Vienna the capital and the biggest main city of Austria, is a lively city located in the eastern part of the country next to the beautiful Danube River. It’s home to almost 2 million people and has a special charm that mixes the feel of a big town with the excitement of a busy city. In this post, we are going to see top things to see in Vienna.
One thing that makes Vienna special is its many parks, forests, and open green areas. These natural spots add to the city’s fresh feel, letting people who live there and visitors take a break from city life and enjoy the calm of nature.
Vienna often gets high scores in worldwide city rankings, thanks to its excellent public services, especially in transportation and healthcare. The city’s easy-to-reach location, strong economy, and low crime rates also add to its reputation. Plus, Vienna has a wide range of fun and cultural activities, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The grand and impressive look of Vienna comes from its historical connection with the Habsburg royal family, who had a lot of power over Europe for many years. As the center of Habsburg power, Vienna attracted not only rich people but also many talented musicians, architects, artists, and designers. This history can be seen in the city’s amazing buildings, as different Emperors, Empresses, and their families tried to outdo each other by creating even more impressive structures.
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Vienna’s museums show its deep artistic history. Generous gifts from royal families, nobles, and rich people, along with their good taste and love for collecting, have led to a huge collection of great art. These museums offer a fascinating trip through time and show the deep love for art that has been a part of Vienna’s history.
While the Habsburg royal family had a big part in shaping Vienna, the city’s history goes back even further. Even the Romans saw the beauty of this place, setting up a settlement known as Vindobona. Amazingly, Vienna still has churches that have lasted through the ages, showing over a thousand years of history.
In the end, Vienna is a city where the past and present mix together perfectly. Its mix of natural beauty, top-notch services, rich culture, and interesting history make it a great place for people looking for a truly rewarding experience. Come explore Vienna and go on a trip through time, where every step uncovers a story ready to be told.
Below are the 20 top things to see in Vienna.
1 Schönbrunn Palace
The Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens hold a special place in Vienna’s history. This huge palace, with its 1,441 rooms, is a great example of Baroque style and beauty. It’s famous for its amazing architecture and cultural importance, which is why it’s a top place to visit in Vienna.
The Schönbrunn Palace tells a story that goes from the 17th to the 20th century, when the Habsburg family was in power. It gives a fascinating look into the different art styles that were popular during their rule. When you walk through the palace, you get to see its beautiful design and learn about the private lives of the royal family.
You can explore the state rooms and personal apartments of Sisi and Franz Joseph to get a close look at royal life. The palace also shows the fancy living spaces of the royal couple, decorated with items from the 18th century, when Maria Theresia was in charge.
There are many different tours of the palace, each one just as interesting as the next. And don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll through the palace park. The park opens early in the morning, at 6:30 am, and it’s free to enter. You can admire the statues and fountains in the garden, and be sure to take lots of pictures.
2. Prater Park
The Vienna Prater offers a blend of thrill and tranquillity. One part of the Prater is a lively funfair, boasting everything from charming old-fashioned carousels to state-of-the-art roller coasters. On the other hand, the “Green Prater” provides a serene retreat with expansive meadows perfect for picnicking, trees offering cool shade, and peaceful trails for a leisurely stroll. The underlying spirit here is to have a good time and cherish every moment…
With an array of around 250 amusements, the Vienna Prater promises fun and excitement for everyone. The offering ranges from gaming arcades to bumper car arenas, along with skill games like ball toss and shooting booths, adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and immersive flight simulators.
Young visitors find particular delight in the traditional merry-go-rounds, puppet shows, and the vintage Viennese grotto train among others. This diverse entertainment offering is further enhanced by over sixty dining options, including cosy cafés and restaurants, along with stands serving refreshing ice creams and quick snacks. The locals refer to this lively section of the Prater as the “Wurstelprater”, comparable to a classic amusement park.
3. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is a big church in the center of Vienna, at a place called Stephansplatz. It’s the main church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. The first church here was built in 1147 and was also dedicated to St. Stephen. Today, the cathedral is a famous symbol of Vienna. Only the Giant’s Gate and the Heathen Towers are left from the original building.
