Exploring the opulence of Vienna
Vienna has a lot to offer, no matter your interests. You’ll find streets oozing with imperial history. From grand palaces to magnificent opera houses. For those with eclectic tastes in art, you’ll find Art Nouveau to Baroque, through to contemporary. Galleries are aplenty. There’s also an alternative scene of quirky architecture and hipster coffee houses.
Vienna has no shortage of attractions. It’s also packed into one easily navigable place. Whether you’re here for just a day or a whole week, you’ll find plenty to do.
The Best things to do in Vienna
After visiting nearby cities Budapest and Bratislava – which are more rough around the edges – Vienna was like walking into an open air museum. Everything looked immaculate. It was the perfect city to finish up my little European train journey.
I found endless things to do and experience in Austria’s capital city, and I want to share the highlights with you:
1. Admire the Gothic architecture of Stephansdom
Stephansdom, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral, stands as a symbol of Vienna and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This Gothic masterpiece is truly a vision to behold, with its tiled patterned roof and its intricately carved south tower that soars to 137m at its tallest point.
It is foremost a place of worship, but also a cultural and historical treasure. There’s a lot to see inside, including the crypt below or head to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Recommended: Book tour tickets online for entry to all areas, including a 30-minute tour of the Catacombs.
2. View the art collection at Albertina
The Albertina houses one of the most important art collections in the world.
Within the sumptuous State Rooms and rich art collection lies approximately 65,000 drawings and one million old master prints including Rembrandt and Michelangelo.
To ensure the Albertina has something for all tastes, the museum also has a selection of exhibitions by modern artists throughout the year – at the moment (summer 2018) Keith Haring is being exhibited.
Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tip: It’s located near the Vienna State Opera and Hofburg Palace so you may wish to explore these places at the same time).
3. Explore the opulence of Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg is the fantastically-preserved imperial residences of Vienna; most famous for accommodating the Habsburg dynasty and serving as the playground for Austrian royalty through the ages. Today, it serves as a museum complex and the official residence of the President of Austria.
This is a sumptuous set of opulent architecture. The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, sited in the oldest part of the Imperial Palace, give an interesting glimpse of the life of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi.
Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Ticket Packages: Consider purchasing ticket packages that include access to multiple attractions within the Hofburg Palace complex for a comprehensive experience.
4. Experience the Opera
Music is an integral part of Vienna’s identity. It has produced composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Every night, around 10,000 music fans are treated to live classical music, something unheard of in any other city. Its annual concert schedule includes more than 15,000 events. During your trip, make sure to schedule a visit to see a show and if money is no object, the Vienna State Opera is the one to go to.
You can purchase tickets here in advance to see an expert orchestra perform Strauss and Mozart’s most enduring classics, like A Little Night Music and The Blue Danube inside the lush Renaissance trappings of the Kursalon.
5. Explore the beautiful gardens of Schonbrunn
There are many palaces in Vienna, but Schonbrunn is arguably the best, securing its place onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On a sunny day you could just spend a whole day relaxing in the gardens (many of which are free to enter). My favourite view of the palace is from behind the Neptune fountain where this photo was taken above. Also, make sure you walk all the way up to the Gloriette for a view of the palace and surrounding neighbourhood.
Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130, Vienna, Austria
6. Enter the colourful world of Hundertwasser
Everybody needs a splash of colour in their lives, literally and figuratively. The world would be a dull place without it, and nobody knew this more than Austrian artist Hundertwasser.
He created incredible buildings brimming with glorious technicolour, and none more famous than his eponymous creation: Hundertwasserhaus. It’s a huge housing complex made up of 52 apartments and 16 private terraces, which the architect built between 1983 – 1985.
Read my earlier blog for more about this quirky creation.
Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna, Austria
7. Enjoy contemporary art at Mumok
Mumok is another contemporary offering in city where it’s often feels very traditional. However, the mix of old and new in Vienna is represented perfectly its art scene. If you fancy seeing the best of contemporary art don’t miss Mumok located in the Museums Quartier.
Inside you’ll find sculptors like Berlinde De Bruyckere (pictured above) and Franz West, right through to big-named classical modernist painters like Picasso and Max Ernst.
Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria
8. Belvedere Palace (yes, another palace!)
You might be thinking ‘not another palace…’, but don’t worry Belvedere Palace is the last one on my list, and well worth visiting. Most importantly, it is home to the biggest collection of Klimts in the world – including ‘The Kiss’.
The grounds are spectacular, consisting of a symmetric garden complete with sculptures and water fountains.
Located near the train station (5-minute walk from Wien Hauptbanhof).
9. Indulge in Viennese cake
Legend says, Viennese people found some sacks filled with coffee at the time of the freeing of the Second Siege of the Ottomans (1529), and that the first coffeehouse was opened in 1685. It proved popular among the city’s inhabitants, and the Viennese coffee house culture grew quickly.
The typical attraction of these coffeehouses is the architecture and history, and many famous writers and artists were known to frequent them.
None, are perhaps more famous that Cafe Central where Freud would frequently be spotted, and the likes of Franz Kafka, Arthur Schnitzler and Stefan Zweig were also familiar faces.
As well as the history and architecture, the cakes are delicious.
10. Enter the creepy Imperial Crypt
The unique, and slightly creepy, Imperial Crypt below the Capuchin Church is one of the most unusual things to see in Old Town Vienna.
The church was part of the Capuchin Monastery, founded in 1617 by Anna wife of Holy Roman Emperor Matthias. Delayed until 1633 because of the 30 Years War, the crypt holds elaborate tombs of some of Austria’s greatest leaders.
In total there are bodies of 150 members of the Hapsburg royal family buried at Capuchin. Oddly it’s really just the bodies in the crypt’s tombs as the Hapsburgs organs are not buried here.
