Not Your Average Travel Guide: Experience Vienna on the Edge

Vienna is often portrayed or marketed as the city of classical music, a place of culture and imperial elegance, but while that’s true, there’s a lot more beneath that pristine surface. You will find a ton of opportunities that any adrenaline junkie will love. So, if you were like me and thought that Vienna was all palaces, waltzes, and Sacher cakes, get ready to discover the adrenaline-fueled side of the Austrian capital!

Why? Because after your third museum, even the most cultured traveler needs a dose of excitement, and in this unconventional guide, I show you how to experience Vienna to the fullest, from shooting ranges to haunted houses that will have you losing sleep (literally).

Shooting and Adrenaline

Yes, you can go to a shooting range in Vienna, you didn’t expect that, right? In Mozart’s birthplace, you can shoot real guns, and it’s quite popular among locals and tourists alike.

In fact, there are a ton of ranges to choose from, but I highly recommend that you go for the popular ones, the ones that have a long history and amazing reviews.

A good option is:

• Ranger Shooting Range: You will find a ton of weapons available, from Glock pistols to AK-47 rifles, packages for beginners that require zero experience (expert instructors guide you), and competitive prices, from €55 -150 per session.

Ghosts and Nightmares

Like most old and ancient cities, Vienna has its own share of ghost stories and paranormal activities. In fact, the city has more ghosts than Mozart notes in its scores.

Jokes aside, Vienna has a ton of interesting places for those looking for those kinds of adventures. Here are some:

Hofburg

A place that many people labeled as “the most haunted place in Vienna”. It’s situated in the heart of the city, the palace was the imperial home of the Habsburg dynasty.

Legend says that the Empress Sisi is roaming around the hallways during the cold nights.

The Schönbrunn Palace

Another palace that gets its attention not only for its beauty but also for its paranormal activities, the Schönbrunn Palace, over the years, many locals have reported several apparitions of Marie Antoinette

While there are no confirmed apparitions or sightings, you can still visit and take a full tour.

Funeral Museum Vienna

While it’s not a haunted place, it sure is a place that will spook you to your core. It’s called The Bestattungsmuseum Wien, and it’s a museum, but not like your average art one. Here you will find more than 1000 exhibits that are related to funerary art.

Here you will learn anything related to funeral customs, rites, burial styles, and the special perspective on death that Viennese people have. It gives you a great portion of information about the history and evolution of funeral services in the city.

Nightlife That Keeps You Awake

Bars are not something you can find only in Vienna, but this city sure has some of the most unique bars you will ever find or see, bars where the decor is the least of it… If you can even notice it.

Bunker Bar

Yes, you read that right. There are bars located in old bunkers, like Krypt bar, which is a trendy, buzzing subterranean bar that offers, well, drinks and bar bites… but in a bunker!

It has a lot of history, not only the bunker thing, but also, it used to be, allegedly, a semi-legal jazz club in the ‘50s.

Hidden and Unique Bars

Want to have a different night out? Try searching for the hidden bars that are scattered around Vienna. It’s an old city, and there are a ton of bars around that will suit different tastes.

Start at Das Loft, which offers a unique view of the city that’s perfect for a sunset, It’s located on the 18th floor of the Sofitel hotel. On the other hand, you can head to Tanzcafe Jenseits, this one will make you feel like you traveled in time but took several modern twists.

Conclusion

Between the baroque palaces and the traditional cafes, Vienna hides a ton of experiences that will challenge your senses. From shooting guns to exploring haunted places, or taking a drink in a bunker, this city can be quite exciting!

So, are you ready to see the Austrian capital through different eyes?