Best things to do in Vienna
Find out more about those top places in Vienna
Vienna: A City Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Coffee and Cake
If you’re looking for a city that’s practically dripping with royal flair and historical charm, look no further than Vienna. Once the beating heart of the mighty Habsburg Empire (1683-1918), Vienna is the ultimate destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone who enjoys sipping coffee in a place that feels like it was designed by a monarch.
Top Attractions in Vienna: Things to Do That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty
So, what exactly makes Vienna so irresistible? Well, for starters, it’s got the kind of imperial grandeur that makes you want to start practicing your bow and curtsy. Whether you're exploring palaces, sipping coffee in ornate cafes, or pretending to be a cultured art lover, Vienna is full of top attractions that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a history book. Let’s take a peek at the must-see spots in this imperial wonderland:
1. Hofburg Palace: Your Own Personal Castle
The Hofburg Palace is not just a place; it’s a time machine back to the days of the mighty Habsburgs. This palace complex was the epicenter of power for the emperors of Austria, and today it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to feel like royalty. The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum will give you a fascinating glimpse into the life of Empress Elizabeth, who was as famous for her beauty as she was for her tragic life (cue dramatic music). It’s an absolute top attraction and a great place to get lost in Austrian history.
2. Schönbrunn Palace: A Royal Playground
If Hofburg didn’t satisfy your royal cravings, head to Schönbrunn Palace—the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. It’s essentially a playground for emperors, complete with luxurious gardens, a zoo, and grandiose interior rooms that’ll make you feel like you should have your own throne. And when you step into the garden, try not to be too distracted by the sheer splendor of the place—there’s a Gloriette (a monument) with views that’ll have you feeling on top of the world.
3. The Kunsthistorisches Museum: A Feast for the Eyes
For art lovers, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) is an absolute gem. It houses works from Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and other iconic artists who practically defined the 20th century. Even if you're not an art expert, you’ll find yourself drawn into the drama and beauty of Klimt’s “The Kiss” or Schiele’s tortured self-portraits. Plus, the museum itself is a work of art, with its majestic architecture and grandiose design. You'll feel fancy just walking through the doors.
Vienna’s Famous Food Scene: Where Cake Meets Culture
If there’s one thing Vienna is known for besides its stunning palaces and museums, it’s coffee and cake. Yes, you heard that right. Here, you can fuel your sightseeing with the kind of indulgence that makes every tourist feel like they’ve stumbled into an Austrian fairy tale.
1. Café Central: A Sip of History
A trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without spending an afternoon in one of the city’s famous coffee houses. Café Central is one of the most iconic spots, where intellectuals and writers like Trotsky and Freud once sat and pondered life while sipping espresso. Today, you can enjoy a Melange (Vienna’s version of a cappuccino) while nibbling on a slice of Sachertorte (a rich, decadent chocolate cake). Honestly, it’s the most cultured you’ll ever feel.
2. Naschmarkt: A Foodie’s Paradise
If you’ve had enough of old-school cafés, head to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s bustling food market. It’s where the old meets the new, with food stalls offering everything from traditional Austrian dishes to cutting-edge international cuisine. It’s the perfect place to stuff your face while experiencing the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
3. Heurigen Taverns in Grinzing: Wine and Dine Like a Local
For a more laid-back experience, head to Grinzing, one of Vienna’s hidden gems. This charming neighborhood is home to traditional Heurigen taverns, where you can sample locally produced wine and enjoy classic Austrian comfort food. Picture this: sipping wine while chatting with locals and enjoying live folk music—it’s a true Viennese experience that can’t be missed.
Why You Should Visit Vienna
Vienna is where history, culture, food, and imperial grandeur come together in the most charming way possible. Whether you’re wandering the halls of palaces, sipping coffee in historic cafés, or indulging in decadent desserts, this city offers a little bit of everything. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite (for both cake and culture), and get ready to fall in love with one of Europe’s most regal cities.
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Schönbrunn Palace
Absolutely one of the top places to visit in the city of Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace was the main residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The Palace is a 1,441 rooms building and it played a vital role in the life of Austrians. Besides the building there are lovely gardens to see that are specially designed around the Neptune fountain. The palace also has some fascinating sculptures such as the Gloriette. Visited by over 3.8 million people yearly, the Schonbrunn Palace is a must visit.
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The Hofburg
The Hofburg was also one of the homes of the Vienna’s royals and the seat of the Austrian government till 1918. The Hofburg was built in the 13th century primarily but still underwent some constructions until the 20th century. It is a great work of architecture, designed by various architects notably Loovico Burnacini, Fisher von Eriach and Filiberto Luchese. Currently, the location for several museums, the congress center and the Spanish riding school.
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St. Stephen's Cathedral
The breath-taking St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of those building in Vienna that defines the city. Construction of the cathedral started in the 12th century because the churches the city currently had could not cater for the amount of Christians that needed a place to worship. The gothic style cathedral is 107.2 meters long and 34.2 meters wide, it also has four towers with the tallest bell 136.44 meters. The most famous features about St. Stephen’s Cathedral are the bells, the cathedral has a total of 23 and the largest is called the Pummerin.
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Vienna State Opera
Vienna and Opera go together, people travel from all over the globe to witness a performance at the Vienna State Opera. The Opera was initially named Vienna Court Opera before it was renamed in 1920 after the Habsburg Monarchy was replaced by the First Austrian Republic. The building was designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Null. Opened to the public on 25 May 1869, the Vienna State Opera has performances on most nights of the year.
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Kunsthistorisches Museum
With over a 100 museums in Vienna, it gets a little difficult to pick one. However, one of the best and tourist’s personal favorite is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The Art History Museum as it is fondly called was built in 1891 following the designs of Karl von Hasenauer and Gottfried Semper. The Museum being a very diverse one features collection of work from different era such as the Renaissance and Baroque era. Kunsthistorisches Museum is very revered in Europe for a number of reasons but mostly because of the notable works of painting and sculptures by famous artists.
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Spanish Riding School
Located inside the Hofburg in central Vienna, the Spanish Riding School was established in 1735 and is dedicated to training of Lipizzaner horses and preservation of classic equestrian skills. Regarded as one of the best riding schools in the world, its best horses and riders are well revered, and they perform to worldwide audiences. There are often live performances at the impressive riding hall designed by architect Joseph Emanuel Fisher, these performances are often attended by locals and tourist alike.
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Strudel Show
The strudel show is a great opportunity for tourist to learn how to prepare the famous Viennese desert. The show involves a professional pastry chef who bakes and teaches the audience how to make a Viennese apple strudel. It is a good learning process to watch and after the lesson the recipe is handed out to whomsoever wants to try to replicate what they have just seen at home.
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Madame Tussauds
This museum is something different and unique when compared to most museums you will witness on your travels. The Madame Tussauds is a wax museum and it features over 80 wax figures, each of different famous individuals including local and international persons such as Johnny Depp, Mahatma Gandhi, David Alaba and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Wax figures are not the only attraction of the Museum; you can also take an intelligent test against Albert Einstein or Talk to the interactive application “Sisi”.
