The best things to do – Vienna
The Best Activities and Things to do in Vienna, Austria
As the capital city of Austria, Vienna, or “Wien” as the locals call it, is a place with plenty of history to check out. This city is a must stop destination if you are in Central Europe. But if you stop by, then you may be wondering about the best things to do in Vienna.
In this article, we’ll detail the best activities and things to do in Vienna and look into the city’s plethora of various activities that you can get up to when you arrive. From of its imperial palaces to the quaint coffee houses. This capital city has a lot to offer no matter the weather, preference, or time.
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
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In a Hurry? Here's our Key Info for This Article
- A picnic at Schönbrunn Palace is a great way to enjoy Vienna on a spring day
- Vienna offers a mix of old and new, catering to history buffs, culture enthusiasts, foodies, and curious travelers
- Events like Donauinselfest are exciting, large-scale events to look out for when visiting Vienna
- Vienna’s springtime features blue skies every day, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities
Must-Visit Attractions
St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna is a significant landmark that embodies the citys architectural heritage. Its construction began in the 12th century, and it showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The cathedrals iconic south tower, known as the Steffl, stands at an impressive 136 meters and offers breathtaking views of Vienna. Inside, visitors can explore the catacombs and admire intricate details like the massive organ and ornate altars. For those planning a visit, St. Stephens Cathedral, Vienna opening hours are essential to know. Typically, the cathedral is open from early morning until late evening, allowing ample time for exploration. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insights into its history and architecture. Its advisable to check for any special events or services that might affect visiting times.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austrias most significant cultural landmarks. This grand Baroque palace was once the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and offers visitors a chance to explore its opulent rooms and expansive gardens. The palaces 1,441 rooms showcase stunning architectural details and are open to the public through guided tours. Visitors can also enjoy the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world, located within the palace grounds. For practical Schönbrunn Palace travel information, its essential to note that the site is easily accessible by public transport from central Vienna. The palace grounds include beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues that can be explored for free, although access to the interior requires an entry ticket. Audio guides are available in several languages, providing context and history about the sites many features. Whether planning a short visit or a full day of exploration, Schönbrunn Palace offers something for everyone.
Belvedere Museum
The Belvedere Museum in Vienna is renowned for its impressive collection of art, including works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Housed in two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum grounds also feature beautiful gardens that provide a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Visitors should note that the Belvedere Museum opening hours vary depending on the section of the museum they wish to visit. Typically, the Upper Belvedere is open daily, while the Lower Belvedere and other exhibition halls may have different schedules. It is advisable to check their official website for up-to-date information before planning a visit.
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Visit the Historic Places of Vienna
With extremely old structures and architecture. Vienna’s historical highlights are a demonstration of its past, the city has done a wonderful job keeping its history alive. The capital of Austria has places are certainly worth a visit even just to appreciate the marvel of how they have stood through time. At the airport and need to get the city? Here are some easy ways to get from the Vienna airport to the city centre.
Local Historic Must-sees
One of the must-visit locales is the Schönbrunn Royal residence, an UNESCO World Legacy site and surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Schönbrunn was opened in the year 1700 and has guided tours daily. With its shocking Florid engineering and broad gardens, it’s not difficult to go through a whole day investigating this landmark attraction. Don’t forget to download our new On The Move mobile app for Android and add this amazing landmark to your collection as you visit.
Another famous milestone is St. Stephen’s Church building, a Gothic show-stopper that has remained in the core of Vienna for over 700 years. It is a must-see due to its stunning stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and tower-level city views. Located in central Vienna and built in 1578, the church is simply a sight to behold.
Schönbrunn Royal residence and St. Stephen’s Church may be two of the most popular buildings in Vienna but there’s so much more to see. The city is also home to Hofburg Castle (also known as Hofburg Palace). This impressive building was opened in 127. It is another demonstration of Vienna’s history and unique architechture that makes this city amazing. As the seat of the Habsburg lineage, the castle presently houses a few exhibition halls, the Austrian Public Library, and the workplace of the Leader of Austria.
The Belvedere Royal residence is another must-visit. The castle is home to the Belvedere Exhibition hall. This houses a broad assortment of Austrian workmanship, including Gustav Klimt’s popular painting, “The Kiss”.
Modern Attractions in Vienna
While Vienna is famous for its history, the city also embraces the new and the inventive. Vienna’s touch with modern day is showcased by its present-day attractions. The MuseumsQuartier is a good example of this and worth checking out when you visit. This social complex houses a range of contemporary and present day craft galleries, including the Leopold Historical centre and the Exhibition hall of Current Workmanship Ludwig Establishment (MUMOK). It’s a centre of innovativeness and a must-visit for craftsmanship devotees. While in Vienna, if you happen to be there over the festive season, a must see is the Vienna Christmas markets. They take lights and festivities to a new level with their festive markets.
For a bit of nature, go to the Vienna Prater. The famous Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel can be found in this huge public park, which has stunning views of the city. The Prater likewise includes a good amount of current attractions, including carnival rides and dining options. The grounds of Prater are quite large and only a short walk out of the city.
Be sure to check out the Hundertwasserhaus, a one-of-a-kind apartment complex that Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a well-known Austrian artist, designed. Its bright, lopsided exterior is a distinct difference to Vienna’s usually customary engineering and an indicator of innovation and development in Vienna.
The Danube Island is not far out of the city centre either. A long, tight island in the Danube Stream. It’s a haven for recreation with everything from swimming and sunbathing to cycling and rollerblading. This destination is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summers day. If you are visiting Vienna at the end of June you can check out Donauinselfest – A free 3 day open air festival located right on Danube island. The festival attracts 3 million visitors over the 3 days and is something that is worth attending if possible. Check out the Donauinselfest official site here.
Vienna’s Culture
Vienna is a city that invests a lot into its culture. It provides a wealth of cultural experiences that are suitable for any visitor, including its world-renowned music and colorful art scene.
Music fans will find their paradise in Vienna, the music capital of the world. If you want to see world-class performances in a stunning architectural setting, the Vienna State Opera is a must-see. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein is an unforgettable experience for those who prefer the symphony while admiring a world famous site.
Craftsmanship fans will be attracted to the city’s various workmanship exhibitions and historical centers. The Albertina Exhibition hall houses one of the biggest and most significant print rooms on the planet, with works from Monet, Picasso, and Dürer. For all you art fans out there, be sure to visit and soak in the history.
Vienna is home to an great theater scene. The Burgtheater being one of the main German language theaters on the planet. The city has various celebrations over time and if you are in the city at the right time you can catch the Vienna Film Festival or the Vienna Jazz Celebration. If you’re into rock music, the annual Nova Rock Music Festival is only an hours drive away at Nickelsdorf, here’s our Novarock 2023 review.
Nightlife in Vienna
At the point when the sun sets, Vienna changes into a city of lights, music, and energetic nightlife. From various modern bars to a thumping club scene, there’s something for everybody in Vienna into the evening. We would recommend heading to the Sky Bar for a taste of Vienna’s sophisticated nightlife, sipping cocktails while taking in a panoramic view of the city is a great way to spend your evening. On the other hand if you’re searching for something more in the way of live music, Vienna offers an fantastic music scene right on the banks of the Danube Waterway.
Vienna’s nightlife is all around as different and varied as the actual city. For the people who favor a calmer night, a visit to a conventional Heuriger (wine bar) on the edges of the city is an unquestionable must. Here, you can test nearby wines and appreciate customary Austrian music in a comfortable setting. It’s a great way to meet more of the locals.
Vienna Food and Drink – A Taste of Austria
No trip to Vienna is complete without sampling the city’s delicious food. Vienna has everything from traditional Austrian dishes to more exotic foods. One of the national dishes of Austria is the Chicken Schnitzel and it is honestly delicious.
If you’re looking where to begin, we would suggest a visit to a traditional Viennese café, where you can partake in some Melange (Viennese espresso) matched with a cut of Sachertorte, a flavorful chocolate cake that is a local delicacy. For a generous meal, try the Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and seared veal cutlet often served with fries, or perhaps Tafelspitz is to your preference, a bubbled hamburger in stock presented with apple and horseradish sauces.
For a one of a kind eating experience, take a stab at feasting at Steirereck, one of Vienna’s top connoisseur eateries. The restaurant, which is in the Stadtpark, serves innovative Austrian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Always take social customs seriously while travelling. Look into what the tipping culture is in Austria in order to have a smooth and kind journey.
Conclusion
Vienna is a city that easily mixes the old with the new, offering an abundance of encounters that take care of all preferences and interests. Vienna has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a foodie, or just a curious traveler. It is always checking out what events are on at various moments of the year, you are sure to discover something exciting, such as Donauinselfest – one of central Europe’s largest free, open-air festivals. Vienna is offers amazing experiences and a good network of transportation. This is truly one of the best cities to visit.
FAQ
Vienna is a big city and in order to get the best experience, it is recommended a minimum of three full days to explore depending on your interests and time commitments. The city center is walkable but also offers a good metro-link network as well as trams and buses.
To enjoy a warm climate without the risk off too much rain, most visitors look at the either April/May or September/October to visit. This avoids the very popular months of June and August where the accommodation costs increase significantly. Be sure to check out our other Vienna articles for more great things to know about the Austrian Capital. Remember to grab some insurance before you go, Safetywing has some great premiums that will cover anything you need during any month in Vienna.
While Vienna has adopted card payment in most places, it is always advisable to carry cash with you in the event of payment machines not working. Sometimes card payment in Vienna is subject to a minimum amount which could be problematic for small purchases.
