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Vienna   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city that relishes its past, and it has the attractions to prove it. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whether you're interested in the long-reigning Habsburg family; music composed by Vienna's own

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Hofburg Palace Hofburg Palace

Unlike Vienna's other royal residences, Hofburg is like a city within a city. Sitting on the southwestern edge of the Innere Stadt , the 13th-century palace was the winter residence of the Habsburgs, and a center of power for some 600 years. These days, the Hofburg Palace is residence and office of the President of Austria, however extensive parts of the palace are still open to visitors.

One area of the palace is the Sisi Museum, named after Empress Elisabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, with more than 300 objects on display. The Sisi Museum offers insights both into the grandeur of the Habsburgs and into the life and death of Vienna's beloved Empress Elizabeth. You can also explore the Imperial Apartments ( Kaiserappartements ) where the royal family lived. Though Hofburg has about 2,600 rooms, only 18 are open for the public to tour. The oldest parts surround the Swiss Wing ( Schweizertrakt ), named for the Swiss guards who used to patrol the area. (Unfortunately, the silver collection is closed until further notice.)

Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Palace

Originally constructed from 1696 as a grand hunting lodge, Schönbrunn Palace later became the official Hapsburg summer residence. Under the supervision of Maria Theresa (the only female Habsburg ruler), Schönbrunn evolved into an expansive paradise with ornate rooms and vast elaborate gardens comparable to King Louis XIV of France's palace at Versailles . One of the finest baroque palaces in Europe, Schönbrunn was one of the first places in Austria to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back in 1996. A tour will lead you through apartments belonging to Maria Theresa as well as Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Elisabeth (better known as Sisi) and Archduke Franz Karl. Other highlights include the Blue Staircase, the Mirror Room and the Hall of Ceremonies. Plan to spend at least an hour in the gardens, which are connected by promenades that extend from the Gloriette, a stunning Roman-style arch overlooking a vast pool. Located within the grounds is the Tiergarten , the oldest zoo in the world.

Travelers say the grounds are beautiful, the tour is insightful and the zoo is entertaining for the whole family, but many warn about how crowded this attraction gets. Some suggest visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the congested atmosphere. Others wish there had been more information about the history within the rooms themselves.

MuseumsQuartier Wien MuseumsQuartier Wien

U.S. News Insider Tip: The area between the MuseumsQuartier and Naschmarkt – especially along and leading off Gumpendorfer Strasse – is a great place to explore for small, trendy bars and boutique stores. – Rudolf Abraham

Straddling the southwest section of the Ringstrasse, the MuseumsQuartier Wien is an enormous cultural institution comprising numerous top-notch museums. If you're even remotely interested in art, head to the Leopold Museum , which houses an exceptionally impressive collection of Austrian masterpieces dating from the 19th century to the present – including major works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Egon Schiele (it's the world's largest collection of works by Schiele). Next door, the Museum of Modern Art (aka MUMOK) is home to the national collection of 20th-century works by famed artists like Max Ernst, Rene Magritte and Andy Warhol. Adjacent to MUMOK, the Kunsthalle Wien showcases an ever-rotating collection of avant-garde exhibits featuring contemporary art.

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St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) free

Towering above the streets of the Innere Stadt , this massive cathedral is one of the true centerpieces of Vienna. St. Stephen's has stood in this very spot since the early 13th century (having replaced an even earlier church), but little remains of this Romanesque construction aside from the Riesentor (Giant's Door) and the Heidenturme (Towers of the Heathens). The Gothic structure standing today was built in the early 1300s. It was here that Mozart was married to Constanze Weber in 1782, and it was here that the great composer's funeral was held in 1791. Despite parts of it being heavily damaged by fire in the final year of World War II, it was painstakingly repaired. Today this stunning cathedral remains an active house of worship, a national icon and a top tourist attraction.

After you've toured the main section, head underground to the catacombs where you'll find the tombs of members of the Habsburg royal family, along with various cardinals, archbishops and victims of the Great Plague of Vienna. Before you leave, you should climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower, from where you'll be treated to a spectacular view. Or use the elevator to reach the lookout terrace at the lower, never-completed North Tower, which is also home to the largest church bell in Austria, known as Pummerin. Visitors call this one of those "must-visit" attractions in Europe, praising the gorgeous church and its surroundings.

Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum) Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)

The works at the Kunsthistorisches Museum , or Museum of Fine Arts, range from ancient Egyptian and Greek objects to masterpieces by numerous European masters, including Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyck and Rubens. In fact, the collection here is so extensive that many people say the walls of the Hofburg Palace look bare in comparison. The building itself, which opened to the public in 1891, impresses travelers as well; its facade features ornate sculptures.

Recent travelers appreciated the wide range of work on display at this museum and note just how large the building is and how much art is held within. A few suggested breaking up the day with a quick cup of coffee at the on-site coffee shop, which is in the museum's beautiful domed hall.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

If you can't get your art fix at either the MuseumsQuartier or the Kunsthistorisches Museum , you're sure to find satisfaction at the Belvedere. There are actually two palaces here – separated by an ornate 17th-century French-style garden – which some say are among the best examples of Baroque architecture in the world. Formerly home to such notable Austrian figures as Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the buildings now house an outstanding array of Austrian art from such renowned artists as Gustav Klimt (including his famous painting "The Kiss"), Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. It's in the Upper Palace that you'll find works by these and other artists from the permanent collection, while the Lower Palace houses temporary exhibitions. A third, modern building, Belvedere 21, acts as an arts and performance venue and is located just across the main road. It has just a few exhibits on at any given time. Travelers love the gardens, ornate buildings and array of paintings on display at this attraction. Many warn of large crowds.

The Belvedere sits just southeast of the Innere Stadt,  between the Wieden and Landstrasse districts. It is open every day from 9 a.m. (Upper Belvedere) and 10 a.m. (Lower Belvedere) to 6 p.m. When purchased online, entrance to both sites costs 24 euros (about $26) for adults. Youths 18 and younger always explore for free. You should definitely book tickets online, as entry is limited by time slots and these do sell out. For Belvedere 21, you only need to specify the day of your visit, not the time. Guided tours are available and there are a variety of combo ticket packages available as well. For more information, visit the palace's website .

Leopold Museum Leopold Museum

Part of the excellent MuseumsQuartier Wien , the Leopold Museum houses one of greatest collections of Austrian art anywhere in the world. Along with major works by the likes of Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Richard Gerstl and Max Oppenheimer, the Leopold Museum includes the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of works by Egon Schiele.

The main part of the museum is the permanent exhibition, Vienna 1900, which takes you through the most important artistic developments and changes in Vienna around the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, the last decades of the Habsburg rule. If you only have time to visit one museum to see works from the Viennese Secession (the local style of art nouveau), the Leopold Museum gives the best overview. Visitors commented on the exceptional quality of the artworks on display, the clear and spacious layout of the museum, and the pleasant café.

Austrian National Library Austrian National Library free

On one side of the Hofburg 's Neue Burg wing, and entered off Josefsplatz, is the Austrian National Library. The main reason to come here is the spectacular State Hall ( Prunksaal ), built for Emperor Charles VI in the 1720s, as the former Court Library. The State Hall was painstakingly restored in 2022.

Forget any ideas of what a library looks like – the Prunksaal is a baroque masterpiece. Some 80 meters (around 262 feet) long and 20 meters (about 66 feet) high, the State Hall is lavishly decorated with stucco, marble and gilding. A statue of Charles VI stands in the center of the hall, likely the work of Venetian sculptor Antonio Corradini. There are more than a dozen other statues in the hall of Austrian dukes and Habsburg rulers, by the Strudel brothers (one of whom, Paul Strudel, also worked on Vienna's Plague Column or Trinity Column, erected as a memorial after the Great Plague in 1679). The hall also contains four enormous Venetian globes. Perhaps most impressive however is the soaring oval dome, 30 meters (98 feet) high and decorated with breathtaking frescoes by the Habsburg court painter Daniel Gran, whose other work includes frescoes at the famous Klosterneuburg Abbey.

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Museum Judenplatz Museum Judenplatz

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make a point of visiting the excellent Sigmund Freud Museum, housed in Freud's former apartment and practice. It's less than a mile north of Judenplatz. – Rudolf Abraham

Judenplatz earned its name back in the 13th century when it was first designated as the Jewish Ghetto. For two centuries, this neighborhood remained the epicenter of Jewish life in Vienna, an identity that still lives among the exhibits found at the Museum Judenplatz. This small yet effective branch of the Jewish Museum Vienna (located a little south of Judenplatz) details the role Viennese Jews played in the development of city life and the persecution and expulsion of the Medieval Jewish community on the 1420s.

Café Central Café Central

One of the most famous coffee houses in Vienna, Café Central was established in 1876. Right up until the eve of the Second World War, this landmark spot was a favorite meeting place of Vienna's poets and intellectuals (many of whom were Jewish). Sigmund Freud and some of Austria's most famous writers including Stefan Zweig, Peter Altenberg and Arthur Schnitzler – not to mention Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky – frequented the cafe's tables. Given its former clientele, you can guess the cafe is an incredibly grand and atmospheric place – not somewhere you order a coffee to-go. Café Central occupies the ground floor of a magnificent building, awash with ornate decoration and Italian flourishes, which was originally home to the stock exchange and central bank.

Along with plenty of delicious cakes and pastries, Café Central serves classic Austrian dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth). Try the house sandwich (organic turkey-ham and mozzarella, served warm). They also have some vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. Recent travelers commented on the beautiful setting, impeccable coffee, top-notch service and excellent pastries.

Naschmarkt Naschmarkt free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Along with all the food stalls and multiple options for late night or Asian-infused dining, the Naschmarkt area is one of the city's best for LGBTQ+-friendly bars. – Rudolf Abraham

Every Monday through Saturday, hundreds of vendors flock to this vibrant market in the Mariahilf District – located just south of the Ringstrasse – to sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products and other local food items. This open-air extravaganza, Naschmarkt, is considered one of the largest of its kind in Austria, and it's a great intro into everyday life in Vienna. There has been a market here since at least the late 18th century. In addition to the food stalls, you'll find small eateries and cafés throughout.

House of Music (Haus der Musik) House of Music (Haus der Musik)

Vienna has long been a musical epicenter. It was here that renowned composers, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Bruckner and Strauss lived, composed and performed at various points in their careers. If this history entices you, you must visit the House of Music ( Haus der Musik ) during your time in the city. This small but fascinating museum showcases the works of Vienna's elite musicians with displays featuring manuscripts and sound bites. Exhibits also explain the evolution of sound and the mechanics behind our ability to hear. Plus, there's an entire floor dedicated to the Vienna Philharmonic where you can even use a virtual wand to conduct the musicians. (But be careful: If you mess up they may ridicule you!) It's a great place to visit with kids, too. The facility also hosts a variety of concerts.

Travelers say if you're a classical music fan (or even a fan of the science of sound), a visit to the House of Music should be a priority. They also enjoy all the interactive elements.

St. Peter's Catholic Church St. Peter's Catholic Church free

St. Peter's Catholic Church ( Peterskirche ), which stands in the heart of the Inner Stadt close to St. Stephen's Cathedral , is one of most outstanding examples of baroque architecture in Vienna. Consecrated in 1733, it was built on the site of an earlier, Romanesque church first mentioned in the 12th century, which was destroyed by fire in the 1660s. It, in turn, probably stood on the site of an even earlier church, which sat upon the site of Roman Vindobona. Today's church makes up for its relatively compact size with its soaring dome and exceptionally lavish decoration.

The richly decorated interior features a gilded pulpit by Matthias Steinl (one of the leading baroque artists on Austria), and a magnificent baroque organ (with more than 2,000 pipes). The show-stealer however is the dazzling fresco cycle beneath the dome, the work of Johann Michael Rottmayr. Outside the church there's a relief from 1906 depicting the legendary founding of the church by Charlemagne. Travelers commented on the beauty of the decoration, and the surprising opulence of the interior compared to the relatively simple exterior. Stepping into the church always comes as a rather breathtaking surprise.

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Vienna's Tiergarten Vienna's Tiergarten

It began in 1752 as an exotic menagerie amassed by Franz Stephan, the husband of Maria Theresa (the only female Hapsburg ruler) and the country's Holy Roman Emperor. Today, Vienna's Tiergarten (also known as Schönbrunn Zoo or Vienna Zoo) is the oldest zoo in the world, home to about 750 animal species (around 8,500 animals total) ranging from tigers to lemurs – and most famously, pandas (it's one of the few zoos outside China to have these rare animals). The zoo hosts special tours and there are daily feedings that visitors can watch, with animals like orangutans, elephants, penguins and otters.

Since its founding, Tiergarten has undergone many a renovation to bring it up to par with modern facilities. Travelers say that while the cost of admission is on the pricey side, it's worth it to see the variety of animals and impressive facilities at this zoo.

Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss the landmark Secession Building, just a short walk from the Vienna State Opera. Head down to the basement to see Klimt's amazing "Beethoven Frieze," while listening to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from the Symphony No. 9 on headphones provided. – Rudolf Abraham

Since 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been the city's premier venue for the performing arts and a major focal point of Viennese life. One of the world's greatest opera houses, the Staatsoper still hosts top-notch performances (and each seat has its own small subtitles screen), and you can also tour this magnificent building on a guided tour. The 40-minute tours run every day (times vary depending on the performance schedule) and allow you a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved landmark. Tours come highly recommended by previous visitors. 

Burggarten Burggarten free

Behind the Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg , the Burggarten is a charming city park. It was originally created in the wake of Napoleon's withdrawal from Vienna in 1809 as a private garden for the imperial family. Completed around 1819, it wasn't opened to the public until 100 years later – in 1919 – following Emperor Franz Joseph I's death in 1916.

As well as being a beautiful and peaceful place to take a break from sightseeing, the Burggarten is also home to the Mozart Monument. Unveiled in 1896, this famous monument originally stood in front of the Albertina Palace, but was damaged by bombing during World War II. After restoration it was relocated to the Burggarten. The monument is a top Vienna photo-op, especially in spring when the flowerbeds are in bloom, which are shaped like a large treble clef. Other statues in the Burggarten include one of Emperor Franz Josef.

Spanish Riding School Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School, part of the Hofburg Palace complex, is one of the most celebrated riding academies in the world. It carries on a 450-year-old tradition of classical dressage (meticulous, careful training to achieve almost balletic movements and perfect harmony between horse and rider), featuring the beautiful white Lipizzaner horses (the younger animals are grey) which go through years of training. The stud farm is located in the village of Piber, southwest of Vienna.

Performances and Morning Exercise sessions take place in the Winter Riding School – built under Charles VI in the 1720s and 1730s – and are accompanied by classical music. During a Performance, you can see the horses and riders at the epitome of their technique, whereas the Morning Exercises are training sessions and include younger horses as well as the fully trained stallions. Guided tours are also available. Regular tours take in all the main areas, including the stables and the Winter and Summer Riding Schools, and last an hour. The 80-minute Architectural tours explore the baroque style of the Winter Riding School and takes you up into its elaborate, wooden roof structure.

Maria-Theresien-Platz Maria-Theresien-Platz free

Named after the Empress Maria Theresa, this large square framed by grand architecture lies between the Hofburg Palace and the MuseumsQuartier , alongside the busy Ringstrasse. The only female Habsburg ruler, Maria Theresa was empress from 1740 to 1780, a challenging period for the Habsburg monarchy which began with territorial losses and political conflict. However, Maria Theresa proved herself by leaving the empire a stronger and more stable one than the one she inherited. During her lifetime she instigated a wide range of reforms from agriculture and education to medicine and the military.

A huge monument to Empress Maria Theresa stands at the center of the square, dating from the late 19th century. The prominent neo-baroque sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch spent more than a decade working on the project. The bronze sculpture of the Empress sits enthroned on top of a granite plinth and pedestal, above sculptures of her advisors, administrators, military commanders and figures from the sciences and arts (including Mozart as a child). The imposing monument stands more than 62 feet (the figure of Maria Theresa alone is nearly 20 feet tall). Travelers say the structure is beautiful but you won't need much time for the square itself.

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20 Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria, From Palace Strolls to Sachertorte

Here's how locals recommend exploring the capital city.

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Vienna (or “Wien” in German) is a must-visit city for many travelers, whether you’re visiting Europe for the first time or returning for a new adventure. The capital of Austria is a rich cultural hub, boasting museums, Baroque architecture, and a legacy closely tied to classical music — hence its nickname, the City of Music. Vienna is also the birthplace of Wiener schnitzel, and it continues to hold the title of “most livable city,” as determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index .

Tina Haselbacher, the owner of Almanac Hotels — which opened Almanac Palais Vienna in March 2023 — describes Vienna as “a place where tradition meets the contemporary.” While the city is, in many ways, visually defined by its historic structures, Haselbacher explains that there are “interesting and contemporary concepts living behind these traditional facades, such as modern art, cutting-edge culinary innovations, and interactive experiences with today’s creators.”

To discover both sides of Vienna, you’ll want to fill your itinerary with a combination of the old and the new — a stop by the Hofburg Palace followed by an afternoon exploring the Kunsthalle Wien in the Museumsquartier, for example. Read on to discover the best things to do when visiting Vienna, according to locals. 

Visit the famed Schönbrunn Palace.

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According to Julija and Wolfgang Rigon of Good Vienna Tours , you “can't visit Vienna without [seeing] Schönbrunn.” The summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. While you’ll inevitably experience lines, particularly if you’re there during the weekend, there’s still plenty to do while you wait. “You get [your ticket] relatively quickly and see what time you are allowed into the castle. While you're waiting, you can grab a bite to eat or visit the gardens,” says the couple.

Enjoy a slow morning at a coffee house.

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“Viennese coffee house culture is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle, so much so that UNESCO placed it on its intangible cultural heritage list ,” says Michael Gigl, head of market USA for the Austrian Tourist Office . Don’t expect a fast-paced, Starbucks-like morning, though. “The true secret to the Vienna coffee house experience is the lack of time pressure. No one will bat an eye if you decide to read every single newspaper and magazine on hand," he says. "Opening a laptop, however, is rather frowned upon.” Gigl’s coffee house recommendations include Café Sperl , Café Hawelka , Café Korb , Café Ritter , and Café Schwarzenberg .

Stop by St. Stephen's Cathedral.

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At its tallest point, St. Stephen’s Cathedral reaches 136 meters, making it the tallest church in Austria and one of the most recognizable sights in Vienna. Visiting the main entrance is free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to see the cathedral in its entirety. “The view from the top, whether by foot or by elevator, is highly recommended in good weather,” says Wolfgang Rigon.

Snap a photo of the Majolikahaus (Majolica House).

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“Otto Wagner’s Majolikahaus is a Viennese Art Nouveau-styled building famous for its colorful tiles with a floral motif," says Haselbacher. "It is such a special place to see an icon of the Art Nouveau style." Designed by the Austrian architect in 1898 and 1899, Majolikahaus can be found at Linke Wienzeile 40 in the Laimgrube neighborhood. 

Fill up on Wiener schnitzel.

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“Without having eaten [Wiener schnitzel] in its hometown, you have not been to Vienna,” says Julija Rigon. Made of thinly pounded veal, dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown, Wiener schnitzel is said to have been introduced in Vienna in the 1850s. It’s not hard to find the dish here; a few restaurant options include Schnitzelwirt , Skopik & Lohn , and Salzamt .

Take a dip in the Krapfenwaldlbad swimming pool.

If you grow tired of walking around Vienna and find yourself in need of a refreshing swim, make your way out of the city center. “ Krapfenwaldlbad is an outdoor swimming area in the woods of Vienna, overlooking the entire city," says Haselbacher. "Head there in the summertime to cool off and mix with locals and families."

Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera.

Ursula Schmitz/Travel + Leisure

“About 10,000 people enjoy a classical music performance somewhere in the city every day, so go grab a ticket to the opera or a concert performance,” says Gigl. The Vienna State Opera House features 350 performances each season — both operas and ballets — and tickets can be purchased online . To learn more about Vienna’s musical history and tradition, Gigl suggests visiting the Haus der Musik (House of Music) “for an engaging interactive experience.”

Get an insider’s view of the city via a walking tour.

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Unless someone in your party already has a solid understanding of the city — including its layout, history, and lesser-known facts — a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. Good Vienna Tours offers tours in English every day at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

Learn about Vienna’s past and present at the Jewish Museum.

Courtesy of the Jewish Museum Vienna

With an emphasis on the time period encompassing the two World Wars, this museum educates visitors on Jewish history, culture, and religion. Though it is split into two locations, a single ticket grants you access to both Museum Dorotheergasse and Museum Judenplatz . The latter is home to the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, a memorial designed by Rachel Whiteread that honors the Austrian victims of the Holocaust.

Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte.

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Sachertorte, which Gigl calls “the world’s most storied cake," should be on your must-try list while in Vienna. Invented in 1832 by pastry chef Franz Sacher, Sachertorte is a rich chocolate sponge cake made with layers of apricot jam and a chocolate ganache topping. Café Demel and Café Sacher have had a rivalry over the treat for centuries, so you may need to try both and see which one you prefer.

Relax in Vienna’s green spaces.

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“One of the reasons Vienna is consistently named as one, if not the, best place to live, is the city’s abundance of green spaces, parks, and recreational opportunities,” says Gigl. “Try the Prater for a leisurely stroll, or head to the ‘Alte Donau’ (Old Danube) for a swim or a paddleboard session,” says Gigl.

Explore the art collection at the Belvedere Museum.

Deanna Mazzola/Travel + Leisure

There’s a high chance art aficionados will already be familiar with the Belvedere Museum , which the Rigons describe as a “beautiful Baroque palace with an even more impressive garden.” Haselbacher adds, “They have the biggest collection of [Gustav] Klimt, and the architecture is really special." The Klimt collection includes his most famous piece, “The Kiss.”

Eat lunch at a würstelstand.

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A würstelstand is a traditional Austrian street food outlet that serves sausage, hot dogs, and beer, among other delicacies. You’ll find them all over Vienna, but Würstelstand LEO is said to be the city’s oldest sausage stand. If you aren’t adverse to dairy, order the Käsekrainer, which is a sausage filled with small chunks of cheese.

Walk along the Ringstraße.

In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the construction of a boulevard built around Vienna’s city center. Down came the historic city walls, and the Ringstraße (or Vienna Ring Road) took its place, although it took a few decades to complete. “The State Opera, the Hofburg, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Burgtheater, the City Hall, and the Parliament are just a few sights on Ringstraße,” says Wolfgang Rigon. He suggests walking the 5.2km (about 3.2 miles) route or taking a streetcar.

Shop in Vienna’s two remaining street markets.

Ursula Schmitz/Travel + Leisrue

Hasselbacher notes that if you make your way to Währing, the 18th district, you’ll find Kutschkermarkt, one of “the last remaining street markets in Vienna.” The other street market, Brunnenmarkt , is in Ottakring, the 16th district. Both offer a variety of produce, meats, breads, spices, flowers, and more. On Saturdays, Kutschkermarkt also has a farmer’s market, where regional fruits and vegetables join the lineup.

Spend a few hours in the MuseumsQuartier.

Self-described as “one of the largest cultural quarters in the world,” the MuseumsQuartier is a hub of Viennese creativity. Here you’ll find the Leopold Museum , the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna), and the contemporary exhibition space Kunsthalle Wien . If you’re interested in architecture, music, theater, dance, street art, literature, photography, or all of the above, you’ll find something interesting in the MuseumsQuartier.

Round out your meal with a Punschkrapfen.

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“Punschkrapfen is a local delicacy made of nougat and jam-filled sponge cake soaked with rum,” says Haselbacher. Translated to punch cake, the dessert can be found in numerous places across the city, and you’ll notice it immediately thanks to its bright pink coloring.

Dive into Habsburg history at Hofburg Palace.

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Hofburg Palace once served as the Habsburgs’ winter residence, but today it’s the workplace and home of the president of Austria. Visitors are allowed to explore the palace, which houses three museums: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection (although the latter is expected to be closed until 2026).

Make a reservation at Palmenhaus.

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You’ll find Palmenhaus in Vienna’s 1st district, next to the Albertina Museum . “With over 400 butterflies flying in the palm house year-round, it is a lovely spot to be immersed in nature,” says Haselbacher, who adds that it’s also a “very nice spot to have a drink, overlooking the Park Burggarten.”

Visit the history-filled Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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“If you are even a little interested in art, a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must,” says Julija Rigon. "It is one of the largest and most important museums in the world." Also referred to as the Museum of Fine Arts, the venue's collections span five millennia and include works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Michelangelo, Vermeer, and more.

