Muvamo Opinion
Our quick Vienna City Pass recommendation: For most visitors, the Vienna PASS is the best choice – especially if you’re spending a few days in the city and plan to visit many attractions. We love its all-inclusive setup and the convenient Hop-on Hop-off bus network, which connects all major sights quickly and easily.
If you prefer to explore on foot and admire Vienna’s architecture from the outside, a Vienna City Pass doesn’t make much sense. Just choose a few key sights and buy individual tickets instead. And don’t miss our Free Walking Tours of Vienna to make the most of your stay.
Quick Infos & FAQ
Do you recommend getting a city pass for Vienna?
Yes – if you plan to visit several paid sights within two or three days, a Vienna City Pass usually saves both money and time, with priority entry at many venues. We also appreciate the convenience of not having to juggle individual tickets. The Vienna PASS offers even better value the longer you use it, making it ideal for multi-day, attraction-packed stays.
Which Vienna City Pass do you recommend?
Option A: Vienna PASS for classic, busy sightseeing days (1/2/3/6 calendar-day validity + Hop-on Hop-off included for the whole duration).
Option B: FLEXI Pass if you want 2–5 selective sights over a longer stay (valid 60 days from first use).
Who should get a pass?
First-timers, short stays, and families planning multiple attractions per day. If your trip is mostly cafés, neighborhoods, or one marquee museum, skip the Vienna City Pass and book individual tickets.
What’s included (high level)?
Vienna PASS: free entry to 90+ attractions, priority admission at many, Hop-on Hop-off network for the full pass validity, guide/app.
FLEXI Pass: choose 2/3/4/5 attractions from ~60 options; 72-hour Hop-on Hop-off can count as one attraction.
Is public transport (U-Bahn/tram/bus) included?
No, but you have the Hop-on Hop-off network included (in the Vienna PASS – and as an option for the FLEXI Pass) which easily gets you around all the major attractions.
How does activation & validity work?
Vienna PASS: activates on first use (at an attraction or Hop-on Hop-off); days are calendar days (midnight–midnight). Start early to maximize value.
FLEXI Pass: activates on first use and remains valid for 60 days – great for slower itineraries.
Any gotchas?
Some top sights may require time-slot reservations even with a pass (especially in peak season). When you get your pass checkout the guide you get with it for detailed current information for the attractions you want to visit.
Vienna PASS (all-inclusive)
The Vienna PASS is the “see-a-lot fast” Vienna City Pass option. It gives you free entry to up to 90+ sights across the city – think Schönbrunn, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Albertina, Hofburg museums, Belvedere, the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Zoo, and plenty more. Many venues include fast-track/priority admission, so you spend time inside the attractions rather than in lines. Your pass is valid for 1, 2, 3 or 6 consecutive calendar days, starting the moment you first use it at an attraction or step on a HOP ON HOP OFF bus; once activated, days are counted midnight to midnight, so the smartest move is to activate early in the day.
A major bonus is the Hop-on Hop-off bus network: with the Vienna PASS, all rides are free for the entire validity period. The network runs several routes (three to four, depending on the season), featuring live bus tracking, multilingual audio guides, and free Wi-Fi – perfect for first-time visitors or anyone planning a packed itinerary. It’s also a relaxing way to enjoy the city: simply hop on, sit back, and take in Vienna’s highlights from a scenic, comfortable seat.
Who it suits: first-time visitors or short stays (1–3 days) who plan to stack 3–5 sights per day and value time savings, simple logistics, and bus coverage between clusters of attractions. Tip: because validity is in calendar days, start early on Day 1 and group big hitters close together to maximize the value of your Vienna City Pass.
FLEXI Pass (pick 2–5 sights, slow & selective)
Prefer a more flexible Vienna City Pass experience? The Vienna FLEXI Pass lets you choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions from a curated list of ~60 options – and you can use them any time within 60 days from first activation. In other words, there’s no pressure to “cram a day”; you can spread visits over a long weekend or over several weeks if Vienna is a repeat-visit base.
