visit around vienna

16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Vienna

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Apr 15, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Thanks to its setting on the banks of the Danube in the northeastern foothills of the Alps, the area around Vienna offers an abundance of beautiful scenery to explore. Tall mountain peaks plunge to emerald river valleys, and you'll see quaint villages nestling against this breathtaking backdrop.

The city's central location makes it a convenient base for day trips to some of the nearby towns and villages. Here, you'll find magnificent abbeys, opulent palaces, and historic attractions. If you're willing to venture a bit farther, you could take a day trip to Budapest, Prague, Hallstatt, and Salzburg easily by train, bus, or car from Vienna.

Express trains that run through Vienna include Railjets , RegioJet , InterCity Express, EuroCity, and WESTbahn . These are great options for reaching farther-flung day trips and weekend destinations. FlixBus also offers bus transportation from five departure points in Vienna to places like Bratislava and Brno.

If you prefer driving , Austria is a safe, easy place to be behind the wheel. Roadways are well-marked with signage. All of the toll roads — which include the Autobahn freeways, Bundesstraße federal highways, and Schnellstraßen expressways — are cashless, though, so be sure to get a vignette (pre-paid toll sticker) for your windshield if your rental doesn't already have one. Austria also requires drivers to have an international driver's permit if they don't have an EU/EEA driving license.

From the beautiful Vienna Woods to snowcapped mountain peaks; from lovely old palaces to exciting day trips by boat, rail, and road, the city offers some of the best scenery in Austria right on its doorstep. Discover other rewarding places to visit with our list of the best day trips from Vienna.

1. The Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey

2. budapest, 3. salzburg, 4. hallstatt, 6. bratislava, 7. klosterneuburg abbey, 8. the vienna woods, 9. the roman town of carnuntum, 10. lainzer wildlife park and baden bei wien, 11. the village of grinzing, 12. beethoven's heiligenstadt, 13. haydn's birthplace and rohrau castle, 14. danube boat tours, 15. eisenstadt and schloss esterházy, 16. laa an der thaya, map of day trips from vienna.

Located about 80 kilometers from Vienna , the beautiful Wachau Valley is a World Heritage Site due to its spectacular scenery and rich history and culture. It stretches for about 40 kilometers between the towns of Melk and Krems.

Driving is the easiest way to take a day trip to the Wachau Valley from Vienna. You can take the A22 motorway to Stockerau, then take the interchange to S5 until you reach the Krems exit. Keep in mind these are toll roads. Many rental cars in Austria come with a physical or digital sticker to cover the tolls, but if you've driven in from another country, you may need to buy one from a gas station or newsstand.

After that, you can take your time enjoying valley views by car on the Romantic Road of Austria , which runs along the Danube. The riverside road snakes through the valley's heart, past picturesque monasteries, grand castles, villages, and vine-draped hills, conjuring a scene from medieval times. The area is also a hot spot for foodies and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vienna.

You can take a roundabout just after Schalemmersdorf to cross the Danube and head to Melk . One of Melk's top attractions is the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River. Highlights include its octagonal domed entrance gate; the Imperial Corridor, lined with priceless art; the museum; the frescoed Marble Hall; and the lovely gardens. The Abbey Church, with its symmetrical twin towers and impressive 18th-century ceiling paintings, is known as one of the finest Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Organized Tour: An easy way to explore the Wachau Valley, without the stress of driving and possibly missing the highlights, is the Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip . This full-day excursion begins with an air-conditioned coach ride through the beautiful Wachau Valley, while an experienced guide shares information about the history and attractions in the area. It continues with a stop at the medieval castle ruins of Burgruine Dürnstein.

In summer, the tour includes a relaxing cruise down the Danube River to Melk, where you can explore the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey. In winter, you can enjoy a walking tour and a hearty Austrian lunch in a local restaurant. Pickup from select hotels and entry to the abbey are also included.

About 240 kilometers from Vienna , Budapest is affectionately known as the "Paris of the East." It sits in a beautiful location astride the Danube River and is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe.

Getting to Budapest is a long day trip , no matter how you travel, but it's worth it for the wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking architecture spanning styles from Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, and the chance to soak in the city's famous therapeutic springs.

The best way to get there is on the Railjet high-speed train , which goes from Budapest to Vienna in about 2.5 hours . Regional trains are an option, but they tend to be slower and you may need to transfer several times. FlixBus also runs a direct bus route that takes just over 3 hours — but traffic could mean major delays on the road.

Driving a car yourself is another option if you want the independence of being able to stop at various destinations along the way. The M1 motorway directly connects Vienna to Budapest, so it's a straightforward drive.

If you're feeling stiff from the drive or train ride, make a beeline to one of Budapest's famous bathhouses for a long soak. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath has a mix of outdoor pools and indoor soaking tubs of different temperatures (not to mention its Baroque Revival architecture, which feels oh so Budapest!). Gellért Spa also offers fantastic bathing facilities, each fed from deep underground springs. Its plunge pools feel deeply refreshing (followed by a hot soak, of course!) after a long day of travel. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance of either bathhouse.

Amp up your day of sightseeing by visiting multiple tourist attractions in one venue: City Woodland Park is home to an impressive line-up of museums, as well as the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle . You could spend days here exploring all the cultural jewels.

Organized Tour: Consider hopping on the Budapest Day Trip from Vienna tour and let a driver and guide take care of the navigation. The 13-hour tour takes you to many of the city's most famous landmarks. Vajdahunyad Castle, the Parliament Buildings, Heroes' Square, and the Hungarian State Opera are just some of the highlights. This full-day tour includes pickup from select hotels, a scenic drive through the Hungarian countryside, a walking tour through Buda, and a city tour on an air-conditioned coach. You'll be dropped off at the Vienna State Opera after the tour.

Given how long it takes to reach Budapest, consider upgrading your day trip to a weekend getaway from Vienna. Budapest's top attractions, including World Heritage-listed Castle Hill , home to the 18th-century Buda Castle ; the late-19th-century Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church ; the magnificent Parliament buildings ; and Heroes' Square will make your weekend one to remember.

About 295 kilometers from Vienna , Salzburg is another of Europe's beauty queens. Beset with elegant buildings and surrounded by mountains, this picturesque city straddles the River Salzach and is famous as the birthplace of Mozart, as well as the setting for the film The Sound of Music .

Like other day trip destinations from Vienna, Salzburg is best reached by train or car . The WESTbahn train can get you from Wien Westbahnhof station in Vienna to Salzburg in about 2.5 hours and runs every half hour throughout much of the day. ÖBB Railjet also offers frequent high-speed trains from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg that take 2.5 to 3 hours.

Driving is a breeze, too. Simply take the A1 from Vienna to exit 288-Salzburg. However, keep in mind that Salzburg has very limited parking, and all lots downtown are for short-term use only, so you'll have to move your car at least every three hours.

Salzburg feels like a fairytale the moment you step foot in its World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its beautiful Baroque architecture and the Salzburg Cathedral ; Hohensalzburg Castle; Mozart's Birthplace, one of the world's most popular museums; and the gorgeous Mirabell Palace and gardens, where the Von Trapp children famously frolicked. It's compact enough that you can see many of the top attractions in Salzburg on a day trip if you are on a tight schedule.

A great place to begin a walking tour of the city is from the Residenzplatz , one of the city's largest squares and home to the Residenzbrunnen , an impressive marble fountain by Italian sculptor Tommaso di Garone.

If you have a little extra time, it's worth taking the bus 10 kilometers south of the city to the Untersbergbahn (cable car). Zipping from Salzburg's lush green landscape to the rocky, snow-covered 1,805-meter-tall Geiereck summit on the 8.5-minute gondola ride felt like magic to me. Grab a coffee at the quaint cafe at the top and soak up all the glorious views. From start to finish, you can take this excursion in about 3 hours.

Organized Tour: The Salzburg Day Trip is a full-day adventure and one of the best day trips from Vienna to Salzburg. It includes plenty of photo opportunities on the spectacular drive through the Austrian Alps. You'll pass by the beautiful clear lakes and mountains of Salzkammergut as you make your way to Salzburg for a walking tour of Mozart's hometown and several major attractions.

Hallstatt is quite simply one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Austria. Cute 16th-century cottages with flower-draped balconies cluster along an achingly gorgeous lake, backed by rugged Alpine peaks. Seeming to add an exclamation point to all this beauty is the slender spire of the Evangelical Church of Hallstatt. No wonder both the village and the lake are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Hallstatt lies about 290 kilometers from Vienna in the Salzkammergut region. Unfortunately, it's not easy to reach by train or bus. The journey by public transportation is long and will require several transfers, so driving yourself is the best way to get to Hallstatt from Vienna . It takes about 3.5 hours each way depending on traffic, but it's a pretty simple route. Take the B1 to the A1 motorway and follow it for about 215 kilometers to exit 244-Regau. Then follow B145 and the Austrian Romantic Road to Hallstatt.

Going from Vienna to Hallstatt and back again on the same day is a lot of time behind the wheel, but you can relax and enjoy the scenery on an organized Hallstatt Day Trip from Vienna . Led by an expert guide, you'll take a walking tour to see Hallstatt's top attractions . In the summer, the tour includes a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, while the winter tour includes a visit to the Hallstatt ossuary. Your camera will get a workout in this breathtakingly beautiful region.

Bristling with spires and breathtaking architecture, Prague has a beautifully preserved old town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's about 295 kilometers from Vienna, a long day trip, but it is possible to make it there and back in a day and get a great feel for the city.

Whether you drive or take the train, the journey will take about four hours . By car, take the A5 motorway from Vienna across the border to the Czech Republic. Continue heading north until you reach Brno, then go northwest on D1/E65 to Prague. As for the train, RegioJet offers a direct route from Vienna's main train station to Prague several times each day.

The Old Town Square is a wonderful place to begin a walking tour. From here, you can visit many evocative old churches, including the famous Týn Church, and the Jewish Quarter .

Other top things to do in Prague include visiting Prague Castle , with St. Vitus Basilica , St. George's Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace ; and exploring Wenceslas Square in Prague's New Town, which is also home to the National Museum, as well as fantastic shopping and restaurants.

Also save time for a stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and try to see a performance at the National Theatre .

If you want to take a load off after all that travel and sightseeing, head to Vysehrad Park . You can relax on the lush green lawn near the medieval castle and take in the views on the east bank of the Vltava River. Take selfies from the ledge at the South Gardens at the Prague Castle and use all the red-roofed houses as a postcard-perfect backdrop. Another fun thing to do in Prague is to pose for a photo strip at the Fotoautomat, Prague's oldest photo booth, located just outside the National Theater. It's one of less than 50 vintage analog photobooths still functioning worldwide.

To squeeze in as much as possible on a visit here, consider the Prague Day Trip from Vienna . This well-planned 14-hour tour takes you through the pretty Moravia countryside to Prague for a 2.5-hour guided city tour to see sights such as Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the National Theatre.

Less than 70 kilometers from Vienna , Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is an affordable, fun, and easy day out. Old abuts new in this vibrant city, where 18th-century buildings line the streets of the old town, and Soviet-era architecture sits not far beyond. If you're looking for relatively cheap trips from Vienna, this is a great option.

Trains, which take anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes , depart from the main station in Vienna to Bratislava hlavná stanica (the central railway station in the Slovakian capital) throughout the day. Advanced reservations are not required and you can buy a ticket from the vending machine in the station.

The Danube slices through the city, and Bratislava Castle is the focal point, perched on a plateau above the river, with its stark white walls and red-tile roof.

Start your tour in the pedestrian-only 18th-century old town, where you'll find the old town hall , home to Bratislava City Museum, and Michael's Gate from the original medieval fortifications, as well as many restaurants and sidewalk cafés.

Another of Bratislava's top attractions is Grassalkovich Palace , where, the president of Slovakia resides, and if you feel like getting back to nature, hiking trails lace the surrounding Little Carpathian mountains, close to the city.

A fun way to travel from Vienna to Bratislava and explore the city without the stress of navigating your way around is the Bratislava Day Trip tour. This full-day excursion includes a comfortable coach trip to the capital, a walking tour of the old town and all its attractions, and a visit to the Rococo-style Grassalkovich Palace. End your day with a high-speed catamaran trip down the Danube on the return journey.

At the edge of the Vienna Woods just 14 kilometers away from Vienna , the Augustinian abbey in the small town of Klosterneuburg attracts many visitors. Perched high above the Danube, Klosterneuburg Abbey (Stiftes Klosterneuburg) was founded in the 12th century, and many newer buildings were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can get there by taking the D tram from Vienna Hauptbahnhof Ost S to Franz Josefs Bahnhof S, then transferring to the S 40 train and getting off at Klosterneuburg Kierling Bahnhof. It's an 11-minute walk from the station to the abbey.

Highlights of this sprawling complex are the church, with its Romanesque and Baroque features, the Leopold Courtyard, and the monastery vaults. The famous Verduner Altar in the Leopold Chapel is especially noteworthy and consists of 45 enameled panels dating from 1181. The newer Baroque building has two copper domes, one surmounted by the German Imperial Crown, the other by the Lower Austrian Archducal Bonnet.

Other notable features include the Baroque main staircase; the Marble Hall, with its fine frescoes; the Imperial Apartment; the Tapestry Room; the Treasury; and the Monastery Museum.

Also of interest is the nearby town of Kierling , with its Kafka Memorial set up in the very room of the sanatorium where the famed writer spent his last days.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

Fabled in song and a favorite getaway for the Viennese, the Vienna Woods also holds a number of interesting attractions for tourists, including a beautiful monastery, historic sites, and natural wonders.

A good place to begin is atop the 484-meter Kahlenberg . This is Vienna's own "mini-mountain," with magnificent views across the city and the Danube all the way to the Little Carpathians and the Schneeberg region.

The Baroque Kahlenberg Church (St. Josef auf dem Kahlenberg) was built on the spot where Polish Prince Sobieski beat the Turkish army besieging Vienna. The Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz , constructed in 1133, is the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world and one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries. Its highlights include the vaulted Romanesque nave (1187); the 13th-century ribbed vaulting; and the 13th-century choir, considered a masterpiece of Austrian Gothic.

Also in the Vienna Woods is Mayerling , a former imperial hunting lodge. Here, in 1889 the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph and the Empress Elizabeth, Crown Prince Rudolph, was found dead with his mistress Baroness Vetsera, an event that rocked the imperial court.

The largest underground lake in Europe, the Seegrotte was formed when a former gypsum mine was flooded, and you can take a boat ride through its subterranean caverns and passages.

A good way to combine many of these sights is on the Vienna Woods and Mayerling Half Day Trip , which includes guided visits to the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling hunting lodge; a guided walk through the city of Baden; and a scenic ride through the Vienna Woods, past the fairy-tale Liechtenstein Castle .

Address: Kahlenberg, 1190 Wien

Fields, meadows, vines, and woodland are the distinctive features of the pretty March-Donauland region to the east of Vienna. It was here that many famous battles were fought, including one against the Romans and, centuries later, against the Hungarians, the Turks, and the French under Napoleon.

The region was perhaps most important to the Roman Empire, as witnessed in the spectacular ruins of the fortified town they built here, once home to a population of more than 50,000. Now part of a superb historic attraction, Archaeological Park Carnuntum is a reconstruction of the key buildings from the 1st-century town, including a city mansion, a citizen's house, and Roman baths, as well as a semi-reconstructed practice arena of a gladiator school that was discovered in 2011. The park offers fun events and programs for the whole family.

It's about 42 kilometers away from Vienna and can be reached by train. Take the S7 from Wien Rennweg for 53 minutes to Petronell-Carnuntum Bahnhof, then walk 15 minutes (or take a taxi) to the archeological park.

Address: Hauptstrasse 1a, 2404 Petronell-Carnuntum

Just 26 kilometers from Vienna , the Lainzer Wildlife Park (Lainzer Tiergarten) occupies 24 square kilometers of the Vienna Woods. Famous as a place of relaxation and escape from the big city, it's a haven for old oak and beech trees (some more than 350 years old), as well as wildlife such as deer and boar. Once the hunting reserve of Emperor Joseph II, it was fenced off with a 24-kilometer-long stonewall in 1787 on the orders of Empress Maria Theresa.

Opened to the public in 1921, this important conservation area includes more than 80 kilometers of footpaths and the 14-meter-high Hubertuswarte observation tower on the Kaltbründlberg.

Another tourist attraction on the edge of the Vienna Woods is Baden bei Wien , a spa town famous for its curative waters (the Romans called the town Aquae). Today, nearly 2,000 years later, the town's sulfur springs still spew out six-and-a-half million liters of therapeutic warm water every day.

Address: Hietzing-West, 1130 Wien

Just 17 kilometers northeast of Vienna , the pretty little village of Grinzing was first mentioned in 1114. Destroyed numerous times by war, the current structures in the village date predominantly from the 19th century, and its wooded setting, quaint gardens, and winding streets, make it a fun place to explore.

Grinzing is also unique in that local laws allow individuals to purchase tiny plots of land where vines may be grown. It's also well known for its many typical Austrian restaurants (Heuriger), famous for indicating whether they're open by placing branches of spruce over their entrances. The area is also popular among hikers, especially for the trails around the nearby Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg hills.

The oldest of the "Viennese villages" on the city's outskirts, Heiligenstadt was incorporated into the district of Döbling in 1892 and is famous for its quiet, narrow winding streets, especially around the historic homes of Probusgasse and Armbrustergasse. It's located about 9 kilometers from central Vienna .

Be sure to roam around St. Jacob's Church on the Pfarrplatz, built in Romanesque style on Roman foundations.

Heiligenstadt's most important claim to fame, however, was the fact it was visited several times by Ludwig von Beethoven, including in the autumn of 1802 while working on his Second Symphony. It was here, at 6 Probusgasse, that he wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers in which he bemoans his increasing deafness (and which he never sent). The home is now a museum - the Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt - dedicated to this period in the composer's life. (Later a resident of Vienna, Beethoven is buried in the Zentralfriedhof , the city's largest cemetery.)

Address: Probusgasse 6, 1190 Vienna

Famous as the birthplace of composer Joseph Haydn in 1732, a trip to Rohrau — just 46 kilometers east of Vienna — is a pleasant way to spend a day. A museum dedicated to the great composer is now housed in the small thatched farmhouse where he was born, and boasts numerous fascinating exhibits and artifacts relating to his life.

Also open is the actual room in which he was born, refurbished as it would have been at the time. Another highlight of a visit to Rohrau is the castle that once belonged to Count von Harrach. This splendid attraction is now a fine arts museum possessing the Count's vast collection of paintings - all told, more than 200 paintings are held here, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Address: Schloss Rohrau 1, 2471 Rohrau

A trip along the Danube by boat, through the Danube Valley, offers you the chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery around Vienna. Destinations include cities such as Budapest and Bratislava (up to four days round-trip), or simply a short one- or two-hour jaunt.

In the other direction (upstream) the Danube leads to the Wachau Valley or to Melk with its famous abbey. A variety of fun themed cruises are also available, from fine dining to classic ballroom dancing in the evenings. Alternatively, visitors can hire a boat taxi to explore Vienna from the water.

About 62 kilometers south of Vienna , picturesque Eisenstadt is famous for its connection to one of Austria's greatest composers: Joseph Haydn. Haydn lived here for many years, and today his house serves as a museum celebrating his life and times (he was buried in the Bergkirche above the town). Bus 200 or the REX 64 train can get you there in less than an hour and 15 minutes from Vienna.

Be sure to explore the lovely Old Town , also known as Freistadt (Free Town), traversed by three long streets opening off the main square: Hauptstrasse, Pfarrgasse, and Haydngasse. It's here you'll find the 17th-century Town Hall (Rathaus).

