historical places to visit in vienna

The 13 most historic buildings and sites in Vienna

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1 St. Stephen's Cathedral

3 Schönbrunn Palace

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6 St. Charles's Church

7 imperial crypt, 8 goethedenkmal, 9 palais pallavicini, 10 geymüllerschlössel, 11 palais bourgoing, 12 dreimäderlhaus, 13 palais kaunitz-wittgenstein, top searches in vienna, popular road trips from vienna, what's the weather like in vienna.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Vienna for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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Explore nearby places

• Langenzersdorf
• Stammersdorf
• Klosterneuburg
• Rannersdorf
• Gerasdorf bei Wien
• Perchtoldsdorf
• Brunn am Gebirge
• Maria Enzersdorf
• Wiener Neudorf
• Kritzendorf
• Breitenfurt bei Wien
• Maria Gugging
• Hinterbruhl
• Deutsch Wagram
• St. Andrae-Woerdern
• Greifenstein
• Guntramsdorf
• Gumpoldskirchen

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Vienna throughout the year

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18 top things to do in Vienna

Jul 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Cycling on Danube Island in Vienna's Donaustadt district. © Balakate/Shutterstock

Museums filled with masterpieces, brilliant baroque streetscapes, sumptuous palaces and epicurean delights, naturally Vienna is an unmissable stop on your Europe adventure.

Now with street art, craft beer brewing, an analogue-only hotel stay, and summer ‘beach bars’, contemporary Vienna continues to flourish as a creative cultural hub.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The jewel in Vienna's artistic crown is its Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna . As well as accumulating vassal lands, the Habsburgs assembled one of Europe's finest collections of art and artefacts. Housed inside a majestic neoclassical building, the highlight of this incredible cache is the Picture Gallery, an encounter with a vast and emotionally powerful collection of works by grand masters, such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder's evocative and 'industrial' Tower of Babel from the 16th century or the bright plenitude of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's Summer.

Vienna’s coffee houses

Great works of art have been created in these 'living rooms' of the Viennese. Patronised by luminaries such as Mahler, Klimt, Freud, Trotsky and Otto Wagner in their day, Vienna's Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) were added to the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Many retain their opulent original decor, and often specialise in a particular cake, such as the Sacher Torte, an iced-chocolate cake with apricot jam once favoured by Emperor Franz Josef, at Café Sacher. New-wave coffee houses are putting their own twist on the tradition.

MuseumsQuartier

Have you had enough of culture yet? No? Good, because the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is a 90,000 sq metre exhibition space encompassing 60 cultural institutions ranging from fine art, music, theatre, and dance to game culture, street art and photography. Highlights include – including the Leopold Museum , MUMOK , Kunsthalle Wien , Architekturzentrum and Zoom but there are multiple micro-museums and creative spaces to explore. It’s also one of the key locations for the annual Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) held over six weeks in May and June.

The annual Calle Libre street art festival focuses on one guiding theme as celebrated artists respond across curated walls for a week each summer. Founded almost a decade ago by Jakob Kettner, the festival brings together live paintings, street art works, guided tours, film screenings and workshops for urban aesthetics. You’ll get the chance to learn more about Vienna’s burgeoning street art scene, discover works from local and international artists, and find out what issues are shaping and challenging the city today. 

Ringstrasse Tram Tour

For a spin around Vienna's architectural highlights, jump on a tram and travel along the Ringstrasse , one of Europe's most magnificent streets. The circular boulevard of imposing state buildings was carved out of the space once occupied by fortifications protecting Vienna from Ottoman Turk attack in the 16th century. You’ll pass the Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Gestapo headquarters site, the neoclassical facade of Parlament, Austria’s parliament, the Athena Fountain, and Äusseres Burgtor (Outer Palace Gate). The Roman gate leads the way to the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg.

Schloss Schönbrunn 

The magnificent rococo former summer palace and gardens of the Habsburgs are a perfect place to experience the pomp, circumstance and gracious legacy of Austria's erstwhile monarchs. A visit to 40 of the palace's lavishly appointed rooms reveals the lifestyle and the eccentricities of Europe's most powerful family. Beyond the Unesco-listed palace, Schloss Schönbrunn Gardens invite a stroll past pseudo-Roman ruins, along bucolic paths winding through leafy woods and a stopover in the gardens' highlight, the Gloriette, with mesmerising views of the palace and city beyond.

Hofburg Palace 

The former wintering ground of the Habsburg monarchs for over 700 years, Hofburg is a living palace today. One of the biggest palace complexes in the world, it now houses a fine collection of museums, is home to the Austrian president, Austria's National Library and public offices. It is also the temporary home of the Austrian Parliament while the main building undergoes renovations expected to be completed in 2024. 

Donauturm tower

The newly renovated 1960s modernist Donauturm tower offers panoramic views across the city and the Danube river. It’s also located in one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city, the Danube Park making it doubly worth a visit. From the top you’ll see the entire surrounding region of Vienna on a clear day. Who can resist booking a sunset meal at a rotating restaurant at 170m high? This is peak tourist, and we love it. The set-price Viennese three-course meal includes lift tickets.  

Whether it's coffee houses, local dining, or a pub crawl, there are a host of tours on offer to the best places to eat and drink in Vienna. Bi-lingual local tour guides guide visitors to different, seasonally appropriate (Christmas market foodie tour anyone?) locations to show off the best the city has to offer. One popular outfit founded by local couple Melinda and Thomas, Vienna Food Tours covers the variety of cuisines that influenced Viennese food: sampling appetizers, a sausage stand, mains, and of course something sweet to round it off over a whole afternoon. 

Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel 

It’s famous among cinephiles as the place Graham Greene sent his fictional character Harry Lime for a slow rotation in the 1949 film The Third Man. The 1897-built Riesenrad , otherwise known as the Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, rises above the beautiful green open spaces of the Prater in Vienna’s 2nd district. A ride takes you high above the city and the wooded parkland and meadows below. Save some time to explore the Prater by foot or bicycle after you return to ground level.

Schloss Belvedere 

Living up to its Italianesque name 'beautiful view', this 18th-century palace and garden ensemble is deceptively close to Vienna's city centre while still creating a feeling of being worlds apart. Symmetrical, finely sculpted and manicured gardens overlooking Vienna's unfolding skyline connect two exquisite palaces dedicated to a who's who of Austrian art. Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss is a highlight. The masterpieces on display are complemented by interiors so stately that they're worthy of a visit in their own right.

Stephansdom 

A Gothic reminder of another age, the Stephansdom is Vienna's heart and soul. The awe-inspiring cathedral lords over the city, topped by an intricately tiled roof, with its distinctive row of chevrons and Austrian eagle. Below the cathedral are the Katakomben (catacombs), with their eerie collection of the deceased; inside, a magnificent Gothic stone pulpit presides over the main nave; and rising above it to dizzying heights is the South Tower with its viewing stage offering dazzling panoramas over town.

Copa Cagrana Beach

Just beyond the city centre, nestled by the Donauinsel, lies Copa Cagrana Beach , a stretch of sandy beach bars, pop-up food stalls and a large open-air TV viewing area that locals flock to in the summer months. Only open between June and September Vienna makes the most of the holiday atmosphere with volleyball courts, trampolines and green space beside the water. Nibble on delicate Trześniewski sandwiches (open finger sandwiches) as you look across the Donaukanal, or satiate your summer cravings with a fresh spritzer.

Vineyard hiking

The hills surrounding Vienna are awash with vineyards and views, ripe for hiking and tippling in equal measure. Held in autumn (typically late September or October), the annual wine hiking day sees over 190 winemakers set up small wooden huts along the popular walking paths above Vienna, where thirsty hikers can stop in to try the fresh wine harvest of the year. Pick up your glass from one of the hiking-day stations at the bottom of the trail, and meander your way from Neustift to Nussdorf, Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf, or the shorter Ottakring to Neuwald route. The ‘hikes’ themselves are quite low impact and allow plenty of time to stop, sip and enjoy the fresh air.

VHS, vinyl and typewriters

Seeking a true digital detox can be challenging, with a constant barrage of tech an unavoidable part of our daily lives. To help you stay offline and relax, 25 Hours hotel has collaborated with Supersense cafe to create the first ‘analogue hotel room’ for your perfectly curated escape from modern life. Replacing wi-fi and wide screens with a typewriter, VHS player and vinyl records, the suite offers a stylish retreat to the simpler technologies of decades gone by. Perfect for a truly unplugged weekend getaway. If you want to explore further, book a bicycle from their friends at Schindelhauer.

Craft beer has come of age in Vienna with a number of bars specialising in locally made brews. Just off Mariahilferstrasse, Ammutson Craft Beer Dive 's commitment to fresh tap beer from local microbreweries is a welcome addition to the scene. While stalwart craft beer venues like Beaver Brewing Company continue to provide a hearty mix of delicious food, alongside their expansive and regularly changing craft beer menus. Beer drinkers, on your marks...

Christmas markets 

Vienna's much-loved Christmas market season runs from around mid-November to Christmas Eve. The Christkindlmärkte atmosphere is magical with stalls in streets and squares selling wooden toys, festive decorations and traditional food such as Würstel (sausages) and Glühwein (mulled wine). The centrepiece is the Wiener Weihnachtstraum Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz but you'll find Christmas markets across the city including at Schloss Schönbrunn.

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 15th district

The 15th district is experiencing a rejuvenation thanks to community driven events, interesting stores and markets. Brunch and coffee lovers can get their fill at Landkind , Das Augustin and Turnhalle im Brick 5 , and see Austria’s best barista slinging lattes at GOTA Coffee Experts . Hidden down the district's side alleys is the unique indie art gallery, Improper Walls , and quirky stores such as Metaware , a ‘gift shop for nerds & geeks’.

In the evenings, there’s a wealth of food and drink options to explore in the district, from Das Eduard’s pita burgers on its outdoor terrace, to indie bar ein affee and wine haven Reinwein . Vegetarians can enjoy the secluded delights of restaurant and art gallery Hollerei , a short walk from Meidling Hauptstrasse station.

This article was first published in May 2019, last updated by Tasmin Waby on 29 June 2021.

Free things to do in Vienna Best day trips from Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published May 13, 2019 and updated Jul 1, 2021.

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Visiting Vienna

My top 10 places to visit in Vienna

Some folk ask me for my personal suggestions for where to go in the city, given I spend hundreds of hours wandering the streets to bring you this website. So here are my top ten places to visit in Vienna…

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A lot depends on your interests, of course. Mine is mostly history of one kind or another. And art. And coffee. And, um, cake. So in no particular order…

(You might also like to explore my suggested authentic experiences , too.)

1. Wander around the centre

(Vienna’s Graben with the plague column in the distance on the left)

If that sounds a bit lame, then I don’t apologise.

Look, Vienna is a beautiful historical city. Every few paces seems to bring a palace, monument, church, or a building with the kind of costly decorative façade you just don’t get today.

So let your feet take you along the pedestrianised routes and enjoy the view.

Here’s my suggested walking tour route for the centre, which begins at the Staatsoper opera house and takes about 90 minutes (without breaks for photos, reading, ice creams etc.).

Do wander along little alleyways and parallel streets on the way to escape any crowds and experience those extra architectural delights that most people hurrying from A to B won’t see.

2. Café Central or…

(No prize for guessing the name of this coffee house)

As you wander, be sure to drop in somewhere for that coffee and cake I’m so fond of. That’s pretty much top of my recommended experiences .

The traditional Viennese coffee house is one of humanity’s better creations.

As places for conversation and contemplation, these cafés have produced great art and literature, catalysed political and philosophical movements, and precipitated the rise and fall of empires. (I’m only slightly exaggerating.)

The question is…where do you drop into?

Everyone recommends Café Central or Café Sacher , so you might expect them to be full of visitors.

And they are.

Queues to get into both are common. To be safe, reserve a table or visit first thing in the morning.

Café Central, in particular, offers some mind-blowing interior décor, as if you just walked into a film set. Café Sacher actually served as a recent film set .

But plenty of other locations offer traditional and alternative Viennese coffee and cake experiences: try some of these coffee houses . Take a book to read (or a pen and paper to write your own).

3. The Hundertwasser Museum

(The Kunst Haus Wien: home to the Hundertwasser Museum)

Many people have heard of Hundertwasserhaus , the apartment block designed by the artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. And it’s a fine place to visit, with its colours, curves, murals, spirals, and trees poking out at odd angles.

But there are too many souvenir outlets around there for me. So I’d rather go to the Kunst Haus Wien .

The building is all Hundertwasser, but with fewer onlookers. And you can actually go inside, where you’ll discover a large and wonderful collection of his art (not to mention a fabulous café and special art exhibitions & installations on green themes).

So much colour and joy in one place.

4. The palaces, of course

(View from the Schönbrunn palace entrance at Christmas)

There’s a solid reason why Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most popular tourist spot. It’s lovely, and a tour through the interior is a tour through some pretty impressive European history.

Visit in the early morning, when the park gates are open but the ticket office isn’t. Then pop round the back, walk up to behind the Neptune Fountain and look down at the landscaped gardens and palace when empty of visitors.

What a glorious sight.

I love the zoo there, too (one of the world’s best). It has giant pandas. Giant. Pandas.

Elsewhere, the two Belvedere palaces offer some photo-worthy Baroque architecture. More importantly, they also offer some world-leading art (see suggestion 7 below).

5. The Kunstkammer

(The KHM at night)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) contains more artistic treasures than you can shake a priceless Bruegel at (they have several of those). Everything from Rembrandts to Roman gold.

But the real magic lives in the Kunstkammer section, home to a Cabinet of Curiosities collected by various Habsburgs over the centuries.

Stuff in there takes your breath away.

For example, view glorious bronze statues by Giambologna, biblical scenes carved into wood the size of a key fob, 16th-century mechanical ships, golden salt and pepper pots worth millions, and so much more.

6. Volksgarten Rose Garden

(A huge mix of colours and varieties)

I like roses.

Imagine row after row of different varieties all put together to create a blast of colour to a backdrop of 19th-century imperial opulence?

That’s the rose garden in the Volksgarten park . Again, be sure to go early when nobody is around (and go in summer, when the roses are out, otherwise all you get is a small park).

7. The MAK and more

(The MAK at night with the MAKlite light installation)

Vienna has a lot of top-quality museums . But I have a particular soft spot for the MAK Museum . You can feel the love for what they do in this showcase of applied art and design.

I come away enthused and rejuvenated every time I visit (and I’m a miserable 56 year-old with the attention span of a gnat).

Since we’re on the subject of museums, a shout-out again for Belvedere , not least because it has Austria’s most famous piece of art inside. It might be considered rude to visit Vienna and not catch a look at Klimt’s The Kiss .

And another shout-out, this time for the Albertina for hosting perhaps the most prestigious art exhibitions .

8. A little spot on Heldenplatz

(View across the square to the Neue Burg)

It’s hard to get away from the modern world, but here’s something worth a try…

Go to Heldenplatz square and stand in front of the Neue Burg building just off the road that crosses the square from the Burgtor gates . Then do a 360° turn.

You might have to adjust your position a little and keep your eyes up to avoid any cars. But you should see a panorama largely unchanged since the late 19th century.

I get a kick out of that every time.

Of course, a construction crane or scaffolding might spoil the view. But you can use your imagination.

With any luck, a horse-drawn carriage will pass by to add a little aural authenticity to proceedings.

9. The Military History Museum

(The museum entrance)

I do like seeing items that offer a direct connection to the past (see suggestion 10). And the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum offers numerous such exhibits.

If we look back at history, we can describe one or two events as truly world-changing. One of them is the assassination of the Austrian Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo. The incident led to World War I.

The car Franz Ferdinand was sitting in when he was shot is in the museum. And the clothes he wore, too…still stained.

That’s the kind of momentous history I’m talking about.

10. Mozart’s apartment

(A plaque outside a house Mozart lived in)

Which brings me to Mozart’s Apartment . You have celebrities and then you have Mozart. Perhaps the most famous composer of all time.

So can you imagine standing in the very same room he stood in?

Can you imagine looking out the window at the very same view he once admired?

Can you imagine humming The Marriage of Figaro in your head on the very same spot Mozart actually wrote the opera?

No imagination is required.

Take a few steps down, and you can even listen to a live performance of works Mozart wrote at the same location.

Vienna is full of such experiences (cough, Beethoven , cough, Haydn , cough Strauss , and many more ), but the Mozartwohnung and surrounding Mozarthaus are perhaps the most impressive of them.

11. Christmas in Vienna

(The Christmas market in front of Upper Belvedere palace)

One more tip than promised.

If you can, go to Vienna during the Christmas season . A special atmosphere pervades the place, full of lights and wisps of steam from mugs of punch.

Try the Belvedere Christmas Market after dusk for a wonderful photo opportunity. Or any market, frankly.

Even professional cynics like me can’t help but enjoy chocolate-coated fruit, roast chestnuts, good cheer, and the chance to buy a remarkably-lovely handmade item for some ungrateful relative.

And the rest…

For more ideas, a couple of other articles for you:

• What to do in a day : a guide to where to invest your time best if here for a brief visit, organised by themes like “history” or “art”
• Introduction to Vienna : a detailed overview of what the city’s all about, what it has to offer, and how to get around the place

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

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• Description

Vienna developed from early Celtic and Roman settlements into a Medieval and Baroque city, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It played an essential role as a leading European music centre, from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Centre historique de Vienne

Vienne s’est développée à partir des premiers établissements celtes et romains, en passant par la ville médiévale puis baroque, jusqu’à devenir la capitale de l’Empire austro-hongrois. Elle a joué un rôle fondamental en tant que haut lieu de la musique européenne et demeure associée aux grands compositeurs, du classicisme viennois à la musique moderne. Le centre historique de Vienne abrite une grande variété d’éléments architecturaux, notamment des palais baroques et des jardins ainsi que l’ensemble de la Ringstrasse datant de la fin du XIXe siècle.

وسط فيينا التاريخي

تطوّرت فيينا بدءاً من اولى المؤسسات السلتية والرومانية مروراً بالمدينة في القرون الوسطى ومن ثم الباروكية إلى أن اصبحت عاصمة الإمبراطورية النمساوية المجرية. لقد لعبت دوراً اساسياً كمركز مهم في عالم الموسيقى الأوروبية ولا تزال مرتبطة باسم مؤلفين كبار منذ الكلاسيكية النمساوية إلى الموسيقى الحديثة. ويضمّ وسط فيينا التاريخي مجموعة من العناصر الهندسية ولا سيما القصور الباروكية والحدائق، بالإضافة إلى الرينغستراس الذي يعود إلى نهاية القرن التاسع عشر.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

维也纳是从早期哥特人和罗马人聚落发展起来的，后来成了一个中世纪巴洛克风格的城市——奥匈帝国首都。从伟大的维也纳古典乐派时代开始一直到20世纪初，维也纳一直作为欧洲音乐中心发挥着重要的作用。维也纳历史中心汇集了大量建筑艺术，包括巴洛克风格的城堡和花园，还有建于19世纪晚期的环城大道，两旁是宏伟的楼群，也有古迹和公园。

Centro histórico de Viena

Viena se fue desarrollando desde los primeros asentamientos celtas y romanos en su territorio y a través de la construcción sucesiva de la ciudad medieval y la barroca, hasta convertirse en la capital del Imperio Austrohúngaro. La ciudad ha desempeñado un papel fundamental como centro importante de la música europea y su nombre va asociado a grandes compositores, desde el clasicismo vienés hasta la música de principios del siglo XX. Su centro histórico alberga una gran variedad de jardines y monumentos arquitectónicos, principalmente palacios barrocos, así como el conjunto de la Ringstrasse, que data de fines del siglo XIX.

source: NFUAJ

Historisch centrum van Wenen

Wenen ontwikkelde zich van vroege Keltische en Romeinse nederzettingen tot een middeleeuwse en barokke stad, de hoofdstad van het Oostenrijks-Hongaarse Rijk. Sinds de 16e eeuw wordt Wenen algemeen erkend als de muzikale hoofdstad van Europa, met als bekendste periode het Weens classicisme. Het historische centrum van Wenen is rijk aan architectonische gebouwen zoals barokke kastelen en tuinen, maar ook de laat-19e-eeuwse Ringstrasse, omringd door indrukwekkende gebouwen, monumenten en parken. Het stedenbouwkundig en architectonisch erfgoed in het historische centrum van Wenen illustreren de Europese culturele en politieke ontwikkeling die de stad doormaakte tijdens de middeleeuwen, de barok en de Gründerzeit.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Vienna, situated on the Danube River in the eastern part of Austria, developed from early Celtic and Roman settlements into a medieval and Baroque city, eventually becoming the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It played an essential role as the leading European music centre, hosting major personalities in the development of music from the 16th to the 20th centuries, particularly Viennese Classicism and Romanticism, consolidating Vienna’s reputation as the ‘musical capital’ of Europe. Vienna is also rich in architectural ensembles, particularly Baroque mansions and gardens as well as the late 19th-century Ringstrasse ensemble lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks. The property consists of the city’s medieval core (based on the Roman settlement), the principal Baroque ensembles with their axial layouts, and the Gründerzeit constructions from the beginning of the modern period.

