What Are the Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria?

It’s no wonder why Vienna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. As the capital of Austria, the city is steeped in history and culture, and offers an abundance of attractions to explore. From grand museums, to buzzing nightlife spots, to peaceful parks and cafes — there are plenty of exciting things to do in Vienna if you know where to look.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, or the best weekend getaways from Vienna, this guide has the answers. Here are some of the top things to do in Vienna, Austria:

Visit the Historic Palaces and Gardens

The first thing on any list for sightseeing in Vienna is the historic palaces and gardens. From the baroque grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace to the beautiful market gardens housed by Belvedere Palace — these Imperial residences are truly a sight to behold.

Schönbrunn Palace is a World Heritage Site boasting 1,441 rooms and a stunning Baroque garden filled with intricate statues, dramatic fountains, and a maze. It was the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. You can book a virtual tour of the beautiful palace grounds or explore section by section yourself — there is plenty to see and do!

Meanwhile Belvedere Palace, which was once the Imperial summer palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, has two stunning palaces bursting with well-preserved works of art — the belvedere upper and lower palace — and an idyllic palace garden with rose beds, shady walks, and evergreen gardens. You can pay to gain access to the beautiful interiors or simply wander around at leisure to enjoy the spectacular grounds.

Visit Museums

Vienna is home to some of the most interesting and important museums in Europe. Along with housing works from classical masters such as Raphael, Titian and Rubens, they come complete with a wide range of interactive displays and engaging activities. Here is a list of must sees:

• Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History)
• Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum)
• Wien Museum (Museum of Vienna)
• Liechtenstein Museum
• Kunstkammer Wien (Vienna Artroom)
• Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is home to a giant collection of art — from Ancient Roman artifacts to Baroque paintings from Rubens, Tintoretto and more. It’s also home to a vast selection of classic sculptures from Palazzo Pitti in Florence and beyond.

The Naturhistorisches Museum is full of fascinating objects including dinosaur fossils and scientific instruments. There are also numerous temporary exhibitions showcasing animals from all around the world, as well as live shows featuring birds and other exotic creatures.

The Liechtenstein Museum is also an interesting stop if you’re looking to explore old artworks and artifacts, as it is dedicated to items from the 16th and 17th century that have been collected from private collections, churches and monasteries across Europe by Prince Hans Adam II von Liechtenstein. The museum also houses some pieces from Dürer, Rubens and Rembrandt.

Hang Out at Vienna’s Top Cafes and Restaurants

No visit to Vienna would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Many top restaurants are strewn throughout the city and all offer excellent dishes from Austrian staples such as schnitzel to international cuisines such as Italian and Spanish delicacies. Popular eateries include Tian Vienna, which serves contemporary vegan dishes packed with fresh flavours, or Wirtshaus Huemer, with its traditional Bavarian fare complete with live music shows every week.

Vienna also delivers on its cafe culture reputation. You can enjoy a spot of coffee sipping destinations such as its famous Schnitzelbank Cafe, where you can order a traditional Viennese coffee adorned with delicious frothy milk and whipped cream; or take in the likes of Cafe Fuego​, where you can soak up world flavors from Argentinean steaks to sushi dishes alongside artisan coffees served up by baristas in select artsy settings.

Relax in Beautiful Parks

If you’re longing for outdoor city life, Vienna is packed with numerous splendid parks perfect for enjoying some fresh breezes or taking a leisurely stroll while admiring landscapes adorned with towering statues and permanent art installations. What’s more, several activities are held throughout the year in these parks ranging from open-air theater performances to markets selling unique handmade crafts and street food delicacies — there’s something for everyone! Popular parks in Vienna include:

• Lunko Augarten Park
• Stadtpark City Park
• Tiergarten Schönbrunn Zoo & Botanical Gardens
• Wiener Römerpark
• Albertina Park

The Augarten Park is even home to its own tea house — Porcelain Manufactory Augarten — where you can sample Chinese teas while admiring captivating views over the park’s gardens and manicured lawns. If you’re after something livelier, both Stadtpark City Park and Tiergarten Schönbrunn offer ice-skating rinks where you can strap on your skates and whiz around under the stars — this makes for an ideal family experience!

Ultimately, Vienna offers an unparalleled array of attractions — from captivating palaces and beautiful parks to delicious eateries and thriving culture scenes — that make it one of Europe’s most charming cities for visitors of all ages!