12 Best Things to do in Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna
Repeatedly voted the best city to live in the world, Vienna, Austria is known for its rich cultural history, classical music and fine arts, imperial palaces, historical landmarks, and Viennese food and wine.
From catching a performance at the Vienna State Opera to enjoying a relaxing day by the Danube, Vienna is a captivating city that offers so much to do. Interested in what the city has to offer? Check out these top 12 unmissable things to do on a visit to Vienna.
1. Discover Vienna’s Palaces
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Vienna served as the capital of the Habsburgs dynasty (a royal German family that ruled a variety of lands in central and eastern Europe and reigned from the 13th century to 1918) and is home to two imperial Habsburg palaces. Schönbrunn was the summer residence, while Hofburg was the main residence, located in central Vienna.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most popular landmarks in Vienna. Located in Hietzing (13th district), Schönbrunn is home to beautiful vast gardens and boasts 1,441 rooms. Schönbrunn in its present state was built and remodeled by Maria Theresa beginning around the 1740s.
Interested in Schönbrunn palace history? Well, here you go! The land on which Schönbrunn sits was originally home to the Katterburg estate and was acquired by Maximilian II in 1569. After the death of Maximilian II in 1576 the Katterburg passed through different Habsburgs such as Rudolph II, to Emperor Matthias, to Emperor Ferdinard II and his wife Eleonora von Gonzaga, and many more. Schönbrunn palace was eventually acquired by Emperor Charles VI in 1728 who then later gifted it to his daughter Maria Theresa.
Tips for visiting Schönbrunn Palace:
Stunning, breathtaking, and vast, a visit to Schönbrunn, provides insight into Habsburg history and imperial living. While visiting, keep these tips in mind:
The Schönbrunn palace vs park can be visited separately and have different operating hours, which changes during the seasons. For example, when I visited in the summer (July), the palace was open from 8:30am-5:30pm, while the gardens were open from 6:30am-9pm. As you plan your visit check the palace website for the most up to date Schönbrunn palace and park opening hours.
Tickets are required for visiting the Schönbrunn palace and some gardens, but access to the main garden is free. There are different Schönbrunn palace ticket offerings, so it's best to research and choose the one that works best for you. For example, there’s a Schönbrunn Grand Tour that provides access to the main attractions, including Franz Joseph and Elisabeth’s apartment, and rooms occupied by Maria Theresa. There’s also a ticket for the children’s museum, for individuals or families interested in kid-friendly alternatives.
During peak seasons, such as summer, Schönbrunn Palace is packed and busy. You often have large groups of guided tours or individuals visiting from all over. Therefore it is best to buy tickets ahead of time online (bypassing any ticket lines) and simply arrive at your entrance time. If possible, try going earlier in the morning (for example at opening time) when the crowds are less.
Hofburg Palace
Serving as the winter and primary Habsburg residence, Hofburg Palace is located in central Vienna. Built in the 13th century, Hofburg was extended by each emperor to become the sprawling and dynamic complex it is today. Made up of a group of historical buildings, squares, and parks and outdoor spaces, Hofburg is home to tourist attractions, such as the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, the Spanish Riding School, etc as well as offices of the president of Austria.
Tips for Visiting Hofburg Palace:
Since it’s a sprawling and dynamic complex, it can be helpful to join a free walking tour of Vienna to learn more about the history from a guide. Alternatively you can also visit on your own.
If you visit without a guide, I recommend having a stroll around the area to gain an understanding of the layout and to identify specific parts you’re interested in visiting, such as the Hofburg Sisi Museum and Imperial Palace or the riding school.
Keep in mind that the complex is mostly outdoors and there are not a lot of covered or shaded areas (for those summer months). Therefore, depending on the season you’re visiting, plan and dress accordingly for the weather.
Belvedere Palace
Upper Belvedere Palace, Vienna
Albeit not a Habsburg palace, Belvedere is a beautiful Baroque palace built by the successful military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. Having led successful military battles on behalf of the Holy Roman Emperors and Habsburg dynasty, Prince Eugene of Savoy was rewarded heavily. He accumulated enough wealth to construct Belvedere, which consists of the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and a beautiful garden.
Located in the 3rd district, both the Upper and Lower Belvedere are now art museums and home to leading exhibitions, such as the Klimt collection, which includes the renowned artwork, The Kiss (found in the Upper Belvedere).
Tips for visiting Belvedere Palace and Museum:
Visiting Belvedere is a captivating experience. It provides the opportunity to simultaneously take in the Palace’s beautiful architecture, while enjoying artwork. To stroll through its beautiful gardens, while enjoying scenic views of Vienna. As you visit keep these tips in mind:
Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, Belvedere 21, and the park can be visited separately and have different operating hours that can change with the season. For example, during my visit in the spring (March), Upper Belvedere was open from 9am-6pm, while Lower Belvedere was open from 10am-6pm. As you plan your visit check the website for the most up to date times.