At the beginning of the 12th century the settlement here expanded beyond the Roman defences, which were demolished. During the Ottoman conflicts in the 16th and 17th centuries, the medieval town’s walls, which surrounded a much larger area, were rebuilt and provided with bastions. This remained the core of Vienna until the medieval walls were demolished in the second half of the 19th century. The inner city contains a number of medieval-era buildings, including the Schottenkloster, the oldest monastery in Austria, the churches of Maria am Gestade (one of the main Gothic structures), Michaelerkirche, Minoritenkirche and Minoritenkloster from the 13th century, and St Stephen’s Cathedral, which dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. The same period also saw the construction of civic ensembles, such as initial parts of the Hofburg Palace. Whereas the monastic complexes were generally built of stone, becoming part of the defences of the medieval city, the residential quarters were of timber and suffered frequent fires.

In 1683, Vienna became the capital of the Habsburg Empire and developed rapidly, becoming an impressive Baroque city. The Baroque character was expressed particularly in the large palace layouts such as the Belvedere Palace and garden ensemble. A growing number of new palaces were built by noble families, many existing medieval buildings, churches, and convents were altered and given Baroque features, and additions were made to representative administrative buildings. Several historic Viennese buildings are now associated with the residences of important personalities such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, when the city played an essential role as a leading European centre for music.

A new phase in the history of Vienna took place when its 34 suburbs were incorporated into the city and the emperor ordered the demolition of the fortifications around the inner city. The opportunity was taken to create one of the most significant 19th-century ensembles in the history of urban planning, which greatly influenced the rest of Europe in this crucial period of social and economic development. In 1874, the Hofburg complex was extended with the addition of the Neue Hofburg, an ‘Imperial Forum’, and joined with large museum complexes into a single ensemble. The Burgtheater, parliament, town hall, and university formed another ensemble linked with these structures. To this was added the opera house as well as a large number of public and private buildings along the Ringstrasse, on the line of the demolished city walls. The late 19th and early 20th centuries testify to further creative contributions by Viennese designers, artists, and architects in the periods of the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), the Secession, and the early Modern Movement in architecture. 

Crit e rio n (ii) : The urban and architectural qualities of the Historic Centre of Vienna bear outstanding witness to a continuing interchange of values throughout the second millennium.  

Crit e rio n (iv) : Three key periods of European cultural and political development – the Middle Ages, the Baroque period, and the Gründerzeit – are exceptionally well illustrated by the urban and architectural heritage of the Historic Centre of Vienna. 

Crit e rio n (vi) : Since the 16th century Vienna has been universally acknowledged to be the musical capital of Europe. 

Within the boundaries of the 371 ha Historic Centre of Vienna are located all the attributes that sustain its Outstanding Universal Value, including its architectural and urban qualities and layout, and that illustrate its three major phases of development – medieval, Baroque, and the Gründerzeit – that symbolize Austrian and central European history. The Historic Centre of Vienna has also maintained its characteristic skyline. The 462 ha buffer zone protects the immediate setting of the inscribed property. 

Authenticity

The property is substantially authentic in terms of its location, its forms and designs, and its substance and materials. This authenticity resides largely in the overlapping and multi-layered interweaving of urban buildings, structures, and spaces. The property has to a remarkable degree retained the architectural elements that demonstrate its continuous interchange of values through authentic examples from the above-mentioned three key periods of European cultural and political development. In addition to the architectural elements, the Historic Centre of Vienna has retained its role as the music capital of Europe.

The historic urban fabric of the Historic Centre of Vienna is thus informed by this ongoing interchange, which has caused the urban landscape to evolve and grow over time, reflected in the new, emerging skyline outside the buffer zone. Vienna’s continuing development requires a very sensitive approach that takes into account the attributes that sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, including its visual qualities, particularly regarding new high-rise constructions. 

Protection and management requirements

About 75% of the property is in private ownership, 18% is publicly owned, and 7% is owned by the Roman Catholic Church. Various legal instruments at both federal and municipal/provincial levels protect the Historic Centre of Vienna and its buffer zone. These include the Federal Monument Protection Act (Federal Law Gazette No. 533/1923, the most recent amendment entering into force on 1 January 2000), and the municipal Building Code, with its Amendment on Old Town Conservation (Vienna Law Gazette No. 16/1972). Parts of Vienna fall under the regulations of the Vienna Nature Conservation Act (from 1998). Other legal instruments, such as the Garages Act and the Tree Preservation Act, are also relevant.

In addition to these regulations, the Province of Vienna has adopted a Land Use Plan and Urban Development Plans as planning instruments. The Land Use Plan, which on a scale of 1:2000 is a more precise version of the Urban Development Plan, divides the metropolitan area into green zones, development zones, and infrastructure zones. The Urban Development Plan lays down the spatial dimensions of the protection zones as defined under the Vienna Old Town Conservation Act. The Management Plan, which was elaborated in 2002, refers to the two World Heritage properties in Vienna (Historic Centre of Vienna, and Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn). The plan fulfils objectives related to formalizing the procedures for the legal protection of cultural properties, and to defining the urban administrative structures for cultural assets as well as the necessary measures for the preservation of the cultural heritage (heritage which has to meet the requirements of ‘authenticity’, design, material, and artisanship).

Sustaining the attributes that support the Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity, and integrity of the property over time will require addressing the challenges related to development pressures, visual impacts, and modernization of the historic fabric that arise within the context of urban development in a prosperous capital city. Such challenges led to the adoption in 2005 of the internationally recognised “Vienna Memorandum” on managing historic urban landscapes. Since then, planning authorities in Vienna have paid particular attention to new, sustainable, appropriate conservation policies. As a result, the Urban Development Plan was revised in line with the stipulations of the Memorandum. Efforts must be continued to ensure the coherence of new developments with the Outstanding Universal Value of the Historic Centre of Vienna, especially of high-rise buildings outside the buffer zone.

• Weltkulturerbe Wien
• City of Vienna, (Vienna Tourist Board)

List of World Heritage in Danger

Inscription Year on the List of World Heritage in Danger

State of Conservation (SOC)

Protections by other conservation instruments.

1 protection / 2 elements

• Classical horsemanship and the High School of the Spanish Riding School Vienna
• Craft techniques and customary practices of cathedral workshops, or Bauhütten, in Europe, know-how, transmission, development of knowledge and innovation

Read more about synergies

Sights from A to Z

An overview of Vienna's main sights from A to Z at a glance.

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Academy of Fine Arts, Picture Gallery

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The Albertina not only has the largest and most valuable graphical ...

Albertina modern

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Anker Clock

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Archives of the Austrian Resistance

The Archives of the Austrian Resistance (AAR) deal with the gruesome Nazi past.

Augarten Vienna Porcelain Manufactory

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Az W – Architekturzentrum Wien

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Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien

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Beethoven in Vienna

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Belvedere 21

The Belvedere 21 museum is not only highly interesting from an architectural ...

Belvedere – Palace and Museum

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Burgtheater

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Butterfly House at the Burggarten in Vienna

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Capuchin Crypt (Imperial Crypt)

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Cemetery of St. Marx

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Cemetery of the Nameless

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Vienna Central Cemetery

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St. Charles Church

The mighty green dome of the radiant Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) ...

Church of the Augustinian Friars

In the former Court Church – today highly considered because of its church ...

Church of the Most Holy Trinity (designed by Fritz Wotruba)

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The official residence of the Mayor of Vienna is one of the most imposing ...

Clock Museum

Three thousand timepieces are ticking for your pleasure in a former palace.

Collection of Anatomical Pathology in the Madhouse Tower – NHM

The museum is housed in the so-called Fool's Tower. This ...

Collection of Arms and Armor

The artfully decorated arms, suits of armor and saddles in the Armory in the ...

Crime Museum

Visitors of the Crime Museum should have good nerves: here, the most ...

Danube Tower

252 meters high, two fast lifts, 35 seconds up: the observation terrace of ...

Dialogue in the Dark

Anyone who has ever wanted to know how blind people perceive the world now ...

Dom Museum Wien

The Dom Museum Wien right next door to St. Stephen's Cathedral shows ...

Ephesus Museum

The greatness and splendor of antique Ephesus (Turkey) come to life in the ...

Austrian Film Museum

The Austrian Film Museum in the Albertina at the southern point of the ...

Fire Service Museum

The headquarters of Vienna's professional fire service on Hof Square also ...

Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art

The Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art, which is housed in the ...

Viktor Frankl Museum

An interactive museum is dedicated to the world-famous founder of ...

Sigmund Freud Museum

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Ernst Fuchs Museum

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Funeral Museum

The Funeral Museum at Vienna's Central Cemetery gives insights into the ...

Vienna Furniture Museum: The Emperor's Couch

How the emperor once lived: the former furniture of the Habsburgs is ...

Geymüllerschlössel Manor House

The Geymüllerschlössel is one of the few places in Austria where you can ...

Giant Ferris Wheel

The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater is one of Vienna's symbols. Almost 65 ...

Globe and Esperanto Museum

At the renovated Palais Mollard, you can view the only Globe Museum in the ...

The Gloriette

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An exciting journey into the world of silence: in this interactive ...

Heidi Horten Collection

A new museum hotspot for Vienna: Since 2022, Heidi Goëss-Horten´s ...

Wien Museum Hermes Villa

Experience the history of the Hermes Villa, the former summer residence of ...

Hofburg and Heldenplatz

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Hofburg Vienna

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Schloss Hof

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House of Austrian History

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House of Music

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House of the Sea

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Hundertwasser House Vienna

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Immersium:Wien – up close and personal with dinosaurs

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The Imperial Apartments

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Imperial Carriage Museum

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Imperial Silver Collection

The Imperial Silver Collection in the Imperial Palace provides insights into ...

Imperial Treasury Vienna

Monarchical wealth: Vienna’s Hofburg Palace houses the most important ...

Islamic Center - Mosque

The mosque was built from 1975 to 1979 with funds donated by the former king ...

Jewish Museum

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The Josephinum museum of medical history owns a world-famous collection and ...

Museum Judenplatz Vienna

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Klimt Villa

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Wiener Konzerthaus

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Kuffner Observatory

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Kunsthalle Wien

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Kunst Haus Wien

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Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Art History Museum)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) was built in 1891 near the ...

Kunstkammer Vienna

More than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected by the emperors and ...

Künstlerhaus

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Laxenburg Castle Park

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Leopold Museum

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Liechtenstein City Palace

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Liechtenstein Garden Palace

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Literature Museum

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Madame Tussauds

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MAK - Museum of Applied Arts

Design is one of the main features of the MAK. The museum shows furniture, ...

The maze at Schönbrunn

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Medieval Vergilius Chapel

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Metro Kinokulturhaus

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St. Michael's Church

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mumok - Museum of Modern Art

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Museum in the Scots Abbey

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musa Museum Start Gallery Artothek

musa hosting the collection of the Cultural Department of the City of ...

Museum of Illusions

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A Museum in the Laundry Room

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Museum of Military History

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Vienna Museum of Science and Technology

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MuseumsQuartier

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Musikverein

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Mythos Mozart

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Grand Hall of the Austrian National Library

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Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna (Natural History Museum)

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Otto Wagner's Church at Steinhof

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Otto Wagner's Stadtbahn Pavilions

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Otto Wagner Court Pavilion Hietzing

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Palm House in Schönbrunn

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Papyrus Museum

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Parliament and Palais Epstein

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Photos in the WestLicht and OstLicht

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Vienna Planetarium

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Porcelain Museum in the Augarten

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Austrian Post Savings Bank

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An amusement park for many, place of nostalgic dreams for some, oasis of ...

Prater Museum

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Into the Viennese Alps on the Rax cable car

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"Remise" Transport Museum

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Vienna's Ringstrasse

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Roman Museum

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SchokoMuseum

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Schönbrunn Zoo: Baby, Baby, Baby!

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Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky Center

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In 1897, Gustav Klimt and a number of other artists quit the conservative ...

Vienna Shoe Museum

From the riding boots of Emperor Franz Joseph to the authentic ...

Sisi Museum

Beautiful and celebrated Empress Elisabeth has long since become a cult ...

Sisi's amazing journey: virtually through Vienna

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Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School and its world-famous Lipizzaners offers the ...

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera offers a diverse program of operas and ballet works. ...

St. Stephen's Cathedral

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New: House of Strauss

The House of Strauss now features a museum about the Waltz King in the ...

Johann Strauss Monument

Edmund Hellmer's golden Strauss Monument is the most popular photographic ...

The Jewish City Temple was built in the years 1825-26 by Josef Kornhäusel, ...

Theater Museum

In the 17th-century Baroque Palais Lobkowitz, near the Imperial Palace, they ...

The Third Man Museum

The Third Man Museum is a meeting place for people interested in film and a ...

Time Travel through Vienna

In Vienna city center, go on a virtual journey through the history of Vienna ...

Treasury of the Teutonic Order

The Order of Teutonic Knights subdued the territory later known as East ...

University of Vienna

The University of Vienna was opened in 1884. Today, you can take a guided ...

The Vienna International Centre (VIC), known locally as UNO City, is one of ...

Vienna Actionism Museum

A museum in Vienna’s city center is dedicated to Viennese Actionism, which ...

Votive Church

After two decades of renovation, the Votive Church shines in new splendor. ...

Weltmuseum Wien

The Weltmuseum Wien on Heldenplatz shows valuable treasures from around the ...

Werkbund Estate

The Werkbund Estate combines the great architects of the pioneering age of ...

Wien Museum

After a multi-year renovation and extension project, the Wien Museum on ...

ZOOM Children's Museum

The ZOOM Children's Museum is all about questioning, touching, exploring, ...

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Vienna   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Christoph Hetzmannseder | Getty Images

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

• All Things To Do

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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65 Best Things to Do in Vienna [with Tickets & Map]

For your journey of discovery through Vienna, we have compiled a list of the 65 best things to do in and around Vienna.

From palaces and museums to churches, nature havens, and entertainment hubs, to iconic buildings and unforgettable experiences, you will find everything your heart desires. Thanks to numerous hidden gems and a selection of popular tickets , our overview ensures that you won't miss a moment of the magic of the former residence city of the Habsburgs. Let our expertly crafted selection be your compass to discover your favorites among the best things to do in Vienna!

Other Recommended Articles:

• Top 10 Things to Do in Vienna
• Best Recommended Hotels in Vienna
• Exceptional Attractions in Vienna
• Best Restaurants in Vienna
• Shopping in Vienna
• Public Transport in Vienna

1. Hofburg Imperial Palace

The magnificent Hofburg Imperial Palace from the 13th century in the heart of Vienna is the largest castle complex in the world.   As the former residence and center of power of the Habsburgs, it bears witness to the imperial past of the former Danube monarchy like no other building, and is therefore one of the most important sights in Vienna.

Today, the official residence of the Austrian Federal President, a congress center, the national library, the Spanish Riding School and numerous museums, including the Imperial Apartments with the Sisi Museum and the Court Silver Collection , are located in the huge palace complex.

• Here is an overview of all  museums in the Hofburg Imperial Palace .

Popular Ticket Options:

• Overview of the Best Ticket Options for the Imperial Treasury.
• Skip-the-Line Hofburg Ticket & Sisi Museum Tour in a small group
• Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour (recommended)
• Hofburg, Sisi Museum & Imperial Apartments Tour
• Vienna Pass with free admission to the Hofburg (Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Chamber)

Best Ticket Options:

• Tickets for Vienna: Skip-the-Line Sisi Museum, Hofburg Palace and Gardens Tour
• Tickets for Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum: Guided Tour
• Tickets for Sisi Museum Hofburg Vienna: Small-group Guided Tour with Priority Entrance
• Tickets for Imperial Treasury
• Tickets for Kunsthistorisches Museum & Imperial Treasury: Skip The Line

2. Schönbrunn Palace & Maze, Labyrinth and Labyrinthikon

The most visited attraction in Vienna is the impressive Schönbrunn Palace.  The former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family is one of the most beautiful baroque palace complexes in Europe and, together with the palace park, including the oldest  zoo  in the world, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a baroque synthesis of the arts.

A visit to the maze, labyrinth and Labyrinthikon  on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace is an experience for the whole family.  Whoever finds the right way through the high hedges in the  maze  will be rewarded with a viewing platform. The opposite labyrinth and the Labyrinthikon also provide a lot of fun with numerous attractions and playgrounds.

• Here is an overview of  Schönbrunn Palace and the palace gardens .
• Overview of all available ticket options for Schönbrunn Palace
• Blue Danube Boat Tour with Dinner & Schonbrunn Palace Concert
• Ticket for a Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour ( recommended)
• Skip-the-Line: Schönbrunn Palace & Vienna City Tour
• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo
• Tickets for Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Access
• Tickets for Christmas Market & Concert
• Tickets for Schönbrunn Palace: Self Guided Evening Tour + Dinner + Concert at Orangery
• Tickets for Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Zoo Skip The Line

3. Belvedere Palace

The Baroque Belvedere Palace  consists of two separate palaces, the Lower Belvedere and the Upper Belvedere , which are connected by a shared garden.  The former summer residence of the Austrian general, Prince Eugene of Savoy, now houses Austria's most important art collection and the world's largest Klimt collection.

The magnificent palace garden in the baroque style completes the fairytale palace ensemble and is perfect for a stroll.  Works by internationally renowned artists are on display in the sculpture garden at Belvedere 21.   Strolling around, you can admire the symmetrical floral arrangements, water basins, a pond, and intricately trimmed hedges.

• Overview of the Best Ticket Options for Belvedere Palace
• Ticket for the Upper Belvedere, including Klimt's Kiss and the Permanent Collection
• Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Upper Belvedere
• Tickets for Belvedere Palace: Lower Belvedere
• Tickets for Belvedere 21: Museum of Contemporary Art
• Diamond Bundle: Belvedere Palace & Swarovski Crystal Worlds
• Upper Belvedere Palace: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour

4. Prater 

Prater  in the heart of Vienna is much more than just an amusement park.  It is one of the city's green lung s and a popular recreation area for locals and tourists alike.  At the same time, Vienna Prater is also a popular sports facility and even offers excursions into space at the planetarium .

This Viennese landmark provides ultimate fun , especially with its amusement park, the Wurstelprater ,  which has been around since the early 19th century .  The main attraction is of course the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel.  Schweizerhaus , which serves typical Austrian cuisine, takes care of your physical well-being.

• Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Ticket for a Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel ride  ( Most popular option)
• Ticket to Madame Tussauds in the Prater
• Ticket to the Chocolate Museum in the Prater with Chocolate Workshop and Free Tasting

5. Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel

One of the most popular sights in Vienna is located in Prater: Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel .  It was built on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's accession to the throne and is today the symbol of the imperial city.  

At the highest point of the wheel, at a height of 64.75 meters, you can enjoy an incomparable view over Vienna.  During the 15-minute drive, there is plenty of time to capture incredible shots and admire the city from a bird's-eye view.

• Ticket Overview of Popular Giant Ferris Wheel Ride
• Skip-the-cashier-desk-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride tickets  
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (ride on Ferris Wheel selectable)
• Vienna PASS including ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
• Tickets for Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel: Skip The Line

6. Schönbrunn Zoo

Schönbrunn Zoo is located on the grounds of the famous Schönbrunn Palace and is the oldest zoo in the world.   It was opened in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan of Lorraine, Maria Theresa's husband, as an imperial menagerie.

Not only is it part of the Schönbrunn UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has also been named “Best Zoo in Europe” five times in a row.   In the zoo, a train commutes between the Emperor's breakfast pavilion, the elephant house and the Tyrolean Court.

• Ticket Overview of Schönbrunn Zoo
• Skip-the-Line Ticket for Schönbrunn Zoo:  Book here!   (Most popular option)
• Schönbrunn Children's Museum Tour with Zoo Option:  Buy now!
• Vienna PASS with free admission to Schönbrunn Zoo:  Buy here!
• Tickets for Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Zoo Skip The Line:   Book here in advance!

7. Spanish Riding School

The horsemanship of the Spanish Riding School has been part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015 . T he Spanish Riding School is the only institution in the world that preserves the horsemanship traditions by dedicating itself to the classic training and dressage of Lipizzaner horses.  Spectators can watch the “dancing” horses train to classical music during a visit to the “morning work”, the daily morning training of the Lipizzaners.

• Read More:  Spanish Riding School: Performance, Tickets & History
• Overview of all Spanish Riding School Tickets
• Vienna Spanish Riding School Guided Tour
• Performance of The Lipizzans at Spanish Riding School
• Spanish Riding School morning training tickets
• Tickets for Horse Training at the Spanish Riding School
• Tickets for Guided Tour at the Spanish Riding School
• Tickets for Lipizzaner Performance at the Spanish Riding School
• Tickets for Architectural Tour at the Spanish Riding School
• Vienna FLEXI Pass: Save 30% on Your Choice of 2-5 Top Attractions including Spanish Riding School

8. St. Stephen's Cathedral

The imposing  St. Stephen's Cathedral , affectionately called  "Steffl"  by the Viennese , is one of the most famous landmarks and most popular sights in Vienna.  The impressive Gothic building in the heart of the city is the most famous church in the imperial city and probably in all of Austria.

