From museum hopping to palatial wonders, boat tours, and everything in between, here are the top 25 Exciting Things to do in Vienna!
Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for an exciting vacation destination for adults and children alike, a trip to Vienna is a must.
Getting Around Vienna
Vienna is a very walkable city, with a well-planned network of streets and several public transportation options. If you prefer to walk, you’ll find that many of Vienna’s top attractions are within easy reach of each other. The metro, tram, and bus systems are all reliable and efficient, making it easy to get around the city. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi for longer distances.
Hotels To Stay in Vienna
Vienna has many accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly apartments. The Park Hyatt Vienna and the Hotel Sacher are excellent choices if you’re looking for a luxurious stay. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in an apartment or guesthouse. No matter your budget, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay in Vienna.
25 Best Things To Do in Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s charming capital city, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a mix of culture, history, and modern life. From grand palaces and world-class museums to trendy restaurants and a giant Ferris wheel, there’s something for every type of traveler to experience in Vienna. Here are a few exciting top things to share on your visit to this beautiful city.
Baroque Belvedere
The Belvedere Palace is a stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens and artwork. Take a tour of the palace to see the opulent rooms and check out the museums. The Upper Belvedere houses the most extensive collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt, while the Lower Belvedere is home to a museum of applied arts.
Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vienna, and a tour of the palace is a must-do for any visitor to the city. The palace was the residence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s ruling family for over 600 years, and it is filled with stunning architecture and historical artifacts. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to learn about the history of the Habsburgs and see some of the most beautiful rooms in the palace.
Imperial Apartments
The Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg Palace are a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The apartments were the private living quarters of the royal family and are filled with ornate furnishings and decorations.
Schönbrunn Palace
One of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions is the Schönbrunn Palace, a stunning Baroque palace with 1,441 rooms. Take a tour of the palace to see the opulent rooms, or stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the breathtaking views.
The baroque palace was the summer residence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s ruling family ruled from 1282 till 1918. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace’s stunning gardens and luxurious apartments and even visit the zoo, which is the oldest in the world.
Vienna Zoo
The Vienna Zoo called Tiergarten Schönbrunn is one of the oldest and best zoos in the world, and it’s a must-see for tourists of all ages. In addition to the usual array of animals, the zoo also features a rainforest house, home to more than 60 various animals and species.
Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School is a centuries-old institution that trains Lipizzaner horses in classical dressage. Visitors can watch a training session or a performance by the horses or take a tour of the stables to learn more about these majestic animals.
Viennese Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is a famous open-air market where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the international cuisines at the food stalls while you’re there.
Vienna State Opera House
As one of the world’s most famous opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is highly recommended for classical music lovers. Home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, with a rich history and impressive performances, a trip to the opera is a genuinely Viennese experience.
From classic operas by composers like Mozart and Verdi to modern productions, there’s always something exciting happening at the opera. If you can’t catch a performance, you can still tour the opera house and see the stunning interior.
Vienna City Hall
The Vienna City Hall is an impressive building with a tall clock tower and a grand staircase. Take a tour of the city’s history and see the ornate chambers and halls.
Historic Center of Vienna — Innere Stadt
Vienna has a historic center, every visitor needs to explore. This heart of Vienna’s charming district is home to several iconic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The Innere Stadt is also home to many trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
Cathedrals Sightseeing
The town has many beautiful cathedrals, including the famous and essential church in Vienna and Austria, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that towers over the historical district of Vienna. Also be sure to visit the Baroque-style churches such as Karlskirche and the ornate Peterskirche.
For a breathtaking view, experience the view of Vienna from above and climb to the top of the South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The tower is 343 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Ferris Wheel
Vienna’s giant ferris wheel, the Riesenrad, is a great attraction and a way to see Vienna from above. The Riesenrad has been a fixture of the Vienna skyline since 1897, and a ride on the ferris wheel is an authentic Viennese experience, especially on a sunny day. The ferris wheel offers stunning city views from cars in the Prater amusement park.
Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Vienna during the holiday season, check out the Christmas markets held in various locations around the city. These markets are exciting to explore on winter days in Vienna, which feature festive stalls selling handmade gifts, traditional food, drinks like glühwein, and more.
Vienna Nightlife
This city is known for its vibrant nightlife and plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. From traditional Viennese pubs to trendy clubs and music venues, there’s something for everyone in Vienna.
Vienna Woods
The town woods are a beautiful and expansive forested area outside the city. Take a hike or ride a bike to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views.
Museum Hopping
Austria has some of the world’s finest museums, including the Kunsthistorisches Art Museum, which houses a vast art collection, and the Natural History Museum, which features a digital planetarium. Take advantage of the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, or the Museum of Modern Art, which showcases works by Gustav Klimt and other artists.
Sisi Museum
The Sisi Museum, located in the Hofburg Palace, is a perfect stop for fans of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of Sisi, the wife of emperor Franz Joseph, offers a fascinating look at the life of the famous empress, with exhibits on her relationships, fashion, and more.
Museumsquartier
The Museumsquartier is a popular destination for any art lover visiting Vienna. This area is home to several world-class museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Leopold Museum, which is known for its collection of works by Gustav Klimt. The Museumsquartier is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
One of the top museums in Austria, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Habsburg Empire. From ancient Egyptian mummies to Baroque paintings by artists like Gustav Klimt, there’s something for every art lover to enjoy at this museum. Guided tours are available in various languages, making it easy to fully appreciate the museum’s collections.
Gustav Klimt Collection
Gustav Klimt was an important figure in the art nouveau movement and is particularly well known for his paintings of women. His works can be found in several museums in Vienna, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
More Vienna Attractions When Staying in the Austrian Capital
- Stroll through the parks: Vienna is home to many beautiful parks, including the Prater, a large park with rides, games, and other fun things and attractions, and the Burggarten, a peaceful garden with a beautiful glass greenhouse. Take a stroll through these parks to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
- Try the local cuisine: Known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like schnitzel, goulash, and strudel. Try some of these local specialties during your visit, and wash them with a glass of Viennese wine.
- Take a walk along the Danube Canal: The Danube Canal is a popular spot for a stroll, with its picturesque views of the water and the city skyline. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and other attractions to keep you entertained.
- Check out the street art: home to a vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti covering buildings and other surfaces throughout the city. Take a walk through the town to see some of the best examples of this artistic expression.
- Sample the coffee: Life in Vienna is known for its coffee culture, and there are plenty of cozy cafes throughout the city where you can enjoy a cup of delicious Viennese coffee. Many of these cafes also serve pastries and other treats like vanilla crescents, making them a great spot to take a break and people-watch.
- Take a boat tour: One of the best ways to see the city is from the water, and several boat tour companies offer cruises along the Danube. Take a relaxing boat ride and see the city from a different perspective.
Vienna, Austria, is a city full of culture, history, and modern amenities. From grand palaces and world-class museums to a giant Ferris wheel and trendy restaurants, there’s something for every type of traveler in Vienna. Take the chance to experience the best of what this beautiful city has to offer.
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