Vienna Winter Packing List: What to Pack – 2024

Vienna is a beautiful city. The architecture and music scene make it extra. It’s also a great place to visit in early winter. The Christmas markets in Vienna were my favorite! There was so much to do but it can be cold. It’s especially cold when you’re trying to explore everything the city has to offer. This Vienna winter packing list is a great place to start so you know what to pack and what to leave.

Packing in winter is hard. Everything is bulky so you have to be even more intentional about what you bring with you.

This is based on what I learned from walking around the city in the cold.

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Is winter a good time to visit Vienna?

Yes! I’m sure Vienna is beautiful in every season. But, it was extra festive in late November and early December. The Christmas markets come to life in the city and it’s so fun to explore. Plus, mulled wine and roasted nuts make the cold feel less bad!

Things on My ViennWinter Packing List

If you’re not careful in your packing for Vienna in winter you could struggle to stay warm. I hate being cold. So, I put a lot of thought into my packing list.

Some things worked and some didn’t.

These are the things I packed that made the trip go smoothly.

A Very Warm Coat

Temperatures in Vienna can be cold and if there’s wind it’s even worse. There’s nothing worse than being without a coat when it’s cold out!

I purchased my coat from Prana a while ago. I’m not an affiliate for Prana I just love my coat from them.

Amazon has some too.

The longer length makes cold, windy days less bad!

Scarf, hat, and gloves

A warm scarf, hat, and gloves are essential for your trip to Vienna in winter.

I love a scarf. Usually, I like options. But, my big blanket scarf was the clear winner for this trip.

My cashmere scarf was a gift but there are some on Amazon too.

There are also knit options if you don’t want to splurge on cashmere (I get it).

I crocheted the hat I took with me but I love this option.

I swear by my Smartwool gloves. They keep my fingers warm!

Fleece Lined Tights, Leggings, or Thermal Underwear

Okay, real talk. TikTok got me. I was interested in fleece-lined tights because they were viral and looked cute. But, I went down the rabbit hole to try to find the best option for my trip.

I settled on the leggings but I may still get the tights for my next winter trip.

One mistake, I forgot my thermal underwear. Or rather, I chose to leave them. Don’t be like me.

I wore my leggings under my jeans every.single.day. I needed more than one pair. This extra layer is a lifesaver. I can’t even explain.

Good Warm Boots

To keep your feet warm you need at least one good pair of boots. I underestimated the cold and only brought one pair of books and one pair of sneakers. The cold was too much for those. The boots were the only way to go.

Luckily, the boots I picked were comfy enough to wear every day.

Make sure your shoes have good traction to keep you stable on slippery sidewalks and streets.

While they’re in style, go for a lug sole shoe. The cold from the sidewalks can go through your shoe to your sock after hours of exploring.

Be sure to waterproof your boots so nothing seeps in when you’re walking on the slushy/wet sidewalks. I used Snoseal since my boots were black. If you have brown shoes and you worry about the color changing look for a different product.

Thick Socks

Warm, thick socks are key to keeping your feet toasty while you’re wandering around in the winter.

I love my Bombas but my Smartwool socks are warmer.

Sweaters (and a base layer to go under your sweaters)

Bring a variety of sweaters so you can change up your options. I only packed 3 and it wasn’t enough.

ThredUp is one of my favorite places to shop for sweaters- especially for a trip like this when I’m going to need several.

Bring a base layer too! I thought the sweater would be enough but wore a long-sleeve t-shirt under my sweater every day for added warmth.

I only brought 1 base layer so I really misjudged it.

You’ll want layers in Vienna for winter!

Vienna Packing List

Now that you have the winter packing list covered there are a few other things to be sure to take.

A Good Backpack or Bag

You’ll want a day pack with you as you explore the city. One that can store your extra layers is extra helpful in winter.

My Fjallraven Backpack will forever be my favorite day bag.

Portable Power Bank

A power bank is essential for any trip. I noticed I relied on it even more in winter. Hopping on a tram or bus was sometimes eh best way to escape the cold and warm up. So, I was checking directions more than I usually do.

Packing Cubes or a Bag That Keeps You Organized.

Packing cubes have always been my packing secret weapon. They make it so easy to stay organized when you’re traveling. I’m obsessed.

Then, I found a Cotopaxi bag with built-in packing cubes. I found my suitcase soulmate and I can’t imagine using another bag. I even convinced my husband he needed one.

What to Leave off of Your Vienna Winter Packing List

Your Cute Shoes

If shoes can’t keep your feet warm, they don’t get to come. Maintaining a cute appearance is typically a priority for me when traveling. I don’t necessarily go for extravagant dresses, but I like to appear somewhat put together.

However, winter travel is a whole different ballgame. Staying warm is the top priority—for me, for every fellow traveler, and the locals. It’s just too chilly to bother with those adorable canvas sneakers that would leave my toes frozen.

Dresses

I’m a big fan of dresses.

However, Vienna gets pretty cold in winter. No one likes a chilly wind making its way up your dress and freezing you. If you’ve got a cozy sweater dress, it might work. But, even my fleece-lined tights couldn’t persuade me to brave the cold in my dresses.

Packing for Vienna in Winter

Vienna is amazing in winter. But, it’s worth putting in the time to be sure you have what you need to stay warm.

Otherwise, you’ll just be cold and won’t get to enjoy everything the city has to offer!