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The 14 best attractions in Vienna

From world-class museums to vibrant open-air markets, these marvellous attractions in Vienna are an absolute must-visit

What an incredible city Vienna is. Once referred to as the Capital of the World, Vienna is a place that resonates with the soul long before you arrive here, such is the power of its reputation and aura. You might feel familiar with much of the Austrian capital already, be it the glittering State Opera, the engaging museums , unbeatable coffee houses , and all the rest. Vienna is a place that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime.

With a roster such as this, it can be difficult to identify exactly what the best attractions in Vienna are. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, there’s so much more to this charming capital than the picture-postcard sights and bucket-list things to do. The restaurant scene is as good as any other, for a start, and a night out in Vienna is a night you won’t forget in a hurry.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Vienna

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Best attractions in Vienna

1.  St. Stephen’s Cathedral

What is it?   The symbol of the city, no less. St. Stephen’s Cathedral has been the fixed point around which Vienna turns since its building in the twelth century. Climb up the 343 steps all the way to the top and you'll be rewarded with some pretty unforgettable views.

Why go? The cathedral’s baroque interior is full of treasures, from bejewelled relics to holy books, as well as the tombs of Viennese luminaries like Emperor Friedrich III and Prince Eugene of Savoy. Make sure you don’t miss the catacombs.

2.  The Sigmund Freud Museum

What is it?  This thoughtfully curated museum charts the life of the father of psychoanalysis, whose work would change the course of history and reshape psychology practices for years to come. All before being forced to flee England by the Nazis in 1938.

Why go? As well as giving fascinating insights into how Freud developed his theories, the museum is a moving window into Jewish life in Vienna in the twentieth century. The displays are accessible and immersive, and the gift shop is a corker, too – how about some Freudian slippers?

3.  The Belvedere Palace

If you're looking for history, art and culture all in one place, make sure you visit the Belvedere Palace-turned-museum. Split across two palaces of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Belvedere is one of the most majestic architectural buildings to see in Vienna. Built during the eighteenth century, it's said that Austrian general of the time, Prince Eugene of Savoy, commissioned Baroque artist, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, to build the palace – and it's a true wonder to behold. In Upper Belvere lies an exhibition venue for impersonal collections, while Lower Belvedere hosts illustrious exhibitions. And if that's not enough, take a walk through the Baroque gardens – they are spectacular.

4.  Central Cemetery

What is it? A short tram ride from the city centre, the Zentralfriedhof, or Central Cemetery, feels more like a beautifully maintained park than a graveyard. It’s the final resting place of a huge number of Viennese luminaries and well worth visiting for a respectful stroll.

Why go? You can pay your respects to the likes of Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert (maps and audio guides are available to help you find your way around). It’s worth visiting the Jewish section, too – vandalised by Nazi sympathisers after Austria was annexed, it’s been kept as it was left as a reminder of the horrors of fascism.

5.  The Hofburg Palace

What is it?   Found right in the centre of Vienna, this former palace was once home to the Habsburgs (who ran a mighty empire over a century ago) until 1918 – and remains one of the grandest buildings of its kind. Reminiscent of a giant, iced cake, this is somewhere you could easily lose yourself for a few days.

Why go? If you’ve only got time to visit one attraction in Vienna, make it this. The palace complex houses paintings by the likes of Klimt and Dürer, the Spanish Riding School (home to the dancing Lipizzaner horses), a butterfly house and the Austrian Film Museum. Whew!

6.  Amalienbad

What is it? An unbelievably gorgeous indoor pool in the 10th district. Built in the 1920s, the Amalienbad was architecturally inspired by Roman baths, while the interior blends Art Deco and Art Nouveau design to stunning effect (the tiling in the women’s sauna is particularly eye-catching). This ain't your run-of-the-mill leisure centre.

Why go? For a handful of euros, you can treat yourself to a leisurely swim, followed by a full spa experience. Keep an eye on the calendar for the late-night pool parties, which feature top-flight DJs and light installations.

7.  The Naschmarkt

What is it? Running in a long line between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse, Vienna’s iconic open-air market is a foodie paradise. From Austrian specialities like white wine, pickles and cheese to stuffed olives, spices and exotic fruits, it’s all here.

Why go? If you want to taste your way around the city’s diverse culinary heritage, this is the place to do it. Spend a morning wandering up and down, stocking up on goodies to take home – and don’t be shy about accepting samples offered by traders. Pause for an antipasto or piping hot falafel.

8.  Demel

What is it? One of Vienna’s original salons, Demel has been serving confectionery masterpieces since 1786. Plush ring cakes, cream slices, the richest hot chocolate and strudels galore – if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll have to be dragged out of here.

Why go? It’s worth sticking around for a table for the full experience, but if you’re in a rush order a takeaway slice of Sachertorte , a rich chocolate cake made nearby in the Hotel Sacher and the subject of a fierce feud between it and Demel. Browse the displays of beautifully wrapped chocolates, then head to the back of the shop to watch the master confectioners at work crafting marzipan fruits.

9.  Wiener Riesenrad

What is it? You can see Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel for miles around. A gorgeously gaudy fin-de-siècle landmark, it has been towering 200ft over Prater Park since 1897, when it was built  to mark Emperor Franz Joseph’s 50 years on the throne.

Why go? If you’re mini-breaking with someone special, watching the sunset over the rooftops and into the Danube from one of the cabins is about as romantic as it gets (you can even book one for yourselves).

10.  Supersense

What is it? The most stylish one-stop design shop in the city. Housed in an art nouveau townhouse, Supersense calls itself the ‘home of analogue delicacies’: expect to find everything from a working letterpress to hand-cut vinyl, a scent lab and a recording studio.

Why go? It’s halfway between a museum and a design boutique – so you can learn about wet-plate ambrotypes while running off some postcards in the printing press, or test-driving a beautiful typewriter. There’s even a cafe selling fabulous coffee and pastries to check out afterwards.

11.  The Jewish Museum

What is it? The world’s first museum dedicated to Jewish culture, history and religious practices opened in Vienna in 1895. It was closed and looted by the Nazis, but reopened in its current form on Dorotheergasse after extensive renovation in 2011.

Why go? Vienna’s Jewish population was decimated by Nazi rule – some 130,000 fled the country and more than 65,000 were sent to concentration camps (of whom just 2,000 survived). Miraculously, the collections are full of objects that have been carefully handed down through the generations, from family photographs to copies of underground resistance newspapers.

12.  Weingut Cobenzl

What is it?  Vienna's outskirts are home to a number of top vineyards, as proven by the fresh, fruity wines that come out of Austria. High above the Danube, Weingut Cobenzl boasts 60 60 hectares of lovingly tended vines, producing everything from Grüner Veltliner to Riesling, and even a couple of unusual reds.

Why go? A guided tour of the winery is a fantastic way to brush up on your vinous knowledge. Watch the grapes being pressed, nose around the cellar and finish up with a tasting of six of Cobenzl’s finest vintages.

13.  Zuckerlwerkstatt

What is it? If Willy Wonka had been Viennese, this is where you’d have found him. Zuckerlwerkstatt – meaning ‘sugar workshop’ – produces exquisitely handcrafted sweets. If you’re travelling with kids they’ll go bananas, but adults will find it just as enchanting.

Why go?  Yes, it's the perfect souvenir shop. But you can also watch the confectioners working their magic in the demonstration kitchen. Watch the creation of jellies, lollipops and candy canes, all using  pure Austrian sugar, natural flavouring and plant extracts for colour. Plus, you can call ahead to order personalised candies.

14.  Vienna Ring Tram

What is it? Trundling trams are as much of a feature of Viennese life as snowboots and teatime torte . The yellow ones do a full 25-minute circuit of the Ringstrasse boulevard – hop aboard and you’ll be able to spot some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Why go? It’s the easiest (and most wallet-friendly) way to see the sights and get your bearings. Board at the Schwedenplatz, pop on one of the special headsets and enjoy an audio tour of the route, which takes in the Vienna State Opera, the museums, the Imperial Palace, the Burgtheater and the University of Vienna.

Need more sightseeing inspiration?

The 15 best things to do in Vienna

Vienna has topped every quality of life survey going in recent years and it doesn’t take long to work out why. With clean air, a low crime rate and cheap, reliable public transport, tourists can benefit from a trip here as much as the locals.

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Must-see attractions in Vienna

Vienna's foremost opera and ballet venue, the neo-Renaissance Staatsoper, is one of the finest concert halls in the world. Even if you can't get tickets…

Stephansdom

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Schloss Belvedere

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Schloss Schönbrunn

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Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

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Kaiserappartements

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Oberes Belvedere

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Mozarthaus Vienna

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Karlskirche

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Naturhistorisches Museum

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Prater & East of the Danube

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Burgtheater

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University Main Building

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Vienna

One of the most visually stunning cities in Europe, Vienna is full of wonderful art and architecture, with countless museums, palaces, and elegant parks testifying to its wealth and beauty.

Both the capital and culture center of the country, Vienna was once the seat of the Hapsburg dynasty; the Emperors and Empresses were great patrons of the arts, sciences, and music. As such, there are loads of amazing art collections to explore.

Visiting the Vienna State Opera to watch a performance is simply a must when in the city, as Vienna is synonymous with famous composers such as Beethoven, Strauss, and Schoenberg.

A great and easy way to see many of the most famous tourist attractions in Venice in one go is to wander along the Ringstrasse taking in all the fantastic buildings as you go, before heading into the center of the city itself.

It is a city that represents refinement and culture to visitors, who will not lack for things to see and do:

25. State Hall (of the Austrian National Library)

Built in the eighteenth century, the stunning State Hall of the Austrian National Library needs to be seen to be believed; a wonderful statue of Emperor Charles VI, who commissioned it, stands at its center.

A delightful dome with fantastic frescoes lies above, and countless old tomes and books line the shelves; wonderfully carved wooden handrails, columns and banisters complete the refined look of the place.

A veritable feast for the eyes, the State Hall is definitely worth stopping by when in Vienna – you can almost feel the wealth of knowledge emanating from the bookshelves.

24. Naschmarkt

The most popular market in Vienna, the Naschmarkt is fun to wander around. Its plethora of stalls, stands, and shops sell everything from spices and vegetables to seafood, meats, and clothes. Trawling the lively market is a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Several cafes and restaurants here offer up Viennese classics, with Kaiserschmarrn and Palatschinken being particularly popular amongst tourists and locals alike. A great place to buy either souvenirs or fresh fruit and vegetables; the Naschmarkt has it all.

23. Parliament Building

Located on the Ringstrasse, the elegant Parliament Building was built in Greek Revival style. It is here that the Austrian Parliament holds its sessions.

Classic Greek architecture was decided upon due to democracy’s link with Ancient Greece; its brilliantly white columns and marvelous bronze statues are wonderful to behold, while the lovely Pallas Athene Fountain stands in the foreground of the building. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna, the Parliament Building is well worth visiting for its spectacular design and importance to the country.

22. Kaiserliche Schatzkammer

The Imperial Treasury is located at Hofburg Palace and its extensive collection of valuable treasures is dazzling. Its twenty-one rooms cover 1000 years of history. Among its many highlights are the Imperial Crown of Austria and the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire.

Divided into a secular and ecclesiastical collection, the crowns, scepters, and jewelry of the Kaiserliche Schatzkammer invariably astound visitors with the opulence and decadence on display.

21. Peterskirche

St. Peter’s Church (as it is known in English) is located on Petersplatz; numerous churches have existed on the site, with the earliest dating back to the Early Middle Ages. The current baroque church was completed in 1733 and is modeled on St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. While the interior is pretty, the undoubted highlight is its stunning interior, with its wonderful frescoes.

The pulpit, organ, and altar feature equally delightful artistry. What makes the church particularly great to visit is that it is largely hidden away behind the surrounding buildings and appears majestically before you as if out of thin air.

20. KunstHausWien

Designed by esteemed architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the KunstHausWien is mesmerizing to behold due to its eclectic exterior – sure to look unlike anything you’ve ever seen before; straight lines hardly feature at all.

The interior is equally bewitching to wander around with its undulating floors, and Hundertwasser’s art pieces are fascinating for their unique look and design. Temporary exhibitions mean that many local residents return time and time again to this special museum.

19. Stadtpark

Bordering the Ringstrasse, the large Stadtpark is divided in two by the Vienna River running through it. The park is a relaxing spot to head to if you’ve had enough sightseeing for one day. With numerous statues and monuments of renowned Viennese scattered about, visitors will come across such famous figures as the composer Strauss and the painter Schindler amidst the greenery on show.

Alongside the plethora of fauna and flora, a children’s park, concert hall and landscaped gardens make it well worth stopping by.

18. Stephansplatz

Located at the heart of the city, Stephansplatz is one of the most important squares in Vienna. The center of the square is dominated by the enormous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which towers to an impressive 136 meters. The mix of old and new architectural styles on show in Stephansplatz is dazzling.

With lots of shops, restaurants, and bars on offer nearby, as well as many attractions, most visitors to the city pass through at some point for the myriad of things that it has to see and do.

17. Naturhistorisches Museum

Vienna’s Natural History Museum is one of the most important of its kind in the world and is remarkably home to over 30 million objects.

The 39 exhibition rooms cover everything from precious stones and dinosaurs to prehistoric art and stuffed animals. Visitors will learn a lot from its fascinating displays and exhibits. Just as stunning as the extensive collection is the beautiful palace itself, featuring elegant galleries, staircases, and lobbies. Built in the late nineteenth century, the Natural History Museum is located on the Ringstrasse and is identical to the Kunsthistorisches Museum which lies directly in front of it.

16. MuseumsQuartier

An intriguing place to visit, the MuseumsQuartier boasts an intoxicating mix of art, architecture, culture, and leisure; one could spend a lifetime exploring all that it is has to offer. The beautiful buildings are home to numerous museums, artist studios, and cultural initiatives, while the exhibitions and festivals that it hosts draw yet more people to the complex.

With renowned art museums such as the Leopold Museum and the Kunsthalle Wien lying next to the Tanzquartier dance center and the Q21 artist’s group, MuseumsQuartier has a plethora of things for visitors to see and do.

15. Karlskirche

This wonderful baroque church is widely considered to be amongst the city’s most impressive buildings. Consequently, a visit to Karlskirche is a must when in Vienna.

Its beautiful dome is flanked by two columns and the dazzling white facade is adorned with angels from both the Old and New Testaments. Inside is just as fabulous, with a marvelous fresco covering the ceiling and an ornate altar and elegant canopy sitting alongside the towering marble columns. Commissioned by Emperor Charles VI, Karlskirche was completed in 1737 and dominates the huge Karlsplatz on which it lies.

Prater is a large public park located in Leopoldstadt. Its huge green spaces make it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. While many people visit to relax and unwind amongst the greenery, an amusement park, museum, and even a disco are situated within the park.

While wandering around the park, make sure to take a ride in the huge Ferris Wheel that towers over Prater – the views are breathtaking.

13. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Opened by Emperor Franz Josef I in 1891, the stupendous Museum of Art History (as it is known in English) is located on the Ringstrasse in a magnificent palatial building that dominates its surroundings.

The museum was established to house the Hapsburg’s extensive art collection, and the lavish interior is befitting of all of the wonderful masterpieces on show. Exploring the endless galleries is fascinating, and the list of renowned artists rolls off the tongue as you pass works by Caravaggio, Tintoretto, van Dyck, Raphael, Rembrandt, and Rubens.

12. Albertina

Located in Vienna’s Innere Stadt, the Albertina hosts an amazing collection of artworks, including drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

Once part of the city’s old fortifications, the Albertina has stood since the 17th century and was renovated into a palace before becoming an art museum. Home to one of the most extensive and important print rooms on Earth, the collection is wonderful to explore. Masterpieces by da Vinci, Bruegel the Elder and Toulouse-Lautrec are on display.

In addition to its delightful permanent collection, temporary exhibitions ensure that this is a place worth returning to for both locals and tourists.

11. Vienna State Opera

No visit to Vienna is complete without going to see an opera. The city is synonymous with the majestic art form and the Vienna State Opera is the perfect place to go and watch a performance.

Opened in 1869 on the Ringstrasse, much of the opera house was destroyed by a bomb during the Second World War and it was rebuilt in 1955 in the form of the elegant high Renaissance building we see before us today. The interior is equally opulent, with its marble staircases, luxurious lobbies and the breathtaking auditorium itself.

With numerous operas, ballets and classical concerts being performed daily, the Vienna State Opera has something for everyone to enjoy.

10. Wiener Rathaus

The Wiener Rathaus isn’t a place where visitors can eat wieners, though a notable restaurant serving Vietnamese delicacies is located on the premises. Rather, it serves as Vienna’s town hall, as well as the seat of government for the State of Vienna.

The Gothic-style building, constructed in the 1880s, features the Rathausmann that sits on top of the tower and is a symbol of Vienna. The Wiener Rathaus is currently undergoing an extensive renovation that is expected to be completed in 2023.

9. Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses that offers public performances in the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg. The Riding School calls these performances classical dressage, but most viewers would call it magic.

The school has been training horses like this for more than four centuries. The 68 stallions – their ancestors came from Spain – have trained and performed at the Winter Riding School since about 1735. Horses and riders both undergo special training that lasts for many years.

Graben is one of the most famous streets in central Vienna. The word Graben means “trench” in German, and dates back to an old Roman encampment in the Austrian capital. Back in those days, Vienna was surrounded by a city wall, with a trench alongside of it.

The trench was later filled in and became one of the first residential streets in Vienna. Craftsmen originally lived in wooden houses on the Graben, but it gradually evolved into a market place and later residences for the city’s elite. Today it is an up-scale shopping promenade, with many local specialties such as Wien Porzellan.

7. St Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom, had humble beginnings as a parish church in the 12th century. Today, it is the home church for the Catholic archbishop in Vienna. The church was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt in seven years, with worship services still held daily.

The cathedral, one of the city’s most important landmarks, reaches high into the Viennese skyline. Its impressive roof is covered by 230,000 glazed tiles. The cathedral has more than 18 altars, all built at different times, and contains precious works of art as well.

6. Burggarten

The Burggarten is a once-royal garden that is a bit of England in Vienna, as it is patterned after English gardens. The Burggarten was the court garden for the Hapsburg rulers. One Austrian ruler, Kaiser Franz II used to work in the garden, which is now a place where people can enjoy outdoor lunches on pleasant days.

A memorial to that great Austrian composer, Mozart, can be found in one corner of the garden, while the Palmenhaus, a magnificent glass palm house, is located in the northern part. The left part of the Palmenhaus houses the Schmettlerlinghaus where visitors can see tropical butterflies and even bats.

5. Ringstrasse

The Ringstrasse is a road, slightly more than 5 km (3 miles) long, that circles Vienna’s inner city. Ordered built by Emperor Franz Joseph in the mid-19th century, many of the most important buildings in Vienna line both sides of the street: palaces, museums and stately homes.

Buildings along the road include the State Opera, the Natural History Museum, City Hall and the Vienna Stock Exchange. The buildings represent various architectural styles, and are all considered architectural masterpieces. Construction of the Ringstrasse started in 1857, with the street opening in 1865.

4. Belvedere

The Belvedere is an integral part of Vienna’s historic scene, consisting of several palaces and an orangery that dates back to the late 17th century. It consists of the Baroque palaces, the Lower and Upper Belvedere; palace stables and the Orangery, all set in a Baroque-style park. Prince Eugene of Savoy had the complex built for this summer home.

During the French Revolution, the palaces served as home to French royalty fleeing their country. The Belvedere is stunning to look at during the night when it is all lit up, and well as provides great views of Vienna.

3. Hundertwasserhaus

The Hundertwasserhaus is a colorful apartment building near Vienna’s center in the Landstraße district. It is named after Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who developed the concept in the 20th century, with noted architect Krawina doing the building’s design.

Each of the 52 apartments is a different color; some just out from the building proper, with several trees covering the roofs, while more trees grow inside other units, their limbs sticking out windows. Construction on the innovative apartment building ended in 1985; today, it is an intrinsic part of Vienna’s cultural heritage.

2. Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace has played an integral part of the Austrian government scene since it was built in the 13th century. It has been home to some of Europe’s most powerful royalty over the centuries, including the Hapsburgs and rulers of the Holy Roman and Austro-Hungarian empires.

Today it is a museum and home to the president of Austria. The palace has numerous wings and halls built by various royalty over the centuries, but only three parts are open to the public today: the Imperial Apartments; the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Elizabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, and the Silver Collection, a collection of Imperial household objects.

24. Schonbrunn Palace

The 1,441 room Schönbrunn Palace, comparable in grandeur to Versailles, is one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. The palace was built between 1696 and 1712 at the request of Emperor Leopold I and turned into the imperial summer palace by Maria Theresa.

The Palace Park offers a lot of attractions, such as the Privy Garden, the oldest zoo in the world, a maze and labyrinth, and the Gloriette, a marble summerhouse, situated on top of a 60 meter (200 feet) high hill.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Vienna

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Visit Vienna: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in vienna: the 25 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Vienna during your next trip to Austria ? You’re looking for the best things to do in Vienna?

You’re at the right place!

Boasting grand palaces, numerous cool museums , and a historic city center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site , the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire has preserved all its glamour and splendor.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 25 best places to visit in Vienna , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Vienna in 1, 2, 3 or 4 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

And as always, this travel guide contains all my best tips to make the most of your stay.

So, what are the best things to do in Vienna? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Schönbrunn Palace

2. visiting the gardens of schönbrunn, 3. hofburg imperial palace, 4. belvedere palace, 5. stephansdom, vienna’s st. stephen’s cathedral, 6. take a cruise on the danube, 7. the vienna prater / vienna’s giant ferris wheel, 8. museumsquartier, 9. the staatsoper, vienna state opera, 10. going to a concert in vienna, 11. the naschmarkt, 12. visiting the albertina museum, 13. spanish riding school of vienna, 14. mozarthaus / mozart’s house, 15. vienna city hall, 16. the capuchin crypt, 17. guided tour in vienna, 18. shopping in vienna, 19. taking a break in a viennese café, 20. saint charles church, 21. hundertwasserhaus, 22. austrian national library, 23. the museum of art history, 24. day trips from vienna, how many days to visit vienna, exploring vienna in 1 day, best things to do in vienna in 2 days, exploring vienna in 3 day, best things to do in vienna in 4 days, visiting vienna in 5 days or more, where to stay in vienna, where to eat in vienna, how to get to vienna, vienna tourist map, you’re traveling in austria these articles will help you, visiting vienna: 25 must-see attractions.

Here’s a bit of advice before you dive into my list of the best things to do and see in Vienna.

To explore Vienna and its key attractions, you should really get the Vienna Pass .  It’s the best way to save time and money!

Here’s what’s included:

• Access to 70 must-see sites, monuments, and museums like Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and most of the spots I’ll be talking about.
• Unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides – 6 routes with 47 stops.

Depending on how long you’re staying in Vienna, you can choose between a 1, 2, 3, or 6-day pass .

To get your Vienna Pass, you simply need to click on the green button below :

The Schönbrunn Palace is definitely an unmissable sight during your stay in Vienna.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , often compared to the Palace of Versailles, it used to be the summer residence of the Habsburgs , the imperial Austrian family.

Today, you can join guided tours of this stunning 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its incredibly rich history!

Book a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace , including access to the interior and gardens, by clicking on the button below :

Check out the imperial apartments , the sumptuous state rooms , and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the former ruling class by visiting the intimate quarters of the emperors and empresses .

The grand gallery with its mirrors, towering windows, and exquisite frescoes is particularly breathtaking, as are the Chinese cabinets , lavishly decorated with priceless Chinese porcelain.

If you’re not up for the guided tour, don’t forget that the ticket for Schönbrunn is included in the Vienna Pass .

Best things to do in Vienna at night

Another cool thing I’d recommend doing at Schonbrunn is to attend a classical music concert in the famed Orangery .

This exceptional venue was once the host to grand court banquets. The concert features: Mozart’s most famous operas followed by Strauss’s waltzes

Don’t hesitate, make your Vienna visit unforgettable with a memorable night, and book your tickets now by clicking here .

At Schönbrunn Palace, I also recommend you amble around the extensive park. It’s over a kilometer long and one of the best places to stroll in Vienna!

On your walk through the gardens you’ll see:

• The Palm House , the last of its kind in Europe. Inside, you’ll find a recreation of various climates including cold, temperate, and tropical, creating optimal conditions for the diverse flora.
• The zoo (get your tickets here!) caused quite a stir in 1828 when it hosted the first giraffe on Austrian soil. It even started a “giraffe” fashion trend, complete with clothing, accessories, and hairstyles.
• The numerous fountains scattered throughout the park.
• The Vienna Imperial Carriage Museum (get your ticket here!) , a spectacular collection of carriages, ceremonial cars, and sleds frequently used by the royal family.