A standout perk: the 72-hour HOP ON HOP OFF ticket counts as just one attraction on the FLEXI Pass (an upgrade from the older 24-hour variant). That means you can dedicate three full days to effortless city transport on the sightseeing buses and still have 1-4 attraction choices left, depending on the pass size you buy. Priority admission is available at many venues, and the pass can be issued as a mobile pass as well.
Who it suits: travelers with a light or selective plan – e.g., you want Schönbrunn, the Ferris Wheel, and one museum, plus easy bus mobility – or visitors staying longer who prefer to sprinkle sights between cafés, neighborhoods, and day trips. It’s also a good match for families pacing the day around kids’ energy rather than a tight checklist.
Guided Tours & Activities
- Wachau Valley Small-Group Wine Tour (with Danube Cruise in Summer): From Vienna a 9-hour, max-8 participants, tour featuring tastings at local wineries, free time in Dürnstein, and a Danube boat ride from Spitz to Melk in summer (or a guided Melk Abbey visit in winter).
- Hallstatt & Salzburg Guided Day Trip: Discover Hallstatt and Salzburg on a full-day tour with guided walks and free time in both, plus a brief photo stop near Gmunden; hotel pick-up is available for a fee.
- Vienna City Center Highlights Walking Tour: Unlock the stories behind Vienna’s grandest landmarks on this guided walk through the historic heart of the city. Ideal for first-time visitors who want depth, not just direction.
- Vienna’s Hidden Underground Walking Tour: Descend into Vienna’s mysterious underworld and uncover the city’s buried secrets, from private basements to wartime shelters. A fascinating journey beneath the surface – literally and historically.
- Vienna Sightseeing in an Electric Vintage Car: Discover Vienna in style on a quiet, eco-friendly ride in a retro electric car. A private driver-guide glides past the historic center and Ringstrasse highlights with plenty of photo moments.
- Classical Concerts in Vienna: Mozart, Vivaldi & Schönbrunn Palace: Experience the magic of Vienna’s musical heritage with three iconic concerts: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed in the stunning Karlskirche, an evening of Mozart in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, and a romantic performance at Schönbrunn Palace, where classical music comes to life in a setting of imperial grandeur. Each concert is a uniquely Viennese moment – refined, atmospheric, and unforgettable.
- Light of Creation at Votivkirche is a striking immersive light and sound installation that transforms the neo-Gothic church into a mesmerizing visual experience. We recommend buying a ticket to witness this rare fusion of sacred architecture and contemporary art, where every detail is elevated by state-of-the-art projection mapping and an atmospheric soundtrack.
- Time Travel Vienna – Multimedia Experience: Relive Vienna’s rich past through immersive 5D effects, animatronic shows, and virtual reality. It’s a playful yet powerful way to connect with the city’s history beyond the guidebooks.
- Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker Baking Show & Tasting: Go behind the scenes of Vienna’s legendary imperial bakery and watch master bakers stretch paper-thin dough and craft a classic Viennese apple strudel in a live demo, then enjoy a warm slice with a cup of Viennese coffee – plus take the original recipe home.
- Johann Strauss Dinner Show at the Prater: Dine in style and enjoy a lively tribute to the “Waltz King” himself, Johann Strauss, in this elegant dinner show blending traditional Viennese cuisine with classic operetta flair.
Individual Tickets
If you’re planning to see just one or two major sights – say, The Kiss at the Belvedere and a castle tour – a Vienna City Pass doesn’t make much sense, and individual tickets are usually the simplest and most economical choice. Below, you’ll find our list of recommended attractions where it’s smart to book tickets online in advance. This flexible approach keeps your days open: buy only what you need, when you need it, and mix sightseeing with a tram ride, a coffeehouse break, or a stroll through your favorite district.
Who it suits: minimalists, repeat visitors, or anyone focusing on a single neighborhood or theme (for example, the Ringstrasse museums). Once you add multiple sights, and stay for a few days, it’s worth comparing the Vienna PASS or FLEXI Pass – they often win on both price and especially convenience.
Recommended tickets to book online in advance
