Top 21 Places to Visit and Things to do in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most charming cities in the whole of Europe, and it is fitting when it is called the “city of dreams.” One of the best parts about Vienna is that this city reflects and relishes tons of elements from its history, which is beautiful and indeed fascinating to witness.

We have put together a list of top things to do in Vienna in case you are visiting.

The Hofburg

The extravagant Hofburg palace is also a palatial complex that truly reflects the elements of the Habsburg dynasty and is utilized as a winter palace for many emperors who belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire for years. The Hofburg palace serves as the presidential base of Austria.

Most portions of the palace were put through many changes and additions since the building was first built in the 13th century. The baroque architecture is truly one of the best things to see in Vienna.

Address: 1010 Vienna, Austria | Timing: Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday to Wednesday: Closed | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/LpbYgAUGPC7sLhTg9

Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace, a major Vienna sightseeing spot, was built in the 1600s and has held a major part in showcasing the cultural significance of Austria ever since. The Schönbrunn Palace features 1441 rooms and has a complex architecture that makes it one of the top things to do in Vienna.

This palace residence has served as home for many Austrian Royals. The Baroque-style building is a true feast for the onlooker’s eyes, especially the main building of the Schönbrunn Palace with an asymmetric design with numerous beautiful sculptures on the top frontal gardens. The beautiful rooms inside the Schönbrunn Palace and the fabulous furnishing have a great style that will keep you mesmerized.

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Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Rno1JVrpTPQXjvWE7 | Phone Number: +43181113239

Museum of Fine Arts

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is often referred to as the Museum of Fine Arts and is a major Vienna sightseeing spot. It features stunning European masterpieces that are works of Velasquez, Titian, and Van Dyke. You can also see artifacts related to ancient Greek and Egyptian gods.

Besides the extensive collection of beautiful artifacts, the Palace building itself is a spectacle, and the gardens outside quite charming. The palace was first opened to the public in the year 1891.

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Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria | Timing: Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday to Wednesday closed | Google map location: https://g.page/KHMWien?share | Phone Number: +431525240

St.Stephen’s Cathedral

If you are into Gothic architecture and Gothic churches, the St. Stephen’s cathedral will serve as a perfect feast for your eyes. This Romanesque church was originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed several times throughout history. Different elements such as the massive gate, the South Tower, the Heathen tower, and other additions were later augmented.

The Cathedral Treasure is noteworthy as it comprises historical artifacts that are significant for the Church. All that said, you must add St. Stephen’s Cathedral to your “things to do in Vienna” list for sure.

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Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/pWxC8MCYv33vU1678 | Phone Number: +431515523530

Vienna Zoo

Zoos form a pertinent element in any touristy trip and visiting the Vienna Zoo or the Tiergarten Schönbrunn is one of the top things to do in Vienna Zoo. The history of zoos in Vienna dates back to the era of Emperor Francis to the year 1752. It is the oldest zoo in the world with many fascinating elements such as Baroque buildings and has a really pleasant vibe because of the parks and gardens.

If you find yourself famished during the zoo tour, you can grab some yummy refreshments from the Imperial Breakfast Pavilion converted into a beautiful cafe. Along with the wide variety of animals encompassing 750 species, you must also check out the Haus des Meeres, an extensive aquarium, and the Schmetterlinghaus, a butterfly house in Vienna zoo.

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Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 09:00 am to 05:30 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/zoovienna?share | Phone Number: +43187792940

Rathaus

If you are looking for historicplaces to visit in Vienna, you must consider Rathaus. The Rathausplatz is a town hall that defines the beauty of fine Austrian architecture and is one of the top Vienna attractions. The Neo-Gothic addition to the town hall built in the late is currently used for the mayor’s office and other administrative purposes.

Rathaus is built just like the town hall located in Brussels and features several elements like five towers with a central structure featuring a Rathausman statue. You have options to explore the place by yourself or take up the guided tours available to get better insights into the history of the place.

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Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/qArUBk8JAug2mgaN8 | Phone Number: +4314000

Vienna State Opera

Vienna State Opera is indisputably one of the most majestic and prestigious opera houses in the world. The location offers music theatre to its audience almost 300 days a year. The Opera tour around the place gives many details on the history, running of the house and the brilliant architecture. A grand staircase from the foyer takes you to the ceremonial rooms and view of the stage.