Admission to the buildings within the park, such as the zoo or the museum, is not included in the castle entry ticket.

That’s why I’ve provided links for you to buy your additional tickets separately if you wish to visit them. They are, however, included with the Vienna Pass.

Since the gardens of Schönbrunn are so big, there’s a miniature panoramic train that lets you tour the area and hop off whenever you want. You can get on and off as many times as you like at the 9 stops on the circuit .

To book your miniature train tour in the park, click here!

Let’s continue this Vienna tour with a visit to the iconic Hofburg Palace .

Just like Schönbrunn, Hofburg Palace is a must-visit attraction in Vienna that has served as the residence of the influential Austrian emperors for over six centuries!

With each emperor adding their personal touch with extensions here and there, today the palace is the largest in the city and arguably Vienna’s most imposing historical building .

During your visit, you’ll be amazed by the opulent imperial apartments , including highlights such as the lavish bedrooms , the intricate toilet and gym rooms, the magnificent salon of the empress , and the emperor’s elegant study .

Only part of the palace is accessible as it currently houses the offices of the presidential administration and several museums, including the Albertina museum (I’ll tell you more about it later).

Speaking of museums, I highly recommend you visit the museum dedicated to Empress Sisi .

It traces the entire (quite eventful) life of the famed empress up to her tragic assassination in Geneva. You’ll find many personal artifacts of hers as well as some of her most beautiful dresses and jewels .

Another wing of the palace also houses an impressive collection of silverware , gathering nearly 7,000 pieces of fine tableware .

The entrance fee to the palace includes visits to the royal apartments, the Sisi Museum and the silverware collection.

The visit is included in the Vienna Pass otherwise you can purchase the standalone ticket here:

The Belvedere Palace is the 3 rd must-see Baroque palace in Vienna . It actually consists of two palaces connected by a grandiose French-style garden .

In the first palace, situated in the Upper Belvedere , art enthusiasts will find the largest collection of works by the renowned Austrian painter Klimt , and also paintings by Monet and Van Gogh.

The Lower Belvedere, on the other hand, is used for setting up temporary exhibitions .

The visit is included in the Vienna Pass .

If you wish to skip the queues but don’t have the pass for visiting Vienna, you should get your skip-the-line tickets for the Belvedere Museum here :

The famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral sits on Vienna’s central square, Stephansplatz . It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Vienna .

Built from the 14th century on the ruins of an old church, the cathedral is a wonderful example of Baroque and Gothic architecture . Its colorful tiled roof showcasing the double-headed k.u.k eagle (kaiserlich und königlich, which means Imperial and Royal in German) and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria, is truly impressive.

Once inside the cathedral, you’ll be blown away by its stunning interior. Take a moment to admire the relics adorned with gold and other precious metals and explore the catacombs, where you’ll find the final resting spots of Emperor Frederick III and Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Finally, to cap off your visit beautifully, I recommend climbing the 343 steps to reach the Turmerstube which offers a stunning view over all of Vienna .

To make the most of your visit to the cathedral, you should get an all-inclusive ticket so you won’t have to queue at the entrance!

What’s even better is that this ticket not only grants you access to the stunning cathedral but also includes a visit to the cathedral museum and a fascinating guided tour of the catacombs. Book it clicking the button below:

Several nights a week, you also have the opportunity to attend a classical music concert held in Vienna Cathedral. However, it’s absolutely essential to book your seats in advance by clicking on this link !

Another great activity I have in store for you in this top 25 list of things to do and see in Vienna is a cruise along the legendary Danube River .

Embarking on a boat trip along the river will treat you to unforgettable vistas of Vienna that you won’t find anywhere else. Various options are offered in terms of duration.

The most popular one is the 1-hour outing that you can book by clicking the button below:

There’s also an option with lunch included :

You could also opt for a cruise with concert and romantic dinner .

Some cruises even include a visit to the Danube Tower (tickets available here), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its 150-meter-high observation platform.

Speaking of admiring the city from above, you can also book an exhilarating helicopter ride over Vienna !

You can find all the details about this activity by simply clicking here !

The Prater is a massive public park in Vienna that’s definitely worth a visit.

It’s particularly famous for housing another one of the city’s symbols, its Giant Ferris Wheel: the Riesenrad . Standing at a precise 64.75 meters high, it’s one of the oldest still-operational Ferris wheels in the world.

You’ll get to take a spin in one of the 15 wooden cabins in 20 minutes to catch a stunning panoramic view of the whole city .

You can buy your tickets directly here , but note that the ride is also included with the Vienna pass .

Besides the Ferris wheel, you’ll also find other rides in the park as it hosts a permanent fair with more than 250 attractions .

If you’re wondering what to do in Vienna with kids , this is a fantastic idea!

Another section of the park, known as the “ Green Prater ” is a haven for walkers and cyclists . It offers a plethora of pathways that invite you to explore its forests and meadows. And for those who don’t feel like walking, a small train will take you on a tour of the park .

To discover everything about the activities available in the Prater during your Vienna vacation, make sure to visit the official website .

If you’re a fan of museums, the MuseumsQuartier is a must-visit for you. It’s the best neighborhood for a bit of cultural tourism in Vienna .

Built on the site of the former imperial stables, this pedestrian area offers a variety of incredibly interesting museums spread over nearly 60,000 m². It’s also packed with restaurants, cafés, and bookstores.

Among Vienna’s most famous museums, be sure to visit (click on the orange links to book your tickets one by one):

• The Leopold Museum : it houses the world’s largest collection of works by Egon Schiele and a few works by Gustav Klimt (whose other works are exhibited at the Belvedere Palace).
• The MUMOK : the museum of modern art mainly focused on 20 th century art with works from Andy Warhol or Yoko Ono. It also features paintings by Pablo Picasso.
• The Kunsthalle Wien : focused on international contemporary art.

You’ll find the MuseumsQuartier map and the list of museums to visit right here .

It’s worth noting that access to all museums in the MuseumsQuartier is included with the Vienna city pass .

It’s simply unthinkable to visit Vienna without at least stopping by the Staatsoper, the iconic temple of classical music that showcases world-renowned operas and concerts.

If you have the time, I highly advise you to attend an opera performance at the Staatsoper . Contrary to popular belief, ticket prices aren’t that high considering the exceptional quality of the performance offered .

And if you don’t speak German, the language of most operas, no worries! You can easily activate subtitles in your preferred language during the performance.

The Staatsoper also offers live opera performances , especially during the months of April, May, and June . The performances are projected live on a giant screen in front of the Opera . A really great idea to allow everyone to enjoy, and it’s free !

Finally, the Vienna National Opera also organizes tours of the interior and behind-the-scenes on select days when there are no rehearsals. If you can’t afford to attend a performance, you can at least admire the place.

Head to the Staatsoper ticket counter 1.5 hours before the start of performances .

You can get tickets for less than €10 , but keep in mind that for this price, you’ll be required to stand at the back of the room for the duration of the 2 to 3-hour show.

There are also other Vienna venues known for their music performances, like the Musikverein , the Orangery at Schonbrunn Palace , and the Vienna Volksoper .

The prices are often lower than for the Staatsoper.

You can find the entire musical program in Vienna on this website .

I’ve also prepared a selection of the best concerts in Vienna for you just below. Click on the links for details and to book:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Musikverein
• A concert featuring 30 musicians from the Mozart Orchestra in the Musikverein’s Golden Hall
• A classical music concert in Vienna’s magnificent St. Peter’s Church
• A classical music concert performed by a string quartet at St. Anne’s Church
• A performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Charles Church
• Mozart and Strauss concert at Vienna’s Kursalon , a show with musicians, singers, and dancers.
• A concert by the Vienna Residence Orchestra , one of the world’s best chamber orchestras, at the Auersperg Palace.

You’re going to Vienna?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Vienna on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Vienna.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Vienna, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Vienna!

Still wondering what to do in Vienna ?

Look no further than the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s perennial market .

Open Monday to Saturday, it’s your go-to for all Austrian local products , but also goods from all over the world . Whether you crave Indian, Italian, Vietnamese, or other global delights, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice.

On Saturdays , there’s also a huge flea market where you can find nifty items or just something to clutter your house a little more!

The spot is lively and fun, boasting loads of cafes and restaurants . The DO-An and the Naschmarkt Deli are particularly well-known.

You can also book a culinary guided tour at the Naschmarkt . Your guide will lead you to the best stalls for tasting local and worldwide specialties .

The Albertina is situated in Vienna’s historical center and is one of the Hofburg Palace’s museums .

The museum showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions covering a period from the 15th century to the present day . You’ll find masterpieces by Cézanne, Picasso, Monet and even Chagall and Renoir .

Aside from these masterworks, your museum entry allows you to visit the 20 recently restored state rooms whose original furnishings will transport you back to the opulent times of the imperial family.

This is the must-visit museum in Vienna!

Priority access tickets can be purchased ahead of time with the button below :

As you can see, there’s a lot of museums to visit in Vienna . I’ve mentioned some of the popular ones that are widely known, but there are many more to discover out there!

• The Vienna Museum of Natural History , a fantastic museum that houses an impressive collection of artifacts. Discover the world’s oldest meteorites, marvel at dinosaur skeletons, and don’t miss the chance to see the Venus of Willendorf, a remarkable Upper Paleolithic limestone statuette.
• The Chocolate Museum , which displays an impressive collection of yummy chocolate sculptures. The museum also organizes workshops where you can create your own chocolate bars. You can book here (this includes the museum ticket too!)
• The House of Music , a museum on the history of Viennese classical music. An engaging and interactive experience that is anything but boring!
• The Torture Museum , focusing on the various corporal punishments enforced throughout the centuries
• The Museum of Technology , a captivating and well-executed museum that immerses you in the world of technological advancements.
• The Museum of Illusions, where you can capture mind-bending photos in various 3D settings. A brilliant idea for a kid-friendly visit in Vienna!
• The Vienna Jewish Museum and the Judenplatz Museum on the history and traditions of Jews in Austria
• The Vienna Madame Tussauds Museum , for selfies with your favorite stars.

Vienna’s Spanish Riding School is a long-standing institution. They’ve practiced the classic art of High School dressage since the Renaissance.

Even today, the school is a world-renowned dressage center . Riders train daily on their purebred Lipizzaner stallions . It takes years of training to achieve perfection.

Watching their morning training is one of the most popular tourist activities to experience in Vienna . The venue where the training takes place, the Imperial Winter Riding School , is truly a sight to behold. With its magnificent chandeliers and elegant balconies, the venue adds an extra touch of grandeur to the experience.

If you want to attend the morning training, you should book in advance using the button below :

Entry is included with the Vienna Pass.

You also have the possibility to:

• Take a guided tour of the riding school (click here)
• Attend one of their performances. Make sure to book well in advance by clicking here.

Next on this Vienna guide is Mozart’s house.

The famous composer lived at No. 5 Domgasse from 1784 to 1787. It’s the only one of Mozart’s Vienna dwellings that still exists today, out of the dozen where he lived.

You can visit the rooms of his apartment and step into the intimacy of this fascinating and brilliant artist. With a bit of imagination, you can even picture him in the place where he composed one of his most beautiful operas: The Marriage of Figaro .

Tickets for the visit to Mozart’s house can be purchased here if you don’t have the Vienna Pass. The English audioguide is included.

If you’ve decided to explore Vienna on foot, I recommend passing by Vienna’s city hall, or Rathaus . You can’t miss it, its tall tower of nearly 100 meters topped by the Rathausmann (the iron man) is a city emblem .

Thanks to its neo-gothic style, the building stands out as the most significant non-religious structure in Vienna .

Constructed between 1872 and 1883, the construction of the building required an astounding amount of materials. They used nearly 30 million bricks and approximately 40,000 cubic meters of stones to bring the imposing structure to life. Its inner courtyard is one of the largest in Europe and it boasts a grand ballroom.

The Rathaus is the seat of Vienna’s municipality and thus houses the offices of the mayor and his advisors. Guided tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm without reservation.

Throughout the year, Rathausplatz, the square in front of the city hall , hosts a plethora of events.. Don’t hesitate to stop by during your Vienna tour .

If you’ve decided to visit Vienna in winter , you’ll find there the Christmas market , the screening of the Vienna New Year’s concert and even a skating rink in January and February.

If you have an interest in learning about imperial Vienna, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, also known as Kaisergruft .

The crypt is located beneath the Capuchin Church and houses many tombs of the Habsburg imperial family .

In total, 149 family members are buried there, including 19 empresses and 12 emperors . And this is where you’ll find Empress Sisi’s tomb .

And once again, your Vienna Pass will allow you free entry! Otherwise, you also have the option to buy it in advance by clicking here !

Why not explore Austria’s capital with a guided tour ?

It’s hands down the best way to learn about the history of the place and its monuments !

And you’re in luck, one of the best guided tours is available with an English-speaking guide . You’ll have the choice of duration, between 2 to 6 hours , and your guide will craft a custom itinerary based on your interests.

They’ll even meet you directly at your accommodation!

To book an English-speaking guided tour of Vienna , click the button below:

If you’re not up for a walking tour, no worries, there’s loads of other cool and original options in Vienna :

• A 3-hour Segway tour of Vienna in a small group. No problem if you’ve never done it before, you’ll pick it up quickly!
• A 2-hour guided tour in a Hotrod , a single-seater car (driver’s license required)
• A 3-hour guided bike tour
• A 60-minute guided electric bike tour
• A horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town to admire the architecture of the monuments while you imagine yourself as a nobleman. Perfect for a romantic activity in Vienna!
• A sightseeing tour of Vienna in a retro electric car . You can choose from various durations for the ride.

And if you prefer a quirky guided tour in Vienna , I especially recommend:

• A Ghost Tour: a nighttime walking tour on the theme of ghosts, witches, and vampires. You’ll learn all about Vienna’s scariest stories!
• A tour of the Vienna underground with a visit to the archaeological site of Michaelerplatz and the crypt of Saint Michael’s Church where nearly 4,000 people were buried.
• A guided tour of the central cemetery in Vienna where numerous local celebrities are buried.
• A scavenger hunt through the city where you’ll follow clues and solve riddles. To be downloaded to your phone.

Fancy a bit of shopping in Vienna ?

No problem, you’ll find everything you need and don’t need on Graben and Karntner streets .

Graben Street is the most popular for shopping with its skillful mixture of modern and traditional shops . It’s Vienna’s busiest pedestrian street.

Be sure to look up from your bags occasionally to admire the stunning architecture of the buildings that line it.

Karntner is also a major pedestrian shopping street in Vienna . It runs from Stephansplatz to Karlsplatz . It’s a must-visit in Vienna for shopping fans.

And there you have it, snack time has (finally) arrived, it’s time to head to one of Vienna’s famous cafes to taste the local specialties. The culture of Viennese cafés is even part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage !

The cream of the crop , my friends, are these establishments:

• Get a taste of Café Sperl’s apple strudel. It’s worth every bite.
• At Café Sacher, you can’t miss their homemade Sachertorte, a delightful chocolate cake.
• Then there’s Hawelka, one of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses.
• Café Central is another place worth your time, known for its selection of homemade pastries.

To sample 3 types of Viennese coffee along with various pastries, why not tour the best coffee houses with a guide ? Drinks and pastries are, of course, included!

Book this 2.5-hour tour directly by clicking here!

During your excursion to Vienna , I’d strongly suggest you to take a leisurely walk around Karlsplatz , where you’ll discover the magnificent St. Charles Church (or Karlskirche as the locals call it).

Commissioned in 1713 by none other than Emperor Charles VI himself as a celebration marking the end of the pesky plague epidemic, this church stands as a pretty impressive specimen of Baroque architecture . Between you and me, it’s rather photogenic.

Surprisingly, inside the church, a panoramic elevator takes you up close to the beautiful ceiling frescoes to admire the minute details. Don’t hesitate to try it out, I’m not sure this exists anywhere else.

The church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday and during holidays from 12pm to 7pm.

You can also attend a Mozart Requiem in the church on some winter evenings. Info and reservations right here !

The Hundertwasserhaus is an unusual sight to visit in Vienna .

The building was constructed by architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser , who, let’s admit it, had rather unique tastes.

With its multicolored facade, its strange floors, and its green walls, it’s not really describable – you’ll have to see it for yourself!

You won’t be able to enter, but there’s a café on the ground floor that shows a film in which the architect himself gives a tour of his work.

The building is located at 37-39 Kekelgasse Street .

Near Hundertwasserhaus, you can also visit the Kunst Haus Wien, the Hundertwasser Museum , which showcases several of his works and also features an unconventional building design.

Entrance is included in the Vienna pass but you can also purchase a single ticket directly here !

The Austrian National Library is the largest Baroque library in Europe . So, I highly recommend you pop by during your Vienna escapade .

The library houses an impressive 7 million works, books and papyruses !

Besides being the biggest, the library also boasts one of the most beautiful rooms in the world, the State Hall .

With its 80 meters length and 20 meters height, its dome adorned with frescoes and a collection of 200,000 old volumes , the hall is truly jaw-dropping.

Entry is free with your Vienna Pass .

The Museum of Art History, or Kunsthistorisches Museum , is one of the city’s most prestigious cultural edifice.

Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph to house his personal collections, the museum today exhibits an extensive collection of works by Rubens, Vermeer, and Rembrandt .

The “ cabinet of curiosities “, Kunstkammer in German, also located within the museum, showcases one of the world’s most extravagant collections of priceless artifacts , many of which were once the pride and joy of the Habsburgs.

To avoid hours of waiting, consider grabbing your skip-the-line entries right here or purchasing the Vienna Pass .

Best things to do around Vienna

If you’ve decided to jet off to Vienna for a few days , you could also take the opportunity to explore the surroundings .

I’ve compiled for you my list of the top things to do around Vienna .

Setting out from Vienna , you’ve got plenty of options if you’re in the mood to venture on a day trip into the neighboring countryside.

Conveniently, they all come with return transportation from Vienna and a friendly guide for the day.

I’ve selected the best ones for you below. All you need to do is click on the orange links to access the information, the rates, and proceed to booking :

• From Vienna: Wachau and Danube Valleys excursion – Bus tour exploring the scenic valleys around Vienna + 1-hour cruise along the charming Danube + a visit to the renowned Melk Abbey .
• Visit to the Salzkammergut Lake Region + Guided tour of the picturesque village of Hallstatt . The day also includes a visit to Admont Abbey .
• From Vienna: Salzburg Tour – Discover Mozart’s birthplace during a guided tour of the main points of interest.
• A Day at Hallstatt with a trip to the panoramic observation platform
• Visit 3 family-owned vineyards with wine tastings + 1 traditional lunch or dinner
• Excursion to Bratislava, Slovakia . The two cities are only 60 km apart, which is a great idea for a day trip around Vienna. The journey there is by bus and the return is by catamaran on the Danube. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town during a guided tour.
• Excursion to Budapest from Vienna – Spend the day exploring the capital of Hungary.
• Excursion to Prague from Vienna – Take a day to visit the Czech capital!

From Vienna, you can also reach Graz in 2h15 by car .

In Graz, I suggest you visit:

• The Schlossberg , the city’s highest point offering a superb panorama
• The Hauptplatz, the main square from where all the main shopping streets start
• The Landeszeughaus, a museum whose collection of weapons and armors is one of the most impressive in the world
• St. Giles Cathedral in Graz

To learn more about places to visit in Graz , you should read my detailed article: Best things to do and see in Graz !

You’ve probably noticed, there’s a heap of things to see in Vienna . Most visits can easily take you 2 to 3 hours, which quickly limits the number of places you can visit in a day.

So, I suggest you stay a minimum of 4 days in Vienna if you want to cover the must-sees without rushing and while allowing for some Viennese coffee breaks!

If you’re plotting to hang around Vienna for 5, 6 days, or even a whole week, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to embark on a few day trips in and around the city .

Here are 2 tips to save money during your stay in Vienna:

For those looking to zip around Vienna using public transport , you should grab the Vienna City Card ( available right here ), starting from just €13.90 for a day. They’ve also got 48h and 72h options . You’ll be able to get around freely by metro, bus, and tramway!

And don’t forget the one that I’ve already mentioned, the Vienna Pass . Not only does this gem offer unlimited access to hop-on-hop-off buses, but it also grants you entry to around sixty of Vienna’s must-see sights . Sounds pretty good, right?

Book your Vienna city pass using the button below:

If you’re looking to squeeze all of Vienna into one day, here’s my itinerary:

• Kick things off with a visit to the splendid Schönbrunn Palace .
• Lunch break at the Naschmarkt
• Swinging by St. Charles’s Church
• Strolling through the historic center to admire landmarks like the Opera House and the Rathaus
• Wrapping up the day with a climb up the tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to soak in the sunset over the city.

To make the most of Vienna in 1 day, you might also consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour if you don’t fancy doing a lot of walking. Some tours even throw in a boat ride , which could be a lovely little addition to your Viennese venture.

Catch your hop-on hop-off bus tickets for Vienna right here !

To visit Vienna in 2 days , just stick to the one-day itinerary and add:

• Attending the Spanish Riding School’s morning exercise
• Touring the Hofburg Palace
• Lunch break
• Taking in the awe-inspiring Vienna National Library
• Exploring the Albertina Museum
• Catching an opera or a classical music concert .

For a 3-day trip to Vienna , follow the two-day itinerary and include:

• A wander around the MuseumsQuartier where you’ll have a tough choice to make between popping into the MUMOK or the Leopold Museum .
• Lunching at one of the many restaurants in the area
• Heading down into the Capuchin Crypt to see the tombs of the emperors and Empress Sisi
• Stopping by the Hundertwasserhaus
• Rounding off the afternoon at the Prater with a Ferris Wheel ride at sunset.

For a 4-day trip to Vienna, use the 1, 2, and 3-day tour itineraries and add:

• Visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Shopping spree down Karnten and Graben streets
• Discovering Mozart’s house
• Taking a ride along the Danube and heading up the Donauturm, the Danube Tower .

If you’re planning a 5-day or longer stay in Vienna , you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surroundings .

For example, you could go on one of the day trips I mentioned in point 23 of this article.

• Wombat’s CITY Hostels Vienna – Naschmarkt : Youth hostel located next to the Naschmarkt. Dormitory beds from €25. Strong points: Perfect location to reach the main points of interest on foot, cleanliness, spacious rooms.
• Leonardo Hotel Vienna: Located 100 meters from a shopping street with restaurants and shops, and 5 minutes by metro from the historical center. Comfortable and spacious double room from €80, breakfast at €13. Strong points: The good breakfast, the location, close to the metro, the cleanliness.
• Motel One Wien-Staatsoper : Located in the heart of the old city, within walking distance of all the tourist sites and the main museums. Warm and modern double room from €130 per night, breakfast at €11. Strong points: Excellent location, the superb bedding, the great breakfast and room decor. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money !
• Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront : Situated on the banks of the Danube, not far from the Prater and 5 minutes by metro from the historical center. Spacious double room with a sitting area and some with a river view from €150, breakfast at €26. Strong points: The outdoor pool, the very friendly staff, location and tranquility.
• Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof : Nestled next to the Hofburg Palace, this 5-star spot offers cozy and modern rooms starting from €230, with breakfast at an additional €32. Strong points: The tranquil Spa, the friendly staff, and its unbeatable location. This one’s my top pick for a high-end stay in Vienna!
• Grand Hotel Wien : Another 5-star hotel, just a 3-minute walk from Vienna Opera House. Expect spacious and comfortable rooms with classic-style furniture starting from €300 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: the Spa, the superb 1-star Michelin restaurant, and the peaceful ambiance of the hotel.
• Hotel Sacher Wien : This is Vienna’s iconic hotel, right across from the Opera House. It welcomes you with stunning and luxurious rooms featuring heated floors, marble bathrooms, and a perfect blend of modernity and vintage furniture. Starting at a cool €430. Strong points: the little perks, attentive staff, and central location. The best hotel in Vienna for a luxury stay !

Next up, I’ve got a selection of apartments I simply couldn’t decide between – they’re all pretty similar in terms of amenities and budget. Prices range from €110 to €140 a night, including cleaning fees. All of them modern, fully equipped and in great locations.

• Vienna Mariahilfer Apartment : A sprawling 70m² for just €110 a night.
• Apartments Spittelberg Gardegasse : Starting from €120 a night.
• HeyMi Apartments in City Center : A range of apartments, each more spectacular than the last, starting from €130 a night. A big thumbs up for their value for money !
• HeyMi Apartments Opernring : Run by the same folks as above, but set in a different neighbourhood.

