Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna – The Best Travel Tips & Information

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will bring thousands of fans from across Europe (and far beyond) to Vienna for a week filled with music, celebrations, live shows, and unforgettable energy. No matter if you already have tickets or are still planning your trip, this guide covers everything you need to enjoy Eurovision the smart way – from choosing the best area and hotel to navigating transport, exploring the city and discovering the most exciting things to do before, after, and between the shows.

Vienna knows how to host Eurovision: the last time the city welcomed fans, the atmosphere was electric and the whole city turned into one big stage. We’ll keep this guide updated as soon as new official details, event zones, or timings are confirmed.

Note: Muvamo is an independent Vienna travel guide and not affiliated with the Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU or ORF.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna – What to Expect

Austria has a long, sometimes rocky history at the Eurovision Song Contest, competing since 1957 and even finishing last several times before finally claiming victory in 1966 with Udo Jürgens’ classic Merci, Chérie. Nearly half a century later, Conchita Wurst’s iconic performance of Rise Like a Phoenix brought Austria a second win in 2014 and turned Vienna into a global symbol of inclusivity and LGBTQ pride. In 2025, JJ’s operatic club anthem Wasted Love secured Austria’s third Eurovision title.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is returning to Vienna, transforming the Austrian capital into one of Europe’s most vibrant and inclusive celebrations. Eurovision is a festival of creativity, diversity, freedom of expression, and a long-standing symbol of LGBTQ culture. Few cities match the atmosphere Vienna creates during Eurovision week: open-minded, artistic, electric, and full of life.

To set the mood, above is the moment that brought the contest back to Vienna – JJ’s winning performance from last year. It’s the perfect soundtrack while you plan your trip.

Once the show comes to Vienna, you can expect packed fan zones, themed events across the city, open-air screenings, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Entire districts turn into meeting spots for fans from all over Europe and beyond. The atmosphere is truly unique: the historic streets around the city centre fill with music and excitement, cafés and bars put on Eurovision specials, and the Eurovision Village becomes a daily hub of concerts, food, merch, and fan energy.

This guide will help you make the most of your Eurovision week – from choosing the right place to stay and getting around the city, to discovering the best things to do before and after the shows.

Key Dates, Venue & Event Locations in Vienna

Planning your visit to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 starts with understanding where the main events take place and how the city will be organized during show week. Here is what you can expect.

What’s the difference between the shows?

Evening Preview (formerly the “Jury Show”)
A full run-through of the show on the night before the TV broadcast. This is when the international juries cast their votes. For the audience it feels just like the real thing – including a full results sequence – but the qualifiers/points are shown in a random order so nothing gets spoiled.

Afternoon Preview (formerly the “Family Show”)
A full rehearsal on the afternoon of the live show. It’s perfect if you’re travelling with younger fans or prefer an earlier (and often cheaper) time slot. Again, you see the entire show from start to finish, with a simulated and randomly generated results part at the end.

Live Broadcast
The actual televised show in the evening – live across Europe (and Australia), with public voting added to the jury scores. No randomisation here: this is where the real results are decided.

The Main Eurovision Venue – Wiener Stadthalle

The Wiener Stadthalle will host all live shows of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. It’s one of Austria’s largest indoor arenas, known for concerts, international events, and strong acoustics.

Location:

• District: 15th district (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus)
• Metro: U6 Burggasse-Stadthalle (5 min walk)
• Metro Alternative: U3 Schweglerstraße (10–12 min walk)

The venue is easy to reach from any part of Vienna, including the historic city centre and all major hotel districts.

Eurovision Village – Fan Zone & Open-Air Stage

Vienna’s Eurovision Village will be located at Rathausplatz, the city’s iconic square in front of the Town Hall. This was also the location during Vienna’s last hosting – and it was a highlight for many fans.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Daily live performances from artists and DJs
• Public viewing of the Semi-Finals & Grand Final
• Food trucks, drinks, merch, partner stands
• A huge crowd, great atmosphere, and a more LGBTQ-friendly environment than almost any other event in Vienna

The Village is free entry and usually open from 11:00 until late evening.