The Outside of the Cathedral
The cathedral has a tall, Gothic-style spire called the ‘Little Stephan’. It’s 137 meters (450 feet) high and can be seen from all over Vienna. If you climb up the tower’s stairs, you can see a great view of the city.
The cathedral’s roof is covered with 230,000 colorful tiles. They’re arranged in complex chevron patterns, and there’s also a double-headed eagle symbol for the historic Habsburg family.
The Inside of the Cathedral
Inside, Stephansdom has a mix of different architectural styles that each tell a part of Vienna’s history. There are Gothic naves, side chapels, and choirs, as well as Baroque elements like the High Altar. The cathedral is also the final resting place for many important people from history, and it’s where Mozart got married and had his funeral.
There are many pieces of art inside the cathedral, including:
The Pummerin (‘Boomer’) Bell: The original bell was made from over 200 cannons taken from Turkish forces after the 1705 siege of Vienna. It fell from the south tower in a fire in 1945. The new bell, which is the biggest bell in Austria, is in the stronger north tower.
The Catacombs: These were discovered in the 18th century and hold the remains of more than 10,000 people from Vienna.
The Chapel of the Cross: The statue of Christ on the cross above the altar has a beard made of real human hair. According to local stories, it keeps growing!
4. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is made up of two big sections, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. It was built in the 18th century for Prince Eugene of Savoy. A large garden connects the two sections. The prince used all of this as his summer home. The beautiful palace and its green garden are great examples of the Baroque style.
Today, most of the buildings and the garden are open for everyone to visit. The Upper Belvedere shows a collection of Austrian art, while the Lower Belvedere has different exhibitions that change over time, featuring various periods and artists.
Things to See at the Belvedere Palace:
Upper Belvedere:
One of the most famous pieces of art here is ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt. This painting shows a romantic moment and is a key piece from Vienna’s Modernist period. There are also five other works by Klimt. Another important Austrian painting in the collection is ‘Death and Maiden’ by Egon Schiele, painted in 1915 during World War I. The gallery also has international masterpieces like ‘Path in Monet’s Garden in Giverny’ by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Plain at Auvers’.
Lower Belvedere:
The Lower Belvedere hosts a series of temporary exhibitions in its beautiful rooms. The Marble Hall is especially impressive, with its amazing sculptures, wall reliefs, and ceiling paintings. The Gold Cabinet is also a sight to see, with its mirrors and gold wall panels.
Palace Gardens:
The large Belvedere Palace Garden is a beautifully designed park with fountains, peaceful pools, and well-kept paths. The main fountain, which has two water basins connected by five cascades, is a sight to see. The water flowing over the cascades and through other fountains makes a lovely water show.
5. Schönbrunn Zoo
Known as the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo has become one of the most loved zoos around the globe.
In January 2022, Anthony Sheridan, a famous British zoo expert, named Schönbrunn Zoo the best zoo in Europe for the sixth year in a row.
This zoo is about 250 years old and it is home of more than 700 types of animals and many of them are in danger of disappearing. The zoo has big, natural-looking spaces for its many animals, like Siberian tigers, pandas, hippos, and one-horned rhinoceroses. Some of the best parts of the zoo are the Koala House, the lion area, the South America Park, the aquarium and terrarium with a colorful coral reef, and the ‘Polarium’. The Zoo ORANG.erie is where the orangutans live, and the Rainforest House lets visitors see the many plants and animals from Borneo.
The Schönbrunn Zoo is part of the Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and used to be an imperial residence. The zoo is a great mix of cultural history and nature that’s open all year. It’s a perfect place for a fun trip into the world of animals, with over 700 species, including ones that are in danger, and it’s often named the best zoo in Europe.
When you visit the Schönbrunn Zoo, you can learn about the many different parts of nature. You can watch many animals during feeding times and learn interesting facts. For a special day, you can take one of the many tours or ride on the Schönbrunn Panorama Train.