• Plachutta: This restaurant, just a stone’s throw from Mozart’s house (but there are several others in Vienna), comes highly recommended. Try the typical Austrian cuisine in a really cozy atmosphere. Their tafelspitz, a sort of long-simmered pot roast served with a plethora of sides, is a house speciality. And it’s seriously hearty! Reservation recommended.
• Zum Alten FassL : Located at Ziegelofengasse 37. This typical Viennese restaurant offers great traditional dishes at a very reasonable price. And as a bonus, you get to enjoy your meal in a beautiful courtyard.
• Le burger : Located at Mariahilfer Strasse 114. No local specialties here, but a really tasty burger for a real bargain! Excellent quality buns, tender meat, homemade fries, and a super warm ambiance. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch.

Stefanie Restaurant is another Viennese institution , tucked away in the city’s oldest hotel , open since the 17th century! They serve traditional dishes only like goulash, Wiener Schnitzel, and the must-try apple strudel (Austrian pancakes) for dessert.

Tip: Make sure you arrive hungry because the portions are massive!

Reservations are a must , and you can book your 7-course meal + 3 drinks by clicking here :

The Hard Rock Café is also a bit of an institution in Vienna, and you should definitely check it out at least once during your stay! The only problem, is the long line at the entrance… …

But that was before 😉.

It’s now possible to reserve your spot in advance by prepaying a menu. You’ll have the privilege of walking by with a smug smile at all the other patrons who didn’t read Voyage Tips and are stuck in line! 😃

All you have to do is click the button below :

Vienna is approximately 2 hours away by plane from France . Many European national and low-cost airlines offer several round trips a day.

Top tip: It’s also worth checking prices to land in Bratislava , Slovakia’s capital, which is only 60 km away from Vienna . The two cities are connected by a bus line , so it’s super easy to get to Vienna while saving on the cost of the flight!

And even more fun than the bus, there are also transfers between Vienna and Bratislava by catamaran. Info and bookings here !

Compare all the flight offers now with Skyscanner. Once on the results page, don’t hesitate to compare several websites to make sure no fees are added to the final prices.

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Vienna listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 25 things to do. You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left corner.

So, what exciting places are on your itinerary for Vienna ?

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: One week in Austria – The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
• Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
• Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
• Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
• Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
• Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 2 comments.

Is the WienMobile EasyCityPass the best public transport option for Vienna? We will be buying the Vienna Pass, as per your recommendation, for the bulk of our sightseeing, but we want to know what is the best general public transport option outside of Vienna Pass usage. I love your site. It is my favorite!

Hello Thomas,

Thanks a lot! I’m glad that my guide with the best things to do in Vienna helps you to organise your visits.

For the best public transport option, it will depend on the length of your stay in Vienna. You can look at this page which summarises all the options with fares: Wien Mobil .

Enjoy your trip to Vienna!

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20 Must-Visit Attractions in Vienna, Austria

Famous for its classical music and opera, Vienna is home to spectacular architecture and rich cultural offerings with an undeniable charm. Brimming with ornate palaces, traditional coffee houses, art galleries and museums, the city is the jewel in Austria’s crown.

This former seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire boasts spectacular buildings in various architectural styles, ranging from Baroque to Art Deco and the colourful, modern Hundertwasserhaus. Experience the beauty of the city, while staying at one of its best hotels , with Culture Trip’s guide to the must-visit attractions in Vienna.

1. Belvedere Palace

2. Golden Hall

Concert Hall, Building

One of Vienna’s most respected concert halls, the Golden Hall invites guests to a two-hour concert by local and international opera singers. Here, you’ll be able to listen to the likes of Mozart and Strauss performed by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra in a 19th-century Neoclassical building.

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4. St Stephen’s Cathedral

5. Schönbrunn Palace

Amusement Park, Park

The Prater is perhaps best known for its iconic Ferris wheel, which has featured in films such as Before Sunrise (1995), The Third Man (1949) and James Bond’s The Living Daylights (1987). Built in 1897, the historic Riesenrad offers sweeping views over Vienna. If the funfair rides and attractions of the Prater amusement park do not appeal, nearby are acres of woods and meadows with many hiking trails, bike paths, cafés, sporting facilities and playgrounds. The five-kilometre (three-mile) tree-lined Hauptallee route through the Prater is particularly popular with joggers and cyclists.

7. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Library, Museum

8. Spanish Riding School

Dazzling white Lipizzaner horses are famous around the world for their balletic performances to classical music. Dressage performances take place in Vienna’s Spanish Riding School , located in the glamorous setting of the Hofburg, the former principal imperial palace of the Hapsburgs. In the morning, watch as the horses exercise to build up their strength to perform pirouettes and jumps at the afternoon performances.

9. Natural History Museum

10. Hundertwasserhaus

Building, Museum

For a complete change of scenery from Habsburg grandeur, visit Vienna’s Hundertwasserhaus near the Danube Canal in the 3rd district. Designed by the eccentric and visionary Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this colourful, undulating social housing development has a forest of trees planted on its roof and barely a straight line in sight. Nearby is the Museum Hundertwasser, where you can find out more about Hundertwasser’s work, philosophy and beliefs, from art and architecture to environmentalism.

11. Danube Tower

Building, Park

12. Sigmund Freud Museum

Stroll around in Vienna’s 9th district until you reach Berggasse 19, the former house and office of Sigmund Freud. Giving a glimpse into the Austrian neurologist’s life, the museum houses original furnishings throughout the various rooms. Existing exhibits showcase Freud’s work, including signed copies and first editions.

13. Austrian National Library

14. Naschmarkt

A visit to Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt is a must for both food lovers and those interested in Secessionist architecture. The outdoor market features a lively collection of over 100 stalls selling an array of spices, meats, dried and fresh fruits, cheese and many other delicacies. Dating back to the 16th century, the market is surrounded by gorgeous buildings of the Secessionist movement, including Otto Wagner’s Majolica and gold-leaf houses.

15. Haus des Meeres

Aquarium, Architectural Landmark

Housed in a World War II flak tower in the hip Mariahilf district, Vienna’s Haus des Meeres aquarium offers you the chance to see the city from its viewing platform. A staggering 10,000 sea and land animals are housed within 11 stories of the building, with examples of coral reef, Amazon rainforest and tropical habitats. As the largest aquarium in Austria, it’s home to monkeys, birds, crocodiles and more, as well as sharks swimming in a 300,000-litre (79,252-gallon) pool.

16. Leopold Museum

17. Albertina Museum

For a stunning collection of Modernist art in a former Habsburg palace, visit the Albertina Museum to view the world-renowned Batliner Collection, which features artists such as Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec and Gauguin, as well as Picasso’s early Cubist works. Located in the beating heart of the 1st district, the Albertina is home to one of the world’s most impressive graphic art collections and has 20 staterooms spread across two floors.

18. Burggarten

Library, Park

19. Vienna State Opera

Opera House

20. Schönbrunn Zoo

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The 12 best things to do in Vienna

By Rick Jordan

The shy and retiring Austrian city has got its attitude back and is now moving to a new beat, as maverick architects, bohemian foodies and spray-can radicals take to the streets. With a clutch of  grande dame hotels – and  a recent five-star opening that had the neighbourhood talking – it’s easy to see why travellers put this city top of their European bucket list. Here we round up the best things to do in Vienna right now.

1. Get arty at the Museumsquartier

We’ve got the Habsburgs to thank for so much grand-scale venue space in  Vienna – their former imperial stables are now home to the city’s main art hub, known as MQ and containing nine main museums. And while there are other galleries in town, this is the place to head if you have limited time on your hands and a preference for modern and contemporary art. The Leopold, with its white-cube architecture, is a favourite for its works from the modernist Vienna of the early 20th century, with a large collection of fleshy Schiele paintings, several by Klimt (though  The Kiss can be seen at the Belvedere museum) and bold-lined Wiener Werkstätte designs. MUMOK, meanwhile, is a brilliantly curated contemporary gallery that draws together Pop Art from Warhol and Claes Oldenburg along with chaotic, radical 60s movements such as as Vienna Actionism and Fluxus, with works by Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, Duchamp and Rauschenberg along with a growing collection of photographic and video works. At ZOOM, meanwhile, children up to the age of 14 can get experimental with animation, painting and glue, with an ocean-themed room for younger children complete with water grotto, mirror tunnel and a ship’s deck. Insider tip: take the lift to the top of the Leopold Museum for a rooftop drink.

Address:   Museumsquartier, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria Website: www.mqw.at

2. Cool off in the Danube

In summer 2022, when temperatures sizzled upwards, there was only one thing to do: find some cold water and jump into it as soon as you could. There’s a few ways of doing this in Vienna. You could pack your  swimming costume and head to one of several private  swimming pools such as the smart Schönbrunner Bad, in the grounds of the grand Schönbrunn Palace, or KrapfenwaldBad, which has the best views over the city but can get crowded. There’s also a healthy lido culture, best experienced at Gänsehäufel, a little island on Alte Donau (that’s the Old Danube) that has wave machines, splashy children’s playgrounds, a diving pool, tree cover and lots of access to the river itself – with entry points lined with flat stones so you don’t have to wade through gloopy mud. And the Alte Donau itself, which once formed part of the river but is now a lake (get there via the U1 metro), is great for hiring a pedalo, SUP or boat – try Marina Hofbauer or Eppel – which you can then jump off from. If you want to channel ‘Club Tropicana’, hire one of the ‘island’ pedalos which have ladders at the back and tropical foliage to sip cocktails behind.

3. Go for a ride in the Wurstel Prater

Most amusement parks are generally to be avoided by all but the masochistic but not the Prater. It’s set amid tree-shaded greenery – great for cycling around, so consider bike hire – on what was once the Habsburg’s hunting ground and is home to the famous Riesenrad, the giant, 65-metre-high ferris wheel built in 1897 and which played a leading role in  The Third Man  (and lesser-celebrated 007 film  The Living Daylights ). And while there are many modern rides that spin you round and drop you from dizzy heights, the park generally has a gentle, vintage character – a little like Copenhagen ’s Tivoli Gardens. Vintage lovers should seek out antique rides such as the pony carousel, the denim-clad cowboy hedgehogs of the Fifties-era Mecky Express, the Liliputbahn from the 1920s and one of the world’s oldest ghost trains, dating to 1948. Entrance is free but take cash as you’ll need it to buy tokens for rides and games. Amusement park aficionados should also seek out Böhmischer Prater, which is quieter and well pitched for younger children.

Address:   Wurstel Prater, 1020 Vienna, Austria Website: praterwien.com

4. Drink wine in a Viennese vineyard

Remember all that fuss about  hygge ? The Viennese have long had their own version of affable cosiness,  Gemütlichkeit , best experienced in one of the city’s heurigen, or wine taverns. Much has been written about the city’s café culture, but heurigen are just as central to the Viennese character – little snapshots of the 17th and 18th centuries, they tend to be wood-lined dens with vine-covered courtyards and, more often than not,  moustachioed men in lederhosen playing accordion and fiddles. Traditional, yes, but also long-standing champions of vine-to-glass drinking, much of it biodynamic. Vienna is the only capital city in the world with serious vineyards within the city limits and with Austrian wine the best it’s ever been, that goes for Viennese varieties too. In central Vienna, visit the vaulted Gigerl and order a glass of Zweigelt red or citrusy Gemischter Satz along with a plate of local sausage, pickles, sauerkraut and cheeses – but this should only serve as a primer for the real experience further out. The 38 tram drops you in Grinzing, for example, a short walk from village vineyards such as Mayer am Nussberg where tables and loungers are set in the fields during the summer for long, slow wine-tasting with views over the city. 

5. See The Third Man at the cinema

For such a classic city, there are surprisingly few globally known films set on its streets, but two will always linger in the mind. Richard Linklater’s 1995 indie hit Before Sunrise is a compellingly slow-burn girl-meets-boy romance set across a single day before Jessie (Ethan Hawke) flies back to the USA . Easy enough to take a self-guided walking tour through most of its locations – from Schallplattenhandlung record shop to  Maria-Theresien-Platz – though some have changed. And while Carol Reed’s 1949 film-noir  The Third Man , is constantly referenced in relation to Vienna, have you actually seen it? Would you recognise the zither theme by Anton Karas, and be able to recite Orson Welles’ famous Cuckoo Clock speech in the Prater Park ferris wheel? If that means nothing to you or everything, go and see it: it’s regularly shown at the lovely little Burg Kino cinema. After all, seeing a movie abroad is a treat in itself, isn’t it?

Address:   Burg Kino, Opernring 19, 1010 Vienna, Austria Website:   burgkino.at/movie/third-man

6. Take a tour of the city by tram

Every city has a bus or tram route that acts as an  unofficial guided tour. London has the 73 bus route from Stoke Newington to Victoria, which takes in Hyde Park and other central hits; in Vienna it’s all about the red-and-white Tram D. Rattling between the 10th and 19th districts, from the main station to what are almost villages (Vienna can get rural surprisingly quickly). Stepping on at the Hauptbahnhof, the route takes you past Belvedere palace – baroque former residence of Prince Eugene and now home to an impressive art collection – onto the Ringstrasse and past the State Opera then onward past the Burgtheater and Parliament to the 9th district with its clusters of independent hipster shops. You could alight here or stay on and see the fortress-like Karl Marx Hof, an enormous social housing project built in the 1930s by a student of Otto Wagner. Stay on till the end of the line and you can get off and walk to Mayer am Pfarrplatz, a wine tavern where Beethoven once drank. Not bad for two euros 30, though it’s best to pick up a Vienna City Card if you’re planning on seeing a lot of the city – available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Website:   viennacitycard.at

7. Meet the Habsburgs in an underground crypt

There’s an underground world in Vienna, ranging from the sewers seen in  The Third Man , which can be visited on tours at times, and the catacombs lurking below St Stephen’s Cathedral – a series of crypts dating back to the 14th century including ossuaries of neatly stacked bones that you can peep into. The best show curated by the grim reaper, though, can be found at the Capuchin Crypt below the tiny wood-lined Santa Maria church near Neuer Markt in the city centre. This is where most of the Habsburg dynasty ended up after shuffling off this mortal coil – 149 of them, spanning four centuries, with the remains of empresses and queens, Holy Roman emperors and princes residing in elaborate sarcophagus. Some of the remains anyway – they tended to be distributed between three separate crypts, omnipresent in death as well as life. Particularly fine is the tomb of Marie Theresa and Franz Stephan, decorated with scenes from their life along with the requisite grinning death’s head wearing a crown. Ideal for any designers of Iron Maiden or Sepulchre album covers, this is wonderfully macabre – a memento mori history lesson into Austria’s imperial past. 

Address:   Capuchin’s Crypt, Tegetthoffstraße 2, 1010 Wien, Austria Website:   kapuzinergruft.com

8. Get regal at Schönbrunn Palace

The 19th-century Elisabeth, Empress of Austria, more affectionately  known as Sisi, has always been a royal pin-up in Austria, her face adorning chocolate boxes and tea towels, but is having even more of a moment right now. Heralded as an undiscovered feminist icon by some, and the Princess Di or Meghan Markle of her time by others, she’s the subject of two films and a brace of TV series, including 2022 Netflix show  The Empress,  depicting her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I aged just 16. So the palace where she lived feels particularly pertinent right now, despite being one of the city’s most obvious attractions. You could time your visit to coincide with one of the markets held in the palace courtyard for  Christmas , New Year and Easter, or for one of the summer concerts held by the Wiener Philharmoniker in the Orangery, where Mozart and Salieri used to perform. But otherwise, get here early and spend most of the day exploring the grounds and palace, perhaps even filming your own recreation swirling beneath the Gloriette arches and around the Neptunbrunnen fountain. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this is Vienna’s Versaille, a Baroque masterpiece.

Address:   Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria Website:   schoenbrunn.at

Connor Sturges

Tabitha Joyce

Olivia Morelli

Sarah Rodrigues

9. Do a figure of eight in winter

Vienna’s a beautiful city to visit during the winter, full of cosy cafés to stay warm in over a creamy hot chocolate (try for a seat at Cafe Schwarzenberg) and hearty, rib-sticking food such as gulasch and tafelspitz. For a snapshot of sheer winter-wonderland delight, head to the Town Hall Square which, between  January and  March every year, is turned into a meandering ice skating park known as the Viennese Ice Dream. It’s evolved over the years and now runs over two levels, linked by icy runways around the trees, with DJs and live music, and a small winter market selling punch, tea and snacks. Several smaller rinks spiral off the main ones, including one for young children – those whose technique involves clutching onto the side and making flailing forays out and back may be tempted to use these too. Book ahead online to avoid the queue – there are lockers for bags and shoes. You could try this in summer, too, of course, but may get a few odd looks.

Address:   Wiener Eistraum, 6965+3J, 1010 Wien, Austria Website:   wienereistraum.com

10. Go on a street-art safari along the Donau Canal

Yes, Vienna has the Danube, the blue Danube, but it also has the Donaukanal, a stretch of water (not a canal) that breaks off the main river, moseys around town and then rejoins the Danube in the east. And for those who still think Vienna is all about neoclassical architecture and opera, here’s the flipside. Walking or cycling along its banks you’ll see one of the biggest urban canvases for street art, sprayed on walls and under bridges and drawing international names, along with summer pop-up beach bars (Tel Aviv beach bar for house, Adria for a more indie vibe) and sound systems, community gardens and the Donaukanaltreiben Festival in June . Look out for the Motto am Fluss restaurant next to the little port from where hydrofoils glide off to Bratislava, the Badeschiff Wien with its onboard swimming pool, the Zaha Hadid Haus and the dome of the Urania Observatory. Or just make like the locals and sit on the edge with a beer, legs dangling over the water.

11. See a concert in Konzerthaus

As the city of Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Vienna has some of the best buskers in the world, many of them having trained at a classical conservatoire, while walking down the street you’ll hear snatches of opera and strains of violin floating out of windows. You may also be stalked by touts in Mozart wigs and red waistcoats selling tickets for tourist concerts but ignore them and buy tickets for the Konzerthaus instead. While the State Opera or Musikverein, home to the Philharmonic, are the obvious choices, the Konzerthaus is set in an equally beautiful Art Nouveau building and is a little less known to visitors. It opened in 1913 with a specially written work by Strauss and has kept the standard up ever since, with a programme that mixes classical with jazz and contemporary.

Address:   Konzerthaus, Lothringerstraße 20, 1030 Wien, Austria Website:   konzerthaus.at

12. Go shopping in Burggasse

Vienna is divided into various numbered districts, and the 7th is one of the best areas to go shopping in, dipping into the various independent shops and then heading to a bar or café afterwards. It’s close to the Museumsquartier, so you can head here after a culture fix – it’s particularly good for vintage, as well as contemporary Austrian design. Highlights include Burggasse 24, a café/bar with an extensive vintage clothing collection, Uppers & Downers, which curates vintage fashion along with new accessories and shoes, and the Eigensinnig Wien concept store, which has its own-brand, all-black clothing label. Other favourites are Die Sellerie for stationery, ceramics and art prints, and the Wine Rebellion shop for a different kind of Austrian label.

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Visiting Vienna

Vienna’s Top 10 things to see

The Vienna Tourist Board once provided the media (people like me) with statistics on the most popular attractions in the city. According to their numbers, these were the top 10 sights.

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• Book tickets online * for Vienna’s top attractions

The ranking is a little old but probably not too far off the truth. However, you might prefer to take a look at my personal top 10 sights .

1. Schönbrunn Palace

(The lovely view at Christmas)

The huge 18th-century Schönbrunn palace with its extensive park and gardens typically pulls in several million visitors a year.

A former seasonal home to the Habsburgs and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, you can just wander around the outside for free or take a tour of the magnificent interiors.

Tip: The seasonal markets in the forecourt at Christmas, Easter and New Year deserve a special mention: gorgeous ambience and high-quality stalls.

2. Vienna Zoo

(One of the many zoo favourites)

Many of those Schönbrunn visitors also find their way into what is the world’s oldest working zoo, given its location in the grounds of the palace.

The biggest pull in this large and modern zoo is probably the giant panda enclosure. Learn more about Tiergarten Schönbrunn and its animals .

Tip: Various indoor attractions make this a super place to visit in winter, too.

3. The Albertina Museum

(The chap on the left is Archduke Albrecht)

This museum in a converted palais has one of the world’s finest art collections, featuring works by Michelangelo, Albrecht Dürer (including the world-famous hare ), Rembrandt, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Cézanne, Klimt, Warhol, Picasso, and many more.

As well as a permanent exhibition, the Albertina offers prestigious themed short-term exhibitions.

Tip: many people don’t realise that an entry ticket gets you into all the various art exhibitions, but also includes a self-guided tour of the palais staterooms.

4. The Riesenrad giant ferris wheel

(The views of the city from up top are pretty good)

Vienna’s Riesenrad counts as a city landmark and a popular stop on any tour of the city.

Much of the Ferris wheel’s fame comes from star appearances in such classics as The Third Man and Before Sunrise .

Tip: the Riesenrad guards an entrance to the huge Prater entertainment complex , which kids will love. Madame Tussauds is just across the square, for example.

5. The Hofburg

(View across Heldenplatz square to the Neue Burg wing)

The Habsburgs’ original seat of power and city residence dominates Vienna’s center.

The Hofburg has numerous attractions, notably the Sisi museum, Imperial Apartments, Imperial Silver Collection, and Imperial Treasury.

The squares and courtyards are freely accessible, so you can wander around the outside without a ticket.

Tip: the Hofburg also houses the Spanish Riding School . You don’t need a ticket to a performance to enjoy the horses: try a public training , for example.

6. Kunsthistorisches Museum

(The museum café has rather spectacular surrounds)

Vienna’s top museum for historical art features exhibitions and permanent collections covering the antiquities through to Renaissance and Baroque art.

The globe’s most important collection of Bruegels resides in the Kunsthistorisches Museum , for example,

Tip: if you’re pushed for time, visit the Kunstkammer section: a collection of curiosities and wonders with some quite breathtaking exhibits.

7. Belvedere

(View of Upper Belvedere palace)

The early 18th-century summer residence of Prince Eugene is now a venue for special exhibitions and home to another huge art archive (which includes the world’s biggest Klimt collection).

As with the Albertina, marvel at both the permanent exhibition, the temporary art exhibitions, and the interiors in the two Belvedere Palaces that flank a set of landscaped Baroque gardens.

Tip: drop into Upper Belvedere to see one of the world’s most famous paintings: Klimt’s The Kiss .

8. Donauturm (Danube tower)

(The weekend brunches are popular)

This tall and newly-refurbished  viewing tower has an observation deck plus a revolving restaurant and coffee house. Great (obviously) for views of Vienna and the Danube.

Tip: the Danube flows through the city a little to the north of the actual centre. So if you’re around the old town and wondering why the Danube seems so small, you’re actually probably looking at the River Wien or the Danube Canal .

9. Kunst Haus Wien

(The iconic architectural style of Friedensreich Hundertwasser)

The famous artist Hundertwasser designed the Kunst Haus Wien , which features many of his works in a dedicated museum, but also hosts regular special exhibitions, mostly with a green theme.

The location offers far more than the popular Hundertwasserhaus tour stop, since you can actually go inside.

10. Naturhistorisches Museum

(Sits opposite the Kunsthistorisches Museum)

And, finally, Vienna’s Natural History Museum , where there is much debate as to whether the collections or the building itself are deserving of most praise.

(The same might be said of many of Vienna’s museums. But this one has dinosaurs.)

Tip: catch the Venus von Willendorf statue inside, which is around 29,000 years old.

Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria)

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria)

The Capital of Austria is home to nearly one third of the county’s inhabitants and is its primary city. This metropolitan city hosts the United Nations organisation and is a major centre for Austria’s culture, economy and Politics. With many different names like the City of Music and the City of dreams, Vienna is renowned throughout the world and has a plethora of stunning historical buildings, gardens and establishments.

Ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world with its inhabitants enjoying a high quality of life, Vienna is a haven in central Europe and remains a popular tourist destination. Listed below are the top must do’s in Vienna and should provide you with more than enough information to plan your trip.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Vienna :

1. Schönbrunn Palace

Standing since the 1600’s and holding a major role of cultural importance in Austria, the Schonbrunn Palace is a colossal 1441 room structure and complex that is the main tourist attraction in Vienna.

The Habsburgs have held residence here for many years and indeed emperors of Austria have been born in the palace too.

The palace itself is an immense building and designed in a Baroque style with a symmetrical main building that has hundreds of windows and statues on the rooftop.