Afterwards, head to Schloss Esterházy , the former palace of Prince Esterházy. Originally a medieval stronghold, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1672, with its stunning rear façade remodeled in neoclassical style between 1797 and 1805. Highlights of a visit include the exquisite Haydn Room, with its colorful frescoes and busts (English language guided tours are available).

Laa an der Thaya lies about 68 kilometers north of Vienna on the Czech frontier . Highlights of a visit include the remains of the town's medieval walls and the massive moated 13th-century castle - Laa Castle - with its well-preserved battlements and towers, and fine panoramic views.

Try to visit the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), home of the Südmährermuseum Thayaland , an informative local history museum with displays of artifacts and traditional clothing.

Other notable highlights include the 13th-century Gothic parish church of St. Vitus, with its High Altar dating from 1740, and the Plague and Trinity columns from 1680.

More on Austria

11 Best Day Trip Destinations around Vienna City

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by gregor

Whatever your reason for wanting a day trip just outside of Vienna, we can assure you that there are numerous hidden gems and villages clustered along with the capital that can be explored or enjoyed during a one-day trip.

Whether you plan to travel alone, with friends, or with family, these destinations will have something for everyone to enjoy.

(If you need Travel Tips for Vienna please scroll to the bottom of this Blog Post there are Links to get the Best Expert Tips about Vienna.)

Without further ado, here are the Best Day trip destinations around Vienna.

Wachau valley, where is it most beautiful in wachau.

One of the most beautiful villages in Wachau is Maria Taferl, the second-largest place of pilgrimage in Austria. Maria Taferl is slightly elevated above the Danube Valley, and you have a wonderful view of the Danube and the entire Wachau. The pilgrimage basilica and the associated treasury are worth seeing.

Our top 10 sights in the Wachau

• Hiking on the Welterbesteig
• Donauradweg
• Burgruine Dürnstein
• Donau und Donauschifffart
• Burgruine Aggstein
• Stift Göttweig
• Die Wine Taverns in the Wachau

How do I get to the Wachau Valley?

As there is no direct train connection a car would be best if you want to have complete flexibility with your schedule. Yet, this can be a more expensive option, and you’d need to check if parking is easy.

Kreuzenstein Castle

  Located near Leobendorf, just north of Vienna along the Danube, it is a popular destination for day trips outside of Vienna. The castle itself dates back to the 12 th century, like most fortifications around Vienna and in Lower Austria, but subsequent partial destruction and disrepair led to a revamping in the 19 th century in the romantic neo-medieval style it can be seen in today.

Guided Tours

Presently, it can be visited through guided tours, and visitors can enjoy a nice meal at the Castle Tavern or partake in the falconry show organized at the Adlerwarte on the estate.

The tour will take visitors through castle grounds, including the armory, which contains the largest private collection of armors and weapons in Austria, through the chapel with its beautifully detailed Gothic winged altar and ivory Christ, through the princely chambers, the knights’ quarters, the kitchen and the hunting chamber. Each space tells stories of the past through the collections and unique pieces present and it is a wonderful and informative experience. And naturally, the panoramic views from the castle are simply amazing.

How to get to Kreuzenstein Castle?

The castle is easily accessible by car and there are parking spaces available, while public transit is accessible by rail, with the S3 from the Main Train Station to Leobendorf-Burg Kreuzenstein Station, about half an hour’s walk from the castle – with an uphill leg of the road.

  A small market town just 15 kilometers south of Vienna, Laxenburg is primarily known for its castles, which have been an important summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. The Laxenburg Castle Park with its parklands, the Old Castle, the Blue Court, and the romantic Franzensburg make up the most one of the most popular attractions on the outskirts of Vienna.

The gardens are delightfully decorated, and in addition to the castles, there is a high number of fun houses, grottos, temples, water elements, and a medieval tournament site. All this sprawling across 280 hectares, of which 25 hectares are taken up by the castle lake alone.

History of Laxenburg Castle

With a history going back to the 13 th century, the grounds have been in use as a Habsburg summer hunting residence from 1306 to 1918, having witnessed the honeymoon of Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sisi, and the birth of their son, the Crown Prince Rudolf, and later his daughter, Archduchess Elisabeth Marie. Naturally, the dreamy Franzensburg castle can be visited by those eager to see the romantic medieval-style castle in the middle of the grounds and get to learn more about the history of the place. It is accessible either by a stone bridge or by ferry during the main season running from 1 April to 1 November.

Main entrances

There are three main entrances, each of them with ample (and free!) parking space. For anyone fond of the promenade, hiking, Nordic walking, or jogging, there are 10 kilometers of pathways to choose from. Along these paths, you can always find a bench to sit on and enjoy nature or just catch your breath. Children will undoubtedly find themselves entertained in the 6,000 m 2 playground with equipment and areas designated for all ages. There are also a few gastronomic establishments if you will require refreshments after all the walking! If you have enough land, you can even rent boats and tour the castle lake – they have all: classic row and paddleboats, and sporty electric boats.

Cultural Walks in Laxenburg

A cultural walk is organized (Laxenburger Kultur-Parcours), which takes you to around 50 stops, some outside the castle grounds, and offers excellent information about the town’s history and its landmarks, including the baroque Parish church, the Grüne Haus, and the Kaiserbahnhof, a Biedermeier train station converted to a restaurant.

How do I get to Laxenburg Castle?

Buses departing every half hour or so from Vienna’s Central Station will take you in about 30 minutes to Laxenburg. Or you can take the train that departs the same station hourly, with the train ride taking about 20 minutes.

Rosenburg Castle

One of the most beautiful and visited Renaissance castles in Austria, Rosenburg is located on a cliff overlooking the Kamp River valley, in the middle of the Naturpark Kamptal. Even though the castle dates back to the 12 th century, the current structure dates back to the 16 th century, when it was constructed with 13 towers. Subsequent expansions led to the addition of tournament grounds and arcades.

Rosenburg Museum

Presently, the castle is converted into a museum, where through carefully curated exhibitions and selected pieces, you can learn about its history. Additionally, you can stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds or enjoy the falconry experience, an ancient tradition of training and hunting with birds of prey, which is still continued to this day at Rosenburg.

Climbingpark Rosenburg

If you are not so interested in the castle, you can make it a whole day’s family adventure in the nearby Rosenburg Kletterpark. Climbing rope and bridge constructions, making your way through hanging tunnels, an amazing panorama – one hectare of hanging fun at your disposal, with a wonderful view of the Kamp River Valley.

How do I get to the Rosenburg?

You can reach Rosenburg by car in about an hour and you can find free parking close to the castle. If you prefer public transit, bear in mind there are no direct trains or buses available, but you can take the train from Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof to Hadersdorf and a regional train or bus to Rosenburg, accounting for about two hours of travel time.

Carnuntum Archeological Park

Carnuntum was an ancient Roman legionary fortress and former capital of the Roman Pannonia Superior province. On the present site, many of the original buildings have been preserved and the ancient streets recreated to provide an experience of ancient Roman life in a conquered province.

Visitors Highlights + Museum

During your visit, you can explore the rebuilt Roman City Quarter, the Military City’s Amphitheater, and the Museum Carnuntium, where the most important treasures and vestiges are carefully preserved. The good part if you can take the whole family, as there are engaging and interactive programs organized for children, while adults can enjoy guided tours or savor the local wines and gastronomy.

How do I get to the Carnuntum Archeological Park?

As Carnuntum is 45 km away from Vienna, it is easy to reach by car and you can also enjoy the free parking, while those fond of rail travel, can take the S7 from Wien Landstrasse to Petronell-Carnuntum, with the journey taking about 50 minutes.

Myrafälle (Myra Waterfalls)

A wonderful summer destination, the Myra Waterfalls in Muggendorf are a series of water cascades with a total drop of above 70 meters. Carved in the rock by the Myra stream, the falls are spectacular and serene – no wonder they were a perfect ambiance for the royal couple of Emperor Franz II and Maria Teresa of Sicily and Naples during a visit here over two centuries ago.

Which route to take? Panoramic Viewpoints

A delightful water carousel at the entrance informs the beautiful experience ahead, as past the turnstiles of the entrance, connected bridges and stairways will lead you higher along the mossy walls and under the refreshing shade of the forest, all the way to the reservoir up. Depending on the route, you choose to take, you can enjoy the views from atop the Hausstein, a rock wall that offers panoramic views of the mountains, or you can stroll about a clearing in the woods nearby, before making your way back down to the crystalline lake by the parking area.

How long does the walk up and down the Myra Waterfalls last?

The walk up the Myra Waterfalls and back down would take a maximum of two hours and require a decent level of physical fitness, as the climb uphill is quite taxing.

How do I get to the Myra Waterfalls?

In terms of accessibility, the most comfortable option is the car. If you wish to travel by public transportation, keep in mind there will be some changes, as there is no rail station near the waterfalls, the nearest being in Pernitz, within 40 minutes walking distance. In this case, you can shorten the trip by taking the local bus.

Bonus tip: When purchasing a ticket at the Myra Waterfall turnstiles, you will be asked if it should include the nearby Steinwandklamm, which would add a few kilometers of walking uphill from the reservoir Stauweiher, with the path starting across the road. We highly recommend also visiting this area but are prepared for a long hike and very sore legs. It is worth it though, the Steinwandklamm is a karst gorge some 500 meters above sea level, offering visitors a spectacular and steep climb through the network of staircases and paths.

Baden bei Wien

A spa town only 26 kilometers south of Vienna and on the edge of the Vienna Woods, it has been famed since ancient times for its hot springs, which contain lime sulfate. As the town was reconstructed in the early 19 th century, it is known for its well-preserved Biedermeier architecture.

What are the main attractions in Baden?

Some of the main attractions include the Plague Column in the Main Square, the city hall, the theater building, and the Grand Casino. Forget Legoland – in Baden, you can visit the Dolls and Toys Museum, or for history fans, the memorial Beethoven House or the Emperor Franz Josef Museum, or the ruins of the Rauhenstein Castle. If none of these is of concern, visitors are welcome to take a stroll in the Kurpark Baden, where you can walk all the way up to the Karolinen Höhe, from where you can take amazing panoramic pictures. Hikers would also be delighted by the available trails through the Vienna Woods.

Wine and restaurants in Baden

Similar to the neighboring areas in Lower Austria and Burgenland, viticulture is thriving in the sunny slopes near Baden, with sorts like Rotgipfler and Zierfandler being at home here. The wines are characterized as having a fruity, full-body, and strong aroma, and range from light wines to heavy and sweet ones. Numerous taverns and restaurants will serve local wines, but if you want to taste wines, the best place to go is the Badener Hauervinothek.

How to I get to Baden bei Wien?

It is very easy to reach Baden by car, as well as by public transportation. You can either take a regional train from Wien Westbahnhof or the long ride of the Wiener Lokal Bahnen, the white-blue tram leaving in front of the State Opera.

Klosterneuburg

A neighboring town located on the other side of the Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg, north of Vienna and on the Danube, it is a beautiful easy-to-reach destination, known for its Monastery. The town is also known for wine-growing and holds the distinction of being the place where the Zweigelt and Blauburger wine varieties were first bred.

Klosterneuburg Monastery

While a walk through the town could easily while away a few pleasant hours, we recommend a visit to the Klosterneuburg Monastery and even taking one of the available tours.

According to a legend, the Margrave of Austria, Leopold III founded the monastery on the spot where he found the veil of his bride, Agnes of Wailingen, which had been blown off by a gust of wind on their wedding day. The Margrave’s residence was located in the early 12 th century close to the location of the present Monastery, the foundation of which was laid in 1114 and as of 1133, has been continuously settled by the Augustinian Canons. The foundations, including the castle tower, the original Gothic chapel, and the tomb of St. Leopold can still be seen today, while other structures were added or rebuilt primarily in a Baroque style from the 17 th century onwards. The Monastery hosts the famous Verdun Altar, made in 1181, with its three parts composed of 45 gilded copper plates in a style similar to Byzantine paragons. Should you see it as part of your tour, you will also learn how the beautiful colors were obtained and what an extraordinary technique had been used to create the beautiful altar. While for the time being the monastery might not be available due to pandemic-related restrictions, once reopened, you can take part in any of the tours, including the tour of the wine cellars, the treasure chamber, and the museum.

Aupark Klosterneuburg

If you would prefer to enjoy a more outdoorsy experience of Klosterneuburg, you can take a walk around the nearby Aupark or in the Augebiet, a natural park along the Danube, and finish the day with a cooling visit to the pools of the Happyland recreation center.

How do I get to Klosterneuburg?

Naturally, you can easily drive or bike to Klosterneuburg. It is also accessible with the S40 or virtually any regional train departing from the Franz Josef Train Station. The sporty or those feeling more adventurous can hike through the Vienna Woods and descend to Klosterneuburg from one of the pathways on the Kahlenberg.

Hainburg an der Donau

A small quaint town, south of Vienna and along the Danube, close to the border with Slovakia and a stone’s throw away from Devin Castle on the other side.

Steeped in medieval history, the town is known for its castle hill, where the ruins of the Heimenburg fortress tower above the land, affording views of the Donau Auen on one side and of Bratislava on the other side. The road up to the ruins is quite steep and the pathways narrow, so caution is advised and a good physical condition is ideal – but the views are well worth it. The castle was built in the 11 th century but was destroyed during the Turkish siege of 1683, then as of the 18 th century started to fall into disrepair.

Hainburg still boasts well-preserved buildings from the medieval period, including the Wiener Tor (Vienna Gate), which was built in the 13 th century and is now the largest medieval gate still in operation in Europe, containing the city museum and thus accessible to visitors. Ruins of the other gates, such as the Ungarn Tor (Hungarian Gate) can also be visited and photographed. Nature lovers might wish to step outside the town and start climbing up the Braunsberg, a limestone massif with an altitude of 346 meters, which used to host in antiquity a Celtic settlement, remnants of which are still visible to this day.

How to I get to Hainburg an der Donau?

The town is easily accessible by car and rail, with regional trains and the S7 coming to and from Vienna.

Bonus tip Bad Altenburg

stop in the nearby Bad Altenburg, where you can visit the beautiful castle and enjoy a walk on the grounds of the Kurpark.

National Park Donau-Auen

One of the largest remaining floodplains on the Danube, the national park covers an area of 93 square kilometers, spanning a distance from the Vienna Lobau all the way to Hainburg an der Donau. A natural reserve with 700 species of higher plants and various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, the park is of interest to nature lovers, natural scientists, and families alike.

Two Main Administrative Points!

Two main administrative points, Schloss Orth Nationalpark- Zentrum and the Nationalparkhaus Wien-Lobau, organize a host of activities, including children’s camps, family camping, guided day, and nocturnal hikes, exploratory workshops on the flora and fauna.

Trails to the National Park Donau-Auen

If you just prefer to head off on your own or with friends, there are numerous marked trails. In Vienna alone, you can try to make it to the scenic spot called Gänsenhaufentraverse, while from nearby Schonau, you can hike all the way to the Orth an der Donau, from where you can take a ferry to cross the Danube into the Haslau section of the Donau Auen.

As the nature reserve can be entered by any private visitor without a tour, we remind our readers to respect the rules governing the park and to respect the natural habitat of all the species it hosts. Remember that this is flood land, which means high humidity, so wearing insect repellent is a must. For those interested in learning more about the reserve and its species, we recommend taking one of the available guided tours, which can be booked through the national park’s website .

If you’re living in Vienna, chances are you have heard a few friends or co-workers mentioning this name. It is of course a famous designer outlet, which provides visitors with an amazing and premium shopping experience consisting of famous designer brands at unbelievable sale prices.

How do I get to Parndorf?

You can take the shuttle bus from Vienna and see for yourself. We suggest you set yourself a spending ceiling before arriving.

Bonus tip: if you plan to explore the beautiful Lower Austria, experience its local culture, and soak up the well-preserved heritage and history in this region surrounding Vienna, we can only strongly recommend our readers to consider the Niederösterreich Card , a tourist pass, which for the reasonable one-time fee of 63 Euro for adults or 32 Euro for youth includes about 300 tourist attractions, destinations, and experiences, which can be visited within a year (the year starts on 1 April 2022 and ends on 31 March 2023, so you can still take advantage). For those looking forward to weekend getaways this summer, the destinations listed here might inspire your itinerary and sense of wonder alike.

We hope our article has sparked your interest in the area around Vienna and that you will tick at least one of these destinations off your travel list for the summer. Let us know in the comments which one of these places you’ve been to and would recommend others to visit.

Travel Tips in Vienna,… check these BlogPosts! Expert Tips from Viennese Experts

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Photos Credits: Unsplash

Best Rooftop Views Vienna: 12 Panoramic Viewpoints you need to visit

The best breakfast brunch spots in vienna, wien austria.

The best Vienna day trips for fairytale scenery and stunning centuries-old architecture

Apr 2, 2022 • 8 min read

Pretty Salzburg is just a two-hour journey from Vienna © canadastock / Shutterstock

The once hallowed seat of the Habsburg Empire,  Vienna spoils travelers rotten with baroque palaces, fabled coffee houses and plenty of cultural pizzazz. 

But  Austria 's stirring, majestic capital also makes a great base for exploring some of the country’s other jewels. These are the best day trips from Vienna.

See storybook settings in Salzburg

Storybook Salzburg could easily steal a week of your time, but even a swift day trip from Vienna will leave you mesmerized. The whopping 900-year-old clifftop fortress  Festung Hohensalzburg  will eat up a whole morning, while a wander through the historic Altstadt will swallow up the rest. 

Not much has changed since Mozart was born and raised here 250 years ago, including St Peter’s Stiftskeller serving food. Allegedly Europe’s oldest restaurant, it's said to have been around since the 13th century. Booking remains essential. 

Don't go home without bingeing on baroque finery in the DomQuartier's cathedral and abbey, or sipping a potent stein of monk-made ale at Augustiner Bräustübl .

How to get to Salzburg: The Railjet express goes direct from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg in under two hours. Regional trains take around two-and-a-half hours. By car, the journey is around three hours.

Go for a stroll in the Vienna Woods

For some superb hiking and a taste of the mountains near Vienna, scamper across to the Wienerwald. Fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, this 45km (28-mile) swath of forested hills was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods , Johann Strauss Jr's 1868 concert waltz.

There are 11 walks to choose from, all easy day trips from the city, but the best lead travelers into the forest. You'll need about three hours to complete the 7.2km (4.5-mile) trail No 4, which threads up to the Jubiläumswarte lookout tower. There are sweeping views of Vienna and the 2076m (1.3-mile) hump of Schneeberg from the uppermost platform. 

A slightly longer alternative is trail No 1, an 11km (6.8-mile) loop that starts in Nussdorf and climbs 484m (.3 miles) up Kahlenberg, a vine-streaked hill commanding fine city views.

How to get to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods): For trail No 1, tram D takes 27 minutes from the Ring to Nussdorf. For trail No 4, tram line 49 takes 34 minutes from the Ring to Rettichgasse.

Hop across the border to Bratislava

A short zip across the border is Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia . Overlooked by a mighty Renaissance castle, it's easy to lose a morning wandering around the delightful old town, which merrily mixes medieval and Gothic architecture. 

The city's nucleus is Hlavné nám (Main Sq), where architectural finery shimmers in almost every direction, particularly the Stará Radnica (Old Town Hall). Across the city, look out for lashings of Soviet design, from scowling statues to the  space-age bridge . 

Try not to miss the art nouveau Blue Church , a powder blue place of worship dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary. If you’re in need of food, the city’s cellar restaurants serve huge helpings of dumplings and fried cheese. 

