Referred to by some as “The City of Dreams” and as “The City of Music” by others, Vienna, Austria has an aura of fantasy that has served as an inspiration for some of the world’s greatest minds. The city was home to Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, Johann Strauss II, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Amadeus Mozart. The city is known across the world for its remarkable architecture, food, opera, and cultural history. Plus, the city is now one of the four major office sites for the United Nations, it’s been repeatedly named one of the best cities in the world to live in, and its city center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. On top of all that, Vienna is the capital of Austria and the largest city in the country.
If you’re traveling across Europe, Vienna should be at the top of your list of cities to visit. If you’re a history buff, you’ll delight in learning about the remnants of the city’s Celtic and Roman origins, the Baroque and Medieval revival of the city, and the role the city played in the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. Today, Vienna is full of street performers, vibrant nightlife, wonderful museums, top-notch restaurants, and so much more. Truly, you could stay in Vienna for months and never run out of new things to experience. And, if you really want to make the most of your time in the capital city of Austria, the best way to do so is to rent a motorbike and start exploring.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Vienna. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorcycle in Vienna
- The best places to find motorbike hire in Vienna
- The normal price of hiring motorcycle rental in Vienna
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a motorcycle in Austria
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorbike in Vienna?
In general, driving in Vienna (and pretty much anywhere in Austria) is relatively easy and stress-free. The roads throughout the city are very well-maintained and drivers usually follow the rules of the road very closely. Law enforcement in Vienna is fairly strict, which keeps drivers in line pretty well. Plus, due to the fact that crime in the city is pretty low, you won’t have to worry about having your motorcycle or your keys stolen as much as you might in other cities.
Still, there are some things you should be aware of when driving as a foreigner in Vienna. First of all, they drive on the right side of the road in Austria. You should also make sure that your vehicle has a “vignette” or Austrian toll sticker. Failure to get one of these could land you in hot water with the Austrian authorities. Finally, in the winter, the roads in Austria can get very snowy, icy, and slippery. So, it’s best to drive extra slowly and maybe even consider getting snow chains in the winter months.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorbike Hire in Vienna?
If you plan on flying into Vienna International Airport, which is located about 18 kilometers southeast of the center of Vienna, you probably won’t be able to find motorbike rental right outside of the airport terminals. However, all you have to do is catch a taxi or a metro into the city and you’ll be able to find plenty of options for motorcycle rental.
Your best bet for finding motorcycle hire within the city of Vienna is to go to the Landstrasse area, particularly in the area around the Stadtpark. You can also find some rental companies located in the neighborhoods of Margareten and Mariahilf, which are located further south.
What Is the Normal Price of Motorbike Hire in Vienna?
Due to the fact that Vienna is one of the most desirable places to live in all of Europe, the prices for everything are fairly high, including motorcycle rental. For instance, if you want to rent a fairly nice motorcycle, such as a BMW F750GS, you can expect to pay around €135 per day. If you want to upgrade to something a bit more sporty, such as a BMW R1250GS, you’ll be looking at paying around €175 per day.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should make sure that helmet rental and insurance are included in the rental agreement. It’s illegal to drive in Austria without insurance and it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorcycle in Austria?
If you are from the United Kingdom or any country in the European Union, you do not need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Austria. However, if you’re from any other country, you will need to obtain an IDP to legally hire a motorbike in Austria.
To apply for your international driving permit, you can fill out a form online here. There is a $20 application fee and the permit usually takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail. Once you have your IDP, it will be valid for one full year.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Vienna by Motorcycle?
With so many amazing attractions in the Austrian capital of Vienna, it’s hard to know what to do when you get to the city. So, here are some of the best things to do in Vienna by motorcycle to get you started on your adventure:
MuseumsQuartier
One of the best places to start your journey through Vienna is the MuseumsQuartier. First of all, this part of the city contains some of the finest architecture in the world in Baroque and Modern styles, much of it designed by Laurids and Manfred Ortner. Plus, as the name implies, many of those stunning buildings contain incredible museums like the Leopold Museum (which houses artworks from world-famous painters Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele) and the MUMOK (which houses one of the finest collections of modern art in the world).
On top of the amazing museums, the MuseumsQuartier is also a great place to find a nice streetside cafe or a world-class restaurant. Plus, you can often witness street performers doing their thing in the middle of the square. It’s all truly a spectacle.
Hofburg Palace
Anyone with a major interest in European history will have heard of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And, back when they ruled the city of Vienna, the beating heart of the region was Hofburg Palace, an incredibly ornate structure filled with numerous attractions and galleries. Today, the palace serves as the official residence of the country’s president.
Inside Hofburg Palace, you can learn about the terrifying death of Empress Elisabeth, you can view the Austrian National Library where Hitler gave one of his speeches, you can head to the Spanish Riding School and watch horses perform impressive maneuvers, and so much more. This is truly a must-see site in Vienna.
Sigmund Freud Museum
Sigmund Freud, commonly known as the “father of psychoanalysis,” is one of the most famous people ever to reside in Vienna. During World War II, Freud and his family were forced to flee England due to the persecution of Jews by the Nazis and ended up in Vienna. It was there that he did some of his most important work. The house that they lived in is now home to the Sigmund Freud Museum, an homage to the scientist’s life and work.
Inside the museum, you can view rare footage of Freud himself and read about some of his most interesting patients. You can even see many of Freud’s very own belongings. Plus, the gift shop is pretty great too.
Explore Vienna by Motorcycle
With the endless amount of things to do in Vienna, the best way to visit as many attractions as you can while you’re there is to rent a motorcycle. It’ll give you the freedom to explore on your own without taking public transportation.
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