Inside the palace are an assortment of rooms all fully furnished and decorated in the original style – You can enjoy a tour through the rooms and admire the sumptuous furnishings and see how Austrian royalty lived.

2. Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is another huge palatial complex that pays tribute to the power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the main winter palace for the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for hundreds of years.

Today the complex is home to offices of the president of Austria and serves as a presidential base.

The buildings have undergone many additions since their creation in the 13th century and the most impressive of which is the fabulous semi-circular Neue Burg.

Visitors can admire the beauty and style of the baroque architecture, take a tour through the imperial apartments or visit one of the detailed museums in the complex.

3. St Stephen’s Cathedral

This monolithic structure stands proud in the Stephensplatz and has been the most important church in Vienna and Austria since its construction.

The beauty of this building is undeniable and its huge tower dominates the Vienna skyline and stands as the tallest church tower in Austria.

Everything about St Stephen’s Cathedral oozes opulence – From the Romanesque and Gothic design of the exterior, to the dominating pointed tower, and the intricately decorated main roof complete with hundreds of coloured tiles forming an intriguing pattern.

Inside the church there are a total of 18 altars, several smaller chapels, and even some tombs and catacombs.

As an iconic building of Vienna, St Stephens cannot be missed!

4. Schonbrunn Gardens

Another exceptional part to the Schonbrunn Palace Complex and worthy of a separate visit in its own right, the gardens at Schonbrunn are simply magical.

The grounds of the park extend from the Palace for over a kilometre and you could spend hours walking through the various sections and displays.

You can walk through the Parterre and admire the uniform flower beds, or get lost in the beautiful hedge maze and labyrinth; Neptune’s fountain is a stunning piece of artwork, while there is even an artificial Roman Ruin complete with stone statues.

The crowning glory to all of this is the Gloriette which stands opposite the palace and features a pool and a classical colonnaded long building – Enjoy a drink here in the cafe or simple admire the views of the whole gardens in front of you.

Vienna is full of historical and significant architecture and the Town Hall located on Rathausplatz is a fine addition to this collection.

A later addition to the city, the Rathaus was constructed in the 1800’s in a Neo-Gothic style to accommodate the offices of the mayor for an ever increasing city population.

Similar in style to the town hall in Brussels, the Rathaus has five towers, the middle of which is the largest and is topped by the iconic Rathausman statue.

Guided tours are available of the inside of the Town Hall on certain days, and this is well worthwhile just to see the extravagant style of the rooms and what it must be like to work inside such a wonderful building.

6. Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo)

Located within the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace, the Tiergarten Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and touts itself as a centre for species preservation and educational fulfilment.

Originally built as a menagerie, the Zoo has several original buildings from that era and mingled together with more modern structures, create a pleasant place to walk through.

The Zoo is home to a myriad of animals from the endangered giant Panda, to Giraffes, Sea Lions and Sloths – There are many talks throughout the day by experienced Zookeepers and even a simulated Amazon rainforest environment to walk through.

As Zoos go, the Vienna Zoo is one of the finest in the world and you can see the care the animals receive.

Tip : The Vienna Zoo is included in the Vienna PASS

7. Belvedere Museum

This gigantic palatial complex and gardens is split into Upper and Lower Belvedere and served as a summer residence for Austrian princes in the 1600’s.

The two palaces themselves feature amazing architecture and stand out royally in the gardens – Upper Belvedere has a detailed façade with green domed semi-towers while Lower Belvedere has a simpler design; both palaces face the stunning gardens.

Sights at the Belvedere Museum include the two palaces which hold a staggering collection of artwork and decorated staterooms and the expansive landscape gardens complete with pools and an Orangery.

8. Vienna State Opera

Opera and fine architecture is synonymous with Vienna, and the Vienna State Opera provides both in abundance.

This outstanding building is located centrally in the Innere Stadt district and is considered one of the finest Opera Houses in the world.

The exterior has a Neo-Renaissance style and is characterised by its many arches and arched windows, while the interior is extremely decadent and feels more like a palace than a place of musical celebration.

Daily guided tours are available which last around 40 minutes and give a good overview of the building.

If you wanted to see a live concert or Opera, you would need to research what is showing before your visit and buy tickets.

Available activity : Mozart & Strauss Concert at the Vienna State Opera

9. Vienna Natural History Museum

Housed in a sophisticated palace complex that is typical of the historical architecture in Vienna, the Natural History Museum has a huge collection of minerals, precious stones, meteorites, fossils, skeletons of animals, displays of various insects and mammals and even some taxidermy of extinct species.

With over 30 million objects the museum’s collection is one of the most important in Europe and new additions are arriving all the time.

This fascinating venue also has a digital planetarium where you can see intriguing films about the earth and its development.

Adults and children alike will love the sheer amount of information and eye-boggling displays in this epic museum.

10. Prater Amusement Park

What could be a more enjoyable way to experience Vienna than having a fun packed day at the Prater Amusement Park? The Wiener Prater Park was once a hunting ground that developed into a public space for food stands and small amusement stalls, it now hosts the impressive Amusement Park and is free to enter (You pay for the individual rides instead). Inside the park is a multitude of rides and stalls including a huge Ferris wheel, bumper cars, carousels and hair-raising rollercoasters.

There are also such things as shooting ranges, a wax works display and a light gauge railway to keep you entertained.

If rides and thrills are not your kind of thing, there are several restaurants and cafes in the park to sit back and enjoy the scenery in.

11. The Spanish Riding School

One of the finest institutes for classical dressage in the world, and a long-standing renowned tradition In Austria, The Spanish Riding School has been responsible for training horses in the art of dressage for hundreds of years.

The riding school as built during the Habsburg Monarchy and has stood ever since.

The building is open to the public and you can watch demonstrations and in some cases training sessions too.

For anyone who loves riding this is a must see in Vienna, while even for non-riders you can still appreciate the passion and love that is put into this art form.

Available activity : Spanish Riding School 2-Hour Morning Exercise

12. Donauturm (Viewing tower)

Listed in the tallest 75 free-standing towers in the world at a whopping 252m, the Donauturm stands as an observation tower in the Donaustadt district of Vienna.

The Donauturm stands out against the relatively low-rise skyline of Vienna and is easily recognisable; the structure contains radio transmitters and cell phone antennae, two revolving restaurants, and observation platform and even a bungie jumping gangway.

The tower provides a fantastic and different way to see Vienna and it is easy to see why it draws so many visitors.

13. Naschmarkt

Market places often define a city and give a good representation of its heritage and culture, they are engaging places to walk through and provide tourists with an authentic slice of local life.

The Naschmarkt is held on the Wienzeile street and stretches for around 1.5km, full of stalls selling anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs, cheese and seafood.

The atmosphere, sounds, sights and smells are tantalising and the grand scale of the market make it famous world-wide.

14. Vienna Ring Road

The opulent Ring Road that surrounds the Innere Stadt district of Vienna was especially constructed in the 19th century after the removal of the city walls.

It features eclectic architecture and has many famous buildings lining its pavements.

The road itself is wide and is framed by the cities tram line which remains an important mode of transport, there are also sections lined with trees and the road proves a great cycle route.

It is well worth walking on parts of the ring road to see its importance and also the beautiful buildings that frame it.

15. Vienna Woods

At the foothills of the Northern Limestone Alps, the Vienna Woods lie to the west of the city and span some 45km.

Several rivers form the boundaries of the woods or Wienerwald and the area is popular with both Austrians looking to escape the city, and tourists looking to enjoy the beautiful Austrian countryside.

The woods are full of hidden gems from underground boat rides (The seegrotte) to Hunting Lodges and small villages untouched by the expanse of Vienna.

There are companies that provide half day tours, or you could simple do some research and form your own itinerary – The possibilities are endless in this alluring part of Austria.

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria):

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Hofburg Palace
• St Stephen’s Cathedral
• Schonbrunn Gardens
• Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo)
• Belvedere Museum
• Vienna State Opera
• Vienna Natural History Museum
• Prater Amusement Park
• The Spanish Riding School
• Donauturm (Viewing tower)
• Vienna Ring Road
• Vienna Woods

Travel Lovers Bucketlist

• Our travel experiences
• City Guides

A Travel Guide to the Best 20 Attractions in Vienna, Austria

I think this is the dream of all travel lovers to visit Vienna, at least once in a lifetime ,but more times it would be even better. At least we hope to return someday. The city has completely conquered us.

Table of Contents

Austria map.

Then we walked the beautiful streets of Vienna until we reached St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Here are some pictures we have taken in our way to the cathedral:

St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Vienna’s Stephansplatz has been a cathedral church since 1365, a cathedral since 1469/1479 and the Metropolitan Church of the Archbishop of Vienna since 1723. The Roman Catholic cathedral, known as Steffl for short by the Viennese, is a symbol of Vienna and is sometimes also referred to as the Austrian national shrine.

Vienna Plague Column

Then we headed for the Vienna Plague Column, that is a Holy Trinity column on the Graben in downtown Vienna. It was built after the plague epidemic of 1679 and was consecrated on October 29, 1693. The 21 meter high baroque column is one of the most famous and distinctive sculptural works of art in the city.

From here we went to Hofburg, a place very visited by tourists.

The hofburg was the residence of the habsburgs in vienna from the 13th century until 1918. since the end of 1946 it has been the official residence of the austrian federal president. most of the austrian national library as well as various museums and the federal monuments office are housed in it..

Heldenplatz

Heldenplatz is a historic square in vienna that is part of the hofburg grounds. the federal president resides in the adjacent part of the hofburg, the federal chancellor on ballhausplatz, which is connected to heldenplatz. austrian national library is located behind us.

Volksgarten

Then we headed to the Volksgarten, that is an official park on the Ringstraße in 1. Wiener Gemeindebezirk Innere Stadt. It was great to visit it, because you can see wonderful trees and plants and the park offers you wonderful views of the many tourist attractions around it:

Karlskirche

The Karlskirche built in the first half of the 18th century, is a listed building. It is located on the south side of the central Karlsplatz and is one of the most important baroque church buildings north of the Alps and one of the landmarks of Vienna.

Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz is located in Vienna ‘s 1st district, the Inner City. It is named after the Vienna City Hall built here. Due to its size, its design and the architecture of the buildings bordering the square, it is considered to be one of the most important squares in the center of Vienna.

From here, we went back to the car and went to Belvedere, which was simply magnificent. Only when you see these tourist attractions do you really feel immense happiness that you have the opportunity to be there.

The belvedere palace is a palace complex built by johann lucas von hildebrandt between 1714 and 1723 for prince eugene of savoy. the upper belvedere and the lower belvedere form a baroque ensemble with the connecting gardens..

After visiting the wonderful Belvedere, we drove to Schönbrunn. Unfortunately we arrived here quite late and it was very crowded, you could barely take pictures, but we still enjoyed the view and the fact that we got there.

The Schönbrunn Palace, built in its current form in the 18th century as a summer residence for Archduchess Maria Theresa, has been in the 13th district of Vienna , Hietzing, since 1892. Its name goes back to a saying attributed to Emperor Matthias. He is said to have “discovered” an artesian spring here while hunting in 1619 and exclaimed: “What a beautiful well”.

Schönbrunn Zoo

Schönbrunn Zoo in the park of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna’s 13th district of Hietzing was founded by the Habsburgs in 1752 and is the oldest existing zoo in the world. Zoologist Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck has been director of the zoo since 2020. Since 2006, the zoo has had over 2 million visitors each year. Around 7,800 animals from 700 species can be seen on an area of ​​17 hectares. In Anthony Sheridan’s zoo ranking, the zoo was awarded the “Best European Zoo Award” in group A six times in a row as the best European zoo.

Votive Church

From here, we drove to Votivkirche. The Vienna Votive Church, a Roman Catholic church located next to the Ringstrasse in the Alsergrund district in the immediate vicinity of the main building of the University of Vienna, is one of the most important neo-Gothic sacred buildings in the world.

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera, the “First House on the Ring”, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and is located in Vienna’s 1st district, Inner City. It was opened on May 25, 1869 with Don Juan by Mozart. Among the members of the State Opera Orchestra are recruited e.g. the Vienna Philharmonic. The chorus of the Vienna State Opera performs externally as the Concert Association of the Vienna State Opera Chorus.

MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier, MQ for short, is an area in Vienna’s 7th district, new building, near the center of the city. The offer ranges from visual and performing arts, architecture, music, fashion, theatre, dance, literature and children’s culture to the new media. At the time of its completion, it was the eighth-largest cultural complex in the world

The Albertina is an art museum in the 1st district of Vienna, the inner city. Among other things, it houses one of the most important graphic collections in the world.

Maria Theresien Platz

Maria Theresien Platz is located in Vienna, in the 1st district, on the Ringstrasse, opposite Heldenplatz and the Hofburg. It is framed by the two largest historical museum buildings in the city, the former court museums Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum.

Natural History Museum

With around 30 million collection objects, the Natural History Museum in Vienna is one of the most important natural history museums in the world and one of the largest museums in Austria. That as k.k. natural history court museum, which houses the large imperial collections of the k.k. Hof-Naturalenkabinette, was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I. by the court ruler according to the designs of Gottfried Semper and Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer .

Hundertwasserhaus

The Hundertwasserhaus is a residential complex built by the municipality of Vienna between 1983 and 1985 and is located on the corner of Kegelgasse 34-38 and Löwengasse 41-43 in Vienna’s 3rd district, Landstrasse.

Our last stop in Vienna was at the Prater. The Vienna Prater is an extensive, approximately 6 km², largely public area in the 2nd district of Vienna, Leopoldstadt, which still today consists largely of floodplains originally shaped by the Danube.

These were the wonders we saw in Vienna . There would be a few more to see, but we failed to reach them, because we had no more time. These are: Vienna State Opera, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Albertina, MuseumsQuartier, Hundertwasserhaus, Natural History Museum Vienna, Parliament, City Park, Catholic Church of St. Peter, Burggarten, Army History Museum, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Café Gloriette.Maybe you will be able to visit them and send us some pictures.

I you liked this travel guide, read about our trip to bratislava 2021-things to do, hotels ,activities and tours ., on our way home, we deviated 3 km from the highway to visit melk abbey. it was a wonderful experience. if you have the opportunity to visit it do it you will be happy that you chose to visit this amazing place.

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey above the town of Melk, Lower Austria, Austria, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river, adjoining the Wachau valley. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.

Where to stay

A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling.  Vienna offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.

Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Vienna ’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.

We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com ,  Trip.com and Vrbo . We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation.

The day before, we had visited Bratislava and we were extremely happy to have managed to visit everything we set out in a relatively short time. We left around 5 PM from Bratislava, and after an hour we arrived at our hotel in Vienna –  Hotel Caroline . The hotel was very nice and the breakfast was delicious.

Top hotels we recommend in Vienna: The Harmonie Vienna, BW Premier Collection ,  Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere ,  Saint SHERMIN bed breakfast & champagne

Top hotels we recommend in Melk: Pension Babenberger , Madar Café Central Melk , Hotel Wachau .

Where to eat

Traditional dishes to try in austria, wiener schnitzel,  tiroler speck-traditional bacon, knödel: flavorful dumpling  , tafelspitz (beef or veal boiled in broth with vegetables), wiener wurstel (viennese sausages) .

Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional dish that’s served in most German and Austrian restaurants in Bavaria and Vienna, respectively. 

Regarded as the austrian answer to hungarian-style goulash, wiener saftgulasch is a hearty stew that consists of diced lean beef drenched in a thick, flavorful gravy., kürbis suppe or pumpkin soup is a simple dish typical of the traditional burgenland cuisine. .

A typical specialty of Austrian cuisine, faschierte laibchen ( ground meat patty), is made with a combination of ground meat (typically a mixture of ground beef and ground pork), milk-soaked bread, eggs, fried onions, fried garlic, spices, and seasonings.

Tiroler gröstl is a traditional dish from tirol, an austrian region famous for its skiing and hiking courses. like most alpine dishes, gröstl is simple, yet rich, consisting of fried potatoes, onions, and bacon. traditionally, the dish is served with a fried egg on top., käsekrainer is a quintessential austrian gourmet delicacy, a type of sausage filled with small chunks of cheese. it is usually prepared with pork or a mixture of pork, beef, and a variety of spices .

Desserts: The Sachertorte , apple strudel, Powidltascherl (Plum Jam Turnovers)-The delicate pastries, made with a distinctive potato dough, are filled with a combination of plum jam, rum or plum schnapps

Topfentorte is an austrian-style cheesecake made with topfen or quark cheese as the main ingredient., linzer augen, also known as a mini version of the linzer torte, are made by gluing together two pieces of already baked shortbread cookies with redcurrant jam sandwiched in between., germknödel is a famous austrian steamed yeast dumpling..

Restaurants

The best restaurants in Vienna: Mamamon, Cafe Ansari, Neni Am Naschmarkt, Restaurant Wiener, Kornat Restaurant, Cuisino Restaurant, Mochi,  IMLAUER Sky – Bar & Restaurant, Blue Mustard.

Saving Tips

Booking your flights and your hotel in advance can save you a lot of money. use our hotel search engine to find the best offers. most hotels allow you to cancel up to a day before your arrival, and many let you pay when you get there.  if you’re just visiting the major cities and don’t require a car, you might save money by purchasing austrian train tickets in advance., lots of the museums in the city have free opening hours., if you really want to visit a lot of vienna’s sights, then buying the vienna card can be worthwhile. , free highlights & sights: top places in vienna on a budget : gloriette in schönbrunn palace park, st. stephen’s cathedral, nussberg, ringstrasse, vienesse parks, live opera: in april, may, june and september, many performances are screened live on a huge screen right in front of the state opera., individual entrance fees for museums are costly. get a vienna pass to save money. with the vienna pass, you get free admission to all the major sights in vienna. if you want to see all the main highlights and do the full sightseeing program, then the vienna pass could be for you. important: the vienna pass does not include a ticket for public transport in vienna ,  you can also try hop-on, hop-off tours or big bus tours and spare some money. as we are presenting a lot of good options you just have to pick the perfect one for you.

If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do in Vienna , we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!

Viator  and  Get Your Guide  : the best activities in town!

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There’s no feeling in the world like connecting with new places, people and experiences through travel. From the iconic to the unexpected, get those “pinch me” moments through a series of Trafalgar highlights others may never know about, or have access to.

Renowned high streets include: 

Kärntner Straße, Mariahilfer Straße, Naschmarkt Vienna which is located between Kettenbrückengasse and Karlsplatz is a premier open-air fruit and vegetable market that should be on everyone’s itinerary. 

Brunnenmarkt, located between Thaliastrasse and Ottakringer Strasse, is best described as an oriental bazaar.

An especially authentic market in Wien Favoriten is the 125-year old Viktor-Adler-Markt, offering a great variety of culinary delights including fruits and vegetables and selected wines.

Getting Around

Austria has a well-developed public transport system. within cities there are buses and tramways, only the capital vienna has a metro.  austria is well-connected with trains and buses. however, if you prefer to drive, austrian motorways are a pleasure to road trip through. that said, trains are the main way to get around the country. , in austria, rail transport is run by the national rail company, öbb. the company operates many international and national routes. however, a second company – westbahn – offers other routes within the country, many of which go to smaller towns..

Vienna Airport-  With a journey time of only 16 minutes, the City Airport Train is the fastest way to travel to Vienna city center. The 3 Vienna Airport Line routes serve all of Vienna’s underground railway lines. Every 30 minutes there are connections to the airport from Vienna West station (Westbahnhof) and Vienna main station (Hauptbahnhof).

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Getting Here

Austrian airlines & united airlines fly the most frequently from the united states to austria. austria’s three major airports in vienna, salzburg and innsbruck ensure the country is well connected both national and international. , thanks to its favorable location in the center of europe, vienna international is an important hub for a number of european destinations. information desks are located in the departure halls of terminals 1 and 3 and in the arrivals hall of terminal 3. flight information is also available online. the airport is not far from vienna city center and can be reached in less than a half-hour by train., innsbruck airport – a busy transport hub, particularly in the winter season when it serves popular ski resorts in this area. , salzburg airport – austria’s largest regional airport is situated near the city center of salzburg and can easily be reached thanks to excellent connections to the public transport system as well as its own motorway exit. it is the perfect starting point to continue your journey to the surrounding summer & winter holiday resorts..

Austria’s Largest Airports: Vienna Airport, Graz Airport, Linz Airport, Salzburg Airport, Innsbruck Airport. 

Nearby airports in other countries: , the western regions of austria, such as tirol, salzburg, and vorarlberg, flying into zurich (switzerland) or munich (germany) are great alternatives. eastern austria- bratislava airport in slovakia, which is only 50 km / 30 mi from vienna., southern austria – ljubljana airport in slovenia. , airlines flying to austria austrian airlines- is austria’s largest carrier and operates a global route network of round 130 destinations. , austria’s, aer lingus, eurowings, easyjet, jet2.com, lufthansa, ryanair, swiss, tui airways., qatar airways is one of the biggest company in the world with unprecedented expansion, flying to over 160 destinations. enjoy now a 30% discount by booking your flight with us.

If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the flight to a wonderful destination!

Austrian Airlines is Austria’s largest carrier and operates a global route network of round 130 destinations. That route network is particularly dense in Central and Eastern Europe with 37 destinations. Thanks to its favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe, the company’s hub at Vienna International Airport is the ideal gateway between East and West. Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe’s largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines.

The ÖBB runs several international train services. These run from Austria to cities all over Europe on either Eurocity or Nightjet trains. In some cases, you may need to connect to a train run by a local company in another country. In general, though, you can expect a similar level of service as on ÖBB’s Austrian trains. These trains offer a direct connection to countries such as: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary. There are also connections that allow you to reach Denmark, Croatia and Luxembourg easily.

Buses are an important part of the austrian transport system. this is because they often operate night services and routes to small towns and complement the national train network. many international bus services also operate through austria. these connect with many other major european cities in germany, france, slovenia, italy, and more. the most common international bus line is eurolines. the main companies running international bus routes are flixbus and eurolines. both run journeys to cities all over europe, linking austria to thousands of destinations across the continent. you can book your train or bus ticket if you click the widgets bellow:.

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82 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a real city of culture and it has given the world some of its greatest artists and thinkers. It has many impressive palaces, churches, theaters and museums but it is also a lively city with plenty of restaurants (and more than 15 Michelin Star-rated restaurants), bars and outdoor festivals in the summer months.

There are few cities in the world that can boast the musical legacy that Vienna can. Mozart, Beethoven and both Johann Strauss senior and junior lived and worked in the city. Their music is still alive through the city’s many orchestras, musicians and singers.

With many classical concerts, and Viennese balls taking place inside 19th-century palaces, you’ll surely be able to feel the essence of the music that Mozart, Beethoven, and other great classical composers once played in “The City of Music”.

Just outside the city, you can find ancient villages, traditional Austrian towns and breathtaking alpine scenery. It would be hard to visit Vienna and not be overawed by how grand it all is. Here are some things to do in Vienna .

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• Vienna tours

1 – Live out your royal fantasies at Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace has to be the first stop for anyone visiting the city and one of the best things to do in Vienna. The palace gets its name from a spring that was found on the site by Emperor Matthias in 1612. The original building was a hunting lodge that grew over time to be the huge Baroque-style palace we see today.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. The house and its gardens are a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Walk in the footsteps of Mozart … One of the most special experiences to enjoy at the former royal summer residence is classical music concerts at Schönbrunn Palace , performed daily inside the iconic Palace Orangery.

• Schönbrunn Palace tickets & tours

Read more about Schönbrunn Palace tickets price .

2 – See genuine masterpieces at Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistoriches is Vienna’s Historic Art Museum. The museum has works and masterpieces by some of the best known European artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian and Durer.

The building is located on Maria-Theresien-Platz opposite the Natural History Museum in near-identical buildings. It has an extensive collection of ancient art including Egyptian objects, carvings and even mummified remains. In the stairwell, you can see frescoes by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

• Kunsthistorisches Museum tickets

3 – Take a spin on the 126-year-old Wiener Riesenrad at The Prater

The Wiener Riesenrad is Vienna’s antique, giant Ferris Wheel and is an iconic landmark on the city skyline. Everyone who travels here should take a spin on it and grab some of the best views of the city.

It is at the entrance to the city’s famous amusement park, The Prater, which was donated to the people in 1766. You will find plenty of fun ways to pass the afternoon here if you like rides, arcades, ghost trains and games!

• Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets

4 – See the sights in the Historic Center of Vienna

The historic center of Vienna known as Innere Stadt, or inner city, is the area of the city within the area’s grand ring road, the Ringstrasse . Here you can find lively restaurants and cafes, museums and galleries.