Tickets are required for all sites but access to the garden is free. Since there are 3 different sites to visit, I recommend checking out the different ticket offerings, and choosing the one that works best for you. For example, there’s a 2 in 1 ticket if you’d like to view both the Upper and Lower Belvedere.
Similar to Schönbrunn, Belvedere Palace and Museum is packed and busy, especially during peak season. Therefore it is best to buy tickets ahead of time online, that way you can try to avoid long ticket queues and simply arrive for your entrance time. If possible, try visiting earlier in the morning (for example at opening time) when the crowds are less.
2. Check out Vienna’s Outstanding Museums
Well known for its art and culture, Vienna is home to renowned museums. With a wide range of museums focused on art, history, science and much more, you'll be spoilt for choice. Vienna offers museums that are from the time of the Habsburg monarchy to modern and contemporary options. Some notable museums include the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum), Albertina, and Leopold Museum. But there’s many more!
Tips
Do your research on the V-A-R-I-O-U-S museums available and make a plan to visit the ones that you’re interested in. Keep in mind that these museums tend to be busy and packed, especially during the peak seasons. Therefore, it is best to buy tickets ahead of time online!
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, Upper Belvedere, Vienna
3. Be mesmerized by Vienna’s Iconic Landmarks
St. Stephens Cathedral, City Hall, and much more.
In Addition to being home to grand palaces, Vienna is associated with its trademark and iconic buildings. These top sights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), the Giant Ferris wheel (Riesenrad) at Prater, St. Charles Church (Karlskirche), Parliament, and many more.
Stephansplatz, Vienna
4. Catch a Show
Vienna Concerts, Shows, and Musicals.
As the capital of classic music, catching a performance or show during a visit to Vienna is such a treat. From classical concerts to the opera, there’s always a church, cathedral, concert hall, opera house, or performance in a park, you can experience. Do your research, identify a performance you’re interested in, and go check it out!
5. Take advantage of Vienna’s Parks and Gardens
Vienna is home to amazing parks and green spaces that are found throughout the city. From quaint neighborhood parks to well known larger parks, there’s something for everyone.
Famous parks in Vienna include Schlosspark Schönbrunn, Burggarten, Stadtpark, Prater, and Donaupark. But they’re so many more!
tips
Explore the larger and well known parks but also find quaint parks in your neighborhood.
Kaisermühlenbucht, Vienna
6. Relax by the water
The Danube Vienna
Danube canal (Donaukanal), Vienna
In addition to having so many parks and green spaces, there are many places to relax, swim, or dine by the Danube river in Vienna. These include the Danube canal, Danube island, or Old Danube.
The Danube canal (Donaukanal) flows through Vienna’s inner city. It provides so many points to simply sit or walk along the water, dine at various restaurants overlooking the canal, or to take a boat cruise on the Danube. While visiting I took a boat cruise on the canal and it was a relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable experience. I booked online through Get Your Guide for a 75 minute cruise offered by City Cruises Vienna - DDSG Blue Danube, which did not disappoint. It provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, people watch, and enjoy the beautiful day. It’s also a family friendly activity.
Tip: If you’re in the inner city or old town Vienna, use the Schwedenplatz U-bahn as a locator or starting point to explore the Danube canal. From there you can access the many restaurants, spots, bars, etc located along the water.
Nestled in between the Danube canal and Old Danube is Danube island (Donauinsel). Danube island offers a variety of recreational, family friendly, and fun activities, such as walking trails and bicycling paths, the beach, and swimming and water activities. There are playgrounds, basketball courts, and a trampoline park. As well as places to picnic and grill, and a few bars and restaurants. Danube island is also home to major events and festivals. This includes the Danube Island Festival, Europe's biggest free open air party (I can definitely attest to this), which takes place in June, and Afrika Tage (Africa day), an African festival with concerts, food, etc, which happens in August.
Tip: Since it’s a long island, they’re various entry points to access it. It’s best to identify where on the island you’re going and then determine the best way to get there. Walking within the island is feasible, but it’s an extensive island, therefore it can also take time.
How to get to the Donauinsel: 1.) Take the U1 to Donauinsel, or 2.) Take the U6 to Handelskai or Neue Donau, or alternatively 3.) Take one of the regional trains to Handelskai.
Scenic, relaxing, and peaceful, yet full of life, the Old Danube (Alte Donau) is home to a variety of water and leisure activities, events, and restaurants, which attracts locals as well as visitors. From stand-up paddling to enjoying the light festival (Lichterfest), or to enjoying a meal by the water, the Old Danube offers something for everyone.
Tip: The Old Danube can be very busy during the summer months/ peak season, especially the restaurants. Therefore I recommend making restaurant reservations ahead of time (even during the weekdays). Also research if you can pre-book any activities you’re interested in.
Although the Old Danube is not as long as Danube Island, it’s still large and there are various points of entry. It’s best to identify where you’re going and then determine the best way to get there.
How to get to the Alte Donau: 1.) Take the U1 to Alte Donau, or 2.) Take the U6 to Neue Donau, if you’re trying to access the North side, or 3.) Take the U2 to Donaustadtbrucke if you’re trying to access the south side.
