Vienna is a city that invites exploration—streets lined with imperial palaces, lively markets, and secret underground chambers. Its walkable size and wealth of sights make it ideal for walking tours, especially if you want to get a true feel for its history, culture, and even its quirkier side. We particularly enjoy experiences like the Vienna Central Cemetery Guided Walking Tour because it offers a chance to see where Vienna’s most famous composers and personalities rest—an unexpectedly lively and touching visit that combines history with a touch of the macabre. For a more traditional overview, the Guided Walking Tour of City Center Highlights offers an accessible way to cover Vienna’s main sights in a short time.
Vienna’s walking tour options cover a broad spectrum: historic city walks, culinary adventures, underground explorations, and even tours focusing on darker periods like WWII and the Nazi era. Whether you’re after a deep dive into Habsburg history, a taste of local food, or an eerie look at Vienna’s hidden underground, this list will help you find the perfect match. Below, you’ll find honest descriptions, practical insights, and suggestions to match your interests and travel style.
1. Vienna: Vienna Central Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
Experience a somewhat morbid but deeply touching walk through Vienna’s Central Cemetery, where many of the city’s most celebrated figures, including composers like Beethoven and Schubert, are buried. This tour takes you through the expansive, park-like grounds of the 19th-century cemetery, showing off impressive graves, memorials, and the Art Nouveau-style church of St. Karl Borromäus. Your guide shares stories about the lives and legacies of those resting here, making it more than just a walk among stones. It’s perfect for those interested in Vienna’s musical heritage and historical figures, all while exploring one of the largest cemeteries in the world.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 2,500 reviews, this tour is praised for its detailed storytelling and engaging guides like Christopher, who makes the history come alive. The tour costs $324 per group and runs for about 2 hours. If you’re comfortable with a slightly higher price for a comprehensive, meaningful experience, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Vienna’s cultural elite. Be prepared for a walk that’s both reflective and fascinating.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history enthusiasts and music lovers, this cemetery tour offers a unique, personal look at Vienna’s notable personalities in an atmospheric setting.
2. Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of City Center Highlights
For around $25, the guided city center walk hits the mark for a quick but rundown of Vienna’s most iconic sights. Covering key landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Mozart’s former residences, and the historic streets, this tour is a great choice if you want a taste of Vienna’s grandeur without a big time investment. Led by passionate guides, it’s suitable for first-timers or anyone who wants to see the highlights in a manageable 2-hour window.
Guests often praise guides like Alex and Sandra for their humor and knowledge, which keeps the tour lively and informative. And even in bad weather, this tour keeps going—making it a reliable choice for any season. The price point makes it an affordable option to get your bearings and learn some fascinating stories along the way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first visits or short stays, this tour offers a solid introduction to Vienna’s most famous sights with a friendly guide.
3. Vienna’s Highlights: Food, Coffee and Market Walking Tour
If you’re a food lover, the food and drink tour is a standout. For about $152, you get roughly six hours of sampling Vienna’s culinary treasures—from a hearty Viennese breakfast to street foods, pastries, and local specialities like wurst. This small-group tour, limited to just 16 people, takes you beyond touristy spots to explore neighborhoods like Reumannplatz and Brunnenmarkt, where locals shop and eat.
Your guide leads you through key landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the vibrant markets, offering insights into Vienna’s food culture. The tour is highly rated (5.0/5 from 900+ reviews) and is praised for its generous tastings, friendly guides like Mariann, and the opportunity to get a real feel for Vienna’s contemporary life. It’s a great choice if you want to combine sightseeing with culinary discovery, especially since it’s operated by a B Corp-certified company committed to sustainable travel.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, food-focused day with a local flavor, this tour offers generous samples and a taste of Vienna’s lively markets and eateries.
4. Vienna: World War II Historical Walking Tour
History buffs will find this WWII tour especially compelling. At $31, it takes about 2.5 hours to explore Vienna’s wartime past, visiting significant sites like the surviving synagogue and Holocaust memorial. The guide shares stories about Vienna’s experience during the Nazi regime and the war’s impact on the city’s landscape—discussing the scars left by over 100,000 bombs and the remnants of a divided Vienna.
Rating 4.8/5 from over 1,300 reviews, the tour is lauded for its knowledgeable guides like Dieter and Sigi who bring history to life with engaging narratives. It’s particularly suited for those interested in a sobering but essential part of Vienna’s story, providing context about how the city rebuilt after the war.
Bottom Line: A meaningful, well-reviewed choice for history lovers eager to understand Vienna’s WWII history in an approachable way.
5. Vienna: 1.5-Hour Underground Walking Tour
Discover Vienna’s mysterious side with the underground tour. For just $31, this 100-minute walk takes you beneath the city streets to explore excavations at Michaelerplatz and the crypt of St. Michael’s Church, home to well-preserved mummies. Led by passionate guides, the tour reveals hidden archaeological sites and baroque crypts that tell stories of Vienna’s past residents and their customs.
Rated 4.9/5 from nearly 930 reviews, guests appreciate the expert storytelling and exclusive access to private basements. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in Vienna’s lesser-seen history and enjoy exploring in an intimate, small-group setting.
Bottom Line: A fascinating peek into Vienna’s underground world, ideal for history enthusiasts and those curious about secret city layers.
