

Getting Around In Vienna

First of all, Vienna is the capital of Austria, boasting of great transportation links of buses, trams, trains, and metros.

The city of Vienna is not big, and mostly all the sightseeing spots are quite concentrated within walking distance. I enjoyed adventure the beauty of the city and getting lost by walking. However, certain locations like Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace are hardly reached on foot and required to take the transport.

Costly Transportation Fee In ViennaSave by getting the Vienna transportation pass for 24/48/72 hours with €8/€14.10/€17.10 based your need

Where to Stay

The public transport of Vienna is so convenient with well connected by great public transport. This makes finding accommodation in Vienna much simpler. A wide range of hotels, hostels, and apartments with different budgets can be chosen.

We highly recommended the Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof. The property is located right next to Vienna’s Main Train Station. It is very convenient as tram, metro, and bus stations in 1-2 minutes walking. Added, cafes and supermarket is located right in the same building or nearby. A popular pick!

More Accommodation Options: Where To Stay in Vienna: Best Areas and Wien Hotels

Luxury Hotel In Vienna

Hotel Sacher Wien is one of the top choices for staying in Vienna, located directly opposite the Staatsoper Opera House. Classical Victorian-era decor with excellent room service.

Well, Grand Hotel Wien is a good option for a luxury stay featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Vienna and a three-minute walk from the famous Kärntner Straße Shopping Street.

Mid Range Accommodation In Vienna

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien offers luxury at reasonable price accommodation stay in Vienna. It is located in a quiet side street of Vienna and within walking distance of every sign in Vienna city center. Travelers love its strategic location and excellent breakfast with a nice variety of choices.

You may also consider the Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna, located next to Belvedere Palace within walking distance of the tram station.

Budget Hostel In Vienna

If you are the budget type, you can choose the Wombats Hostel Naschmarkt with a clean and spacious room. The location is incredibly central in the city within walking distance of Naschmarkt and the train station. Alternatively, consider a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof with a lower price yet accessible by public transport.

Vienna Travel Tips: When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Vienna check prices for Vienna Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.

Things To Do in Vienna Itinerary

Planning on Vienna itinerary for the first time? Here are my Top 10 Things To Do in Vienna for a beginner’s guide. There are so many exciting things to try out in Vienna and the activities are catered to all types of travelers.

If you’re a historical lover, you can plan one or two days of museum trip to explore and experience the centuries-old development of Central Europe. Don’t forget to spend some time enjoying the classical music concert or enjoy a nice cup of coffee at an elegant coffee house.

Things To Do in Vienna Itinerary:

Schönbrunn Palace
Belvedere Palace
St. Stephen’s Church (Stephansdom)
MuseumsQuartiers
Enjoy World-Class Classical Music Concert
Naschmarkt (Snack Market)
Vienna Cafe Tour
Spanish Riding School
Hundertwasserhaus, World Most Quirky Building
Prater Park And The Giant Ferries Wheel

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most historic buildings in Vienna and it is the former summer residence of Hapsburgs with over 1,400 rooms in this palace. However, not all the rooms are open to the public and you can visit the 40 rooms by joining the Imperial tour or visiting 22 rooms with the Grand tour. You could easily spend the whole day at Schönbrunn Palace.

Large line form all year round, please come early or consider the Schönbrunn Palace-skip the line ticket. Audio guide available in 21 different languages free of charge.

Don’t forget to take a walk in the large, beautiful, and spectacular garden with free entry. Locals come here for morning jogs or to enjoy the sun.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria.
Admission: Imperial tour at €16 and Grand Tour at €20.
Getting there: Closest station Schloss Schönbrunn stop.
Optional: Get the skip-the-line ticket for Schönbrunn Palace.

Belvedere Palace

Many people came to the Belvedere Palace for the Kiss of Klimt. The 18th-century Belvedere is a UNESCO heritage site, that features a beautiful garden with the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s art.

The palace is split into two Baroque palaces, Lower Belvedere and Upper Belvedere, which is also home to the largest Gustav Klimt collection including the famous The Kiss of Klimt.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria.
Admission: Upper/Lower Belvedere at €16/ €14, visit both at €22.
Getting there: Tram 0, 18 to “Quartier Belvedere or Tram D to “Schloss Belvedere”.
Optional: Get the Skip-the-line ticket for Belvedere Palace including Klimt’s Kiss.

St. Stephen’s Church (Stephansdom)

Stephansdom cathedral is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles in the 12th century with a 137-meter high spire and beautifully decorated roof.

You can walk around Stepansplatz to discover one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna. Added, you can explore the catacombs below the cathedral by paying €6 extra. Alternatively, consider paying an additional €5 to climb up a total of 343 steps of the south tower to the highest point in the city of Vienna for a watchman’s lookout.

It’s a great place for a visit to explore the architecture of Catholicism.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria.
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 to 22:00 except Sunday 7:00 to 22:00.

MuseumsQuartiers

Neat collection of museums with home to different museums; the Leopold Museum for Art Noveau and Expressionism; Kunsthalle Wien for contemporary art; and the Mumok for Museum of Modern Art with the largest collection in central Europe.

