16 Best Things to do in Vienna , Austria

Searching for the the most effective issues to do in Vienna in your first-visit, learn on…

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a metropolis that effortlessly combines historical past, artwork, and a contemporary European aptitude. It seamlessly blends its illustrious previous with a vibrant current, providing an enriching expertise at each flip. In actual fact, Vienna was named probably the most habitable metropolis on the planet 8 instances prior to now 10 years resulting from its ” unsurpassed mixture of stability, good infrastructure, sturdy training, and healthcare companies, and loads of tradition and leisure”. (Euronews)

Enjoyable Truth: Do you know that the faucet water in Vienna originates primarily from the springs within the Alps, so that you’re mainly getting spring water in your faucet?

Some historical past

Vienna has been a major cultural and political centre for the reason that Roman period, primarily underneath the influential Habsburg dynasty. It flourished underneath the rule of Empress Maria Theresa within the 18th century, noticed immense transformations with Emperor Franz, and gained worldwide consideration by the tragic but fascinating story of Empress Elisabeth “Sisi,” Franz’s spouse. It’s advisable to study a bit about this historical past earlier than visiting Vienna, because it has had an ideal affect on town and its present sights.

We travelled to Vienna from Budapest through prepare which took 2 hours and 40 minutes. This was not my first time in Austria as I’d been to Innsbruck a few years in the past. Nevertheless, it was my first go to to Vienna. Listed below are the most effective family-friendly issues to do in Vienna in your first journey there. We visited most of those sights on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with Massive Bus Excursions.

The very best issues to do in Vienna

1. Admire the splendour of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage website is Vienna’s most visited attraction. Initially a looking lodge, it was remodeled right into a grand palace that served because the summer season residence for the Habsburg monarchs. We walked across the intensive gardens and did a guided tour of the lavish rooms. Sadly, pictures just isn’t allowed inside.

Enjoyable Truth: The palace gardens are dwelling to the world’s oldest present zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn.

Tip: E book your tickets on-line prematurely on the official website because the slots get booked out, and plan to spend just a few hours there.

2. Get pleasure from panoramic views from the Gloriette

The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace

The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace is without doubt one of the most iconic constructions in Vienna. It was constructed in 1775 to rejoice the Habsburgs’ victories and symbolize the may and energy of their empire. The grand neoclassical constructing stands on a hill on the base of the Vienna Woods, overlooking the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, and presents a panoramic view of town. A go to to The Gloriette is a should when visiting Schönbrunn Palace.

3. Step again in time at Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace

The principal imperial palace and winter palace of the Habsburg dynasty, Hofburg Palace is without doubt one of the largest palace complexes on the planet. Located within the coronary heart of town, it was the seat of energy for the Habsburg dynasty and is now dwelling and workplace of the Austrian president. Museums, the imperial residences, the Spanish Using Faculty (dwelling of the well-known Lipizzaner horses) and the Nationwide Library are simply a number of the sights you may see right here. The horse-drawn carriages driving by the advanced add to its attraction, though they’re a tad touristy.

4. See some of the lovely libraries on the planet

State Corridor at The Austrian Nationwide Library

The Austrian Nationwide Library within the Hofburg Palace advanced, is the biggest library in Austria, holding over 12 million objects. It’s typically listed as some of the lovely libraries on the planet. Its crown jewel, the State Corridor, which was initially constructed within the 18th century is a baroque masterpiece showcasing beautiful frescoes, intricate woodwork, and an unlimited assortment of books, together with many historic manuscripts. It was undoubtedly some of the lovely libraries we’ve ever visited.

Tip: An entrance payment of 10 Euros is payable to see the State Corridor.

5. Discover Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a historic Baroque masterpiece, comprising two beautiful palaces: Higher and Decrease Belvedere. The previous dwelling of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a Seventeenth-century army commander and visionary who had a major affect on Vienna’s artwork and structure, it’s set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage website fantastically chronicles Austria’s imperial previous and homes a powerful artwork assortment.

6. Go on a journey on the world’s oldest amusement park

Prater Amusement Park

Wurstelprater, (typically known as Prater) is the world’s oldest amusement park. Recognized for its iconic big Ferris wheel, providing panoramic views of town, this vibrant park has been entertaining children and adults for the reason that late nineteenth century. It’s situated in Prater, a former looking floor for royalty, which now includes a mix of inexperienced areas, amusement sights, and leisure actions. Madame Tussaud’s will also be discovered right here.

7. Stroll by the Metropolis Park

Strauss Monument at Metropolis Park

Metropolis Park is an oasis within the metropolis, established within the nineteenth century. Dotted with statues, its fundamental characteristic is the gilded Johann Strauss II monument, set by a picturesque pond. With its manicured gardens, fairly bridges, and peaceable ambiance, it is a well-liked spot to chill out for each locals and vacationers.

Enjoyable Truth: There are over 990 parks in Vienna 

8. Get your color repair at Hundertwasser Home

Hundertwasser Home

I’ve a factor for vibrant homes so after I heard about Hundertwasser Home I needed to go there. A novel vibrant constructing straight out of a fantasy e book, it’s one in all Vienna’s most visited buildings – a unusual architectural surprise with its undulating flooring, forested roof, and vibrant façade.