Tip: Rathausplatz is perfectly located between major sights – an ideal place to combine sightseeing with Eurovision events.

EuroClub at Vienna City Hall

Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) will host the EuroClub – the traditional nightlife spot of every Host City, where delegations, fans and party-goers can dance to Eurovision music all night long throughout show week. It’s the place for DJ sets, fan events and late-night celebrations after the live shows and rehearsals.

Access details, opening hours and any special events will be published closer to the contest, so we’ll update this guide as soon as more information is available.

Nightlife areas outside the official programme

Beyond the official EuroClub and Eurovision events, Vienna’s regular nightlife also comes alive during contest week. Fans usually spread out across:

• bars and clubs in and around the city centre,
• relaxed, creative venues in Neubau and Mariahilf,
• late-night spots along the Gürtel.

These are not part of the official Eurovision programme, but they’re great areas to continue the night, meet other fans and enjoy Vienna’s LGBTQ-friendly bar and club scene.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Tickets – How It Works

Tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna are extremely popular, so the organizers use a registration system to keep things fair and avoid mass resale.

How the ticket system works (step by step)

1. Register online

• Fans first sign up on the official Eurovision website, then get forwarded to the Austrian ticket partner (oeticket).
• You’ll need to enter and verify your email address on both sites to join the official waiting list.

2. Complete your registration in time

• Registration is open until 18 December 2025 at 23:59 (CET).
• Only people who finish this registration process within the deadline will be allowed to buy tickets later.

3. Wait for the ticket sale waves

• Tickets will be sold in several waves.
• The first sales wave starts on 13 January 2026.
• Sales follow a “first come, first served” principle, and each registered person can buy up to four tickets.

4. Choose your show type
There are tickets for nine different shows:

• 3 live TV shows: Semi-Final 1, Semi-Final 2, Grand Final
• 6 rehearsal shows with full production (they feel almost like the real thing, just with test results)

What do tickets cost?

Exact prices depend on the show and seat category, but current guidance looks like this:

• From ~€10 – tickets with restricted view for afternoon rehearsal shows
• From ~€60 – cheapest seats for the live Grand Final (limited view)
• Around €230+ – good seated tickets for the Grand Final
• Around €360+ – Golden Circle / front standing area directly in front of the stage
• Optional: +€300 for hospitality upgrades with lounge access, DJs and extra services

Tip: If you want a specific show (e.g. Grand Final live), treat it like booking a flight: be ready at the start of the sales wave, logged into your account, and with your payment details ready.

No ticket? Vienna is still absolutely worth it

Even if you don’t manage to get a ticket for the live shows, Vienna is still an amazing place to be during Eurovision week:

• The Eurovision Village offers free concerts, public viewing, food stalls and a huge crowd of fans every day. 
• Many bars and venues run Eurovision viewing parties.
• You can still enjoy all the sightseeing, tours and day trips Vienna has to offer – and follow the shows live on big screens or with other fans.

If you plan a lot of sightseeing, we highly recommend you to invest in a ViennaPass to get the most for your time and money.

Where to Stay for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

For most fans, the sweet spot is somewhere between Wiener Stadthalle (the venue) and Rathausplatz (Eurovision Village & City Hall) – close enough to reach both easily, but in a lively neighbourhood with bars, cafés and shops.

Our main recommendation is to stay in or around Neubau and Mariahilf, just west of the historic centre. From here you can reach the venue, the Village and the city centre quickly by foot or tram/metro – and you’re in one of Vienna’s most vibrant, LGBTQ-friendly areas.

Best overall bases: Max Brown & 25hours

If you just want a great Eurovision base and don’t want to overthink it, these two are our top picks.

Max Brown 7th District

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A cosy, design-focused hotel in a relaxed but central neighbourhood. Around 12–15 minutes on foot to Wiener Stadthalle. Around 20 minutes to Rathausplatz / City Hall by metro or tram. Surrounded by cafés, bars and small shops – perfect for pre- or post-show hangs.

