The Baroque opulence of Vienna's architecture may lead one to surmise that travel in the culture-soaked capital is only for the well-heeled and heavily funded. While Vienna doesn't rank among the world's top budget destinations, it's possible to slash the price tag considerably without sleeping in hostel dorms or passing up some sumptuous Gruner Veltliner. Booking at off-the-beaten path hotels, making use of Vienna's inexpensive transit system and knowing the low-down on low-cost museum tickets are your keys to making a big trip out of a small budget.

One of Vienna's most notable trademarks is its lavish, dramatic architecture, and luckily, a lot of it can be enjoyed completely free of cost. Begin by wandering Ringstrasse, a stunning 19th-century boulevard that boasts many of city's finest historical buildings, including the Parliament and the State Opera House. Nearby, the Baroque church Karlskirche can be enjoyed for a mere 4 Euros. Stephansplatz is home to sights such as the Stephansdom Cathedral and the Hofburg, former residence of the emperor. Finally, don't miss the Belvedere palace, two mansions surrounded by palatial gardens. You can roam the grounds, or opt to visit only the upper and lower parts for a reduced admission fee.

Vienna is also an art capital, and no visit would be complete without a crash course in culture. On Saturdays, you can get yours free at Museum of Applied Arts, one of the best of its kind in Europe. The Albertina is home to one of largest collections of graphic arts in the world, while Kunsthistorisches Museum is regarded as one of the world's best, period. Make your ears sing (and pocketbook smile) by grabbing rush tickets to world-famous opera house Staatsoper; they're available 90 minutes before each show, but queue up several hours early to ensure a ticket.

Accommodation, as always, will be your single largest expense in Vienna, and thankfully, there's some great budget options available. Outside the Ring, you'll find kid-friendly K&T Boarding House, modern Hotel Pension Astra, and spacious Apartments Vienna. If you want to be in the middle of it all, Am Operneck and Apartment Pension Sacher offer exceptional value.

Enjoying the gastronomical delights of Vienna can be similarly affordable. For a traditional Austrian meal, Pfudl oozes an old-fashioned charm, while open-air market Naschmarkt is a vendor heaven. Indulge your sweet tooth at Cafe Diglas, a cozy Viennese cafe. Transportation is Vienna is blissfully efficient and inexpensive. While tickets for buses, trams and trains are interchangeable, it's best to grab at Vienna Card, while gives you not only unlimited travel for 72 hours, but also a plethora of discounts at sights and museums.