Top Places To Visit In Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture make it a top destination for travelers from all over the world. With its grand palaces, magnificent churches, grand opera houses, and world-famous museums, there is no shortage of things to do in Vienna.

History of Vienna

Vienna has a long and rich history that dates back to the Celts. In the first century BC, the Romans occupied Vienna and it remained under their control until the 4th century AD. The city was then occupied by the Ostrogoths, followed by the Bavarians and Franks. In 1156, Vienna became part of the Holy Roman Empire and in 1437 it was declared the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. It remained a major political center until 1806 when Napoleon dissolved the empire and Vienna became part of Austria.

Throughout its history, Vienna has been at the center of much political and cultural activity. It was the home of many emperors and royals, including Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph I. It was also the birthplace of many famous composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. Vienna is also known for its contributions to science and philosophy, with many famous scientists and philosophers having lived there.

Today, Vienna is a vibrant city with a population of more than 1.7 million people (as of 2020). It is known for its beautiful architecture, as well as its world-class museums, theaters, and galleries. It is also known for its high quality of life and its low crime rate.

Famous Sights in Vienna

Vienna is home to some of the most famous sights in Europe. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most popular attractions in Vienna. It was built in the 1740s as a summer palace for Emperor Franz Joseph I and his family. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited sites in Austria. The palace features an impressive Baroque-style exterior and interior, with grand rooms and gardens filled with sculptures and fountains. Visitors can explore the palace and gardens on their own or take a guided tour.

Hofburg Imperial Palace

The Hofburg Imperial Palace was once the home of the Holy Roman Emperors, and later the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The palace is now a complex of museums, galleries, and monuments that celebrates Vienna’s past. Visitors can explore the imperial apartments, the Austrian National Library, the Spanish Riding School, and more. There are also several gardens and courtyards to explore.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The Gothic cathedral was built in 1147 and is one of Austria’s most important religious sites. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral, which features an intricate ceiling, stained glass windows, and an ornate altar. There is also a climbable bell tower that offers stunning views of Vienna.

Vienna Opera House

The Vienna Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It has been hosting performances since 1778, including works by renowned composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. Visitors can take guided tours of the opera house and learn about its history, as well as attend performances by world-famous singers.

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace was built in 1714 as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today it houses two museums – the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere – which feature an impressive collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The grounds also feature beautiful Baroque-style gardens with fountains and sculptures.

Popular Activities in Vienna

In addition to visiting its many famous sights, there are many activities to enjoy in Vienna. Here are some of the most popular activities:

Sightseeing Tours

Vienna offers many sightseeing tours that allow visitors to explore its famous sights and learn about Vienna’s history and culture. Tours are available on foot, by bus, or by boat. Popular tours include a walking tour of Vienna’s old town, a tour of Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, and a tour of Vienna’s famous opera houses.

Museums & Art Galleries

Vienna is home to many world-class museums and art galleries that feature artwork from around the world. Popular museums include the Kunsthistorisches Museum (which houses works by masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens), the Leopold Museum (which features works by Egon Schiele), and the Vienna MuseumsQuartier (which features contemporary art).

Shopping & Dining

Vienna is known for its shopping and dining scene, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. Popular shopping areas include Mariahilfer Strasse (which features department stores as well as smaller boutiques) and Kärtner Strasse (which features upscale boutiques). Popular restaurants include Plachutta (which serves traditional Viennese cuisine), Gasthaus Zum Riesen (which serves traditional Austrian dishes), and Steirereck (which serves modern Austrian cuisine).

Vienna Sightseeing Tour with Schönbrunn Palace

This guided tour allows visitors to explore some of Vienna’s most famous sights, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and more. The tour also includes visits to two palaces – Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace – where you can explore their gardens and learn about their history. You can book this tour here.

Vienna Brewery & Beer Tasting Tour

This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Vienna’s best breweries and beer halls to sample local craft beers. The tour includes visits to several breweries where you can learn about their history and production process, taste samples of their beers, and even take home a souvenir glass. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Vienna is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with a rich history and vibrant culture. It is home to many famous sights, including Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and more. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in Vienna such as sightseeing tours, museums & art galleries, shopping & dining experiences, brewery & beer tasting tours, etc. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous holiday, Vienna has something for everyone!