Fancy a city break that doesn’t break the bank? Jet2CityBreaks and this handy guide – to your service! Vienna’s brimming with attractions and things to do that don’t require opening your wallet (smart or the old-school one) – let’s explore them… 

Explore the green spaces  

Adorned with blooming flowers, sprawling trees and charming benches along the paths, Vienna’s parks are an essential part of local life. The best part? A lot of them conceal the famous palaces and attractions you’re here to visit, so they’re basically on the way. In fact, a lot of these parks are within walking distance if you’re staying in a central hotel. Start your visit with Stadtpark, where the iconic Strauss statue sets the tone for a charming stroll. If you know your flowers, head to the Volksgarten, bursting with colour in spring and summer. Prefer lounging with a palace view? The Burggarten, once an imperial garden, has perfectly manicured patches for a picnic or people-watching. For a real natural escape, hop over to Donauinsel – a long island on the Danube where you can play beach volleyball, go on a walk or rent a bike. It’s a favourite with locals when the sun’s out too. And no mention of Vienna is complete without a mention of the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace.  

Uncover the art in Museums Quartier 

Where art meets cool vibes and a laidback atmosphere, sits Vienna’s iconic MuseumsQuartier. Set in the former imperial stables , it’s become one of the largest cultural complexes in the world. You’ll find big-name institutions like the Leopold Museum, famous for housing Klimt’s and Schiele’s work, or mumok, Vienna’s modern art space filled with thought-provoking pieces. But MQ isn’t just for hardcore art fans – the bright outdoor lounges in the central courtyard transform into a buzzing social hub when the weather warms up. Free exhibitions and art installations often pop up in public spaces, and you might stumble upon a performance or festival without even trying. Another insider’s tip? Head up on the terrace for a golden hour overlooking the Maria-Theresien-Platz. You can even reward yourself with a cocktail if you feel like it.  

Browse the markets 

Bit of window-shopping, anyone? Naschmarkt is the city’s most famous market and has to be the first one on your itinerary. Spices, souvenirs, sweet treats and schnitzel – you’ll find it all under that forest-green roof. Karmelitermarkt and Flohmarkt both sit under Naschmarkt’s name but offer a more chill, laidback vibe. Karmelitermarkt is a locals’ treasure, filled with produce stalls, while Flohmarkt (Vienna’s big flea market) is the place to hunt for quirky treasures – think vintage teacups, old vinyls and more. Spend hours wandering the maze of these markets, saying ‘wow, look at that’ about every other stall and taste-testing every bite offered to you. And hey, even if you do treat yourself to a knick-knack or a glass of wine, it won’t cost an arm and a leg here anyway. 

Admire the architecture  

Vienna is like an open-air museum – wherever you turn, there’s a gorgeous façade, intricate church or historic building just waiting to be photographed. The main attraction in the old town is St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its colourful tiled roof and gothic spires, although you’ll stroll past the impressive Hofburg on the way too. After admiring the artistry that went into constructing this dramatic cathedral, make your way to the three-mile long Ringstrasse, where historic heavyweights like the Parliament, City Hall and State Opera sit proudly and tell the stories of the past. Seen enough shades of white already? Head to Hundertwasserhaus or Kunst Haus. Patchworks of colour, trees and patterns decorate the two museums.  

Wander the Christmas/Easter markets 

Vienna knows how to do a celebration right, and it pulls out all the stops for Christmas and Easter. Picture twinkling fairy lights, mulled wine in festive mugs and rows of adorable wooden stalls – the holiday season is truly magical here. Come Easter, the markets swap pine branches for pastel eggs and blooming flowers. The Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see, with its mountain of hand-painted eggs during Easter and carefully selected artisan stalls during Christmas.  

Bonus: free museum entry  

If your trip happens to coincide with the first Sunday of the month, dedicate the day to the museums of Vienna – some of them are free then. Visit the popular Vienna Museum or head away from the city centre to the Military History Museum.