Vienna
If you like palaces, museums, and castles, you won’t be disappointed. Vienna is full of history and rich culture. It’s the city of grand imperial architecture and classical music, where some of the most iconic figures like Mozart and Beethoven once lived. Every corner of Vienna tells a story, from majestic palaces to elegant cafés.
Its historic center is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which says a lot about the beauty and importance of the city’s past.
I put together the main attractions that you should definitely not miss
How to get to the center from the airport
It’s super easy to get to the city center from the airport. You’ve got two main options: bus or train, but the train is actually both cheaper and faster! It costs just around 5€ and takes only about 12 minutes. You can buy your ticket at the station, but to save time, I’d recommend downloading the ÖBB tickets app. It lets you buy your ticket directly on your phone.
How to travel around Vienna
Getting around Vienna is very easy! While most of the main sights are within walking distance, you might occasionally need to go a bit outside the city center. You can use the ÖBB ticket app to easily purchase bus and tram tickets. If you plan to take public transport more than two or three times in a day, a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket (or even longer options) is definitely worth it and will save you money.
Here is the Top Activities in Vienna
City Center
Take some time to stroll through the main pedestrian streets, Kärntner Straße and Graben, right in the heart of Vienna. These lively streets are full of shops, restaurants, souvenir stores, and impressive historic buildings.
You’ll definitely come across the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you really can’t miss it with its towering spire and eye-catching tiled roof. While walking along Graben, make sure to stop by Petersplatz, where you’ll find St. Peter’s Church, a beautiful baroque church tucked between the buildings.
Hofburg palace
One of the biggest palaces in the world, the Hofburg Palace dates all the way back to 1220! It’s one of the most visited sites in Vienna and was actually home to emperors up until World War I.
Inside, you can explore the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth. You’ll also find the Imperial Treasury, where you can see the crown jewels and treasures of the powerful Habsburg dynasty. It’s a must-see if you’re into history, royalty, or just love walking through grand, ornate rooms.
Karlskirche
Karlsplatz is a beautiful and lively square in Vienna, home to the impressive Karlskirche (St. Charles Church). This baroque masterpiece stands out with its massive dome and unique architecture.
Unlike most churches in the city, entry isn’t free, you’ll need to pay €10 to visit inside. But it’s absolutely worth it: the interior is stunning, and you can even take an elevator up to a viewing platform under the dome for a closer look at the frescoes and a nice view over the city.
Schwarzenbergplatz
Right near Karlskirche is Schwarzenbergplatz, where you’ll see the beautiful monument honoring the soldiers of the Soviet Army. It’s quite impressive and definitely worth stopping by.
National library of Vienna
Definitely a must-see! Probably one of the most beautiful libraries you’ll ever come across. It holds over 12 million items! Walk around surrounded by millions of books and just take it all in.
Daun Kinksy Paalace
You can enter the Daun Kinsky Palace for free. There are some exhibitions with paintings you can buy if you want, but the real highlight is the palace’s beautiful ceiling.
Hundertwasserhause
Probably the most original HLM building, with its funny shape and a mix of different colors that really give the place a unique vibe. It’s a bit outside of the center, but you can take the tram that stops right there.
Schönbrunn Palace
A bit outside the city center, you’ll find Schönbrunn Palace, a stunning Baroque masterpiece and one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The palace is surrounded by a huge park with fountains, gardens, and walking paths.
Make sure to walk all the way up to the Gloriette, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the palace grounds. There’s even a café inside the Gloriette if you want to enjoy a meal or coffee with a view.
Nearby, you can also visit the Imperial Carriage Museum, the Palm House, and even Vienna’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn. Keep in mind that only visiting the park is free, for the rest, you will have to get tickets.
Even if you don’t go inside, exploring the palace grounds alone is totally worth the visit!
Belvedere Palace
Don’t miss the Belvedere Palace, one of Vienna’s most iconic spots. Inside, you’ll find incredible works spanning 800 years of art history, including the famous “Napoleon Crossing the Alps”, “The Kiss” by Klimt, and even paintings by Van Gogh.
The entrance ticket is a bit pricey (around 21€ if you don’t have the Vienna Pass), but totally worth it for art lovers. If you’re on a budget or just short on time, the gardens are free to visit, where you can take great pictures of the palace’s baroque architecture.
Boat Tour on the Danube
Vienna is surrounded by the Danube, and there’s nothing better than giving your legs a break and discovering the city from a whole new angle, right from the water! If you high time it’s a great alternative to visit the city.
Opera
Visiting Vienna means you absolutely have to experience classical music at the opera. You can go to the Vienna State Opera, or check out the Musikverein just nearby. Both venues offer a variety of classical performances, and even some other genres, so be sure to check the schedule and pick the one that suits you best.