You can visit major landmarks including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg palace or shop on the pedestrianized Kårtner Strasse. The Historic center is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent architecture and skyline.

• walking tours in Vienna

5 – See dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum

Vienna Natural History Museum  is considered one of the best in the world. Its impressive collection of artifacts, which includes dinosaur skeletons and ancient meteorites are housed in an equally impressive building.

The museum covers the history of life on Earth and even the planet itself and has a digital planetarium that shows a range of nature-related movies. This is one of the best attractions in Vienna.

6 – Telepathically communicate with the famous stallions at the Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School upholds the dressage traditions of horse riding and the training of its famous Lippizaner horses. Visit the stables and Winter Riding School with its traditional architecture and grand views over the historic city.

For a relaxed equestrian experience, why not try a traditional “Lohnkutchen” horse-drawn carriage ride around the city? Visitors can even enjoy a selection of food and drinks while touring the sights.

• horse riding in Vienna

7 – See Picasso’s ‘Woman in a Green Hat’ on the walls of the Albertina Museum

As well as being a museum of fine art, The Albertina is also home to one of the most extensive print houses in the world. It has more than 65,000 drawings and over a million prints of old masterpieces.

The Museum itself is a great place to go see exhibitions of prints, drawings and photography. It has a permanent exhibition of modernist art in Austria covering Monet-Picasso. There are also grand historic rooms and apartments to visit within the building.

• Albertina Museum tickets

8 – Like a scene out of a fairytale, be balled over by the Hofburg Imperial Palace

Hofburg Palace has been the seat of power in the country since the 13th-century. It previously was the residence of the powerful Habsburg Dynasty who ruled Austria from the 15th-century. The Palace is now the home of the President of Austria.

You can visit the country’s impressive collection of Crown Jewels in the ancient Swiss Wing of the palace. Volksgarten park is a part of the palace grounds and has some interesting buildings including a smaller replica of the Temple of Hephaestus, the original of which is located in Athens.

• Hofburg Palace tickets & tours

9 – See over 1,000 treasures like the Royal Roman Crown at Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien

Located in the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Treasury is a fascinating place to visit as it hosts some of the country’s most valuable possessions. It has royal and religious collections including crowns, jewelry, clothing and one of the world’s largest emeralds.

Amongst the objects, you can find a very old narwhal tooth which was thought to be a unicorn’s horn and declared an heirloom of the Habsburg’s.

• Imperial Treasury tickets

10 – Flitter among hundreds of butterflies at Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house)

At the Schmetterlinghaus you can step out of the busy city for a while and find yourself in a peaceful and calm oasis. The Schmetterlinghaus is an enclosed garden that is home to tropical plants and 400 live butterflies.

This most colorful of living museums is a great place to unwind and observe the gentle butterflies. The Schmetterlinghaus is located about 200 meters from the Opera House in the Burggarten palace gardens.

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Experience a live concert by candlelight in Vienna

Catch live performances on piano, violin and cello of classical music and tributes to your favorite modern bands and musicians, from Queen to the Beatles and Taylor Swift to Imagine Dragons. Candlelight concerts take place in scenic venues across the city that don’t typically host concerts and events for an unforgettable backdrop to live renditions of your favorite tunes.

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11 – Visit the world’s oldest zoo at Tiergarten Schoenbrunn

The Vienna Zoo was established in 1752 and is the world’s oldest zoo that is still in operation. It is home to 8,500 animals from more than 700 species. Visitors can view giraffes from a raised gallery, see orangutans and Koalas, Siberian tigers and African elephants.

The most visited creatures in the zoo are its pair of Giant pandas named Yang yang and Yuan Yuan. The zoo’s architecture has a unique old-fashioned appearance which adds to the atmosphere of the place.

• Zoo Vienna tickets

12 – Visit local markets or try dishes like Wurstgulasch on a food tour

Are you curious about Viennese food? Most people have heard of schnitzel, which is the Austrian national dish, but don’t know much more about the country’s cuisine.

A food tour is a great way to learn about Vienna’s most popular delicacies. Venture into the city with a local guide to show you the way. Sample traditional starters, main courses and desserts at the best local eateries.

• food tours in Vienna

13 – See the Gustav Klimt collection at Belvedere Palace

Vienna’s Belvedere Palace is actually two large palaces, The Upper Belvedere and The Lower Belvedere and also includes extensive gardens. It was built by Prince Eugene in the early 1700s for use as a summer palace.

It now holds a huge collection of Austrian art from the middle-ages to the current era. Some of the most paintings are by Gustav Klimt including his famous works The Kiss and Judith.

• Belvedere Palace tickets & tours

14 – Explore more in less time on a segway tour

See the city in a fun and unique way on a segway tour. No experience is necessary, segway is an easy way to travel for everyone. You will be given a short lesson on riding the segway then hit the city streets.

Take a guided tour of the city passing all the major landmarks like the City Hall, Opera House and Hofburg Palace. A segway tour is a fun thing to do in Vienna.

• segway tours in Vienna

15 – Visit the turtles at Haus des Meeres – Aqua Terra Zoo

Haus des Meeres is a city center aquarium and zoo which is home to 10 thousand aquatic lifeforms. Visitors can see sharks, turtles and many fish as well as reptiles and monkeys spread out over 9 floors.

Haus des Meeres is unique in the fact that it is located in a World War II flak Tower. It has a restaurant, observation deck and wartime museum in addition to the zoo and aquarium.

Save on the city exploring with Vienna Passes

If you’ve got more sites to see in Vienna on your Bucket List than you can count, Vienna Passes are the way to go — and save! What’s the deal? Granting automatic access to any of the 50+ attractions and tours included in the pass, a total saving of up to 50% is calculated into the overall price, plus, there’s nothing better than skipping ticket queues.

Opt for an All-Inclusive Pass valid for one day only, or the Explorer Pass is for two city attractions, but this is valid for up to 60 days (perfect if you’re on a Euro tour).

16 – See the birthplace of Mozart on a Salzburg day trip

Salzburg is a historic city on the Austrian-German border. Its picturesque alpine setting and ancient buildings make it one of the best day trips from Vienna . It was the hometown of Mozart and visitors can see his birthplace and family home.

Salzburg is also the setting of the Sound of Music and you can take a guided tour around the most famous sites from the movie which includes the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Salzburg is a must-see for music lovers.

• Salzburg tours from Vienna

Hot tip: Check out our complete list of things to do in Salzburg .

17 – Admire the views from the Gothic tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the main church of Vienna and is an icon of the city. It was built in the 12th century and has an unusual roof with tiles arranged into the pattern of a double-headed eagle. Inside you can find many elaborate features like the stone pulpit and the 15th-century St. Catherine’s Chapel.

You can take a guided tour which allows you to climb the tower, or “Steffl”, for a great view of the city. It also gives unique access to the cathedral’s catacombs, crypts and tombs.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral tickets

18 – Only pay once and use a hop-on hop-off bus for sightseeing in Vienna the entire day

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore the city and visit the main landmarks and attractions. Listen to the audio guide as you cruise through the city streets on one of the many city buses.

See the Vienna State Opera, Albertina, Natural History Museum and Schonbrunn Palace. Get on and off as many times as you like during the validity of the ticket. Tickets can be purchased for one to six-day durations.

• bus tours in Vienna

19 – Take a grand tour of the Esterházy Palace

Visit the family home of the Esterházy dynasty for over 300 years, absorb the ornate beauty, browse the private art collections, and learn about what life was like to live in an estate such as this late 13th-century palace.

Built originally from a medieval castle, with moats and grandeur, the castle originally belonged to previous owners including King Louis.

Make sure to book a tour that will take you through the Palace Chapel, to the Haydn Concert Hall, as you learn about the story of its residents.

• Esterházy Palace tours

20 – Check out art (for free) inside Stadtpark

Vienna’s City Park is a great place to take a picnic and sit and watch the people pass. The park is divided by the Wienfluss river and has a lake and numerous Art Nouveau and contemporary sculptures.

One of the most famous monuments is a gilded statue of the composer Johann Strauss II who is one of the cities most celebrated sons.

21 – Museophiles fall in love with over 50 at Museumsquartier

Museumsquartier is a huge space in Vienna devoted to arts and culture. It offers a venue for fine art, architecture and music as well as fashion, dance, theater, photography and street art. You can find almost all creative disciplines represented here.

The Museumsquartier encompasses over 60 institutions as well as studios and residences for artists. Among the institutions, there’s the Leopold Museum and the Modern Art Museum . It is a lively and inspiring place to visit and those with children will find plenty of interactive exhibits and workshops to get involved in.

Spot works by your favorite contemporary artists at Kunsthalle , particularly international creatives utilizing social and political contexts as subject matter. Offering multiple types of tours, the guided Curator’s Tour is one of the most special.

Are you obsessed with geometry and lines? Introducing the Austrian Museum of Architecture: the Architekturzentrum Wien . Exhibitions are relative to 20th and 21st-century architectural materials in Austria, and among its permanent collections, highlights are the Friedrich Achleitner and the Margherita Spiluttini Photo Archives.

• Museumsquartier tours

22 – See the city like a local on a bike tour

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to see the city or just like to explore under your own steam, why not take one of the many bike tours? Take a long tour of the city and hit up all the major sites like the Imperial Palace, Austrian Parliament, Burgtheater and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Follow the Donau canal on the cities extensive bike paths past Urania Observatory and through the Stadtpark past the majestic Karlskirche church.

• bike tours in Vienna

23 – Immerse yourself in Vienna’s past with Time Travel

Step back in time with Time Travel Vienna , a unique multimedia experience that takes you on a journey through 400 years of Vienna’s history.

From the ancient Roman camp of Vindobona to present-day Vienna, you’ll witness World War II, meet the imperial family and fly over the roofs of Vienna.

With the latest entertainment technology, including 5D cinema and virtual reality experiences, it’s a thrilling adventure for the whole family.

• Time Travel Vienna tickets

24 – Learn about medieval life at the Jewish Museum Vienna

Vienna’s Jewish Museum tells the history of the city’s Jewish population from medieval times to the present day. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history, customs and traditions in a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

See the foundations of an ancient synagogue on the site and see a 3D animation about Jewish life in Medieval Vienna. Learn how Vienna’s Jewish community rebuilt itself in the post-war years.

• Jewish Museum tickets

25 – Photograph one of the tallest churches in the world, Stock-im-Eisen at Stephansplatz

Stephensplatz is the central Square of Vienna and is named after the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral which takes center stage in the square. Around Stephensplatz you can find upmarket stores and the ancient street and marketplace Graben which is still in use today.

The Stock-im-Eisen, or staff in iron, is a local landmark near Stephansplats with mythical status. It is a section of a tree trunk with hundreds of nails hammered into it dating back to the 15th century.

26 – Meet the real Empress at the Sisi Museum

The Sisi Museum takes a deeper look at Vienna’s enigmatic Empress Elisabeth wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. The exhibit takes a sensitive look at the life of the Empress and try’s to define who was the woman behind the fairytale exterior.

With a collection of personal items such as clothes, jewelry, letters and replicas of some of her famous dresses, this is a must for all Sisi fans.

• Sisi Museum tours

27 – Travel to a new country in one day: Budapest

If you are visiting Vienna for a longer stay why not take a day-long excursion to Budapest? The picturesque Hungarian capital has a lot of historical sites to see as well as restaurants, shops and cafes to explore.

See the famous Buda Castle, home to generations of Hungarian kings, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion with its beautiful views over the River Danube. A guided tour ensures that you won’t miss the best of this fascinating city.

• Budapest tours

28 – Get up close and personal with the Danube during boat cruises

Inspiring composers, artists and musicians, boat cruises along the Danube River are second to none. In Vienna, Europe’s second longest river is split into four channels, and boating on the Danube Channel is very popular.

If boating is your middle name, enjoy a full-day cruise from Vienna to Dürnstein and Wachau on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, all meals included for the ten-hour venture.

Set sail on an evening dinner cruise onboard the Dream Ship, relishing in a three-course meal under the stars. Some expeditions are accompanied by classic Viennese wine tavern songs.

• boat cruises in Vienna

29 – Touch the same walls as the famous composer at Mozarthaus

Music lovers and especially fans of classical music won’t want to miss the Mozarthaus museum. The Museum is located in the Vienna apartment where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787.

The museum focuses on the fruitful “Vienna years” of Mozart’s life in which he composed Le Nozze di Figaro. It contains documents, pictures and items related to the life of one of the world’s greatest composers.

• Mozarthaus tickets

30 – Cool off at Bohemian Prater

The Bohemian Prater is a small amusement park on the edge of Vienna. Its history extends back to 1882 and some of its attractions are over 100 years old. It has traditional rides many of which are specifically aimed at younger children.

The Bohemian Prater has a bunch of water rides that are great for those sunny days as well as a vintage carousel and historic roller-coaster.

31 – Get the best views of the city at the Donauturm

The Donauturm, or Danube Tower, is Austria’s tallest landmark at 252 meters tall. It opened in 1964 and though it hosts cell phone and radio masts, its primary use is an observation tower.

Visitors can ride the high-speed elevators to the observation decks to see impressive 360° views of the Vienna skyline. A revolving cafe and a restaurant can also be found on different levels of the tower.

• Danube Tower tickets

32 – Make your own bars and enjoy chocolate tastings at the Chocolate Museum Vienna

Feel like one of the golden ticket winners to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory at the Chocolate Museum Vienna, with plenty of chocolate tastings and sweet workshops that go down a real treat!

Become a chocolatier for the day during a classic workshop, creating three of your own bars and learning about the different types of chocolate. Make 24 fanciful Viennese-style pralines during a praline workshop, or craft a Mozart Kugel (a chocolate-coated marzipan ball filled with nougat).

From the gigantic choccie statues to mirrors shaped as cacao pods to the black and white checkered floors, the shop interiors add all the fun.

• chocolate experiences in Vienna

33 – Visit Vienna’s first green museum at Kunst Haus Wien

Kunst Haus Wien is a museum and exhibition venue designed by influential Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The building is as much an art object as the works it holds and its distinctive wavy contours and painstaking mosaics are somewhat at odds with the city around it.

The Museum is dedicated to the works of the Hundertwasser and also displays exhibits of 20th and 21st-century photography exhibitions. It is also the city’s first green museum and focuses on sustainability in its operations.

34 – See the vistas of Melk Abbey & the Danube Valley on a day trip

Melk Abbey stands overlooking the beautiful Wachau Valley. The current Baroque abbey is built on a much older site that has been in use since the 13th century. As well as its attractive design the abbey houses numerous medieval manuscripts and decorative frescos.

Take a scenic bus and river cruise through the picturesque Wachau and Danube Valleys and into the wine-growing region of Wachau. See this land of ancient castles, villages and vineyards.

• Melk Abbey tours from Vienna

35 – Slide into ball pits at Family Fun

Family Fun is a large playground with indoor and outdoor areas for children of all ages. It has separate areas to play, jump, run and climb for older children and safe fun spaces for very small children to play.

A whole bunch of inflatables, trampolines, slides and play equipment is sure to keep the young ones happy as well as go-karts and games that even grown-ups can enjoy.

36 – Take a boat ride to Bratislava on a day trip

A day trip to Bratislava offers a great excuse to see more of the major European cities. The Slovakian capital sits between the borders of Austria and Hungary. The rolling hills and ancient vineyards of the surrounding area and its 18th-century architecture give it a historic but contemporary feel.

Bratislava is on the River Danube and a short boat trip from Vienna . Travel the slow way to really get a feel for the country. When in Bratislava, the ancient ruins of Devín Castle are a must-see.

• Bratislava tours from Vienna

Hot tip: Check out our list of things to do in Bratislava .

37 – See a whole day in 24 minutes at Miniatur Tirolerland

Miniatur Tirolerland is more than an amusement park, it’s a miniature world! Tirolerland has highly detailed models of trains, cars and attractions all in miniature format. Visitors can see a whole 24 hour day reenacted in miniature every 24 minutes.

Thousands of LED lights create dawn, daytime and dusk, which intrigues you to watch and explore as the miniature world comes alive around you. A visit to Minatur Tirolerland is a really fun thing to do in Vienna.

38 – From the first-ever locomotives to bicycles to automobiles, explore the Technical Museum Vienna

Also known as the Technisches Museum Wien, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology is dedicated to all tech-driven and science-savvy exploits and developments of Austria, chronicling these over the last decades.

The all-white crisp spaces suit the museum’s objectives, and real-time items and objects are displayed categorically. These are a mix of historical commodities from centuries ago to innovative modern technologies.

Its permanent collections include ‘Everyday life & society,’ ‘Natural sciences & energy,’ ‘Transportation & mobility,’ ‘Information & communication’ and ‘Production technology.’

• Technical Museum Vienna tickets

39 – Visit the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Zentralfriedhof is not actually in the city center, rather it received its name because it is the most used cemetery in Vienna. It is actually the second largest cemetery in Europe by capacity. It is a resting place for over 2.5 million people, including some very famous local residents.

Four of the world’s most beloved composers are buried here, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Brahms. Surprisingly, Zentralfriedhof is not actually that old and it first opened in 1874.

• Vienna Central Cemetery tours

40 – Walk through famous grave sites inside the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

The Austrian National Library State Hall is not just any old library. The building is renowned for its impressive size and decoration as well as the works it holds. The State Hall is a grand building that was part of the Court Library.

It is nearly 80 meters long and 20 meters high with ornate frescos and decorations including four Venetian globes. The library has over 200,000 books and also puts on regular exhibitions.

41 – Where nothing is ever as it seems, visit the Museum of Illusions Vienna

Bring your camera (or fully charged mobile) and fool not just your own mind’s eye but your friends back home when you step inside the Museum of Illusions Vienna.

Over 15 attractions, or entire rooms, are set up inside, each themed differently and designed in such a way as to create optical illusions.

Walk up the side of a bedroom wall, serve your friend’s head on a dinner platter, see your face multiplied by ten and imagine life as a giant!

The Vortex Tunnel, Upside Down Room, Bottomless Pit, Kaleidoscope, Infinity Room and the Chair Illusion are a few examples of the features to discover inside.

• Museum of Illusions Vienna tickets

42 – Visit the Wachau Valley for wine tasting

The Wachau and Danube Valleys are the places to visit for wine tasting in Austria. The fertile valleys are home to steep vineyards which produce some of the country’s finest dry white wines.

There are numerous guided tours offered through the Wachau Valley region. Take in the scenic landscape of rolling hills, medieval villages and the majestic River Danube before stopping for lunch and tasting the best local wines.

• wine tours from Vienna

43 – See the unique design of Hundertwasserhaus

Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment block in the Landstrasse district of Vienna which was designed by famed local artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The creator’s style is highly unique and features a prominent lack of straight lines, varied window sizes and wall textures.

In 1979, he was invited by the Mayor of Vienna to create a housing block based on his unique ideas. He submitted the design free of charge and it was built in 1983. Hundertwasserhaus features innovative ecological elements like a grassed living roof and is home to 250 trees and bushes.

44 – View the Astronomical Clock on a Prague day trip

When you’ve seen all there is to see in Vienna why not take a day trip to Prague. The Czech capital is another gem of a European city within a few hour’s drive of Vienna. This ancient city was the center of the Kingdom of Bohemia and it has buildings that date back thousands of years.

One of the most fun things to do in Prague is to visit the Old Town Hall and see the astronomical clock which was installed in 1410. It has been in almost continuous use since then and is thought to be the world’s oldest operating clock.

• Prague tours from Vienna

45 – Learn about the empire at Heeresgeschichtliches Museum

The Austrian Museum of Military History blends together technology, art, architecture and natural science to cover the country and its empire’s military history. Housed in the 19th-Century armory buildings, the exhibits show weapons, armored vehicles, planes, uniforms, battleships and historical photographs.

The museum covers the eras of the Habsburg Dynasty from the 1500s to the fall of the empire in 1945. This is a great place to visit for lovers of history.

46 – See the city from above on a helicopter tour

What better way to see the whole city than on a helicopter tour. Grab aerial views of the entire city on these scenic flights and get insights from the helicopter pilot and crew.

Get a unique view of local landmarks like the Greifenstein Castle ruins and Klosterneuburg Monastery. Pass Castle Kreuzenstein and see Europe’s largest wetlands at the Donau Auen. This is a seriously fun thing to do in Vienna!

• helicopter tours in Vienna

47 – One of the few places close by for hiking, trek the 484-meter-tall Kahlenberg Mountain

Kahlenberg Mountain is one of the most popular destinations to visit on a day trip from Vienna. It is located in the densely forested Vienna Woods and is easily reachable from the city by bus or car.

It is a beautiful spot to go hiking and you can get a great view of the entire city and parts of Lower Austria from Stefaniewarte tower at the peak.

• hiking tours in Vienna

48 – Bend your brains at the Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud Is one of Vienna’s most famous sons. He created the field of psychoanalysis and his theories have shaped our understanding of the human mind and our behavior.

The Sigmund Freud Museum is located in his former home and office and contains collections and exhibitions related to his life and works. It also contains Europe’s largest Psychoanalytical Research Center and the Sigmund Freud Foundation Research Institute.

• Sigmund Freud Museum tickets

49 – Meet the stars at Madame Tussauds Vienna

A trip to Madame Tussauds is always fun. The Vienna branch has waxwork lookalikes of worldwide celebrities and local ones. Where else could you hang out with Empress Sisi and Mozart as well as Freddie Mercury, Angelina Jolie and Audrey Hepburn at the same time?

Travel to a Hollywood party, a Vegas chapel and the picturesque alps and enjoy the guided audio tour experience. A visit to Madame Tussauds is a fun thing to do in Vienna.

• Madame Tussauds tickets

50 – Revel in a night of Opera at the Renaissance Revival venue, Wiener Staatsoper

Fancy an evening of culture while you are visiting the city? Vienna State Opera puts on 300 performances a year. The building is home to the Vienna State Orchestra, State Ballet company and hosts the yearly Vienna Opera Ball.

It is a lively venue and its regular audience is not afraid to let the performers know if they are any less than perfect. Cut-price standing-only tickets are offered from eighty minutes before the shows.

51 – Follow in the sounds of Mozart with Classical Music Concerts

Hear the best of vienna music at the eschenbach palace.

Vienna is still considered the capital of classical music worldwide. A visit to the Eschenbach Palace is an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Enjoy an evening of Viennese music from Mozart, Schubert and Strauss performed by the Vienna supreme Orchestra.

Take in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace’s Golden Ballroom with its coffered ceiling, baroque decorations and fantastic acoustics. Classical music fans shouldn’t miss this.

• concerts at Eschenbach Palace

Catch a performance at Peterskirche

A version of Peterskirche or St. Peter’s Church has sat on the same spot in Vienna since the 4th century. The current building was completed in 1733 and is one of the most attractive Baroque churches in the city.

The Classic Ensemble Vienna puts on regular concerts in the church performing pieces by Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven. To hear this timeless music in such stunning surroundings is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

• concerts at St. Peter’s Church

Attend a Johann Strauss and Mozart Concert at Kursalon Palace

Prepare for an evening of Viennese classical music inspired by Mozart, the Austrian composer and conductor Johann Strauss, and a few other notable composers from Vienna.

See as the music and the Viennese Waltz comes alive inside the ornate 19th-century Kursalon Palace, with all its glitz and glamour, taking you back to the Golden Age of Viennese Operetta.

Before heading to the concert, make dinner plans at the palace’s restaurant, serving a menu of modern Austrian dishes and complete dinner courses. Concert tickets can be purchased online.

• concerts at Kursalon Palace

Russia or Austria? Look up to the striking green dome at Karlskirche

Karlskirche church is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Vienna and can be found just outside the Innere Stadt. It has an unusual ellipsoid dome that is decorated with magnificent frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr.

The interior of the church is quite stunning with marble pillars, ornate plasterwork and a dramatic altar to the Apotheosis of Saint Charles Borromeo. The famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi was buried here in 1741 though it’s not certain where.

Make sure to check out the classical music concerts that take place inside, and feel transported to the times of Motzart surrounded by timeless baroque beauty.

• concerts at Karlskirche

Watch a performance of Viennese Music by the Hofburg Orchestra

The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra features at least 40 of the capital’s best musicians, performing “Viennese waltz and operetta music.”

Throughout the summer months, the orchestra holds regular weekly concerts at the Hofburg Palace, performing music by Mozart and Strauss. if you like classical music, why not include it in your calendar?