6. Vienna Operahouse
The Wiener Staatsoper is one of the top opera houses in the world, with a long and wonderful tradition. Today, it’s full of different performances and events that make it a special place.
Every season, the opera house puts on around 350 performances, including over 60 different operas and ballets. This means that there’s a chance to see world-class talent on stage and conducting the music every night. These performances feature a changing group of famous performers and artists and are supported by an amazing orchestra.
This orchestra is special because the musicians also play for the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This dual role adds to the prestige and quality of the performances, making the Wiener Staatsoper one of the best opera houses in the world.
7. The Hofburg
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is a must-see. It was the center of the Austrian Empire and is filled with the grandeur of the past. The powerful Habsburg emperors built it, it was the home of the imperial court, and now it’s where the Austrian President lives.
This big building is full of culture and history, with many interesting museums like the Imperial Treasury Vienna, as well as different art galleries and important collections. There are many amazing secrets to discover here.
The history of Hofburg Palace goes back to the 13th century when it was a fortified castle. Now, this ‘city within a city’ covers a huge area of 240,000 square meters. It has 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and over 2,600 rooms.
Underneath the palace, the basement used to hold the imperial wine cellar that was spread over three big levels. Another impressive part is the Silver Collection, which has around 7,000 pieces, some of which are up to 30 meters long. All of this makes the Hofburg Palace a great way to learn about Vienna’s rich history.
8. The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum, situated in Vienna, is renowned as one of the most substantial of its kind globally, boasting a remarkable assemblage of over 30 million specimens. It is an unmissable destination for those intrigued by the nuances of the natural world, and it holds a special place among my favourite museums in Vienna.
This institution proudly displays a treasure trove exceeding 30 million artefacts, including the Venus of Willendorf, celebrated as the earliest known representation of a human figure in artistic creation. Its comprehensive collection spans an array of areas such as geology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and numerous others.
The dinosaur exhibit stands out among the various displays, showcasing awe-inspiring skeletal models of dinosaurs, including the formidable Tyrannosaurus Rex and the iconic Stegosaurus. Equally noteworthy is the museum’s vast assortment of meteorites, housing the heaviest meteorite discovered in Europe, tipping the scales at more than 650 kilograms.
The museum’s abode is a historic architectural marvel constructed in the latter part of the 19th century, further enhancing the overall experience for its visitors.
9. MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier, or MQ for short, is a big cultural area in Vienna. It’s located in the beautifully renovated old imperial stables, which were designed by the famous architect Fischer von Erlach. This cultural spot is full of museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place for cultural activities in Vienna and a popular meeting spot, especially on warm evenings.
The MuseumsQuartier has over 90,000 square meters of exhibition space and includes a number of institutions. These include the Leopold Museum, which has a large collection of Austrian art; MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna), which shows a wide range of modern and contemporary art; Kunsthalle Wien, a space for contemporary and modern art; Architekturzentrum, a center focused on architecture; and Zoom, an interactive museum for kids.
The MuseumsQuartier is more than just a group of museums. It’s also a lively venue for different events and exhibitions that happen throughout the year. While it’s free to enter the complex, you need tickets to go into the individual museums.
With its modern and contemporary feel, along with a variety of shops and places to eat, the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is one of the most ambitious and successful cultural districts in the world. It offers a mix of art, architecture, and food experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in culture.
10. The Stadtpark or City Park
The Stadtpark, or City Park, is one of Vienna’s most loved public spaces. It’s full of history and natural beauty. Opened in 1862, it’s the oldest public park in Vienna. The Stadtpark is about 28 acres and is located in the center of the city. The Wien River runs through the middle of the park, and there are many cute bridges that connect the two sides.
There are many monuments and statues in the park, but the most famous one is the golden bronze statue of Johann Strauss II. This statue was put up in 1921 to honor the famous Austrian composer, who is often called “The Waltz King.” The statue is set against the green background of the park and is a popular spot for visitors and photographers.