25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier

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Playful, colourful and very “Eurovision energy” – with a great rooftop bar overlooking the city. Around 9–10 minutes on foot to Rathausplatz / Eurovision Village. Around 15–20 minutes to Wiener Stadthalle by tram/metro. Right next to MuseumsQuartier and the Ringstraße, ideal if you also want to do sightseeing.

If you’re unsure where to stay, choosing either Max Brown or 25hours will put you in a perfect spot between the shows, the Village and the city centre.

Other great options in the same area

Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna

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Set in a former department store on Mariahilfer Straße, Ruby Marie mixes industrial chic with comfy rooms and a cool bar. Easy metro access to both the venue and the centre.

NH Wien City

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A reliable, comfortable option right on Mariahilfer Straße, with spacious rooms and direct access to the U3 metro line, great if you want quick, simple connections across the city.

Luxury options in the historic centre

If you’re turning the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 into a once-in-a-lifetime trip and want classic Vienna luxury, staying in the Innere Stadt (1st district) is the way to go. You’ll be in walking distance of most major sights and only a short metro ride from the venue. Both hotels are: About 10–15 minutes by metro from Wiener Stadthalle. Within easy walking distance of Rathausplatz and most sightseeing highlights.

Hotel Sacher Wien

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Probably Vienna’s most iconic hotel – old-world elegance, directly opposite the State Opera. A great choice if you want the full “imperial Vienna” feeling around your Eurovision shows.

Park Hyatt Vienna

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Housed in a former bank building in the historic centre, with large rooms, spa and a very refined atmosphere. Ideal if you want high-end comfort and a quiet base in the middle of the city.

How to Get to Vienna & the Eurovision Venue

Getting to Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is straightforward – and once you’re in the city, the public transport network makes it easy to reach the venue and get back to your hotel after the shows.

Arriving in Vienna (Plane, Train, Bus)

By plane
Most international visitors will arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE), about 20–30 minutes outside the city. It has direct connections to major European hubs and many low-cost airlines.

By train
If you’re already in Europe, long-distance trains are an easy and comfortable option.

• Wien Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) is the main hub for international and long-distance trains.
• From there, you can reach most hotel areas and the Eurovision venue in 15–25 minutes by metro or tram.

By bus
International and regional buses (FlixBus, RegioJet and others) stop at Wien Hbf or Erdberg. Both are connected to the U-Bahn network, so you can switch to the metro quickly.

From Vienna Airport to the City Centre

You have several options to get from Vienna Airport into the city:

• Railjet (ÖBB) – Fast trains to Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Meidling; good value, runs roughly every 30 minutes.
• S-Bahn (S7) – The cheapest public transport option, connecting the airport with various stations along the Danube and into the city.
• City Airport Train (CAT) – Non-stop train to Wien Mitte with more comfort and space for luggage.
• Taxi & ride-hailing – Door-to-door convenience, especially if you’re arriving late at night or in a group.
• Private / shared transfer – Pre-booked transfers can be good value for 3–4 people or if you prefer a fixed price.

Tip: If you’re staying near a central U-Bahn station like Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Westbahnhof or Schottentor, aim for Railjet or S-Bahn to Wien Mitte or Hauptbahnhof and then switch to the metro.

Reaching Wiener Stadthalle (Eurovision Venue)

The Eurovision shows will take place at Wiener Stadthalle in the 15th district. It’s very well connected by public transport:

• U6 Burggasse–Stadthalle – The closest metro stop (about 5 minutes’ walk to the venue).
• U3 Schweglerstraße – Another metro station within 10–12 minutes’ walking distance.
• Trams & buses – Several lines stop nearby and are useful if you’re staying in districts like Neubau, Mariahilf or the Gürtel area.

From the city centre (e.g. Stephansplatz or Karlsplatz), expect around 15–25 minutes by metro with one change, depending on your starting point.

Getting Back After the Shows (Late-Night Tips)

Eurovision shows finish late, but Vienna is very manageable at night:

• On weekends, the U-Bahn usually runs through the night.
• On weeknights, night buses (marked with “N”) replace metro lines after closing time.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find around big stations and in the city centre.

