Short holiday in Vienna with a toddler

Taking a holiday with a small child is exciting, and the first time flying is an adventure. Before, it was a quick trip through security or a whirlwind from the arrival gate to the baggage claim. With a child, you need peace and quiet – throughout the entire holiday. In this post, you'll read about our experiences flying, staying at the hotel, and sightseeing in Vienna with a toddler.

Flight with Austrian Airlines from Berlin-Tegel to Vienna

Due to an endless traffic jam, we arrived at Berlin-Tegel Airport very late. We quickly parked the car in the rented parking space and headed to the gate. Unfortunately, there wasn't any time left for the Lufthansa Senator Lounge. We bought a roll for our son's dinner at the bakery and joined the security queue at the gate.

Since we were only traveling with hand luggage, we had to unpack a lot. The bags with liquids were the least of our problems. Baby food and a full sippy cup are not considered liquids. Children are always allowed to have something to drink with them. Our little guy couldn't walk yet and had to be carried. Getting two suitcases, a backpack, and a car seat through the check-in area was quite a challenge. Bag by Aomaso*, and made it very difficult with the buggy. The staff were helpful, friendly, and above all, very patient with us. Our son even willingly let them pat him down, although he is usually rather shy and anxious around strangers.

What's really great about Tegel Airport is that you can take the stroller right up to the gate. This makes things so much easier with a child who isn't walking yet. Since we were so late, we were the last to board. There were no problems with the car seat, and we quickly received the seatbelt extender we had requested. The little guy wasn't interested in the flight itself at all. We had specifically chosen an evening flight hoping he would fall asleep. Unfortunately, that didn't work. He just wanted to eat the whole time. We suspect it was because of the pressure changes.

Arriving in Vienna, we were the last to disembark the plane. This meant we had more peace and quiet while unbuckling our seatbelts and packing the car seat. Unfortunately, we didn't get our buggy at the gate; we had to go to the baggage claim. The walk was quite long and very tiring without a rental buggy, especially with a child in our arms. Since we were in a hurry, we rushed off immediately without looking for or asking about a rental buggy.

Hilton Vienna Hotel am Stadtpark

Luckily for us, we received an upgrade to a suite upon arrival at the Hilton Vienna (Hotel ReviewThis meant plenty of space for our little boy to play and romp around. Mom and Dad were also happy to have separate sleeping and living areas, as this meant they could sit together in the evenings while the little one slept peacefully next door. Unfortunately, the provided crib was a bit old and sagged quite a bit in the middle. He still slept well, though.

The staff throughout the hotel were always very friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to look after our little blond boy, especially at breakfast. Even during the busiest times and most stressful periods, the staff always had time for a smile or a bit of fun. When we visited the lounge in the afternoon, no one minded that our little guy played with his toys and sometimes scattered them everywhere. We were given a pitcher of soy milk for him at dinner, as well as at breakfast. I was even allowed to go "behind the scenes" in the lounge kitchen to refill the soy milk. They really go out of their way to make sure children are well cared for.

Day trips in Vienna with a toddler

A city trip with a child is fantastic with the right buggy. The wheels shouldn't be too flimsy, the sunshade should be large enough for the midday heat, and there should be enough storage space for a bit of shopping. That's why we opted for the Qbit from good baby* Decided. Folds with one hand and unfolds just as quickly. Solid rubber wheels that can handle even the roughest cobblestones and a sun canopy that protects the whole child. With a good buggy, everything in Vienna is doable with a child. Since the Qbit is very light, even the stairs to the subway were no problem. Because the elevator wasn't always close enough to catch the next train.

St. Stephen's Cathedral was within walking distance of our hotel. It was no problem with the buggy; we easily navigated the small thresholds. Afterwards, we strolled through the city center and encountered hardly any obstacles. Whether cobblestones or high curbs, we got through or over everything. It only got crowded at the Naschmarkt. Although our buggy is quite narrow and compact, there definitely wasn't enough room for parents and a child due to the crowds. But no problem, we found a way. For a quick visit with delicious treats, this destination is absolutely recommended, even with a child. Thanks to the adjustable reclining position on the buggy, our son was able to take his afternoon nap while Mom and Dad visited Schönbrunn Palace.

We saw many families with children in Vienna and had just as many helping hands whenever someone needed to lend a hand to get on the tram, which, on this particular trip, wasn't a low-floor tram. I wish there were more public restrooms with changing stations in the parks and palaces. However, we did find a wonderful restaurant that, lacking a changing room, simply offered us the staff changing room so we could have some peace and quiet while changing our little one. They were incredibly kind and helpful, especially since we had to change two full diapers in just an hour and a half that we spent there for lunch. When it really needs to go, it really needs to go.

Flight with Austrian Airlines from Vienna to Berlin-Tegel

Contrary to what the website states, you can take your buggy right up to the gate at Vienna Airport. You simply need to get a baggage tag at the check-in counter, which you then attach to the buggy. We were a bit faster at security this time. I think it will get better each time as we get more practice.

This time we managed to get to the airport before departure. Austrian Airlines Senator Lounge For dinner. Our son really enjoyed it, eating sandwiches and watching airplanes. I had to take him over to the business lounge for a diaper change, as that was the only place with a wheelchair-accessible toilet and changing table. The reception staff were very helpful in this regard, probably because they thought our blond boy was so cute.

Arriving at the gate, we boarded first this time. Families with children always have priority boarding, and we took advantage of that. As we boarded, our little boy received JetFriends toys: two finger puppets, a sticker book, and a small bag of gummy bears. When we unpacked the car seat, a flight attendant came by and asked what we were doing. I was expecting to be told to pack it up again and check it in. But she simply wanted to see the TÜV seal "For use in Aircraft" and was satisfied. She then brought us the seatbelt extender, and the flight was ready to take off.

We had also opted for an evening flight for the return journey, hoping our little one would fall asleep. But no such luck. He preferred to be entertained with his new finger puppets the entire time. Upon arrival at Tegel Airport, we were able to quickly collect the buggy thanks to the baggage carousel right at the gate. I then waited with our son at the exit while Christian fetched the car. After an hour of sitting still, the little guy suddenly had a tremendous urge to move around! I had a hard time keeping him with me.

Which travel guide for Vienna can you recommend?

The ADAC Vienna Travel Guide* Offers detailed and comprehensive information on all sights and leisure activities across 192 pages. The practical spiral binding makes the guidebook easy to use. It also includes a public transport map and a large fold-out map of the city. QR codes provide access to additional travel videos and audio features.

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