Vienna is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. Internationally, Austria’s capital is particularly well known for its many historical attractions and the wide range of unique things to do in Vienna. Particularly impressive are the majestic castles and world-famous baroque buildings of the city center, inspired by a fascinating architecture. Influenced by artists such as Mozart, Beethoven and Klimt, this city is one of the most attractive and impressive in the world. In addition to the well-known sights of Vienna, such as the Ferris wheel, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace, there are many other interesting places to see, which are perfect to visit in both summer and winter.
In this travel guide we show you the 15 best things to do in Vienna. In addition, there is a lot of information and advice that will definitely help you plan your trip to the city.
Belvedere Palace
A visit to Belvedere Palace it’s one of the best things to do in Vienna! In fact, the large palace complex consists of 2 castles: the Lower and the Upper Belvedere. They are separated by a magnificent baroque garden with a magnificent reflecting pond, which was built in the 18th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Art lovers should definitely visit one of the world-renowned art collections inside the Belvedere. Even the world known Gustav Klimt’s kiss and Judith, masterpieces of early modern art, are on display inside the museum.
Suggestion: When you visit Vienna you should definitely try a typical Viennese schnitzel. You can get one of the best schnitzels in Vienna at Salm Bräu near the Belvedere!
Belvedere Palace
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
The Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s most famous landmark and one of the most important Gothic churches in Austria. affectionately called “Steffl ” by the Viennese, is open to the public. The interior of the cathedral can be visited and is free. If you want to enjoy a great view from above, you should climb the stairs to the south tower or take the elevator to north tower viewing platform (Pummerin). The image below is taken from the north tower. Seeing the city from up there is one of the best things you can do in Vienna.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Schönbrunn Palace
No sightseeing tour of Vienna is complete without seeing the dreamy Schönbrunn Palace. The magnificent palace, where the empress “SissyOnce lived in, it is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions and an absolute visitor magnet. The fantastic gardens, the zoo, the Gloriet and the entire palace park are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also the zoo of Schönbrunn, the the oldest zoo in the world it is an absolute highlight and a must visit. You can spend the whole day here.
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna State Opera
Vienna Opera it is one extremely beautiful building and is centrally located in the first district. It is considered one of the best Operas in the world. Every night you can enjoy the best in first class productions and in fact this year the Vienna State Opera is celebrating ‘150 years of Ring Opera’. At night the Opera House is amazingly lit up and best of all you can enjoy the view from its top Albertina Pass. Visiting the Opera at night is beautiful and definitely one of the top things to do in Vienna!
Suggestion: Read more to watch some of the best classical concerts in Vienna not to be missed by music lovers!
Vienna State Opera
Hofburg
Michaelerplatz, a baroque star square next to Hofburg it is located near the Spanish Riding School, right in the center of Vienna. It is interesting to note that the square was planned as early as 1725, but was not realized until the end of the 19th century. The buildings around the square are a must see in Vienna. A really interesting view of Michaelerplatz can also be seen from Kohlmarkt. With its magnificent architecture, this is definitely one of the best sights in Vienna. At Michaelerplatz you can also find the famous Fiaker with their horse-drawn carriages that have a long tradition in Vienna.
Hofburg
Vienna Prater & Ferris Wheel
Austria’s most popular and famous amusement park, the A polyglot it has long been one of Vienna’s best attractions and attracts many visitors, especially at night. Tourists and locals alike love the mix of pure nostalgia and cool dizzying rides. A walk in Giant wheel of Vienna it’s a wonderful experience for adults as well as children and definitely recommended on any list of the best things to do in Vienna. Entrance to the Prater is free, only the routes are chargeable. But not only children love the Vienna Prater. The amusement park is a unique experience for young and old!