• Hofburg Orchestra in Vienna

Visit the Musikverein to see a concert

Vienna’s Musikverein is one of the city’s finest concert halls. It is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and is renowned for its outstanding acoustics. The Musikverein’s Great Hall seats 300 and is also known as the “Golden Hall” due to its ornate decorations.

Join the Vienna Philharmonic for an evening of music by Mozart including his concertos, symphonies and operas.

• concerts at Musikverein

Experience enchanting concerts at St. Anne’s Church

As if the beauty of Iglesia de Santa Ana wasn’t enough, there are classical music concerts at St. Anne’s Church to whisk you away into compositions of mesmerizing melodies.

Founded in 1518 in a Baroque fashion, you’re drawn in by not only the music but the grandiose interiors as well, dripping in gold finishings, painted fresco ceilings and Gothic architectural design.

For centuries, classical music concerts have been held inside, its acoustic and spatial design deeming it the perfect stage. The orchestra, led by a string quartet, pays homage to geniuses like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert.

• concerts at St. Anne’s Church

52 – Grab a coffee in the historic Café Central

Café Central is something of an institution in Vienna and from the late 19th-century became the place to meet local intellectuals. Famous patrons include Peter Altenberg, Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky to name but a few.

The Cafe is located in the Palais Ferstel in the upmarket Herrengasse neighborhood and has a classic decoration with a glass ceiling and marble pillars. It serves a variety of sweet treats and traditional Viennese foods.

53 – Take a moment of silence for the lost lives of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp

Eye-opening, compelling, and, in moments, also heart-wrenching, a day trip to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp is an unsurpassable experience.

From 1938 to 1945, under the order of the National Socialist Gauleiter, this harrowing site imprisoned people from across Europe, its first stones laid by deportees (at the time, this was predominantly men from Germany and Austria).

Today, visitors can get a better understanding of how men, women and children lived, or rather, tried to survive, through its museum’s permanent exhibitions: ‘The Crime Scenes of Mauthausen – Searching for Traces,’ ‘The Mauthausen Concentration Camp 1938–1945’ and ‘The “Room of Names”.’

• Mauthausen Concentration Camp tours

54 – One of the prettiest museums ever: check out MAK Austrian Museum of Applied Arts

MAK focuses on the relationships between art and design and especially architecture and contemporary art. The institution was founded in 1864 and its collection is one of the most important in the world.

Exhibits focus on the Vienna 1900 period, an era of great creativity in the city but also feature works from the middle ages to the current day. MAK DESIGN LAB focuses on the positive effects design can have.

• Museum of Applied Arts tickets

55 – See the Habsburg sarcophagi at the Imperial Crypt of Capuchin Church

The Imperial Crypt at the Capuchin Church is the resting place of 145 members of the Habsburg family who ruled the region from the 15th Century onwards. There are 107 metal sarcophagi in total and five urns containing hearts.

Amongst the remains are 12 Emperors and 18 Empresses. There are some very elaborate and ornate sarcophagi and some much more austere ones. The sarcophagus of Charles VI is particularly grand with crowned skulls and cherub decorations.

56 – Visit an ancient settlement on a Hallstatt day trip

Hallstatt is another popular day trip from Vienna. It is a very small town famed for its picture-perfect scenery. The town has a history that dates back to prehistoric times which centered around the local salt mines.

Take a day trip to Hallstatt and receive a guided tour of the most famous landmarks. Stop en route to visit the birthplace of Mozart’s mother in St. Gilgen and enjoy the lakes of Mondsee and Wolfgang amid the spectacular alpine scenery.

• Hallstatt tours from Vienna

57 – Get a virtual reality tour from an Empress on Sisi’s Amazing Journey

If you’re looking for an unusual yet informative way to learn about the history of Vienna why not take Sisi’s Amazing Journey! Let Empress Sisi take you on a virtual reality boat ride and give you a full tour of the town.

Take a trip through the city sewers, wave to the cheering crowds then visit the torture chambers of Elizabeth Bathory and more. Let Sisi recount humorous stories and take you on a flight over the city. This is a lighthearted look at Vienna and one of its greatest personalities.

58 – Make like Beethoven at the interactive Haus Der Musik

Haus der Musik is a museum of music and sound. It has interactive exhibits that encourage a playful as well as a scientific approach to music. You can hear music as a baby would inside the womb, put your name into a composition and direct your own opera on a virtual stage.

In addition to the exhibits, Haus Der Musik hosts live concerts, talks by artists and a varied program of events. Haus der Musik is a fun place to visit for the whole family.

• Haus Der Musik tickets

59 – Try the wiener schnitzel at Wiener Wiaz Haus

Taste the best wiener schnitzel of your life (and more) from the best restaurants From schnitzel to strudel, and then the city’s modern take on food, here are the best restaurants in Vienna.

Wiener Wiaz Haus first opened in the city in 1898. Authentic as you can get, it’s a popular spot for great schnitzel (the veal wiener is a crowd favorite) and beer in Vienna.

With a focus on fermentation and a seasonal menu, Bruder is awesome! For a full fledge of vegetables as the hero, Tian takes the humble veg and puts it on its contemporary head.

Thell (formerly Motto) is a long-standing spot, and for seafood, head to trendy O boufés bistro.

60 – Visit the ruin of Aggstein Castle

Aggstein Castle is a ruined 12th-Century castle that overlooks the River Danube. It sits on a rocky outcrop perched 300 meters above the river. It has had some notable owners including the Kuenrings, Jörg Scheck von Wald and Anna von Polheim-Parz.

The castle was left to deteriorate from the mid-1600s but in the 1930s efforts were made to preserve it. It is now a popular attraction and visitors can see the escape-proof prison and chapel.

61 – Learn more about non-European cultures at Weltmuseum (ethnographic museum)

The Weltmuseum is a museum of historical artifacts from around the world. Located in a wing of the Imperial Palace it houses hundreds of thousands of items from diverse cultures across Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.

Some of the museum’s most prized artifacts are an Aztec headdress from the early 1600s, a 2000-year-old Vietnamese drum and 14th-century glass lamps from Cairo.

• Weltmuseum tickets

62 – Somersault through the air at FLIP LAB

Whether you’re a trampoline beginner or already a pro, you may want to get your blood pumping at FLIP LAB ‘s gym in Millenium City, Vienna. It’s a place for fun and action where you can practice your ninja-backflip skills in safety and with a verified instructor.

Flip Lab has 12 different zones and 2000 square meters of high-flying trampoline fun as well as a spectator lounge and cloakrooms with showers. A visit to Flip Lab could be the fun thing to do in Vienna that you are looking for!

63 – Spend the day kayaking on the Alte Donau

Vienna has miles of waterways in and around the city, why not try kayaking on the Alte Donau? The Alte Donau or Old Danube was a section of the main Danube until the river was diverted in 1870 due to regular flooding.

It now offers a calm place to go kayaking in the city and spot wildlife like geese, swans and ducks. A kayaking tour is a great way to see the changing landscape of the Vienna riverside.

• kayaking in Vienna

64 – Pretend to be a spy for the day with outdoor escape games

Think you have what it takes to go into the espionage business? Or, perhaps you’ve always thought you’d be a fantastic Inspector Clouseau? Well, these epic outdoor escape rooms are one sure way to find out!

Setting off on a city quest (powered by a smartphone app), you’re given a set of clues and riddles that need solving. Cracking each one involves running around the city, and in between, visiting plenty of landmarks and attractions.

Pick a game centered around the 17th-century Plague, embark on a spy mission, discover all things relating to Freud, Mozart and Beethoven or opt for a classic sightseeing adventure.

• outdoor escape games in Vienna

65 – Enter the labyrinth and cross high rope gardens at Tigersworld

If you have young children aged six years and over, a visit to the Tigersworld Adventure play park might be just the thing. It has 2000 square meters of equipment to climb, jump and play on.

The park has three Ninja-parkour tracks, a trampoline zone and a 30 square meter jump air-bag. For the brave, there is a 7-meter climbing wall to really test their bouldering skills on. A trip to Tigersworld is a great way to spend the afternoon.

66 – From the early life of Hitler to Nazi atrocities, learn more with World War II tours

Involving nearly every single country across the world, WWII is one of the most historical wars our world has ever experienced, changing much of how global societies once were prior to the event.

Throughout WWII, close to one million Austrians fought for the Nazi German armed forces! And, Austria is, in fact, the birthplace of Adolf Hitler! Uncover in-depth history, information and sightseeing during World War II tours.

Your educated historian leads the way on this private walking tour (some tours also include a visit to the Military Museum). Stops on the itinerary include the likes of the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Heldenplatz and Meldemannstraße 27 (Hitler’s residence).

• World War II tours in Vienna

67 – See a German-language play at the Burgtheater

The Burgtheater is the national theater of Austria and one of the oldest theaters in Europe. It has a distinct style of its own and performs only German-language plays. It is a big part of the culture of the city and was the venue for the premiers of three operas by Mozart and Beethoven’s first symphony.

It is worth a visit to the theater to see the building itself with ceiling murals created by Gustav and Ernst Klimt. Guided tours run daily.

68 – Feel like a city detective with a scavenger game

Looking for a unique way to explore the city? Why not try a scavenger hunt! Use an app to navigate your way around the city. Solve riddles and follow clues to complete challenges and receive the next set of coordinates.

Unlock stories about the places you visit and compete against other teams to get the highest score. This is a really fun thing to do in Vienna especially in a group!

• scavenger games in Vienna

69 – Admire the urban street art on a Street Art Tour

Although Vienna is brimming with classical art, the streets of this beautiful city also have an incredible street art scene not to miss, which you can see and learn more about on a Street Art Tour.

Walk alongside a knowledgeable, local guide as you discover street artwork from Shepard Fairey and ROA, as well as other pieces of work that are both eye-catching, and carry a message that requires no language proficiency.

At the end of your tour, enjoy a local favorite snack – Austrian sausage and beer/wine!

• street art tours in Vienna

70 – Enjoy sweets fit for an Emperor at The Demel

The Demel is a well-known pastry shop and chocolatier in Vienna that first opened in 1786. It was a popular eatery of the Viennese aristocracy and was a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the Empress Sisi.

The Demel has some fun traditions that have endured through time. You will always be referred to as sir or madam in the third person by the traditionally dressed waitresses known as Demelinerinnen. Try the famous Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, if you really want to indulge yourself.

71 – Feast on pukka Alpine dishes with an Austrian Dinner in local’s home

When you’re traveling to any new city or country, what better way to become acquainted than under the arms of a resident? An authentic Austrian dinner in a local’s home is a sure way to go, where you’ll leave feeling like life-long friends — and with a satisfied belly!

Joining Pia and her husband in their family abode, over the next 2.5 hours, delight in swapping stories, drinking Austrian sparkling wine and indulging in classic Alpine cuisine.

The menu typically consists of dumpling soup for starters, tafelspitz for mains and traditional cake for dessert — ingredients sourced from your host’s brother’s farm.

72 – Eat and shop for bargains at the Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is the most popular market in Vienna and is a good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and baked items. The market also has a good selection of stalls selling prepared snacks like hotdogs, sandwiches and sushi.

The market has a multicultural selection of foods and you will find traditional Austrian cheeses alongside Korean kimchi and Turkish kebabs. This is an al fresco dining experience not to be missed!

• Naschmarkt tours

73 – From Dolce & Gabbana to Dior, shop major fashion houses on Kärntner Straße

Kärntner Straße is the city’s most famous shopping street and runs from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Vienna State Opera building. The busy main street of the Innere Stadt has imposing 19th-century buildings housing shops, cafes and restaurants. The ornate Donner Fountain is located here.

You will find many luxury high street brands here and it is a nice place to visit in the evening with its small bars and cafe culture. The street oldest building, the Palais Esterházy has a well-known underground restaurant and wine tavern called Esterházykeller.

74 – Can you see The Walking Dead? Join eerie ghosts & legends tours

From a Countess murderer to Nazi antics to medieval executions, in a city as old as Vienna, you best believe it’s experienced its fair share of gruesome, gory and grueling. Deep dive into its darker past with an exciting ghost and legends tour — not for the faint-hearted.

Lured in by an expert on the city’s paranormal side, you’re shown buildings, streets and points of interest doused in ghost tales and stories hard to stomach.

For example, visit Am Hof Square, where public beheadings happened; Schönlatern Alley where the Knights Templar massacre occurred; the Vienna State Opera, where Jews during WWII were expelled; and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to see the mystifying gargoyles.

• ghost tours in Vienna

75 – Experience fine dining at the Michelin star restaurants in Vienna

Dine in comfort as you enjoy some of the award-winning dishes at Eckel , offering a refined version of Viennese country cooking inside a wonderfully cozy and chic restaurant. Located in the 19th district, the restaurant features terrace dining, as well as indoors during the colder months.

Taste the fusion between international cuisines with Austrian classic flavors at Amador , located inside the Hajszan Winery. This modern restaurant sources its ingredients from local producers, and imports only the best quality ingredients from other countries, to serve you the perfect concoctions of cultures on your plate.

Try the Szegediner lobster with cabbage when you dine at the Micheline star Vestibül restaurant, located inside the Burgtheater. Make an evening plan out of it, and check out a show after your memorable meal.

76 – Rejuvenate at a spa with thermal baths, Turkish hammams and more

After a busy day of sightseeing and museum hopping it’s great to unwind at Therme Wien. The city center spa has over 20 naturally heated pools to enjoy as well as saunas, steam rooms and aroma rooms.

It also has a playground for the kids to explore while the adults take time to relax. Afterward, you can take a cozy seat in the fire lounge or visit the library and cinema.

Check out Aux Gazelles Hammam and the Golden Tree Massage for the ultimate wellness experience offering some award-winning deep-tissue massage services and hair and body beauty services.

• wellness in Vienna

77 – Play roulette at Wien Casino

Vienna Casino can be found in the grand Palais Esterházy, on Vienna’s glitzy Kärntner Straße near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It offers an elegant environment to try your luck at a game of roulette. It also has slot machines and tables for blackjack, poker and Macau baccarat.

The casino has a bar and restaurant serving a selection of two and four-course meals in the style of traditional Viennese dishes.

78 – Ever drunk a Weizenbier? Sample the local brew scene with beer tastings

Beer drinking in Austria is the equivalent of eating pasta in Italy. Not just a social habit, in these parts of the world, it’s a lifestyle, ingrained into local culture.

One of Vienna’s most popular types of beer is Weizenbier, otherwise known as wheat beer. Taste the brew first-hand, plus other types of craft beer, with quenching beer tastings around the city.

Tours range from 40 minutes to two hours worth of drinking. Knock back cold crafts in a beer garden, visit local manufacturers, and learn about production processes at local breweries.

• beer tastings in Vienna

79 – Get a taste of Vienna nightlife on a pub crawl

Vienna’s many pubs, bars and clubs are just waiting to be explored. Why not take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local around the best spots in the city.

Mingle with international travelers on a group tour through the city’s most beloved bars and clubs. Get special drinks promotions and play traditional drinking games while you make new friends. A pub crawl is great for solo travelers and groups alike.

• pub crawls in Vienna

80 – Drink up the Viennese city views at the best rooftops

Though the rooftop furnishings at Aurora Rooftop Bar are minimal, they make the spectacular sights of the Vienna skyline the star of the show. Grab your friends, and order yourselves refreshing cocktails to seal the evening in style.

Recline on a lounger with your craft cocktail in hand, and toast to another successful day exploring Vienna at Dachboden at 25hours Hotel . Whether you’re looking for a relaxing early evening or a vibey night of dancing, you’ll find it all here.

Look at the city from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at Das Loft Bar & Lounge , making it the perfect rooftop to visit during the colder seasons. Turn the heat up, and visit on the weekends when the DJ plays the perfect tracks.

Want to truly feel on top of the world? Visit Vienna’s highest rooftop bar, 57 Restaurant & Lounge featuring the best drink creations from talented mixologists, as the panoramic views show you the city lit up in thousands of lights.

Have authentic Austrian food with a side of Viennese wine or a lovely cocktail at SKY Bar, Cafe, Restaurant . Offering sights of the side of Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as the other historic buildings, you’ll really feel like you’re in Vienna.

81 – Wake up feeling like Cinderella after a night’s sleep in a real palace

Unlike most cities, Vienna has a wealth of extravagant palaces. What better place to stay while visiting the city than in one of these grand buildings. Stay in the heart of the city’s “Golden Quarter” surrounded by decadent historical buildings, world-leading museums and outstanding restaurants.

For a 5 star stay in a Vienna palace, look at The Park Hyatt Hotel , Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial all of which have a luxurious and uniquely Viennese style.

82 – Check out the markets, festivals or concerts of Rathaus (town hall)

The Rathaus, or town hall, and its square are still at the center of life in Vienna. This huge Neo-Gothic building is the office of the city’s mayor but also has ballrooms, banqueting halls and a restaurant.

The Square hosts a yearly film festival throughout the summer months and has a whole program of free events. The Rathausplatz is at its most magical in December when the Christmas market fills the square with lights, food stalls, rides and an ice skating rink.

• city tours in Vienna

How to get to Vienna?

Prepare your ride to the city center from Vienna’s main airport (Vienna International Airport – Flughafen Wien) by pre-booking your airport transfer in Vienna .

Avoid the hassle of figuring out the public transport, carrying your luggage to bus stops or busy trains, and instead book a private airport transfer to drop you off at your hotel directly, or any other point in the city.

Where to stay in Vienna?

Order room service or dine in the restaurant downstairs surrounded by Art Deco and Baroque interiors when you stay at the hospitable Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof . Relax and rejunviante after tiring sightseeing days when you book a spa experience in the hotel’s incredible 2-floor spa with saunas.

Wake up every morning to the stream of light coming in through your room’s large windows when you stay at Eurostars Embassy . Offering guests a fresh and filling breakfast with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, to enjoy right before heading out to the main sights like Saint Stephen’s Cathedral closeby.

Located on the historic Mariahilfer Straße, a famous shopping street in Vienna is Hotel MOTTO , featuring freshly served breakfast inside their on-site restaurant. Rest up every night inside their fully furnished, elegantly decorated rooms, with city views of the historic district. Don’t worry about the outside noise, as the hotel comes with soundproof windows.

• best hotels in Vienna

Visiting Vienna on a budget?

Make sure to book a free walking tour in Vienna to get a walk-through of the different sites throughout Vienna. Offering a layout of the city, available in a variety of languages.

Wondering where some of the best walking tours of Vienna are, or how to book one? Check out our guide to the best free walking tours in Vienna .

If your heart is set on visiting some of the city’s major attractions, there are ways to save on ticket prices and entrance fees, as well as discounted rates on specific tours with Vienna Passes . Schönbrunn Palace tours, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Schönbrunn Zoo are some examples.

Where to go next?

Check off more amazing places to visit in Europe , especially near Vienna, starting with the things to do in Salzburg , offering baroque and medieval architecture, with the outstanding backdrop of the Eastern Alps. Tour the home of Mozart, and take a Sound of Music tour while you’re there.

Looking for outdoor experiences? Head to Innsbruck, “the Olympic City”, and enjoy a diverse range of sports activities – from skiing to rock climbing. Other adventure-fueled things to do in Innsbruck include the Bergisel Ski Jump, rafting and bungee jumping from Europa Bridge.

Prague is only a short plane ride away and features a picturesque Old Town with a mix of Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as a unique “beer bath” you can’t find anywhere else. Attend a classical concert, performed by some of the best Czech composers and visit castles, and there are plenty of other things to do in Prague that are culturally enriching.

Explore the wonders in Budapest, crossing the Danube River to explore Buda and Pest as well as witness the changing of the guards at the Parliament. Among the fun things to do in Budapest , discover different areas and their street art on a street art tour

Book a multi-day trip from Vienna to keep exploring a bit more outside the city center to iconic must-see places including climbing the “Sky Ladder” – Salzkammergut.

Final thoughts

With its ongoing list of things to do in Vienna, like witnessing a Viennese Waltz in a 19th- century palace, to visiting the world’s oldest and continuous zoo, visiting Vienna is just like taking a bite out of a decadent slice of Viennese Sachetorte (chocolate cake) – spectacular and satisfying to the senses.

Safe travels to the “City of Dreams” – Vienna!

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• What to do & see

Vienna Attractions Every Tourist Should See

Table of Contents

Small yet must-visit vienna attractions, top vienna attractions landmarks, amazing vienna attractions for art lovers, fiaker horses – perfect vienna attractions for tourists, hidden vienna attractions – republic of kugelmugel, the oldest preserved house in vienna, the most popular attraction kaisergruft, faqs about attractions in vienna, related articles.

If you’re planning a trip to this wonderful city, here are Vienna attractions you should visit.  After going through this post, you’re going to easily create list of top 10 tourist attractions Vienna Austria you want to visit in following days.

The city may have quite a number of huge structures including Vienna top attractions you don’t want to miss:

• Vienna opera house
• Vienna hotels
• tiny spaces around the city worth visiting

These places may have limited space but they can create beautiful memories for people who wish to spend quality and quiet times with their loved ones. 

Famous Vienna Attractions – The American Bar

Also called Loos Bar , this American Bar was designed by Viennese architect Adolf Loos. Loos is among the architects of Vienna focusing on modernist architecture. His works mostly feature small-scale interiors including the Loos Bar established in 1908.

Interestingly, the bar only measures 13 feet by 20 feet but each detail was carefully designed using the specific properties of every material.

Delicious Vienna Attractions – Restaurant Rudi’s Beisl

This is a tiny and old fashioned restaurant that features the classics. Here, guests can order the pan-fried steak called zwiebelrostbraten. This dish is topped with lots of fried onions. 

Those who love the classic Viennese cuisine without any modernizations should not miss going to this place. 

Das Tyrol Hotel

This is a friendly and affordable hotel that’s often fully booked. Originally built some 175 years ago as a convent, the building was converted into a small boutique hotel in 1999. This was after Helena von Ramsbacher of the Austrian Parliament bought the property and had it restored. 

Despite being called a small hotel, the establishment features high ceilings, contemporary furnishings, a collection of contemporary art and a winding central staircase. 

Below are some of our favorite categories of activities, tours, and things to do in Vienna.

Imperial Treasury

The Imperial Treasury or Schatzkammer is where some of the most precious and ornate relics of the Habsburg empire are displayed. Visitors can view here the famous Austrian imperial crown, the world’s biggest cur emerald and other treasures including jewels and fabrics. 

Vienna Secession

The Secession museum building boasts of a golden dome that dominates the Vienna skyline. This museum was constructued to house artmovements of Vienna in an effort to unite the different art forms including architecture. The Secession is considered the oldest independent gallery in the world dedicated to contemporary art. 

Votive Church

The Votive Vienna Church or Votivkirche in Vienna is a gothic church that boasts of stunning stained glass. Situated in RingStraBe, this religious structure was commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian after the attempted assassination of his brother Emperor Franz Joseph. It was his way of giving thanks for saving the life of Emperor brother. 

Imperial Crypt

The Imperial Crypt or Kaisergruft is where the preserved internal organs of the Hapsburg royal family members can be found.

Buried here are:

• the 12 emperors,
• 18 empresses and
• 113 other members of the royal family.

A few blocks away is the heart room where 54 urns are kept. 

• Heldenplatz

Heldenplatz is considered among the last expansions to the Hofburg Palace by the Hapsburg family. A majestic structure, this neoclassical style building is a testament to the Hapsburg’s desire to be known as a powerful empire comparable to the Greek gods.

Outside the building stands the statue of Archduke Charles II. 

Art lovers from around the world have flocked to Vienna, Austria, for centuries.  Vienna is ranked along with Paris and Rome as one of Europe’s most important art centers. 

There are myriad museums and art galleries in Vienna which offer a wide range of styles and experiences. 

The Albertina Graphic Arts Collection

The Albertina Graphic Arts Collection is located on Albertinaplatz and is a Mecca for graphic artists from around the globe.  This museum boasts the world’s largest collection of graphic art with over 60,000 pieces in its collection.  Most notable, the Albertina is home to the seminal work “The Rabbit” created by Albrecht Dürer in the 16th century.

Moya, or the Museum of Young Art, is a repository of modern pieces with include paintings, sculptures, and various other multimedia displays all created during the current millennium.  The Museum of Young Art is located right on the famous Ringstrasse.

MUMOK Museum Moderner Kunst & Museumsquartier

The museum of modern art is dedicated to art of the 20th and 21st centuries, with collections from classical modernism, nouveau réalisme, fluxus, pop-art and Viennese actionism movements.

As well as being informative, guided tours challenge visitors to think about and criticize the art. Housed in the big, grey lump in the courtyard of the fabulous Museumsquartier.