Enjoyable Truth: Hundertwasser Home is a residential condo with folks dwelling in it, so it’s not doable to go inside. Nevertheless, you may go to the museum on the advanced to study extra concerning the artist.

9. Bask in culinary delights at Naschmarkt

Naschmarket

Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most well-known and vibrant market, stretching over 1.5 kilometres. A bustling hub for the reason that sixteenth century, it has a vibrant array of meals, spices, and worldwide delicacies. We walked by the market, marvelling on the culinary delights there and loved some lunch too.

10. Expertise Vienna’s Espresso Tradition

Café Frauenhuber

Vienna is world-renowned for its coffeehouse tradition, which dates again centuries and has even been listed as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO. A few of its most well-known cafes are Café Central which opened in 1876 and was frequented by intellectuals and artists, and Café Sacher, the house of the legendary Sacher Torte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam.

Café Central occurred to be shut for renovations whereas we had been there, and Café Sacher at all times had lengthy traces outdoors, so we visited a lesser-known gem as an alternative.

Viennese Iced Espresso

Café Frauenhuber is taken into account to be Vienna’s oldest coffeehouse, courting again to the late 18th century. Close to town park, it has witnessed numerous historic occasions and has been frequented by many well-known personalities through the years. Each Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven carried out on this café, making it a must-visit spot for music and historical past lovers. We loved some scrumptious Viennese iced espresso there.

We additionally ate some scrumptious Sacher Torte at one other restaurant.

Sacher Torte

11. Catch a efficiency at Vienna State Opera

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera, inaugurated in 1869, is famend for its distinctive acoustics, historic significance, and a various repertoire that pulls world-class performers and composers. If opera just isn’t your factor, then you may simply take a guided tour of the constructing to understand its magnificent design and study its wealthy historical past.

Enjoyable Truth: The Opernball, or Vienna Opera Ball, is an annual extravaganza held on the Vienna State Opera, remodeling the opera home right into a grand ballroom for one evening. One of many highlights of the Viennese social calendar, it attracts celebrities, politicians, and excessive society from around the globe.

12. Get your museum repair at MuseumsQuartier

MuseumsQuartier

The previous imperial stables, the MuseumsQuartier is without doubt one of the world’s largest cultural complexes, mixing historic structure with up to date design. Positioned near the Hofburg Palace, it hosts main museums, just like the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Fashionable Artwork Ludwig Basis (MUMOK), vibrant cafes, and dynamic artwork installations.

13. Admire the monuments at Schwarzenbergplatz

Schwarzenbergplatz

Schwarzenbergplatz is a historic sq. in central Vienna, characterised by its grandeur and expansive format. Dominated by the Schwarzenberg Monument, it commemorates Prince Karl Philipp von Schwarzenberg’s army achievements. The sq. additionally options a powerful fountain and a Soviet Battle Memorial.

14. Get an summary of town with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Massive Bus Vienna

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is an effective way to see town’s landmarks at your individual tempo whereas listening to the commentary. We explored Vienna with Massive Bus Excursions Vienna and noticed most of those sights – and much more – with the bus, hopping off on the sights that piqued our curiosity. The commentary was insightful, informative and entertaining and we learnt loads about Vienna whereas soaking in its splendour. A lot of the buses even had free wi-fi so we may do additional analysis on  the sights we noticed.

15. Cruise on the Danube

Danube Canal

The Danube River is an integral a part of Vienna’s id, historical past, and leisure life. Nevertheless, not like in Budapest the place the river crosses town centre and passes most of the metropolis’s fundamental sights, the Danube in Vienna is on the commercial facet of town so a river cruise might not be as scenic.  Due to this fact most metropolis cruises embody the Danube Canal, which is extra central and showcases extra landmarks.

16. Take a day journey to Bratislava

Bratislava Previous City

Vienna and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, are just one hour aside by prepare, making them the closest two capitals in Europe. Bratislava is situated alongside the Danube River and is price visiting for its picturesque Previous City steeped in historical past. Many guests to Vienna decide to go to Bratislava on a day journey though we selected to spend two nights there. See the most effective issues to do in Bratislava.

Incessantly requested questions:

How lengthy must you keep in Vienna?

3 days is the commonest period for vacationers and can help you see the most important sights.

4-7 days: An extended keep presents a extra relaxed tempo and the chance to expertise Vienna’s wealthy tradition, discover its museums intimately, take pleasure in its parks, attend theatrical performances, and maybe even take day journeys to close by areas. There are over 100 museums in Vienna, so that you’re unlikely to get bored.

The place must you keep in Vienna?

We stayed on the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere by Hyatt. It was a phenomenal lodge near the primary prepare station and different transport hubs and a brief stroll away from the Belvedere Palace, which was very handy for us.

Alternatively, you may keep within the 1st District. That is the historic coronary heart of Vienna, dwelling to lots of its most well-known sights.

Discover lodging in Vienna.