Instead, the royal guts are actually housed below Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and their hearts are in the Augustiner Church! Mmmmm can’t say I’d like to be dismembered like that, even if I’m no longer alive to have my say on the matter!
11. Visit the Sigmund Freud Museum
Sigmund Freud, the controversial founder of psychoanalysis, lived at Bergasse 19 until 1938. However, when the Nazis’ persecution of the city’s Jewish residents forced him and his family to flee to England (where you’ll also find another Freud museum nearby Hampstead Heath).
Today his apartment is a thoughtfully curated museum – you can look around his consulting room (keep an eye out for the famous couch), watch rare archive footage of Freud and read all about his most intriguing patients.
12. Marvel at the National Library & State Hall
Now this is what you call a beautiful library, and surely one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Its vast collection of books and grand interior is truly a vision to behold. The library contains over 600 years of history and the baroque State Hall with its magnificent frescoes really breathtaking.
Alternatively: It does costs to enter the National Library, so if you’re on a budget but still feeling bookish, I recommend checking out the charming bookshop Shakespeare & Company.
13. Walk long the Donaukanal
Looking for something more low-key and relaxing to do in Vienna away from the plethora of museums?
At 10 miles long you can have a lovely bike ride along Donaukanal, or, like myself, opt for a stroll instead. If you wander down the canal, you spot lots of cool cafes, such as Strandbar Herrmann which I recommend for a bite to eat.
This is a kind of sandy oasis serving drinks and brunch with an area to unwind in a hammock or deckchair too!
You’ll also spot quite a lot of street art along the way. On a separate day I picked up lunch on one of the canal boats that have been converted into hipsterish cafes.
14. Browse Naschmarkt
Built in the 16th-century, this open-air market allows you to taste your way around Vienna’s diverse culinary history as you work through everything from barrels of sauerkraut to shawarma.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re likely to find it here. Plus it’s a great place to stock up on edible souvenirs like cheese, wine and sausages.
15. Spanish Riding School
Whilst I didn’t experience a tour of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna personally myself, my very good friend over at Sarah did and wrote about her experience here.
The School has more than 450 years of experience in training Lipizzaner stallions. You can attend morning exercises, performances or guided tours the entire year.
16. See the brutalist architecture of Wotruba Church
Ok, whilst Wotruba Church might not be an essential thing to do in Vienna for some, it definitely was for me. I love brutalist architecture and this is one of the best examples of it, city in Vienna anyway.
Have you ever seen a church like it? I’m a massive fan of Brutalist architecture and this is easily one of the most surprising buildings I’ve seen in this style.
The asymmetric pile of concrete block is in complete contrast to the classical forms of architecture you find depicted in most places of worship. It’s not located in the centre of the city so I hopped in an uber to reach it, but it’s easily found by public transport too.
17. Soak up Art Nouveau at the Secession Building
This beautiful Art Nouveau building, with its uncrowded space and Klimt pieces inside will surely stir up feelings from somewhere within you.
Don’t miss: Gustav Klimt’s renowned Beethoven Frieze, a masterpiece created specifically for the Secession Building. This large mural celebrates the composer Ludwig van Beethoven and is a highlight of the building’s artistic collection.
Address: Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, Austria
18. Day Trip to Bratislava
Did you know you could be in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, in less than an hour by train? You can check train times and book rail tickets online via the Trainline.
With its medieval Old Town, relaxing vibe, and cheap food and beer, it provides a quite a distinct contrast to the opulence of Vienna. Better still, I recommend staying overnight.
Where to stay in Vienna
Innere Stadt (City Centre): Staying in Vienna’s historic city center, known as Innere Stadt, puts you in the heart of the action. Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Spanish Riding School. The area is dotted with elegant hotels, charming boutique accommodations, and luxury establishments, offering convenience and proximity to major attractions.
Budget recommendation: It’s quite tricky to find budget accommodation in this area but Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth offers value for money and is just steps away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, I suggest also looking at Airbnb.
Splurge recommendation: Rosewood ViennaLeopoldstadt: Located just east of the city centre, Leopoldstadt is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that is still very central but a little less touristy and more affordable. It’s home to the famous Prater Park, with its iconic Ferris wheel, as well as the historic Augarten Park. This area offers a mix of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to stylish apartments, and is known for its lively atmosphere and cultural attractions.
Quirky recommendation: If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, look no further than Superbude Wien Prater located next to Prater Park. Its quirky yet stylish and comfortable interior will enhance any stay in Vienna.
Neubau: If you’re looking for a hip and artistic vibe, Neubau is the place to be. This creative neighbourhood is known for its vibrant street art, independent boutiques, and quirky cafés. It’s also home to the MuseumsQuartier, a cultural hub housing several museums and art institutions. Neubau offers a range of accommodations, including boutique hotels and design-oriented guesthouses.
Budget recommendation: Pension Pharmador
Splurge recommendation: Hotel Sans Souci WienWieden: For a quieter and more residential experience, consider staying in Wieden. This charming district is located south of the city center and offers a mix of architectural styles, beautiful parks, and local cafés. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere while still being within walking distance of major attractions. With this in mind, Hotel Erzherzog Rainer is ideally located, with both the State Opera and Naschmarkt open-air market being just a 10-minute walk away.
3 Responses
Such a diverse list and I want to see them all! I would never have known about Wotruba Church, it looks amazing!
Wotruba church is definitely a unique sight!
ONE MUST VISIT THE PRATER AND SCHWEIZERHAUS GARDEN THEREIN. WONDERFUL FOOD AND DRINK.
AS A STREET FOOD TRY THE LANGOS STEEPED IN GARLIC AND SOUR CREAM. DELICIOUS.