Europe’s third smallest capital city has a population that could barely fill a football field—just 5,600 people—but what it lacks in size and crowds, it makes up for in glorious mountain views. While the alpine peaks provide plenty of temptation for hikers and outdoor adventurers, the main things to do in Vaduz are found in the charming town center. Stroll the medieval streets, climb to the hillside Vaduz Castle, and walk the Old Rhine Bridge (Alte Rheinbrücke) before visiting the quirky Postal Museum.
Liechtenstein is generally a great spot to escape Europe’s crowds, but Vaduz is so small that it can quickly get overrun with daytrippers in July and August. For mild weather without the tourists, avoid the peak summer months and visit in late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October) instead; it’s also the ideal time for hiking in the hills. Alternatively, wrap up in warm layers and visit during the holidays, when the city hosts a small but atmospheric Christmas market.
Vaduz’s pedestrianized Städtle, the historic center, is easy to explore on foot, and you can also walk uphill to the castle and down to the Rhine riverfront. If the hilly terrain gets too much, hop on the Citytrain for a tour of the main sights or take a taxi. For other destinations in Liechtenstein or to connect with the Sargans or Buchs train stations in Switzerland (the most popular route for daytrippers), make use of the regular LIEmobil bus service.
Two of Vaduz’s most overlooked attractions are the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein—a fine arts museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a popular sushi restaurant on-site—and the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery, an urban vineyard offering wine tasting and visits to the prince’s wine cellar. Finally, don’t forget to get your passport stamped, a popular souvenir for visitors, which you can do at the Liechtenstein Center or the central post office for a small fee.
