If you are travelling to Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest this week, one thing becomes clear almost immediately: security across the city is far stricter than during a normal city trip.
There is more police presence around the Wiener Stadthalle, visible security checks near major metro stations and extra barriers around official Eurovision locations. Vienna remains lively and welcoming, but the city is also hosting one of the largest security operations Austria has seen in recent years.
Here’s what you should know about security checks, bag rules and restrictions
For international visitors heading to Eurovision, it is worth preparing a little more carefully than usual. Especially when it comes to bags, flags, queues and getting into the arena.
Large bags and backpacks are basically banned
One of the biggest surprises for many visitors will probably be the strict bag policy at the Wiener Stadthalle.
Large backpacks, shopping bags and bigger handbags are not allowed inside during the live shows. The organisers strongly encourage visitors to bring only the essentials: your phone, wallet, tickets, and perhaps a small transparent pouch.
Security checks are similar to what you would expect at an airport. Visitors pass through metal detectors and security staff may search personal items before entry. Police officers and security teams are highly visible around the venue.
If you arrive with a large backpack or too many items, there is a realistic chance you may be delayed or refused entry altogether.
Vienna feels different during Eurovision week
Vienna is normally a surprisingly calm and organised capital city, even during major events and busy tourist periods.
During Eurovision week, however, the atmosphere changes noticeably.
Around the Stadthalle, Rathausplatz and some of the busiest metro stations, additional police patrols and temporary security zones are visible throughout the day. Austrian media have also been covering security concerns, demonstrations, and crowd management extensively.
That said, the atmosphere in the city is still largely festive and positive. Cafés are full of Eurovision fans, different languages are heard everywhere and terraces across Vienna are packed with people discussing favourite songs, outfits, and predictions for the final.
The security presence is noticeable, but it does not feel like the city is shutting down.
Stricter rules for flags and banners
Flags have always been a major part of the Eurovision atmosphere, but this year the rules are stricter than many fans are used to.
Visitors are generally allowed to bring only one flag, and oversized flags may not be permitted. Some materials are restricted for fire safety reasons and flags may not block views, exits, or walkways inside the venue.
Political banners and provocative messages are also receiving far more scrutiny this year.
Part of the reason is the expectation of demonstrations connected to the participation of Israel and the ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza. Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, recently publicly called for peaceful protests and criticised groups that, in his view, had gone too far and abused the right to demonstrate.
Expect extra crowds across the city
Even if you do not have tickets for the live shows, Eurovision will still be impossible to miss in Vienna this week.
The Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz attracts thousands of visitors every evening for screenings, concerts and public events. Security checks are also in place there during busy periods.
Public transport around major Eurovision locations can become crowded, especially before the semi-finals and the grand final. Some streets may also temporarily close because of demonstrations or crowd control measures.
What stands out to us most
What really stands out is how organised Vienna still feels despite the huge international event and the visible security operation.
Outside the direct Eurovision areas, large parts of the city continue to function surprisingly normally. That is something Vienna generally does very well: hosting major events without turning the entire city centre into chaos.
Still, our advice is simple: travel light, allow extra time and avoid bringing unnecessary items to the venue.
And most importantly, try not to focus too much on the security side of things. Because despite the police presence, barriers and bag checks, Vienna during Eurovision is still mainly about music, glitter, international fans and an atmosphere you rarely experience anywhere else in Europe.