How to get to Bratislava: International trains take one hour from Vienna to Bratislava. The journey takes around the same by car.

See the subterranean lake at Seegrotte

This former limestone and gypsum mine, just over an hour from Vienna, closed in 1912 after a controlled explosion caused 20 million liters of water to flood its underground tunnels – an incident that created the largest subterranean lake in Europe . 

Now visitors can wander through its echoing chambers and enjoy a short boat ride out on its turquoise waters. There are also military artifacts on display, as the Nazis used the mine’s dry, upper sections to secretly build aircraft during WWII. Small group tours last 45 minutes.

How to get to Seegrotte: Take the Sbahn from Vienna to Meidling, change for bus 364 or 365, and alight at Seegrotte. The journey will take one hour 15 minutes. By car, the journey is around 30 minutes.

Wander the cobbled streets of Melk 

An easy and rewarding day trip from Vienna, Melk is high on the list for many travelers, most of whom call in for its blockbuster abbey-fortress , perched high above the Danube. The twin spires and high octagonal dome of the monastery church dominate the complex, but inside it's baroque gone barmy: a riot of chubby cherubs, barley-sugar twirls and polished faux marble.

Day-trippers stream in from Krems too, so the cobbled streets are busy year-round. Stop in on Schloss Schallaburg to see its remarkable 400 terracotta sculptures, each completed between 1572 and 1573, and wander past the Altes Posthaus, built in 1792. Not only is Mercury, the messenger of the gods, depicted in the stucco reliefs, but so too is postmaster Josef Weber Edler von Fürnberg.

How to get to Melk: The regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk station takes around one hour and 15 minutes. By car, the journey is one hour and 10 minutes. 

Discover the arts and culture of Graz

Graz , Austria’s second-largest city, might be a smidge over two hours from Vienna by car, but it’s an instant heart-stealer: renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, abundant parkland, sea of red rooftops and a beautiful bluff, connected to the center by steps, a funicular and a glass lift. 

But it's the absorbing architecture of Kunsthaus Graz , the provocative biomorphic art gallery dubbed the “friendly alien,” that takes visitors aback. Its contemporary design and exhibitions are at total odds with the traditional city, which makes it even more arresting.

For something equally striking but not quite as modern, check out Schloss Eggenberg , the elegant 17th-century palace with magnificent courtyard arcades by Italian master builder Giovanni Pietro de Pomis.

How to get to Graz: The train from Vienna to Graz takes around two hours 30 minutes. By car, the same journey is two hours 15 minutes.

Survey the scene in Budapest

It may take a couple hours to meander down to Budapest by car, but as the dual capital of the once-great Austro-Hungarian Empire, a day trip from Vienna can make for compelling comparisons. 

Start in the  Castle District , where Castle Hill , the nerve center of Budapest’s history, towers 170m (558ft) above the Danube. Survey the scene from  Fisherman's Bastion , a neo-Gothic viewing platform overlooking the vast blue river, built in 1905. Look north (left) for the Hungarian  Parliament  building, which many believe was inspired by London's Palace of Westminster. 

Spend some time at the Royal Palace , which has been bombed and rebuilt at least half a dozen times since King Béla IV established it in the mid-13th century, before heading across the river for some lunch. Then slowly work your way along Andrássy út and up to Heroes’ Square . Finish with a soak in one of the 18 thermal pools at Széchenyi Baths before heading home.

How to get to Budapest: Direct trains go from Vienna to Budapest in two hours and 37 minutes. By car, the same journey takes two-and-a-half hours.

Go for a bike ride in the Danube Valley

To see the grand Danube in all its dramatic glory, head to the Wachau. This romantic stretch of the Danube Valley , between Krems an der Donau and Melk, waltzes through poetic landscapes of terraced vineyards, forested slopes and apricot orchards, with the meandering river – and the imposing fortresses that loom over it –nearly always in sight.

Less than an hour by car, it’s a great spot for a cycle ride with children. Start in Krems an der Donau and take the B3 southwest towards Spitz, pedaling past the lovely town of Dürnstein, with its blue-towered Chorherrenstift backed by Kuenringerburg , the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

A couple of kilometers on, just after Wösendorf, you find the church of St Michael, in a hamlet with 13 houses. Get the kids to count the terracotta hares on the church roof. The pretty town of Spitz finally swings into view some 17km (10.6 miles) from Krems. Head to its  heurigen (wine taverns) for a much-deserved glass of wine before heading back.

How to get to the Danube Valley: The journey from Vienna to Krems an der Donau takes one hour 13 minutes by direct train and just under an hour by car.

Hit the slopes in Semmering 

Come December, when the powder sits plumply across the Austrian Alps, there are a number of easily accessible ski slopes from Vienna that can be visited in a day, including the resorts of Hauereck and Unterberg. 

Semmering , however, is the pick of the bunch. A long-term host of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races, it has 14km (8.7 miles) of slopes at Zauberberg and 26km (16.2 miles) at Stuhleck, and the night slopes at both are open until 8:30pm. 

How to get to Semmering: The train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Semmering Bahnhof takes as little as one hour 16 minutes. The journey takes around one hour 50 minutes by car.

Skiers will love these city breaks in Austria and Germany

Soak up the scenery in Hallstatt

A few hours by car, a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt is doable, but very taxing. Thought to be one of the inspirations behind the Disney film Frozen , this fairytale town is thronged with visitors who outnumber the locals by more than 10 to one.

Hallstatt’s beauty borders on the surreal and the sublime. Boats glide serenely across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore.

If you want to visit in a single day, either get the first train from Vienna at 4:55am and arrive before the coaches, or stay overnight and wait for the day-trippers to leave, then enjoy a lakeside dinner in relative peace.

How to get to Hallstatt: Trains from Vienna to Hallstatt usually require a change at Wels or Attnang-Puchheim and take around three hours and 52 minutes. By car, the journey takes three-and-a-half hours.

You may also like: Best free things to do in Vienna 18 top things to do in Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published February 2019 and updated April 2022

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The 18 best things to do in Vienna

Vienna may trade on its imperial past but scratch the surface and you’ll find there’s a lot more here than first meets the eye

Vienna is one of those cities which simply does it all. Known worldwide for its Kaffeehaus culture (you’ll find the best cafés in Europe here, in our humble opinion), the vibe might be chill AF, but trust us, the Austrians know how to have fun. 

Here you’ll find unforgettable  museums , attractions and historical buildings, and food markets and world-leading restaurants to sample local delights afterwards. As the afternoon progresses into evening, check out one of Vienna ’s fabulous rooftop bars  or breweries to start off your night right. Whatever you’re here for, Vienna’s got it. Here are its best things to do right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Vienna  💃🏻 The best nightlife spots in Vienna 🏛️ The best attractions in Vienna 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Vienna

Natalie Marchant is a writer from Vienna. At Time Out , all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Best things to do in Vienna

1.  Gaze at Klimt’s famous painting ‘The Kiss’

What is it?  ‘The Kiss’ is the final painting of Gustav Klimt’s Golden Period and forms the centrepiece of the world’s most significant collection of the artist’s works, housed in Vienna’s beautiful 300-year-old Upper Belvedere Palace. Depicting two lovers locked in an embrace in a meadow of flowers, it stands out thanks to Klimt’s use of gold leaf and a background suffused with gold, silver and platinum flakes. Some think it is representative of the artist himself with lifelong partner Emilie Flöge. 

Why go?  One of the world’s most instantly recognisable paintings, ‘The Kiss’ marked a significant watering down of the erotic intensity Klimt’s earlier works had been criticised for. Thousands flock here each year to see this revolutionary work. Make sure you also admire some of the other art on show and take a stroll through the gardens of the Baroque palace complex.

2.  Walk the Ringstrasse

What is it?  Wrapped around Vienna’s historic city centre, the Ringstrasse – or the Ring as it’s more commonly known – is the result of a Habsburg-era initiative that sought to connect the suburbs to the imperial centre. Work began on the grand boulevard with a decree by Franz Joseph I in 1857, and today it still serves as the main orientational aid for any Vienna visitor.

Why go?  Built to show off the best of the Habsburg empire, a stroll around the Ring is the easiest way to admire some of the city’s grandest buildings. Travelling the relatively short distance between Karlsplatz and Schottentor alone allows you to take in the State Opera House, the Burggarten, the Hofburg, the National Library, the Art History, Natural History and World museums, Parliament, the Volksgarten, the Burgtheater, the Town Hall and the University. Phew.

3.  Explore the MuseumsQuartier

What is it? The MuseumsQuartier Wien , or MQ as it’s more commonly known, offers everything from the world’s finest Egon Schiele collection to an array of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants to a sculpture park-slash-mini golf course . The MQ Libelle rooftop terrace provides some of the finest views of the city centre. 

Why go? The Leopold Museum , home to 42 Schiele paintings and various works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and members of the Wien Werkstätte movement, is one of Vienna’s finest art museums, while the MUMOK boasts the city’s premier contemporary art collection, including works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Even if art’s not your thing, it’s worth heading to the courtyard to hang out with locals on one of the eye-catching geometric blocks or enjoy one of the outdoor cafés.

4.  Check out the Sigmund Freud Museum

What is it? Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, lived and worked at Berggasse 19 until 1938 when the Nazis’ persecution of the city’s Jews forced him and his family to flee to England. Having undergone a significant expansion and renovation, you can now visit all of the family’s private rooms and both Sigmund and Anna Freud’s practices, alongside exhibitions on the family’s life, psychoanalysis and the history of the building itself. 

Why go? As well as being a fascinating window into life during Vienna’s intellectual golden age, and its subsequent downfall, the Sigmund Freud Museum hosts events and has a tremendous gift shop.

5.  Try Vienna’s signature cake

What is it? Vienna’s signature cake the Sachertorte, a luxurious combo of dense chocolate sponge, dark chocolate ganache and finely-spread apricot jam, traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream, is more than just a dessert – its recipe is a closely guarded secret. Sure, you’ll find versions of this sweet treat in cafés across the city, but there’s a fierce rivalry between the  Hotel Sacher  and  Demel  over claims to the original recipe. They’ve even gone to court over it…

Why go?  Which Sachertorte is best? There’s only one way to find out – and that’s by sampling both. Let the cake wars commence.

6.  Stroll through Hofburg Palace

What is it? Back in the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the ornate Hofburg Palace was its beating heart. Today it’s the official residence of the country’s president and is home to many of Vienna’s top museums, attractions and galleries (and some famous dancing horses, too).

Why go? A walk through the Hofburg offers a potted history of Austria itself. See the Roman ruins, learn all about the life and macabre death of Empress Elisabeth – the ‘Princess Diana’ of the Habsburg Empire who was recently immortalised in Netflix drama ‘The Empress’ – at the Sisi Museum, admire the Baroque splendour of the newly-refurbished Prunksaal (State Hall) at the Austrian National Library and see where Adolf Hitler held his Anschluss speech. Head to the Spanish Riding School to watch the Lipizzaner horses perform their nifty dressage work.

7.  Hang out in the Neubau district

What is it? This used to be Vienna’s edgiest up-and-coming neighbourhood, but now it’s settled into a comfortable kind of cool – think London’s Clerkenwell crossed with the best bits of Berlin. The rents are still reasonable here in the 7th district, which means it’s home to several one-of-a-kind boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Why go? Well, the food’s fantastic, for starters. There’s Erich , a subterranean taqueria with one of the city’s best drinks lists and its sister restaurant Ulrich , which does a banging brunch. Meanwhile, TIAN Bistro am Spittalberg is one of the city’s foremost vegetarian and vegan establishments. If you fancy a cocktail, pop up the road to Moby Dick , which prides itself on innovative cocktails and food pairings.

8.  Take in the view from Vienna’s rooftop bars

What is it? Vienna has seen something of a boom in rooftop bars and terraces in recent years, catering for a wide range of budgets, tastes and views. From the brightly-coloured and opulent interiors of Das LOFT to the al fresco panoramas from the top of a WWII flak tower of 360º OCEAN SKY at Haus des Meeres, there really is a view for everyone. 

Why go? Visitors to Vienna have long been told to always look up to admire the architecture, but the influx of rooftop venues has flipped that on its head. Nowhere is this more true than at the Lamée Rooftop bar where you gaze side-on at the Stephansdom cathedral’s single tower, which feels so close you can nearly touch it. If you fancy something a little more relaxed, the living room-like interior of the Dachboden bar of the 25hours Hotel may be more your thing. 

9.  Mooch around the Albertina Modern

What is it? The Albertina Modern – an offshoot of the long-established Albertina museum – is Vienna’s newest major art museum and holds two of the most important collections of post-1945 Austrian art, the Essl and Jablonka collections, alongside works by other famous international artists. 

Why go? Counting more than 60,000 works by over 5,000 artists on its books, the Albertina Modern is committed to presenting Austrian art on equal footing with works by important international artists such as Andy Warhol. Since its opening in the historic Künstlerhaus in 2020, it has exhibited works by renowned artists such as Egon Schiele, Ai Weiwei and Jackson Pollock. 

10.  Dine in the world’s grandest greenhouse

What is it? Beautifully located in the pretty Burggarten park by the Hofburg, the Palmenhaus might be the world’s grandest greenhouse. Home to towering tropical trees and plants from around the world, the Palmenhaus doubles as a restaurant and bar, serving modern Austrian specialties with locally-sourced ingredients, as well as lighter bites and cocktails. If nothing else, be sure to try the cheeseboard with a glass of local wine. 

Why go? It’s super-central, so wherever you’re staying, this is a fabulous spot for a memorable first-night dinner or drinks. Plus, it’s sehr photogenic both inside and out, and a great place for people-watching.

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The 10 Best Day Trips From Vienna, Austria

Vienna is surrounded by beauty, culture, and history. Close to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, it affords travelers plenty of great getaways with minimum hassle and expense. It's also in close reach of idyllic countryside villages, vineyards with wine-tasting opportunities , and breathtaking mountain landscapes. These are the best day trips from Vienna, Austria that can also be extended to an overnight or weekend stay, so you can make the most of each destination. 

The Wachau Valley

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

The Wachau Valley is a remarkable network of green forests, storybook castles, medieval abbeys, pristine riverbanks, idyllic vineyards, and cute little towns. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular getaways from Vienna.  

Located about an hour from the city center by car or bus, the Valley offers plenty of things to see and do. It's coveted by history buffs, wine lovers, foodies, and anyone in search of a bucolic and quaint Austria. 

Spanning some 25 miles between the pretty towns of of Krems and Melk, the Wachau Valley (also referred to as the Danube Valley for the river that runs through it) is rich with both history and natural beauty. 

What to Do There: Make sure to visit the stunning  Melk Abbey, situated at the top of a hill and offering gorgeous views over the river below and the entire Valley. The Benedictine Abbey, which dates to 1089, is perched on a site that has been used by various royal and religious figures for over 1,000 years. Its fine marble elements, arresting domed entrance, and picturesque gardens make it a real draw card in the Valley. There's also a museum dating to the Austrian Imperial period, offering visitors a good overview of the site and displaying numerous opulent artifacts. 

Wine tasting in the Wachau valley is also a great options, as is a long walk along the Danube between Melk and Krems, and exploring the area's many interesting historic sites. Take a look at this page on the UNESCO World Heritage Trail in the Valley.  

Bratislava, Slovakia

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Take the train for an hour due east, and you'll find yourself in Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia and one of the prettiest and most well-preserved cities in Europe. 

Bratislava's cobbled pedestrian streets lined with cafes and restaurants, grand old national theatre, and whimsical statues make for an ideal day trip. Even many travelers on tight budgets will find the fare reasonable, and when it's nice out, walking around and visiting the city's main monuments is an inexpensive way to spend the day. 

What to Do There: With its distinctive, brightly colored facades and warm red rooftops, the city is cheerful and full of interesting sites , even on a foggy or rainy day. Make sure to visit the 16th-century Bratislava castle, a storybook-worthy monument that dominates a high hill overlooking the old city. 

If you have a bit more time and wouldn't mind spending a lot of time on the water, a day-long cruise by boat from Vienna to Bratislava is entirely possible, too. However, these cruises generally only operate between April to September. 

The Local Vineyards of Vienna

One of the most idyllic and easy ways to get out of the city for a spell is to head for the local vineyards of Vienna. These winemaking areas are remarkably close to the urban hustle and bustle but make you feel like you've gotten far, far away from it all. 

Vienna counts an astounding 700 hectares of actively cultivated vines within its greater city limits, and 80% of these produce distinctive Austrian white wines, including the world-famous Gruner Vetliner and Wiener Gemischter Satz, a local speciality. 

In the spring and fall, locals flock to the vineyards to catch a bit of bucolic country charm, taste and judge the seasonal bounty, and nibble on typical Austrian specialties at local heurige (country wine estates where food is also generally served).

What to Do There: This is probably one of the most Austrian things you can do on a trip to Wien: spend a lazy afternoon at a heurige or two. Taste the latest whites and tuck into a plate of cheese, charcuterie, special salads and homemade cakes. 

For more information on the best wine-tastings and heurige in close reach of the city, including information on how to get there by train and/or bus, visit this page . 

Klosterneuburg Monastery

More than 900 years old, the Klosterneuburg Monastery is one of the Vienna area's loveliest and most historically important centers of religious activity. It houses numerous prized works of religious art, including the "Verdun Altar," crowns, and other ceremonial items. 

Blending high Gothic and Baroque architecture, the Monastery features distinctive green domes and towers that can be spotted from afar as you approach the hilly area on which it stands. It's also surrounded by centuries-old vineyards: a typical feature of the Austrian countryside. 

Founded in 1114 by Margrave Leopold III, the site has served as a residence of many Imperial dynasties, including the Habsburgs. Since it's served as an unusual combination of monastery and royal residence, it lends much insight into the religious and Imperial history of Austria. 

What to Do There: Make sure to see the Verdun Altar, a remarkably well-preserved piece of medieval art. Also see the onsite wine cellars and the former private rooms of Emperor Charles VI, which serve as the starting point for most guided tours. For more information on getting there, what to do and see at the monastery, see this page. 

Kreuzenstein Castle and Fortress

Crowning a grand hill that was prized by settlers as far back as the prehistoric period, this castle and fortress is one of the most arresting sites around Vienna. Although the original 12th-century medieval structure was destroyed during the 17th century, the reconstructed 19th-century site and its adjoining museum make for a fun and informative visit. 

Kreuzenstein served as a center of strategic defense against enemies for many centuries, and was acquired by the powerful Habsburg family (later to rule much of Europe with their Empire) during the Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a museum of medieval history, art and culture.

What to Do There: There's an armory, chapel, Knight's Hall, kitchen and keep to explore. For more information on visiting the site, including details on guided tours and admission fees, see this page. 

True, Prague is a bit of a stretch for a day trip in the strict sense—at least if you want to really take advantage of the city. But if you leave Vienna early in the morning and opt for an overnight stay in the Czech capital, a 24-hour hop between the two remarkable cities is feasible. 

It takes around four hours to get to Prague from the Austrian capital, by train, car, or tourist bus. For this reason, make sure to set out early so you have enough time to explore all the highlights of the former center of Bohemia. 

What to Do There: Old Prague is a marvel and another UNESCO World Heritage site. With its breathtaking and remarkably preserved Old Town Square, Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter and distinctive synagogue, Prague Castle, Kafka Museum, and numerous other attractions, this is one of Eastern Europe's most fascinating cities. 

In addition to taking some time to taste specialities such as local Czech beers, goulash, dumplings and pastries, we recommend hitting off-the-beaten-path attractions such as the Cubist Museum, one of the city's most interesting gems. Also make sure to stroll across the centuries-old Charles Bridge. 