6. Historical Hitler Walking Tour of Vienna
This Hitler-focused tour is a must for history buffs curious about Vienna’s role during the Nazi era. At $31.28, it lasts about 2.5 hours and covers sites like the Vienna State Opera and memorials that relate to Hitler’s early life and the city’s WWII scars. Your guide explains Vienna’s complex history, including the destruction caused by bombs and the city’s Nazi past.
With a perfect 5-star rating from over 700 reviews, guides like Ziggy and Greg are praised for their storytelling and historical depth. It’s suited for those with a keen interest in Europe’s darker chapters and offers a sobering perspective on Vienna’s past.
Bottom Line: A detailed, well-reviewed historical walk ideal for those interested in WWII and Nazi-era Vienna.
7. Vienna: Viennese Underworld Guided Walking Tour
Venture into Vienna’s secret spaces with the Viennese Underworld tour. For $36, you explore underground basements not accessible to the public, uncovering the city’s hidden history. Your guide Stefie shares stories about forgotten relics and mysterious uses of these spaces, giving a whole new dimension to Vienna’s past.
Rated 4.7/5 from over 1,300 reviews, this tour is a favorite for anyone interested in Vienna’s lesser-seen layers. It’s a spooky, atmospheric walk that’s perfect for those who enjoy history with a dash of mystery.
Bottom Line: An unusual, intriguing tour for explorers and history lovers wanting to see Vienna from below.
8. Vienna: Small Group Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights
This small-group tour offers a detailed look at Vienna’s top sites with a maximum of 16 people. Over 2 hours, guides lead you through landmarks like Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, combining history, culture, and some hidden stories. The intimate size means more personal attention and plenty of chances to ask questions.
Guests love guides like Alex and Sandra for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, making this a very engaging experience. It’s a fantastic choice if you prefer a smaller, more personal tour that covers the essentials.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who value a more intimate atmosphere and want to see Vienna’s main sights with expert commentary.
9. Vienna: Private Walking Tour with a Local
For those seeking a personalized experience, the private tour offers complete flexibility. With guides like Fouad and Goran, you’ll explore Vienna at your own pace, focusing on your interests—be it history, art, or neighborhoods. Prices start at $57 per person, and the tour can last from 2 to 6 hours, making it perfect for customized experiences.
Rated 4.6/5 from over 1,400 reviews, travelers appreciate the guides’ enthusiasm and tailored approach. It’s especially suited for those who want a flexible, private experience that covers more than just the main sights.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a bespoke tour that adapts to their interests and pace.
10. Vienna: History Highlight Walking Tour
If you want a lively overview of Vienna’s history in just 2 hours, this history walk is a good choice. It covers landmarks like Hofburg Palace, the Austrian National Library, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with stories from a knowledgeable guide.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 600 reviews, guests remark on the engaging narration and the comprehensive coverage of Vienna’s past. It’s suited for travelers who want a quick yet informative introduction.
Bottom Line: A concise, engaging tour for history enthusiasts with limited time.
11. Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights & Hidden Gems
This comprehensive city highlights tour lasts about 2 hours and uncovers both Vienna’s main attractions and lesser-known spots like the Last Supper mosaic at Minoriten Church. The guide takes you through iconic sites and shares stories that add context and depth to your visit.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 500 reviews, travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the engaging storytelling. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced mix of main sights and local insights.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for travelers who want to maximize their time and learn hidden stories along the way.
12. Exclusive Vienna Old Town Highlights Walking Tour (max. 6 persons)
Seeking a more intimate experience? This exclusive tour limits groups to just six participants. It covers key sites like Wiener Staatsoper, the Hofburg, and the Ringstrasse, blending history with personal stories. You’ll meet your guide at Albertinaplatz, with flexible start times.
Rated 5/5 from 249 reviews, travelers love the personal attention and tailored stories. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a more private, in-depth look at Vienna’s old town.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a private, detailed exploration with fewer people.
13. Vienna: Private Walking Tour with a Guide
Another excellent private option is the guided private tour, which can last up to 8 hours. This flexible tour lets you choose the focus—be it palaces, neighborhoods, or cultural sights—and benefits from your guide’s local insights.
Rated 4.7/5, travelers praise guides like Fouad and Marcello for their knowledge and friendliness. It’s suited for travelers who want a deep, personalized experience tailored to their interests.
Bottom Line: For those who want a fully customizable and private exploration of Vienna, this tour offers flexibility and expert guidance.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Vienna
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. If you’re after a quick overview, the City Highlights or History Highlight are excellent choices. For a more immersive experience, try the Private Tour or the Exclusive Old Town options.
Food lovers should consider the Food and Market Tour, while history enthusiasts might prefer the WWII or Habsburg tours. If you’re short on time but want a real taste of Vienna, the Underground or City Highlights & Hidden Gems tours are excellent options.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and guide.
Final Thoughts
Vienna offers an impressive array of walking tours, whether you’re interested in the city’s grand architecture, its secret underground, or its dark past. For a rundown, the small group city highlights or personalized private tours are top picks. History buffs will appreciate the WWII or Habsburg-focused walks, while food lovers should not miss the culinary tour.
No matter your interests, booking your walking tour in advance guarantees a smoother, more enjoyable Vienna experience. These explorations are a wonderful way to truly get to know this city’s soul—so pick your favorite, lace up your walking shoes, and start discovering Vienna today.