In addition to the breathtaking architecture, in which the patterned tiled roof and the striking south tower stand out, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna also impresses with its cathedral treasure, the magnificent view and the catacombs.

• Tickets for a Classical Concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Guided Walking Tour of City Center Highlights
• Secrets of St. Stephen's Cathedral

Best Ticket Option:

• Tickets for St. Stephen's Cathedral & Dom Museum Wien + Audio Guides

9. Imperial Treasury

The Imperial Treasury  is located in the Swiss Wing, the oldest part of the Vienna Hofburg.   With its valuable exhibits, the treasury, which is divided into a secular and a spiritual treasury, is one of the most important collections in the world.

Highlights are the insignia and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, such as  the imperial crown and the Holy Lance , the crown of Emperor Rudolf II, which later became the Austrian Imperial Crown, as well as precious jewels and the agate bowl , which was considered the legendary Holy Grail.

• Overview of the Best Ticket Options for the Imperial Treasury
• Ticket to the Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Palace 
• Combo ticket for the Imperial Treasury, the Kunsthistorisches Museum & Kunstkammer Vienna
• Private Tour of the Hofburg Imperial Palace with the Imperial Treasury + Highlights of the Old Town
• Tickets for Imperial Treasury:  Book your ticket here!

10. Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum & Silver Chamber

The Imperial Apartments in the Vienna Imperial Palace  offer visitors a glimpse into the private chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth, also known as Sisi.   The tour shows the dining room, bedroom and audience room of the imperial family.

The Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth , has been affiliated since 2004.  It displays personal items such as clothing, umbrellas, fans and beauty recipes and gives visitors a better idea of the real life of the empress, who went down in Austrian history as a myth.

• Hofburg and Empress Sisi Museum Guided Tour ( recommended)
• Skip-the-Line Hofburg Ticket & Sisi Museum Tour

11. Viennese Cuisine

Viennese cuisine offers some classic dishes that are a definite must-try! The famous Wiener Schnitzel, prepared from veal, tastes especially good at Figlmüller or Gasthaus Pöschl. Another highlight is Tafelspitz, the favorite dish of Emperor Joseph I. It is recommended at Restaurant Plachutta or Rudi's Beisl. For those with a sweet tooth, there is the famous Viennese Sachertorte , invented at Café Sacher. Also not to be missed is the traditional Kaiserschmarrn with plum roast, which tastes great at Café Central or Café der Gloriette in Schönbrunn. Of course, the Viennese apple strudel should not be missed, which is best enjoyed at the Hofzuckerbäckerei Demel.

• We reveal more delicious Austrian dishes in our  list of traditional dishes in Vienna .
• Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert, Tour & 3-Course Dinner
• Traditional Dinner Show at the Vienna Rathauskeller
• Culinary Experience at Restaurant Stefanie
• Naschmarkt Food Tasting Tour
• 4-hour Food Tour with tastings

12. Classical Concert

Anyone visiting the world capital of music should not miss a classical concert to immerse themselves deeply in Viennese culture. Vienna offers a wide selection of historic venues and some of the most renowned orchestras in the world.

Most notable is the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1842. They regularly thrill audiences with Viennese classical music at the tradition-rich Wiener Musikverein concert hall. In addition, the Karlskirche and Schönbrunn Palace also offer a unique atmosphere in which masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss can be heard.

• Tickets for Mozart concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein with the Vienna Mozart Orchestra dressed in traditional costume
• Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert in Karlskirche (Bestseller)
• Tickets for Mozart and Strauss concert by renowned salon orchestra Alt Wien
• Tickets for Mozart and Strauss concert at Schönbrunn
• Tickets for classical concert at Mozarthaus
• Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert at Karlskirche - St. Charles' Church
• Tickets for Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Musikverein
• Tickets for Kursalon Vienna: Strauss and Mozart Concert
• Tickets for St. Anne's Church Vienna: Classical Concert

13. Hop on Hop off Bustour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the imperial city of Vienna with a relaxing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour! The sightseeing tour in a comfortable double-decker bus is the ideal way to experience the diversity of Vienna on your own. Thanks to numerous strategic stops, you can hop on and off as you please and discover attractions such as the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral from up close. During the ride, the multilingual audio commentary entertains you with exciting stories about Vienna's fascinating past and culture.

• Overview of Big Bus Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
• Big Bus Hop on Hop off tour

Most Popular Ticket Options:

• Vienna Sightseeing: 24 to 72-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• Big Bus Vienna: Live Guided Evening Tour
• City Card + Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• Tickets for Vienna: Panoramabahn Schönbrunn Express Hop-on Hop-off Train
• Tickets for Vienna: Panoramic Evening Bus Tour

14. Kunsthistorisches Museum

The  Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum)  was built in 1891 to house  the rich collections of the Habsburg monarchy .  Today, it presents one of the largest art collections in the world. 

The  world's largest  Bruegel collection   and   works of art by the  "Old Masters"  such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Titian deserve special mention.  Appropriately, the magnificent interior of the building also impresses with its richly decorated interiors, domes and neoclassical staircases.

• Entrance Ticket to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
• Kunsthistorisches Museum - KHM : Skip The Line Entry Ticket
• Combo Ticket for the Kunsthistorisches Museum & Leopold Museum

15. Mozarthaus Vienna

At Domgasse No. 5 stands the Mozart House, which was  the residence of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart  from 1784 to 1787.  His apartment was on the first floor.  Of a total of 11 places where Mozart lived in Vienna, this is the only one that has survived to this day.

It is said that Mozart spent his happiest years here.  He also composed the operas "Don Giovanni" and "The Marriage of Figaro" in this apartment.  Today, visitors can view  fascinating objects  related to his years in Vienna on three floors.

• Ticket to Mozarthaus Vienna (incl. audio guide)

16. UNESCO Cultural Heritage Viennese Coffee House Culture

At least since 2011, when the tradition of Viennese coffee house culture was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO , it has been proven:  Viennese coffee houses are not just cafés.  The tradition of Viennese coffee house culture is characterized by a very special atmosphere.  But the coziness and the time that you take when you visit a coffee house are also important.

The world-famous Café Sacher  - birthplace of the Sachertorte,  Meinl  on Graben,  Café Imperial -  known for the Imperial Torte, and  Café Sperl with its delicious pastries deserve special mention.

• For more inspiration, check out our list of real Viennese coffee houses in Vienna .
• 4.5-hour Market Discovery tour with food, coffee & English-speaking local ( Most popular option)
• 3-Hour Guided Viennese Coffee House Tour with 3 specialty coffees, strudel and more
• Tradition of Viennese Coffee Experience with waiter in a local coffee house, Viennese coffee and sweets
• 2-hour Sweet Vienna Tour: Home of Cakes and Cafe Culture (without tastings)
• 2.5-Hour Viennese Coffee, Cake, and Chocolate Tour

17. Natural History Museum

The  Natural History Museum , opposite the Art History Museum, houses one of the  largest natural science collections in Europe . The museum, which was originally located in the Hofburg Palace, is one of the most important natural history museums in the world. The new building was constructed according to plans by Gottfried and Carl Semper and opened in 1789 by Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Today, you can see  more than 100,000 exhibits in 39 exhibition rooms.   Since 2014, a digital planetarium has been one of the museum's main attractions.  Other highlights are the dinosaur hall and the statue of Venus von Willendorf.

18. Albertina 

The  Albertina art museum  in Vienna's city center is located in an impressive palace built by Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, a son-in-law of Empress Maria Theresia.  The largest residential palace of the Habsburg dynasty, which is worth seeing in itself, today houses the  largest and most valuable graphic collection in the world . 

Works by world-renowned artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Picasso and Klimt can be admired here.  In addition, visitors can take a look at some of the  state rooms of the Habsburgs.

• Experience art history and the magnificent architecture at the Albertina!  Secure your tickets for the Albertina incl. temporary exhibition here now!

19. Naschmarkt 

Naschmarkt  in the 6th district of Vienna  is the largest inner-city market with a length of around 5 kilometers.   There has been a market here since the 16th century.  Today, Naschmarkt is a well-known sight in Vienna and is  perfect for a gourmet tour.   This must-see place offers you various national and international gastronomic delights in an incomparable atmosphere.  There is also a flea market on Saturdays at weekends.

• Embark on an exciting Naschmarkt  Food Tasting Tour -   Book Your Guided Tour here!

20. House of Music

The  House of Music Sound Museum  ( Haus der Musik) was opened in 2000 and is located in the historic old town in the  Palais Archduke Carl .  It presents the  history of music in a multimedia and interactive way,  starting with the first human musical instruments up to the present day.  If you want, you can even conduct the Vienna Philharmonic yourself or compose your own music.  An experience for young and old.

• Admission Ticket to Haus der Musik  

21. Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum is located in the Museums Quartier.  It is named after the married couple Elisabeth and Rudolf Leopold, who collected 5000 works of art, including the world's largest Egon Schiele collection, over a period of 50 years. The Leopold Museum is home to one of Austria's most comprehensive collections of modern art and houses works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Richard Gerstl, among others.

• Leopold Museum Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

22. Day trip to Hallstatt

One of the most popular day trips from Vienna is unquestionably a trip to Hallstatt. A world of idyllic villages, tranquil lakes and majestic alpine landscapes awaits you here. The enchanting region of Salzkammergut attracts visitors with a variety of attractions, including the fairytale Castle Ort, the famous wooden bridge and, of course, the breathtaking highlight - the Skywalk. During most tours, you will have the opportunity to explore these places before reaching the picturesque Hallstatt. With its azure lake, incomparable beauty and romantic ambience, the town is sure to captivate all its visitors.

• Hallstatt Day Trip from Vienna
• From Vienna: Hallstatt and Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift (Most popular option)
• From Vienna: Full day Excursion to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut with Boat Trip (in summer)

23. Fiaker Ride

The Fiaker   are  two-horse carriages with which tourists and locals ride comfortably through Vienna.  Totally kitschy for some, absolutely romantic for others, they are part of the Viennese cityscape and are a popular photo opportunity for many tourists.  There are stands for the Viennese rental carriages at various locations in the city.  During a tour, you can visit Vienna's city center and listen to exciting stories.

• Visit a Horse Stable + Fiaker Ride Back to the City Center & Secrets of the Fiaker   (recommended)
• 30-minute Fiaker Ride through Vienna's Old Town
• Carriage Ride through Schönbrunn Palace Garden
• Mozart Concert with Dinner and Carriage Ride

24. Danube Park & Danube Tower

Danube Park is one of the largest parks in the city.  In the course of the "Vienna International Garden Show 1964" it was transformed from a former rubbish dump into a park.  Numerous attractions,  children's playgrounds with sandpits, swings, slides, climbing combinations, ball courts for basketball, game tables with chess boards and skate facilities offer fun for young and old.

The highlight of the park is the  Danube Tower , which offers a  breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Vienna.   A café and restaurant in the observation tower take care of your physical well-being.

• Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower   (Most popular option)
• Flexipass for 2, 3, 4 or 5 top sights (Danube Tower selectable)

25. Karlskirche (Charles Church)

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) , one of the  most beautiful and important baroque church buildings in Europe , is enthroned on Karlsplatz.  It was founded by Emperor Charles VI,  donated as thanks for the end of the plague epidemic that claimed many lives in Vienna in 1713 and designed by the baroque leading architect, Johann Fischer von Erlach.

The imposing green dome and the  two columns, which are reminiscent of Trajan's column in Rome,  stand out.  Also worth mentioning is the panoramic elevator, thanks to which you can admire the magnificent frescoes inside, as well as the  regular church concerts.

• Experience Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert in the historic Karlskirche!  Buy Your Tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons concert here!

26. Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna (MumoK)

The Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna (Mumok) is located in the Museums Quartier area and i s the largest museum of its kind in Austria.   Its exhibitions are dedicated to modern contemporary art and include works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Joseph Beuys.  A cinema, a library and changing exhibitions complement the museum's offerings.  

27. Heurige

Heurige is a Viennese institution.  Young wine  is served in a wine bar called  Heurige.   The name of the wine has its origin in the word  Heuer , which means   this year .   In addition to local wines, regional dishes are also served.

A particularly large number of  wine tavern s  can be found in the Vienna area,  for example in Nussdorf Heiligenstadt, Sievering and in Grinzing.  Buschenschanken , as wine taverns are also called, are characterized by a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

• Tip: You can discover picturesque wine villages with the Vienna Heurigen Express from April to October (weekends only). The route leads from Nussdorf over the Kahlenberg to Grinzing and back.
• Take a look at our list of the most beautiful Heurigen in Vienna.
• Heurigen Cruise with Viennese Songs & Buffet   (recommended)
• Wachau Valley Day Tour from Vienna with Wine Tasting
• Half-day Countryside Wine Tour with Meal
• Wine and Bike Tour in the Wachau Valley with Wine Tasting & Train Transfer from Vienna
• Hidden Wine Cellars Tasting Experience
• Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar

28. Day Trip to Wachau

With its idyllic vineyards, picturesque landscape and impressive monasteries,  Wachau is one of the most popular destinations in Austria.  The beautiful Wachau, with the old town of Krems, Melk and Göttweig monasteries, are a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On a day trip from Vienna you can explore the charming valley along the Danube, be impressed by the  many wine-growing villages  and at the same time unwind.  Wachau is also  known because the English King Lionheart,  whom many associate with Robin Hood, was imprisoned at Dürnstein Castle in Wachau.

• Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour with Lunch in Winter or Boat Trip in Summer

29. Danube River Cruises

Highly recommended during a trip to Vienna is a Danube River Cruise .  It is one of the most comfortable and pleasant ways to explore the Austrian capital.   During a wonderful trip along the Danube Canal you can enjoy Vienna from the water, s ee sights from a new perspective and relax at the same time. There are a variety of Danube cruises to choose from . A popular option is an evening cruise along the Danube Canal, where you can admire the city at sunset. For wine lovers, there are special Heurigen cruises where you can taste regional wines. If you want to top the boat trip with culinary delights, you should choose a boat trip with typical Austrian food.

• Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal with Lunch Option
• 3.5-hour Grand Danube River Cruise
• Evening Cruise along the Danube
• Sightseeing Boat Tour with Lunch
• Cruise and Schnitzel Tour

30. Imperial Crypt (Capuchin Crypt)

The  imperial crypt , also known as the Capuchin crypt, of the Capuchin monastery in the 1st district has been  the burial place of members of the Habsburg  and Habsburg-Lorraine dynasties since 1633.  The bodies of 138 deceased and four heart urns rest here.  The personalities who have found their final resting place here include  Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), Emperor Franz Joseph,  Emperor Maria Theresia and Emperor Leopold.

• Get your ticket for the Capuchin Crypt (with optional guided tour) here!

31. Vienna Central Cemetery

A rather unusual sight is the  Central Cemetery , which opened in 1874 and is one of the  largest cemeteries in the world.   In addition to its spaciousness, it is particularly known for its  Art Nouveau buildings , including the Lueger Memorial Church, and the graves of numerous historical figures who are buried there in  honorary graves.

These include the world-famous composers Franz Schubert and Ludwig van Beethoven, but also Frank Werfel and Curd Jürgens.

• Embark on a walking tour of the Central Cemetery. Book the most popular tour here!

32. St. Peter's Church

St. Peter's Church is  one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Vienna.   Already in the 4th century there was a church at this place, in the Roman Vindobona legion camp.  In the year 792 Charlemagne allegedly had a church built in its place, which is represented by a relief on the east side of the church.

The current appearance of the sacred building goes back to the new building commissioned by Emperor Leopold I after 1701.  St. Peter's Church was consecrated in 1733 and is considered the first baroque church building in Vienna to have a dome.  The numerous  valuable images of the Virgin Mary, the high altar, the valuable pulpit and the free organ concerts  that take place regularly are particularly noteworthy.

• Experience the ambience of St. Peter's Church at a concert. Secure your concert ticket here!  

33. Day Trip to Bratislava

With the Twin City Liner you can  travel from the Austrian capital to the Slovak capital in just 75 minutes,  as the Danube connects the two cities.  The ships bring travelers comfortably from city center to city center every 30 minutes.  A trip on the Twin City Liner is also an interesting mini Danube cruise.  In Bratislava, you can then visit the  historic city center and the castle.

• A popular tour is the day trip to Bratislava with an outward trip on a public bus, city tour and return trip on the Twin City Liner. Tickets are available here!
• Bratislava: Day Trip from Vienna by Bus and Boat Tickets

34. Day Trip to Prague

Beautiful  Prague  can be reached from Vienna  in just three hours by Regiojet train or car, making it perfect for a day trip.  Visit the golden city on the Vltava and explore the  picturesque Old Town and major landmarks s uch as Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge.  Shopping fans will also get their money's worth here.

• Get Your Tickets for a Prague Day Trip from Vienna Here!

35. Day Trip to Budapest

Take advantage of Vienna's proximity to Hungary and take a city trip to the Hungarian capital.  A fter a 2.5-hour train ride you have reached Budapest  and can discover the  historic old town of Buda and the district of Pest  and admire landmarks such as the Parliament Building,  Heroes' Square ,  Fisherman  's Bastion and the  Royal Palace .

• Experience Budapest in one day: book your day tour from Vienna with bus transfer and tour of the historic center today!

36. Time Travel Vienna

Time Travel Vienna is located in the  historic vaults of the Michaelerkloster  in the center of Vienna.  Visitors can   go on an exciting journey back to Vienna's past.  During a virtual journey through time of around 50 minutes, you can t ravel through Vienna's impressive history at eight different stations .  Highlights include an original wartime air raid shelter, a 5D cinema and the  Virtual Reality Music Ride  in the Walzer Hall.

• Admission Ticket & "Sisi's Amazing Journey" Virtual Reality Experience
• Admission Ticket, Time Travel and Magic Vienna History Tour

37. Haus des Meeres

In  Haus des Meeres , you can embark on an  adventurous journey into foreign animal and plant worlds in the aquariums and terrariums of the Aqua Zoo.   It is housed in a World War II flak tower. 

About 10,000 tropical and native animals and plants are shown on more than 4000 square meters.  In addition to A ustria's largest aquarium , there is a glass tunnel that you can walk through and the Brandungsriff adventure aquarium.

38. MAK (Museum of Applied Arts)

The MAK is one of the most magnificent buildings on Vienna's famous Ringstrasse. The Museum of Applied Arts shows around 900,000 objects and printed works from five centuries.

The MAK's permanent collections deal with a wide variety of art epochs, such as Secessionism and Art Nouveau , which are so important for Vienna.  Further highlights are the extensive Asia collection and the world-famous carpet collection of the MAK.

• Visit the MAK and be inspired by its fascinating collection -  book your ticket now and immerse yourself in the world of applied design!  

39. State Hall of the Austrian National Library

The State Hall is the most famous part of the Austrian National Library in the Hofburg Imperial Palace.  The collection was originally founded by the Habsburg emperors with the aim of bringing all the books from around the world together in one place.

The entrance to the state hall of the National Library is at Josefplatz 1, not at the main entrance of the National Library in the Neue Burg.

40. Sigmund Freud Museum

The Sigmund Freud Museum is dedicated to the " father of psychoanalysis. "  It is located in the house where Sigmund Freud lived from 1891 until he fled the Nazis in 1938. In addition to  Freud's life, the museum, founded in 1971, also deals with the  history of psychoanalysis .

You can see the waiting room of Freud's practice, his work and living space, and numerous objects such as furniture, photos, letters, telegrams, and books.  Private film recordings, a rarity from the 1930s, are presented in one room and commented on by Anna Freud.

• Experience the world of the famous psychoanalyst up close. Secure your admission ticket for the Sigmund Freud Museum and book conveniently online!

41. Vienna Music Association

The Vienna Music Association or Wiener Musikverein is a traditional concert hall where  world-famous artists played and still play.  Greats like Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann performed in what is now Brahms Hall.  The building dates back to 1870 and houses the  Großer Musikvereinssaal  (Large Music Club Hall), also known as the  Goldener Saal  (Golden Hall) , whose acoustics make it one of the best concert halls in the world. 

The concert hall is known worldwide for broadcasting  the annual  New Year's  concert  in more than 95 countries.  A concert in these rooms promises to be an unforgettable experience.  Interesting guided tours of the building and the concert halls are also offered.

• Ticket for a Mozart Concert and Austrian Delights Dinner
• VIP tickets for the Mozart Orchestra + 4-course dinner + carriage ride

42. Vienna State Opera

One of the  most important international opera houses is in Vienna:  the  Vienna State Opera .  It was inaugurated on May 25, 1869 with a premiere of Mozart's  Don Giovanni .  The world-famous opera house in Neo-Renaissance style impresses with its  magnificent architecture.   The Vienna State Opera is also known for the  Vienna Opera Ball,  which takes place here every year. 

