Your Not-So-Typical Guide for EPPC & FabConEurope: Where to Eat, Chill, and Wander in Vienna
- Elena Drakulevska
- 46 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Whether you're here for EPPC, FabConEurope, or just tagging along for schnitzel and sunshine, Vienna in summer is THE vibe and this not-so-typical Vienna guide has you covered. Expect long days, golden hour strolls, riverside chills, and alllll the pistachio croissants your heart desires (I know, it doesn't sound Austrian—but you were warned in the title). A LOT of people started asking me for Vienna tips during conference season, so I figured—why not put everything in one place? This guide is full of local picks, hidden gems, and everything I'd recommend to a friend visiting for the first time.
After living in this city for 5 years (and in Italy before that), I can’t help but seek out a certain vibe—great coffee, relaxed corners, and places that just feel good. So if you're looking for a Vienna guide for EPPC and FabConEurope that skips the tourist traps and actually shows you where locals hang out—you’re in the right place.
The list is probably going to evolve, so make sure to bookmark it and come back to it later again.
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Important Note: This guide is NOT sponsored—it's just my personal take on the best things to do and try in Vienna.
The Unofficial Vienna Guide for EPPC & FabConEurope
Getting Around ✈️
You made it! Now let's get you where you need to be.
From the Airport: Skip the green CAT (City Airport Train). It's expensive, only runs every 30 minutes, and drops you off at a station that doesn’t connect directly to the conference hotel. Instead, head to the trains, take the S7 (direction Floridsdorf) to Praterstern, then switch to U1 toward Leopoldau to reach the VIC and city center. Or take Railjet to Wien Hauptbahnhof (the main central station) and hop on the U1 from there.
Public Transport: 72h or week-long tickets are both great (same price range!) Buy online U1 line (the red one) takes you straight to the city center (Stephansplatz).
Uber works great.
Vienna is super walkable—bring comfy shoes!
Around the Conference 🏢
The VIC (Vienna International Centre) is right on the U1 line, just a few stops from the city center (Stephansplatz). Super easy to reach from anywhere in town.
CopaBeach – Right around the corner from the conference, this is a local go-to for sunset vibes and after-conference drinks. Grab a beach chair, sip something cold, and watch the sun go down over the water.
Donauzentrum – Shopping + snacks. Check out The Saloon for American-style ribs and live country music. Amazing vibe!
Coffee & Pastries 🥐
Casolaro Bros – Pistachio croissants, cannoli, and affogato with pistachio (coffee with pistachio cream). One of my faves! Well there's also great panini (take the panino Genova).
L'Amour du Pain – Amazing French pastries, ideal pre/post Mariahilfer shopping. Tip: the almond croissant is to die for.
Fenster Café – Famous for their Cornettoccino (coffee in a cone). Pricey, but very Instagrammable.
Skip Café Central – Yes yes, I know you want to see it, but walk past the huge line and into the Ferstel Passage to find Café Couture, one of the best coffees in town.
Hotel Sacher – Skip the café line and head straight to the shop inside to take a Sachertorte box home like a legend. FYI you don't even need to refrigerate it! Bonus tip: You can also buy it at the airport (it's a bit more pricey).
Kleines Café – This tiny café is a true hidden gem with a charming old-Vienna vibe. Ideal for a quiet coffee break or people-watching in a peaceful square. 🎬 Bonus: if you’ve seen Before Sunrise, this is where that iconic café scene was filmed. Haven’t seen it yet? Add it to your flight playlist—it’s basically your pre-trip mood board.
Ice Cream 🍦
It's summer, so ice cream it is! And if you haven't noticed by now, I'm a pistachio-lover, so these are the best places for gelato you can find in town:
Ferrari Gelato
Gelateria La Romana
Foodie Faves 🍝
Austrian
Lugeck – Craving the famous Figlmüller schnitzel without the touristy crowds, long lines, or grumpy service? Lugeck gives you the same iconic dish with a modern, friendly twist.
1516 Brewing Company – Craft beer and comfort food. Casual, lively, and reliable. Great ribs!
Stöckl im Park – For ribs and pork knuckle. Beautiful garden setting, ideal after a Belvedere museum stroll.
Italian
Via Toledo – The best pizza in town. Book ahead! Tip: Bufalina pizza, Mortazza, and probably the best tiramisu in Vienna.
Sushi Lovers
Shanghaitan – My FAVE sushi!! Stylish, consistent, and delicious. Bonus Tip: Ask for Daniel if you want a quirky service experience.
Steak Lovers
DOOR No. 8 – If you're craving a proper steak dinner, this is the spot. Super cozy but a bit fancy, with dry-aged meat, great wine, and sides that are honestly way better than they need to be. SO good.
Burger
Le Burger – Build-your-own gourmet burger spot with veggie and vegan options. Fast, fun, and filling. Some amazing dips!
Mexican
Santos – Great for fajitas/tacos, margaritas, and a fun, buzzy atmosphere. One of my go-to spots when I want something spicy and casual but still with great vibe. Happy Hour: 4-8pm on weekdays!