Beethoven Museum

A must for classical music fans, the quiet village of Heiligenstadt lies just outside of Viennese city limits. Its claim to fame is that Ludwig von Beethoven visited the town many times, composing part of his Second Symphony in a small apartment here in 1802. Arriving for the first time at the tender age of 17 as a student of Mozart's, the young Ludwig would return to Vienna to study under Haydn and stayed until his death in 1827.

What to Do There: Make sure to visit the composer's former residence at 6 Proubusgasse. It's been transformed into a 14-room museum that's only been open since November 2017. Toward the end of his life when Beethoven was losing his hearing, he wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament here, an unsent missive to his brothers that reveals much about the composer's suffering.

The permanent collection tells the story of that famous letter and displays numerous personal artefacts of Beethoven's, musical equipment and other objects of interest. 

Also, Beethoven, who eventually moved to Vienna, is buried in the city's biggest cemetery at Zentralfriedhof. There are many other sites around the Austrian capital that can be visited as part of an informal "Beethoven tour"—the new museum being one of them. For information on visiting the Beethoven Museum,  visit this page.

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This iconic city served as the setting for the beloved movie " The Sound of Music ."  Salzburg is roughly two and a half hours away from Vienna by train. If you're looking for a slice of the idyllic Austrian atmosphere you've so often heard about, a trip to this city near the German border is well worth a try. Offering views of the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is surrounded by picturesque mountains.

What to Do There: Famous denizens include Mozart, and classical music fans can visit his birthplace at the popular museum that stands here.

Make sure to spend a few hours roaming around the Baroque Altstadt (Old Town), which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Noteworthy sights and attractions there include the Mirabell Palace and its sumptuous formal gardens (reportedly a favorite playground of the Von Trapp kids),  Salzburg Cathedral , and the Residentzplatz , an immense square in the city centre that's dominated by the Residenzbrunnen , a stunning fountain crafted in marble. 

Otherwise, a stop at Hohensalzburg Castle is another good option, as is a walk along the gorgeous banks of the Salzach river .  You can even take a sightseeing cruise on the river to rest your feet for a stretch. 

Carnuntum, an Old Roman Archaeological Site

Austria was a vibrant and important part of ancient Rome's nexus of power and influence within Europe. Located just east of Vienna via a short (and inexpensive) local train, the Archaeological Park at Carnantum features some impressive Roman ruins, reconstructed buildings and an engaging permanent exhibition that brings the 1st Century BC town back to life. 

For anyone interested in history and archaeology, this makes an ideal and easy day trip. There are plenty of activities designed for kids, too, so a family outing is certainly possible here. 

What to Do There: During its heyday, Carnantum was home to some 50,000 people. Come see the reconstructed buildings at the park. These include elaborate Roman baths, or Thermae , stately houses of wealthy citizens, and even part of an arena that once served as a gladiator school. The latter was only discovered in 2011. 

For more Information on the park, tickets and getting there from Vienna, see this page at the official website.

The Woods of Vienna

The Vienna Woods—part of the lower foothills of the Alps—are immense, full of easy walking trails, heurige for wine tasting and casual meals, and the  Kahlenberg,  a small mountain popular for its panoramic views. 

What to Do There: On a clear day, the Kahlenberg viewpoint affords visitors incredible vantages over the entire city and its surroundings. Home to a centuries-old monastery and the Baroque St Joseph's Church, the mountain also features a large tower, the Stefaniewarte , that was built in the late 19th century in honor of the Crown Princess Stefanie of Belgium. From here, you can enjoy the panoramic terrace before accessing the many walking paths that wind through the Vienna Woods. If you start early enough, you can even walk the whole way back to the city (about 4.5 hours in total). For lovers of the outdoors, spending some time on these trails is highly recommended—UNESCO even named the Woods a Biosphere Reserve, owing to their outstanding natural beauty and diversity. Some 2,000 plant species and 150 bird species, including endangered ones, inhabit the sprawling forest. 

For information in English on the Woods, walking trails and getting there from the city center by tram or bus,  see this page.

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20 Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria, From Palace Strolls to Sachertorte

Here's how locals recommend exploring the capital city.

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Vienna (or “Wien” in German) is a must-visit city for many travelers, whether you’re visiting Europe for the first time or returning for a new adventure. The capital of Austria is a rich cultural hub, boasting museums, Baroque architecture, and a legacy closely tied to classical music — hence its nickname, the City of Music. Vienna is also the birthplace of Wiener schnitzel, and it continues to hold the title of “most livable city,” as determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index .

Tina Haselbacher, the owner of Almanac Hotels — which opened Almanac Palais Vienna in March 2023 — describes Vienna as “a place where tradition meets the contemporary.” While the city is, in many ways, visually defined by its historic structures, Haselbacher explains that there are “interesting and contemporary concepts living behind these traditional facades, such as modern art, cutting-edge culinary innovations, and interactive experiences with today’s creators.”

To discover both sides of Vienna, you’ll want to fill your itinerary with a combination of the old and the new — a stop by the Hofburg Palace followed by an afternoon exploring the Kunsthalle Wien in the Museumsquartier, for example. Read on to discover the best things to do when visiting Vienna, according to locals. 

Visit the famed Schönbrunn Palace.

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According to Julija and Wolfgang Rigon of Good Vienna Tours , you “can't visit Vienna without [seeing] Schönbrunn.” The summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. While you’ll inevitably experience lines, particularly if you’re there during the weekend, there’s still plenty to do while you wait. “You get [your ticket] relatively quickly and see what time you are allowed into the castle. While you're waiting, you can grab a bite to eat or visit the gardens,” says the couple.

Enjoy a slow morning at a coffee house.

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“Viennese coffee house culture is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle, so much so that UNESCO placed it on its intangible cultural heritage list ,” says Michael Gigl, head of market USA for the Austrian Tourist Office . Don’t expect a fast-paced, Starbucks-like morning, though. “The true secret to the Vienna coffee house experience is the lack of time pressure. No one will bat an eye if you decide to read every single newspaper and magazine on hand," he says. "Opening a laptop, however, is rather frowned upon.” Gigl’s coffee house recommendations include Café Sperl , Café Hawelka , Café Korb , Café Ritter , and Café Schwarzenberg .

Stop by St. Stephen's Cathedral.

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At its tallest point, St. Stephen’s Cathedral reaches 136 meters, making it the tallest church in Austria and one of the most recognizable sights in Vienna. Visiting the main entrance is free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to see the cathedral in its entirety. “The view from the top, whether by foot or by elevator, is highly recommended in good weather,” says Wolfgang Rigon.

Snap a photo of the Majolikahaus (Majolica House).

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“Otto Wagner’s Majolikahaus is a Viennese Art Nouveau-styled building famous for its colorful tiles with a floral motif," says Haselbacher. "It is such a special place to see an icon of the Art Nouveau style." Designed by the Austrian architect in 1898 and 1899, Majolikahaus can be found at Linke Wienzeile 40 in the Laimgrube neighborhood. 

Fill up on Wiener schnitzel.

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“Without having eaten [Wiener schnitzel] in its hometown, you have not been to Vienna,” says Julija Rigon. Made of thinly pounded veal, dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown, Wiener schnitzel is said to have been introduced in Vienna in the 1850s. It’s not hard to find the dish here; a few restaurant options include Schnitzelwirt , Skopik & Lohn , and Salzamt .

Take a dip in the Krapfenwaldlbad swimming pool.

If you grow tired of walking around Vienna and find yourself in need of a refreshing swim, make your way out of the city center. “ Krapfenwaldlbad is an outdoor swimming area in the woods of Vienna, overlooking the entire city," says Haselbacher. "Head there in the summertime to cool off and mix with locals and families."

Attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera.

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“About 10,000 people enjoy a classical music performance somewhere in the city every day, so go grab a ticket to the opera or a concert performance,” says Gigl. The Vienna State Opera House features 350 performances each season — both operas and ballets — and tickets can be purchased online . To learn more about Vienna’s musical history and tradition, Gigl suggests visiting the Haus der Musik (House of Music) “for an engaging interactive experience.”

Get an insider’s view of the city via a walking tour.

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Unless someone in your party already has a solid understanding of the city — including its layout, history, and lesser-known facts — a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. Good Vienna Tours offers tours in English every day at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

Learn about Vienna’s past and present at the Jewish Museum.

Courtesy of the Jewish Museum Vienna

With an emphasis on the time period encompassing the two World Wars, this museum educates visitors on Jewish history, culture, and religion. Though it is split into two locations, a single ticket grants you access to both Museum Dorotheergasse and Museum Judenplatz . The latter is home to the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, a memorial designed by Rachel Whiteread that honors the Austrian victims of the Holocaust.

Indulge in a slice of Sachertorte.

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Sachertorte, which Gigl calls “the world’s most storied cake," should be on your must-try list while in Vienna. Invented in 1832 by pastry chef Franz Sacher, Sachertorte is a rich chocolate sponge cake made with layers of apricot jam and a chocolate ganache topping. Café Demel and Café Sacher have had a rivalry over the treat for centuries, so you may need to try both and see which one you prefer.

Relax in Vienna’s green spaces.

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“One of the reasons Vienna is consistently named as one, if not the, best place to live, is the city’s abundance of green spaces, parks, and recreational opportunities,” says Gigl. “Try the Prater for a leisurely stroll, or head to the ‘Alte Donau’ (Old Danube) for a swim or a paddleboard session,” says Gigl.

Explore the art collection at the Belvedere Museum.

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There’s a high chance art aficionados will already be familiar with the Belvedere Museum , which the Rigons describe as a “beautiful Baroque palace with an even more impressive garden.” Haselbacher adds, “They have the biggest collection of [Gustav] Klimt, and the architecture is really special." The Klimt collection includes his most famous piece, “The Kiss.”

Eat lunch at a würstelstand.

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A würstelstand is a traditional Austrian street food outlet that serves sausage, hot dogs, and beer, among other delicacies. You’ll find them all over Vienna, but Würstelstand LEO is said to be the city’s oldest sausage stand. If you aren’t adverse to dairy, order the Käsekrainer, which is a sausage filled with small chunks of cheese.

Walk along the Ringstraße.

In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the construction of a boulevard built around Vienna’s city center. Down came the historic city walls, and the Ringstraße (or Vienna Ring Road) took its place, although it took a few decades to complete. “The State Opera, the Hofburg, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Burgtheater, the City Hall, and the Parliament are just a few sights on Ringstraße,” says Wolfgang Rigon. He suggests walking the 5.2km (about 3.2 miles) route or taking a streetcar.

Shop in Vienna’s two remaining street markets.

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Hasselbacher notes that if you make your way to Währing, the 18th district, you’ll find Kutschkermarkt, one of “the last remaining street markets in Vienna.” The other street market, Brunnenmarkt , is in Ottakring, the 16th district. Both offer a variety of produce, meats, breads, spices, flowers, and more. On Saturdays, Kutschkermarkt also has a farmer’s market, where regional fruits and vegetables join the lineup.

Spend a few hours in the MuseumsQuartier.

Self-described as “one of the largest cultural quarters in the world,” the MuseumsQuartier is a hub of Viennese creativity. Here you’ll find the Leopold Museum , the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art Ludwig Foundation Vienna), and the contemporary exhibition space Kunsthalle Wien . If you’re interested in architecture, music, theater, dance, street art, literature, photography, or all of the above, you’ll find something interesting in the MuseumsQuartier.

Round out your meal with a Punschkrapfen.

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“Punschkrapfen is a local delicacy made of nougat and jam-filled sponge cake soaked with rum,” says Haselbacher. Translated to punch cake, the dessert can be found in numerous places across the city, and you’ll notice it immediately thanks to its bright pink coloring.

Dive into Habsburg history at Hofburg Palace.

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Hofburg Palace once served as the Habsburgs’ winter residence, but today it’s the workplace and home of the president of Austria. Visitors are allowed to explore the palace, which houses three museums: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Silver Collection (although the latter is expected to be closed until 2026).

Make a reservation at Palmenhaus.

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You’ll find Palmenhaus in Vienna’s 1st district, next to the Albertina Museum . “With over 400 butterflies flying in the palm house year-round, it is a lovely spot to be immersed in nature,” says Haselbacher, who adds that it’s also a “very nice spot to have a drink, overlooking the Park Burggarten.”

Visit the history-filled Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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“If you are even a little interested in art, a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must,” says Julija Rigon. "It is one of the largest and most important museums in the world." Also referred to as the Museum of Fine Arts, the venue's collections span five millennia and include works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Michelangelo, Vermeer, and more.

36 Hours in Vienna

By Valeriya Safronova Updated Dec. 7, 2023

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Vienna, the Austrian capital, clings to tradition: Just smell the timeless fragrances of roasting chestnuts and spiced wine at the Christmas markets that spring up all around the city every December. For many visitors, the city is often a brief stop on a whirlwind tour of Central Europe, leaving little time to explore much beyond the historic center, called the First District. Still, there is plenty to see and do in its other districts, including some newly added cultural institutions. The Wien Museum , the premier place to learn about the city’s history, reopened this month after a three-year renovation, while the House of Strauss , a museum and concert hall honoring the Strauss family of musicians, arrived in October.

Recommendations

• Wien Museum , expanded after a three-year-renovation, traces 2,000 years of the Austrian capital’s history through objects, including relics of working-class Viennese life and fine art.
• Palais Freiluft , in a Baroque palace and its garden, is the Christmas market of choice for those who want a little luxury.
• Kikko Ba is an izakaya that playfully combines Japanese influences with Austrian ingredients.
• Badeschiff Wien , a boat floating on the canal that cuts through Vienna’s center, has several curling rinks on its decks, and a menu of hot winter cocktails.
• House of Strauss is a museum and music hall exploring the lives of the Strauss family, whom some historians call the pop stars of 19th-century Europe.
• Therme Wien , a large pool-and-sauna complex, will chase the winter chill from your bones.
• At the City Hall Plaza Christmas market , the largest in Vienna, ice-skating paths wind through trees strung with twinkle lights, and the aroma of hot punch, an alcoholic drink with tea and spices, fills the air.
• The Spittelberg Christmas market has sustainable, eco-friendly gifts and a wealth of vegetarian options.
• Volta Vienna sells striking, sculptural home goods, including vases, mugs and candelabra.
• Graf&Gräfin is focused on leather goods and jewelry, but those looking for quirky gifts will find plenty of options.
• Luv the Shop specializes in Scandinavian wardrobe essentials, like chunky sweaters and day-to-night dresses.
• Rhiz is a music lounge and bar beloved by locals, where D.J.s frequently spin experimental electronic tunes.
• Venster 99 is a grungy yet welcoming punk bar that hosts concerts and has a pay-as-you-wish policy.
• Öfferl , a bakery with a minimalist look, has a wide selection of breads and an all-day breakfast menu at two of its locations.
• Monte Ofelio , a bar and cafe, takes Italian aperitivo culture seriously, with cheeses and meats imported from Italy, and a perfect Negroni Sbagliato.
• Skopik & Lohn offers Austrian classics like Wiener schnitzel, along with Italian dishes beloved by Austrians, like gnocchi and vitello tonnato, a veal and tuna dish.
• Das Werk is a hardcore techno club where the party doesn’t start until at least 11 p.m.
• Café Rüdigerhof , established in 1902, offers a quintessential Viennese cafe experience, with simple breakfasts and Austrian coffee drinks piled high with foam or whipped cream (and sometimes served with a dash of liquor).
• Rosewood Vienna is a luxury hotel in a renovated 19th-century neo-Classical building, where the rooms have been beautifully restored with design references to Viennese history, like the lobby lounge, whose floral murals evoke the Palmenhaus , an Art Nouveau conservatory. The hotel and bar upstairs offer delightful views over the historic center. Rooms from 525 euros, or about $565, a night.
• Hotel Indigo Vienna — Naschmarkt is a chic and cozy four-star hotel that is an easy subway ride to the First District, and walkable to the boutiques, bars and restaurants of the city’s trendier districts. Rooms from €149.
• Hotel Babula am Augarten offers low prices without compromising on space. Rooms are airy, with high ceilings and large windows. Don’t expect to find a TV or a mini-fridge in your room, although the hotel’s restaurant, Pizza Randale, is just downstairs. Rooms from €62.
• For short-term rentals , consider the Second District for its green areas and plentiful restaurants, as well as its easy access to other neighborhoods, or the Seventh District for its many boutiques, brunch spots and adorable courtyards.
• Vienna’s public transport system is efficient, clean and well connected. Take advantage of the buses , trams and subway (called the U-Bahn), which will swiftly and comfortably deliver you to most points of interest. The ride-hailing app Uber works in Vienna, as does Bolt. Lots of locals cycle , and those without a bike can download the Nextbike app and pick up a bike at the closest docking station (60 cents per half-hour).

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Visit Vienna: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in vienna: the 25 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Vienna during your next trip to Austria ? You’re looking for the best things to do in Vienna?

You’re at the right place!

Boasting grand palaces, numerous cool museums , and a historic city center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site , the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire has preserved all its glamour and splendor.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this guide of the 25 best places to visit in Vienna , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Vienna in 1, 2, 3 or 4 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

And as always, this travel guide contains all my best tips to make the most of your stay.

So, what are the best things to do in Vienna? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Schönbrunn Palace

2. visiting the gardens of schönbrunn, 3. hofburg imperial palace, 4. belvedere palace, 5. stephansdom, vienna’s st. stephen’s cathedral, 6. take a cruise on the danube, 7. the vienna prater / vienna’s giant ferris wheel, 8. museumsquartier, 9. the staatsoper, vienna state opera, 10. going to a concert in vienna, 11. the naschmarkt, 12. visiting the albertina museum, 13. spanish riding school of vienna, 14. mozarthaus / mozart’s house, 15. vienna city hall, 16. the capuchin crypt, 17. guided tour in vienna, 18. shopping in vienna, 19. taking a break in a viennese café, 20. saint charles church, 21. hundertwasserhaus, 22. austrian national library, 23. the museum of art history, 24. day trips from vienna, how many days to visit vienna, exploring vienna in 1 day, best things to do in vienna in 2 days, exploring vienna in 3 day, best things to do in vienna in 4 days, visiting vienna in 5 days or more, where to stay in vienna, where to eat in vienna, how to get to vienna, vienna tourist map, you’re traveling in austria these articles will help you, visiting vienna: 25 must-see attractions.

Here’s a bit of advice before you dive into my list of the best things to do and see in Vienna.

To explore Vienna and its key attractions, you should really get the Vienna Pass .  It’s the best way to save time and money!

Here’s what’s included:

• Access to 70 must-see sites, monuments, and museums like Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace, and most of the spots I’ll be talking about.
• Unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides – 6 routes with 47 stops.

Depending on how long you’re staying in Vienna, you can choose between a 1, 2, 3, or 6-day pass .

To get your Vienna Pass, you simply need to click on the green button below :

The Schönbrunn Palace is definitely an unmissable sight during your stay in Vienna.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , often compared to the Palace of Versailles, it used to be the summer residence of the Habsburgs , the imperial Austrian family.

Today, you can join guided tours of this stunning 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its incredibly rich history!

Book a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace , including access to the interior and gardens, by clicking on the button below :

Check out the imperial apartments , the sumptuous state rooms , and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the former ruling class by visiting the intimate quarters of the emperors and empresses .

The grand gallery with its mirrors, towering windows, and exquisite frescoes is particularly breathtaking, as are the Chinese cabinets , lavishly decorated with priceless Chinese porcelain.

If you’re not up for the guided tour, don’t forget that the ticket for Schönbrunn is included in the Vienna Pass .

Best things to do in Vienna at night

Another cool thing I’d recommend doing at Schonbrunn is to attend a classical music concert in the famed Orangery .