With its sensational interior, the Viennese landmark offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.  The  diverse program,  which consists of 60 different operas and ballets per season, promises the finest musical enjoyment.

• Read more details in our guide to the Vienna State Opera .

43. Vienna City Hall & City Hall Square

The  Vienna City Hall  in the city center is  one of the most striking buildings in the metropolis  and one of the landmarks of Vienna .  Built between 1872 and 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt in the neo-Gothic style, the façade is one of the city's most popular photo motifs.  Incidentally, on the middle tower of the town hall there is another landmark of Vienna - the bronze statue of the  iron town hall man .

With the  Town Hall Square ,  which serves as the venue for numerous major events  in Vienna, such as the  Christmas Market   and the open-air events of the  Vienna Film Festival , there are always exciting reasons for a trip to the Town Hall.  In the winter, Town Hall Square is also transformed into an ice skating rink and, as part of the Vienna  New Year's  Trail, it is a popular meeting place on New Year's Eve.

• Enjoy a traditional dinner show in Vienna's Rathauskeller - Book now and experience Vienna's most famous operetta melodies with a country-style 3-course meal!

44. Austrian Parliament

The Austrian Parliament Building is the  s eat of the two chambers of Parliament , the National Council and the Federal Council of the Republic of Austria.  The building, erected between 1874 and 1883, was designed by Theophil Hansen, who designed it in the Greco-Roman style and consistently included stylistic elements from Greek and Roman antiquity in the interior and exterior design of the building.  The  5 .5 meter high  Pallas Athena statue  on the front of the Parliament is particularly worth seeing.

45. City Park

Vienna City Park, which was laid out in the English style, is the city's first publicly accessible park. You  can walk around and find  numerous statues of famous Viennese artists, writers and composers.  

These include Hans Canon, Emil Jakob Schindler, Johann Strauss (son), Franz Schubert and also Anton Bruckner.  The  Kursalon building,  which extends into the park with its wide terrace, is the scene of popular waltz concerts.

46. Hundertwasserhaus

In the 3rd district, on the corner of Kegelgasse/Löwengasse, travelers come across the Hundertwasserhaus.  It is not only one of the most photographed apartment buildings in Vienna, but also  one of the most famous residential buildings in the world.  

The facades are varied and colorful and have no straight lines.  This  expressionist landmark of Vienna  was built between 1983 and 1985.  The basis was the concept of the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who was supported by the architect Joseph Krawina.

47. Graben &  Plague Column

Graben is  one of the most famous streets in Vienna.  The naming goes back to an old ditch.  When this was filled, Graben became one of the first modern streets in Vienna.  Today, the street is an exclusive and vibrant pedestrian zone  in the heart of the city center lined with  luxury brand shops.  

Many buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries.  Today they include the  Augarten porcelain manufactory , Heldwein  court jeweler  and  Nagele & Strubell   court perfumers .  Particularly noteworthy is the striking Plague Column , one of the most distinctive works of art in Vienna. It was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I to commemorate the plague epidemic in 1679.

48. Mariahilferstraße 

Mariahilfer Street is not only the largest, but also one of the most famous  shopping streets  in Vienna .  The street, named after the former suburb of  Mariahilf , is also often called  Mahü .  In addition to various shopping opportunities, there are  also numerous sights,  such as the entrance to the Museum Quarter, Mariahilfer Church, the Collegiate Church and the Museum of Technology.

The  side streets,  with their traditional  Viennese coffee houses ,  cafés  and  restaurants , offer a perfect opportunity for a breather.

49. Kärntnerstraße

The most famous shopping street in Vienna's city center is Kärntnerstraße, one of the most expensive shopping streets in Vienna.  After well-known department stores opened up in the late 19th century, the street was widened and rebuilt.  Along with Graben and Kohlmarkt, it forms the  Golden U,  connecting traditional inner-city shopping streets.

You can take a stroll through the numerous shopping opportunities or admire interesting historical buildings in the vicinity, such as the  winter palace of General Prince Eugen .

• Read our Vienna Shopping Guide for more information and shopping tips!

50. World Museum Vienna

With 250,000 ethnographic objects and an important photo collection with around 140,000 photographs and around 146,000 printed objects, the World Museum (Weltmuseum) in Vienna's Hofburg Imperial Palace is Austria's largest ethnographic  museum .  Some of the world's most important non-European collection s are housed in the World Museum.  Many exhibits also come from the numerous journeys of the Habsburg archdukes.

The most fascinating objects from all continents include the collection of the navigator James Cook as well as the unique feather headdress works from the time before the discovery of America by Columbus, such as the last existing  feather crown from the time of Montezuma .

51. ZOOM Children's Museum

The  award-winning ZOOM children's museum  is located on the Museums Quartier site.  Young visitors can look forward to exciting experiences, because  they can touch everything in the museum's exhibition rooms , ask questions and learn with all their senses. 

In the children's museum there are the  ZOOM hands-on  exhibitions, the  ZOOM studio  for artistic activities, the  ZOOM ocean  play area and the  ZOOM animation laboratory .

52. Military History Museum

The Museum of Military History (HGM) is located in a former military barracks, the  Vienna Arsenal .  Under the motto "Wars belong in the museum" , it focuses on Austrian military history from the 16th century to the present .  Around 1.2 million exhibits, including weapons, tanks, armor and battleship models, make the museum one of the most important military history museums in the world.

The huge building complex itself is also worth seeing. The most magnificent building in this complex is the arsenal, in which the HGM is located today, and which impresses with its magnificent interior design.

53. Museum of Technology 

The Museum of Technology offers you fascinating insights into the world of technology. The family-friendly museum is not only free for children, but also has an adventure area for children aged 2 to 6 years.  In 2001, the Museum of Technology was expanded by the incorporation of the Austrian Media Library, which represents the Austrian archive for audio recordings and videos on cultural and contemporary history.

• Get your skip-the-line ticket to the Museum of Technology and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of technology.

54. Roman Museum

In the Roman Museum on Hoher Markt, you can discover ancient Vienna.   See what Vienna looked like in Roman times and, thanks to everyday and cult objects such as figures, toys and crockery, learn how people lived back then.  Children can immerse themselves in everyday Roman life at special play stations and with 3D puzzles.

The fact that the museum is located on the site where the officers' houses of the Roman Vindobona military camp stood nearly 2,000 years ago adds even more excitement to the exploration.

55. Madame Tussauds Vienna

Since 2011 there has also been a  branch of the wax museum Madame Tussauds in Vienna.   It is located in Vienna's well-known amusement park, the  Wiener Prater .  Get up close and personal with international stars, personalities from Austrian history such as Empress Sisi or stars of the music industry such as Falko and Mozart.

• Secure your ticket for Madame Tussauds now  and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with your favorite stars!

56. Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum has two locations. These are located in Dorotheengasse and at Judenplatz , where the excavation results of a medieval synagogue can be viewed.  As a place of encounters and understanding, the museum deals with Jewish life and Jewish tradition in Vienna.

Numerous exhibits on history, the everyday life of Jews in Austria and the Jewish religion are presented. Admission is free up to the age of 18.

57. Burggasse

Burggasse and St.-Ulrichs-Platz in the 7th District is the  new trend district of Vienna   with trendy bars ,  interesting shops  by young designers, high-quality vintage second-hand shops and modern gastronomy, such as a vegan ice cream parlor or the bars  Ulrich  and  Erich .  The 7th district in general, with Neubaugasse, is an extremely trendy district in which many creative people have settled.

• Take a look at our Nightlife Guide to discover more hip neighborhoods, bars and nightlife tips in Vienna.

58. Maria Theresa Monument

The Maria Theresa Monument is not only a symbol of Vienna, it is also the most important ruler's monument of the Habsburg monarchy in Vienna.   It was erected on May 13, 1888 to commemorate Maria Theresia, Archduchess of Austria, wife - and since 1765 dowager Empress - of Emperor Franz I, who herself was never crowned Empress.

Through the marriage she received the honorary title "Empress". The artist, Kaspar von Zumbusch, needed 13 years to complete the monument. The gigantic work of art, which also includes four fountains, i s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site .

59. Palace Garden with Palm House &  Butterfly House

The beautiful Palace Garden is a public park in the style of English landscape gardens .  Numerous attractions are hidden in the park , including the Mozart Monument, erected in honor of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the popular Palm House .

Home to three pavilions, lovers of Mediterranean, tropical and subtropical plants can marvel at plants from three climatic zones. In addition to the Café Palmenhaus, there is also a magnificent butterfly house where visitors can admire around 400 free-flying butterflies at a humidity of 80% and a temperature of 26 degrees.

60. Haas House

Another unusual building and popular photo spot  is Haas House, which had two predecessors in its current form.  Haas Haus scores with a café, the Onyx Bar and a  roof terrace,  which offers a breathtaking view of Stephansplatz. 

St. Stephen's Cathedral is also reflected in its glass facade.  Since its architecture forms an extreme contrast to the opposite St. Stephen's Cathedral and other historical buildings, Haas House was very controversial when it was built.

61. Hohe Wand Nature Park

Hohe Wand Nature Park in the Gutenstein Alps in Lower Austria, about an hour from Vienna, is the  perfect excursion destination with its animal and natural world.   From a llama and alpaca hike to the Hohe Wand Skywalk viewing terrace, numerous experiences and activities are offered in the park.

62. Ankeruhr

The Anchor Clock by Franz Matsch is one of the most beautiful testimonies to the Art Nouveau epoch in Vienna.  Built between 1911 and 1914, it is actually a bridge connecting two buildings.

If you visit the Anchor Clock at 12 noon, you can witness the musically accompanied parade of 12 figures representing historical Viennese personalities.   It only gets even nicer during the Christmas season, when the parade is accompanied by Christmas carols.

63. Carnuntum Roman Town

A visit to Roman town of Carnuntum awaits you on a journey back in time to antiquity.   Located east of Vienna, Carnuntum was an important Roman city from the 1st to the 4th century. Today there is a reconstructed Roman district on the historical site, which takes you back to Roman times with its antique houses, the amphitheater and the Carnuntinum Museum.

• Unlock the secrets of ancient Rome at Carnuntum, Vienna's hidden gem. Secure your tickets now and step back in time!

64. Lainz Zoo

Lainz Zoo (Lainzer Tiergarten) has only been open to the public since 1919.  It was originally designed by Ferdinand I of Austria in 1561 as a fenced hunting ground for his family. Today, Lainz Zoo is a nature reserve and offers visitors of all ages a unique cultural and natural experience.

There are various offers , for example the nature and forest nature trails, the enclosure with ancient cattle, various vantage points, camp meadows for picnics, a lookout tower, forest playgrounds and Nikolai chapel.  Hermesvilla , Empress Elisabeth's "Castle of Dreams", which hosts various exhibitions,  is particularly worth seeing.

65. Setagaya Park

You can look forward to a Japanese flair in the lovely Setagaya Park.  It is one of several Japanese parks in Vienna and presents a miniature Japanese landscape with the typical elements of a Japanese garden .  Various ponds, streams, a tea house and interesting plantings with Japanese maple and cherry blossom trees fascinate visitors, especially in spring. The park is closed during the winter months.

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Historical sites in Vienna

Vienna Parks

Palaces in Vienna

Churches in Vienna

Squares in Vienna

Statues in Vienna

Vienna Buildings

Points of interest in Vienna

Vienna sights & landmarks.

Discovering the history of Austria’s capital - In the Middle Ages, building a monastery gave weight to the founder and that administration, so when Henry II, Duke of Austria formally announced Vienna as the state’s capital in 1155, he commissioned the Schottenstift monastery for the center of the city. 

As other historic eras followed, there also followed years of churches and cathedrals, universities, printing presses, and sieges by Hungarians, Turks, the French, the Plague, psychoanalysis, and the fear of annexation. These became monuments, or were given one. 

Vienna Historical Sites

Fine arts centers, theaters, schools for horses, and zoos are also sites that remain as markers in Vienna’s timeline. With so much ground to cover, consider deciding on a theme ahead of time: are you more interested in how long it’s been there or why it was built, or do you prefer to hit the highlights? 

When you visiting the Historical sites in Vienna you must see: Again, be sure to spend time on the river that inspired waltzes, art traditions, candy, a Star Trek vessel class, and Hasidic lullabies.

In the category Historical sites in Vienna , you will find information about Most of Vienna’s historically significant: see cathedrals, monuments, parks, and birthplaces of great thought and art.

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Home » Europe » Austria » Vienna

17 BEST Places to Visit in Vienna (2024)

The Austrian capital is famous for its elegant architecture, imperial past, opera and classical music, Christmas markets, and the annual Carnival with its opulent balls. With culture, history, great dining, and plenty of ways to have family fun, Vienna is a great European destination for all.

Vienna is a huge and sprawling city, which is divided into several distinct neighbourhoods. Some of the city’s best places are quite spread out and deciding what to add to your Vienna itinerary can be difficult.

We’re here to help! Stop stressing about your travel planning and tick off these best places to visit in Vienna for a great time in the sophisticated Austrian capital city.

With a blend of well-known spots, Vienna must-sees, and local hidden gems, some of these best places to visit in Vienna are bound to amaze you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Vienna:

These are the best places to visit in vienna, faq on the best places to visit in vienna, enjoy the best places to visit in vienna.

Innere Stadt

Innere Stadt is the most central neighbourhood in Vienna, and where most of the historical sights are located. It is your best option to stay there if you are visiting the city for the first time, as you will be close to everything and in the centre of the action.

• Get a slice of Austria’s most famous cake at the Sacher Hotel;
• Get a glimpse of the Habsburg’s family life at the Hofburg;
• Visit Stephansdom, Vienna’s most famous religious building.

Before you fulfil your lifelong dream of seeing the Venus de Vilendorf in person, you will need to book your accommodation in the neighborhood of your choice. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled them all for you! Be sure to check out where to stay in Vienna before scrolling into the fun below.

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#1 – Schönbrunn Palace – An awesome place to visit in Vienna for half a day!

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• Gigantic Baroque palace;
• Beautiful formal gardens;
• Primary summer home of the imperial Habsburgs;
• Lots of art and antiques.

Why it’s awesome: The enormous Schönbrunn Palace as seen today was built in the mid-1700s. The area was previously owned by a mighty Roman emperor, who used it as a hunting ground, and it later became the main summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers. Today it operates as a museum and is one of the most popular attractions in Vienna, if not Austria. It is also a UNESCO-listed site. The huge palace has more than 1,400 rooms and visitors can explore the lush interiors on various tours. The gorgeous gardens are free to explore, with formal flowerbeds, beautiful sculptures, faux Roman ruins, vineyards, a maze, the Gloriette, and more. The Palm House and the Desert House contain interesting flora from around the world.

What to do there: Book a tour to admire the opulent interiors of Schönbrunn Palace, with glorious rooms that are filled with an abundance of treasures, art, antiques, and period furnishings. The Imperial Tour takes you through 22 rooms, including opulent staterooms and private residences of former leader Franz Joseph (Austria’s longest-reigning ruler) and Sisi.

If you want to see more of the stunning palace and delve even deeper into the lives of the Hapsburg rulers the Grand Tour visits 40 lavish rooms. See how the younger members of the imperial family lived at the Children’s Museum, visit the Carriage Museum, explore the lush gardens, try your hand at making strudel, and admire the various plant species housed within the Desert House and historic glass and iron Palm House.

#2 – St. Stephen’s Cathedral – One of the most religious places to see in Vienna

• Long history;
• Beautiful architecture;
• Active place of worship;
• Major city landmark.

Why it’s awesome: St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Vienna. The impressive Gothic and Romanesque church dates back to the 1300s, and it stands on the site of earlier churches. It has seen many changes over the years and stood the test of time through major events. The tallest tower reaches 136 metres (446 feet) tall. It has served as an important lookout point during times of trouble. The multi-coloured roof is a striking feature with a mosaic of a double-headed eagle, symbolic of the Habsburg empire. Various statues stand outside. Inside, there are several chapels dedicated to different saints, statues, religious art, and a striking Gothic pulpit. Underneath the church, there are crypts and catacombs.

What to do there: Admire the spectacular façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral before entering through the Giant’s Door. Look above and you’ll see intricate sculptures. Take a guided tour of the stunning cathedral, or take a self-guided audio tour, to learn more about the magnificent building and its long and interesting history. You’ll also learn lots of interesting facts about the beautiful artwork within the cathedral.

Don’t miss seeing the Byzantine Maria Pötsch Icon, thought to be miraculous, and the statue known as Christ with a Toothache. Step into the smaller statues, including those dedicated to St. Bartholomew, St. Valentine, St. Katherine, and St. Barbara, and spend some quiet time in contemplation or prayer. Descend into the gloomy catacombs and see the many bones on display, go up the North Tower to view Austria’s biggest bell, and ascend the South Tower for amazing city views.

With a Vienna City Pass , you can experience the best of Vienna at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#3 – Prater – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Vienna

• Family-friendly attraction;
• Large public park;
• Fun amusement park;
• Opportunities to enjoy nature.

Why it’s awesome: Prater is a large public park in Leopoldstadt, one of the more popular neighbourhoods in Vienna. Green and leafy with a main path that’s lined with horse chestnut trees, the park is a great place to enjoy nature and relax outdoors. One section of the park has an amusement park. It’s one of the best places in Vienna to take kids. It is also one of the oldest amusement parks across the globe. The park also has a planetarium, a museum, shops, places to eat and drink, and various other attractions. There is no charge to enjoy the pretty park. Admission to the amusement park is also free; visitors simply pay for the rides that they wish to enjoy.

What to do there: Stroll along the tree-lined Hauptallee, take a seat on a bench to enjoy time in nature, and visit the Prater Museum. Turn your attention to the skies at the planetarium and step into a magical fairytale land at the Grottenbahn. Take a ride on the soaring Prater Wheel for amazing views over Vienna, discover the park on the historic Liliputbahn light railway, and feel the rush on the Vienna Rollercoaster. The wooden rollercoaster has an air of nostalgia and is suitable for people of all ages. Get a thrilling adrenaline rush on Praterturm, a huge flying swing.

#4 – Kriminalmuseum – Quite the quirky place in Vienna!

• Fascinating museum with a focus on darker themes
• Lesser-visited attraction
• Only suitable for adults
• Grisly exhibits

Why it’s awesome: It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but a visit to Kriminalmuseum definitely ranks highly when it comes to the most unusual things to do in Vienna . Filled with gruesome and grisly items, the museum takes a look at crime through the country’s past. From human remains and murder weapons to instruments of torture and death masks, the museum will definitely appeal to fans of dark tourism.

Exhibits have decent explanations in English, though you can also pick up a leaflet with more detailed explanations inside. Items are spread across some 20 rooms and, though it may look small from the outside, the museum is actually quite large and crammed full of unusual memorabilia.

What to do there: Prepare to be shocked when visiting Vienna’s Kriminalmuseum. Do note that it is not a suitable place to take kids, and even some adults may find the horrific displays a bit too much to handle. Learn about the nation’s criminal past as you wander through the maze-like rooms and see all types of bizarre and terrifying objects and artefacts. Travel back to the Medieval period and discover crimes from times gone by right up to the present day.

Various criminal activities are covered, including counterfeit currency, thefts, and prostitution, though the sections dedicated to murder are generally the most morbidly fascinating. Some of the more shocking items on display include a gruesome mummified head of a felon who was sentenced to death, bullet-hole-ridden skulls, exhibits were used in the horrific study of eugenics, large photographs of murder victims, and pornographic images.

#5 – Naschmarkt – A must-see for foodies!

• Large and colourful market;
• Huge array of food;
• One of the most popular markets in Vienna.

Why it’s awesome: The large Naschmarkt is one of the best places to visit in Vienna for an incredible assortment of tasty fare. In operation since the 16th century, it’s one of the most popular markets in the capital. In times gone by vendors would travel to the market with goods from far and wide, bringing produce from local farms and from foreign lands.

Today there is still a wide variety of global cuisine as well as traditional Austrian favourites. From made-to-order meals to fresh ingredients, the colourful and vibrant market has everything that a foodie could possibly want. On Saturdays, there is also a small but interesting flea market, with diverse retro, vintage, and used goods.

What to do there: Walk around the bustling market, pausing to see what’s for sale at the 120-odd stalls. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation you can pick up a range of fresh vegetables, meats, fish, and other ingredients to cook up a feast for dinner.

Visit the bakeries, delicatessens, and cheese shops to pick up tasty treats for a picnic. Grab quick and easy bites for a lunch on the go or sit down in one of the restaurants to take your time over your meal. You’ll find everything from sushi, kebabs, and curries, to Chinese stir-fried dishes, Austrian sausages, and pizza. It’s easy to see how the Naschmarkt is one of the best places to eat in Vienna.

#6 – Karlskirche – A great place to see in Vienna if you love architecture

• Unusual and distinctive architecture;
• Gorgeous frescoes;
• Constructed to give thanks;
• Regularly hosts classical concerts.