The Kursalon is an important building in the park. It was first opened in 1867 as a spa pavilion for water treatments, but it quickly became a place for music. It still serves this role today. The Kursalon, with its traditional Viennese charm, hosts around 500 concerts and balls every year. It invites both locals and tourists to enjoy the city’s rich cultural life in its beautiful interior.
In short, the Stadtpark is a peaceful and pretty oasis in the middle of busy Vienna. It combines natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural life. It’s a favourite place for both locals and tourists who want to relax, have fun, or take a peaceful walk in a green setting.
Recommended Read: Best Things to Do in Innsbruck, Austria
Other attractions you must visit in Vienna
| Attraction | Brief Information |
| 11. Albertina | Home to one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world, Albertina is a museum in the Innere Stadt of Vienna. It houses a significant collection of old master prints, a sizable collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works, as well as more recent graphics, photographs, architectural drawings and sketches. |
| 12. Kunsthistorisches Museum | This Art History Museum in Vienna, also known as KHM, is home to an extensive collection of international art making it one of the foremost museums in the world. The collection includes significant works from Egyptian and Greek antiquity, as well as masterpieces by European artists such as Titian, Velazquez, Van Dyck, and Rubens. |
| 13. St. Charles’s Church | Karlskirche or St. Charles’s Church is an iconic Baroque church located on the south side of Karlsplatz in Vienna. Noted for its architectural complexity, the church combines several architectural styles. The church is dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, one of the great reformers of the 16th century. |
| 14. Hundertwasser House | The Hundertwasser House is an apartment house in Vienna designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Known for its colourful, eclectic facades and unique architectural details like uneven floors and spontaneously placed windows, it’s a noteworthy symbol of Vienna’s creative spirit. |
| 15. Danube Tower | At 252 meters, the Danube Tower is the highest structure in Austria and a central landmark of Vienna. It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck, and it also has a rotating restaurant for visitors to enjoy a meal while taking in the view. |
| 16. Austrian Parliament Vienna | The Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna is a grand, Greek revival style building where Austria’s two houses of parliament conduct their sessions. Built in the late 19th century, it’s noted for its extensive use of Greek architectural features, including a striking bronze quadriga on the rooftop. |
| 17. Austrian National Library | As Austria’s largest library, this historical institution houses over 7.4 million items in its various collections. It’s located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna and features impressive Baroque architecture, including the palatial Prunksaal or State Hall. |
| 18. Kärtner Strasse | Kärtner Strasse is one of the most famous streets in central Vienna, known for its luxury boutiques, international chain stores, and cafes. It’s a pedestrian zone that runs from the State Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and it’s always bustling with activity. |
| 19. Donauinsel Vienna | Donauinsel, or Danube Island, is a narrow island in central Vienna located between the Danube river and the New Danube canal. It’s a popular recreation area with a variety of outdoor activities available such as cycling, rollerblading, waterskiing, and even swimming in the designated beach areas. |
| 20. Naschmarkt | Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular market and a much-loved culinary hotspot. Dating back to the 16th century, it boasts around 120 market stands and restaurants that offer a colorful variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and seafood from around the world. This vibrant meeting place isn’t just about groceries; it also offers a range of dining options from small bites to full meals, and it hosts a popular flea market on Saturdays. |
Average Climate in Vienna Austria
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37.4 | 26.6 | 0.6 |
| February | 41.0 | 29.0 | 0.6 |
| March | 51.8 | 35.6 | 0.9 |
| April | 61.0 | 42.8 | 1.2 |
| May | 70.7 | 51.8 | 2.0 |
| June | 77.0 | 57.2 | 2.3 |
| July | 81.5 | 60.8 | 2.3 |
| August | 79.7 | 59.0 | 2.3 |
| September | 70.7 | 52.7 | 2.0 |
| October | 57.2 | 42.8 | 1.3 |
| November | 45.5 | 35.6 | 1.1 |
| December | 37.4 | 29.0 | 0.8 |
