Is Vienna safe? What you should know

Posted Nov 25, 2024

Austria's grand capital is a city of imperial elegance mixed with artistic flair! Think grand palaces, stunning museums, and of course, Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that's practically a national treasure)! From the majestic Hofburg Palace to the peaceful gardens, it’s a place where you can soak in culture without worrying about your safety. Did you know that Vienna is one of the world's safest cities?

Like any great adventure, safety comes from knowing what to expect! Whether you want to dive into Vienna's historic coffeehouses, bike along the Danube, or hike up the nearby hills, it’s good to have a few safety tips in your back pocket! Especially when you're here making memories with your family or friends!

You’ll find everything from how to engage with locals (spoiler: they’re friendly, but do respect the quiet charm) to the best spots for nature lovers and some handy health advice for all travelers. Plus, get a lowdown on how Vienna stacks up when it comes to getting around at night, and how to enjoy all the tasty street food without missing a beat! So, let’s dive in and explore Vienna’s safe side!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Vienna

If you're worried about personal safety and don't know what to expect in Vienna, you can breathe a sigh of relief! Relax your shoulders, unclench your yaw, and rest assured that Vienna is a very safe city! Even though the local media want to emphasize the negative, there's not much of it! Read our guide where you'll find out all the info you need and if there are any safety precautions you should take!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Did you just land at Vienna Airport? If you don't have the time to take out an International Driving Permit (check out the details here) and rent a car, you can take the City Airport Train. Take a panoramic 18-minute ride along the Danube River to the city center. It'll take you to Vienna City Center Station where you can hop on any other public transportation and start exploring!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Vienna

If you've ever been to Japan, you might know about this city scam! A stranger comes up to you acting all friendly. They invite you to a bar for drinks and tell you it's on them. When the bill comes, you'll see ridiculously high prices and the stranger will refuse to pay. If you’re short on cash, a "kind" bouncer will show you to an ATM and force you to take out money. And the worst part? The bar is usually in on it. So, if a stranger offers to take you to a bar and pay for drinks, just politely say ‘No’ and walk away!

Is tap water in Vienna safe to drink?

Absolutely! Vienna’s tap water comes from nearby mountain springs. It's some of the best and healthiest water you can drink! It shouldn't even taste weird because it's not treated like water in any other major city that uses spring water.

Safe accommodation options in Vienna

Want to know the chillest places in Vienna so you can sleep like a baby? Here are the safest areas in the city and some accommodation options there:

Innere Stadt has historic charm and a central location. It's safe and perfect for a romantic stroll down some cobblestone streets! If you'd like a mid-range room, Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth has 4 stars and isn't too pricey! Rooms start at around €150 per night.
Neubau is a trendy cultural hotspot that's lively and full of character! It has the MuseumsQuartier art center and the luxurious 5-star Hotel Sans Souci Wien. It has elegant rooms and an indoor pool, but it'll cost you a pretty penny at €300 per night.
If you're looking for a bit more quiet place with greenery and some attractions like Belvedere Palace, Landstraße is the place to go! There you'll find a more budget-friendly option, the Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien. It has cozy rooms for €120 per night and a spa!

Pro tip: If you've just checked out of your hotel or missed your flight, you can leave anything you don't want to carry around with us! If you don't have a place to leave your suitcase, travel backpack, or extra bags, just find a Bounce partner around the city and leave your things with a trusted local business!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Are you looking for some cultural callouts so you can avoid offending anyone? Take a look at these:

Austrians are known for their formality and punctuality. They might seem a bit reserved, but all you have to do is break the ice and you can start a friendly conversation! They value respect and politeness, so use titles to address people, keep things respectful, and they'll warm up to you in no time!
Most Austrians know English because they learn it in schools. If you want to impress some locals, you can use common phrases like Grüß Gott (a common greeting); Bitte (Please); Danke (Thank you); and Entschuldigung (Excuse me).
Try not to keep your elbows on the table while eating. Tipping is also very common, but you’ll have to ask for the bill since servers don't automatically bring it to you. You can't smoke inside restaurants, so make sure to ask for designated zones.
You won't have any problems being yourself in Vienna. The locals are very inclusive and they often hold Rainbow Parades in honor of the LGBTQ+ community!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Are you curious if you should pack your bike for your trip to Vienna? We've got some travel advice for getting around safely:

Public transportation is just as good as other major European cities. You've got trams, buses, and the subway, all safe even at night! Plus, you can also buy a 24-72-hour pass and travel wherever you want and anytime you want!
Veinna's streets are flat and well-kept, perfect for baby strollers or wheelchairs! Public transport also has ramps and is really accessible too. Some cobblestone streets can be a bit of a problem, but there aren't many of them!
Walking and cycling in Vienna is the way to go! Austrians are all about eco-friendliness, and the city has tons of bike paths. You can rent bikes with systems like WienMobil Rad and get those quads and glutes going!

Nature and Vienna: Safety tips to keep in mind

You're in for a treat with outdoor activities in Vienna! Check them out:

You can jump in the Danube River for a refreshing dip! Areas like Seestadt Aspern and the Mühlwasser are perfect for swimming with some spots for refreshments and a bite to eat nearby! You can also test the water at the Lobau, part of the Danube-Auen National Park!
Nussberg and Kahlenberg are hills that are perfect spots for some wine hiking. Yes, it's hiking, but with wine! Locals love it, and it’s a fun way to combine wine tasting and exercising! It’s also a popular tourist attraction! If you're up for it, the Lower Austrian Alps have some major marked trails and climbing spots, just make sure you have the right boots!
The trails and forests don't have any dangerous animals, but you should still stick to the marked paths, just to stay on the safe side.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Vienna's middle name is Healthcare! We're not sure about the last name though…(but you get the idea!) Here are some tips to stay covered while you’re in the city:

Want to know some local laws about travel insurance? Visit the official EU EHIC website! If you have an accident on your trip, the EHIC card will help you reduce the cost of healthcare! As long as your vaccines are up to date, you’re all set!
Street food is generally safe, but you should still be careful in crowded places where things can get rushed. Rushing might affect the quality! Allergens are common in EU food, so just tell the server about any allergies and be careful when buying food!
If you need medical evacuation or help, dial 144! If you need local authorities, you can call 112. Don’t worry, all emergency services are equipped with a first aid kit!

So, is Vienna safe?

Vienna is safer than most major cities! Just remember to keep an eye on your personal belongings, stay away from overly friendly strangers, and be on the lookout for Bounce locations! Whether it's luggage, important documents, or a new TV (for tax purposes), leave it with us and we'll take care of it! Book and pay for a spot in just a few quick clicks!