Why it’s awesome: The stunning Karlskirche is one of the most beautiful architectural hotspots in Vienna. Building began in the early 1700s, and the church was completed in 1737. The story behind its construction is interesting: the striking place of worship was built to honour a saint called Charles Borromeo. When the city was struck by a plague epidemic in the early 1700s, the ruler vowed to build a church dedicated to the saint (a man known for helping victims of the plague) if the disease left the city.

It blends several architectural styles, including Byzantine, Roman, Greek, Baroque, and Renaissance. Topped with a green dome, it’s an impressive sight from the outside. Inside, there are fine statues and frescoes. The great composer, Vivaldi, was buried in the grounds, although his tomb has long since been lost. The church hosts regular concerts in his memory.

What to do there: Appreciate the splendid details, both inside and outside, taking time to admire the carved columns, colourfully painted ceiling, reliefs, and statues. There are plenty of symbolic features to spot too as light floods in through the main window. See the delicately carved wooden pulpit, scenes showing St. Borromeo ascending to heaven, angels, and an interesting painting that depicts the Virgin Mary praying for the plague in Vienna to stop.

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#7 – The Hofburg – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Vienna

• One of the world’s biggest palace complexes;
• Lots of history and culture;
• Former  home to Habsburg emperors;
• Numerous interesting collections.

Why it’s awesome: Exploring the enormous palace complex of the Hofburg is a Vienna must do. Once home to the imperial court, there are many elegant buildings, some of which house fascinating museums today. Strolling around the complex really helps visitors to travel back in time and see what royal life was like in Vienna in times gone by. The royal home until the end of WWI, it was the place where much European history was made. Different emperors left their mark on the complex, creating a fascinating blend of architectural styles and details.

While there are three main parts of interest—the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Imperial Silver Collection—the huge complex has a wealth of other terrific things to see. Buildings are spread over 59 acres (24 hectares), with charming gardens and elegant squares between. Astonishingly, there are more than 2,500 rooms across the complex!

What to do there: Take at least a few hours to walk through the grounds of the massive Hofburg complex and admire the stunning buildings from the outside. Be sure to charge your camera as you’re likely to want to take lots of pictures! Ogle some 7,000 exquisite items in the Imperial Silver Collection. Learn more about the life of Empress Sisi as you view a wide collection of personal items in the Sisi Museum. See the lavish quarters where royalty once lived in the spectacular Imperial Apartments. Visit the Royal Chapel, which is the oldest part of the palace complex. Marvel at the wonderful interiors of the Austrian National Library. See the astronomical clock on the outside of the Amalienburg.

#8 – Spanish Riding School – One of the most amazing places in Vienna!

• Part of the Hofburg complex;
• See handsome Lipizzaner stallions;
• Rich traditions;
• Beautiful architecture.

Why it’s awesome: The Spanish Riding School is part of the enormous Hofburg palace complex. Established in the 1570s, the high-class riding school is among the top-four most prestigious horse riding schools across the globe. Additionally, it’s one of the oldest such academies in the world too. A place where visitors can watch fine equestrian traditions, the school takes its name from the fact that the thoroughbred stallions had Spanish roots.

Today’s fine steeds are all bred in Austria, but all are graceful Lipizzaner horses. The training has military roots and the methodical training process can take up to three years for riders and four to six years for horses.

What to do there: See the fine building that houses the Spanish Riding School, a pale structure with plenty of natural sunlight. Get to the academy early in the morning to watch the elegant pedigree horses at their morning training sessions. Watch as riders salute to the large portrait of Emperor Charles VI before beginning to ride. Admire the smart uniforms of the riders and the perfect poise and condition of both man and beast and be impressed by the skilled manoeuvres. It’s well worth obtaining tickets to a special performance too if there is one scheduled for your time in Vienna.

Wonder how to spend a weekend in Vienna? Head over to our  insider’s Weekend in Vienna guide!

#9 – Danube Tower – Great place to visit in Vienna for couples!

• Incredible sweeping views;
• Highest landmark in Austria;
• Next to the Danube River;
• Cool revolving restaurant.

Why it’s awesome: The Danube Tower (Donauturm) is one of the most romantic points of interest in Vienna. Standing proudly at 252 metres (827 feet) tall, it’s the tallest structure in all of Austria. Constructed in the 1960s, the soaring tower is located alongside the banks of the River Danube. It is surrounded by pretty parkland.

A major sight on the Viennese skyline it’s not only good to admire from afar; visitors can go to the observation platform to soak up fabulous views of the city and beyond. There are also two rotating eateries (one restaurant and one cafe) where couples can relax with each other while enjoying the slowly changing vistas.

What to do there: Snap plenty of pictures of the iconic tower from outside before riding in one of the high-speed elevators up to the observation platform. Spot major landmarks in Vienna from your high vantage point and enjoy the bird’s eye views over the capital. Savour a tasty meal in the revolving restaurant or sink your teeth into a light bite in the café and admire the views for longer. The romantic dinners and special events help to inject even more romance and passion into your visit if you really want to impress that special someone.

#10 – Stadtpark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Vienna

• Biggest city park in Vienna;
• Pleasant spot to relax and enjoy nature;
• Interesting monuments and statues;
• Peaceful ambience.

Why it’s awesome: The lovely Stadtpark is the largest public park in Vienna. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a nice place to take a break and spend time in nature. Open since the early 1860s and free to enter, the park is set out somewhat like a traditional English garden. Pathways meander through the lovely landscapes and a river flows through the middle of the park. Bridges span the waterway. Statues, memorials, trees, flowers, and water features all help to add to the visual beauty. There are several places to eat and drink in the park too.

What to do there: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets and enjoy a peaceful walk through the greenery of Stadtpark. The open lawns are perfect places for kids to run and play and adults can follow the paths through the park, relax in the sunshine with a good book, or sip a drink in one of the cafes.

Enjoy the views from the bridge that crosses the River Wien and see ducks and large fish swimming below in the waters. Admire the flower clock and pause at the statues dedicated to various famous composers, including Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Robert Stolz, and Franz Lehar. Don’t miss having a selfie with the gleaming statue of Johann Strauss.

#11 – Hundertwasser Haus – One of the more unique places to visit in Vienna!

• Unusual piece of architecture;
• Colourful and eye-catching;
• Delightful roof and vertical gardens;
• Free movie.

Why it’s awesome: The unusual Hundertwasser Haus is certainly a conversation starter. One of the most unusual famous places in Vienna, the colourful block was created in the early 1980s and is the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an artist turned architectural designer.

Not only are there few straight lines and a lot of colours, but it’s also a living, breathing building thanks to the many plants and trees that grow from balconies, trellises, on the roof, and in pots. Indeed, there are more than 200 plants around the building’s exterior. Inside there are apartments and offices and there are both shared and communal terraces. Do note, however, that the insides are not open to visitors.

What to do there: Marvel at the unique building from the outside, appreciating the balance between nature and the man-made. Call into the ground-level coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up and to watch a free short film about the house. Visit the cool Hundertwasser Village across the street, created in the early 1990s. It’s a quirky shopping centre designed in the artist’s signature style and it features a pretty square, diverse shops, and a bar. You can also take a short stroll along the street to see another of Hundertwasser’s creations: Kunst Haus Wien.

#12 – Vienna State Opera – A great place to visit Vienna at night

• One of the best opera houses in the world;
• Diverse program of events;
• Glorious façade and interiors;
• Long history.

Why it’s awesome: The fabulous Vienna State Opera House is a Vienna must see. Originally built in the 1850s, the city’s first opera house was largely destroyed during bombing in World War Two. It was later renovated and rebuilt, in keeping with the original style. The building has a grand façade and stunning interiors, with ornate lobbies, grand marble staircases, luxurious chandeliers, and a large sophisticated auditorium.

Often said to be among the top opera houses across the globe it is also one of the busiest performance venues. The program is diverse. Various famous composers and performers have graced the stages over the years, and members of the Vienna Philharmonic are recruited from the musicians in the Vienna State Opera’s orchestra.

What to do there: Gaze upon the elegant building from the outside, noticing the two equestrian statues, the two fountains (that symbolise happiness, music, joy, and dance against revenge, love, sorrow, and seduction), and the five bronze statues that represent love, comedy, fantasy, tragedy, and heroism.

See the stunning interiors on a 40-minute guided tour, visiting the foyer, the opulent staircase, the ornate state rooms, and the auditorium. You’ll also hear interesting facts and anecdotes about the building and performers. Spend a memorable evening at a spectacular performance, with various operas and ballets on the ever-changing schedule.

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#13 – Schönbrunn Zoo – Awesome place to visit in Vienna with kids!

• One of the oldest zoos in the world;
• Within the Schönbrunn Palace complex;
• Home to animals from across the globe.

Why it’s awesome: Wondering what to do in Vienna with children? The large Schönbrunn Zoo (known locally as Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is one of the best Vienna vacation ideas for families. Found within the ground of the extensive Schönbrunn Palace, the zoo was built in the 1750s to house the imperial menagerie. It is one of the oldest still-operating zoos in the world today.

Despite many setbacks over the years, today the zoo contains an exciting selection of animals from all four corners of the globe. The large enclosures are well maintained and clean and there are various habitats for visitors to explore. There’s a good selection of places to eat and drink throughout the zoo too.

What to do there: Observe an array of creatures from different parts of the planet, including koalas, elephants, tigers, orangutans, penguins, zebras, sea lions, wolves, otters, polar bears, camels, bats, and deer. The giant pandas are usually popular with kids and adults alike.

There are several habitats and themed areas to explore, including the rainforest house (which simulates conditions in the Amazon Jungle), the polarium, an aquarium, the big cat house, the desert house, and a children’s petting zoo. Take a ride on the quaint Schönbrunn Panorama Train, watch various species being fed, and sign up for special behind-the-scenes and interactive tours.

#14 – Vienna City Hall – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Vienna

• Neo-Gothic architectural gem;
• Official seat of Vienna’s mayor;
• Free guided tours;
• Beautifully illuminated at night.

Why it’s awesome: Vienna City Hall is a striking building that dates back to the late 1800s. Built in a Neo-Gothic style, it emulates other fine non-religious Gothic structures around Europe. The large building boasts five towers and a number of interior courtyards. There are more than 1,500 rooms inside, spread across six storeys, along with two basements.

The interiors can be visited on a free guided tour (various languages are available on audio devices, though the main tour is in German). There are often events, like markets, just inside the main entrance, and there’s also a stylish onsite restaurant that is open to members of the public.

What to do there: Admire the beautiful building from the outside and see the interesting Rathausmann statue perched atop the tallest tower. Affixed in 1882, the figure is today one of the city’s symbols. Rest for a while in the grassy Rathauspark in front of the building. Take a free tour to see parts inside the building; tours include the Festival Hall, Arcade Courtyard, Council Chamber, Stone Halls, Senate Chamber, and Coat of Arms Halls. Treat yourself to a nice meal in the restaurant before continuing your sightseeing in Vienna.

#15 – Graben – A great place in Vienna if you love to shop!

• Luxurious shopping street;
• Great places to dine;
• Historic buildings;
• Plague column.

Why it’s awesome: Located in the heart of the city, Graben is a busy shopping street with Roman roots. It was a popular shopping area during the times of the Habsburgs, with many fine stores with long traditions remaining today. A lot of the buildings date back to the 17th and 18th century and there are many beautiful architectural details.

Shops sell an assortment of wares and it’s a popular place for both locals and tourists to spoil themselves and indulge in some retail therapy. There are elegant restaurants and cafes too. The marble plague column is an interesting sight along the street.

What to do there: Walk along the refined mostly pedestrianised streets and admire the beautiful buildings. Fine examples include the Grabenhof and the Equitable Palace. Don’t miss seeing the plague column, built in the late 1600s to remember those who died during the devastating epidemic. The sculpture is highly ornate with many symbolic elements.

You can also pause to admire the lovely fountains. Window shop in time-honoured establishments like Augarten porcelain factory, Nägele & Strubell perfumerie, and the high-class jewellers of Heldwein. You’ll find shops selling a wide array of other goods too, including clothing, homewares, accessories, and souvenirs. Stop at a café for refreshments and a spot of people watching along the bustling street.

#16 – Kunsthistorisches Museum – A great place to visit in Vienna if you are alone/traveling solo

• Splendid art museum;
• Stunning building;
• Lavish décor;
• Imperial history.

Why it’s awesome: The splendid Kunsthistorisches Museum is the biggest art museum in Austria. The glorious palace-like building was constructed in the late 1800s and the museum was opened by Franz Joseph I in the early 1890s. The emperor wanted the museum to house some of the amazing pieces of art from The Hofburg and make collections accessible to the public. Inside, the building has opulent interiors and numerous eye-catching artworks. Collections include portraits, Greek and Roman antiquities, coins, sculptures, and items from Egypt and the Near East.

What to do there: Walk across Maria-Theresien-Platz and see the almost identical facing buildings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, both built at the same time. A large statue of Empress Maria Theresa stands at the heart of the square. The dome-topped museums are architectural masterpieces. Step inside the museum and you’re sure to be impressed by the glorious interiors, complete with polished marble, sweeping staircases, gold leaf, colourful frescoes, and intricate ornamental plasterwork.

Take time to view the impressive art collection spread through the museum, with pieces by European masters and ancient artefacts among the exhibits. Once you’ve finished, you might want to visit the nearby Modern Art Museum, housed in the old imperial stables, to see even more interesting artworks.

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#17 – Capuchin Church – One of Vienna’s coolest historical sites!

• Final resting place of many Habsburg rulers;
• Spiritual vibe;
• Unassuming façade;
• Interesting tours.

Why it’s awesome: Officially named the Church of Saint Mary of the Angels, the 1632 Capuchin Church is one of the most historic hotspots in Vienna. The fairly plain exterior and simple experience gives no clue as to the building’s significance, and it would be easy to stroll right on past without realising that, in fact, the church is a major attraction.

The inside of the church is also fairly plain, with no aisle, whitewashed walls, orderly seating, and a pretty but unremarkable altar. The real interest, however, lies underground in the crypt. The Imperial Crypt contains the tombs of many people from the Imperial Family—it is here that many mighty emperors and empresses were laid to rest.

What to do there: Enter the church and absorb the tranquil and spiritual air, perhaps taking a seat to rest for a few moments in thought. Descend into the Imperial Crypt to see the tombs and funerary urns of deceased royals.

More than 140 Royals have been laid to rest here, including 12 former emperors and 18 empresses. Some of the tombs are fairly simple, while others are highly ornate. The tomb of Maria Theresa and Holy Roman Emperor Franz I is large and detailed. You can visit independently, though there also tours that will help you to learn more about the people buried beneath the peaceful church.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Vienna

Is Vienna worth visiting?

Yes, Vienna is definitely worth a visit for lovers of culture, art and history.

Which is the best palace to visit in Vienna?

The Schönbrunn Palace is the most visited palace in Vienna and is a truly beautiful building.

What is Vienna famous for?

Vienna is famous for being the capital of Austria and being the home to famous classical musicians such as Beethoven and Mozart.

Can you visit Vienna in 2 days?

Yes, two days should be enough to see all the main highlights.

Wonderful Vienna offers a wealth of things for people of all ages, though there is definitely a strong focus on history, culture, music, architecture, and the arts.

Kahlenberg and Volksgarten are pretty outdoor spots if you want to get away for a while and spend time in nature, and the Krapfenwald Pools are a top place for soothing relaxation.

Discover the wealth of knowledge housed in the establishments of the MuseumsQuartier and tour the city’s other top-class museums. Fantastic museums to add to your list when you explore Vienna include the Sigmund Freud Museum, Albertina, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Ethnology, the Jewish Museum, the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art, and Time Travel Vienna. Fans of classical music shouldn’t miss the Johann Strauss House, and if you’re more into places that are a bit quirky the Globe Museum and Clock Museum may be right up your street.

Spend a day exploring the Danube Island, get off the beaten track in Ottakring, enjoy more imperial grandeur at Belvedere Palace, stroll through the quiet Central Cemetery, and visit the lesser-known Church am Steinhof. You can even take an easy day trip to Bratislava, the capital of neighbouring Slovakia.

For your travel plans, be sure to check out our guide on whether Vienna is expensive or not . Be prepared with the right budget!

There is certainly no need to ever feel bored in the Austrian capital! Add these best places to visit in Vienna to your bucket list and discover one of Europe’s most elegant destinations .

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Vienna Bucket List: 15 Places You Must Visit in Vienna

Historical, magical city proudly rules over the whole Austria from a small corner in the east of the country. Stunning, artistic, and full of the most amazing architecture, Vienna   is arguable one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. From extraordinary cathedrals to dazzling museums and parks, the city knows how to attract visitors and leave them wishing to come back as soon as possible. If you are one of the lucky ones who finally have this city on your upcoming travel itinerary, here is an ultimate Vienna bucket list for you. These 15 places you must visit in Vienna will present the Austrian capital in all its glory and magnificence. If you are ready, let us dive in.

HERE IS OUR ULTIMATE VIENNA BUCKET LIST WITH 15 AMAZING PLACES YOU MUST VISIT IN VIENNA:

1. schönbrunn palace.

The first place on our Vienna bucket list belongs to unprecedented S chönbrunn Palace , one of the most cherished possessions of the city. Located in Hietzing, the property was the main summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Consequently, it was built according to the high standards that suited the most prominent families of the country. With its lavish ceremonial rooms, gorgeous sculptures, and gardens with a maze, up to this day Schönbrunn Palace enjoys the laurels of the most important and must-visit historical monument in Austria.

2. Karlskirche

As soon as you get out of U-Bahn at Karlsplatz, greenish copper dome of Karlskirche grabs your full attention. Towering over a small park nearby, the church made its way on our Vienna bucket list thanks to its unique combination of architectural elements. Karlskirche is a proud holder of columned portico from ancient Greece, two Trajanesque columns from ancient Rome. The famous dome and towers came from Viennese Baroque. Furthermore, Karlskirche is one of a few places you must visit in Vienna that carry symbolic meaning. The magnificent baroque structure represents victory over the devastating Black Plague of 1679.

3. Naschmarkt

Who would visit Vienna without stopping at its famous Naschmarkt, undoubtedly one of the most gastronomic places in Vienna? With over 100 food and vintage stalls, this bucket list destination is your best take on the most luxurious food and cuisines from all over the world.

The stunning Hofburg  have been a place of leaders and rulers of Austria since the 13 th century. Continuing the tradition, today the palace serves as the official residence and workplace of the Austrian President. However, this fact does not prevent both tourists and locals from enjoying one of the most extraordinary places you must visit in Vienna. Different tours and programs are available from 9:00am till 5:30pm most days of the year.

5. Stephen’s Cathedral

Located in the center of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of those Vienna bucket list places that it is hard not to notice at once. The gorgeous medieval Roman Catholic Church entices numerous visitors with its signature ornate spire, catacombs, and a treasury museum.

6. Stephansplatz

Stephansplatz marks the geographical center of Vienna. As the mane suggests, this place was named after the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The visitors are mostly interested in this destination as a central stopping point on the U-Bahn for changing lines. On top of that, this is a great starting point for exploring many Vienna bucket list places that are located just a short walk away.

7. Rathaus (Vienna City Hall)

Like many other touristic places in Vienna, Rathaus is situated in the Innere Stadt district (the center of Vienna). Beautiful and alluring at any time of the year, this stop on our Vienna bucket list is especially popular in winter. During this time, Rathaus and Rathausplatz turn into a magical winter wonderland. With Christmas lights and big ice rink in front of the building, it is indeed one of the places you ought to visit.

Graben is by far one of the most popular streets you must visit in Vienna for great shopping, food, and entertainment.

9. Plague Column

Plague Column is Vienna’s most prominent sculpture located on the Graben. Like Karlskirche, it was erected after the Great Plague and reminds Vienna’s locals and visitors of the horrible epidemic of 1679.

10. MuseumsQuartier

Next, our Vienna bucket list takes us to MuseumsQuartier with its remarkable historic and modern buildings. Extended over the territory of over 640,000 square feet, the place is home to numerous museums, restaurants, cafes, and shops.

11. Hundertwasserhaus

Hundertwasserhaus is one of the most unusual places you must visit in Vienna. Unlike other attractions, this apartment house instantly strikes with bright colors and uneven lines.

12. Austrian Parliament Building

Austrian Parliament Building is another architectural masterpiece in Vienna full of history, stories, and art. You can marvel at the structure from outside or join guided tours and explore this Vienna’s neoclassical building as an insider.

13. Volksgarten

Volksgarten is a public park in the Innere Stadt of Vienna. Moreover, it is a part of the famous Hofburg Palace. The palace’s less famous section is a perfect place to relax and enjoy beautiful sculptures. In addition, Volksgarten provide beautiful location for photography. But keep in mind that frequent wedding couples and their photographers can unceremoniously interrupt your photo-session.

14. Maria-Theresien-Platz

Maria-Theresien-Platz is a public square in Vienna near MuseumsQuartier. Known for its notable monument, fountains, and lots of green spaces, the garden provides plenty of opportunities to unwind before venturing to the next stop on the Vienna bucket list.

