I spent 4.5 days in Vienna for 40 euros a day and I came out with an extra 20 Euros in my pocket. I actually spent less money there than I did in Prague, and I even splurged on the expensive famous chocolate cake (which I have to say was not fantastic.)
Here's how I did it:
Step 1 find a good hostel:
When choosing a hostel I did look at reviews, but I also counted bonus points for something very important. A kitchen. I don't particularly enjoy cooking for myself when I travel. But let's be honest in terms of traditional food Vienna is lacking. Most of the hostels don't offer free breakfast so even just keeping some yogurt and granola and fruit in a fridge can save you up to 5 euros a day. I stayed at Hostel Ruthensteiner in a 6 bed dorm for an average of 15 euros a night. 10 bed dorms are even cheaper. (The reason I say average is cause I was there shortly after New Years and prices on the 2nd were about 20 euros and then they started going down to the usual 13)
Step 2: decide to eat food on the cheap
Yes the food in Vienna is expensive, but also it's not that great. You can get schnitzel anywhere. I had one obligatory schnitzel and I ate the famous sacher chocolate cake (with an espresso I paid 10 Euro!) Then I switched to the far cheaper option: street food. Vienna has some amazing street food. A doner sandwich will cost around 3 Euros, Pizza slices 1-2 euros, and a schnitzel box (chicken, veggies, and fries) will be around 5 Euros. Additionally there are many markets around that have heatable meals, pre-made salads, and sandwiches for 2-5 euros. Once again the breakfast is very important. My hostel was charging 3.50 euros for yogurt, granola, toast and jam, and coffee or juice. I purchased little tubs of yogurt for 33 cents each, a box of granola for 2 euros, a loaf of bread for 1 euro and used jam that others had left behind on the free shelf. I purchased breakfast for 5 days from the shop for the cost of 1 breakfast at the hostel. The coffee is the only thing that makes it worth it as coffee with cost you 2-3 euros in most cafes. However, Vienna is known for it's cafes, so I simply had breakfast, left for the day and took a mid-morning coffee break as my treat to myself. Additionally the hostel charged only 1 euro for coffee.
Now the more complicated part. What the hell are you going to do in Vienna with the 15 or so Euros you have left per day after accommodation and food?
Step 3: Decide up front what you want to do while you are in Vienna.
I'm not a museums lover. In fact I am a very strong museums hater. That being said Vienna has a lot of different museums to offer. Check the list and decide which ones you are interested and budget for them. I allowed myself a museum for each full day I was there. I chose the Globe museum, the clock museum, the museum of technology, and the house of music.
I also decided I wanted to spend some time being cultured in the arts.
I also love being outside and so I wanted to take advantage of some opportunities to visit parks, and walk around admiring architecture.
Step 4: Find deals
This is important. Once you have decided what you want to do, research each one. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you A LOT of money. For example many museums have free or reduced entry during certain hours or days. Some offer discounts if you have a Vienna Pass. Some have student discounts. Keep in mind that you count as a student if you have an ID that validates you as under 26 years of age.
As for music, it will cost you 25-150 euros for tickets to see the Philharmonic or the Opera. I booked standing room only tickets to see the Philharmonic for 6 euros and I got to see a ballet at the Opera for only 3 Euros. At these prices it's worth it just to get inside the buildings and look around. Even if you don't stay the whole time. I put the links below for how I got the tickets.
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| Opera House |
http://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/concerts/list
http://www.traveldudes.org/travel-tips/how-get-standing-room-tickets-vienna-state-opera/62514
Also it should be noted that a metro pass is totally worth it. Vienna is a large city. My first day I decided I'd walk to save money. No! Just buy the pass up front and save yourself the time. I got the 3 day pass and used my last day as my walk around and spend time in the parks day.
Step 5: Enjoy
That's it! enjoy your time in Vienna. It really does have something for everyone!
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