Enjoy World-Class Classical Music Concert

Vienna has a strong influence on the culture and the music scene. Getting tickets to a classical concert is ABSOLUTE MUST in Vienna.

During our visit to Vienna, we have to spend a night enjoying the opera music at Staatsoper or State Opera House. Staatsoper is one of the largest and most famous opera houses in the world.

Remember to reserve your ticket, especially for the weekend show as cheap tickets sell out extremely fast. See how we save our money by spending €15 only for a seated ticket for a great wonderful performance at Staatsoper.

Naschmarkt (Snack Market)

Naschmarkt (snack market) is Vienna’s most eclectic largest open-air market with over 120 market stalls selling local produce. You can easily find fruits, vegetables, and exotic foods and spices from all around the world.

It’s nice to feel like a local by enjoying a meal here with wine. A great location to grab a bite or enjoy your lunch with some fresh delightful Viennese specialty.

Recommended Food Tour in Vienna: Food, Coffee, and Market Small-Group Walking Experience

Address: 1060 Vienna, Austria.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 – 18:30. Close on Sunday.
Admission: Free!
Getting there: U4 “Kettenbrückengasse”.

Vienna Cafe Tour

One of the best things to do in Vienna is to sit in one of the Viennese coffee and enjoy a cup of nice coffee. There are many world-class cafes available like Julius Meinl, Café Central, Café Demel, and many more in Vienna for Vienna your cafe tour.

Order a “Schwarzer’ for a black coffee, ‘Brauner’ for a black coffee with milk, or a ‘Melange’ for coffee with cream

Spanish Riding School

One of the famous things to do in Vienna. The superb Spanish Riding School was established after the ruler had the famous Lipizzaner horse introduced to his courtesans in 1562. You can witness the training of Lipizzaners and their riders during the morning exercise.

Hundertwasserhaus, World Most Quirky Building

A quick stop to visit the shrine to one of Austria’s most important artist’s works, Hundertwasserhaus. This colorful apartment is famous as the “nature and human-friendly” house and build after the idea of the Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser with the colorfully decorated facade.

You cannot visit it as people are living inside. Take a picture from outside with this world’s most quirky house.

Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria.
Getting there: From U1, U4 “Schwedenplatz”, take tram 1 and stop at Hetzgasse.

Prater Park And The Giant Ferries Wheel

Prater is a large natural park located in Vienna’s 2nd district (Leopoldstadt) between the Danube and the Danube Canal. It is the oldest amusement park in the world, so-called the “Wurstelprater”.

However, the highlight in Prater Park is the Giant Ferries Wheel which has been turning since 1897. It has the most luxurious cabin for parties up to 12, helping get a wonderful view of Vienna from above.

Address: 1020 Vienna, Austria.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 23:00.
Admission: Free entree but charged on attractions.
Getting there: U1, U2 “Praterstern”.

Day Trip Nearby Vienna

Awesome View Over Salzburg at Hohensalzburg Fortress

There is also day trips nearby Vienna waiting for you to explore.

Wachau Valley Cruise and Melk Abbey – Take A day tour on Danube Valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wachau valley by the 90 minutes boat ride with an English guided tour. You will see how the river Danube flows into lush hills, surrounded by vineyards and the Krem and Melk medieval castle.

Visiting Bratislava, Slovakia – Located only an hour away from Vienna, you can plan a short trip to the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The train departs from Vienna at one-hour intervals with a return ticket from OBB costing you only €16 for a round trip. Or going by Flixbus which runs regularly with around €5 one way. Bratislava is a small capital and easy to travel around on foot. See how we spend a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna.

Alternatively, consider going for a Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna Including Catamaran Cruise.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg – A day trip can bring you to the scene of the classical movie “The Sound of Music” and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Salzburg. Getting around in Salzburg for its world-famous Schloss Hellbrunn and Trick Fountains, Hohensalzburg Castle, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, or as simple as strolling around the Salzburg old town can easily spend the whole day. See how we spend our one-day itinerary in Salzburg here.

Optional, a day tour is available for the Salzburg Day Trip from Vienna.

What To Eat In Vienna

Even though we were visiting Vienna on budget, we ere forgot about saving some money on food. You hardly can’t miss the best food and cafe in Vienna. Listed are some of the recommended food to eat in Vienna. For something authentic, make sure you try various traditional dishes. Not the MUST EAT but it is worth giving a try to taste Vienna.

Sacher-torte – One of the most decadent desserts served at Hotel Sacher. Some say it is overrated and very pricey because of the name. But I still give it a try for this famous rich dark chocolate cake. Don’t forget to pair it when a strong Viennese coffee.

Apfelstrudel – One of the traditional desserts is Apfelstrudel. It is an apple strudel with sweet, cinnamon, and apple-filled pastry, topped with some whipped cream or warm vanilla source. Perfect match with a hot coffee.

