If you’re seeking out destinations in Europe that capture the interest of teenagers, Vienna might not be at the top of your list.
It wasn’t for us either, but after our visit, we discovered numerous activities that teenagers can enjoy in Vienna, quickly making it one of our teen’s favorite cities.
Vienna is famous for its classical music heritage, stunning neoclassical and baroque architecture, lush parks, and charming café culture.
While all of this is wonderful, it may not be particularly thrilling for teens who crave adventure and unique experiences, especially those great for Instagram photos.
Nevertheless, don’t let Vienna’s serene reputation fool you—adventure awaits!
This guide highlights activities our teens enjoyed during our time in Vienna, along with accommodation suggestions and tips to enhance your visit.
Why do teens love Vienna?
Before you finalize your travel itinerary, you may be uncertain about including Vienna.
This capital boasts a rich historical and architectural significance, a vibrant arts scene, and a musical heritage that adults often appreciate.
However, teens are drawn to uncovering hidden treasures, engaging in interactive cultural experiences, and trying things that are outside the usual tourist path.
Vienna offers various opportunities for teens to do just that, with adventurous activities ranging from nature parks and outdoor recreation areas to amusement parks. It is brimming with cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and events catered to younger audiences.
The city is also quite pedestrian-friendly, filled with lovely neighborhoods showcasing charming architecture, cozy cafés, and interesting shops where teens can explore.
There’s no shortage of engaging activities, and the city is both accessible and safe.
Things To Do In Vienna With Teens
1. Get your thrills at Prater Park
Prater Park is a vast public space in Vienna that was formerly a royal hunting ground in the 16th century and is now the city’s top leisure area.
The park features the famous Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), established in 1897, which has become a symbol of Vienna.
Teens particularly enjoy Prater Park for its amusement park, known as Wurstelprater, featuring exhilarating rides like roller coasters, bumper cars, and various carnival games.
Along with the rides, there are plenty of paths for cycling or walking, as well as numerous green spaces where teens can unwind, toss a frisbee, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax on the grass with a book.
2. Explore sound and music at the Haus der Musik
Austria is often dubbed “The City of Music” due to its rich history with legendary composers.
Greats like Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert, and Johann Strauss I and II lived and created in this vibrant city.
The best way for teens to delve into the lives and legacies of these musicians is to visit the Haus der Musik, an interactive sound museum dedicated to these eminent composers.
Here, they can explore sound and music in engaging and hands-on ways through various exhibits and interactive displays.
3. See the animals at Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Located within the picturesque grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna Zoo, also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, ranks as one of the oldest and most famous zoos globally.
Established in 1752 by Emperor Francis I, it began as a royal zoo and has transformed into a modern facility emphasizing conservation and education.
Housing over 700 animals from various continents, including many endangered species, the zoo focuses on wildlife education and conservation initiatives.
4. Experience an Escape Room
Have you ever considered intentionally locking yourself in a room with your teenager? It may sound like a nightmare for some parents, but an escape room can be a thrilling family experience.
The concept is simple: solve clues, puzzles, and challenges within a set timeframe to escape the room. As you work through these obstacles, a story unfolds, leading you to freedom.
Vienna offers a variety of escape rooms that range from straightforward to highly challenging. This group activity boosts teamwork, problem-solving skills, and is sure to create memorable moments for your family.
5. Embark on a Street Art Tour
Vienna is not only known for its music but also for its vibrant art scene. The city boasts a dynamic urban art culture, with neighborhoods featuring murals, graffiti, and installations by both local and global artists.
Our teenagers appreciate street art for its creative flair, explorative nature, and social commentary, making a street art tour an exciting option!
This tour not only showcases the most impressive artworks around the city but also provides insight into the evolution of the art scene over the years, mirroring broader cultural and societal trends.
What started as underground expression has gained recognition in Vienna, making street art a celebrated form of creativity. Areas like Neubau, Mariahilf, and former industrial zones are particularly notable for their artistic displays.
