Vienna, Austria’s capital, is a city steeped in imperial history, renowned for its classical music heritage, and adorned with grand architecture. For those considering things to do in Vienna, visiting the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, and exploring the historic center with its iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the majestic Hofburg Palace, are essential experiences.
The city’s rich musical legacy can be explored through the Vienna State Opera and the Haus der Musik, an interactive museum dedicated to sound and music. Nearby, the Belvedere Palace, with its stunning baroque architecture and art collections, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Vienna is celebrated for its coffee house culture, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of relaxation, tradition, and literary history. For those seeking the best places to visit in Austria, Vienna’s combination of imperial splendor, artistic and musical excellence, and cozy coffee houses makes it a captivating and enriching destination.
Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
1. Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Vienna’s most important cultural monuments. This Baroque palace, with its 1,441 rooms, was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. The beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring the Gloriette, Roman ruins, and a zoo, make for a delightful stroll.
Location: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Schönbrunn Station (U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A stunning Baroque palace with vast gardens, fountains, and the Gloriette, offering panoramic views of Vienna.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for the gardens; early morning to avoid crowds.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but extensive walking is required. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
Price: €22-€32 depending on the tour.
Travel Tip: Buy your tickets online to avoid long queues, and consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the palace’s history and grandeur.
2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, stands at the heart of Vienna and is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The cathedral’s multi-colored tile roof and towering spire offer a breathtaking view of the Vienna skyline.
Location: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Easily accessible via Stephansplatz Station (U1, U3 Metro).
Scenic Spot: Gothic architecture with a colorful tiled roof and a 136-meter-high South Tower.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but climbing the South Tower (343 steps) may be difficult for elderly visitors.
Price: Free to enter; €6-€20 for tower and catacombs tours.
Travel Tip: Climb the 343 steps to the tower for a panoramic view of the city, and don’t miss the catacombs tour.
3. The Hofburg
The Hofburg is the former imperial palace in the center of Vienna and has been the seat of power for various empires over its history. Today, it houses the office of the Austrian president, several museums, the imperial chapel, and the national library.
Location: Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Herrengasse Station (U3 Metro).
Scenic Spot: Former imperial palace with museums, courtyards, and grand halls showcasing the Habsburg dynasty.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds; morning for the best experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but some areas have stairs.
Price: €15-€20 for museum entry.
Travel Tip: The Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection are a must-see for a glimpse into the life of the Habsburg dynasty.
4. Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is actually two Baroque palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere) set in a beautiful park. It’s home to an extensive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s famous “The Kiss.”
Location: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Quartier Belvedere Station.
Scenic Spot: A beautiful Baroque palace with gardens and the famous “The Kiss” painting by Gustav Klimt.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for the gardens; early morning for fewer visitors.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, with stroller and wheelchair access.
Price: €16-€25 depending on exhibitions.
Travel Tip: Spend some time wandering through the gardens, and visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds at the Klimt exhibit.
5. Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
One of the leading opera houses in the world, the Vienna State Opera offers a top-notch program of opera and ballet. The building itself, an example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, is worth admiring.
Location: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Karlsplatz Station (U1, U2, U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A world-renowned opera house with stunning architecture and performances.
Best Time to Visit: Evening for live performances; morning for guided tours.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but young children may not enjoy long performances.
Price: €10-€250 depending on seating; guided tour €13.
Travel Tip: If you can’t catch a performance, take a guided tour of the opera house to see its magnificent interiors.
6. Prater Amusement Park
The Prater is a large public park with an amusement park at one end, featuring the Wiener Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel that provides stunning views of the city.
Location: Prater 1020 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Praterstern Station (U1, U2 Metro).
Scenic Spot: Home to the famous Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, offering panoramic city views.
Best Time to Visit: Evening for the best lights and atmosphere.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, with family-friendly rides and activities.
Price: Free to enter; rides cost €4-€10 each.
Travel Tip: The park is great for families and offers a range of attractions and restaurants, making it perfect for a day out.
7. Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is renowned for its vast collection of works from the Habsburg empire, including pieces by artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, and Titian.
Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Museumsquartier Station (U2 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A magnificent museum featuring works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, though younger children may find it less engaging.
Price: €21 for adults; free for children under 19.
Travel Tip: Allocate several hours to explore, and consider a guided tour to focus on the highlights.
8. Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous market, offering a variety of fresh food, spices, and international cuisine. It’s a great place to sample local and international delicacies or just to stroll and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Location: Wienzeile, 1060 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Kettenbrückengasse Station (U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A bustling food market with local and international delicacies.
Best Time to Visit: Morning for the freshest produce and fewer crowds.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but can be crowded on weekends.
Price: Free to enter; food prices vary.
Travel Tip: Visit on a Saturday when the adjacent flea market is open, making the area even more vibrant.