Schnitzel – You can’t go to Vienna without a Wiener schnitzel. Austria is the birthplace of Schnitzel. Plenty of restaurants served this dish and the most famous Figlmüller served the biggest schnitzels in town. Please beware that it’s huge and easily serves two people.

Spare ribs – The popular food in Vienna and mostly all traditional Austrian restaurants served them. One of the famous restaurant, Ribs of Vienna offer a wide range of mouth-watering pork spare ribs. Don’t forget to book your reservation as the restaurant easily gets full with locals and tourists.

Continue to read on: Vienna Food Guide: What and Where to Eat in Vienna

How To Spend Two or Three Days In Vienna

When planning the Vienna itinerary, we found out that there are so many things to do in this gorgeous Vienna city that could not cover in one or two days of a short visit. After considering our Central Europe trip itinerary, schedule, and planning, we spend a total of three days in Vienna strolling around including a half-day trip to Bratislava.

See how we spend three wonderful days in Vienna itinerary on a budget:

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna. Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Schönbrunn park.
Day 2: Visit Hofburg, Graben, Stephansdom. Tea break in Cafe Central.
Day 3: Day Trip To Bratislava from Vienna

Day 1: Arrive in Vienna – Schönbrunn Palace

We arrived in Vienna after two hours of a train journey from Salzburg. The first day of the Vienna itinerary is more of a historical visit to Schönbrunn Palace. We spend most of our time exploring the important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Vienna.

In the evening, we also have a leisure walk in the huge beautiful garden at Schönbrunn park. We end our day with juicy ribs and a cooling beer at Ribs of Vienna. Very delicious!

Day 2: Hofburg, Graben, Stephansdom

The second day in Vienna is very leisure and free. We enjoy our time exploring Naschmarkt in the morning, while afternoon we are wandering around and take a detailed look at Hofburg, Graben, and Stephansdom at the city center.

Lunch at the most famous Figlmüller for the biggest schnitzels in town and spending leisure time at cafe central for their gorgeous cakes and dessert. Not to forget to enjoy a world-class opera show at Staatsoper Vienna.

Day 3: Day Trip To Bratislava

Vienna and Bratislava are well coupled up together when traveling in Vienna. Thanks to its excellent train system, we have a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna on the last day of the Vienna itinerary.

See my guide on Bratislava: A Charming Unpolished Old Town in Slovakia.

How to Visit Vienna on a Budget

Vienna is not a cheap city and can consider one of the most expensive cities in Austria. You need to prepare to pay a lot of money for entrance, concerns, food, and drinks. However, planning a Vienna itinerary on a budget is still achievable. The first thing to understand is how to explore Vienna by spending less yet enjoying the most.

Don’t forget to read our money-saving tips if you plan to visit Vienna on budget.

Visit With Vienna Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket.
Travel With Vienna Transportation Pass.

Visit With Vienna Pass

The first money-saving tip for visiting Vienna on a budget is getting Vienna Pass. Vienna has a great selection of museums and Palaces with entry fees that can be very costly if you buy one by one. Forget about the Vienna Pass if you do not plan on visiting the museum or palace.

However, if you are planning to visit a lot of the city’s attractions, it’s worth investing in the Vienna Pass which cost €70/€95/€125/€125 for 1/2/3/6 days with free entry to over 70 of Vienna’s most popular attractions and museums, including the Imperial Palace, Schönbrunn Zoo and the Natural History Museum as well as a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It also covered the fast track entry to certain top attractions. Optional, you may also include the travel card which will cover all your transportation when getting around Vienna.

Book your Vienna Pass here and easily redeem it at Vienna. This Vienna Pass includes the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket to get around in town. Alternatively, grab the Vienna Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off for 360-degree views of Vienna’s top attractions with a 1-, 2-, or 3-day hop-on hop-off ticket!

Travel With Vienna Transportation Pass

Getting around Vienna with Vienna Transportation Pass

If you just want to get around and visit Vienna on budget, we are highly recommended you get the Vienna transportation pass for 24/48/72 hours with €8/€14.10/€17.10 respectively.

You may be questioning why you need the transportation pass as mostly you will explore the beauty of Vienna on foot. A single-trip ticket on the metro will cost a flat rate of €2.40 each way no matter how far you go. If you will take at least two times of public transport, the Vienna transportation pass is a worthy investment. Do your smart calculation!

If you need a longer stay for seven full days, there’s also a weekly ticket for €17.10. Take note that this weekly ticket is followed as per calendar week which is valid from Monday midnight until next Monday at 9 a.m.

Plan your Vienna itinerary ahead and it can save you a lot of money by getting the right transportation card. Visiting Vienna on a budget is pretty easy. However, remember to validate your Vienna card before starting the first journey.

How We Plan On Our Central Europe Trip

Planning to visit Central Europe? Check out our perfect itinerary to Prague and the Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic for three to five days.

Exploring the World’s Most Beautiful town, Hallstatt, visit Salzburg and Vienna in Austria.

Have a side visit from Salzburg to Munich and Berchtesgaden, a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia from Vienna. Lastly, see how we plan three days in Budapest.

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