6. Shop Until You Drop on Mariahilfer Straße
Mariahilfer Straße is Vienna’s main shopping destination, featuring a blend of international brands and local shops.
This busy street, over a mile long, was once a traditional marketplace and has evolved into a bustling shopping hub that is pedestrian-friendly and full of life.
Teenagers can discover trendy fashion shops, tech outlets, and quirky gift stores, or visit shopping malls like Kaufhaus Gerngross, which combines retail, entertainment, and dining.
The youthful ambiance of Mariahilfer Straße makes even window shopping an enjoyable experience.
7. Explore Contemporary Art at MuseumsQuartier Wien
MuseumsQuartier Wien, often referred to as MQ by locals, is a colorful cultural hub situated in the center of Vienna. It’s one of the largest collections of cultural spaces in existence, offering a dynamic environment.
blending creativity, design, and relaxation.
Founded in the early 2000s, this space has evolved from the old imperial horse stables into a vibrant cultural center. You’ll find prestigious institutions like the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), and Kunsthalle Wien here.
Delve into the art museums to admire various exhibitions or unwind in the open areas and courtyards, which frequently host cultural events and festivals.
8. Cycle Along the Danube River
When the weather is pleasant, think about renting bikes to ride along the Danube’s banks. There are multiple parks nearby where you can relax and enjoy a picnic.
Riding alongside the Danube is both refreshing and picturesque, providing a chance to appreciate the city’s stunning vistas and the history of one of Europe’s longest rivers.
The Danube has long been crucial in Vienna’s history, serving as a key trade artery and an inspiration for countless artists and musicians.
Nowadays, it’s a popular route for river cruises connecting other countries, as we experienced one summer in Europe. The riverbanks have been developed into well-kept recreational areas, with cycling paths extending for miles — ideal for biking!
Craig and the girls enjoyed a three-hour bike ride along the Danube and ventured over to Danube Island! It was an excellent way to take in Vienna’s outdoor lifestyle.
9. Attend a Classical Music Concert
A visit to The City of Music wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a classical music performance or taking a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera, a stunning venue that often offers discounts for youth visits.
Even if your teens lean more towards contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, they will still find joy in attending a classical concert in a city that boasts a rich musical history.
There are usually performances taking place in the city’s churches due to their excellent acoustics. Kalyra shared that our evening at the Original Vienna Salon Orchestra was her favorite part of our Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Here are some suggestions for classical music concerts to check out in Vienna:
10. Discover Vienna’s Café Culture
The café culture in Vienna is a beloved aspect of the city’s social fabric. Numerous traditional coffeehouses each have their unique charm.
Visiting a Viennese café is not merely about savoring a cup of coffee; it’s a full experience. The cafes often feature classy interiors with comfortable seating, wooden decor, and intricate designs. Spending hours with a book without being hurried away is completely normal.
Instead of your typical latte, be sure to try a classic Viennese coffee treat, like Melange (similar to cappuccino) or Einspänner.
Enjoy a cup of espresso topped with whipped cream and indulge in a variety of tempting pastries including Sachertorte, which is the renowned chocolate cake from Vienna, and Apfelstrudel.
Vienna’s café culture is not only beloved by the locals but is also woven into the city’s history. Since the 17th century, coffeehouses have served as gathering spots for thinkers, artists, and the general public, making them a vital part of social life.
11. Climb and Zipline at Waldseilpark Kahlenberg
If you’re looking to escape the city and embrace nature, consider a trip to Waldseilpark Kahlenberg. This thrilling outdoor experience blends natural beauty with adventure.
Scale heights of 20 meters among the treetops as you navigate a challenging high ropes course, featuring zip lines, suspension bridges, climbing obstacles, and swings.
This park is situated on Kahlenberg Hill, which is easily reachable and provides a great getaway from the city’s busy atmosphere.
12. Explore Underground Vienna
If you seek a distinctive experience, venture beneath the streets to uncover the secrets of Vienna’s hidden underworld.
