Alone on a city break: What you can do in Vienna

Are you planning your next city break, but don’t know who might accompany you? Why not try travelling alone? Vienna is a good tip for people travelling solo in Europe.

Let’s get one thing straight: being alone is not the same as being lonely! We have checked out what you can do in Vienna if you’re going solo or just want to explore the city without an “entourage.” The good news: you can discover Vienna all by yourself, regardless of your relationship status or travel constellation. The not so good news: you might need a little bit of courage to go to a bar or restaurant or visit a place that is bustling with couples, families, and groups of friends. 

Alone at a Museum or Exhibition in Vienna

A visit to a museum is a classic activity you might even be better off doing alone rather than in a group! There are plenty museums and temporary exhibitions that may be better to visit on your own in peace and without any time pressure from potential companions.

We can warmly recommend a visit to the Albertina to all of you art afficionados out there. You can spend hours -- if not days -- in one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art. However, if staring at works of arts is a bit too much like still life for you, you can always join a guided tour and learn everything you need to know and even some lesser known facts about the Batliner collection and other current exhibitions.

Popcorn just for You: Alone at the Cinema

Cinemas are the perfect place for (solo) entertainment. Going alone to the cinema saves you the usual discussions about which film to watch, annoying commentaries during the most exciting bits of the movie and any irritating eating noises next to you.

Speaking of eating noises, every second Wednesday of the month, the arthouse cinema Filmcasino in Vienna’s 5th District organizes a movie afternoon starting at 3 p.m. where they also serve cake. The programme features international films that will make you laugh, think and discuss, in addition to tasty cakes and pastries. 

Sitting Alone at the Hotel Bar: Come and Join in!

What may sound like a typical stereotype from an American movie is something that happens at Hotel Schani Wien on a daily basis. The diverse mix of hotel guests, business travellers, coworkers and locals turns our hotel bar into a real living room. We have plenty of corners and comfortable chairs to lounge in and read the papers.

Or just come to observe the hustle and bustle in the lobby because Schani’s Bar is a great place for “people watching.”  Are you looking for some company? There is always a free seat to talk to our charming Schanis behind the bar.

Exploring Vienna on Your Own: Alternativ City Tours

Visiting Vienna’s most beautiful spots on your own can be more fun than you think. However, we would like to recommend an alternative city tour with a guide. You will not only learn exciting facts about the city, but also meet other people travelling solo. Vienna’s choice of alternative city tours is broad: from a beautifully eerie tour across the Central Cemetery at night to strolls giving you a perspective of Vienna from the world of espionage - there is something for everyone. 

Therme Wien: Wellness and Well-Being

All on your own, all relaxed! Taking care of yourself also means taking time out to pamper yourself and enjoy things that are good for you. So, why not spend a day relaxing your body and soul at the Therme Wien Spa? You can soothe your soul in the large sauna complex and relaxing quiet zones. Alternatively, the diverse indoor and outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 28°c to 36°C ensure variety and action. The city’s largest public thermal baths can be reached using the U1, which is just a short walk from the Hotel Schani Wien.  

Extensive Walks by Yourself

Just put your favourite music on and go! There are lots of possibilities for walking or hiking in the great outdoors close by the hotel, but still within the city. People walking at their own pace can also discover something new, even not well-known routes. Do you need some inspiration for a walk? Read through our guide to Vienna’s city hiking routes (Wiener Stadtwanderwege).

Photos: ©Wien Tourismus/Julius Hirtzberger, Matthias Merth/www.himmel.at, Aaron Burden/Unsplash, Arno Senoner/Unsplash