This exceptional venue was once the host to grand court banquets. The concert features: Mozart’s most famous operas followed by Strauss’s waltzes

Don’t hesitate, make your Vienna visit unforgettable with a memorable night, and book your tickets now by clicking here .

At Schönbrunn Palace, I also recommend you amble around the extensive park. It’s over a kilometer long and one of the best places to stroll in Vienna!

On your walk through the gardens you’ll see:

• The Palm House , the last of its kind in Europe. Inside, you’ll find a recreation of various climates including cold, temperate, and tropical, creating optimal conditions for the diverse flora.
• The zoo (get your tickets here!) caused quite a stir in 1828 when it hosted the first giraffe on Austrian soil. It even started a “giraffe” fashion trend, complete with clothing, accessories, and hairstyles.
• The numerous fountains scattered throughout the park.
• The Vienna Imperial Carriage Museum (get your ticket here!) , a spectacular collection of carriages, ceremonial cars, and sleds frequently used by the royal family.

Admission to the buildings within the park, such as the zoo or the museum, is not included in the castle entry ticket.

That’s why I’ve provided links for you to buy your additional tickets separately if you wish to visit them. They are, however, included with the Vienna Pass.

Since the gardens of Schönbrunn are so big, there’s a miniature panoramic train that lets you tour the area and hop off whenever you want. You can get on and off as many times as you like at the 9 stops on the circuit .

To book your miniature train tour in the park, click here!

Let’s continue this Vienna tour with a visit to the iconic Hofburg Palace .

Just like Schönbrunn, Hofburg Palace is a must-visit attraction in Vienna that has served as the residence of the influential Austrian emperors for over six centuries!

With each emperor adding their personal touch with extensions here and there, today the palace is the largest in the city and arguably Vienna’s most imposing historical building .

During your visit, you’ll be amazed by the opulent imperial apartments , including highlights such as the lavish bedrooms , the intricate toilet and gym rooms, the magnificent salon of the empress , and the emperor’s elegant study .

Only part of the palace is accessible as it currently houses the offices of the presidential administration and several museums, including the Albertina museum (I’ll tell you more about it later).

Speaking of museums, I highly recommend you visit the museum dedicated to Empress Sisi .

It traces the entire (quite eventful) life of the famed empress up to her tragic assassination in Geneva. You’ll find many personal artifacts of hers as well as some of her most beautiful dresses and jewels .

Another wing of the palace also houses an impressive collection of silverware , gathering nearly 7,000 pieces of fine tableware .

The entrance fee to the palace includes visits to the royal apartments, the Sisi Museum and the silverware collection.

The visit is included in the Vienna Pass otherwise you can purchase the standalone ticket here:

The Belvedere Palace is the 3 rd must-see Baroque palace in Vienna . It actually consists of two palaces connected by a grandiose French-style garden .

In the first palace, situated in the Upper Belvedere , art enthusiasts will find the largest collection of works by the renowned Austrian painter Klimt , and also paintings by Monet and Van Gogh.

The Lower Belvedere, on the other hand, is used for setting up temporary exhibitions .

The visit is included in the Vienna Pass .

If you wish to skip the queues but don’t have the pass for visiting Vienna, you should get your skip-the-line tickets for the Belvedere Museum here :

The famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral sits on Vienna’s central square, Stephansplatz . It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Vienna .

Built from the 14th century on the ruins of an old church, the cathedral is a wonderful example of Baroque and Gothic architecture . Its colorful tiled roof showcasing the double-headed k.u.k eagle (kaiserlich und königlich, which means Imperial and Royal in German) and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria, is truly impressive.

Once inside the cathedral, you’ll be blown away by its stunning interior. Take a moment to admire the relics adorned with gold and other precious metals and explore the catacombs, where you’ll find the final resting spots of Emperor Frederick III and Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Finally, to cap off your visit beautifully, I recommend climbing the 343 steps to reach the Turmerstube which offers a stunning view over all of Vienna .

To make the most of your visit to the cathedral, you should get an all-inclusive ticket so you won’t have to queue at the entrance!

What’s even better is that this ticket not only grants you access to the stunning cathedral but also includes a visit to the cathedral museum and a fascinating guided tour of the catacombs. Book it clicking the button below:

Several nights a week, you also have the opportunity to attend a classical music concert held in Vienna Cathedral. However, it’s absolutely essential to book your seats in advance by clicking on this link !

Another great activity I have in store for you in this top 25 list of things to do and see in Vienna is a cruise along the legendary Danube River .

Embarking on a boat trip along the river will treat you to unforgettable vistas of Vienna that you won’t find anywhere else. Various options are offered in terms of duration.

The most popular one is the 1-hour outing that you can book by clicking the button below:

There’s also an option with lunch included :

You could also opt for a cruise with concert and romantic dinner .

Some cruises even include a visit to the Danube Tower (tickets available here), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its 150-meter-high observation platform.

Speaking of admiring the city from above, you can also book an exhilarating helicopter ride over Vienna !

You can find all the details about this activity by simply clicking here !

The Prater is a massive public park in Vienna that’s definitely worth a visit.

It’s particularly famous for housing another one of the city’s symbols, its Giant Ferris Wheel: the Riesenrad . Standing at a precise 64.75 meters high, it’s one of the oldest still-operational Ferris wheels in the world.

You’ll get to take a spin in one of the 15 wooden cabins in 20 minutes to catch a stunning panoramic view of the whole city .

You can buy your tickets directly here , but note that the ride is also included with the Vienna pass .

Besides the Ferris wheel, you’ll also find other rides in the park as it hosts a permanent fair with more than 250 attractions .

If you’re wondering what to do in Vienna with kids , this is a fantastic idea!

Another section of the park, known as the “ Green Prater ” is a haven for walkers and cyclists . It offers a plethora of pathways that invite you to explore its forests and meadows. And for those who don’t feel like walking, a small train will take you on a tour of the park .

To discover everything about the activities available in the Prater during your Vienna vacation, make sure to visit the official website .

If you’re a fan of museums, the MuseumsQuartier is a must-visit for you. It’s the best neighborhood for a bit of cultural tourism in Vienna .

Built on the site of the former imperial stables, this pedestrian area offers a variety of incredibly interesting museums spread over nearly 60,000 m². It’s also packed with restaurants, cafés, and bookstores.

Among Vienna’s most famous museums, be sure to visit (click on the orange links to book your tickets one by one):

• The Leopold Museum : it houses the world’s largest collection of works by Egon Schiele and a few works by Gustav Klimt (whose other works are exhibited at the Belvedere Palace).
• The MUMOK : the museum of modern art mainly focused on 20 th century art with works from Andy Warhol or Yoko Ono. It also features paintings by Pablo Picasso.
• The Kunsthalle Wien : focused on international contemporary art.

You’ll find the MuseumsQuartier map and the list of museums to visit right here .

It’s worth noting that access to all museums in the MuseumsQuartier is included with the Vienna city pass .

It’s simply unthinkable to visit Vienna without at least stopping by the Staatsoper, the iconic temple of classical music that showcases world-renowned operas and concerts.

If you have the time, I highly advise you to attend an opera performance at the Staatsoper . Contrary to popular belief, ticket prices aren’t that high considering the exceptional quality of the performance offered .

And if you don’t speak German, the language of most operas, no worries! You can easily activate subtitles in your preferred language during the performance.

The Staatsoper also offers live opera performances , especially during the months of April, May, and June . The performances are projected live on a giant screen in front of the Opera . A really great idea to allow everyone to enjoy, and it’s free !

Finally, the Vienna National Opera also organizes tours of the interior and behind-the-scenes on select days when there are no rehearsals. If you can’t afford to attend a performance, you can at least admire the place.

Head to the Staatsoper ticket counter 1.5 hours before the start of performances .

You can get tickets for less than €10 , but keep in mind that for this price, you’ll be required to stand at the back of the room for the duration of the 2 to 3-hour show.

There are also other Vienna venues known for their music performances, like the Musikverein , the Orangery at Schonbrunn Palace , and the Vienna Volksoper .

The prices are often lower than for the Staatsoper.

You can find the entire musical program in Vienna on this website .

I’ve also prepared a selection of the best concerts in Vienna for you just below. Click on the links for details and to book:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Musikverein
• A concert featuring 30 musicians from the Mozart Orchestra in the Musikverein’s Golden Hall
• A classical music concert in Vienna’s magnificent St. Peter’s Church
• A classical music concert performed by a string quartet at St. Anne’s Church
• A performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Charles Church
• Mozart and Strauss concert at Vienna’s Kursalon , a show with musicians, singers, and dancers.
• A concert by the Vienna Residence Orchestra , one of the world’s best chamber orchestras, at the Auersperg Palace.

You’re going to Vienna?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Vienna on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Vienna.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Vienna, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Vienna!

Still wondering what to do in Vienna ?

Look no further than the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s perennial market .

Open Monday to Saturday, it’s your go-to for all Austrian local products , but also goods from all over the world . Whether you crave Indian, Italian, Vietnamese, or other global delights, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice.

On Saturdays , there’s also a huge flea market where you can find nifty items or just something to clutter your house a little more!

The spot is lively and fun, boasting loads of cafes and restaurants . The DO-An and the Naschmarkt Deli are particularly well-known.

You can also book a culinary guided tour at the Naschmarkt . Your guide will lead you to the best stalls for tasting local and worldwide specialties .

The Albertina is situated in Vienna’s historical center and is one of the Hofburg Palace’s museums .

The museum showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions covering a period from the 15th century to the present day . You’ll find masterpieces by Cézanne, Picasso, Monet and even Chagall and Renoir .

Aside from these masterworks, your museum entry allows you to visit the 20 recently restored state rooms whose original furnishings will transport you back to the opulent times of the imperial family.

This is the must-visit museum in Vienna!

Priority access tickets can be purchased ahead of time with the button below :

As you can see, there’s a lot of museums to visit in Vienna . I’ve mentioned some of the popular ones that are widely known, but there are many more to discover out there!

• The Vienna Museum of Natural History , a fantastic museum that houses an impressive collection of artifacts. Discover the world’s oldest meteorites, marvel at dinosaur skeletons, and don’t miss the chance to see the Venus of Willendorf, a remarkable Upper Paleolithic limestone statuette.
• The Chocolate Museum , which displays an impressive collection of yummy chocolate sculptures. The museum also organizes workshops where you can create your own chocolate bars. You can book here (this includes the museum ticket too!)
• The House of Music , a museum on the history of Viennese classical music. An engaging and interactive experience that is anything but boring!
• The Torture Museum , focusing on the various corporal punishments enforced throughout the centuries
• The Museum of Technology , a captivating and well-executed museum that immerses you in the world of technological advancements.
• The Museum of Illusions, where you can capture mind-bending photos in various 3D settings. A brilliant idea for a kid-friendly visit in Vienna!
• The Vienna Jewish Museum and the Judenplatz Museum on the history and traditions of Jews in Austria
• The Vienna Madame Tussauds Museum , for selfies with your favorite stars.

Vienna’s Spanish Riding School is a long-standing institution. They’ve practiced the classic art of High School dressage since the Renaissance.

Even today, the school is a world-renowned dressage center . Riders train daily on their purebred Lipizzaner stallions . It takes years of training to achieve perfection.

Watching their morning training is one of the most popular tourist activities to experience in Vienna . The venue where the training takes place, the Imperial Winter Riding School , is truly a sight to behold. With its magnificent chandeliers and elegant balconies, the venue adds an extra touch of grandeur to the experience.

If you want to attend the morning training, you should book in advance using the button below :

Entry is included with the Vienna Pass.

You also have the possibility to:

• Take a guided tour of the riding school (click here)
• Attend one of their performances. Make sure to book well in advance by clicking here.

Next on this Vienna guide is Mozart’s house.

The famous composer lived at No. 5 Domgasse from 1784 to 1787. It’s the only one of Mozart’s Vienna dwellings that still exists today, out of the dozen where he lived.

You can visit the rooms of his apartment and step into the intimacy of this fascinating and brilliant artist. With a bit of imagination, you can even picture him in the place where he composed one of his most beautiful operas: The Marriage of Figaro .

Tickets for the visit to Mozart’s house can be purchased here if you don’t have the Vienna Pass. The English audioguide is included.

If you’ve decided to explore Vienna on foot, I recommend passing by Vienna’s city hall, or Rathaus . You can’t miss it, its tall tower of nearly 100 meters topped by the Rathausmann (the iron man) is a city emblem .

Thanks to its neo-gothic style, the building stands out as the most significant non-religious structure in Vienna .

Constructed between 1872 and 1883, the construction of the building required an astounding amount of materials. They used nearly 30 million bricks and approximately 40,000 cubic meters of stones to bring the imposing structure to life. Its inner courtyard is one of the largest in Europe and it boasts a grand ballroom.

The Rathaus is the seat of Vienna’s municipality and thus houses the offices of the mayor and his advisors. Guided tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm without reservation.

Throughout the year, Rathausplatz, the square in front of the city hall , hosts a plethora of events.. Don’t hesitate to stop by during your Vienna tour .

If you’ve decided to visit Vienna in winter , you’ll find there the Christmas market , the screening of the Vienna New Year’s concert and even a skating rink in January and February.

If you have an interest in learning about imperial Vienna, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, also known as Kaisergruft .

The crypt is located beneath the Capuchin Church and houses many tombs of the Habsburg imperial family .

In total, 149 family members are buried there, including 19 empresses and 12 emperors . And this is where you’ll find Empress Sisi’s tomb .

And once again, your Vienna Pass will allow you free entry! Otherwise, you also have the option to buy it in advance by clicking here !

Why not explore Austria’s capital with a guided tour ?

It’s hands down the best way to learn about the history of the place and its monuments !

And you’re in luck, one of the best guided tours is available with an English-speaking guide . You’ll have the choice of duration, between 2 to 6 hours , and your guide will craft a custom itinerary based on your interests.

They’ll even meet you directly at your accommodation!

To book an English-speaking guided tour of Vienna , click the button below:

If you’re not up for a walking tour, no worries, there’s loads of other cool and original options in Vienna :

• A 3-hour Segway tour of Vienna in a small group. No problem if you’ve never done it before, you’ll pick it up quickly!
• A 2-hour guided tour in a Hotrod , a single-seater car (driver’s license required)
• A 3-hour guided bike tour
• A 60-minute guided electric bike tour
• A horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town to admire the architecture of the monuments while you imagine yourself as a nobleman. Perfect for a romantic activity in Vienna!
• A sightseeing tour of Vienna in a retro electric car . You can choose from various durations for the ride.

And if you prefer a quirky guided tour in Vienna , I especially recommend:

• A Ghost Tour: a nighttime walking tour on the theme of ghosts, witches, and vampires. You’ll learn all about Vienna’s scariest stories!
• A tour of the Vienna underground with a visit to the archaeological site of Michaelerplatz and the crypt of Saint Michael’s Church where nearly 4,000 people were buried.
• A guided tour of the central cemetery in Vienna where numerous local celebrities are buried.
• A scavenger hunt through the city where you’ll follow clues and solve riddles. To be downloaded to your phone.

Fancy a bit of shopping in Vienna ?

No problem, you’ll find everything you need and don’t need on Graben and Karntner streets .

Graben Street is the most popular for shopping with its skillful mixture of modern and traditional shops . It’s Vienna’s busiest pedestrian street.

Be sure to look up from your bags occasionally to admire the stunning architecture of the buildings that line it.

Karntner is also a major pedestrian shopping street in Vienna . It runs from Stephansplatz to Karlsplatz . It’s a must-visit in Vienna for shopping fans.

And there you have it, snack time has (finally) arrived, it’s time to head to one of Vienna’s famous cafes to taste the local specialties. The culture of Viennese cafés is even part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage !

The cream of the crop , my friends, are these establishments:

• Get a taste of Café Sperl’s apple strudel. It’s worth every bite.
• At Café Sacher, you can’t miss their homemade Sachertorte, a delightful chocolate cake.
• Then there’s Hawelka, one of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses.
• Café Central is another place worth your time, known for its selection of homemade pastries.

To sample 3 types of Viennese coffee along with various pastries, why not tour the best coffee houses with a guide ? Drinks and pastries are, of course, included!

Book this 2.5-hour tour directly by clicking here!

During your excursion to Vienna , I’d strongly suggest you to take a leisurely walk around Karlsplatz , where you’ll discover the magnificent St. Charles Church (or Karlskirche as the locals call it).

Commissioned in 1713 by none other than Emperor Charles VI himself as a celebration marking the end of the pesky plague epidemic, this church stands as a pretty impressive specimen of Baroque architecture . Between you and me, it’s rather photogenic.

Surprisingly, inside the church, a panoramic elevator takes you up close to the beautiful ceiling frescoes to admire the minute details. Don’t hesitate to try it out, I’m not sure this exists anywhere else.

The church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday and during holidays from 12pm to 7pm.

You can also attend a Mozart Requiem in the church on some winter evenings. Info and reservations right here !

The Hundertwasserhaus is an unusual sight to visit in Vienna .

The building was constructed by architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser , who, let’s admit it, had rather unique tastes.

With its multicolored facade, its strange floors, and its green walls, it’s not really describable – you’ll have to see it for yourself!

You won’t be able to enter, but there’s a café on the ground floor that shows a film in which the architect himself gives a tour of his work.

The building is located at 37-39 Kekelgasse Street .

Near Hundertwasserhaus, you can also visit the Kunst Haus Wien, the Hundertwasser Museum , which showcases several of his works and also features an unconventional building design.

Entrance is included in the Vienna pass but you can also purchase a single ticket directly here !

The Austrian National Library is the largest Baroque library in Europe . So, I highly recommend you pop by during your Vienna escapade .

The library houses an impressive 7 million works, books and papyruses !

Besides being the biggest, the library also boasts one of the most beautiful rooms in the world, the State Hall .

With its 80 meters length and 20 meters height, its dome adorned with frescoes and a collection of 200,000 old volumes , the hall is truly jaw-dropping.

Entry is free with your Vienna Pass .

The Museum of Art History, or Kunsthistorisches Museum , is one of the city’s most prestigious cultural edifice.

Commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph to house his personal collections, the museum today exhibits an extensive collection of works by Rubens, Vermeer, and Rembrandt .

The “ cabinet of curiosities “, Kunstkammer in German, also located within the museum, showcases one of the world’s most extravagant collections of priceless artifacts , many of which were once the pride and joy of the Habsburgs.

To avoid hours of waiting, consider grabbing your skip-the-line entries right here or purchasing the Vienna Pass .

Best things to do around Vienna

If you’ve decided to jet off to Vienna for a few days , you could also take the opportunity to explore the surroundings .

I’ve compiled for you my list of the top things to do around Vienna .

Setting out from Vienna , you’ve got plenty of options if you’re in the mood to venture on a day trip into the neighboring countryside.

Conveniently, they all come with return transportation from Vienna and a friendly guide for the day.

I’ve selected the best ones for you below. All you need to do is click on the orange links to access the information, the rates, and proceed to booking :

• From Vienna: Wachau and Danube Valleys excursion – Bus tour exploring the scenic valleys around Vienna + 1-hour cruise along the charming Danube + a visit to the renowned Melk Abbey .
• Visit to the Salzkammergut Lake Region + Guided tour of the picturesque village of Hallstatt . The day also includes a visit to Admont Abbey .
• From Vienna: Salzburg Tour – Discover Mozart’s birthplace during a guided tour of the main points of interest.
• A Day at Hallstatt with a trip to the panoramic observation platform
• Visit 3 family-owned vineyards with wine tastings + 1 traditional lunch or dinner
• Excursion to Bratislava, Slovakia . The two cities are only 60 km apart, which is a great idea for a day trip around Vienna. The journey there is by bus and the return is by catamaran on the Danube. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town during a guided tour.
• Excursion to Budapest from Vienna – Spend the day exploring the capital of Hungary.
• Excursion to Prague from Vienna – Take a day to visit the Czech capital!

From Vienna, you can also reach Graz in 2h15 by car .

In Graz, I suggest you visit:

• The Schlossberg , the city’s highest point offering a superb panorama
• The Hauptplatz, the main square from where all the main shopping streets start
• The Landeszeughaus, a museum whose collection of weapons and armors is one of the most impressive in the world
• St. Giles Cathedral in Graz

To learn more about places to visit in Graz , you should read my detailed article: Best things to do and see in Graz !

You’ve probably noticed, there’s a heap of things to see in Vienna . Most visits can easily take you 2 to 3 hours, which quickly limits the number of places you can visit in a day.

So, I suggest you stay a minimum of 4 days in Vienna if you want to cover the must-sees without rushing and while allowing for some Viennese coffee breaks!

If you’re plotting to hang around Vienna for 5, 6 days, or even a whole week, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to embark on a few day trips in and around the city .

Here are 2 tips to save money during your stay in Vienna:

For those looking to zip around Vienna using public transport , you should grab the Vienna City Card ( available right here ), starting from just €13.90 for a day. They’ve also got 48h and 72h options . You’ll be able to get around freely by metro, bus, and tramway!

And don’t forget the one that I’ve already mentioned, the Vienna Pass . Not only does this gem offer unlimited access to hop-on-hop-off buses, but it also grants you entry to around sixty of Vienna’s must-see sights . Sounds pretty good, right?

Book your Vienna city pass using the button below:

If you’re looking to squeeze all of Vienna into one day, here’s my itinerary:

• Kick things off with a visit to the splendid Schönbrunn Palace .
• Lunch break at the Naschmarkt
• Swinging by St. Charles’s Church
• Strolling through the historic center to admire landmarks like the Opera House and the Rathaus
• Wrapping up the day with a climb up the tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to soak in the sunset over the city.

To make the most of Vienna in 1 day, you might also consider a hop-on hop-off bus tour if you don’t fancy doing a lot of walking. Some tours even throw in a boat ride , which could be a lovely little addition to your Viennese venture.

Catch your hop-on hop-off bus tickets for Vienna right here !

To visit Vienna in 2 days , just stick to the one-day itinerary and add:

• Attending the Spanish Riding School’s morning exercise
• Touring the Hofburg Palace
• Lunch break
• Taking in the awe-inspiring Vienna National Library
• Exploring the Albertina Museum
• Catching an opera or a classical music concert .

For a 3-day trip to Vienna , follow the two-day itinerary and include:

• A wander around the MuseumsQuartier where you’ll have a tough choice to make between popping into the MUMOK or the Leopold Museum .
• Lunching at one of the many restaurants in the area
• Heading down into the Capuchin Crypt to see the tombs of the emperors and Empress Sisi
• Stopping by the Hundertwasserhaus
• Rounding off the afternoon at the Prater with a Ferris Wheel ride at sunset.

For a 4-day trip to Vienna, use the 1, 2, and 3-day tour itineraries and add:

• Visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Shopping spree down Karnten and Graben streets
• Discovering Mozart’s house
• Taking a ride along the Danube and heading up the Donauturm, the Danube Tower .

If you’re planning a 5-day or longer stay in Vienna , you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surroundings .

For example, you could go on one of the day trips I mentioned in point 23 of this article.

• Wombat’s CITY Hostels Vienna – Naschmarkt : Youth hostel located next to the Naschmarkt. Dormitory beds from €25. Strong points: Perfect location to reach the main points of interest on foot, cleanliness, spacious rooms.
• Leonardo Hotel Vienna: Located 100 meters from a shopping street with restaurants and shops, and 5 minutes by metro from the historical center. Comfortable and spacious double room from €80, breakfast at €13. Strong points: The good breakfast, the location, close to the metro, the cleanliness.
• Motel One Wien-Staatsoper : Located in the heart of the old city, within walking distance of all the tourist sites and the main museums. Warm and modern double room from €130 per night, breakfast at €11. Strong points: Excellent location, the superb bedding, the great breakfast and room decor. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money !
• Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront : Situated on the banks of the Danube, not far from the Prater and 5 minutes by metro from the historical center. Spacious double room with a sitting area and some with a river view from €150, breakfast at €26. Strong points: The outdoor pool, the very friendly staff, location and tranquility.
• Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof : Nestled next to the Hofburg Palace, this 5-star spot offers cozy and modern rooms starting from €230, with breakfast at an additional €32. Strong points: The tranquil Spa, the friendly staff, and its unbeatable location. This one’s my top pick for a high-end stay in Vienna!
• Grand Hotel Wien : Another 5-star hotel, just a 3-minute walk from Vienna Opera House. Expect spacious and comfortable rooms with classic-style furniture starting from €300 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: the Spa, the superb 1-star Michelin restaurant, and the peaceful ambiance of the hotel.
• Hotel Sacher Wien : This is Vienna’s iconic hotel, right across from the Opera House. It welcomes you with stunning and luxurious rooms featuring heated floors, marble bathrooms, and a perfect blend of modernity and vintage furniture. Starting at a cool €430. Strong points: the little perks, attentive staff, and central location. The best hotel in Vienna for a luxury stay !

Next up, I’ve got a selection of apartments I simply couldn’t decide between – they’re all pretty similar in terms of amenities and budget. Prices range from €110 to €140 a night, including cleaning fees. All of them modern, fully equipped and in great locations.

• Vienna Mariahilfer Apartment : A sprawling 70m² for just €110 a night.
• Apartments Spittelberg Gardegasse : Starting from €120 a night.
• HeyMi Apartments in City Center : A range of apartments, each more spectacular than the last, starting from €130 a night. A big thumbs up for their value for money !
• HeyMi Apartments Opernring : Run by the same folks as above, but set in a different neighbourhood.

You will find all the best hotels in Vienna, organized by districts and budget, in my dedicated article: Where to Stay in Vienna?

• Plachutta: This restaurant, just a stone’s throw from Mozart’s house (but there are several others in Vienna), comes highly recommended. Try the typical Austrian cuisine in a really cozy atmosphere. Their tafelspitz, a sort of long-simmered pot roast served with a plethora of sides, is a house speciality. And it’s seriously hearty! Reservation recommended.
• Zum Alten FassL : Located at Ziegelofengasse 37. This typical Viennese restaurant offers great traditional dishes at a very reasonable price. And as a bonus, you get to enjoy your meal in a beautiful courtyard.
• Le burger : Located at Mariahilfer Strasse 114. No local specialties here, but a really tasty burger for a real bargain! Excellent quality buns, tender meat, homemade fries, and a super warm ambiance. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch.

Stefanie Restaurant is another Viennese institution , tucked away in the city’s oldest hotel , open since the 17th century! They serve traditional dishes only like goulash, Wiener Schnitzel, and the must-try apple strudel (Austrian pancakes) for dessert.

Tip: Make sure you arrive hungry because the portions are massive!

Reservations are a must , and you can book your 7-course meal + 3 drinks by clicking here :

The Hard Rock Café is also a bit of an institution in Vienna, and you should definitely check it out at least once during your stay! The only problem, is the long line at the entrance… …

But that was before 😉.

It’s now possible to reserve your spot in advance by prepaying a menu. You’ll have the privilege of walking by with a smug smile at all the other patrons who didn’t read Voyage Tips and are stuck in line! 😃

All you have to do is click the button below :

Vienna is approximately 2 hours away by plane from France . Many European national and low-cost airlines offer several round trips a day.

Top tip: It’s also worth checking prices to land in Bratislava , Slovakia’s capital, which is only 60 km away from Vienna . The two cities are connected by a bus line , so it’s super easy to get to Vienna while saving on the cost of the flight!

And even more fun than the bus, there are also transfers between Vienna and Bratislava by catamaran. Info and bookings here !

Compare all the flight offers now with Skyscanner. Once on the results page, don’t hesitate to compare several websites to make sure no fees are added to the final prices.

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Vienna listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 25 things to do. You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left corner.

So, what exciting places are on your itinerary for Vienna ?

Discover all my articles about Austria : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Austria are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to Do in Austria : all best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: One week in Austria – The perfect itinerary for your 7-8 days trip to Austria
• Graz: TOP 10 best places to visit
• Hallstatt: TOP 6 things to do during your stay
• Innsbruck: The 15 best things to do and see
• Linz: TOP 12 places to visit and must-see attractions
• Salzburg: The 17 best things to do
• Vienna: TOP 25 tourist attractions  

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 2 comments.

Is the WienMobile EasyCityPass the best public transport option for Vienna? We will be buying the Vienna Pass, as per your recommendation, for the bulk of our sightseeing, but we want to know what is the best general public transport option outside of Vienna Pass usage. I love your site. It is my favorite!

Hello Thomas,

Thanks a lot! I’m glad that my guide with the best things to do in Vienna helps you to organise your visits.

For the best public transport option, it will depend on the length of your stay in Vienna. You can look at this page which summarises all the options with fares: Wien Mobil .

Enjoy your trip to Vienna!

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Austria ‎ > Vienna   > Top Day & Side Trips From Vienna  

Top 10 Vienna Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Vienna

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• Ring Tram Tour
• Schönbrunn Palace
• More Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helfpful Visitor Tips
• Suggested Itineraries

Top Day Trips From Vienna:

If you find yourself looking for something to do outside on Vienna it can be a little daunting, but we’re here to help.  We have come up with a great list of the best day trips to take from Vienna and more importantly how you actually get to each place.  You can easily see any of these and still get back to Vienna the same day or choose to fit these in as a side trip on the way to your next destination.  Enjoy our list of the top day trips from Vienna Austria!

Train Tickets & Transportation Info:

These top day trips from Vienna are very easy to do by yourself with the convenient Austrian train system.  To help with planning your transportation, the  National Austrian Railway Website  ( website ) has all of the regional Train/Bus routed, timetable information, and online tickets.  For short day trips the full fare will only be around 5€ round-trip a person, for medium length trips like Melk it is around 34€ round-trip per adult, and for longer trips the price goes up to around 80€ round-trip per adult to Budapest or 110€ for Salzburg.

If you are able to book any medium to longer day trips in advance they-they have special  Sparschiene fares  that can be discounted up to 80% off the full fare.  The special Sparschiene fares can be booked starting 6 months in advance on the National Train website, but because there is a limited number sold per train, you will typically need to buy them at least 30-45 days or sooner ahead your journey before they are sold out.  If you need more advanced schedule options or want to force the route to only looking for buses or certain types of trains you need to use the rail company’s advanced booking engine ( website ).

Day Trips From Vienna:

1. liechtenstein castle ( mödling, austria – 20 mins away ):.

About Liechtenstein Castle : Liechtenstein ( light-in-stone ) Castle was built in 1130 and stands tall in Medieval glory just a short day trip from Vienna in the Austrian countryside.  If you’ve seen the hit 1993 movie The Three Musketeers , then you’ve seen the historic Burg Liechtenstein which was predominately featured in the film.

The castle was owned early on by the famous Liechtenstein family before changing hands and expanding several times over hundreds of years.  It’s actually amazing that the castle is standing at all as it was sacked by the Ottomans ( Turks ) in both 1529 and 1683 before partially sitting in ruin.  The current ticket desk actually sits inside a tower ruined by the Ottomans.  When the Liechtenstein family regained control of the property in 1807, it was restored and expanded as part of the Historicism ( Romanticism ) movement to serve as a museum showing off idealized Medieval architecture .  Surviving further plunder in WW2, today the castle is available for tours and is one of the only privately owned castles in Austria.

We especially love the approach leading up to Burg Liechtenstein as the mighty castle slowly rises above the trees the closer you get to it.  The backdrop is stunning, but there is also a lot to see inside the castle tour during your day trip from Vienna.  The chapel ( still active ) is maybe the most fascinating space in the castle as it is original to 1130 and still has elements of red wall paintings from the 1200s including one of the crucifixion of Jesus.  It also houses a relic claimed to be a thorn of Jesus’s crown of thorns from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

You’ll find many other elements from the original Romanesque castle structure including a toilet, fireplace, and cistern during your tour of Burg Liechtenstein.  Some of the rooms also have interesting statues from the 1300s, the Squire Hall ( Knappensaal ) has interesting architectural details, the bedrooms have princess balconies overlooking the valley, and the small treasury is nice with a hand-made replica of the Liechtenstein royal crown.  Our favorite room though is the Knights’ Hall ( Rittersaal ) which was created during the more modern Historicism era and looks like it is straight out of a movie set.  A hidden gem in the Knights’ Hall is a stone sleeping alcove in the wall that dates back to the 1100s and is one of the oldest beds in Austria.

Getting Here : From Vienna take the Underground Metro to Vienna’s Meidling Train Station on the Southside of town and take a local train to Mödling.  Trains leave the station about 10 times an hour and the ride is only 15 minutes south of Vienna.  At the Mödling Train Station, you take Bus 262 right to the entrance ( Siedlungsstraße stop ) which is a 6-minute walk to the Castle.  We have also had success using Uber between Mödling Station and the castle.

Visiting Hours :  You can see the outside of the castle and take photos any time of day, but you can only go inside as part of a group tour which has been run since the 1800-s.   Guided Tour Hours :  50 Minute guided tours at the top of every hour.  January & February Saturday at 11am; March-October Daily 10am-4pm ( extended to 5pm July & August ); November Daily 11am-2pm; December Weekends Noon-2pm.  They also take advanced bookings year-round for additional tour times/days.  The Treasury tour is every Saturday at 12:30pm.  Tour Cost :  9€ for Adults; 6€ for kids; Families 25€.   Advanced Booking :  To book in advance email them here [email protected].   Special Tours : The Castle has a ton of private tour options ranging from 12-20€ and they are really cool.  They typically require that you pay for 5+ people but have tours that take you to the top of the tower for wine tastings, cool night tours, and much more.   Facebook Page :  ( HERE ).   Castle Website :  ( HERE ).

2. Seegrotte Hinterbrühl ( Mödling, Austria – 20 Mins Away ):

About Seegrotte Hinterbrühl :  While in the area you might as well take a boat ride on Europe’s largest underground lake, Seegrotte Hinterbrühl.  Starting in the late 1800’s Seegrotte was actually a large thriving  gypsum mine  which had grown into several levels with dozens of rooms.  One of our favorite rooms is the large Festival Ballroom in the upper chamber where all of the miners would gather every December 4th to celebrate the mine’s anniversary and their good luck.  That luck ran on during an unfortunate blasting operation in 1912 which let over  5 million gallons of water  in, flooding most of the mine.

The water had come from 7 underground springs with no natural drain and basically ended all future mining at Hinterbrühl.  It wasn’t until WW2 that anyone starting pumping water out of the mine and it was totally drained by the Nazi’s.  With the secrecy of the newly created cave, the  manufacturing of the airplanes  ( Jetfighter “Heinkel HE 162” ) was done by 2000 concentration camp prisoners under control of Nazi engineers.  Shortly after the Nazis lost WW2 the mine was opened as a tourist attraction with tours.

Because the underground springs had no drainage, the mine became to fill up again re-creating the lake on the mine’s lower level.  The caretakers were prepared and have been pumping out excess water daily to keep the water level even.  In some places, in the lower chamber the water gets up to over 30 feet deep, but most of the upper level is kept completely dry.  Today over 250,000 people a year visit Seegrotte Hinterbrühl getting not only tours of the old mining and plane manufacturing operations but also boat rides on the crystal clear underground lake itself.  A visit really is a unique experience and it is no wonder that the lake old mine has been featured in numerous films including the hit movie  The Three Musketeers  in 1993.

Getting Here From  Lichtenstein Castle :  Hinterbrühl is only a 1km ( 10 minutes ) walk from the entrance to Lichtenstein Castle making the two places easy to visit together.  There are a couple authentic restaurants between the two places if you want to grab a bite to eat.   Getting Here From  Vienna :  From Vienna take the Underground Metro to Vienna’s Meidling Train Station on the Southside of town and take a local train right to Mödling.  Trains leave about 10 times an hour and the ride is only 15 minutes south of Vienna.  At the Mödling Train Station, you take either Bus 364 or 365 right to the entrance.

Hours : April-October daily 9am-5pm; November-May Weekdays 9am-3pm plus Weekends 9am-330pm.   Guided  Tours : Cost 10€; leaves every 20 minutes; lasts 45 minutes; Tour includes: the cavernous lake, rooms that the miners used as a chapel, wine cellar, and common room.   Lake Website :  ( HERE ).

3. Kreuzenstein Castle ( 27 to 60 Mins Away ):

About Kreuzenstein Castle :  With powerful towers, a huge drawbridge, and an impressive collection of Medieval armor, Kreuzenstein Castle is an amazing day trip from Vienna.  There has been a hilltop fort at the site of today’s fortress since long before modern Vienna was founded.  By the 1100s the fort had grown into the large Castle Grizanstein with views of the Danube River.  On a clear day, views across the Danube let you see the towers of Castle Greifenstein, Klosterneuburg Monastery from 1136, as well as Leopoldsberg which was the site of a Celtic fort dating back to 400 BC.

The famous Habsburg Royal Family owned Kreuzenstein Castle for 250 years prior to it being overrun in 1645 by the Swiss Army during the 30 Years War.  The Polish Noble family Wilczek took control of the castle ruins in 1702 but it took 172 years for the family to start rebuilding it.  The family was extremely wealthy thanks to its Silesian coal mines in Prussia. With an endless budget, Count Johann Wilczek rebuilt the fortress to serve as the family vault and renamed it Kreuzenstein Castle.

In addition to his family fortune, Johann had a lot of influence as an explorer and as the Chamberlain at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph I which gave him even more resources.  The Count had huge portions of Medieval buildings from other properties they family owned moved to the Castle which kept the new complex very authentic to Medieval times.  The huge castle complex grew to hold a priceless library, amazing works of art, and with more than 100,000 objects.  It also gained Austria’s largest private collection of weapons .

A fire in 1915 and shelling during WW2 has damaged some of the artifacts over time, but much of it is still well preserved.  In 2012 the castle was featured in the TV series World Without End which was the sequel to hit series Pillars of the Earth .  With an amazing wall, courtyards, moat, secret tunnels, and a powerful central castle with a drawbridge, Kreuzenstein Castle sure is a treat to visit.

Getting To The Castle From Vienna :  From the Wien Floridsdorf Train Station it is a quick 20-28 minutes to Leobendorf-Burg Kreuzenstein Station (5€ round-trip), but then requires a 35-minute walk over to the castle which is well marked.  It is only 27 minutes from Vienna by car to the castle parking lot.

Visiting Hours :  Daily April-October 10am-4pm; Sundays until 5pm; Closed November-March.  45 Minute guided tours at the top of every hour.   Cost : Adults 10€; Kids 5€.   Castle Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating as a Day Trip From Vienna :  10 out of 10.  If it was open year round it would easily be our top side trip from Vienna.

4. Salzburg, Austria ( 2 Hours & 20 Minutes Away ):

About Salzburg :  Salzburg is the home of Mozart, the beautiful Mirabell Gardens & Palace, and the location for The Sound of Music.  Located in the heart of the Alps, Salzburg is a great spot for a day trip just a few miles from Berchtesgaden.  While it does make a great day trip, we recommend 2-3 full days in Salzburg to be able to see the old town sites, Sound of Music Sites, and surrounding towns of Hallstatt & Werfen.  The top things to do in Salzburg are the  Old Town Walking Tour ,  Schonbrunn Palace , and the   Sound of Music Movie Locations Tour  which cover dozens of must-see attractions around this timeless city.

Getting To Salzburg From Vienna :  It is a very easy and direct 2 hour and 22 minute train ride to Salzburg making it a doable day trip from Vienna.  Trains leave every 25-30 minutes starting at 5:30am meaning you can leave early, nap on the train, and get to Salzburg by 8am.  There is a lot of flexibility at the last train back to Vienna leaves at 10pm.  Tickets are only 24€ each way if you buy more than a week in advance ( 2-4 weeks is better ) or it’s 54€ each way on short notice.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  9 out of 10.  If you are able to spend 2-3 days in Salzburg you will love it even more.

View Our Salzburg Section : ( HERE ).

5. Danube River Cruise To Wachau Valley :

About The Wachau Valley :  The Wachau Valley is one of the most scenic areas to travel as a day trip from Vienna.  The banks of the mighty Danube River are littered with castles, small charming villages, and some of the best vineyards in Austria.  While many visitors ( especially retired ones ) visit the area for the famous fortified Melk Abbey, we feel that it is a little overrated by itself unless you do a Danube River cruise to see the rest of the Wachau Valley with it.

6. Melk Abbey ( Melk, Austria – 50 Mins Away ):

About Melk Abbey : Perched on a bluff above the Danube River , the fortified Melk Abbey is one of the true gems of Austria.  Not only is the Abbey one of the best Baroque buildings in Austria, but knowing the history gives you better insight into the founding of Vienna, making it an excellent side trip.  The village along with the Melk Abbey can be seen as a standalone day trip from Vienna but is even more enjoyable as part of a Danube River cruise, especially along the Wachau Valley.

The history of the abbey started when Bavaria pushed their territory East against the Hungarians ( Magyar ) and this bluff became the home to the first Margrave of Austria, Leopold I ( House Babenberg ), who built his castle here in 976.  Leopold I’s noble family line expanded the Babenberger Castle in Melk and filled it with valuable treasures and relics.  After 100 years, the  Babenberger started moving their family further East ( eventually to Vienna in 1146 ) and gave their castle to the Benedictine monks who have continually been living and working in Melk Abbey ( former castle ) since 1089.

Because the Babenbergers became the first Dukes of Austria ( 1146-1246 ), Melk Abbey was allowed to thrive.  Although it did suffer from a fire in 1297, the Abbey became an important place under Papal decree during the Council of Constance of 1414 .  Building onto the former castle over the centuries, much of the amazing Baroque-style monastery you see today was completed from 1702-1736.  The towering red-roofed yellow monastery is quite intimidating as you approach it from the village of Melk.  The yellow paint like Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is iconic of the Hapsburg family who ruled Austria from 1278-1918.

The inside of the Abbey is just as impressive as the outside with its marble floors, golden accents, and  lavishly painted ceilings .  The marble spiral staircase, gothic church, mummified displays, and grand halls are very impressive.  The Hapsburg Emperors loved to visit the Abbey and today a lavish museum is located inside their former private rooms on the property.  From the balconies at the Abbey, you will get a great view of the gardens plus the Danube River and surrounding countryside.

Our favorite room is the frescoed library packed with over 100,000 and looks like it is from Beauty and the Beast.  In 1997 fragments of the medieval hero epic from the 13th Century called the Nibelungen Saga (“ kneeble-lew-gen zaga “) were discovered in the library.  Other texts and manuscripts kept here date back to the 9th Century. The famous library was also the impression for Umberto Eco’s best-selling book Name of the Rose ( 1980 ) being set in the Melk Abbey during the 1300s.  This book inspired the 1986 movie starring Sean Connery and a 2019 mini-series of the same name.

The village of Melk’s cobblestone streets and Town Hall ( Rathaus ) from the 1500s are quite enjoyable. Melk’s oldest home is the vine-covered House at the Rock ( House at the Rock ) from the 1400s.  Just down the river from Melk Abbey is the waterfront  Schonbuhel Castle which was built in the 1100s on the site of a former Roman fortress.  The castle was controlled by the Starhemberg family starting in 1396 for over 400 years before falling into disrepair.

Getting To Melk Abbey From Vienna : While Melk Abbey is included in most Danube River Cruises, it can also be reached as a standalone day trip from Vienna by local train.  Trains leave every 20-30 miles and though the distance is only 55 miles straight half the trains take 60 minutes and the other takes 90 so check the train schedule .  The walk up the hill from the Train Station takes 10-15 minutes.   Travel Note :  If you are heading other cities further West ( like Salzburg ) after visiting Melk, you have to backtrack to either Amstetten or St.Pölten ( 20 minutes away ) to switch the national rail line.  Although it seems weird, since the National rail line goes right through town Melk doesn’t directly connect to the West.

Entrance Cost : Adults 10€; Students 5.50€; Family 20€.  Add 2€ for guided tours.  Gardens only are 4€.   Visiting Hours : May-October 9am-6pm; Rest of the year you may only enter as part of a tour.   Guided Tours : April-October 10am & 2:55pm in English; November-March 11am & 2pm in English; you can reserve ahead of time by emailing [email protected].  Tours last 1 hour and the average visit is 2 hours.   Abbey Website : ( HERE ).

Rating as a Day Trip From Vienna :  7 out of 10 by itself, but a 9 out of 10 as part of a Danube River cruise from Vienna.

7. Castle Franzensburg ( 30-60 Minutes ):

About Franzensburg Castle : The area around Franzenburg Castle ( known as Laxenburg ) almost feels like a little village.  It started being built out in 1333 when the Hapsburgs created a hunting lodge on the wooded grounds ( today called Altes Schloss ).  They the 1700s the grounds had expanded into a large English garden-style park and pleasure grounds nicknamed Laxenburg Castle Park.  Emperor Franz Joseph

Our favorite building in the castle park is the dreamy Franzenburg Castle.  Built on a small artificial island in 1801, the castle was named after Francis II who was the last Holy Roman Emperor ( until 1806, died in 1835 ).  Austria Emperor Franz Joseph I ( reign 1848-1916 ) spent many of his youthful Summers at the grounds and even spent his honeymoon with wife Sisi here in 1854.  This marriage was a big deal as it joined the Austria Hapsburgs to the Bavarian Wittelsbachs.  Sisi was beloved for her beauty but was also a great diplomat who helped her husband to secure the joining of the Austria-Hungary Empire in 1867.

The views of the castle reflecting in the lake are stunning but you can also cross the plank bridge across the water to a picture-perfect gate tower to see the inside.  We also love renting one of the electric boats in the Summer to glide around the water in relaxing silence.  In the Winter there is ice staking available on the frozen lake.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Karlsplatz take the U1 Subway to the Hauptbahnhof Train Station ( 2 stops 3 minutes ) then take Bus 200 to Laxenburg Franz-Joseph-Platz ( 13 stops, 30 minutes ) and walk through the castle park.  Entrance Cost : The park is 1.50€, bridge to the castle is 1€, bost rental 12€.

8. Hermesvilla & Vienna Woods ( 1 Hour Away ):

About Hermesvilla :  Hermesvilla is a stunning rural Royal getaway at the edge of the Vienna Woods.  It was built on a stretch of imperial hunting grounds by Emperor Franz Joseph as a gift to his wife Sisi.  Nicknamed the Castle of Dreams, the countryside villa was elaborately designed to try to encourage Sisi ( who was constantly traveling ) to spend more time near Vienna .

After it was completed the villa was named Hermes after a marble statue of the Greek god ( son of Zeus ) and guardian which still sits in the gardens of the estate.  Such care was taken with the grounds that the Emperor even had all the tiny molehills flattened so his wife would have smoother surfaces to ride her horse.

It was her love of travel that was ultimately Sisi’s downfall as in 1898 she was assassinated while visiting Geneva, Switzerland.  This was a sign of things to come for the royal family as they would often be targets including the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria while visiting Sarajevo in 1914 which led to the start of WW1.

Today the grounds and surrounding area serve as a wonderful nature preserve that will leave you feeling like you are a world away from Vienna.  The Vienna Woods as it’s known is a relaxing and even majestic place to hike.

Gettings Here From Vienna : Take the U4 Subway from Karlsplatz to Ober Saint Viet ( 11 stops, 15 minutes ) then the Bus 54A or 54B to Stock Im Weg ( 8 stops, 9 minutes ) and walk up the hill ( 20 minutes ).

9. Budapest, Hungary ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

About Budapest :  Just a few hours by train, this mighty city on the Danube makes for a great 2 day getaway from Vienna. If needed you can cram the sights of the Pest Monuments and Castle Hill into one long day, but we highly recommend being here for 2-3 days so you can also spend time on the Jewish quarter and City Park. To see more on his city please check out our Budapest section .

Getting To Budapest From Vienna :  Train connects these two capitals’ city centers directly.  Make sure to check the schedule and take the 2 hours and 45 minutes Railjet train instead of the slow 4 hour REX one.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  6 out of 10.  You can only get a small taste of Budapest in a 1 day, but it becomes a 10 out of 10 if you can stay a bit longer.  You really need 3-4 full days to see it all and fit in the nearby Danube Bend.

View Our Budapest Section : ( HERE ).

10. Hallstatt Village & Salt Mine ( 3.5-4 Hours Away ):

About Hallstatt :  What in the world is a village almost 4 hours away doing on this top day trips from Vienna list?  Normally something 4 hours away wouldn’t count as a side trip but Hallstatt is an excellent stop on your way from Vienna to Salzburg.  We love taking a full day to explore the Village and the nearby Ice Caves.  Hallstatt is our favorite city in all of Austria and really is one you should fit in your schedule.

There was a Hallstatt before there was a Rome and it is just about as cute of an ancient alpine village as you’ll find anywhere.  Hallstatt is compact, full of history, and an absolutely beautiful lakeside village.  Just walking around the village streets can be amazing and we’ve put together a  Free Hallstatt Walking Tour  for you to follow to make sure you see all the top sights.  The main highlights include the colorful  Market Square , the creepy painted skulls of the  Bone Chapel , and a boat ride on the lake.  If you end up with the extra time we also suggest visiting the World’s oldest  Salt Mine  sitting just above the city which over 7,000 years old.

Getting To Hallstatt From Vienna :  Take the OBB train line to Attnang-Puchheim ( 2 hours & 10 minutes, has bag lockers ), switch trains and take the local REX to the Hallstatt Station ( 70 Minutes ), and lastly take a short ferry across the lake ( 15 Minutes ).   Please Note :  The Salt Mine and Ice Cave are closed in the Winter and re-open each April.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  6 out of 10 if you actually plan on returning to Vienna the same day due to the time involved.  However, if you are using Hallstatt as a stop on your way from Vienna to Salzburg it is easily a 10 out of 10.

View Our Hallstatt Section : ( HERE ).

11. Bratislava, Solvakia ( 1 Hour Away ):

About Bratislava :  We don’t have anything against Bratislava, but there just isn’t much to do here. There is a bland palace in the center of Old Town over the site of the former Bratislava Castle, but it is pretty blah.  There is one building be like in the middle of town called the Kaštieľ v Prievoze which was a mansion built for Count Eugen Čáki in 1902 and is now owned by the city.

Between Vienna and Bratislava are the ruins of Devin Castle and the former site of the large Roman camp Carnuntum which in 100AD was ten times larger then Vindobona ( Vienna ) with 50,000 troops. It is interesting to note that Vienna and Bratislava are the closest major capitals to each other in the World at just 40 miles apart.  If you are going to be nit-picky, they are really the 3rd closest, but we aren’t counting the city-state of the Vatican City being inside Rome or the shanty town capital of Brazzaville in Africa being across the river from Kinshasa as major capitals.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Trains from Vienna to Bratislava depart from Wien Sudbanhof at frequent regular intervals, arriving in  Bratislava Main Station  or Bratislava Petrzalka. Both stations are close to the downtown, easily accessible by  public transport  or  taxi .   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10. There just isn’t much to do here.

12. Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

About Mauthausen Concentration Camp :  Memorial site of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp ( Gedenkstätte Mauthausen ) is a great taste of dark Nazi history for anyone traveling between Vienna and Salzburg who may not have the time to visit Dachau near Munich.  This site was selected due to its onsite granite quarry so the imprisoned people could serve as slave labor.

The  Stairs of Death  are known as a spot of torture where prisoners were forced to carry stones heavier than their own body weight all the way up, only to be pushed off the adjacent cliff by SS Guards to their death.  They would also line prisoners up on the top of the quarry cliff and then force them to push each other off.  Even worse than the slave labor, cliffs antics, and even gas chambers was the SS Guard who would cut off prisoners tattoos to use the skin as lamp shades.

During its time of operation, over 100,000 prisoners were killed at this death camp.  Not too far from Mauthausen under the beautiful Augustine Monastery is the creepy Saint Florian Ossuary.  In the center of the room is the free-standing tomb of Anton Bruckner, but around it is a orderly collection of the skulls/bones of 6,000 people.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Vienna’s Westbahnhof Train Station take a local train toward Mauthausen.  You’ll have transfer trains either at St. Valentin or Linz depending on your departure time, so check the  train schedule .  Either way, you’ll get right to Mauthausen train station, just make sure to take departure that has 2 hours in total travel time as certain departures have a long layover.  From the Mauthausen train station, the Camp is either a long 5km walk or 3km cheap taxi.

Entrance Cost :  Free, not recommended for kids under 14 years old.   Visiting Hours :  May-June Daily from 9am-5:30pm. July-October Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm, Closed Mondays.  November-April  Tuesday-Sunday 9am-3:30pm, Closed Mondays.   Guided Tours :  Guide tours are available but pricey at 40€ per person. Alternative you can get the 75 minute audio tour for Free after a refundable 40€ per headset deposit.  It is easy enough to share a headset between a couple people.   Mauthausen Website : ( HERE ).

13. Capuchin Monastery Crypt ( Brno, Czech Republic – 2 Hours Away ):

About Brno :  Brno is of the  Capuchin Monastery  with its eerie crypt of Monks.  The Capuchin Monks would put their dead in a coffin during each funeral procession, but afterward would lay the bodies in the crypt to be able to re-use the coffin and save money.  They did this from 1400 into the 1700’s until it was outlawed and the crypt was closed.

Although they didn’t mean for it to happen, the perfect air conditions in the crypt mummified the last 24 monks they buried here which have become quite a tourist attraction.  The Monks are neatly lined up in rows, their heads rest on original brick pillows, and are so well preserved you can still see their robes and the rosaries they are holding.

Fairly close to the Capuchin Monastery is the second largest ossuary in Europe which sits beneath  St. James Church . The bones of over 50,000 people were buried here before it was sealed up in the 1700’s in favor of cemetery burials.  The ossuary lay forgotten under the church until a local historian re-discovered it in 2000.  It took them a number of years to make it safe for visitors as due to bacteria that formed when they opened it, but today it is truly awesome to visit.  The only ossuary bigger are the catacombs in Paris, France.

Some of the other highlights are the  Church Of St Peter & St Paul  ( Petroy ), which looks has large Gothic towers just like the Church of Our Lady in front of Týn in Prague, and the modest  Špilberk Castle  which offers great views of the city.  A very popular side trip if staying in Brno is the  Veveří Castle   which has been owned by royals, nobles and even served as a hunting lodge.  Many tourists take the train half way there, hike the rest and take the steamboat along the river back to Prague.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and sits right on the main train route from Prague to both Budapest and Vienna.  The Trains go city center to city center and it takes about 3 hours to get to Brno from Prague.  Costs is roughly CZK 360 round trip.   Visiting The Capuchin Monastery :  February 15th-December 14th Tuesday-Sunday 9am-Noon & 1-4:30pm; Only open on Mondays May-September; Closed all of  December 15th-February 14th.  The Monastery sits on Capuchin Square near the Cabbage Market.   Visiting The St. James Church :   Tuesday- Sunday 9:30am-6pm; Closed  Mondays.  Costs is CZK 140.

15. Heiligenbrunn, Austria ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

About Heiligenbrunn :  If you want the hidden gem of Austria, the village of Heiligenbrunn is it.  Prague may be known by tourists as the most Medieval town in Europe, but Heiligenbrunn gives it a run for the money.  The town itself only has 1,000 residents, 2 hotels, no castles or fortifications, but it has a personality to boot.

Historically the village is most well known for it’s cute, thatched-roofed, hobbit style houses, but don’t underestimate the wine.  The wine, made as early as 1225 AD, was once banned for being too strong, but today it’s perfect and you’ll find grape vines growing in all sorts of places.  The Basement or Kellerviertel is an awesome straw stellar which has been preserved as a living reminder of Heliligenbrunn’s wine culture.  We highly recommend stopping by Ulrich’s Chapel as its bubbling spring is said to have curing powers, especially for the eyes.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Vienna’s Wien Secession Bus Station ( Friedrichstraße ) take Bus G1 directly to Heligenbrunn in 2 1/2 hours.  Make sure to check the schedule as some options require a transfer to bus 1862 that will bring your total travel time up to 3 1/2 hours.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  4 out of 10 because of travel but an 8 out of 10 with a car or overnight stay.  The more we think about Heligenbrunn the cooler it is to visit a tiny village, in the middle of nowhere, stuck back in time, and off the the normal tourist track.  Staying overnight can be very relaxing.

14. Hardegg Castle ( 1 Hour 45 mins Away ):

About Hardegg Castle :  Stunning riverside castle overlooking the Austrian-Czborderrder from a hilltop perch.  It was first built in the 1100s and has luckily stood the test of time.  It may not be as cool as the other castles around Vienna, but is still a good visit for castle lovers.  The grounds are open for the public to free roam most days but to see the private collection of arms you must arrange a tour ahead of time with requires 20 or more guests.

Getting Here From Vienna :  70 minute local train to Retz then Bus 1255 takes you right to the Castle in about 1 hour and 45 minutes total. Make sure to check the schedule as a couple times a day there is a 45 minute layover waiting for the bus. Only 90 minutes by car.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10.  It is actually a very interesting place, but there are cooler castles near Vienna to see first.  If there weren’t better castles nearby this one would maybe be a 7 out of 10.

16. Eggenburg Beinhaus ( 2 Hours Away ):

About Eggenburg Beinhaus :  Crypt containing the bones of 5,800 Austrians arranged in an artistic manner. It was written about as early as 1299 AD and a majority of the current crypt was built in 1405 AD. Because the bones are so old, you can only look at the crypt through a large glass wall and can no longer walk among them, but they are impressive still.  The only downfall is the window you look through to see it is small and often dirty but after dark, you can flip a light on to see it better.

Getting Here From Vienna :  2-hour train right to Eggenburg and a 10-minute walk to the Beinhaus next to Pfarrkirche Church. Can get here by car in just 50 minutes.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10.

17. Römerstadt Carnuntum ( 70 Minutes Away ):

About Carnuntum :  While Vienna was once the Roman fort of Vindobona ( 97-433AD ), it was the larger city of Carnuntum ( 40-395AD ) that was the regional capital on the Northen border of the Roman Empire.  It’s said that Emperor Tiberius was the first Legion group to reach the area in 6AD where he camped with as many as 40,000 troops.  In as early as 40AD Carnuntum started to become permanently fortified as a military camp and training area.

By 80-120AD Carnuntum had grown into a full city with a walled civilian suburb next near the fort.  The early city was complete with a legionary fort ( castra ), public forum, temple buildings, governor’s palace, thermal baths, two large amphitheaters, and a population of over 50,000 including troops.  Much of the growth was fueled by the city’s location on the Danube River where the East-West Limes Road ( connecting northern Roman forts ) and the North-South Amber Road trade route ( from the Baltic Sea to Rome ) met.

