What it actually costs
When to go
Cold (-2 to 3°C), grey, short days. Beautiful with Christmas markets in December but bitter cold.
Schonbrunn Palace: book first entry (8:30am) online. By 10am the Grand Tour is packed. Gardens are free and open early.
What locals know
Coffee houses are an institution — you can sit for hours with one melange (€4.50) and nobody will rush you. Café Central, Hawelka, and Sperl are the classics.
Naschmarkt on Saturday mornings for the flea market extension. Weekdays for food stalls and lunch (cheaper, less chaotic).
Standing room at the Opera costs €4-5 — same performance the people in €200 seats see. Queue 90 mins before.
Heuriger (wine taverns) in Grinzing or Neustift am Walde serve new-season wine with buffet spreads. Take tram 38 from Schottentor.
Honest warnings
Viennese service culture is famously brusque. Waiters aren't rude — that's the style. Tip 5-10%.
Fiaker (horse carriages) near Stephansdom are €80-110 for 20 minutes. Not worth it.
Museums close Monday typically. Check schedules before planning your day.
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