Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(direction:Karlsplatz).ForSchwedenplatz,taketheU-6(direction:Floridsdorf)twostopsto
Längenfeldgasse, then change to the U-4 (direction: Heiligenstadt).
Ostbahnhof (East Station), a.k.a. Südbahnhof (South Station):
The temporary Ost-
bahnhof (just south of Belvedere Palace) is near the former Südbahnhof, and is in the midst
of the massive construction zone for the brand-new Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), which is
slated to be operational in 2014. Confusingly, during this period of construction, this sta-
tiongoesbyanyofthesethreenames.Fornow,thisstationservestrainsto/from
Bratislava,
Slovakia. To reach the city center, take tram #D to the Ring; to reach Mariahilfer Strasse,
hop on bus #13A (U-1: Südtiroler Platz is also nearby).
By Plane
For information on nearby airports, see “Vienna Connections,” at the end of this chapter.
Vienna's main TI is a block behind the Opera at Albertinaplatz (daily 9:00-19:00, tel. 01/
211-140,
www.vienna.info
)
. There's also an airport TI (daily 6:00-23:00). At either TI, con-
firm your sightseeing plans, and pick up two copies of the free and essential city map with
a list of museums and hours (also available at most hotels). Rip up one copy of the Vienna
map—reducing it down to just the city-center inset—and keep it in your pocket for ready
reference. (Stuff the other copy in your backpack in case you need it.) Also look for the
monthly program of concerts (called
Wien-Programm
) and the
Vienna from A to Z
booklet
(both described below), and the annual city guide (called
Vienna Journal
). Ask about their
program of guided walks (€14 each). While hotel and ticket-booking agencies at the train
station and airport can answer questions and give out maps and brochures, I'd rely on the
official TI.
Wien-Programm:
This monthly entertainment guide is particularly important, listing all
sorts of events, including music, theater, walks, expositions, and museum exhibits. Note the
key for abbreviations on the inside cover, which helps make this dense booklet useful even
for non-German speakers.
Vienna from A to Z:
Consider this handy booklet, sold by the TI for €3.60. Every major
buildinginViennasportsanumberedflagbannerthatkeysintothisbookletandintotheTI's
city map—handy for finding your way if you get turned around.
Vienna Card:
The much-promoted €20 Vienna Card is not worth the mental overhead
for most travelers. It gives you a 72-hour transit pass (worth €13.60) and discounts of 10-40
percent at the city's museums. It might save the busy sightseer a few euros (though seniors
and students will do better with their own discounts).