You can enter either by purchasing a ticket for any event or by taking a guided tour ticket. The building was constructed in 1869. It occupies Vienna’s Ringstrasse boulevard. One of the greatest performances that have happened here is Placido Domingo’s Othello performance, after which he got a standing ovation of 80-minutes which was a world record.

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Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://g.page/wiener-staatsoper-wien?share | Phone Number: +431514442250

Belvedere Palace

Visiting Belvedere Palace and the gardens is one of the best things to do in Vienna if you want to take yourself back to the 14th century. This amazing palatial palace complex has two main buildings named Unteres and Oberes Belvedere. Oberes features parks, stunning statues, the famous Ceremonial Staircase, and some amazing paintings. Unteres has a Marble Hall with a spectacular ceiling fresco and many historic statues.

The Belvedere palace also features a secondary Winter Palace, the Palace Stables, the Palace Orangery, beautiful fountains, and Belvedere Gardens. There is also a gallery named Österreichische Galerie Belvedere in the palace, which features extensive collections right from the early 12th century to the 16th century.

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Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/belvederemuseum?share | Phone Number: +431795570

Visit the world’s oldest Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel

The Giant Ferris Wheel, which is 65 meters tall, is one of the major Vienna attractions. It gives you a breathtaking view of the city of Danube. It was erected in 1897 to mark the emperor Franz Joseph’s succession to the throne.

It is situated at the entrance of Wurstelprater amusement park surrounded by gardens. The wheel has a diameter of 61 meters. It turns at a speed of 2.7 kilometres per hour. It has been part of several Hollywood films. There are eight cabins at the entrance of the giant wheel. It gives you a sneak peek at 2000 years of history. The cabins can be booked for cocktail receptions, dinners, and even weddings.

Address: Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://g.page/WienerRiesenrad?share | Phone Number: +4317295430

Vienna Natural History Museum

From taxidermy specimens to minerals and gemstones, Vienna’s natural history museum has it all. It has the history of the earth and experiencing nature through the objects exhibited at the museum. Numerous extinct and threatened animal specimens which have undergone taxidermy are also on display in this place.

The museum holds a 2900-year-old eleven-centimeter-tall early stone age sculpture. ‘Venus of Willendorf’ was found in Austria in 1908. Along with this, you can also spot 36000-year-old ‘Venus Cabinet in the same place. It also houses objects across about five millennia.

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Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/AP6ZCimNYKcwCC529 | Phone Number: +431521770

Danube Tower

Danube Tower is Austria’s tallest landmark and is located in Donauturm Platz. Donauturm Platz is a popular destination and an easy way to discover the beautiful views of the city. There is an express lift to take you 150 meters up with a remarkable 360-degree view of the place.

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Address: Donauturm Platz 1, 1220 Wien, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 12:00 am | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/YiFS95uRuDF4yyEq9 | Phone Number:+4312633572

The Spanish Riding School

Horse riding has a prominent place in the history of Austria, and the Spanish riding school dates back to the reign of King Maximilian II. Also referred to as Spanische Hofreitschule, the Spanish riding school was founded in 1562 with a stable of Lipizzaner horses and stands as one of the best riding schools in the world.

If you want to witness some of the top-notch equestrian skills, you can get tickets for the relevant races and exhibits that take place. Most performances and events sell out very quickly, and booking comes in real handy. You can even visit the stables and gardens and get a glimpse of the training sessions that happen as well. The riding school also features a charming café to grab some good food during the tour.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ljc5d3qj8QkR5Cj28 | Phone Number: +4315339031

House of Music

Vienna has always been known as one of the most musically oriented cities in Europe, and many legendary composers, right from Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, and Strauss, have lived here at some point in time. Having that said, it is inevitable to visit the house of music, which features a ton of elements regarding Classical music. The Haus der Musik is a fascinating museum and features some of the works of legendary musicians such as the ones mentioned above, which include artifacts like soundbites and manuscripts. You can avail a ton of information on the evolution of classical music in Europe.

There is a virtual philharmonic conducting feature that will enable the visitors to virtually conduct a concert. If you are into music, this place will be an absolute treat for you, and even if you are not a fan of classical music, this experience will leave you fascinated.