9. The Spanish Riding School
Famous for its Lipizzaner horses, the Spanish Riding School offers an opportunity to witness the tradition of classical dressage.
Location: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Herrengasse Station (U3 Metro).
Scenic Spot: Home to the famous Lipizzaner horses and traditional dressage performances.
Best Time to Visit: Morning training sessions or scheduled performances.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, though very young children may not appreciate the performances.
Price: €16-€100 depending on the show.
Travel Tip: Book tickets for a morning exercise or a full performance, but remember that photography is not allowed during the shows.
10. Albertina Museum and Art Gallery
The Albertina occupies a grand Habsburg palace and holds a significant collection of prints, drawings, and modern graphic works. The museum’s collection includes works by Monet, Picasso, and Dürer.
Location: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Karlsplatz Station (U1, U2, U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A former Habsburg palace showcasing artwork by Monet, Picasso, and Klimt.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but younger children may not find it engaging.
Price: €18 for adults; free for children under 19.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the permanent exhibition “Monet to Picasso,” which features works from many of the most important artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
11. Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
The Vienna Woods, located on the outskirts of the city, offer a natural escape with beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and traditional wine taverns (Heurigen). This biosphere reserve is perfect for outdoor activities and experiencing the region’s natural beauty.
Location: Western outskirts of Vienna. Accessible via public transport or car.
Scenic Spot: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with hiking trails and stunning countryside.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but some trails may be difficult for elderly visitors.
Price: Free to visit.
Travel Tip: Consider taking a guided tour or hike to explore the area’s hidden gems, including its vineyards and quaint villages.
12. The Danube Tower (Donauturm)
Offering some of the best views in Vienna, the Danube Tower is the tallest structure in Austria. The observation deck and rotating restaurants provide a 360-degree view of the city and beyond.
Location: Donauturmstrasse 4, 1220 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Alte Donau Station (U1 Metro).
Scenic Spot: The tallest structure in Austria, offering 360-degree city views.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the best views.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but the height may be intimidating for some.
Price: €16.50 for adults, €8.90 for children.
Travel Tip: Visit at sunset for a spectacular vista, and maybe enjoy dinner with a view in one of the tower’s restaurants.
13. The Rathaus (Vienna City Hall)
The Rathaus is an impressive Gothic building that serves as the seat of the mayor and city council. The square in front of the Rathaus is the site of numerous events throughout the year, including the famous Christmas market.
Location: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Rathaus Station (U2 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A Gothic masterpiece that hosts seasonal events, including Vienna’s Christmas Market.
Best Time to Visit: Winter for Christmas markets; summer for the film festival.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes.
Price: Free to visit; event prices vary.
Travel Tip: Check the event schedule for the Rathausplatz, as there might be a festival, market, or concert happening during your visit.
14. Vienna’s Ringstrasse
The Ringstrasse is a grand boulevard that circles the Innere Stadt (downtown) of Vienna. A walk or tram ride along the Ringstrasse offers views of some of Vienna’s most significant buildings, including the Parliament, the Burgtheater, the University, and several museums.
Location: A circular boulevard around Vienna’s historic center. Best explored via tram or on foot.
Scenic Spot: Home to Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, including Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the University of Vienna.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for the best lighting.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, tram rides are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Price: Free to explore; tram ticket €2.40 per ride.
Travel Tip: Consider a guided walking tour or a ride on the Ring Tram to learn about the history and architecture of the buildings along the boulevard.
15. The Imperial Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)
Located in the heart of the city, the Imperial Butterfly House is a delightful attraction where you can walk amongst hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies in a beautiful Art Nouveau greenhouse.
Location: Burggarten, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Herrengasse Station (U3 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A tropical glasshouse filled with exotic butterflies.
Best Time to Visit: Morning when butterflies are most active.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, perfect for children and nature lovers.
Price: €9 for adults, €5 for children.
Travel Tip: Visit during the morning when the butterflies are most active, and remember to bring your camera for some close-up shots.
16. Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)
Karlskirche is one of Vienna’s greatest architectural treasures. This Baroque church, with its distinctive dome and two flanking columns, is particularly impressive both inside and out.
Location: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Karlsplatz Station (U1, U2, U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A stunning Baroque church with a beautiful dome and frescoes.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset reflections on the water.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but climbing to the dome may be difficult for some.
Price: €9 for adults, €4 for children (includes elevator to the dome).
Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the dome for a close-up view of the frescoes and a panoramic city view.
17. MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier is a cultural complex where historic and contemporary buildings coexist and house some of the city’s most important cultural venues, including the Leopold Museum and the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art).
Location: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Museumsquartier Station (U2 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A lively cultural district with contemporary art museums and cafes.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for a relaxed atmosphere.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, but modern art exhibits may not appeal to all children.
Price: Varies by museum; general entry €12-€16.
Travel Tip: This area is not only for art enthusiasts but also a great place to relax in one of the many cafes and people-watch.
