When you’re looking for destinations in Europe that are exciting to teenagers, chances are Vienna isn’t high on your list.
It wasn’t for us either, but after we went, we realized that there are so many things teenagers can do in Vienna, and it instantly became one of our teen’s favorite cities.
Vienna is well known for its classical music history, its beautiful neoclassical and baroque architecture, luscious parks, and quaint cafe culture.
While this is all lovely and wonderful, it’s not hugely exciting for teens who love adventure, exploring off the beaten path, and finding backdrops for Insta selfies.
Just because Vienna is not known for adventure; doesn’t mean you can’t find it!
In this guide, we share some of the things our teenagers loved to do when they visited Vienna, plus where to stay and how to make the most of your visit.
Why do teens love Vienna?
But first, you might be on the fence about whether or not you add Vienna to your travel plans.
Austria’s capital city is well known for its historical and stunning architecture, lively arts scene, and musical legacy, which are all engaging to us adults.
Still, teenagers love to explore hidden gems, get interactive cultural experiences, and do things that are outside the norm.
Vienna has lots of opportunities for teens to do just that. It has a lot of adventurous activities, from nature parks and outdoor recreation parks to amusement parks and theme parks. It’s packed full of cultural experiences and opportunities to learn and grow, as well as events and festivals tailored to young people.
It’s also a very walkable city, with lots of cute neighborhoods with charming architecture, quirky cafes, and boutique stores that our teens love to get lost in.
It’s not just a city where boredom isn’t a problem, but it’s accessible and safe too.
Things To Do In Vienna With Teens
1. Get your thrills at Prater Park
Prater Park is an expansive public park in Vienna that was once a royal hunting ground in the 16th century but is now the most famous leisure area in the city.
The park is where you’ll find the iconic Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), which was built in 1897 and has become an iconic feature of Vienna.
Most teenagers enjoy Prater Park for its amusement park, known as the Wurstelprater, which offers thrilling rides such as roller coasters and bumper cars, as well as various carnival games.
In addition to the rides, the park has lots of pathways to cycle or stroll along, plus there are a lot of green spaces where teens can relax or throw a frisbee around, or simply lay in the grass, have a picnic, and read a book.
2. Explore sound and music at the Haus der Musik
Austria is often referred to as “The City of Music” because it’s where some of the world’s greatest composers made their mark.
Classical musicians such as Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert, and Johann Strauss I and II lived and worked in the city.
The best way to learn about the life and legacy of the city’s composers is at the Haus der Musik, or House of Music in English, which is an interactive sound museum dedicated to these famous composers.
Teens can learn about sound and music in fun and engaging ways, through hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
3. See the animals at Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Vienna Zoo, officially known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world and is actually located within the beautiful grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.
Dating back to 1752, it was originally established by Emperor Francis I as a royal menagerie and has since evolved into a modern conservation-focused zoo.
The zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the globe, including endangered species, and is committed to education and conservation efforts.
4. Try your hand at an Escape Room
Have you ever thought about locking yourself in a room with your teenager, on purpose? It might sound like some parents’ nightmare, but an escape room is actually an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
If you’ve never done an escape room before, essentially the premise is to escape a room (obvious) in a given amount of time, solving clues, puzzles, and challenges, which also unravel a story as well as provide you with the key to escaping the room.
Vienna has many escape rooms, from easy and fun to intense and challenging. This is a group activity that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and camaraderie and is sure to be a bonding moment for the family.
5. Do a Street Art Tour
Vienna is not just a city of music, but a city of art in all forms. There is a vibrant urban art scene, with various neighborhoods showcasing a diverse range of murals, graffiti, and street art installations created by both local and international artists.
Our teens love looking at street art for its blend of creativity, exploration, and social expression, so a street art tour is right up their alley!
The tour not only shows you the most amazing pieces in the city but also gives you an insight into how the art scene has evolved significantly over the past few decades, reflecting broader cultural movements and social issues.
Street art in Vienna began as an underground expression but has transformed into a recognized form of art, with the city embracing this creative outlet.