Vienna Prater (Wiener Prater)
Rathaus (Vienna City Hall)
The beautiful Vienna City Hall with the Town Hall Square is right on the Ringstraße and is definitely one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. During the year, well-known events such as the world-famous Ball of Life take place there. In winter, during Advent, there is a magical CHRISTMAS MARKET here with a huge ice skates ice rink and countless market stalls. In summer, on the other hand, the Film Festival takes place here. The town hall is also probably one of the most impressive buildings in the city and can also be explored on a guided tour. The Rathaus is one of the best photo locations in Vienna and a must see on any trip to the city.
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School it was built during the Habsburg Monarchy and the world famous white Lipizzaner’s offer the highest standards of equestrian art in a unique location. Visiting a show accompanied by classical music and watching horse riding is an unforgettable experience and a must see in Vienna. Our tip: If you want to see the stallions and noble horses for free and you can see the Stallburg at Reitschulgasse 2! Checkout Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna for more information.
Working hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Spanish Riding School
Natural History Museum & Art History Museum
The Natural History Museum exhibits over 30 million objects, from insects to gems, minerals, fossils, skeletons and a huge dinosaur hall. The ultimate showpiece is the age of 29,500 years “Venus of Willendorf”. and the vast collection is one of the most important in Europe and definitely worth a visit. Just on the opposite side you will find it Art History Museum. It is known for its fascinating treasure chambers and Habsburg cabinets of curiosities. Also, many important artworks of European art history are exhibited inside this museum.
Art History Museum
Austrian National Library (State House)
The amazing State Hall of the National Library was built in the 18th century and houses a fascinating collection ancient scriptures and volumes. The huge library is 80 meters long and 20 meters high and a beautiful dome characterizes the premises. The Venetian globes, one meter in diameter, are one of the highlights of the exhibition. The State Hall of the National Library takes the breath away of its visitors and the visit is also for us one of the most unique things to do in Vienna!
Austrian National Library
Shopping streets in Vienna
Graben, Kohlmarkt and Kärntnerstraße are the most famous commercial streets in Vienna. The 3 streets connect in a U-shape, with Kärntnerstraße leading to the Opera and Graben being the connection to Kohlmarkt. Walking along the lively pedestrian zone, you will be amazed by the typical Viennese style, noble Viennese traditional shops and elegant boutiques. Among others, you can see the Ankerhaus, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, Palais Bartolli-Partenfeld, Gerneralihof, Grabenhof and the Plague Column. All these wonderful buildings and sights can be discovered during a stroll along this shopping mile.
Vienna shopping street
Burgtheater
The Burgtheater it’s the Austrian National Theatre and belongs to the most important German theaters in the world. Established in 1741, the theater has a glorious history. If you want to learn more about theater, you definitely should take a tour, starting daily at 15:00. There you will have the opportunity to see the imposing grand staircase and the famous floor paintings Gustav Klimt. An attraction in Vienna that certainly not everyone knows about!
Burgtheater
Kaisegruft (Imperial Crypt)
Strangely beautiful but above all extremely interesting is a visit to Imperial Crypt or it is also called the Capuchin Crypt. It is the final resting place of many famous Habsburgs and is located below the Capuchin church. It is open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00. In the crypt 149 members of the Habsburgs found their final rest. Among them are perhaps the most famous such as e.g Emperor Franz Joseph I, Empress Sissi and Crown Prince Rudolf and Maria Teresa.
Kaisegruft (Imperial Crypt)
Hundertwasserhaus
The Hundertwasserhaus it is definitely one of Vienna’s architectural landmarks and one of Vienna’s best tourist attractions. This colorful and magical building was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and was built between 1983 – 1985. The Hundertwasserhouse can only be seen from the outside, but the exterior facade attracts attention and is therefore a famous sight in Vienna.
Hundertwasserhaus
Naschmarkt
A must-see attraction is the popular Naschmarkt in Vienna, a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The open market has around 120 stalls offering all kinds of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, delicious cheeses and meat products. It also offers a wide variety of restaurants from typical Austrian, Italian and Oriental to Japanese, Chinese and Indian etc. The market is a great choice for lunch and a meeting point for both locals and tourists. Every Saturday morning the traditional huge flea market takes place right next to the Naschmarkt.
Naschmarkt
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