16 Best Things to do in Vienna , Austria

The perfect issues to do in Vienna

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 truth, Vienna was named probably the most habitable metropolis on the planet 8 occasions prior to now 10 years resulting from its ” unsurpassed mixture of stability, good infrastructure, sturdy schooling, and healthcare companies, and loads of tradition and leisure”. (Euronews)

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

Some historical past

Vienna has been a big cultural and political centre for the reason that Roman period, primarily beneath the influential Habsburg dynasty. It flourished beneath the rule of Empress Maria Theresa within the 18th century, noticed immense transformations with Emperor Franz, and gained worldwide consideration by way of 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 a fantastic affect on town and its present sights.

We travelled to Vienna from Budapest through practice 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. Nonetheless, it was my first go to to Vienna. Listed below are the perfect 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 Large Bus Excursions.

The perfect 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 searching lodge, it was remodeled right into a grand palace that served because the summer time residence for the Habsburg monarchs. We walked across the intensive gardens and did a guided tour of the lavish rooms. Sadly, images is just not allowed inside.

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

Tip: Guide your tickets on-line upfront on the official website because the slots get booked out, and plan to spend a couple of hours there.

2. Take pleasure in panoramic views from the Gloriette

The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace

The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace is among 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 gives 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 among the greatest 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 Driving 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 way of the complicated add to its attraction, regardless that 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 complicated, is the biggest library in Austria, holding over 12 million gadgets. 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 enormous assortment of books, together with many historic manuscripts. It was positively some of the lovely libraries we’ve ever visited.

Tip: An entrance price 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 big affect on Vienna’s artwork and structure, it’s set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage website superbly chronicles Austria’s imperial previous and homes a formidable artwork assortment.

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

Prater Amusement Park

Wurstelprater, (typically referred to as Prater) is the world’s oldest amusement park. Identified 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 positioned in Prater, a former searching floor for royalty, which now contains a mix of inexperienced areas, amusement sights, and leisure actions. Madame Tussaud’s may also be discovered right here.

7. Stroll by way of 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 principal function is the gilded Johann Strauss II monument, set by a picturesque pond. With its manicured gardens, fairly bridges, and peaceable ambiance, it is a common spot to chill out for each locals and vacationers.

Enjoyable Reality: 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 once I heard about Hundertwasser Home I needed to go there. A singular vibrant constructing straight out of a fantasy ebook, it’s one among Vienna’s most visited buildings – a unusual architectural surprise with its undulating flooring, forested roof, and vibrant façade.

Enjoyable Reality: Hundertwasser Home is a residential condominium with individuals residing in it, so it’s not potential to go inside. Nonetheless, you may go to the museum on the complicated to study extra in regards to the artist.

9. Take pleasure 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 way of 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 all the time had lengthy traces exterior, so we visited a lesser-known gem as a substitute.

Viennese Iced Espresso

Café Frauenhuber is taken into account to be Vienna’s oldest coffeehouse, relationship 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 is just not 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 Reality: 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 among the world’s largest cultural complexes, mixing historic structure with up to date design. Situated near the Hofburg Palace, it hosts main museums, just like the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Trendy 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 structure. Dominated by the Schwarzenberg Monument, it commemorates Prince Karl Philipp von Schwarzenberg’s army achievements. The sq. additionally options a formidable fountain and a Soviet Battle Memorial.

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

Large 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 Large 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 quite a bit 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 identification, historical past, and leisure life. Nonetheless, in contrast to in Budapest the place the river crosses town centre and passes lots of the metropolis’s principal sights, the Danube in Vienna is on the economic facet of town so a river cruise will 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 practice, making them the closest two capitals in Europe. Bratislava is positioned alongside the Danube River and is value visiting for its picturesque Previous City steeped in historical past. Many guests to Vienna choose to go to Bratislava on a day journey though we selected to spend two nights there. I will probably be writing extra about Bratislava quickly.

Ceaselessly requested questions:

How lengthy do you have to keep in Vienna?

3 days is the commonest length for vacationers and can help you see the foremost sights.

4-7 days: An extended keep gives 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 even perhaps take day journeys to close by areas. There are over 100 museums in Vienna, so that you’re unlikely to get bored.

The place do you have to keep in Vienna?

We stayed on the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere by Hyatt. It was an attractive lodge near the principle practice 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.