If you’re staying further out, consider:

• Checking your last U-Bahn departure in advance.
• Having a backup plan (night bus route or taxi).
• Booking a hotel with a direct metro line to the venue to keep things simple.

Things to Do in Vienna Between Eurovision Shows

Eurovision may be the main reason you’re coming to Vienna, but the city itself is an absolute highlight. Between rehearsals, live shows and nights at the Eurovision Village, you’ll have plenty of time to explore.

Must-see sights in the city centre

If it’s your first time in Vienna, start with the classics:

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s Gothic landmark, right in the heart of the old town. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the city and take a moment inside to see the colourful tiled roof from below.

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Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburg emperors and today houses museums, the Spanish Riding School and parts of the Austrian presidency. It’s the ideal place to walk through courtyards, grand squares and Vienna’s imperial history in one compact area.

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Vienna State Opera 

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, known for its grand architecture and an almost nightly programme of top-tier performances. Even if you don’t see a show, you can join a guided tour to explore the opulent foyer, grand staircase and auditorium.

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Albertina

The Albertina is famous for its huge graphic art collection, including works by Dürer, Monet, Picasso and many more. Inside a former Habsburg palace, it combines impressive staterooms with rotating blockbuster exhibitions of modern and classic art. Also one of the best Instagram spots in Vienna.

Maria-Theresien-Platz

Maria-Theresien-Platz is the grand square between the twin museum buildings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (art) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (natural history), with a huge statue of Empress Maria Theresa at its centre. It’s a perfect place to pause between sightseeing stops, enjoy the formal gardens and decide whether you’re in the mood for Old Masters or dinosaurs.

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Heldenplatz

Heldenplatz is the large open square in front of the Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg, framed by equestrian statues and monumental architecture. It’s a great spot to feel the scale of imperial Vienna and to start a walk along the Ringstraße.

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Rathaus

Vienna’s neo-Gothic City Hall is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings and a backdrop for many major events and festivals. During Eurovision week, Rathausplatz turns into a key fan zone with the Eurovision Village and plenty going on from day to night.

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MQ – MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier is a huge cultural complex combining major museums like the Leopold Museum with cafés, courtyards and relaxed outdoor seating. It’s perfect for mixing art and a drink before heading out to evening shows or nightlife nearby.

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More Things to Do

Want more ideas? Check out our full Things to Do in Vienna guide for hand-picked highlights and photo spots. If you have more time in Vienna, don’t miss Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Castle, the Prater and Donaukanal.

Where to Eat & Drink During Eurovision Week

Vienna is made for café hopping, comfort food and late-night drinks – perfect between shows and fan events.

Quick bites near the Eurovision venue

Around Wiener Stadthalle you’ll find:

• Bakeries and snack bars for a fast pre-show bite
• Supermarkets if you want to grab drinks/snacks before heading in
• A mix of simple local restaurants and international options along the main streets

Tip: Eat a proper meal before you go to the venue – queues and prices inside can be less fun than the show itself.

Viennese classics you should try at least once

Even on a tight schedule, make room for:

• Wiener Schnitzel – The iconic dish, best with potato salad or parsley potatoes.
• Sachertorte & Apfelstrudel – Classic coffee house desserts.
• Heuriger (wine tavern) – Local wine, simple food, relaxed vibe – perfect if you want a more “local” evening.

For specific restaurant recommendations, food photos and vegan/vegetarian tips, see our Eat & Drink in Vienna guide.

Drinks, nightlife & LGBTQ-friendly areas

During Eurovision, almost all of central Vienna feels like a fan zone – but some areas are especially good for going out:

• Neubau & Mariahilf (6th & 7th districts) – Bars, small clubs, creative venues and a younger crowd.
• Gürtel area – Bars and music venues under the old railway arches.
• Around the Danube Canal & city centre – Cocktail bars and terraces.

Vienna has a welcoming LGBTQ scene year-round, with several queer bars and clubs – during Eurovision week they are usually packed with fans and themed nights.

Essential Travel Tips & FAQs for Eurovision Fans in Vienna

To round things off, here’s a compact mix of practical tips and frequently asked questions – especially useful if this is your first time in Vienna.