Notable areas for street art include the districts of Neubau, Mariahilf, and the former industrial zones, where walls serve as canvases for artistic expression.
6. Shop ‘till you drop at Mariahilfer Straße
Mariahilder Strave is Vienna’s main shopping street and is where you can find a mix of international brands and local boutiques.
Stretching over a mile, this bustling thoroughfare was once a traditional marketplace and is now a bustling commercial hub and a pedestrian-friendly zone that has been shaped into a shopping paradise.
Teenagers can explore trendy fashion outlets, tech stores, and unique gift shops, or hit the shopping malls, such as the Kaufhaus Gerngross, which hosts a mix of retail, entertainment, and dining options.
Mariahilfer Straße has a youthful and lively social atmosphere that, even when window shopping, makes for a fun outing.
7. See contemporary art at MuseumsQuartier Wien
MuseumsQuartier Wien, referred to simply as MQ to the locals, is a vibrant cultural complex located in the heart of Vienna. It is one of the largest cultural spaces in the world, combining art, architecture, and leisure.
It was established in the early 2000s, transforming the former imperial horse stables into a contemporary cultural hub, and is where you’ll find several renowned institutions, including the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), and the Kunsthalle Wien.
You can get lost in the art museums and admire the diverse exhibitions or relax in the outdoor spaces and courtyards which often host cultural events and festivals.
8. Bike along the banks of the Danube River
During warmer months, consider renting bikes and cycling along the banks of the Danube. There are also several parks along the river where you can relax and enjoy a picnic.
Cycling next to the Danube River is a refreshing and scenic way to explore the city’s beautiful urban landscapes and appreciate the significance of one of Europe’s longest rivers.
The Danube once had a significant role in Vienna’s history, serving as a vital trade route and a source of inspiration for artists and musicians.
Today, it’s a popular route to connect to other countries on river cruises, as we did one European summer, and you’ll find the banks of the river have been developed into well-maintained recreational areas, with dedicated cycling paths that stretch for miles – perfect for a bike ride!
Craig and the girls rode for three hours along the Danube River and across to Danube Island! It was a great way to experience outdoor lifestyle in Vienna.
9. Watch a classical music concert
You cannot come to The City of Music and not attend a classical music performance or take a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera, an iconic and impressive venue that sometimes offers youth discounts on visits.
Whether your teens are into classical music or prefer Taylor Swift like ours, they will still enjoy the experience of seeing a classical concert in the city that birthed this genre.
There are always concerts happening, mostly in the city’s churches because the acoustics are perfect for this type of performance. Kalyra said our night at the Original Vienna Salon Orchestra was her favorite activity on our Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Here are a few options for classical music concerts in Vienna:
10. Explore Vienna’s café culture
Vienna’s café culture is a cherished part of the city’s social life. The city is home to countless traditional coffeehouses, each offering something special and unique.
Visiting a Viennese café is more than just enjoying a cup of coffee; it’s about the experience. Vienna’s cafés often feature elegant interiors with plush seating, wooden furnishings, and ornate decor, and it’s perfectly acceptable to sit in a cafe and read a book for hours without being rushed out the door.
Rather than your usual latte, try a traditional Viennese coffee specialty, such as Melange (a coffee similar to cappuccino) or Einspänner (espresso with whipped cream), along with an array of delectable pastries like Sachertorte (famous Vienna chocolate cake) and Apfelstrudel.
Vienna’s café culture is not only something the locals cherish but a part of its history. Ever since the 17th century, coffeehouses were a popular meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and the general public and were considered the hub of social interaction.
11. Climb and Zipline at Waldseilpark Kahlenberg
If you want to get out of the city for a while and into nature, consider visiting Waldseilpark Kahlenberg, an exciting outdoor adventure experience that combines nature and thrilling activity.
Climb up 20 meters above the ground into the canopies of the tree tops and brave the high ropes obstacle course, made of zip lines, suspension bridges, climbing challenges, and swings.
The park is located on Kahlenberg Hill, which is easily accessible and offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
12. Check out subterranean Vienna
For something a bit more unique, head underground to learn about Vienna’s mysterious underworld.
