Things To Do
in Schwechat

Schwechat, Austria sits just east of Vienna in Lower Austria, offering easy access to the capital while retaining its own town charm. The town lies along the Danube and has a compact historic center ideal for wandering. Thanks to the Vienna International Airport nearby, Schwechat makes a convenient base for layovers and day trips.

Visitors can enjoy a mix of small-town culture with quick trains to museums, markets, and nature on the doorstep.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Austrian pastries like Apfelstrudel and fresh coffee. Afterward, embark on a walking tour through the historic center of Vienna, just a short train ride away from Schwechat, where you'll marvel at stunning architecture like St. Stephen's Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history as you stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with shops and galleries.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration by visiting the Hofburg Palace, where you can discover the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth. Take a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoying classic Viennese dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. After lunch, wander through the beautiful Burggarten, a perfect place to relax amidst blooming flowers and classical statues.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head to the historic Naschmarkt for a vibrant food market experience, sampling local delicacies and international cuisines. Choose a cozy bistro for dinner, where you can enjoy traditional dishes paired with Austrian wines. Cap off your day with a classical music concert at one of Vienna's famous concert halls, immersing yourself in the city's rich musical heritage.

day 2
A Day of Culture at MuseumsQuartier
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a trendy café in MuseumsQuartier, soaking in the artistic ambiance. Afterward, visit the Leopold Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern Austrian art, including works by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Spend some time leisurely walking through the courtyard, appreciating the modern architecture juxtaposed with historical buildings.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy a light meal at one of the many eateries within the MuseumsQuartier, where you can indulge in contemporary Austrian cuisine. Post-lunch, explore the contemporary art exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) and discover thought-provoking installations. If time allows, relax in the outdoor spaces, often hosting impromptu performances and art displays.

evening
:

As night falls, find a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring local wines and seasonal ingredients. After your meal, take a stroll along the Danube Canal, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and perhaps catch a live street performance. End your day with a visit to a rooftop bar, sipping cocktails while admiring the stunning city skyline illuminated at night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚆One-way local transport ticket$2-4
🏨Hotel room (mid-range)$90-160
🛒Groceries for a week$60-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Vienna and major sights
  • Efficient public transport and safety
  • Relaxed small-town atmosphere with café culture
  • High-quality healthcare and services
  • Beautiful Danube and nature close by
  • Limited nightlife within Schwechat itself
  • Smaller town atmosphere may feel quiet for some travelers
  • Weather can be cool in shoulder seasons
  • Fewer long-running attractions than in a big city
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Entschuldigen Sie" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...

Places to Visit in Schwechat

Visit one of these nice places.

Schwechat Town Center Market Square

A picturesque square with historic facades and morning activity.

Donau-Auen National Park (Lobau)

Wetlands, open skies, and a chance to photograph wildlife along the Danube.

Danube River Promenade

Scenic waterway views with boats and gentle banks; perfect for sunset shots.

Vienna Skyline from Kahlenberg

Hill overlooking Vienna, offering panoramic cityscape and Danube views.

Culinary Guide

Food in Schwechat

Austrian cuisine in this region emphasizes hearty dishes, bread, dairy, and seasonal produce. You’ll find classic Vienna-influenced flavors here, with options for modern takes and light meals.

Schwechat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin breaded veal or pork cutlet, usually served with potato salad or potatoes.

Must-Try!

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef served with horseradish, apple and chive sauce, and root vegetables.

Kaiserschmarrn

Shredded sweet pancake served with plum compote or applesauce.

Apfelstrudel

Warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce or cream.

Brettljause

A rustic cold platter with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Schwechat Market Square

Local produce market offering seasonal fruit, vegetables, breads and regional specialties.

Vienna Naschmarkt (nearby)

Vibrant market with international street foods and fresh produce; great for tasting diverse flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Schwechat experiences a temperate continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters, and transitional springs and falls. Rain is possible year-round, with more precipitation in summer and sporadic snow in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Grüß Gott or Hallo; shake hands in formal settings and maintain polite, quiet behavior in public.

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments and public transport; queueing and orderly conduct are valued.

Dining

Keep hands visible on the table; use polite phrases and wait for the host.

Safety Guide

Safety

Austria is generally very safe. Stay aware of petty theft in crowded places, keep valuables secured, especially in transit hubs. In emergencies, dial 112; medical emergencies dial 144; police dial 133 or 122 in Austria depending on jurisdiction.

Tipping in Schwechat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants and taxis.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted; tap-to-pay and contactless payments are common; Austria uses euro.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with highs around 25-30°C; occasional thunderstorms; long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; comfortable for hikes and city strolls; harvest time and local markets.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; Christmas markets in Vienna region; cozy restaurants and cafes.

Spring

Greening landscapes, blooming fruit trees; mild temperatures and increased outdoor activity.

Nightlife Guide

Schwechat at Night

Schwechat's nightlife is quiet and intimate, with options mainly in nearby Vienna. Bars, traditional Heurige wine taverns, and casual pubs are common; most people head to Vienna for late-night clubs or live music.

Hiking in Schwechat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Donau-Auen National Park – Lobau trails

Flat, wheelchair-accessible trails and birds watching along the Danube.

Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)

Hiking options within reach, including forested hills and scenic viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Schwechat by plane.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

A major hub just outside Schwechat; accessible by train (S-Bahn/S7) or taxi; quick transfers to Vienna and beyond.

Getting Around

Walkability

Schwechat is a small town with a walkable center; however, to reach Vienna’s city center you’ll rely on trains or buses. Within Schwechat, most sights and services are accessible on foot or by a short ride. For exploring wider Vienna, good rail connections make day trips easy.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Mostly German-speaking Austrians; diverse community with international residents in the Vienna metro area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Very popular across Austria, with community leagues and clubs nearby.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Popular in the alpine regions during winter; nearby day trips from Vienna include the Alps.

Transportation

Traffic

Schwechat benefits from proximity to Vienna with good rail links (S-Bahn, regional trains) and major roads. Traffic can be heavier near peak hours and around the airport; car rental and public transport provide convenient options for visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Schwechat.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Austrian restaurants offer vegetarian options; ask for vegetarisch dishes or look for simple cheese and vegetable plates.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Austria offers high-quality healthcare with universal coverage; residents and visitors can access public and private clinics. In Schwechat, there are local doctors and pharmacies; for major hospital care, Vienna hosts several major hospitals including AKH Vienna. Carry health insurance information and EHIC if applicable.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide