Vienna was the capital of the Hapsburg Empire for centuries, this charming and elegant city still possesses a rather regal atmosphere. Its history shines through at every corner, but this is no museum – it is also very much a living city of the 21st Century.
Vienna is one of the best cities to visit on the Danube, and it is also one of the most cultured destinations in Europe with so many attractions to check out.
You’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere in the world with so many museums and art galleries. The people of Vienna are hugely proud of their roots, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn more about it – the MuseumsQuartier Wien is the main one. Amazingly, this area is home to around 70 cultural facilities, and is one of the largest art and culture complexes in the world.
With many courtyards, cafés and shops, it is the perfect blend of urban life with historic appreciation. There are several historic buildings to explore from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as contemporary museums to celebrate modern Viennese artists.
Vienna has so much to offer, view my tips and see why this city excited me so much.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Warm or very warm summers and cold winters (November – March). Snow is quite frequent most years. Spring and autumn can offer very pleasant temperatures, with June often being the wettest month. Vienna is quite an expensive city whenever you visit, but you will probably see the city at its beautiful best in spring and autumn.
Where to Stay
If you don’t mind the short bus ride, I would highly suggest staying at the Palace Hostel. This budget hostel is situated on old palace grounds, overlooks a small vineyard as well as Vienna itself. A stunning view for great prices, with a small breakfast and sheets included.
Culture
For anyone with an interest in classical music or opera, a visit to Vienna is almost like a pilgrimage.
Great composers of the “Viennese School” include Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn. The Vienna Boys Choir is widely known for the boys’ angelic voices and sailor suits and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is considered to be one of the best in the world.
Vienna has a long tradition of Balls. The most famous, expensive and glamorous of these is the Viennese Opera Ball which has taken place annually at the State Opera House since 1877. One of the city’s highlights every summer is the Film Festival which is held in front of the Vienna City Hall. Each night a different opera-related film is shown on a huge screen.
Even if you’re not crazy about opera, you’ll be hard pushed not to be impressed by the majestic Vienna Opera House (as pictured above). Witnessing a performance is amazing, but even when empty it it oozes music, passion and drama.
Built at the southern end of the Kärtnerstrasse between 1861 and 1869, it’s erection was initially criticised. One of its designers, Eduard van der Nüll, killed himself because he couldn’t handle the negative reaction, and the other, August von Sicardsburg, died soon after.
Much of the building was destroyed in World War II, but it was rebuilt to the original plans and reopened in 1955.
Top Things to Do in Vienna
Planning a trip to Vienna, Austria? You will be happy to know there are many things to do in this great city. These are the main highlights you should add to your Vienna sightseeing itinerary.
Walk through the Old Town
The Innere Stadt, as this is also known, has narrow walkways bursting with medieval architecture and plenty of photography opportunities. It’s very easy to get around on foot, so I’d suggest arming yourself with a map and going on one of the self-guided walking tours.
You’ll be able to see the towering St Stephen’s Cathedral, with classic gothic architecture that oozes the grandeur that Vienna is famous for. As a budget traveler, I was quick to check out St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a mammoth structure right in the middle of town. It’s free and will absolutely take your breath away.
Like many European places of worship, this one is incredibly unique and has its own story to tell. Be sure to take a minute to step away from the crowds and reflect a little – even nonthiests will find its presence awe-inspiring.
Make sure to try and time your visit so that you can catch one of the tours of the catacombs, a must-see! If you have time for another cathedral, check out St. Peter’s Dome – very pretty indeed.
In this area you can also check out the impressive City Hall. This is often the popular venue for the many festivals and feasts that Vienna holds throughout the year.
If you’re heading there this summer, not only will you be able to take in the sprawling Hall itself, but the grand stage erected outside for the annual Film and Music Festival too.
The Imperial Palace
This Palace is truly magnificent. The President of Vienna resides in parts of this palace. It is in the center of the city and is accessible by public transport.
Here, you can go on a guided tour. A silver collection is available for viewing. This is very monumental. It shows a wide range of items that the royals would use for dinning. An informative audio tour can also be used. This talks about the history of the palace. It also tells you what the royals would do in every day life.
The Imperial Apartments are also worth viewing. A Sisi Museum is also at this palace.