18. House of Music (Haus der Musik)
The House of Music is an interactive sound museum which provides a fun and educational experience about music and sound. It’s particularly appealing to families with children.
Location: Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Karlsplatz Station.
Scenic Spot: An interactive sound museum showcasing Vienna’s rich musical history.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Yes, especially engaging for families.
Price: €16 for adults, €7 for children.
Travel Tip: Allocate a few hours here, especially if you’re visiting with kids, as the interactive exhibits are both entertaining and informative.
19. The Vienna Secession Building
The Vienna Secession Building is an exhibition hall built in 1897 by Joseph Maria Olbrich as an architectural manifesto for the Secessionists, a group of rebel artists. Today, it still serves as a gallery for contemporary art.
Location: Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Accessible via Karlsplatz Station (U1, U2, U4 Metro).
Scenic Spot: A historic art exhibition hall featuring Gustav Klimt’s “Beethoven Frieze.”
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Best for art enthusiasts; may not appeal to young children.
Price: €10 for adults, €5 for students, free for children under 10.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss Gustav Klimt’s famous Beethoven Frieze, which is housed in the basement.
Plan Your Perfect Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🚆 Discover the Best Train Tickets with Trainline.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com
Vienna, Austria: Ratings
Kid-Friendly Activities in Vienna: 8/10 – Vienna offers a wealth of attractions for families, such as the Schönbrunn Zoo, the Prater amusement park with its iconic Ferris wheel, and the interactive exhibits at the ZOOM Children’s Museum. The city’s numerous parks and green spaces also provide great outdoor activities for children.
Nightlife in Vienna: 8/10 – Vienna boasts a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, pubs, nightclubs, and music venues. The city is known for its live music scene, including jazz clubs, opera houses, and concert halls, making it a lively destination for night owls.
Sport in Vienna: 7/10 – Vienna offers a range of sports activities, from cycling and running in the extensive parks like the Stadtpark and the Prater to water sports on the Danube. The city also has numerous facilities for indoor sports and regularly hosts major sporting events, including football and tennis.
Culture and Attractions in Vienna: 10/10 – Vienna is a cultural epicenter with its grand palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, world-class museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and historic sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The city’s rich musical heritage, showcased through venues like the Vienna State Opera, cements its status as a cultural capital.
Gastronomy in Vienna: 9/10 – Vienna’s culinary scene is exceptional, offering traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, alongside international cuisine. The city’s coffeehouse culture, with its historic cafes, adds to the unique dining experience.
Shopping in Vienna: 8/10 – Vienna provides excellent shopping opportunities, from luxury boutiques on Kärntner Straße and Mariahilfer Straße to charming markets like Naschmarkt. The variety and quality of shops cater to all tastes and budgets.
Prices in Vienna: 6/10 – Vienna can be quite expensive, particularly in the city center, with high prices for accommodation and dining. However, the city’s offerings often justify the costs for visitors seeking a high-quality experience.
Average price for a hotel night: 150 €
Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: 18 €
Price of a beer: 4.50 €
Price of a coffee: 3 €
Beyond the City: Exploring Surroundings and Stays in Vienna, Austria
For those looking to explore beyond Vienna’s imperial splendor, top day trips near Vienna invite you to discover the rich tapestry of Lower Austria. From the vineyard-covered hills of the Wachau Valley to the majestic Melk Abbey, each excursion offers a taste of the region’s cultural and natural beauty.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Vienna accommodations span the spectrum from historic luxury hotels to modern apartments, each providing a unique perspective on life in Austria’s capital. This ensures that visitors can find the ideal backdrop for their urban adventure or tranquil retreat.
FAQ About Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
What are the top attractions to visit in Vienna?
Key attractions in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
Can I visit the Vienna State Opera?
Yes, the Vienna State Opera is a must-visit for music lovers. You can attend a performance or take a guided tour of this historic opera house.
What museums should I not miss in Vienna?
Do not miss the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), the Albertina Museum, and the Leopold Museum, which showcase extensive art collections.
Are there any gardens or parks in Vienna for relaxation?
Vienna is known for its beautiful parks. The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace and the Prater Park are perfect for a relaxing day out.
What is a typical Viennese culinary experience?
A typical Viennese culinary experience includes tasting Wiener Schnitzel, indulging in Sacher-Torte, and enjoying a traditional coffee in one of Vienna’s historic coffee houses.
Can I take a boat tour in Vienna?
Yes, taking a boat tour on the Danube River is a wonderful way to see Vienna from a different perspective.
Is Vienna good for shopping?
Vienna offers excellent shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques in the Goldenes Quartier to local crafts at Naschmarkt.
Are there any day trips from Vienna?
Popular day trips from Vienna include the picturesque Wachau Valley, the historic city of Salzburg, and the thermal spas in Baden.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna
https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