Wine Bars
Wein & Co – Sip, browse, and discover your next favorite wine. You can drink the bottle you bought right there and grab some snacks.
Naschmarkt Picks
Open-air market with a mix of local and international food. Check out the stands, grab a snack, or settle into one of the bars.
Neni – Vibrant Middle Eastern fusion.
Tokki Korean BBQ – All-you-can-eat, make-your-own BBQ at the table. Super fun with a group, or just if you're really, really hungry.
Rooftop Drinks 🍹
Lamee Rooftop – Great view of Stephansdom. Laid-back but classy.
Der Dachboden – On top of 25 Hours Hotel, chill and artsy. Come for the vibe, stay for the sunset. One of the coolest places in town.
Das LOFT (Sofitel) – Fancy, but the most fabulous view of Vienna. Go for a drink or coffee in the afternoon (there's a dress code for the night). Map
The Sky Bar – Classy spot above Steffl department store. Ideal for golden hour cocktails.
Tip: Make reservations. Some places have dress codes.
Cultural Walks 🏛️
St. Stephen's Cathedral → Graben → Kohlmarkt → Hofburg Palace → Relax in Burggarten
MuseumsQuartier (MQ) → MQ Libelle Rooftop → Volksgarten → Rathauspark
Karlsplatz → Naschmarkt
Add-on ideas:
Belvedere Palace – Come for THE Kiss from Klimt
Schönbrunn – imperial summer palace with a café in the middle of the amazing gardens.
Museum Tip: Want classic and contemporary art under one roof? Head to Albertina—home to Monet, Picasso, and stunning exhibitions in a grand palace setting.
Must-Try: Kaiserschmarrn to-go from Demel.
Bonus Tip: Rathaus in summer is a whole mood—food stands, pop-up bars, and often an open-air film festival. Perfect for grabbing something to eat, catching a live concert, or just lounging around after dark.
Outdoorsy Stuff 🏞️
June and September are both great weather, so we are starting out with what you can do outdoors!
Prater Park
Rent a bike and cruise the leafy Prater Allee, or hop on a fun ride in the amusement area. From wide open spaces to old-school charm, this is Vienna's green playground.
Viennese Coffee Roastery in Prater – Excellent coffee stop.
Zoku Vienna – Brunch + rooftop near Prater. If full, try Ponykarussell or NENI nearby.
Kahlenberg Hill
September is the best month to visit Vienna's iconic vineyards, where you can wander between rows of grapes, sip local wine, and enjoy postcard-worthy views of the city. (June is not bad either, but way less green)
Take tram D + bus 38A or hike up if you're feeling adventurous.
Not into hiking? Hop on the Heurigen Express—a charming little train that winds through the vineyards on weekends and sunny days. It’s slow, scenic, and delightfully old-school.
Tip: Mayer am Nussberg 🍇 – Viennese vineyard with dreamy sunset views, picnic tables, and local wine that hits just right. The lines can be long on the weekend, but it goes pretty fast.
Chill by the Water 🌊
Alte Donau (Old Danube)
Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, renting a boat or just floating on a platform. Come for a post-conference cool down, or rent an electric boat and cruise the calm waters with a picnic. Check it out
Donaukanal
Vienna's urban beach promenade. Stroll past street art and bars—this is where the locals hang out after work.
Strandbar Herrmann 🍺 – Sand, beach chairs, and happy hour (17–18h).
Taste Donau 🍔 – Food stalls + casual drinks. Great for a laid-back evening vibe.
Travelling With Kids? 🧸
Prater Park – Carousel, rollercoasters, Liliputbahn mini train, and wide open spaces.
Natural History Museum – Towering dinosaur skeletons, sparkling meteorites, and a beautiful interior.
Haus des Meeres – A quirky and surprisingly fun aquarium built into a WWII flak tower. Great city views from the top and full of monkeys, fish, and even a mini rainforest inside.
Schönbrunn Zoo – The oldest zoo in the world. Historic, walkable, and very animal-friendly.
Museum of Science & Technology – Interactive science and tech exhibits. Press buttons, pull levers, learn cool stuff. (Close to the zoo, so you can make a day out of it!)
ZOOM Kindermuseum – Creative art + science activities designed for curious little humans.
Cash Tip: While most places take cards, some smaller bakeries, markets, or older cafés may still be cash-only. It's always good to have a few euros on hand just in case.
More to be added? Always. This is your flexible guide to making the most of Vienna.
Bonus: Your Interactive Vienna Map 🎁
Because carrying a printed guide is so 2005, here’s your complementary Google Map with all the spots from this post neatly pinned by category—food, drinks, walks, kid-friendly stops, and more.
Was this helpful? Share it with your fellow data humans or save it for your next Vienna trip! And if I've missed anything or you need tips for something specific, just let me know—I'd be happy to help or even add it to the blog post!
Happy touristing! ☀️
P.S. I had so much fun tailoring this guide for you! Should I start blogging more about the places I travel to? Maybe some tips for your next conference adventure? 🤔