The Vienna-Schwechat Airport has developed into a significant hub for international flights in recent years. But what should you do if you have a longer wait here? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled the best insider tips for you so that you won’t get bored and can have a great time.
Experiences at Vienna Airport
- From the observation deck, you have a great view and can watch the dynamic activity at the gates, on the airfield, and the runways. The day admission costs only a few euros. You can find more information here. (Terminal 3, top floor)
- If you have a bit more time, take an airport tour and explore the airport grounds by bus, getting behind-the-scenes insights. You should definitely book the tour in advance here. Besides the regular tour, special tours to the workshops or the airport fire department are occasionally offered.
- If you want to virtually take to the skies, you can experience a 3D flight in the Birdly® simulator in Vienna Airport’s visitor world. You can conveniently book appointments here.
Resting at Vienna Airport
- On the 2nd floor of Terminal 3, there are sleep cabins that can be booked online or on-site at the check-in machines. The cabins can be rented by the hour or for a whole day. (Terminal 3, top floor, public area) here.
- If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, you can find a place of silence in the 3 prayer rooms at Vienna Airport. There is also a Christian service on Sundays at 8:00. More information can be found here.
- Depending on how much time you spend at the airport, it might be worth getting access to a lounge. There, you will find drinks & snacks, showers, and rooms to relax. You can easily purchase access to a suitable lounge here at Austrian Airlines.
Dining
- If you want to eat good cake in Vienna, you don’t necessarily have to go to the Hotel Sacher. The coffeehouse chain Aida offers everything a cake lover’s heart desires, and conveniently, there is even a branch at the airport where you can enjoy an extensive cake menu at moderate prices with good Viennese coffee. (Terminal 1, public area)
- Wolfgang Puck is one of Austria’s most famous top chefs, living in the USA for many years, owning numerous restaurants, and responsible for the Oscars’ catering each year. At Vienna Airport, he has opened his first restaurant on Austrian soil. The menu ranges from Viennese cuisine to pizza. Ideal for strengthening yourself during longer stays at Vienna Airport. (public arrivals area)
- Experience sausage stand culture: Sausage stands are as much a part of Vienna as the opera. Therefore, a sausage stand is a must at the airport. Right outside the airport building, there is a modern stand where you can enjoy a Käsekrainer and a beer, experiencing Viennese culture.
- Great ice cream: Veganista has been one of the best ice cream makers in the city for several years, offering vegan ice cream in many delightful flavors. You should definitely try the lavender or basil ice cream. There are two Veganista branches at the airport, and if you have a lot of time to kill, you can try all the flavors. (Terminal 2 & 3) here.
- Try Leberkas: Leberkas is genuine Austrian fast food that tastes wonderful. The Leberkas from Leberkaas-Pepi is particularly good, and there is even a stand at Vienna Airport where you can try the various types. (F Gates)
- Eating and drinking with a great view of the airfield: If you’re thirsty or hungry and want to watch the hustle and bustle at the airport, you should grab a window seat at the Zugvogel restaurant. (Terminal 1)
- The indescribably good sandwiches: A real Viennese original is the sandwiches from Trzesniewski. You can check out the wonderful varieties here. These are available in various types in Terminal 2 directly opposite the security checkpoint.
For a longer layover at Vienna Airport
- Excursion to the area around Vienna Central Station: The Vienna Central Station can be reached from the airport in about 15 minutes by direct train. The trains usually run every half hour. In a few minutes, you can walk from the Central Station to Belvedere Palace, where you can visit the famous Klimt exhibition. But the Museum of Military History or the Belvedere 21 with its collection of modern art is also worth a visit. You can eat well near the Central Station at Ringsmuth (Austrian), Piazza Colombo (Pizza), and 15 sweet minutes (Bistro). A great view and delicious cocktails can be found at the rooftop bar in the Andaz Hotel.
- Explore downtown Vienna: You can conveniently and cheaply reach the center of Vienna in about 20 minutes by S-Bahn (you can save the expensive City Airport Train). From Wien Mitte, it takes about 15 minutes on foot to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Another 5 minutes are needed to reach the Capuchin Crypt, the Albertina, and the Opera. Just a few steps from Wien Mitte is the impressive Museum of Applied Arts. You can eat well near Wien Mitte at Plachutta (Austrian cuisine).
- Visit the Schwechat Railway Museum: The Schwechat Railway Museum can be reached from the airport in about 6 minutes by S-Bahn. The museum is open from May to October from Friday to Sunday and houses an extensive collection of historical trains. The museum is an ideal place to spend a few hours.
Shopping
- Do you still need souvenirs but want to avoid the usual kitsch shops and bring something home that Austrians also know? Then make a short detour to the Billa supermarket. There is a small one in the entrance hall, and a slightly larger one a few minutes’ walk from the airport. There you can find souvenirs like Mozartkugeln, Manner wafers, Tyrolean bacon, pumpkin seeds, and many other great things from Austria. And if you need a cheap snack, you’ll find something at Billa as well.
Entertainment
- If you fancy a good cocktail, leave the airport building and take a 10-minute walk to the Hotel Moxy. There is a cool hotel bar with a great selection of cocktails. But be careful not to miss your flight.
- If you want to watch football during your wait at Vienna Airport, visit the Admiral Sports Bar in the arrivals hall. There, besides various sports broadcasts, you can also get relatively inexpensive drinks for an airport.
- If you are a beer lover and want to use your waiting time at Vienna Airport to familiarize yourself with Vienna’s beers, you are in the right place at the “Vienna Beer Bar 1837” (G-Gates) or at the “Ottakringer Tap Mastery” (D-Gates). Here you can try the different beers from the Viennese brewery Ottakringer.
Tips for saving money at Vienna Airport
- After the security check, there are several places at Vienna Airport with free drinking fountains. This way, you can save on expensive bottled water. The drinking fountains are also excellent for filling up an empty water bottle before your flight.
- Around the departure gates, there are stands where you can stock up on free reading material in English and German. It is usually a mix of newspapers and magazines. Afterwards, you can find a quiet spot at an inactive gate.
- If you live outside the EU, you can get a VAT refund for larger purchases made in Austria directly at Vienna Airport. More information and details can be found here.
Stay Active
- If you have about 5 hours and are willing to walk 25 km, you can hike around the airport. You can find the route and GPS data here.
- In about 3 hours, you can hike to and from the Danube-Auen from the airport. The route can be found here.
- A few minutes’ walk from the airport, there is a fully equipped fitness studio called “Fit Fabrik” where you can work out. More information can be found on the Fit Fabrik website.
