Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Many places need tickets, but there are also many free things to do in Vienna. You can visit lovely palaces, old buildings, pretty gardens, and busy markets without spending money. If you love art, nature, or just walking through nice streets, Vienna has something for you. This guide will help you find the best things to do in Vienna without any cost, making your trip fun and budget-friendly. Enjoy the city’s charm and explore its beauty without worrying about your wallet.
Top 10 Free Things to Do In Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is full of history, culture, and beautiful architecture. Here are the best free things to do in Vienna:
1. Explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Photo: Afifa Afrin / Wikimedia Commons
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a famous church in Vienna. It has a tall tower, colourful roof, and beautiful stone designs. Visitors can go inside for free and see its large hall and peaceful setting. You can also join a free prayer service. The church is very old and has a lot of history. It is a great place for people who like old buildings and history. Many visitors come to see its stunning design. If you love exploring historic places, this is one of the best things to do in Vienna and a must-visit spot in the city.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Location: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
2. Walk Around Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Photo: Dguendel / Wikimedia Commons
Everyone can visit the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. These big and beautiful gardens have fountains, statues, and many colourful flowers. It is a great place for a peaceful walk. You can also climb up to the Gloriette, which gives a wonderful view of the palace and the city. It is a perfect spot to enjoy nature and history together. Visiting these gardens is one of the things to see in Vienna, and it lets you experience the beauty of a royal palace without spending any money.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8 PM
Location: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
3. Visit The Austrian Parliament Building

Photo: Paasikivi / Wikimedia Commons
The Austrian Parliament is a beautiful old building with big columns and a grand design. You can visit for free and walk around to see its amazing outside look. In front, there is a famous statue called the Pallas Athena Fountain. If allowed, you can also watch a meeting inside where leaders discuss important matters. This place is great for people who like history and politics. It is one of the best things to do in Vienna because you can learn about the country’s government while enjoying the impressive buildings.
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM (Monday to Friday)
Location: Dr. Karl Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Vienna
4. Wander Through the Historic Old Town

Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk / Wikimedia Commons
Walking through Vienna’s Old Town feels like being in a storybook. The small streets, old buildings, and busy squares make it a special place. It is one of the things to see in Vienna. You can visit famous places like Graben Street, Hofburg Palace, and St. Peter’s Church. There are also street performers and markets where you can see and enjoy different things without spending money. The area is full of history and beauty, making it a great place to walk around.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Central Vienna
5. Enjoy The Art At MuseumsQuartier Wien

Photo: Hubertl / Wikimedia Commons
The MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is a big cultural area with museums, cafes, and open spaces. Some museums need tickets, but you can see public art and modern sculptures and enjoy the open courtyards for free. It is a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the creative side of the city. You can relax, take photos, and see unique art without spending money. It is a great spot for visitors who want to explore Vienna on a budget. If you want to know what to do in Vienna, this is a perfect place to visit for free.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
6. Discover Hundertwasser Village

Photo: Bgabel / Wikimedia Commons
The Hundertwasser Village is a special and colourful place in Vienna, designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The buildings look different from normal ones, with uneven floors and bright designs. It feels fun and creative. There is a small shopping area where you can walk around and see unique art. You do not need to pay any entry fee to visit. It is a great place for people who love art and want to see something different. Visiting this village is one of the best things to do in Vienna if you enjoy creative and unusual places.
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Kegelgasse 37-39, 1030 Vienna
7. Visit The Danube Island

Photo: George Yohng / Wikimedia Commons
Danube Island is a lovely place to enjoy nature away from the busy city. It is great for walking, cycling, or just relaxing by the river. Many people visit to spend time outdoors without spending any money. The island is peaceful and perfect for a day out in fresh air. If you like nature, this is one of the things you can see in Vienna for free. You can watch the river, have a picnic, or ride a bike. It is a simple and beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors in Vienna.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 3 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Donauinsel, Vienna
8. See The Changing Of The Guard At Hofburg Palace

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Every day at Hofburg Palace, you can watch the Changing of the Guard for free. This happens at the entrance of the Spanish Riding School. The guards wear traditional uniforms and march as they change shifts. It is a special event that shows old royal traditions. Many people enjoy watching it, especially those who like history. The ceremony is well-organised and interesting to see. It is a great way to experience Vienna’s past. If you like royal traditions, this is what you should do in Vienna. It is a simple and free way to enjoy the city’s history.
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna
9. Walk Along Ringstrasse Boulevard

Photo: Invisigoth67 / Wikimedia Commons
Ringstrasse is a big and beautiful road that goes around the centre of Vienna. It passes many famous buildings like Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera, and the Austrian Parliament. Walking on this road is a great way to see the city’s most famous places without spending money. You can enjoy the stunning old buildings and learn about Vienna’s history while walking. It is a peaceful and easy way to explore the city. If you are wondering what to do in Vienna, a walk along Ringstrasse is a perfect choice for enjoying the beauty of the city for free.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 24*7
Location: Central Vienna
10. Visit Naschmarkt

Photo: Andrzej Otrębski / Wikimedia Commons
Vienna’s Naschmarkt is a busy market where you can walk around, look at fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods, and even try free samples. You do not have to buy anything to enjoy the market. The colourful stalls and the lively crowd make it a fun place to visit. It is a great way to see local life and taste different kinds of food. If you like markets, this is one of the things you can see in Vienna. The friendly sellers and delicious smells make it a nice place to spend time while exploring the city.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Naschmarkt, 1060 Vienna
The capital of Austria has many wonderful places to explore and free things to do in Vienna. You can visit lovely gardens, see old buildings, enjoy street performances, and take peaceful walks. There are many things to see in Vienna without spending money. Whether you love art, history, or nature, the city has something for you. Plan your budget-friendly trip with TripXL and discover the best free experiences in Vienna.