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere is a historical palace located in the 3rd District of Vienna , Austria.  The palace itself offers a wonderful destination for architecture lovers, especially those enjoying classic buildings in the Rococo style. 

Within the Belvedere Palace resides two museums focusing on the best art to emerge from Austria in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Sigmund Freud Museum

If you’re museum lover, this is one of the best Vienna attractions for you. This museum provides unique insight into one of the most well known people to emerge from Vienna. 

The Sigmund Freud Museum contains the great thinker’s collection of art and furniture along with other pieces which paint a vivid picture of Dr. Freud’s life in Vienna.  Psychiatry buffs can also attend lectures given on site by renowned followers of Freud’s teachings.

Museum of Fine Arts- Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna dates back to the time of the US Civil War. This museum is a must stop for all art lovers visiting Vienna, Austria. 

It features works from history’s most famous artists including Rembrandt, Titian, Rubens and Raphael. Read more about the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna.

The fiakers are wonderful Vienna tourist attractions. Their name came from the French which then referred to the carriage stand in the Rue de Saint Fiacre of Paris. They were originally called Janschky coaches but were renamed to fiakers in 1720.

Horses are strong and can stand the heat during summer just like the fiakers of the Austrian capital. And if you are visiting Vienna, it’s a must to experience riding in these traditional horse-drawn carriages while touring the city. 

In the Austrian capital, the fiaker horses are popularly used in carriages and for this summer, they have been working hard sometimes without even taking a day off. Drivers of these horse-drawn carriages said the horses are doing well despite the high temperatures adding that no health issues were found during their full check up with a veterinarian last year. 

The fiaker drivers are not complaining as well saying they need to work hard to earn a living as the Vienna city government only allows them to do so during tourist season. Their normal working hours start at 9 a.m. and end until 11 p.m. 

Back in 1860 until 1900, there were more than 1,000 fiakers in Vienna.

Today, they are still available and can be found in fiakers stands in:

• Stephansplatz
• Albertinaplatz
• Petersplatz and
• Burgtheater

Visitors can choose between the short tour which takes 20 minutes and costs 55 Euro and the long tour which takes 40 minutes and costs 80 Euro.

Tip for romantics 

For men planning to bring their partners on a romantic ride on a fiaker, make sure to request the driver for a porcelain ride.

This refers to a more steady and calmer drive than usual just like in the olden days when the coaches were used to transport precious porcelain safely without causing any damage to them during the entire journey. 

One of the lesser known and maybe even hidden Vienna attractions that tourists should find time to visit is the Republic of Kugelmugel. Situated in Vienna Prater, this spherical house is a republic of its own. 

This house and republic got its name from German terms kugel which means sphere and mugel which is an Austrian German expression for bump or mogul. 

The man behind this roundhouse design is Austrian artist Edwin Lipburger who built the house in the 1970s. His unique design was based on the principle that spheres are more natural and more liveable spaces compared to a square one. 

The artist severed his ties with Austria in 1984 after facing difficulties regarding building permits. He eventually built his unique house on a hillside in Lower Austria in 1985 to avoid regulations. There, he declared himself as the ruler of imaginary civilians of his so-called micronation.  

Due to his disappointment, Lipburger was said to have refused paying taxes to the Austrian government and even printed his own stamps. Unfortunately, that move led him to prison. The artist was later released from jail owing to a pardon granted by the Austrian president. 

The ball-shaped house was eventually moved to the Prater park and enclosed with barbed wire fence. It uses the address Anti-Fascism Square, District 2.

When it comes to houses or residential properties, the oldest that still stands in the Austrian capital is the Heumuhle auf der Wieden or Haymill located in the fourth district. Check out Vienna Districts here.

It is a small house considered the oldest to be preserved in the city. Specifically, it is in a courtyard situated at the end of Grungasse. 

Originally, the haymill was part of a hospital named Heiligengeistspital or what was known as the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, the building was burned down in 1528.

By 1533, it was renovated and turned over by Emperor Ferdinand I to the Diocese of Vienna. This residential structure was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1326. It was used as a mill and bakery until 1856. 

It was in 2004 when the Bundesdenkmalant which takes charge of preserving historic buildings conducted a study on the Haymill. The institution looked into the building’s history and recommended ways on how to preserve it. By 2008, the house was renovated at a cost of nearly a million Euros. 

The Haymill today is used by offices. It’s considered as a Vienna landmarks attractions. Nearby attractions include the Naschmarkt, the Karlsplatz, Palais Favoriate and the Paulanerkirche. 

The Kaisergruft, or Kapuzinergruft (translated as the “Capuchins’ Tomb” ) is one of the most popular, if not eerily unique attractions in the capital city of Austria.

It is called such because it was built below the monastery of the Order of the Capuchins in 1618 as part of the last will provided by Empress Anna of Tyrol who wanted a burial crypt for her and her husband, Emperor Matthias.

Although construction started in 1622, it was ten years later when the sarcophagi carrying the remains of Emperor Matthias and Empress Anna were laid to rest inside the crypt in what will be known as the “Founder’s Vault.”

The crypt now houses the graves of about 142 members of the Habsburg dynasty that includes 12 emperors and 18 empresses. There are about 107 sarcophagi that are visible while some are walled up along with five urns that contain the hearts of some of the royal family such as the Empresses Claudia Felicitas and Amalie.

During that period, it was a custom to bury the body, heart and intestines of the nobility separately. There are ten vaults that can be found in this subterranean crypt, as well as a chapel. A new vault was built in 1960 to provide more space for future entombments of the royalty.

The tombs themselves are remarkable to behold, ranging from the puritan to rococo and with various sculptures and engraving that befit the person buried inside. One example would be the tomb of Emperor Karl VI which was designed with a death’s head wearing a crown of the four realms that he ruled over.

How attractive is train ride from Venice to Vienna?

In these 9 hours you’re going to enjoy beautiful countryside. If you like to relax while having amazing view and avoid flights this is perfect choice for you.

What is a walkable tourist attraction in Vienna?

The best option is to visit Vienna Secession museum, The Kaisergruft or historical palace Belevedere.

What should you not miss in Vienna?

If you’re planning romantic trip to Vienna do not miss fiaker ride. And if you are art lovers do not miss palace Belevedere.

What can you do in Vienna for cheap?

Visiting Votive church and museums might be cheap way to get insight into the soul and the history of the Vienna.

• Romantic Places to Visit in Vienna
• 10 Secret Places Vienna Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Know About
• Vienna Public Transport Cost & Getting Around Vienna Guide

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austria

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 21, 2024

Austria, one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, attracts tourists year-round with places to visit in both summer and winter. In fact, with some of Europe's finest skiing , winter is almost as busy as summer in the country's spectacular mountain regions.

Visitors are drawn as much for the scenic beauty of this Alpine republic's provinces as they are for splendid cities like Vienna (Wien), the historic capital, and beautiful Salzburg , birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

One of Europe's smallest countries, Austria is predominantly a nation of upland areas and high mountains, with the Eastern Alps occupying a good 60 percent of its territory. The River Danube flows for about 350 kilometers from west to east through the northern part of the country, adding to its allure as a tourist destination.

Find the best sightseeing opportunities and things to do with this list of the top tourist attractions in Austria.

1. The Vienna Hofburg: Austria's Imperial Palace

2. salzburg altstadt, a unesco world heritage site, 3. the spanish riding school, vienna, 4. schönbrunn palace, vienna, 5. innsbruck's hofburg and hofkirche, 6. melk benedictine abbey, 7. hallstatt and the dachstein salzkammergut, 8. skiing at kitzbühel and kitzbüheler horn, 9. belvedere palace, vienna, 10. medieval burg hochosterwitz, 11. the grossglockner road to franz-josefs-höhe, 12. st. stephen's cathedral in vienna, 13. klosterneuburg abbey and the verdun altar, 14. maria saal cathedral, 15. krimmler ache: austria's tallest waterfalls, 16. eisriesenwelt: the world of the ice giants, 17. the styrian armoury (landeszeughaus), 18. old town innsbruck & the golden roof, map of tourist attractions in austria, best time to visit austria.

The spectacular Hofburg Palace in Vienna was for centuries the seat of Austria's monarchy, the powerful Habsburgs. Visiting this palace is one of the top things to do in Austria .

Now the President conducts state business in the same rooms that once belonged to Emperor Joseph II. Nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 ordered additions or alterations, resulting in many different architectural influences, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.

Together with its many attractive squares and gardens, the entire Hofburg complex occupies 59 acres encompassing 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Highlights of a visit include the Imperial Silver Collection and an array of dining services giving a taste of the lavish imperial banquets that once took place here.

Also worth seeing are the Sisi Museum , focusing on the life and times of Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Apartments , a series of 19 rooms once occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna

As the residence of Prince Archbishops, Salzburg was a spiritual center from the earliest days of Christianity in Europe. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) was founded by St. Rupert in AD 690 and served as the residence of the Archbishops until the early 1100s.

The Prince Archbishops employed some of the finest artists and architects of their times to build and decorate their churches, residences, and monasteries, and although these have been "updated" in the tastes of successive centuries, the medieval and Baroque buildings combine to form a beautiful old quarter to explore.

Highlights are St. Peter's Abbey and its church, along with the beautiful cemetery and its catacombs, instantly recognizable as a filming site for The Sound of Music .

Nearby is the cathedral, and wandering among its colorful Baroque burgher houses, you'll find charming squares and attractions that include the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now a museum. Above the beautiful spires and cupolas soars Salzburg's castle of Hohensalzburg, which you can reach by a funicular.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Salzburg

The Spanish Riding School dates back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the man responsible for introducing the famous Lipizzaner horses into Austria in 1562.

Today, it's one of the only places where the classical style of riding preferred by aristocracy is still practiced. Viewing the famous equestrian displays in the Baroque Winter Riding School – held here since the time of Charles VI – is one of the top things to do in Vienna .

Built in 1735, the magnificent hall was designed for the nobility to demonstrate their riding skills. Tickets to watch these magnificent animals perform their ballet are highly sought after, so book online as far in advance as possible.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna

Located on Vienna's outskirts, the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace was completed in the early 1700s and was later converted into a summer residence by Empress Maria Theresa.

Highlights of a tour through the 40 rooms of the palace that are open to the public are the Royal apartments, the Great Gallery with its ornate ceiling paintings, the Million Room, and Maria Theresa's salon with its carved and gilded rosewood panels. You'll also see the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, with its gold Rococo-framed mirrors. Behind the 1,441-room palace stretch 500 acres of parks and gardens, also in the 18th-century Baroque style.

Your visit to Schönbrunn should include the many attractions spread throughout these grounds: formal gardens; a labyrinth; the Palm House, filled with tropical and exotic plants and butterflies; an Alpine garden with a farmhouse; Europe's oldest zoo; and the Classical Gloriette, a grand marble structure crowning a hill above the gardens.

A carriage museum in the former Winter Riding School displays dozens of historical state coaches and sleighs. The entire palace and gardens complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna

The Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned in the late 1400s and early 1500s, made Innsbruck the main residence and the seat of the Hapsburg government and, as a result, a focal point of Europe. His palace, the Hofburg, was remodeled by Empress Maria Theresa in 18th-century Baroque and Rococo styles. Highlights of a tour are the chance to view the sumptuous royal apartments, the marble Giant Hall (Riesensaal), and the painted ceilings throughout.

The highlight of the Hofkirche, or Court Church, is the spectacular Tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, who died in 1519. Widely considered the finest work of German Renaissance sculpture, the monument's central feature is the massive black marble sarcophagus with a bronze figure of the Emperor. On the sides of the sarcophagus are 24 marble reliefs depicting events in the Emperor's life, and around it stand 28 larger-than-life-size bronze statues of the Emperor's ancestors and contemporaries (look out for King Arthur).

Other pieces of sculpture include 23 bronze statues of saints from the Habsburg family and 20 bronze busts of Roman emperors.

Address: Rennweg 1/3, 6020 Innsbruck

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck & Easy Day Trips

Melk Abbey is one of the world's most famous monastic sites, and its spectacular buildings are laid out around seven courtyards. The most prominent part of this massive 325-meter-long complex is the west end and its twin-towered church rising above a semicircular terrace range.

Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the town of Melk and overlooking the Danube, the abbey contains numerous other great reasons to spend a few hours touring it. These include the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau; the remains of Austria's first ruling family; the House of Babenberg; and the superb 196-meter-long Imperial Corridor with its portraits of Austria's rulers, including one of the Empress Maria Theresa.

Along the way, you'll also see the Imperial Rooms with their displays relating to the abbey's history, along with statues and paintings.

Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melk

Hallstatt is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Austria, if not Europe. It's also a good place from which to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The beautiful Baroque architecture testifies to Hallstatt's wealth, which is based on its long history of salt production from prehistoric times.

You can also visit the underground salt lake in the nearby Hörnerwerk cavern, or explore the Dachstein Caves , one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks, which are, in places, up to 1,174 meters deep. Highlights include the Giant Ice Cave , with its sub-zero summer temperatures and huge caverns with magnificent frozen waterfalls, and the Mammoth Cave , with its huge pipe-shaped galleries formed by an ancient underground river.

Above ground, visitors can tackle the superb 5 Fingers viewing platform, an incredible metal structure hanging over a 400-meter sheer drop with excellent views of the surrounding Alps.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Hallstatt and along the Hallstätter See

One of the best places to ski in Austria , the famed resort town of Kitzbühel spoils snow lovers with its 170 kilometers of skiable pistes and slopes dotted with little mountain huts, where they can stop for traditional Alpine snacks and warming drinks.

Although it's the site of the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of all downhill ski races, Kitzbühel has plenty of terrain for all skill levels in its three skiing areas, and the smallest of these, Bichlalm, is dedicated to freeriders.

But Kitzbühel is not just for skiers. With its walls and frescoed houses, and snow-covered Alps for a backdrop, the town is as pretty as Alpine villages get.

The 1,998-meter Kitzbüheler Horn that delights skiers in the winter is a favorite for mountain hikers in the summer, and you can also reach the summit by cable car via the Pletzeralm. It's considered one of the finest summit views in the Tyrol: to the south from the Radstädter Tauern to the Ötztal Alps; to the north, the nearby Kaisergebirge; to the west, the Lechtal Alps; and to the east, the Hochkönig.

To the south of the Kitzbüheler Horn rises the 1,772-meter-high Hornköpfli, also reached by cableway. In addition to the great views, on the summit, you'll find the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop home; a chapel; a restaurant; and an Alpine garden.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kitzbühel & Easy Day Trips

Another of Austria's most-visited palaces – and one that should definitely be included on your Vienna travel itinerary – is the spectacular Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere). Referred to most often simply as "The Belvedere," this important historic site is split into two major sections: the Upper (Oberes) and Lower (Unteres) Palaces.

If you've only got time to explore one, make it the Upper Palace . Here, you'll find the largest portion of the attraction's impressive collection of artworks, as well as have the chance to view one of the country's best preserved architectural gems. Highlights include Sala Terrena, the main hall, notable for its statues and stucco vaulted ceiling; the Carlone Hall, with its ceiling fresco; the two-story Marble Hall, with its many sculptures and paintings; and the impressive Ceremonial Staircase.

The Lower Palace is no less worthy of a visit. Highlights include the Marble Gallery, with its collection of statues; the Grotesque Hall, with its numerous fine wall paintings; and a second Marble Hall, this one known for its fascinating ceiling fresco.

If you're here for the day (you should plan on it!), the palace boasts a great café and restaurant, three shops, and a great Christmas Market for those traveling in the winter months.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring Vienna's Belvedere Palace: A Visitor's Guide

To the east of St. Veit , on a crag rising some 160-meters above the valley, sprawls the imposing Burg Hochosterwitz, Austria's most important medieval castle. After a turbulent history, the castle-first mentioned in 860 AD-was captured by the Khevenhüllers, and was enlarged in 1570 in the face of Turkish invaders. Never captured by a foe, the castle has remained in the Khevenhüller family since.

The steep access road to the castle, the Burgweg, winds its way up through the 14 defensive gates to the beautiful arcaded courtyard where you'll find the little chapel with its wall and ceiling paintings from 1570 and the church at the southwestern end of the castle with its high altar dating from 1729.

Address: Hochosterwitz 1, 9314 Launsdorf

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse from Bruck, in the Pinzgau, to Heiligenblut, at the foot of the Grossglockner, was constructed between 1930 and 1935. Following the route of an old Roman road, it is one of the most magnificent mountain roads in Europe .

Although its importance as a route through the Alps has declined, it's still a splendid highway through the Hohe Tauern, Austria's highest mountain massif and one of the country's outstanding attractions. Running for 22 kilometers through the mountains at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the road consists of a long succession of turns leading up to the summit tunnel on the Hochtor at 2,506 meters and then down into the valley on the far side.

The road is the access to the massive Hohe Tauern mountain range, where Franz-Josefs-Höhe is famous across Europe for its spectacular views. Named after a visit paid by Kaiser Franz-Josef in 1856, this wonderful vantage point stands 2,422 meters above sea level and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding country. Prominent in the view is the Grossglockner which, at 3,798 meters, is Austria's highest mountain.

Be sure to stop at the visitor center for its detailed displays relating to the area's history, as well as exhibits focusing on its glaciers and general tourist information.

Official site: www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/index

The imposing Gothic cathedral of St. Stephen's (Stephansdom) is a landmark inside Vienna's old city center. The original 12th-century Romanesque church was replaced in the 13th century by a Late Romanesque church, of which the massive gate and the Heathen Towers (Heidentürme) survive.

The later Gothic reconstruction in the 14th century added the choir and the Chapels of St. Eligius, St. Tirna, and St. Catherine, and in the following century, the famous 137-meter-high South Tower (Steffl) was constructed. After significant damage in World War II, the church was rebuilt.

The views from the Watch Room at the top of the Steffl are worth climbing its 343 steps, but you can take an elevator to a viewing platform on the North Tower, home to the massive Pummerin Bell. You won't want to miss the 14th-century catacombs and the cathedral treasury, where some of the cathedral's most important objects are displayed.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

• Read More: Exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

A flight of steps in lovely Klosterneuburg Abbey leads down to the 12th-century St. Leopold's Chapel where Leopold III is buried. It's also where you'll find the famous Verdun Altar. Perhaps the finest existing example of medieval enamel work, the altar consists of 51 panels of champlevé work on gilded copper depicting Biblical scenes by Nicholas of Verdun from around 1181.

Originally on the reading pulpit of the former Romanesque church, the panels were put together to form the present winged altarpiece after a fire in 1329. Four painted panels affixed to the altar in 1331 and the oldest in Austria-they were painted in Vienna before 1329-are now in the Abbey Museum.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

The Church of Maria Saal-more often than not referred to as Maria Saal Cathedral-is perched on a hill high above the Zollfeld and is one of the leading places of pilgrimage in the state of Carinthia in southern Austria. It was here around 750 AD that Bishop Modestus consecrated a church from which the surrounding area was Christianized.

The present twin-towered church was built in Gothic style in the first half of the 15th century on the foundations of a Roman basilica and was remodeled during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Highlights include the west facade with twin towers and its fine old gravestones. Particularly interesting are the 16th-century Keutschach Epitaph depicting the Coronation of Our Lady, and a Roman stone relief from around AD 300.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Klagenfurt & Easy Day Trips

The Krimmler Ache plunges 380 meters in three tremendous cascades and makes for an excellent excursion from the nearby village of Krimml. At an altitude of 1,076 meters, Krimml-perched high above the Salzachtal in a wooded valley-is a wonderful place to stop for a few days if you're into hiking.

In addition to various excellent walks to the waterfalls, there's a rewarding climb to the Schettbrücke and continuing to the spectacular Krimmler Tauernhaus. From here, expert climbers can tackle the 2,911-meter-high Glockenkarkopf on the Italian frontier.

Found on the western edge of the Tennengebirge, the spectacular World of the Ice Giants is the largest system of ice caves in the world. Covering some 30,000 square meters, the caves were carved by an underground river in the Tertiary period. Discovered in 1879, they were opened to the public in 1912, and to date, an amazing 45 kilometers of the network has been explored.

After winding along the Great Ice Wall, you'll be confronted by the massive Hymir Hall with its impressive ice formations and icicles. Stone steps lead to the Eistor, or Ice Gate, a spectacular 1,775-meter-high wall of ice, and the great Ice Palace. Conducted tours last two hours, and the trip to and from the caves takes a few hours, so expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the area.

In the heart of Graz is the Landeszeughaus, the Styrian Arsenal. Built in 1644, the building houses a spectacular collection of completely preserved 17th-century arms and armor-enough, in fact, to arm 32,000 men, including helmets and weaponry.

While in Graz, you should also visit the Landhaus . Built in Renaissance style in 1557-65, its main facade is dominated by rounded windows and a veranda. The lovely arcaded courtyard has three-storied pergolas on two sides and a Renaissance fountain, while in the Knights' Hall there's a splendid stucco ceiling from 1746.

Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips

The beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck is not only home to some of the country's best preserved architecture, it's also home to some of the most unusual and unique historic buildings. Perhaps the best known of Innsbruck's points of interest is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl).

This relic from the city's rich Hapsburg past is located in the heart of Innsbruck Old Town (Altstadt), and adorns a Late Gothic oriel window of a former palace, the Neuer Hof, which was used by royalty. You can't miss this perfect selfie spot as you wander along the arcaded Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse. If you time it right (when the sun shines), the roof really does appear to glow.

Consisting of no less than 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the Golden Roof dates back to 1496, when it was added to the building to mark the marriage of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, and served as a royal box, so the couple could enjoy the celebrations in the square to mark the occasion. After taking some pics, be sure to visit the Golden Roof Museum that deals with the Emperor's lasting legacy.

Be sure to spend some time wandering the winding, narrow, streets and alleys around this iconic Innsbruck attraction. In addition to the many fine old buildings here, you'll also enjoy great vistas of the many mountains that surround this beautiful Austrian city.

Address: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck

Cities or countryside? Skiing or hiking? Your plans will determine when is the best time of the year to visit Austria.

Spring: Spring can be chilly in Austria, with temperatures in the 10 to 15 degrees Celsius range in cities and much lower in the mountains. Because the season is short and only truly lasts two months (April and May), most avid outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of it by heading to the mountains, picnicking near lakes, and discovering small towns full of history and heritage. Although spring sees lots of sunshine, the weather is also highly unpredictable, meaning you should carry an umbrella, especially during the month of April.

One of the best places to visit in Austria in April and May is the Lienz Dolomites. Hiking in this area is very popular because there are options for all levels of experience and fitness. Experienced hikers can find both short and long-distance trails, including multiple-day hikes like the Long Törlweg hike, which takes several days and requires stays in one of the alpine huts, and ups and downs across six summits with stunning panoramic views over the snowcapped peaks.

Summer: Summer is high season in Austria , with temperatures usually in the low to mid-20s Celsius, plenty of sunshine, and crisp evenings perfect for a stroll through the many picturesque towns. Flocks of tourists head to Austria during this season, which results in expensive flights, overbooked hotels, and higher prices everywhere you go.

On the plus side, the sky remains blue, and the air is filled with the smell of flowering meadows. There's no better time to photograph the Alps than in summer, as the visibility is excellent, and the snowcapped mountains can be seen from very far away.

June is the wettest of all warm months but also the one with the most festivals, including the Midsummer Night Celebration, which includes bonfires lit under the light of the moon. July brings the best weather of the Austrian summer — it's mostly dry, it's not scorching hot, and you'll get plenty of sunshine.

August heats up significantly , so it's a favorite time among Austrians to go swimming. Lake destinations such as Lake Plansee and Lake Hallstatt are very crowded and very expensive, and hotels are often booked a year in advance.

Fall: September and October are chilly in Austria but still not cold, with temperatures very similar to spring, except that while spring is rainy and unpredictable, autumn is actually drier and with clear skies . This is the season for cycling tours, hiking, and boating, as the trees are changing into shades of reds and yellow, and the valleys and mountains are stunning everywhere.

If you arrive in early September, you'll get warmer temperatures but without the summer crowds, as everybody is heading back home for school and work. November, though technically part of autumn, can be very cold, with temperatures in the low single digits.

Winter: Winter is technically low season in Austria, as long as you stick to the cities or even small mountain towns-the best time to go to Austria if you're looking for discounts and deals on hotels and flights . Because Austria is a major skiing destination, however, don't expect prices to go down if you're heading to the Alps or have an active outdoorsy vacation planned.

The winter season in Austria starts in November and lasts until March, with temperatures regularly in the minus because of the proximity to the Alps. The air is chilly, even when the sun is out, and snowfall is common and can be very abundant . The weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's are busy, crowded, and much more expensive.

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