Below the streets, you can discover historical basements that were used as air raid shelters and hiding places for outcasts during WWII.
Visit a historical medicine cellar and laboratory, walk along corridors, gaze up shafts and ventilation, and discover a whole city of subterranean buildings below the surface.
13. Go hiking in The Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
If your teenagers enjoy hiking like our two daughters, then consider venturing to the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) which is packed with 105,000 hectares of scenic beauty.
This expansive forest has been a natural retreat for Vienna’s locals since the 19th century and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve.
The park has a network of well-marked trails that cater to various skill levels, including leading to the Kahlenberg Hill, which offers panoramic views of Vienna.
14. Ride The Vienna Ring Tram
The Vienna Ring Tram, or The Ringstrasse, is a circular tram route that encircles the city’s historic center and takes you to Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.
It was constructed in the mid-19th century, replacing the old city walls, and is one of the best ways to get around the city – but it’s also an experience in itself.
The tram not only connects you to numerous historic sites but also features audio guides in multiple languages, so you can learn interesting facts and stories about the landmarks along the route.
15. Relax in The Burggarten or Volksgarten
Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a beautifully landscaped park that serves as a serene oasis.
Located adjacent to the Hofburg Palace, the Burggarten is a picturesque spot that was originally designed in the 18th century as a private garden for the imperial family but opened to the public in the late 19th century.
The park has several manicured lawns and flowerbeds, plus an iconic statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer, and a beautiful butterfly house.
You can relax on the lawns, have a picnic, or enjoy some outdoor games on the lawn.
You can also do this kind of relaxing at Volksgarten, a landscaped park also near the Hofburg palace complex. If your teen likes roses like mine does, you will love the pretty rose garden. They also may like the neoclassical Theseus Temple, a smaller version of Athen’s Temple of Hephaestus and the Sisi Memorial for Empress Elisabeth. Teens may love learning about this beautiful and rebellious, yet adored Vienna empress.
16. See the final resting place of Beethoven and Brahms at The Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) is one of the largest cemeteries in Europe and is the final resting place of notable figures, including composers, artists, and politicians.
It was established in 1874 and features several beautifully designed grave markers, mausoleums, and memorials in several architectural styles.
There are also sections dedicated to different cultural and religious communities, including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim graves.
Notable figures buried here include composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Mozart, and Franz Schubert, as well as influential writers and artists such as Arthur Schnitzler and Alfred Adler.
Speaking of Mozart we saw his childhood home in Salzburg Austria.
17. Snap Insta pics at Hundertwasserhaus
Finally, a hidden gem for the explorer teen who likes to get off the beaten path and snap Insta-worthy pics!
Don’t miss Hundertwasserhaus, a colorful and unique architectural vision created by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
This iconic residential building, which was completed in 1985, is known for its whimsical design, which features irregular shapes, bright colors, and an abundance of greenery.
Hundertwasser wanted to create a space that harmonized nature and human creativity and has in recent years become one of Vienna’s most photographed landmarks.
It’s a great architectural piece that makes for a perfect photography backdrop, showcasing Vienna’s whimsical artistic scene.
Where to Stay in Vienna
If it’s your first time visiting Vienna, then we recommend you stay in the Innere Stadt (1st District), which is the historical center of Vienna and where you will find the most famous landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and numerous museums.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District), which is located just across the Danube Canal, is also a great place to stay and is within walking distance of attractions but has a more relaxed atmosphere.
For teenagers who like trendy and modern vibes, head to Neubau (7th District), which is known for its artistic vibe, boutique shops, and younger traveler crowds.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to stick to the tourist trail and visit all the iconic landmarks in the guidebooks to come away from a trip to Vienna thinking “Yeah, I really feel like I know this city.”
Part of the fun of visiting Vienna is to just go where your feet take you, discover the back streets and charming neighborhoods, relax in its gardens, and just soak in the atmosphere.
Our teens found Vienna to be a spirited city in that there was a lot to see and do, but it also had a laid-back atmosphere that they loved.
We hope this guide helped you plan what to do in Vienna with your teens and gave you inspiration for how to map out your itinerary.
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