15. Vienna State Opera House

When in Vienna, you cannot miss entertainment at Vienna State Opera House, one of the leading opera houses in the world. Besides the shows and ballets, the visitors can also attend a guided tour and enjoy the opportunity of walking over the marble stairs and overlooking the middle lodge.

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I am just planning a short trip to Vienna and I am looking for inspiration. You have prepared a great article. Helpful information!

Thank you! I hope you will use it for your trip to Vienna 🙂

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3 Days in Vienna Itinerary – How to spend 3 days in Vienna

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by gregor

This is a complete 3 days Vienna itinerary for first-time visitors that covers every single must-visit historical landmark, attraction, monument, and other amazing places to visit in Vienna.

Three days in Vienna, we believe, is the ideal length of time to spend there.

In this Vienna Travel Guide, we’ll provide our recommendations for the perfect three-day itinerary in Vienna. We’ll give some practical suggestions and information about your visit, including where to stay, dine, get around Vienna, and how to save money on sightseeing, in addition to covering all of the key attractions we know you’ll enjoy seeing.

3 Days in Vienna Itinerary: The Best Places To Visit In Vienna, Austria

Day 1 itinerary: viennese old town city center.

The best place to start off your journey is in the old town. The place offers a view of what Vienna used to be, and can easily be covered with a classic city walking tour. One that includes a detailed history that helps you uncover some great gems. In case you want to go about it yourself, here is a quick guide.

VIENNA’S OLD HISTORIC STREETS IN THE CITY CENTER, AUSTRIA

Visit Vienna Mozart House

Located on Domgasse Street, Mozart’s house is one of the most celebrated places in Vienna. Called the Mozarthaus, it is the only Mozart apartment in Vienna. Mozart lived there for approximately 3 years and produced some of his best work while living there. The space offers you a full view of his 18th Century work and touches on his personal life.

Book your Ticket here: Tickets for the Mozarthaus Vienna with Audio Guide

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Just a short walk away you will find the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A defining landmark in Vienna, one that you cannot miss. Showing a breathtakingly beautiful sight, it is set up with a vibrant multicolored tiled roof, that will take your breath away. Head on inside, as both towers are open to the public and can even be climbed for a fee. While the south tower offers the best view, we suggest you pick the one you like. 

Read more: THE STEPHANSDOM CATHEDRAL IN VIENNA, SIGHTSEEING INFO AND TIPS

Book your tickets here: Secrets of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral

Vienna Opera House

A 10-minute walk away is the Vienna Opera House. Built in 1869, the opera house in Vienna is a magnificent work of art. Set in layers, the space has been home to some of the greatest of all time. Here is the place where all the best conductors and singers have stunned the world. If you are an opera fan, we suggest you take out 40 minutes and enjoy a complete tour of the place. 

Book your Ticket here :  Vienna State Opera Skip The Line Tour Ticket

ULTIMATE GUIDE VISITING THE VIENNA OPERA HOUSE, AUSTRIA

Visit a Vienna Coffeehouse – A Viennese Coffee Break

Once you have taken on the three greatest, it’s time to take a short break and enjoy a cup of coffee, and even a slice of cake. Slow down your mood a little, so you can take in the simple pleasures of life. 

BEST COFFEEHOUSES IN THE CITY CENTER OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Explore the Vienna Museum s

When in Vienna you are truly spoiled for choices when it comes to museums. There are so many choices, that you can waste endless hours wondering which one to cover. To help ensure you do not miss out, we have listed down the best. From the list, you may choose the ones that suit you best. 

• Albertinaplatz
• Museum Quarter 
• Sigmund Freud Museum
• Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Beethoven Museum

THE BEST 12 MUSEUMS YOU NEED TO VISIT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA TRAVEL GUIDE (UPDATE 2022)

Vienna Food, Dinner & Drinks

After a long day exploring all the museums, you can finally make your way to a restaurant. The best way, the only way to ensure you do not miss out on the fabulous food is to plan ahead. Everyone has a different taste, so we suggest you do your research and find restaurants that match your mood. 

VIENNA FOOD GUIDE – TRADITIONAL VIENNESE FOOD YOU MUST EAT IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA (UPDATE 2022)

Day 2 Vienna Itinerary: Palaces in Vienna

Plan your Trip to Vienna?

• 🏨 Find the perfect accommodation on  Booking.com
• 🎡 Book the Best Guided Tour on  GetYourGuide
• 😍 Get more emotions from your trip with  Tripadvisor
• 🚘 Rent a car on  Rentalcars
• ✈️ Buy the cheapest flight tickets with  WayAway
• 🚂 🚌 ✈️ Best prices for Train, Buses, Cars, Ferries, and flights Omio

The only way to ensure you experience everything promptly is to get an early start. You can have breakfast where you are staying or grab a bit on your way. Remind yourself that you will be walking it all off soon, so we suggest you grab something that offers you energy. 

THE BEST BREAKFAST BRUNCH SPOTS IN VIENNA, WIEN AUSTRIA UPDATE 2022

Pro Tip: Get your tickets in advance so you do not waste precious moments in lines. 

Schönbrunn Palace

A UNESCO heritage site, and one of the most elegant palaces in the world. A Renaissance palace that was the summer home for the Hapsburg dynasty , enjoying its marvelous beauty for more than 650 years. The place is just half of the story, as the real journey begins when you make your way to the extensive garden complex. 

Book your tickets here: Schönbrunn Palace: Tour with Gardens

*) Let your guide bring the history of the palace and its gardens to life on a guided tour. See how the Habsburg Dynasty lived and learn more about the life of the Austrian court.

A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

Belvedere Palace

 The second palace you need to see is the Belvedere Palace, it is a grand place and is said to be the most visited tourist spot in Vienna. Built back in 1712-23, by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. This masterpiece is considered to be one of his best works. While the place served as a summer home to Prince Eugene of Savoy , it is now open for everyone to explore. Said to be one of Europe’s most important museums, it has a great deal to offer. One that is sure to take hours of your day. 

Read more: VIENNA BELVEDERE PALACES AND BELVEDERE MUSEUMS, ULTIMATE VISITOR GUIDE

Book your ticket here: Entrance Tickets for Belvedere

Ending The Day – Once you have had dinner we suggest you take in the city as much as you can. You can either walk around or grab a ride. As nothing is more magical than taking in Vienna at night. If you don’t mind walking more, you can take on a two-hour nighttime walking tour to hear stories about Vienna

Liechtenstein Garden Palace

In the middle of Vienna, there is a stately garden palace, which is of outstanding interest to only a few tourists. The property with its extensive park can look back on a long history and houses one of the largest private collections in the world. 

Day 3 Vienna Itinerary: Viennese Architecture and Culture

Another day, another palace! Yes, for the history buffs we suggest you take on the Hofburg Palace . It is one of the most beautiful places you will ever experience, filled with a rich history that will take you back in time. Offering you everything you need is a wonder that is ideal for anyone who loves taking a walk down the past. 

Read more: THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE COMPLEX IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Lunch breaks are a must and will help you keep going. You can grab lunch at one of the stands, or pick any restaurant in the city center. 

St. Charles Church – Karlskirche

Built back in 1737, this freestanding column Church is a stunning sight to see. One that is known to hold some of the best concerts, and offers a full panoramic view of the city. However, if you are not in the mood for a concert or a view we suggest you talk to the Naschmarkt , which is filled with exotic and traditional foods. A market is a great place for any foodie.

Read more: DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC KARLSKIRCHE IN VIENNA: A BAROQUE MASTERPIECE

Book your tickets here: 3-Hour Churches of Vienna Private Tour

*) Visit 5 of Vienna’s stunning churches on this 3-hour private tour. Follow your guide on a special route to see architectural masterpieces and learn the history of the city’s famed churches. Enter St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Votivkirche, and more.

Vienna City Hall

 The 19th-century Rathaus is designed by Friedrich von Schmidt, making it a monumental and stunning sight you cannot miss. If you book in advance you can enjoy a complete guided tour. 

Book your tickets here: Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller

*) Experience the Austrian Dinner Show and enjoy the best regional delicacies along with popular melodies in the vaults of the famous Vienna City Hall.

Burgtheater

Just a short walk you will find the Burg, offering tours at 3 pm sharp, you can enjoy some of Klimt’s early artwork. There are four ceilings in the space, and a grand staircase to match the setting. Features the works of Klimt, Ernst, and Franz Match. 

Guided Tours Burgtheater: Info and Booking here (Click)

Concert at Schönbrunn Orangerie

A great way to spend your last evening in Vienna is to take in a concert at Schonbrunn. You can book a concert in advance, or simply take in the space and head to any other place you feel you need to experience. 

Read more: A QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE TO VIENNA’S SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA AUSTRIA

Book your tickets here: Tour of Schönbrunn Palace with Dinner and a Concert

*) Get the best that Schönbrunn Palace has to offer with a tour of the Palace, a fine dinner in a restaurant within walking distance, and the classical sounds of Mozart and Strauss in the Orangery.

Remember that everyone has a different idea when heading to explore a city, so do not be afraid to tweak the itinerary to find a guide that works best for you. Creating something based on your likes and dislikes can help ensure you enjoy your three days in Vienna.

How to Save Money on Your Vienna 3 days Trip?

As a European capital. Vienna is not exactly a budget destination, although there are ways that you can save money on your trip.

Almost every site on this list has an admission price, which can range from a few dollars to thirty euros per person. As a result, the cost of tourism might soon mount.

Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of the great Vienna Pass. We believe that city passes like this are one of the finest ways to save money, and that the Vienna Pass is one of the best value city pass cards available.

Get your Vienna Pass Tickets here: Vienna PASS: 1, 2, 3, or 6 Days of Sightseeing

*) The Vienna PASS is an all-inclusive sightseeing card that allows you to experience the many faces of Vienna. You’ll get free admission to many attractions, skip-the-line entry, unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides, and plenty of discounts.

How to get around Vienna?

There are 4 Ways to get around Vienna.

By Public Transport, Vienna City Card

Taking public transportation is the most convenient method to get around Vienna (Euro 8.- for a 24-hour ticket).

A Vienna City Card , which permits unlimited use of the city’s metro, tram, and bus lines, can be purchased in advance.

Vienna City Cards are available for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days, and prices range from 24 hours for Euro 17, to 3 days of use + airport transfer for Euro 46.-.

The  Vienna City Card  also offers discounts at over 210 major attractions, making it an excellent value.

By Bicycle Rent a Bike in Vienna

The city center of Vienna, and the majority of tourist attractions, are reachable by bicycle.

WienMobil Rad is the most popular bike-sharing service in Vienna.

Simply register online, find a terminal and scan the QRCode to unlock a bike.

Detailed Information on How to Rent a bike in Vienna on my Blog:

BIKE RENTAL IN VIENNA – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW – WIENMOBIL RAD (VIDEO TOUR)

There is also the very popular Classic Vienna:  3-Hour Guided Bike Tour  available to book in advance.

By Hop On Hop Off Bus

The City Card provides access to standard buses throughout Vienna. There is, of course, the well-known Vienna  Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus .

This  Hop On Hop Off bus  allows you to hop on and off at many locations throughout the city, including the Museums of the Hofburg, the House of Music, and the Schönbrunn Palace.

This choice is always popular amongst travelers, and it is a great way to see many of Vienna’s famous attractions.

By Guided Tour

There are some amazing tours available to book in advance on  Get Your Guide  for people who are short on time or prefer everything to be organized for them.

There’s much to do in the Austrian capital, from food tours to river cruises and bar crawls!

15 Best Food Tours in Vienna

15 BEST FOOD TOURS IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA – UPDATED 2022/23

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT VIENNA?

The perfect 2-days vienna itinerary.

So here’s a complete two-day Vienna itinerary, for those looking to do Vienna in two days.

When you are ready to explore  Vienna in two days  you need to decide how you want to get around the city. In this blog post, we give you a perfect answer:  How can I spend 48 hours in Vienna? 

TWO DAYS IN VIENNA PERFECT 2-DAY ITINERARY

The Perfect 4-Days Vienna Itinerary

This is a complete  4 days Vienna itinerary for first-time visitors  that cover every single must-visit historical landmark, attraction, monument, and other amazing location in Vienna. Making it the only way to get a full Viennese experience. The city has everything from open-air museums, imperial castles, and grand Baroque architecture to soothing sites.

4 DAY IN VIENNA ITINERARY – HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN VIENNA

What to see in Vienna in ONE Day? 1 Day Itinerary

Please have a look at my blog post with all the detailed information

ONE DAY IN VIENNA I THE PERFECT 1 DAY ITINERARY

Top Things Vienna is Famous and Known For

Opera in vienna – the vienna opera houses, tips, tickets .

10 Historical Things to do in Vienna, Austria

The city of Vienna has been one of the cultural hearts of Europe for many centuries. For over 600 years the city was home to the Habsburg Dynasty, one of the most powerful monarchies in European history. Vienna is also known as the City of Music, and is where some of the most famous composers in history created their masterpieces, including both Mozart and Beethoven. Visiting Vienna is truly a treat for the eyes, ears and taste buds and below I’ve listed 10 of my favourite historical things to do while visiting the Austrian capital.

1. See where Mozart lived at the Mozarthaus museum.

Mozarthaus is the only apartment where Mozart lived that still exists in Vienna today. Mozart lived in this beautiful building between the years of 1784 and 1787 and was where he composed a number of famous works. The museum provides an extensive insight into the composer’s life, particularly in Vienna, and there are three fascinating floors to explore. The first floor of the museum consists of Mozart’s apartment where guests are free to wander through the rooms. The second floor takes a more in-depth look at his music while the third floor explores Mozart’s life in Vienna. It’s amazing to be standing where Mozart once lived and worked and the museum is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in both music and culture. 

Visit here to learn more about visiting Mozarthaus Vienna.

2. Explore the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty at the Hofburg.

With over 600 years of rule, the Hapsburg Dynasty was one of Europe’s most famous and powerful ruling families and the Hofburg was their primary residence. From the 13th to 20th century, the family’s rule extended over Austria, Hungary and Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Empire. Near the end of the empire in 1914,  Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated resulting in the beginning of World War I. Today, the Hofburg remains connected to politics as the Leopoldine Wing is still the primary workplace and residence of the Austrian President.

The Hofburg is open to the public and offers visitors an insight into the lives of Vienna’s historic royal family. My favourite part of the Hofburg was the Sisi Museum, which covers the tragic life of Austria’s beloved Empress Elisabeth (also known as Sisi). You can also visit the Imperial Apartments, which belonged to Empress Elisabeth and her Husband Emperor Franz Joseph I. Visitors can also explore the Silver Collection which displays a large collection of palace dining ware. 

Visit here to learn more about visiting the Hofburg in Vienna.

3. Experience Viennese Coffee House Culture.

Coffee House (or Kaffehaus ) culture has existed in Vienna for over 300 years, with the first coffee house opening in the city in 1683. Through the years, coffee houses played a central role in Viennese life as a place where people could gather to socialize, read the news, listen to music, discuss ideas of the day and of course, enjoy a cup of coffee. The significance of Viennese coffee house culture is actually so important that it is recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Today there are over 2,000 coffee houses across Vienna with historic ones including Café Central (c. 1867) , or Café Frauenhuber (c.1824) which claims to be the oldest remaining coffee house in Vienna.

One of my favourite little places (where I spent quite a bit of time!) was Kleines Café , located only a 5-minute walk from Stephansplatz. While it’s not the most historic in the city (I believe it dates back approximately 50 years), it has a great atmosphere both during the day and in the evening!

4. Experience the history of sound at the Haus der Musik (House of Music).

Haus der Musik is another staple on the list of things to do as it’s a unique museum that takes visitors through the history of sound. With a number of interactive experiences, the museum provides a great insight into how sound and music has evolved throughout the years. You can dance on the piano steps,  play with different sounds throughout the exhibits and even try your hand at being a virtual conductor for the Vienna Philharmonic ! The building itself even has historical significance as the museum is located in the former palace of Archduke Karl and was also home to famous composer Otto Nicolai in the early 19th century. I didn’t know much about the museum before visiting, but absolutely loved it. With Vienna being such an important city for music , it’s definitely a must-see!

Visit here to learn more about visiting the Haus der Musik in Vienna.

5. Taste the world-famous Sacher-Torte, where the dessert originated at the Hotel Sacher. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve likely heard of a Sacher-Torte . This delicious, chocolate treat can be tried at many of Vienna’s popular coffee houses but the Hotel Sacher is home to the original recipe . The story goes that in 1832, 16-year old apprentice chef, Franz Sacher (upon filling in for an ill chef) created the cake for the court of Prince Metternich of Austria. His dessert went over so well that it went on to become a favourite of the imperial court. Franz Sacher’s son, Eduard Sacher, went on to found the Hotel Sacher in 1876. To this day, the Sacher-Torte is still hand-made using Franz’s original recipe.

Visitors can enjoy a Sacher-Torte in the Café Sacher (though note there is usually a lineup!) as well as in other areas of the hotel. I enjoyed mine in the beautiful Sacher Eck Wien  area of the hotel and no matter where you end up enjoying your dessert, the entire hotel makes for a stunning atmosphere. 

Visit here to learn more about visiting the Hotel Sacher and trying the Original Sacher-Torte.

6. Enjoy a snack that is over 100 years old at Trzesniewski .

  Trzesniewski is famous for their delicious little open sandwiches … and wow, are they a treat! The Viennese snack has been popular for over 100 years , after the first store was opened by Polish immigrant Franciszek Trzesniewski in 1902. Today visitors can choose from 22 different types of sandwiches and you can also order a mini Pfiff beer to go with them! The restaurant is located in the central area of Stephansplatz and is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat while out exploring the city. 

Visit here to learn more about visiting Trzesniewski.

7. Explore the art museum, the Belvedere, home of Marie Antoinette’s mother.

The Belvedere is another impressive building complex and beautiful example of Baroque architecture in Vienna. The site consists of not one, but two palaces (the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere ) and was initially built as a summer home by the Austrian General, Prince Eugene of Savoy. After his death, the Belvedere was later inhabited by Empress Maria Theresa , ruler of the Habsburg Dynasty, but more commonly known as the mother of Marie Antoinette. It was she who turned the Upper Belvedere into a public museum to showcase the imperial collections.

Today, the areas of the Belvedere open to the public consist of the Lower Belvedere (that displays a variety of art from different time periods), the Upper Belvedere (that contains over 800 years of famous artworks) and Belvedere 21 (which displays contemporary art that is both by Austrian and international artists). My favourite part of the museum is the Upper Belvedere, where artworks by Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch are on display. The standout has to be Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (Der Kuss), located in the Austrian Gallery. As one of Vienna’s most famous paintings, it was impressive to see up close.

Visit here to learn more about visiting The Belvedere.

8. Take in a show at the Vienna State Opera.

The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is one of the most famous opera houses in the  world. It first opened its doors in 1869 and continues to dazzle audiences up to this day. In the 19th century, the opera was the hub of life in Vienna, where theatre-goers could take in performances of famous works of their favourite composers. However, in the 20th century, the building underwent a tumultuous time during the Nazi Occupation of Austria during World War II. Much of the building was destroyed after a bomb attack in 1945 and only a few original features survive. Reconstruction began shortly after the bombing and resulted in the building as we know it today.

Tourists planning to visit the Vienna State Opera have a few options. Tickets can be booked for performances, for some shows for as little as €15.00. You can also purchase a standing room ticket (which go on sale 2 hours before the performance) for only €10.00 ! If you’re looking to learn more about the Vienna State Opera, you can also book a guided tour .

Visit here to learn more about visiting the Vienna State Opera.

9. Enjoy a meal at Salm Bräu Brewery and Distillery.

If you haven’t noticed already, I spent a lot of time eating in Vienna because the food and drink is just too good! Salm Bräu is one of my favourite places to go for a traditional Viennese meal. The restaurant is located in a heritage building that over 300 years ago housed a wine cellar belonging to the Mayor of Vienna at the time. In 1717, the site was sold to the Imperial Court and a monastery was built on site by Empress Amalia Wilhelmina. In 1994, the restaurant opened in an old part of the monastery. 

Salm Bräu  is well known for its traditional Austrian beer , still brewed according to historic recipes and techniques . The restaurant also offers a number of traditional dishes including Viennese Schnitzel, Schinkenfleckerl (an Austrian pasta), a Bohenmian Brown Beer Soup or their famous Beer Spread of which the recipe is still secret! Overall,  Salm Bräu provides a fantastic historical, yet laid back atmosphere and the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a day of sight-seeing.

Visit here to learn more about eating at Salm Bräu . 

10. Take time to wander around and explore the historic city centre. 

You’ve probably seen this recommendation on a few of my “Historical Things to do” lists, but I do genuinely believe there is no better way to take in a history than by exploring it’s historic area. Vienna is well-known for being a beautiful European city and it’s historic city centre does not disappoint. I would recommend starting in Stephansplatz , which is the main square in the centre of Vienna. Here you can marvel at the many beautiful buildings, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral . This is also a great place to start sightseeing because you’re within walking distance to a number of attractions including The Hofburg, Haus der Musik, the Vienna State Opera and more. 

