Things To Do
in Sankt Pölten

Sankt Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts a blend of modern architecture and historical sites, such as the baroque-style St. Pölten Cathedral. With its strategic location near Vienna, it serves as a hub for travelers exploring the region.

The city's parks and recreational areas make it a pleasant destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Explore Historical Sankt Pölten
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the St. Pölten Cathedral, a stunning baroque building, followed by a stroll through the historic city center.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museum Niederösterreich to learn about the region's history and culture, then enjoy lunch at a local café.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Austrian restaurant and take a leisurely walk along the Traisen River, ending your day with a drink at a local bar.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin with a hike in the nearby Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and fresh air.

afternoon
:

Return to the city and visit the Festspielhaus, a modern cultural venue, before exploring the local shops.

evening
:

Enjoy a meal at a trendy bistro, followed by attending a concert or performance at the Festspielhaus.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$15-$30
Coffee$3-$5
🍺Local beer$4-$6
🚉Public transport ticket$2-$3
🛍️Souvenirs$5-$20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural history and vibrant arts scene.
  • Close proximity to Vienna for additional exploration.
  • Pleasant outdoor spaces and parks.
  • Less international tourist traffic compared to larger cities.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to major urban centers.
  • Public transport may be less frequent outside peak hours.
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ich hätte gerne..." - I would like...

Places to Visit in Sankt Pölten

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Pölten Cathedral

A stunning example of baroque architecture, ideal for capturing intricate details.

Main Square (Hauptplatz)

The vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful buildings and perfect for street photography.

Traisen River Promenade

A picturesque riverside path that offers scenic views and lovely sunset shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sankt Pölten

Sankt Pölten offers a delightful culinary experience that showcases traditional Austrian flavors and local ingredients.

Sankt Pölten Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Wiener Schnitzel

A classic dish of breaded and fried veal, served with lemon and potato salad.

Must-Try!

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef served with horseradish and apple sauce, often accompanied by root vegetables.

Apfelstrudel

A delicious apple pastry, often served warm with vanilla sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sankt Pölten Market

A vibrant market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods.

Street Food Festival

Held annually, this festival features a variety of international street food options.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sankt Pölten experiences a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while winter temperatures can drop to -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly more precipitation in summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and eye contact are common when meeting someone.

Punctuality

Being on time is highly valued in Austrian culture, whether for social events or business.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start eating before you do, and keep your hands on the table (but not elbows).

Safety Guide

Safety

Sankt Pölten is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and safeguarding personal belongings in crowded places.

Tipping in Sankt Pölten

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to tip around 10% in restaurants, rounding up the bill for good service.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Warm weather is perfect for enjoying parks, outdoor cafes, and festivals.

Autumn

Fall foliage enhances the city's beauty, making it a great time for photography.

Winter

Cold weather can bring snow, transforming the city into a winter wonderland, perfect for holiday markets.

Nightlife Guide

Sankt Pölten at Night

Sankt Pölten has a lively nightlife scene with various bars, clubs, and live music venues. Many locals enjoy meeting at pubs for drinks and socializing after work. The Festspielhaus often hosts cultural events, and during weekends, you can find clubs playing a mix of electronic, pop, and rock music, catering to diverse tastes.

Hiking in Sankt Pölten

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ötscher Mountain

A challenging trail offering stunning views and diverse flora and fauna, suitable for experienced hikers.

The Wachau Valley Trail

A moderate trail known for its breathtaking landscapes and vineyards, perfect for a leisurely hike.

Airports

How to reach Sankt Pölten by plane.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Located about 80 km from Sankt Pölten, this major international airport offers flights to numerous destinations worldwide and is easily accessible by train.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sankt Pölten is highly walkable, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other in the city center. Well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian zones make it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. Public transport options are also available for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

With several educational institutions, the city has a youthful demographic, particularly in the university areas.

Retirees

Many retirees choose to live in Sankt Pölten for its peaceful environment and access to cultural activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is hugely popular, with local clubs drawing significant support from the community.

Cycling

With numerous cycling paths, cycling is a favored activity among locals, especially during summer.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Sankt Pölten is generally manageable, with peak times during rush hours. Public transportation includes buses and trains, with frequent services to Vienna and surrounding areas. Biking is also popular, with dedicated lanes throughout the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sankt Pölten.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it’s advisable to ask about meat stock in soups.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free options are available in many eateries, especially in larger establishments.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Sankt Pölten is of a high standard, with several hospitals and clinics offering services. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and public healthcare is accessible to EU citizens with an EHIC card. Private health insurance is recommended for non-EU travelers.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide