Senior travel: Vienna
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 86 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- KarlskircheStep-free: yes · about 40 minA few steps at the entrance ramps; the dome platform is by lift and stairs.
- St Stephen’s CathedralStep-free: yes · about 45 minThe South Tower has 343 steps; the North Tower has a lift.
- NaschmarktStep-free: yes · about 60 minNone on the main lane.
- AlbertinaStep-free: yes · about 90 minNone on the lift route.
- Upper BelvedereStep-free: yes · about 100 minNone on the lift route.
- Hofburg and Sisi MuseumStep-free: yes · about 120 minA few steps on the standard route; lifts available.
- Kunsthistorisches MuseumStep-free: yes · about 120 minNone on the lift route.
- Schönbrunn PalaceStep-free: yes · about 150 minSome steps on the standard route; a lift route is available.
- Gloriette and garden hillStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minA flight of steps at the top; a longer step-free route around exists (check).
Getting around in Vienna
Vienna is one of the easier cities on wheels: a flat centre, step-free U-Bahn stations and low-floor trams. Cobbles and older church steps are the limit.
- Pavements:
- Wide and smooth in most districts; cobbles in the old core and around Stephansplatz.
- Public transport:
- All U-Bahn stations have lifts; trams and buses are low-floor, with ramps (check line-by-line).
- Hotels:
- Most central hotels have lifts; ask for a step-free room and the door width.
- Toilets:
- Cafés, museums and paid public toilets; step-free toilets are marked in the Wiener Linien app and at stations.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Austria guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Water:
- Tap water comes from Alpine springs and is safe and free.
- Heat:
- Hot spells above 30 °C in July and August; carry water and use museums as shelter.
- Winter:
- Icy pavements and short days; wear shoes with grip.
- Ticks:
- Ticks can carry tick-borne encephalitis in the Vienna Woods; wear long trousers on trails and check yourself (check the vaccine advice).
- Health cover:
- Bring travel insurance; EU health cards work for EU residents.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.