What to Wear in Vienna: A Local’s Guide for Tourists
When visiting Vienna, it’s important to consider both the season and the local style to ensure you feel comfortable. Vienna has a continental climate, meaning summers can be hot, and winters are quite cold. Whether you’re sightseeing, dining out, or attending cultural events, here’s a breakdown of what to wear during your trip.
Dressing for the Seasons
Before deciding what to pack, check the time of year you’re visiting. Vienna experiences all four seasons distinctly:
Winter (December–February): Temperatures hover around freezing, so warm shoes, a thick jacket, a scarf, hat, and gloves are essential.
Summer (June–August): It can get very hot, reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Lightweight, breathable clothing with sun protection is ideal.
Spring & Autumn (March–May, September–November): These seasons can be unpredictable. Layers work best, along with a rain or wind jacket to be prepared for changing weather. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella!
Viennese Style: What Locals Wear
Vienna’s fashion tends to be stylish yet conservative. While you don’t need to dress formally, avoid overly casual looks like sportswear when exploring the city or dining out. That said, for a quick trip to the supermarket, no one will mind if you’re in leggings or sportswear.
Of course, you should always wear what makes you feel comfortable! These are just general guidelines if you’d like to blend in more with the locals.
Sightseeing Essentials: Comfortable and Practical
Vienna is a very walkable city, so comfortable shoes are a must! Sneakers or supportive flats are highly recommended. If you wear high heels, be aware that some streets have cobblestones, and many parks have gravel paths, making walking tricky.
For summer visits, a hat or cap is useful since the sun can be surprisingly strong.
Choosing the Right Bag
If you like carrying a backpack, keep in mind that some attractions—like Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and the Museum of Fine Arts—require visitors to check larger bags at the cloakroom. For these visits, a small purse or crossbody bag is the better option.
What to Wear for Church Visits, the Opera, and Dining Out
Church Visits
Many of Vienna’s famous churches, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, are still active places of worship. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully:
Both men and women should avoid overly short clothing or low-cut tops.
Men are required to remove their hats inside churches.
The Opera and Classical Concerts
Attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera or another classical venue calls for slightly dressier attire:
Men: Dress pants or dark jeans with a button-down shirt, possibly a blazer.
Women: A stylish blouse with dress pants or a skirt, or a simple dress.
While there’s no need for black tie attire (like a smoking or ballgown), looking polished and put-together is expected.
Restaurants
Most restaurants in Vienna don’t have a strict dress code. However, it’s best to dress according to the setting:
In upscale restaurants, dress a little more formally.
For casual spots, relaxed attire is fine.
If a restaurant does have a dress code, it will typically be listed on their website.
Final Tips for Dressing in Vienna
Pack comfortable walking shoes.
Bring layers for changing weather.
Avoid sportswear.
Opt for a small bag when visiting major sights.
Dress appropriately for cultural and formal events.