Baroque buildings and the River Danube set the scene in Austria’s culturally rich capital of art, music and gastronomy.
Surrounded by rolling vineyards and decorated by magnificent architecture, Vienna is a living postcard of stunning scenes. Walkable streets deliver memorable moments in enchanting coffee shops and art galleries. Explore the Ringstrasse boulevard and you’ll see some of the city’s top attractions, including the prestigious Vienna State Opera.
Visit Viennaat any time of year, as all four seasons have their charms. Enjoy the alfresco dining and open-air theatre shows of summer, along with the Vienna Jazz Festival. Winter wonderland isn’t a fantasy in the Christmas season just follow your nose to toasted almonds at the Viennese Christmas Market on the Rathausplatz square.
Things to do in Vienna
Set aside plenty of time to explore one of the world’s biggest palace complexes, Hofburg Imperial Palace. Admire the chandelier-adorned Imperial Apartments, accessed via the white marble Imperial Staircase. The Sisi Museum is in the apartments, and other museums are located in the complex. See the Imperial Silver Collection and the Austrian National Library.
Another magnificent landmark, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), is located in the heart of the city. Austria’s tallest church features towering spires and rare religious relics inside.
The city centre is a shopper’s heaven around Stephansplatz square. Head to historical Kohlmarkt to find luxury fashion brands and jewellers.
Breathtaking views are assured on Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel, established in 1897. Take the kids to Wurstelprater amusement park next to it for fun rides including roller coasters and ghost trains. To marvel at gardens, visit Schönbrunn Palace park. Highlights include the Maze and the Crown Prince Garden.
Culture and history in Vienna
The MuseumsQuartier is one of the world’s largest cultural districts with around 60 venues and institutions. See Viennese art nouveau at the Leopold Museum and learn about 20th and 21st century architecture at the Austrian Architecture Museum. With mirror tunnels, craft workshops and science experiments, the ZOOM Children’s Museum provides fun activities for all ages.
Admire works by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso at the mumok - Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna. It’s Central Europe’s largest modern and contemporary art museum. Therefore, you’ll need a few hours to discover about 10,000 works from paintings and sculptures to videos and architectural models.
Visit the Belvedere Palace and Museum to see one of the country’s treasured art collections. The paintings of Gustav Klimt include The Kiss, considered to be one of Austria’s most famous art works. Stroll through the Baroque gardens of Belvedere and you’ll see a reflecting pool and the Alpine Garden, which is Europe’s oldest.
Dining and nightlife in Vienna
Try all the classics, such as Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel, at the Naschmarkt. Vienna’s renowned market dates to the 16th century. Today, it features a mix of scrumptious cuisines from Indian to Vietnamese. After dark, bar hop around the neighbouring Freihaus district where an artistic vibe blends with trendy venues.
No matter where you are in the Innere Stadt, romantic cobblestone streets lead to restaurants and bars in the heart of historical Vienna. The Gürtel, beneath the stations and arches of the subway, is the place for late night music clubs.
Don’t miss out on experiencing performances in Vienna’s enchanting theatres, including the Burgtheater and the Volkstheater. A visit to Vienna isn’t complete without enjoying an opera or ballet at the acclaimed Vienna State Opera.
Getting around Vienna
Vienna International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The quickest and easiest transport is the City Airport Train, with a 16-minute journey to downtown Vienna (Wien Mitte). Car rental, bus connections and taxis are also available.
Consider purchasing a Vienna City Card for discounts on Danube sightseeing cruises and the efficient public transport system of the subway, trams and buses. Numerous cycling paths and bike sharing services create a fun way to explore. Stay in the city centre to be within easy walking distance of fantastic attractions, shops and restaurants.
