Ten post jest również dostępny w:
Polski
Table of contents
Hello!
Our 2023 May weekend trip on two wheels began in Vienna. We blended relaxation with remote work. This combination let us enjoy the city while keeping up with our responsibilities. It was an ideal mix of leisure and productivity. This is the first part of our journey, full of places to explore and quiet moments observing Vienna’s life from a motorcycle. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and insights for anyone planning a similar getaway.
How did we get to Vienna?
We set off from Warsaw to Vienna early in the morning, ready for a long journey that took about nine hours. Our ride was a BMW R1250GS, offering 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque. This power made for solid acceleration and comfortable handling on the road. Along the way, we took short breaks to refuel, snack, and stretch. These pauses kept us refreshed and ready to keep going.
We took the highway to the Czech border since motorcycles don’t need toll stickers (vignettes) in Poland or the Czech Republic. This made the trip easier. In Austria, however, motorcycles do require a vignette. To avoid this, we chose scenic side roads instead. These routes not only saved us from tolls but also added charm to our trip. Passing through Austrian villages and fields allowed us to connect with the local atmosphere – a perfect start to exploring Vienna.
Documents and border crossing
Traveling by motorcycle to Austria meant we could leave our passports at home, as an ID card is sufficient within the European Union. The focus, however, was on vehicle documentation. Since our motorcycle is leased, we carried authorization from the leasing company, confirming our right to use the vehicle. This document was translated into several languages, including German. Additionally, we needed to have the vehicle registration, driver’s license, and proof of valid third-party liability (OC) and comprehensive (AC) insurance.
Austrian regulations on vehicle technical condition seem even stricter than those in Germany. Even the smallest detail, like a non-certified headlight cover, can lead to confiscation of the registration certificate. Austrians are also strict on speeding, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant on the roads. Since our motorcycle is relatively new, technical issues were not a concern, and having all necessary documents ensured peace of mind in case of any inspections.
Road conditions and public transport
Motorcycle
Traveling by motorcycle in Austria, especially in Vienna, presents its own challenges – particularly with the numerous small intersections and traffic lights. It’s no surprise that local motorcyclists often ride “na zdrapkę,” meaning without full protective gear. We’re not here to judge, as we’ve often ridden without protective clothing in Warsaw. Similarly, when traveling in Asian countries on scooters, we usually wear only a helmet. On longer routes, we always gear up, but safety shouldn’t be downplayed in the city, where accidents are just as possible as on highways.
With such traffic and restrictions, it’s challenging to go above 40–50 km/h. Many local roads are also designated as “tempo 30” zones, limiting speeds to 30 km/h to improve safety and reduce noise, especially in densely populated areas.
Public transportation
During our stay in Vienna, we used public transportation for two days, primarily taking trams, as our hotel was a bit outside the center. This was a convenient solution, especially given that hotel prices are significantly higher in the center. However, using ticket machines in Vienna is a bit different from systems we’re familiar with, like in Italy – here, you can’t just tap your payment card directly at the validator. Instead, tickets are purchased at larger, sometimes outdated machines, which accept cash and cards, though card payments occasionally get declined.
The Wiener Linien network, which operates trams, buses, and the metro, also allows ticket purchases through the WienMobil app. Tickets can also be bought at kiosks and Wiener Linien information points, which is especially convenient if the ticket machine isn’t cooperating.
It’s important to validate your ticket before boarding, as Vienna uses an open system without gates or automatic checks. Properly validating the ticket is the passenger’s responsibility.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Campanile Vienna South hotel, paying €366.12 for four nights with breakfast, which is quite reasonable for Vienna. The hotel offers the basic standard typical of this chain – a comfortable place to rest, without luxury but also without major complaints. The room provided everything we needed: a bed, four walls, and an elevator, fully meeting our expectations.
We parked the motorcycle on the street since we didn’t see any secured parking nearby. The area felt generally safe, so we weren’t too concerned about the risk of theft.
SIM card
During our stay in Austria, we didn’t need a local SIM card – our Polish numbers worked without additional roaming charges, thanks to EU regulations. This allowed us to use the internet, make calls, and send messages freely, without worrying about extra costs.
Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check the terms of your mobile contract. Although EU roaming is free of additional charges, data limits may apply. Depending on your plan, roaming data allowances can be lower than at home, and exceeding this limit can lead to extra fees. It’s wise to verify how much data is available to avoid unexpected charges.
If someone needs more Internet, for example, during an extended stay, they might consider purchasing a local SIM card from an Austrian provider.
Food
During our stay in Vienna, we sampled various local specialties. For schnitzel, we chose Meissl & Schadn, a restaurant renowned for classic Viennese cuisine. Located on the prestigious Ringstrasse, this spot serves authentic Wiener Schnitzel made from veal, traditionally fried in clarified butter or lard, enhancing its unique flavor. The atmosphere is pleasant, but the prices reflect the high quality – elegant and definitely on the pricier side.
For a quick bite, we also visited Würstelstand – Zum scharfen René, where you can try typical Viennese sausages in various styles, from classic to spicy options. These sausage stands are a popular choice for a quick, local meal throughout the city.
For something more international, like pizza, we visited Lil’ Italy 1070 Halle, where they serve Italian classics – a great option when you’re in the mood for something other than Austrian cuisine.
In Vienna, shopping mall hours can be surprising, as they are shorter than one might expect. Typically, stores are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with some malls extending their hours to 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. On Saturdays, most close between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. For instance, Wien Mitte and Lugner City stay open until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, but on Sundays, most malls remain closed.
If you need to shop on a Sunday, alternatives include stores at major train stations like Wien Hauptbahnhof and Westbahnhof or shopping centers near tourist spots like Stephansplatz, where select stores may be open.
Exchange office or ATM?
We’ve been using currency cards for ATM cash withdrawals for a long time, which works well in Vienna too – ATMs help avoid currency exchange offices, and withdrawals are often more favorable. In Austria, as in Germany, ATMs of major banks (e.g., Erste Bank, Bank Austria) usually have lower fees or none at all, especially if the bank is part of global partner networks. However, ATMs from private operators like Euronet may charge additional fees ranging from about €2 to €5 per transaction.
The ATM always displays any potential fee before confirming the transaction, allowing you to cancel if the charges are high. To avoid extra costs, it’s best to choose withdrawal in euros (EUR), which bypasses unfavorable currency conversion rates some ATMs may offer.
Climate and weather conditions
In May, Vienna welcomed us with spring weather, making the motorcycle ride enjoyable. Of course, we’re mainly talking about the pleasant weather here, as by the end of the day, we’d both had enough of the motorcycle seat!
Temperatures in May average between 15 and 21°C. Days are getting longer, with around 10 hours of sunshine daily, allowing plenty of time to enjoy sightseeing. By the end of the month, temperatures can even reach up to 28°C, adding a warm touch to the spring atmosphere. However, May is also a month of moderate rainfall, with about 9 rainy days on average, so it’s a good idea to carry a rain jacket or other protection in case of sudden weather changes.
May is the perfect time to explore the city – from parks to numerous cafés and restaurants offering outdoor seating.
Safety
Vienna left a very positive impression on us in terms of safety. We felt comfortable throughout our stay, even during evening walks around the city center. We didn’t encounter any suspicious individuals – just a few homeless people, which is typical for any large city.
Online, we read that typical risks include petty theft, especially in crowded areas like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, or main train stations (e.g., Hauptbahnhof). It’s wise to stay mindful of your belongings, keeping them close and avoiding placing wallets or phones in back pockets, especially in busy areas.
Interestingly, we also noticed that local public transport is safe and well-maintained, even late in the evening – a point confirmed by various sources.
Places we visited
We invite you to a separate article where we share our experiences exploring Vienna’s attractions ⛪️. For example, we visited the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna, and the famous Schönbrunn Palace 🏰 , where we enjoyed the beautiful gardens and learned about Habsburg history. Each site includes practical tips to make your visit easier.
Next stop – 🇸🇰 Bratislava
Our Viennese adventure has come to an end, leaving us with plenty of impressions and inspiration. We thoroughly enjoyed discovering this beautiful city, from its elegant palaces to its charming streets and local restaurants.
Now it’s time for the next stop on our May trip – Bratislava. Join us in the second part of our journey, where we’ll uncover the charms of Slovakia’s capital. 👉 Read on to see what this part of the route has in store!