Looking to explore other parts of Austria? Check out 10 Historical Things to do in Salzburg.

This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.

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Must-see spots for history buffs in Vienna

Vienna is a notoriously history-rich place. With its central location in Europe, its history as a capital of the Habsburg Monarchy and major role as a strategic point of interest during the Second World War, Vienna has quite literally always been in the middle of things. Because of that, there is an abundance of historic sights to visits, dating back to the era of the Roman Empire all the way until recent history. You won’t be able to absorb the rich historic depth Vienna has to offer in a mere few days, as it is almost impossible to do so, even for people who live there all their life. This list will guide you to the most important and impressive sights from different eras in time.

Heldenplatz

Vienna’s Heldenplatz (German for “Heroes’ square”) was one of the most iconic sights in the annexing of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938. Hitler chose this place to have a rally announcing the ceremonial “Anschluss” of Austria, marking one of the milestones in the formation of the horrors of the Third Reich. The Heldenplatz is situated in front of the Hofburg – Vienna’s imperial palace – and is host to two massive equestrian statues portraying Archduke Charles of Austria and Prince Eugene of Savoy, representing the military legacy of the Habsburg dynasty.

Flak towers

Perhaps the most iconic reminders of wartime Austria, the flak towers , which were posted around the city as above-ground bunkers and anti-air defensive structures, still remain largely intact as opposed to many other flak towers in German cities. Of course since then the towers have been repurposed, the most prominent one being the tower in the Esterházypark in the 6th district, which now hosts Vienna’s aquarium, the Haus des Meeres, as well as a climbing wall with an impressive view over the city. Other towers are located in the Augarten (2nd district), Arenbergpark (3rd district) and at the Stiftskaserne (historic barracks, 7th district). Not all of them are publicly accessible, but even just from the outside, they are an impressive sight and a strong reminder of the time when Europe was at war.

Römermuseum – Roman Museum

A part of the Wienmuseum, the Roman Museum has a variety of relicts on display dating back to the days of the Roman settlement named Vindobona, which once was situated at the area which today is known as Hoher Markt in Vienna’s first district. Like many places in central Europe, which later went on to become thriving capitals, Vienna and the area surrounding it provided a fertile ground for archaeological excavations and many exciting discoveries were unveiled over the years. The exhibitions keep evolving as recent excavations keep providing new findings and deeper insights into the history of Vienna.

Heeresgeschichtliches Museum – Museum of Military History

For anyone interested in exploring the history of Vienna before, during and after the two World Wars which impacted on world history like no other event before, the Museum of Military History is quite possibly the single most extensive place to do so. The vast collection of military artefacts, weaponry, badges, armor and even military machinery allows visitors to gain first hand insight into a time when the Habsburg Monarchy was a militarily potent empire and, as is easily forgotten, a major naval power in the world. Documents from the time between the wars remind us of how Austria transitioned from a time of economic depression into the eventual annexing by Nazi Germany.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Key Historic Sites in Austria

Discover the best historic sites in austria, from schonbrunn palace to salzburg catacombs..

Kyle Hoekstra

24 nov 2020, @kylehoekstra.

From the stately Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna to the daunting edifice of Hohensalzburg Fortress, there’s no shortage of incredible historic sites in Austria. They include the mausoleums carved into the face of Salzburg’s Mönchsberg and the remains of a strategically vital Roman city. Enjoy our list of the 10 best historic sites in Austria.

1. Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) in Vienna was in the possession of the Habsburg Dynasty from the 16th century to 1918, when it passed into the hands of the Austrian Republic. Originally known as Katterburg, it was renamed as Schonbrunn in approximately 1642.

The land on which Schonbrunn Palace sits was purchased by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569 and used as a hunting lodge and recreational venue before the buildings were destroyed as part of the Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schonbrunn Palace and its magnificent gardens are one of the most popular historic tourist destinations in Vienna and visitors can avail themselves of various themed guided tours or make use of free audio guides.

2. Hofburg Imperial Palace

Hofburg Imperial Palace, or just “the Hofburg”, is a grand palace in Vienna. It was owned by the Austro-Hungarian Habsburg Dynasty until 1918, when it passed to the Austrian Republic. Today it is a buzzing network of museums, restaurants and halls as well as the seat of the President of Austria.

Although the oldest, square parts of the building date back to the 13th century, Hofburg Imperial Palace became a residence of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire from the 15th century. It became the seat of the Emperor of Austria in the early 19th century.

Hofburg Imperial Palace contains a wealth of architectural gems. It includes works by Filiberto Luchese, Lukas von Hildebrandt and Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. Joseph Emanuel also designed parts of Schonbrunn Palace.

Hofburg Palace is now made up of a series of museums, such as the Sisi Museum, housing the imperial silver collection, the Euphesus Museum of neo-baroque architecture, the natural history museum and the collections of military armour.

3. Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera House dates back to 20 December 1857, when Emperor Franz Josef made his intention to expand Vienna’s public buildings known. The design of the Vienna State Opera House was awarded to architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll.

Neither lived to see its completion on 25 May 1869. The structure’s renaissance style is still prominent today, despite the building’s destruction in 1945 by American bombing raids. The first post-war performance of Fidelio by Beethoven was held in the renovated building on 5 November 1955.

Today, the State Opera House houses the world famous Vienna Philharmonic. Guided tours of the building are available. They include the entrance foyer, the main staircase, the marble room, Schwind foyer and the Gustav Mahler room, and occasionally a tour of the auditorium.

The nearby Vienna State Opera Museum displays a series of exhibitions relating to the building and its history since 1955. Of course, another way to tour the Vienna State Opera is to buy a ticket to a performance, but do so far in advance as these are very popular.

4. Mozart’s Birthplace

The house where Mozart was born was built in the 12th century in Salzburg, Austria. Mozart’s Birthplace has been transformed into a museum of the composer’s life. Set over three floors, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart now features exhibits dedicated to his life and career.

The exhibits of the third floor include Mozart’s childhood violin and harpsichord alongside family letters, portraits and early versions of his music. The house’s second floor is devoted to Mozart’s passion for opera, housing the clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute. The first floor reconstructs life in Mozart’s lifetime with period furniture.

The rooms are in their original state and include artefacts such as some of his instruments, documents, keepsakes and portraits. Guided tour and mobile phone text guide are available. The visit usually lasts 1.5 hours.

5. The Belvedere Palaces

The two magnificent Baroque Belvedere palaces – Upper and Lower – are the most visited cultural sites in Vienna. They were built in the early years of the 18th century as a summer residence by Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the Holy Roman Empire’s most distinguished statesmen and military commanders.

Built by world-renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, Lower Belvedere where Prince Eugene lived was completed in 1716 and Upper Belvedere in 1724. The palaces are connected by a spectacular garden designed by Parisian garden designer Dominique Girard.

The Lower Belvedere Palace includes the Marble Gallery with plaster medallions of the Greek god Apollo, the Grotesque Hall’s detailed wall paintings and the richly decorated Sale Terrene and Garden Pavilion. Meanwhile the Upper Belvedere Palace contains one of Europe’s finest art collections.

Prince Eugene was a famous patron of the arts and was an avid collector of 16th and 17th century Italian, Dutch and Flemish art. The palace features the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings. It also has famous works by Monet and Van Gogh, and the grimacing character heads of sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt.

6. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress, also known as Hohensalzburg Castle, in Salzburg, Austria, is an incredibly well preserved citadel and one of the largest remaining medieval fortresses in central Europe.

Hohensalzburg was built in 1077 by Gebhard von Helfenstein, also known as Prince Gebhard I of Helffenstein and Archbishop Gebhard, and was later expanded over the centuries, including by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach in the sixteenth century.

Hohensalzburg Fortress sits high atop Salzburg and is an imposing white stone structure with large battlements and turrets. The Fortress Museum displays ancient weaponry, Roman coins, and historic musical instruments. Visitors can see several state rooms and also torture chambers. Worth the trip alone, the views from Hohensalzburg Fortress are spectacular.

7. Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral is the centre of this historical Austrian city’s ecclesiastical community. Whilst the city’s first cathedral was built there in 767 AD, Salzburg Cathedral has been built, destroyed, reconstructed and expanded numerous times and has been consecrated three times.

Salzburg Cathedral was destroyed when the city was attacked in 1167. It was subject to another fire in 1598, which precipitated a controversy when the archbishop tore down the entire church rather than trying to preserve what remained.

Salzburg Cathedral’s final incarnation took shape in the 17th century, when architect Markus Sittikus was commissioned to design a new cathedral. Sittikus designed Salzburg Cathedral in a Baroque style with a majestic marble façade, crowned with green domes and flanked by towers.

The cathedral’s dome was destroyed and rebuilt when it was struck by bombing raids in 1944. The  cathedral was consecrated again in 1959 and dedicated to Saint Rupert of Salzburg. His statue stands in front of Salzburg Cathedral, together with apostles Peter and Paul and Saint Virgil.

Inside the ornate interior of Salzburg Cathedral, visitors can find the place where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized and where he composed music.

8. Salzburg Catacombs

The Salzburg Catacombs are a series of mausoleums carved into the face of the Mönchsberg rock by the city’s St. Peter’s Cemetery. St. Peter’s Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) was built in 1627, making it Salzburg’s oldest graveyard.

St Peter’s Cemetery is the resting place of several eminent people including the composer, Michael Haydn, the architect of Salzburg Cathedral, Sanction Solaria and Mozart’s sister, Mannerly. The historic Salzburg Catacombs overlook this beautiful cemetery and are accessible via a stone staircase.

Inside the Salzburg Catacombs, visitors can wander through the altars, deciphering their fascinating inscriptions and taking in the murals. It is unknown when the Salzburg Catacombs were originally constructed, but they are believed to have been built by early Christians.

9. Hohenwerfen Castle

Hohenwerfen Castle is an impressive fortress in the Salzach valley of Austria, flanked by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennen Mountains.

Hohenwerfen Castle was built by the Archbishop of Salzburg in the 11th century, making it a “sister” of the city’s Hohensalzburg Fortress and Burgruine Petersberg in Friesach. While the castle’s original fortifications were probably made from wood, Hohenwerfen had by the 15th century developed into a vast stone structure.

The castle belongs to the state of Salzburg today, and the fortifications of Hohenwerfen Castle have been used as a tourist attraction since 1987. Hohenwerfen is near the region of the Salzkammergut, Austria’s lake district which includes historic sites such as Hallstatt, the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl, and castle ruins like Burgruine Wartenfels.

10. Carnuntum

Carnuntum Archaeological Park in Austria contains both reconstructed and original remains from this once-thriving and strategically vital Roman city. The site is made up of a number of different attractions spread across a rather large area.

Roman ruins sit amongst restored and reconstructed buildings, designed to encourage visitors to experience life in the Roman era. Roman influence took hold at Carnuntum in the early 1st century AD. The Danube was vital to Rome’s defence and the site was chosen as the home to Rome’s 15th Legion.

The Emperor Claudius recognised the potential of the city, erecting a military camp designed to hold 6000 men while the city became the capital of the province of Upper Pannonia. A thriving civilian city expanded at Carnuntum, which became one of the largest Roman cities in the region.

Carnuntum’s position on the border left it vulnerable and the Barbarian Invasions gradually reduced the city to ruin. Visitors to Carnuntum can explore the city’s military camp, amphitheatre, religious buildings as well as the museum.

Architectural reconstructions on site were largely made with Roman tools and craftsmanship. They are among the most accurate representations of Roman life in the 4th century ever produced.

The 12 best things to do in Vienna

V ienna seems awfully grand at first glance, with its wow-eliciting clutch of imperial palaces and art-rammed galleries (courtesy of the Hapsburgs who ruled here for more than 600 years). But there’s more to the Austrian capital than the obvious big-hitters: go on a self-guided tram tour, talk to strangers at 'Coffeehouse Conversations', chill on the Danube Island, or hook onto a guided tour with a homeless resident and you’ll see one of Europe’s greatest cities from totally new and unexpected angles. Topping the polls in quality of living surveys most years, this city never loses its touch.

Below our expert shares her highlights among Vienna's wealth of attractions. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  nightlife  and  coffeehouses , plus how to spend a  weekend in Vienna . 

Find things to do by area

City centre (1st district), leopoldstadt (2nd district), landstrasse (3rd district).

• Nebau (7th district)

Hietzing (13th district)

Donaustadt (22nd district), liesing (23rd district), take a spin of the ring by tram.

Encircling the historic centre like a charm bracelet, Ringstrasse boulevard is a magnificent showcase of grand and glorious architecture. Here you can get your bearings while tracing Vienna's evolution from walled small town to powerful Empire and finally modern green city. Keep a look out for the lavishly stuccoed Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum), the whimsically turreted, neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall) and the monumental Heroes' Gate leading to the Hofburg Palace.

Insider's tip: Take tram 1 from Schwedenplatz and then tram 2 for a round trip of the Ring for the price of a standard ticket. This is most atmospheric in the early evening when the city starts to twinkle.

Contact: wienerlinien.at

Nearest metro: Schwedenplatz

Climb to the top of a Gothic cathedral

Affectionately called ‘Steffl’ by the Viennese, St Stephen's Cathedral takes pride of place in the city’s historic Innere Stadt. Its distinctive polychrome mosaic roof of 230,000 glazed tiles shimmers just underneath the North Tower's viewing platform. The main nave with its baroque high altar and late-Gothic pulpit impress inside. Try and catch a service here – during these times, otherwise-closed gates are swung open for worshippers.

Insider's tip:  It’s well worth puffing up 343 steps to the top of the 136m-high South Tower to see Vienna open up like a pop-up book before you, with views reaching over the city’s domes, spires and rooftops to the hills beyond. If you're visiting at Christmas, attend an advent concert.

Contact: stephanskirche.at

Nearest metro: Stephansplatz (U1, U3)

Tune into Vienna’s social side

If you're looking for a walking tour with a difference, try this one for size. Shades runs edgy, insightful two-hour ambles through the city, which are led by members of Vienna's homeless population. Kicking off at a central meeting point, the offbeat tours dive into lesser-known corners of the Innere Stadt, with guides sharing their moving stories in the process. This is a side to Vienna that few get to see.

Insider's tip: Shades has recently broadened its offer and now offers guided walks with refugees and former drug addicts, too. Asking questions is encouraged and the tours help to bridge the gap between perceived prejudices and reality. 

Contact:   shades-tours.com

Nearest metro:  Neubaugasse (U3)

Price:  ££ 

Revel in imperial riches

Few European palaces can outpomp the 600-year-old former abode of the Hapsburg royals, which today houses a lavish mix of museums and ministries, a chapel and a library. The most peculiar site in the Hofburg is undoubtedly the exercise room of Empress Sisi, a 19th-century fitness pioneer: her wooden gymnastics rings still dangle from a palatial door frame. Don't miss the particularly blingy Imperial Treasury or the striking baroque library (Nationalbibliothek).

Insider's tip:  Sneak into Hofburg using a passageway left of Palmenhaus and onto Schweizerhof and Hofburg Chapel to discover its earliest remains. Join locals for summer picnics in the sculpture-dotted Burggarten or for drinks on the terrace of the Art Nouveau Palmenhaus.

Contact: sisimuseum-hofburg.at

Nearest metro: Herrengasse (U3)

Marvel at Old Master paintings

Beauty, power and drama ooze from the Habsburgs' collection of fine art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Lodged in a palatial neoclassical building, this museum presents a fascinating romp through fine arts: from Ancient Egypt and Rome to the Renaissance and Baroque. The undoubted highlight is the Picture Gallery where masterpieces like Pieter Bruegel the Elder's astonishingly detailed Tower of Babel , Raphael's Madonna of the Meadow (1506) and Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath (1607) enthral.

Insider's tip:  Stop at the museum’s sumptuous café underneath the dome for a Viennese coffee or bite to eat. On the main staircase, keep an eye out for Klimt’s cycle of frescoes depicting major periods in art history.

Contact:   khm.at

Nearest metro: Museumsquartier (U2)

Price:  ££

Speak with strangers

If you’ve ever fancied sharing your deepest secrets, regrets and desires with a total stranger but haven’t dared, now’s your chance. A one-off way to slip under the skin of the city, the monthly Coffeehouse Conversations, run by witty British expat Eugene Quinn,  give you the chance to meet a local over evening drinks at one of the grand coffeehouses on the Ringstrasse. Simply turn up with an open mind and sociable spirit. You’ll be presented with a probing question ‘menu’ of appetizers, meatier mains and desserts. The idea is not to rush through the lot but to really take time to think about each question and give it due attention.

Insider’s tip: Can’t make the Coffeehouse Conversations? Check out Whoosh’s range of other quirkily alternative events, from Vienna Ugly tours to Smells like WIEN Spirit, an olfactory spin of the city. 

Contact: whoosh.wien

Nearest metro: Varies

Ride a charmingly old-fashioned Ferris wheel

A whirl on the Wiener Riesenrad giant Ferris wheel is a must for the far-reaching views out over Vienna (it goes slowly enough to play ‘spot the landmark’). Built by British engineers over 100 years ago, the Riesenrad has received a couple of facelifts, including an electronic one to brighten up the night sky. It's been featured in a number of films, including  The Third Man ,  The Living Daylights  and  Before Sunrise .

Insider's tip:  Coincide a ride, which only takes 20 minutes, with a wander in Vienna’s Prater, a vast park with chestnut-lined avenues, lawns and woods for strolling, cycling and jogging. Or linger in the Wurstelprater for all the fun of the fair.

Contact:   wienerriesenrad.com

Nearest metro: Praterstern (U1, U2)

Price:  £

Go in for The Kiss

Schloss Belvedere encompasses two palaces linked by French-style formal gardens that are guarded by winged sphinxes. It is vast, magnificent and worthy of at least half a day’s excursion. The baroque halls of the Upper Belvedere reel in Klimt fans with golden wonders such as The Kiss (1908) and Judith (1901) while the Lower Belvedere impresses with lavish state apartments where Hapsburg royalty once swanned around. 

Insider’s tip: Tie in your visit with a peek in Belvedere 21, a showcase of modern and contemporary art in a glass-and-steel building, with a sculpture garden perfect for warm days. See the website for details on the latest rotating exhibitions. 

Contact: belvedere.at

Nearest metro: Hauptbahnhof (U1)

Neubau (7th district)

Peruse pop art at museumsquartier.

Vienna's largest museum complex, also known as MQ, is unmissable for modern art fans. In the Leopold Museum, don’t miss Schiele's provocative yet vulnerable female nudes, and his self-portraits, which offer a chilling taste of the spiritual abyss that characterised early-20th-century Vienna. Perhaps the most compelling thing about the Mumok gallery, set to reopen post revamp in summer 2024,  is how it juxtaposes international pop art and radical Austrian pieces.

Insider's tip: MQ's iconic Enzi lounge sofas in the courtyard are a nice place for a rest after traipsing around the gallery. Have your lunch at popular Glacis Beisl tavern, with a lovely outdoor space behind Mumok.

Contact:   mqw.at

Explore fabulous formal gardens

Once the Habsburgs' summer residence, sumptuous Schönbrunn Palace warrants a day in itself, particularly in good weather. Audio guide tours whisk you through opulent, chandelier-lit state apartments, including the frescoed, mirror-clad Spiegelsaal where Mozart gave his first public performance aged six in 1762. Allow ample time for a saunter in the formal baroque gardens, with leafy avenues, mock Roman ruins, a maze and the Neptune Fountain.

Insider's tip: Head up to the Gloriette for a drink and sweeping views over the palace grounds and city. Or if you've children in tow, take them to see the Giant Pandas in Tiergarten Schönbrunn , the world’s oldest zoo.

Contact:  schoenbrunn.at

Nearest metro: Schloss Schönbrunn (U4)

Price:  ££

Escape to an island in the Danube

When the heat gets too much to handle in summer, the Viennese flock to the 21km-long island of Donauinsel for a swim, barbecue or sunbathe (there are nudist sections should you be that way inclined). To ramp up the action, you can rent bikes, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and inline skates, and there’s even a surfing school, wakeboard and water ski lift and climbing park. And the hottest new thing? Stand-up paddleboard yoga . In late June, the island hosts the Donauinselfest, a free music festival. 

Insider's tip: Vienna is miles from the nearest sea, but you’ll find beaches right here. Swing over to palm-dotted CopaBeach to crash on a deckchair and dig your toes in the sand, cocktail or beer in hand.

Sip wine among the vines

Vienna for wine? You bet. Just a quick tram or U-Bahn hop from the centre, vines march up hillsides above the gentle curve of the Danube. The Austrian city is the only capital in the world to grow substantial quantities of wine within its boundaries. To tune into the scene, visit one of its Heurigen, woodsy wine taverns on the city’s fringes that pop corks from spring to autumn. Coupled with a sprig of pine or fir, a sign proclaiming "Ausg'steckt" means the Heurigen are open for business. And they have been ever since Emperor Joseph II wangled it for local vintners to be able to serve homemade food and wine without a permit way back in 1784.