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Address: Seilerstätte 30, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/tqXEZLc5iJmFBXEC7 | Phone Number: +4315134850

Visit the Cultural hub called Naschmarkt

No trip is complete without getting an indulgent experience concerning local food. The Naschmarkt market will be filled with numerous vendors with their specialty products, starting from fruit, dairy, and even meat. This market is indeed an extravaganza and features an overwhelming variety of fresh local produce and local delicacies. Naschmarkt is one of its kind, and it helps you get a proper insight into day-to-day life in the people in Vienna.

You can also visit these small stalls and eateries and get a taste of the yummy snackable. The food here is very inexpensive yet tasty, which is the best kind of planning on a food hopping spree. If you are ever wondering what to do in Vienna, you should be heading to Naschmarkt without a doubt. The market is usually open from morning through evening, all through the week, except Sunday.

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Address: 1060 Vienna, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 06:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/FTWRepd4CbtFXdQw6 | Phone Number: +431400005430

Museumsquartier

The Museumsquartier is a cluster of cafes, restaurants, bars, and museums inside stables designed by the renowned architect Fischer von Erlach. It is a perfect place to meet with people on a warm evening. It is indeed one of the most ambitious cultural clubs in the world. You have plans to visit several museums; then you should have a combined ticket from the MQ point.

Entry to the museums starts at normal reliable rates. There are visual art, theatre, music, architecture, and even game culture for display at the Museumsquartier. Many cultural events take place according to the seasons in the courtyards.

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Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria | Timing: 24X7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/r9J5GghtJfEUmZgh8 | Phone Number: +4315235881

Vienna Woods

The Vienna woods houses over 2000 plant species and many bird species, along with few endangered animals.

Vienna Woods is a cultural and colorful program that attracts people from all over the world and where they get to know the Vienna culture and the amazing biosphere of the woods. Adding to that, the Vienna woods houses 15 nature reserves and four national parks.

Address: 3032 Pressbaum, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/xRMcxpsXbiQERHVHA

Karlskirche

Karlskirche is an 18th-century baroque church that has plenty to offer its curious visitors. It is beautifully done by combining classical music, contemporary art, and the workmanship of artisans from that time. It hosts classical concerts throughout the year. The exteriors are made very impressively with a great dome and several giant columns. Emperor Charles VI built it in the 18th century in the name of St. Charles Borromeo.

You require a ticket to enter the church’s premises, which gets used towards the renovation works of the church. The insides are rich in marble stones, decorative delights, wall paintings, and stone works. The place is well maintained, with all these in perfect condition, and the gardens are impeccable. The church is not just a place of worship but still holds back the title of Catholic churches serving as a sponsor of arts from old times.

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Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien, Austria | Timing: Thursday to Saturday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm, Monday to Wednesday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/rqHV8FkHWUQzzgz86 | Phone Number: +4315046187

Museum Judenplatz

Judenplatz is considered to be the center of Jewish life in Vienna. The Judenplatz museum consists of Rachel Whiteread’s memorial, excavations of the synagogue, and a museum on medieval jews. On display, they have 14th-century synagogue ruins, glimpse into social, cultural, and religious conditions of living of the Jews in Vienna.

Temporary exhibitions are held at this place. There is also a memorial for all the Austrian Jews who lost their lives during Nazism.

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Address: Judenpl. 8, 1010 Wien, Austria | Timing: Friday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday, Tuesday closed | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/WswmbtWb9ypjsAeE9 | Phone Number: +43153504311580

The Albertina

The famous Albertina museum in Vienna houses modern art of Europe under the Batliner Collection. It is topped with Picasso’s work from the early cubist times. It has a great diversity of Russian paintings and sculptures also which are very valuable.

Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria | Timing: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/AlbertinaMuseum?share | Phone Number: +43153483

Vienna Ring Tram

If you want to have sightseeing in Vienna through tracks, it is possible with Vienna’s traditional tram. You pass almost all the famous sights when you ride the tram, which is also allied yellow tram. You can see the Opera, Parliament, City hall, museums and much more during this ride.

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Address: Ring Tram Haltestelle, Schwedenplatz, Bahnsteig C, 1010 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/RbVRYtf4GcKmf3SW9 | Phone Number: +4317124683

Visit the Artistic Hundertwasser House

Hundertwasser House is an expressionist landmark in the city of Vienna. It is one of the most visited Vienna tourist attractions and was added as a place of cultural heritage.

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Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/gFMwgxEKfYAjpQDG8 | Phone Number: +43153483