The Imperial Treasury of Vienna
Visiting the Imperial Treasury of Vienna may cost a lot, but it truly is well worth the visit. Here you will see one of the biggest collection of Imperial treasures in the whole of Europe. You will also discover some of the vital parts of the Reliquary.
If you have a keen interest in Catholic and European History then please come to this place. The Holy Roman Empire along with the Austrian Crown can also be viewed. We recommend you visit in the off-peak season. This means you will not run into crowds.
The Schonbrunner Gardens
The Schonbrunner Gardens contains many interesting things. Some of these things include: a sculpted garden area which can be found between the Sun Fountain and the Palace. The Sun Fountain is known as the Great Parterre.
A French Garden is also available for viewing. This was created by Jean Trehet in 1965. A maze has also been designed here which visitors can enjoy. Other popular attractions include: A Palm House, a few basic luxuries from the European palaces, and the Tiergarten.
If you are seeking a place to come and relax and to take time out, then you will appreciate the beauty offered in these stunning gardens. You could easily spend a whole day here.
The National History Museum
This fantastic Museum boasts all kinds of collections that have been presented extremely well. Audio explanations are available. These come at a nominal charge. A wide variety of creatures are also on display.
The architecture of this building is gorgeous. Please allow more than three hours if you wish to view the Museum in full. There is also a restaurant underneath the glass dome that is also worth a visit. This is a great place for all ages, including children.
Enjoy Opera
Austria’s capital is known for many things, and in the same way that you couldn’t go to London and not see a musical in the West End, you can’t possibly head to one of the motherlands of opera and not go to see one.
This is an iconic part of Viennese culture, wound into the fabric of the city, along with other forms of classical music, and into the hearts of all its people. Plus, it’s never been easier to buy tickets online, you can take a look at the full schedule of operas and ballets coming up, and fit your stay there around the right dates.
If you want to see a classic version of Carmen or other shows in the luxurious surroundings of the Vienna State Opera House, book them now before they sell out!
Discover More
There’s so much to see in Vienna that you’re almost spoilt for choice, but two of the city’s lesser known museums are well worth a visit.
The Vienna Furniture Museum is home to the Imperial furniture collection and is housed in the building where the Hapsburgs stored their furniture. The museum’s displays and special exhibitions include current furniture developments and designs.
The Museum of Technology is a fascinating place to visit for anyone who has an interest in how things work. The unique exhibits, from the past to the future, make the museum a showplace for exciting technological developments.
Shopping
For high end shopping the shops in Kaerntner Strasse and around St. Stephen’s Cathedral have all the top brands. Mariahilfer Strasse is the city’s longest and most lively shopping street which has something to offer every shopper. Head to the colourful Naschmarkt for everything from organic bread to Asian foods but also a spot of people-watching and a true Viennese experience.
Eat and Drink
Vienna is famous for its cafés and coffee houses which entice customers in with their elegant décor, variety of coffees and sumptuous cakes and pastry creations. It’s difficult to leave the city without having tried a piece of Apfelstrudel, Linzertorte or the famous Viennese speciality cake, Sachertorte.
At the very least, do your senses a favour and take a second (or ten!) to check out the mouth-watering displays, as the cafes fight for the right to claim to have the most delicious apple strudel in the city.
If you’re looking for some tasty street food buy a Wiener (the local version of a frankfurter) at one of the sausage stands which can be found on sale throughout the city. Beer is the usual accompaniment to a Wiener.
Best Places to Visit Nearby to Vienna
Take a tram to Grinzing on the outskirts of the city and go walking in the Vienna Woods. The Woods are Vienna’s “green lung” and provide an ideal contrast to the busy city centre.
Grinzing is a charming wine village and it’s well worth spending time exploring the surrounding vineyards and visiting a few taverns.
Budapest, another former Imperial capital is under three hours away by train.
Plan a Trip to Vienna
I visited Vienna as part of my whirlwind tour of Europe. With only two nights and one real day to take it all in, I wish I could have stayed longer! For those of you on a budget (like I was, at the time), Vienna is a great place to take it all in, people-watch, wander around the altstadt, and grab a cheap cup of coffee. On the flip side, Vienna has tons of activities, museums, and attractions, if you’re one to pay for it.
These are just a few of the things you can do in Vienna and I hope I have given you a good insight. So when are you going to Vienna?