Insider's tip: One of the best Heurigen is Edlmoser in Vienna’s 23rd district, Liesing. The winery’s family tradition reaches back to 1374 and its  much-loved Heuriger has a rambling garden for enjoying wines like the full-bodied Vienna, a blend of Zweigelt und Sankt Laurent, with buffet specials like wild boar sausage and caraway roast.

With contributions by Diane Naar-Elphee and Barbara Cação.

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16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Vienna

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Apr 15, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Thanks to its setting on the banks of the Danube in the northeastern foothills of the Alps, the area around Vienna offers an abundance of beautiful scenery to explore. Tall mountain peaks plunge to emerald river valleys, and you'll see quaint villages nestling against this breathtaking backdrop.

The city's central location makes it a convenient base for day trips to some of the nearby towns and villages. Here, you'll find magnificent abbeys, opulent palaces, and historic attractions. If you're willing to venture a bit farther, you could take a day trip to Budapest, Prague, Hallstatt, and Salzburg easily by train, bus, or car from Vienna.

Express trains that run through Vienna include Railjets , RegioJet , InterCity Express, EuroCity, and WESTbahn . These are great options for reaching farther-flung day trips and weekend destinations. FlixBus also offers bus transportation from five departure points in Vienna to places like Bratislava and Brno.

If you prefer driving , Austria is a safe, easy place to be behind the wheel. Roadways are well-marked with signage. All of the toll roads — which include the Autobahn freeways, Bundesstraße federal highways, and Schnellstraßen expressways — are cashless, though, so be sure to get a vignette (pre-paid toll sticker) for your windshield if your rental doesn't already have one. Austria also requires drivers to have an international driver's permit if they don't have an EU/EEA driving license.

From the beautiful Vienna Woods to snowcapped mountain peaks; from lovely old palaces to exciting day trips by boat, rail, and road, the city offers some of the best scenery in Austria right on its doorstep. Discover other rewarding places to visit with our list of the best day trips from Vienna.

1. The Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey

2. budapest, 3. salzburg, 4. hallstatt, 6. bratislava, 7. klosterneuburg abbey, 8. the vienna woods, 9. the roman town of carnuntum, 10. lainzer wildlife park and baden bei wien, 11. the village of grinzing, 12. beethoven's heiligenstadt, 13. haydn's birthplace and rohrau castle, 14. danube boat tours, 15. eisenstadt and schloss esterházy, 16. laa an der thaya, map of day trips from vienna.

Located about 80 kilometers from Vienna , the beautiful Wachau Valley is a World Heritage Site due to its spectacular scenery and rich history and culture. It stretches for about 40 kilometers between the towns of Melk and Krems.

Driving is the easiest way to take a day trip to the Wachau Valley from Vienna. You can take the A22 motorway to Stockerau, then take the interchange to S5 until you reach the Krems exit. Keep in mind these are toll roads. Many rental cars in Austria come with a physical or digital sticker to cover the tolls, but if you've driven in from another country, you may need to buy one from a gas station or newsstand.

After that, you can take your time enjoying valley views by car on the Romantic Road of Austria , which runs along the Danube. The riverside road snakes through the valley's heart, past picturesque monasteries, grand castles, villages, and vine-draped hills, conjuring a scene from medieval times. The area is also a hot spot for foodies and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vienna.

You can take a roundabout just after Schalemmersdorf to cross the Danube and head to Melk . One of Melk's top attractions is the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River. Highlights include its octagonal domed entrance gate; the Imperial Corridor, lined with priceless art; the museum; the frescoed Marble Hall; and the lovely gardens. The Abbey Church, with its symmetrical twin towers and impressive 18th-century ceiling paintings, is known as one of the finest Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Organized Tour: An easy way to explore the Wachau Valley, without the stress of driving and possibly missing the highlights, is the Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip . This full-day excursion begins with an air-conditioned coach ride through the beautiful Wachau Valley, while an experienced guide shares information about the history and attractions in the area. It continues with a stop at the medieval castle ruins of Burgruine Dürnstein.

In summer, the tour includes a relaxing cruise down the Danube River to Melk, where you can explore the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey. In winter, you can enjoy a walking tour and a hearty Austrian lunch in a local restaurant. Pickup from select hotels and entry to the abbey are also included.

About 240 kilometers from Vienna , Budapest is affectionately known as the "Paris of the East." It sits in a beautiful location astride the Danube River and is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe.

Getting to Budapest is a long day trip , no matter how you travel, but it's worth it for the wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking architecture spanning styles from Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, and the chance to soak in the city's famous therapeutic springs.

The best way to get there is on the Railjet high-speed train , which goes from Budapest to Vienna in about 2.5 hours . Regional trains are an option, but they tend to be slower and you may need to transfer several times. FlixBus also runs a direct bus route that takes just over 3 hours — but traffic could mean major delays on the road.

Driving a car yourself is another option if you want the independence of being able to stop at various destinations along the way. The M1 motorway directly connects Vienna to Budapest, so it's a straightforward drive.

If you're feeling stiff from the drive or train ride, make a beeline to one of Budapest's famous bathhouses for a long soak. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath has a mix of outdoor pools and indoor soaking tubs of different temperatures (not to mention its Baroque Revival architecture, which feels oh so Budapest!). Gellért Spa also offers fantastic bathing facilities, each fed from deep underground springs. Its plunge pools feel deeply refreshing (followed by a hot soak, of course!) after a long day of travel. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance of either bathhouse.

Amp up your day of sightseeing by visiting multiple tourist attractions in one venue: City Woodland Park is home to an impressive line-up of museums, as well as the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle . You could spend days here exploring all the cultural jewels.

Organized Tour: Consider hopping on the Budapest Day Trip from Vienna tour and let a driver and guide take care of the navigation. The 13-hour tour takes you to many of the city's most famous landmarks. Vajdahunyad Castle, the Parliament Buildings, Heroes' Square, and the Hungarian State Opera are just some of the highlights. This full-day tour includes pickup from select hotels, a scenic drive through the Hungarian countryside, a walking tour through Buda, and a city tour on an air-conditioned coach. You'll be dropped off at the Vienna State Opera after the tour.

Given how long it takes to reach Budapest, consider upgrading your day trip to a weekend getaway from Vienna. Budapest's top attractions, including World Heritage-listed Castle Hill , home to the 18th-century Buda Castle ; the late-19th-century Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church ; the magnificent Parliament buildings ; and Heroes' Square will make your weekend one to remember.

About 295 kilometers from Vienna , Salzburg is another of Europe's beauty queens. Beset with elegant buildings and surrounded by mountains, this picturesque city straddles the River Salzach and is famous as the birthplace of Mozart, as well as the setting for the film The Sound of Music .

Like other day trip destinations from Vienna, Salzburg is best reached by train or car . The WESTbahn train can get you from Wien Westbahnhof station in Vienna to Salzburg in about 2.5 hours and runs every half hour throughout much of the day. ÖBB Railjet also offers frequent high-speed trains from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg that take 2.5 to 3 hours.

Driving is a breeze, too. Simply take the A1 from Vienna to exit 288-Salzburg. However, keep in mind that Salzburg has very limited parking, and all lots downtown are for short-term use only, so you'll have to move your car at least every three hours.

Salzburg feels like a fairytale the moment you step foot in its World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its beautiful Baroque architecture and the Salzburg Cathedral ; Hohensalzburg Castle; Mozart's Birthplace, one of the world's most popular museums; and the gorgeous Mirabell Palace and gardens, where the Von Trapp children famously frolicked. It's compact enough that you can see many of the top attractions in Salzburg on a day trip if you are on a tight schedule.

A great place to begin a walking tour of the city is from the Residenzplatz , one of the city's largest squares and home to the Residenzbrunnen , an impressive marble fountain by Italian sculptor Tommaso di Garone.

If you have a little extra time, it's worth taking the bus 10 kilometers south of the city to the Untersbergbahn (cable car). Zipping from Salzburg's lush green landscape to the rocky, snow-covered 1,805-meter-tall Geiereck summit on the 8.5-minute gondola ride felt like magic to me. Grab a coffee at the quaint cafe at the top and soak up all the glorious views. From start to finish, you can take this excursion in about 3 hours.

Organized Tour: The Salzburg Day Trip is a full-day adventure and one of the best day trips from Vienna to Salzburg. It includes plenty of photo opportunities on the spectacular drive through the Austrian Alps. You'll pass by the beautiful clear lakes and mountains of Salzkammergut as you make your way to Salzburg for a walking tour of Mozart's hometown and several major attractions.

Hallstatt is quite simply one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Austria. Cute 16th-century cottages with flower-draped balconies cluster along an achingly gorgeous lake, backed by rugged Alpine peaks. Seeming to add an exclamation point to all this beauty is the slender spire of the Evangelical Church of Hallstatt. No wonder both the village and the lake are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Hallstatt lies about 290 kilometers from Vienna in the Salzkammergut region. Unfortunately, it's not easy to reach by train or bus. The journey by public transportation is long and will require several transfers, so driving yourself is the best way to get to Hallstatt from Vienna . It takes about 3.5 hours each way depending on traffic, but it's a pretty simple route. Take the B1 to the A1 motorway and follow it for about 215 kilometers to exit 244-Regau. Then follow B145 and the Austrian Romantic Road to Hallstatt.

Going from Vienna to Hallstatt and back again on the same day is a lot of time behind the wheel, but you can relax and enjoy the scenery on an organized Hallstatt Day Trip from Vienna . Led by an expert guide, you'll take a walking tour to see Hallstatt's top attractions . In the summer, the tour includes a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, while the winter tour includes a visit to the Hallstatt ossuary. Your camera will get a workout in this breathtakingly beautiful region.

Bristling with spires and breathtaking architecture, Prague has a beautifully preserved old town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's about 295 kilometers from Vienna, a long day trip, but it is possible to make it there and back in a day and get a great feel for the city.

Whether you drive or take the train, the journey will take about four hours . By car, take the A5 motorway from Vienna across the border to the Czech Republic. Continue heading north until you reach Brno, then go northwest on D1/E65 to Prague. As for the train, RegioJet offers a direct route from Vienna's main train station to Prague several times each day.

The Old Town Square is a wonderful place to begin a walking tour. From here, you can visit many evocative old churches, including the famous Týn Church, and the Jewish Quarter .

Other top things to do in Prague include visiting Prague Castle , with St. Vitus Basilica , St. George's Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace ; and exploring Wenceslas Square in Prague's New Town, which is also home to the National Museum, as well as fantastic shopping and restaurants.

Also save time for a stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and try to see a performance at the National Theatre .

If you want to take a load off after all that travel and sightseeing, head to Vysehrad Park . You can relax on the lush green lawn near the medieval castle and take in the views on the east bank of the Vltava River. Take selfies from the ledge at the South Gardens at the Prague Castle and use all the red-roofed houses as a postcard-perfect backdrop. Another fun thing to do in Prague is to pose for a photo strip at the Fotoautomat, Prague's oldest photo booth, located just outside the National Theater. It's one of less than 50 vintage analog photobooths still functioning worldwide.

To squeeze in as much as possible on a visit here, consider the Prague Day Trip from Vienna . This well-planned 14-hour tour takes you through the pretty Moravia countryside to Prague for a 2.5-hour guided city tour to see sights such as Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the National Theatre.

Less than 70 kilometers from Vienna , Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is an affordable, fun, and easy day out. Old abuts new in this vibrant city, where 18th-century buildings line the streets of the old town, and Soviet-era architecture sits not far beyond. If you're looking for relatively cheap trips from Vienna, this is a great option.

Trains, which take anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes , depart from the main station in Vienna to Bratislava hlavná stanica (the central railway station in the Slovakian capital) throughout the day. Advanced reservations are not required and you can buy a ticket from the vending machine in the station.

The Danube slices through the city, and Bratislava Castle is the focal point, perched on a plateau above the river, with its stark white walls and red-tile roof.

Start your tour in the pedestrian-only 18th-century old town, where you'll find the old town hall , home to Bratislava City Museum, and Michael's Gate from the original medieval fortifications, as well as many restaurants and sidewalk cafés.

Another of Bratislava's top attractions is Grassalkovich Palace , where, the president of Slovakia resides, and if you feel like getting back to nature, hiking trails lace the surrounding Little Carpathian mountains, close to the city.

A fun way to travel from Vienna to Bratislava and explore the city without the stress of navigating your way around is the Bratislava Day Trip tour. This full-day excursion includes a comfortable coach trip to the capital, a walking tour of the old town and all its attractions, and a visit to the Rococo-style Grassalkovich Palace. End your day with a high-speed catamaran trip down the Danube on the return journey.

At the edge of the Vienna Woods just 14 kilometers away from Vienna , the Augustinian abbey in the small town of Klosterneuburg attracts many visitors. Perched high above the Danube, Klosterneuburg Abbey (Stiftes Klosterneuburg) was founded in the 12th century, and many newer buildings were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can get there by taking the D tram from Vienna Hauptbahnhof Ost S to Franz Josefs Bahnhof S, then transferring to the S 40 train and getting off at Klosterneuburg Kierling Bahnhof. It's an 11-minute walk from the station to the abbey.

Highlights of this sprawling complex are the church, with its Romanesque and Baroque features, the Leopold Courtyard, and the monastery vaults. The famous Verduner Altar in the Leopold Chapel is especially noteworthy and consists of 45 enameled panels dating from 1181. The newer Baroque building has two copper domes, one surmounted by the German Imperial Crown, the other by the Lower Austrian Archducal Bonnet.

Other notable features include the Baroque main staircase; the Marble Hall, with its fine frescoes; the Imperial Apartment; the Tapestry Room; the Treasury; and the Monastery Museum.

Also of interest is the nearby town of Kierling , with its Kafka Memorial set up in the very room of the sanatorium where the famed writer spent his last days.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

Fabled in song and a favorite getaway for the Viennese, the Vienna Woods also holds a number of interesting attractions for tourists, including a beautiful monastery, historic sites, and natural wonders.

A good place to begin is atop the 484-meter Kahlenberg . This is Vienna's own "mini-mountain," with magnificent views across the city and the Danube all the way to the Little Carpathians and the Schneeberg region.

The Baroque Kahlenberg Church (St. Josef auf dem Kahlenberg) was built on the spot where Polish Prince Sobieski beat the Turkish army besieging Vienna. The Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz , constructed in 1133, is the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world and one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries. Its highlights include the vaulted Romanesque nave (1187); the 13th-century ribbed vaulting; and the 13th-century choir, considered a masterpiece of Austrian Gothic.

Also in the Vienna Woods is Mayerling , a former imperial hunting lodge. Here, in 1889 the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph and the Empress Elizabeth, Crown Prince Rudolph, was found dead with his mistress Baroness Vetsera, an event that rocked the imperial court.

The largest underground lake in Europe, the Seegrotte was formed when a former gypsum mine was flooded, and you can take a boat ride through its subterranean caverns and passages.

A good way to combine many of these sights is on the Vienna Woods and Mayerling Half Day Trip , which includes guided visits to the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling hunting lodge; a guided walk through the city of Baden; and a scenic ride through the Vienna Woods, past the fairy-tale Liechtenstein Castle .

Address: Kahlenberg, 1190 Wien

Fields, meadows, vines, and woodland are the distinctive features of the pretty March-Donauland region to the east of Vienna. It was here that many famous battles were fought, including one against the Romans and, centuries later, against the Hungarians, the Turks, and the French under Napoleon.

The region was perhaps most important to the Roman Empire, as witnessed in the spectacular ruins of the fortified town they built here, once home to a population of more than 50,000. Now part of a superb historic attraction, Archaeological Park Carnuntum is a reconstruction of the key buildings from the 1st-century town, including a city mansion, a citizen's house, and Roman baths, as well as a semi-reconstructed practice arena of a gladiator school that was discovered in 2011. The park offers fun events and programs for the whole family.

It's about 42 kilometers away from Vienna and can be reached by train. Take the S7 from Wien Rennweg for 53 minutes to Petronell-Carnuntum Bahnhof, then walk 15 minutes (or take a taxi) to the archeological park.

Address: Hauptstrasse 1a, 2404 Petronell-Carnuntum

Just 26 kilometers from Vienna , the Lainzer Wildlife Park (Lainzer Tiergarten) occupies 24 square kilometers of the Vienna Woods. Famous as a place of relaxation and escape from the big city, it's a haven for old oak and beech trees (some more than 350 years old), as well as wildlife such as deer and boar. Once the hunting reserve of Emperor Joseph II, it was fenced off with a 24-kilometer-long stonewall in 1787 on the orders of Empress Maria Theresa.

Opened to the public in 1921, this important conservation area includes more than 80 kilometers of footpaths and the 14-meter-high Hubertuswarte observation tower on the Kaltbründlberg.

Another tourist attraction on the edge of the Vienna Woods is Baden bei Wien , a spa town famous for its curative waters (the Romans called the town Aquae). Today, nearly 2,000 years later, the town's sulfur springs still spew out six-and-a-half million liters of therapeutic warm water every day.

Address: Hietzing-West, 1130 Wien

Just 17 kilometers northeast of Vienna , the pretty little village of Grinzing was first mentioned in 1114. Destroyed numerous times by war, the current structures in the village date predominantly from the 19th century, and its wooded setting, quaint gardens, and winding streets, make it a fun place to explore.

Grinzing is also unique in that local laws allow individuals to purchase tiny plots of land where vines may be grown. It's also well known for its many typical Austrian restaurants (Heuriger), famous for indicating whether they're open by placing branches of spruce over their entrances. The area is also popular among hikers, especially for the trails around the nearby Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg hills.

The oldest of the "Viennese villages" on the city's outskirts, Heiligenstadt was incorporated into the district of Döbling in 1892 and is famous for its quiet, narrow winding streets, especially around the historic homes of Probusgasse and Armbrustergasse. It's located about 9 kilometers from central Vienna .

Be sure to roam around St. Jacob's Church on the Pfarrplatz, built in Romanesque style on Roman foundations.

Heiligenstadt's most important claim to fame, however, was the fact it was visited several times by Ludwig von Beethoven, including in the autumn of 1802 while working on his Second Symphony. It was here, at 6 Probusgasse, that he wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers in which he bemoans his increasing deafness (and which he never sent). The home is now a museum - the Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt - dedicated to this period in the composer's life. (Later a resident of Vienna, Beethoven is buried in the Zentralfriedhof , the city's largest cemetery.)

Address: Probusgasse 6, 1190 Vienna

Famous as the birthplace of composer Joseph Haydn in 1732, a trip to Rohrau — just 46 kilometers east of Vienna — is a pleasant way to spend a day. A museum dedicated to the great composer is now housed in the small thatched farmhouse where he was born, and boasts numerous fascinating exhibits and artifacts relating to his life.

Also open is the actual room in which he was born, refurbished as it would have been at the time. Another highlight of a visit to Rohrau is the castle that once belonged to Count von Harrach. This splendid attraction is now a fine arts museum possessing the Count's vast collection of paintings - all told, more than 200 paintings are held here, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Address: Schloss Rohrau 1, 2471 Rohrau

A trip along the Danube by boat, through the Danube Valley, offers you the chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery around Vienna. Destinations include cities such as Budapest and Bratislava (up to four days round-trip), or simply a short one- or two-hour jaunt.

In the other direction (upstream) the Danube leads to the Wachau Valley or to Melk with its famous abbey. A variety of fun themed cruises are also available, from fine dining to classic ballroom dancing in the evenings. Alternatively, visitors can hire a boat taxi to explore Vienna from the water.

About 62 kilometers south of Vienna , picturesque Eisenstadt is famous for its connection to one of Austria's greatest composers: Joseph Haydn. Haydn lived here for many years, and today his house serves as a museum celebrating his life and times (he was buried in the Bergkirche above the town). Bus 200 or the REX 64 train can get you there in less than an hour and 15 minutes from Vienna.

Be sure to explore the lovely Old Town , also known as Freistadt (Free Town), traversed by three long streets opening off the main square: Hauptstrasse, Pfarrgasse, and Haydngasse. It's here you'll find the 17th-century Town Hall (Rathaus).

Afterwards, head to Schloss Esterházy , the former palace of Prince Esterházy. Originally a medieval stronghold, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1672, with its stunning rear façade remodeled in neoclassical style between 1797 and 1805. Highlights of a visit include the exquisite Haydn Room, with its colorful frescoes and busts (English language guided tours are available).

Laa an der Thaya lies about 68 kilometers north of Vienna on the Czech frontier . Highlights of a visit include the remains of the town's medieval walls and the massive moated 13th-century castle - Laa Castle - with its well-preserved battlements and towers, and fine panoramic views.

Try to visit the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), home of the Südmährermuseum Thayaland , an informative local history museum with displays of artifacts and traditional clothing.

Other notable highlights include the 13th-century Gothic parish church of St. Vitus, with its High Altar dating from 1740, and the Plague and Trinity columns from 1680.

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