What to Do in Vienna, Austria: A Guide to the City’s Best Attractions

Vienna, Austria, the imperial capital and cultural heart of the country, is a vibrant and exciting city packed with beautiful architecture, a buzzing theatre and music scene, and a wealth of exciting attractions that make it a must-visit destination. From its gorgeous Baroque palaces to its swanky markets, Vienna has something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re planning a trip to Vienna, here’s a guide to the city’s must-see attractions. We’ll be covering the classic attractions as well as the lesser-known hidden gems so you can get the most out of your visit.

Stephansplatz and Stephansdom

At the heart of Vienna lies Stephansplatz, a wide cobbled square that’s home to Stephansdom, the most famous landmark in the city. The iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral is renowned for its spectacular Gothic architecture that dates back to the 13th century.

The nearby Styrian State Opera House, housed in an opulent Baroque building, is a must-visit if you’re a fan of classical music. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a performance of Mozart or Beethoven in this truly unique venue.

Schonnbrunn Palace

No visit to Vienna would be complete without a visit to Schonnbrunn Palace. This magnificent Baroque palace once served as the summer residence of the powerful Habsburg dynasty and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Inside the palace, visitors can explore its lavishly decorated state apartments and magnificent gardens. There is also a Tiergarten Schonzbrunn Zoo on the grounds which makes for a great family outing.

Vienna City Hall

Another prominent landmark in Vienna is the Gothic City Hall in Rathausplatz. This beautiful building hosts concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances throughout the year, although its real highlight is the stunning City Hall Park, which features a picturesque lake and weekly markets.

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s oldest and largest flea market and features a huge variety of stalls selling everything from antiques and vintage clothes to food and souvenirs. Explore this colourful market and barter with the friendly locals for a bargain – you never know what you might find!

The Vienna Prater

The Vienna Prater is an extensive park that stretches for over 2 kilometres along the Danube river. It offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, from its huge amusement park, to its rustic beer gardens and botanical gardens. The giant ferris wheel is definitely worth a ride for spectacular views of the city skyline.

The Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is world-renowned for its stunning horse shows. This historic school has been teaching and performing classical horsemanship since 1683 and provides the perfect opportunity to experience Vienna’s aristocratic culture.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

If you’re a fan of art and history, then it’s well worth visiting Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, as well as one of the most important collections of Renaissance and Baroque art in the world, making it one of the best galleries in Europe.

Vienna State Opera House

The Vienna State Opera House is home to some of the best opera performances in Europe. If you’re a fan of music and theatre, then it’s well worth booking tickets to one of their spectacular performances.

Summary: Things to Do in Vienna

Vienna is a bustling city packed with beautiful architecture, amazing cultural attractions and plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. From its grand palaces to its buzzing markets and its historic opera house, there’s no shortage of things to do in this imperial city.

Our guide above should inspire you to plan an unforgettable trip to Vienna – from Stephansdom and Schonnbrunn Palace, to Naschmarkt and the Vienna Prater, there’s something unique here for everyone. For more information on things to do in Vienna, be sure to read Travel Vienna.

An Insider’s Guide to Vienna, Austria

Welcome to Vienna, a city with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, and stunning parks. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best attractions and experiences that will make your trip to Vienna unforgettable.

Local Attractions

Apart from the famous tourist attractions like the Schonbrunn Palace, the Belvedere Palace, and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna has some hidden gems that only locals know about. For instance, the Hundertwasserhaus, a colorful apartment complex designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The design is an explosion of colors and shapes, and it embraces the concept of nature, harmony, and human creativity.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet spot, head to the peaceful oasis of Karl’s Church. The church’s roof provides a panoramic view of the entire city, and you can climb the staircase to get there.

Dining Spots

Vienna is known for its culinary specialties, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. For traditional cuisine and cozy ambiance, visit the Plachutta that serves the best Tafelspitz in town. Their chefs have been refining the recipe for over a hundred years, making for a truly authentic experience.

If you’re in search of something different, try a place that locals love, such as Huth Gastwirtschaft. They specialize in ‘beuschel’ (a traditional organ meat dish) and have been serving it for over 100 years. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a must-try and a real rarity in Vienna.

Cultural Experiences

Vienna is a cultural hub, with its rich history and tradition reflected in its art, festivals, music, and customs. Vienna’s art scene offers a range of experiences from contemporary galleries to classical museums. The Albertina Museum, located in the heart of the city, boasts one of the most significant graphic art collections in the world.

If you’re in Vienna during the summer months, don’t miss out on the Donauinselfest – Europe’s biggest open-air festival. The festival takes place on an island in the Donau river, and it’s free for all visitors. It features various music genres, sports activities, and performances.

Local History

Vienna has a fascinating history that is full of inspiring stories and legends. The city has been inhabited since ancient times and was once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You can relive this rich history in the Hofburg Palace, where you’ll find the Imperial apartments and the Spanish Riding School.

Another exciting historical site is the Belvedere Palace. The palace was home to Prince Eugene of Savoy, who led the Austrians to victory against the Ottomans in 1683. Now, the palace houses an impressive collection of Austrian art.

Off-The-Beaten-Path suggestions

If you’re looking for something unconventional, take a trip to the Prater amusement park. This park is full of surprising attractions, including the world’s oldest ferris wheel. You can also take a ride on the Grottenbahn, a themed train that takes you through a fairytale grotto.

Lastly, if you’d like a quiet spot to relax in, head to the Herrmann Beach bar on the Danube Canal. The bar offers a peaceful atmosphere, with beach chairs and umbrellas alongside the river, cocktails, and music.

In conclusion, Vienna has a lot to offer, from its cultural heritage to its culinary delights. Experience the city with this insider’s guide, and you’ll have an unforgettable time that you’ll want to share with everyone.