Below the city, you can explore historic basements that served as air raid shelters and refuge for those in hiding during WWII.
Tour an historical medicine cellar and laboratory, stroll through ancient corridors, peek up into air shafts, and discover an entire network of subterranean structures beneath the streets.
13. Hike in The Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
If your teenagers enjoy hiking, consider a trip to the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), which spans an impressive 105,000 hectares of breathtaking scenery.
This vast forest has offered a natural sanctuary for Vienna’s residents since the 19th century and is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve.
The park features a network of clearly marked trails suitable for all skill levels, including routes leading to Kahlenberg Hill, which offers stunning views of Vienna.
14. Ride The Vienna Ring Tram
The Vienna Ring Tram, also known as The Ringstrasse, is a circular tramway that encircles the city’s historic center, offering a tour of Vienna’s most famous sights.
Constructed in the mid-19th century to replace the old city walls, this tram is not only a convenient way to navigate the city but also a delightful experience on its own.
Along the ride, you can visit numerous historic landmarks, all while benefiting from audio guides available in multiple languages to enrich your understanding of each site.
15. Unwind in The Burggarten or Volksgarten
Take a break from the city’s hustle and relish the tranquility of a beautifully landscaped park.
Located next to the Hofburg Palace, the Burggarten is a charming spot originally created in the 18th century as a private garden for the imperial family, later opened to the public in the late 19th century.
This park features manicured lawns, colorful flowerbeds, an iconic statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and a lovely butterfly house.
You can lounge on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or play outdoor games. Alternatively, you can relax in the Volksgarten, another landscaped park adjacent to the Hofburg complex. If your teen loves roses, they’ll appreciate the stunning rose garden. They might also enjoy the neoclassical Theseus Temple and the Sisi Memorial dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, whose fascinating story of beauty and rebellion remains beloved in Vienna.
16. Visit the Final Resting Place of Beethoven and Brahms at The Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The Zentralfriedhof, or Central Cemetery, is one of Europe’s largest cemeteries and is the burial site of many famous personalities, including composers, artists, and politicians.
Founded in 1874, it boasts a variety of beautifully crafted gravestones, mausoleums, and memorials in different architectural styles.
Sections of the cemetery are allocated for various cultural and religious communities, comprising Christian, Jewish, and Muslim graves.
Among the notable burials are legendary composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Mozart, and Franz Schubert, along with significant writers and artists such as Arthur Schnitzler and Alfred Adler.
Speaking of Mozart, we also visited his childhood home in Salzburg, Austria.
17. Take Pictures at Hundertwasserhaus
If you’re an adventurous teen looking for unique photo opportunities, don’t overlook Hundertwasserhaus. This vibrant and distinctive residential complex was designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Completed in 1985, the building is famous for its unconventional design, featuring irregular shapes, vivid colors, and plenty of greenery.
Hundertwasser aimed to create a space that blended nature with human creativity, and it has now become one of Vienna’s most photographed attractions.
This architectural marvel offers a fantastic backdrop for photos, highlighting Vienna’s whimsical artistic culture.
Where to Stay in Vienna
If it’s your first trip to Vienna, we suggest staying in the Innere Stadt (1st District), the city’s historic heart where you’ll find the most well-known landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and various museums.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District), located just across the Danube Canal, is another excellent area to stay. It’s close enough to attractions while offering a more relaxed vibe.
Teenagers who prefer trendy and modern environments should check out Neubau (7th District), renowned for its artistic atmosphere, boutique shops, and youthful crowd.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to stick to the typical tourist spots to leave Vienna feeling like you truly know the city.
Exploring off the beaten path can be just as rewarding. Wander through hidden streets and quaint neighborhoods, unwind in the gardens, and soak up the local atmosphere.
Our teens found Vienna to be a vibrant city, rich in sights and activities while still maintaining a more relaxed vibe that they appreciated.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Vienna with your teens and sparks ideas for your itinerary.