7. Take a Free Walking tour of Vienna
Vienna is a compact and walkable city. Therefore an amazing way to get to know the city is by foot. In fact, neighborhoods such as the historic city are especially hard to explore by car (some parts of it cannot be reached by car) and are best accessed by foot. This provides the chance to view historic sites up close and to get a feel for this unique city.
From walking tours about Vienna’s historic city center, to exploring Vienna by night, there are various free walking tours to choose from. Tours are offered daily by various providers and can easily be booked online. In my experience, I booked a free walking tour through Guru Walk and joined a small group to explore Vienna’s city center. I learnt a lot and it was very lovely!
Neubau, Vienna
8. Check out Vienna’s Different Neighborhoods
Although most tourists will primarily spend time exploring Vienna’s historic city center, the museums quarter, or Schönbrunn, there are other neighborhoods worth visiting in Vienna. The city is made up of 23 districts after all!
Tips
In addition to visiting the main top attractions, spend some time exploring different neighborhoods to get a feel for other aspects of Vienna. Some of my favorite areas include Neubau (7th district), because of its youthful vibes, energy, and cute restaurants and cafes, Landstrasse (3rd district), because of its calmness and many restaurant offerings, and Donaustadt (22nd district), because of its various activity offerings. From UNO City to shopping to parks to accessing the Danube (both Alte Donau and Donauinsel), Donaustadt offers so much to do.
9. Explore Areas close by to Vienna
Day trips from Vienna
Prague Castle, Prague
Vienna is centrally located, which makes it a great base for day trips to nearby towns, cities, and even other countries. Day trip options can range from 1 to 4+ hours away (one way), depending on your mode of transportation. With various transportation options, such as train, bus, car, cruises, or organized day trips, there’s loads of ways to get around. Once you’re done exploring Vienna, dedicate some time to exploring its surrounding areas by taking a day trip from Vienna!
Day trips from Vienna within Austria: Best destinations for Austria day trips from Vienna include Salzburg, Hallstatt, Graz, and Wachau Valley.
Tip: If you’re interested in short day trips from Vienna by public transportation, check out Vienna Woods, Franzensburg Castle, or Liechtenstein Castle. The last two are for my fellow castle enthusiasts :) They’re stunning and only around an hour away from Vienna by public transportation.
Are you interested in exploring another country? Some close by regional day trip destinations include Budapest, Hungary, Bratislava, Slovakia, Prague, Czech Republic, and Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Tip: Keep in mind that the distance from Vienna to Prague and/or Ljubljana is around 4+ hours one way, depending on your mode of transportation. Therefore a day trip to either destination is definitely feasible, but could also be strenuous. If you have more time, I would recommend at least spending a night.
Interested in taking a day trip to Prague?
24 hours in prague: Vienna to prague day trip
Check out this one day in Prague itinerary, with the best ways to get from Vienna to Prague, top attractions to visit, and a sample itinerary.
10. Enjoy Traditional Viennese sweets and desserts
Sacher-Torte, Strudel, or maybe you prefer Palatschinken? From Kaiserschmarrn to Marrillenknodel, there are various delicious and exciting Viennese desserts and sweets to try during your visit.
Chocolate Cake, Vienna
11. Eat delicious food
Strandcafé an der Alten Donau
In addition to offering delicious sweets and desserts, Vienna is home to amazing restaurants. From experiencing traditional Austrian cuisine to international options, there’s a variety of restaurants to check out.
Some of my favorite places I enjoyed eating at were:
Shoyu Ramen: Their Japanese curry was out of this world.
Strandcafé an der Alten Donau: Their fish was delicious.
15 süße Minuten Café - Bistro: They have a variety of solid brunch options.
Backwerk: They’re located throughout the city, offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and salads, and are great for grabbing something quick, especially when you’re on the go.
Naschmarkt: A market that is home to a variety of food and vintage stalls, as well as restaurants. You should check it out!
Max and Benito: Simple but flavorful and clean burrito, taco, and bowl options. (I say clean, because when I compare it to Chipotle or Qdoba in the USA the ingredients taste fresher.)
12. Check out Vienna’s Events and Festivals
Vienna is home to great seasonal events. Depending on the time of the year you visit, take advantage of the events that are happening. For example during the winter and Christmas holidays, the city transforms with lights and is home to markets, concerts, exhibitions, and much more. While in the summer, the city is home to loads of outdoor music, film, or themed festivals, concerts, markets, and much more. Don’t miss out!
Danube Island festival (Donauinselfest) 2023, Vienna
Pin this Article for Later!
Check out these featured Articles!
5 Top Things to do in Rome
Visiting Rome for the first time? Check out these 5 best things to do in Rome for first-time visitors.
72 Hours in Lisbon, Portugal: Top Activities
Do you have a weekend or short trip planned to Lisbon? Or simply curious about what the city has to offer? Check out all these top activities to do!