Vienna is the largest city in Austria and its bustling capital. It is easy to lose yourself amongst the many beautiful places here, be their imperial palaces, cozy coffee houses, or lively taverns.
There's no shortage of things to do here, so how does one decide what to experience and what to skip out on? Leave that to us.
If you read on, we promise that by the end of the guide, you will know how to make the best of your time in Vienna. And one of the most important components of that is to have travel medical insurance as a financial safety net against unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, or travel mishaps.
Let's begin with the best places to visit...
Vienna Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Every traveler knows that traveling comes along with its risks. One of them: Your American health insurance does not apply beyond American borders.
Don't let this fact stress you out. There is still a way to prepare for the medical emergencies that may befall you on your trip to Vienna, and that's travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Vienna?
Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa to visit Austria.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Vienna?
What would you do if you were to meet with an accident on the busy roads of Vienna? Or if you needed to be admitted to the hospital after a bad migraine? Buying travel medical insurance is the smart choice to make. Prepare for every contingency and buy travel medical insurance. It offers coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, return of mortal remains, accidental death & dismemberment, and much more.
Things to Do for Travelers in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
This 1,441-room palace is the most important historical landmark in the city. Apart from this, the castle is also an architectural marvel. It features a Baroque style, and its ornate details are magnificent. Outside, one can enjoy strolling in the opulent and sumptuous gardens of the palace.
The Hofburg
These buildings are one of the largest palace complexes in the world. What makes The Hofburg unmissable is the fact that it is a standing testament to the culture of Vienna. There are many museums here that can confirm this fact. There's a lot to see here – the complex houses everything from the imperial chapel to the imperial library, but a must-visit is the 13th century Swiss Wing, which is the oldest area in the complex.
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
The 2–3 hours that you'll spend here will be one of the most enriching of your life. The variety of objects on display in the museum is humongous. It has collections of medieval artworks from all around the world. Its ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artifacts are to be especially marvelled at. The building itself is a sight to behold. Ornate sculptures and an octagonal dome add immensely to its beauty.
Kahlenberg
The Kahlenberg is a hidden gem in Vienna. It does not attract many tourists, but the ones who do go there describe it as an amazing experience. Kahlenberg is a hill in Vienna. What makes it a great excursion spot is its pristine beauty and amazing views. One can see the entire city of Vienna on a clear day. If all the trekking makes you hungry, you can dine in the restaurants on the hill. They not only offer sublime food, but also stunning views.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
We could not end this list without mentioning this gorgeous cathedral. After all, there's a reason why it's one of the most visited monuments in Vienna. A Romanesque and Gothic architectural marvel, the St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most important religious building in Vienna. Head up to the North Tower to be greeted with a spectacular view. Explore the catacombs on the Church, where many people who died from the Great Plague were interred.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Vienna
Föhn
A föhn is a type of dry and warm wind that generally occurs in regions that surround the Alps. Being located about 750 miles (about 1,200 kilometers) from the Alps, Vienna falls under their influence. Some tourists complain of the warm winds because they are highly uncomfortable. They are prone to give one a nasty headache.
Overcrowded Roads
In Vienna, there's traffic everywhere. Be it the flocks of tourists or the truck drivers avoiding highways to skip out on paying tolls, the roads in Vienna experience a lot of traffic. So, be careful while you are driving (assuming that you rent a car). If you're hiring a cab, then make sure that it belongs to a reliable taxi-service company.
Expensive Hotels
Now, this one is not a risk for your health, but your pocket. Vienna is a very expensive city. Here, your budget is bound to run out soon as compared to other European cities.
Dangers and Annoyances
Vienna is, in general, a very safe city to visit. Men and women alike can roam around the streets at night. But not all streets. Some places that you should avoid are:
- Karlsplatz Station
- Gumpendorfer Strasse
- The Prater
- Praterstern
- The Gürtel
Apart from these regions, you will most surely be safe if you practice common sense and basic safety precautions.
Before You Travel to Vienna - Do This
- Learn German: Learning some basic German phrases and words is going to be helpful for you. This will help you mingle with the Austrians better and also help you get around in Vienna.
- Book your tours: In Vienna, there are a lot of museums, palaces, and historical landmarks. These are better enjoyed when you have a guide by your side.
- Buy insurance: Don't skip out on travel medical insurance! If you do, you are sure to regret your decision later on.