Carnuntum may be the most famous as the place where Emperor Septimius Severus was crowned in 193 after Commodus had been slain and that Julianus tried to claim the throne.  This is often referred to as the Year of the Five Emperors or the Ides of August.  Septimius Severus had been in line for succession to Marcus Aurelius ( 161-180, died in Vienna ) and Commodus ( 177-92 ).

As the Huns invaded as far west into the Roman region as Castra Constantias ( modern-day Budapest ), it broke down the Limes Road and Carnuntum was sacked by Germanic tribes ( Goths ) in 395AD ( abandoned by 433 ).  Luckily ruins from the Roman city have been preserved as a living museum thanks to  excavations ongoing since 1877.   Today you can visit the base of the Civilian Colosseum ( Zivilstadt ,  seated 13,000 ), the Military Colosseum ( Militärstadt,  seated 8,000 ), numerous stone foundations, a city senate ( curia ), some preserved floor mosaics, reconstructed buildings ( citizen’s house, upscale urban villa, public baths, barracks ), and ruins of the Heidentor Gate.  The four portal Heidentor Gate was built as a huge triumphal gate in 324AD by Emperor Constantius II to commemorate his victories.

Thanks to modern laser scanning, they were able to find and partially reconstruct the remains of a wooden gladiator school next to the Civilian Colosseum ( Zivilstadt ) in 2011.  They got the tip to scan in the area after finding some documents dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian ( reign 117-138AD ) which mentioned the 40-60  person gladiator school next to the ancient civilian stadium.

A short walk away is the large Petronell Palace which was a castle built in 1660 that has been restored after sitting vacant for decades.  They often have actors dressed in Roman gear and have a big festival once a year to show what life was like here in 333AD.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From the main train station, you take the Rex bus to Bruck/Leitha Bahnhof ( 2 stops, 27 minutes ) then Bus 274 to Petronell-Carnuntum Freilichtmuseum ( 12 stops, 27 minutes ).   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10, a 7 if you love Roman history.

18. Marchfelderhof Restaurant ( 40 Minutes Away ):

About Marchfelderhof Restaurant :  A little tacky, but a beautiful restaurant from 1843 seemingly filled with junk.  They serve traditional Austrian food, have a funky atmosphere, and cater to large groups.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Take the S1 subway right from the heart of Vienna to the restaurant in around 40 minutes.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  4 out of 10.

Longer Side Trips From Vienna:

Munich, Germany ( 4 Hours ); Prague, Czech Republic ( 4.5 Hours ); Sedlec Ossuary Bone Church in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic ( 3.5 Hours ); Berchtesgaden, Germany ( 3.5 Hours ); Wefen, Germany ( 3.5 Hours ); Innsbruck, Austria ( 4.5 Hours ); Graz, Austria ( 2.5 Hours ).

Accessible By Night Train From Vienna:

Rome ( Italy) ; Venice ( Italy ); Amsterdam ( Netherlands ); Florence ( Italy ); Brussels ( Belgium) ; Frankfurt ( Germany ); Warszawa ( Poland ); Bucureşti ( Romania ); Zürich ( Switzerland )

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Vienna   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city that relishes its past, and it has the attractions to prove it. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whether you're interested in the long-reigning Habsburg family; music composed by Vienna's own

• All Things To Do

Hofburg Palace Hofburg Palace

Unlike Vienna's other royal residences, Hofburg is like a city within a city. Sitting on the southwestern edge of the Innere Stadt , the 13th-century palace was the winter residence of the Habsburgs, and a center of power for some 600 years. These days, the Hofburg Palace is residence and office of the President of Austria, however extensive parts of the palace are still open to visitors.

One area of the palace is the Sisi Museum, named after Empress Elisabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, with more than 300 objects on display. The Sisi Museum offers insights both into the grandeur of the Habsburgs and into the life and death of Vienna's beloved Empress Elizabeth. You can also explore the Imperial Apartments ( Kaiserappartements ) where the royal family lived. Though Hofburg has about 2,600 rooms, only 18 are open for the public to tour. The oldest parts surround the Swiss Wing ( Schweizertrakt ), named for the Swiss guards who used to patrol the area. (Unfortunately, the silver collection is closed until further notice.)

Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Palace

Originally constructed from 1696 as a grand hunting lodge, Schönbrunn Palace later became the official Hapsburg summer residence. Under the supervision of Maria Theresa (the only female Habsburg ruler), Schönbrunn evolved into an expansive paradise with ornate rooms and vast elaborate gardens comparable to King Louis XIV of France's palace at Versailles . One of the finest baroque palaces in Europe, Schönbrunn was one of the first places in Austria to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, back in 1996. A tour will lead you through apartments belonging to Maria Theresa as well as Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Elisabeth (better known as Sisi) and Archduke Franz Karl. Other highlights include the Blue Staircase, the Mirror Room and the Hall of Ceremonies. Plan to spend at least an hour in the gardens, which are connected by promenades that extend from the Gloriette, a stunning Roman-style arch overlooking a vast pool. Located within the grounds is the Tiergarten , the oldest zoo in the world.

Travelers say the grounds are beautiful, the tour is insightful and the zoo is entertaining for the whole family, but many warn about how crowded this attraction gets. Some suggest visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the congested atmosphere. Others wish there had been more information about the history within the rooms themselves.

MuseumsQuartier Wien MuseumsQuartier Wien

U.S. News Insider Tip: The area between the MuseumsQuartier and Naschmarkt – especially along and leading off Gumpendorfer Strasse – is a great place to explore for small, trendy bars and boutique stores. – Rudolf Abraham

Straddling the southwest section of the Ringstrasse, the MuseumsQuartier Wien is an enormous cultural institution comprising numerous top-notch museums. If you're even remotely interested in art, head to the Leopold Museum , which houses an exceptionally impressive collection of Austrian masterpieces dating from the 19th century to the present – including major works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Egon Schiele (it's the world's largest collection of works by Schiele). Next door, the Museum of Modern Art (aka MUMOK) is home to the national collection of 20th-century works by famed artists like Max Ernst, Rene Magritte and Andy Warhol. Adjacent to MUMOK, the Kunsthalle Wien showcases an ever-rotating collection of avant-garde exhibits featuring contemporary art.

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St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) free

Towering above the streets of the Innere Stadt , this massive cathedral is one of the true centerpieces of Vienna. St. Stephen's has stood in this very spot since the early 13th century (having replaced an even earlier church), but little remains of this Romanesque construction aside from the Riesentor (Giant's Door) and the Heidenturme (Towers of the Heathens). The Gothic structure standing today was built in the early 1300s. It was here that Mozart was married to Constanze Weber in 1782, and it was here that the great composer's funeral was held in 1791. Despite parts of it being heavily damaged by fire in the final year of World War II, it was painstakingly repaired. Today this stunning cathedral remains an active house of worship, a national icon and a top tourist attraction.

After you've toured the main section, head underground to the catacombs where you'll find the tombs of members of the Habsburg royal family, along with various cardinals, archbishops and victims of the Great Plague of Vienna. Before you leave, you should climb the 343 steps to the top of the South Tower, from where you'll be treated to a spectacular view. Or use the elevator to reach the lookout terrace at the lower, never-completed North Tower, which is also home to the largest church bell in Austria, known as Pummerin. Visitors call this one of those "must-visit" attractions in Europe, praising the gorgeous church and its surroundings.

Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum) Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)

The works at the Kunsthistorisches Museum , or Museum of Fine Arts, range from ancient Egyptian and Greek objects to masterpieces by numerous European masters, including Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyck and Rubens. In fact, the collection here is so extensive that many people say the walls of the Hofburg Palace look bare in comparison. The building itself, which opened to the public in 1891, impresses travelers as well; its facade features ornate sculptures.

Recent travelers appreciated the wide range of work on display at this museum and note just how large the building is and how much art is held within. A few suggested breaking up the day with a quick cup of coffee at the on-site coffee shop, which is in the museum's beautiful domed hall.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

If you can't get your art fix at either the MuseumsQuartier or the Kunsthistorisches Museum , you're sure to find satisfaction at the Belvedere. There are actually two palaces here – separated by an ornate 17th-century French-style garden – which some say are among the best examples of Baroque architecture in the world. Formerly home to such notable Austrian figures as Prince Eugene of Savoy and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the buildings now house an outstanding array of Austrian art from such renowned artists as Gustav Klimt (including his famous painting "The Kiss"), Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. It's in the Upper Palace that you'll find works by these and other artists from the permanent collection, while the Lower Palace houses temporary exhibitions. A third, modern building, Belvedere 21, acts as an arts and performance venue and is located just across the main road. It has just a few exhibits on at any given time. Travelers love the gardens, ornate buildings and array of paintings on display at this attraction. Many warn of large crowds.

The Belvedere sits just southeast of the Innere Stadt,  between the Wieden and Landstrasse districts. It is open every day from 9 a.m. (Upper Belvedere) and 10 a.m. (Lower Belvedere) to 6 p.m. When purchased online, entrance to both sites costs 24 euros (about $26) for adults. Youths 18 and younger always explore for free. You should definitely book tickets online, as entry is limited by time slots and these do sell out. For Belvedere 21, you only need to specify the day of your visit, not the time. Guided tours are available and there are a variety of combo ticket packages available as well. For more information, visit the palace's website .

Leopold Museum Leopold Museum

Part of the excellent MuseumsQuartier Wien , the Leopold Museum houses one of greatest collections of Austrian art anywhere in the world. Along with major works by the likes of Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Richard Gerstl and Max Oppenheimer, the Leopold Museum includes the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of works by Egon Schiele.

The main part of the museum is the permanent exhibition, Vienna 1900, which takes you through the most important artistic developments and changes in Vienna around the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, the last decades of the Habsburg rule. If you only have time to visit one museum to see works from the Viennese Secession (the local style of art nouveau), the Leopold Museum gives the best overview. Visitors commented on the exceptional quality of the artworks on display, the clear and spacious layout of the museum, and the pleasant café.

Austrian National Library Austrian National Library free

On one side of the Hofburg 's Neue Burg wing, and entered off Josefsplatz, is the Austrian National Library. The main reason to come here is the spectacular State Hall ( Prunksaal ), built for Emperor Charles VI in the 1720s, as the former Court Library. The State Hall was painstakingly restored in 2022.

Forget any ideas of what a library looks like – the Prunksaal is a baroque masterpiece. Some 80 meters (around 262 feet) long and 20 meters (about 66 feet) high, the State Hall is lavishly decorated with stucco, marble and gilding. A statue of Charles VI stands in the center of the hall, likely the work of Venetian sculptor Antonio Corradini. There are more than a dozen other statues in the hall of Austrian dukes and Habsburg rulers, by the Strudel brothers (one of whom, Paul Strudel, also worked on Vienna's Plague Column or Trinity Column, erected as a memorial after the Great Plague in 1679). The hall also contains four enormous Venetian globes. Perhaps most impressive however is the soaring oval dome, 30 meters (98 feet) high and decorated with breathtaking frescoes by the Habsburg court painter Daniel Gran, whose other work includes frescoes at the famous Klosterneuburg Abbey.

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Museum Judenplatz Museum Judenplatz

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make a point of visiting the excellent Sigmund Freud Museum, housed in Freud's former apartment and practice. It's less than a mile north of Judenplatz. – Rudolf Abraham

Judenplatz earned its name back in the 13th century when it was first designated as the Jewish Ghetto. For two centuries, this neighborhood remained the epicenter of Jewish life in Vienna, an identity that still lives among the exhibits found at the Museum Judenplatz. This small yet effective branch of the Jewish Museum Vienna (located a little south of Judenplatz) details the role Viennese Jews played in the development of city life and the persecution and expulsion of the Medieval Jewish community on the 1420s.

Café Central Café Central

One of the most famous coffee houses in Vienna, Café Central was established in 1876. Right up until the eve of the Second World War, this landmark spot was a favorite meeting place of Vienna's poets and intellectuals (many of whom were Jewish). Sigmund Freud and some of Austria's most famous writers including Stefan Zweig, Peter Altenberg and Arthur Schnitzler – not to mention Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky – frequented the cafe's tables. Given its former clientele, you can guess the cafe is an incredibly grand and atmospheric place – not somewhere you order a coffee to-go. Café Central occupies the ground floor of a magnificent building, awash with ornate decoration and Italian flourishes, which was originally home to the stock exchange and central bank.

Along with plenty of delicious cakes and pastries, Café Central serves classic Austrian dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth). Try the house sandwich (organic turkey-ham and mozzarella, served warm). They also have some vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. Recent travelers commented on the beautiful setting, impeccable coffee, top-notch service and excellent pastries.

Naschmarkt Naschmarkt free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Along with all the food stalls and multiple options for late night or Asian-infused dining, the Naschmarkt area is one of the city's best for LGBTQ+-friendly bars. – Rudolf Abraham

Every Monday through Saturday, hundreds of vendors flock to this vibrant market in the Mariahilf District – located just south of the Ringstrasse – to sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products and other local food items. This open-air extravaganza, Naschmarkt, is considered one of the largest of its kind in Austria, and it's a great intro into everyday life in Vienna. There has been a market here since at least the late 18th century. In addition to the food stalls, you'll find small eateries and cafés throughout.

House of Music (Haus der Musik) House of Music (Haus der Musik)

Vienna has long been a musical epicenter. It was here that renowned composers, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Bruckner and Strauss lived, composed and performed at various points in their careers. If this history entices you, you must visit the House of Music ( Haus der Musik ) during your time in the city. This small but fascinating museum showcases the works of Vienna's elite musicians with displays featuring manuscripts and sound bites. Exhibits also explain the evolution of sound and the mechanics behind our ability to hear. Plus, there's an entire floor dedicated to the Vienna Philharmonic where you can even use a virtual wand to conduct the musicians. (But be careful: If you mess up they may ridicule you!) It's a great place to visit with kids, too. The facility also hosts a variety of concerts.

Travelers say if you're a classical music fan (or even a fan of the science of sound), a visit to the House of Music should be a priority. They also enjoy all the interactive elements.

St. Peter's Catholic Church St. Peter's Catholic Church free

St. Peter's Catholic Church ( Peterskirche ), which stands in the heart of the Inner Stadt close to St. Stephen's Cathedral , is one of most outstanding examples of baroque architecture in Vienna. Consecrated in 1733, it was built on the site of an earlier, Romanesque church first mentioned in the 12th century, which was destroyed by fire in the 1660s. It, in turn, probably stood on the site of an even earlier church, which sat upon the site of Roman Vindobona. Today's church makes up for its relatively compact size with its soaring dome and exceptionally lavish decoration.

The richly decorated interior features a gilded pulpit by Matthias Steinl (one of the leading baroque artists on Austria), and a magnificent baroque organ (with more than 2,000 pipes). The show-stealer however is the dazzling fresco cycle beneath the dome, the work of Johann Michael Rottmayr. Outside the church there's a relief from 1906 depicting the legendary founding of the church by Charlemagne. Travelers commented on the beauty of the decoration, and the surprising opulence of the interior compared to the relatively simple exterior. Stepping into the church always comes as a rather breathtaking surprise.

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Vienna's Tiergarten Vienna's Tiergarten

It began in 1752 as an exotic menagerie amassed by Franz Stephan, the husband of Maria Theresa (the only female Hapsburg ruler) and the country's Holy Roman Emperor. Today, Vienna's Tiergarten (also known as Schönbrunn Zoo or Vienna Zoo) is the oldest zoo in the world, home to about 750 animal species (around 8,500 animals total) ranging from tigers to lemurs – and most famously, pandas (it's one of the few zoos outside China to have these rare animals). The zoo hosts special tours and there are daily feedings that visitors can watch, with animals like orangutans, elephants, penguins and otters.

Since its founding, Tiergarten has undergone many a renovation to bring it up to par with modern facilities. Travelers say that while the cost of admission is on the pricey side, it's worth it to see the variety of animals and impressive facilities at this zoo.

Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper) Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss the landmark Secession Building, just a short walk from the Vienna State Opera. Head down to the basement to see Klimt's amazing "Beethoven Frieze," while listening to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from the Symphony No. 9 on headphones provided. – Rudolf Abraham

Since 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been the city's premier venue for the performing arts and a major focal point of Viennese life. One of the world's greatest opera houses, the Staatsoper still hosts top-notch performances (and each seat has its own small subtitles screen), and you can also tour this magnificent building on a guided tour. The 40-minute tours run every day (times vary depending on the performance schedule) and allow you a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved landmark. Tours come highly recommended by previous visitors. 

Burggarten Burggarten free

Behind the Neue Burg wing of the Hofburg , the Burggarten is a charming city park. It was originally created in the wake of Napoleon's withdrawal from Vienna in 1809 as a private garden for the imperial family. Completed around 1819, it wasn't opened to the public until 100 years later – in 1919 – following Emperor Franz Joseph I's death in 1916.

As well as being a beautiful and peaceful place to take a break from sightseeing, the Burggarten is also home to the Mozart Monument. Unveiled in 1896, this famous monument originally stood in front of the Albertina Palace, but was damaged by bombing during World War II. After restoration it was relocated to the Burggarten. The monument is a top Vienna photo-op, especially in spring when the flowerbeds are in bloom, which are shaped like a large treble clef. Other statues in the Burggarten include one of Emperor Franz Josef.

Spanish Riding School Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School, part of the Hofburg Palace complex, is one of the most celebrated riding academies in the world. It carries on a 450-year-old tradition of classical dressage (meticulous, careful training to achieve almost balletic movements and perfect harmony between horse and rider), featuring the beautiful white Lipizzaner horses (the younger animals are grey) which go through years of training. The stud farm is located in the village of Piber, southwest of Vienna.

Performances and Morning Exercise sessions take place in the Winter Riding School – built under Charles VI in the 1720s and 1730s – and are accompanied by classical music. During a Performance, you can see the horses and riders at the epitome of their technique, whereas the Morning Exercises are training sessions and include younger horses as well as the fully trained stallions. Guided tours are also available. Regular tours take in all the main areas, including the stables and the Winter and Summer Riding Schools, and last an hour. The 80-minute Architectural tours explore the baroque style of the Winter Riding School and takes you up into its elaborate, wooden roof structure.

Maria-Theresien-Platz Maria-Theresien-Platz free

Named after the Empress Maria Theresa, this large square framed by grand architecture lies between the Hofburg Palace and the MuseumsQuartier , alongside the busy Ringstrasse. The only female Habsburg ruler, Maria Theresa was empress from 1740 to 1780, a challenging period for the Habsburg monarchy which began with territorial losses and political conflict. However, Maria Theresa proved herself by leaving the empire a stronger and more stable one than the one she inherited. During her lifetime she instigated a wide range of reforms from agriculture and education to medicine and the military.

A huge monument to Empress Maria Theresa stands at the center of the square, dating from the late 19th century. The prominent neo-baroque sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch spent more than a decade working on the project. The bronze sculpture of the Empress sits enthroned on top of a granite plinth and pedestal, above sculptures of her advisors, administrators, military commanders and figures from the sciences and arts (including Mozart as a child). The imposing monument stands more than 62 feet (the figure of Maria Theresa alone is nearly 20 feet tall). Travelers say the structure is beautiful but you won't need much time for the square itself.

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A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Vienna, Austria

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On the hunt for the ultimate resource for your Vienna adventure? Look no further! This guide is packed with all the essentials you’ll need for a memorable stay in Austria’s capital. If you’re visiting Vienna for the first time and want to know everything to navigate it better, we’ve got you covered with insider tips and must-knows. Let’s make your Vienna journey truly unforgettable!

Visiting Vienna Travel Guide

From its rich cultural heritage to its mind-blowing art scene to its stunning architecture to UNESCO-listed Viennese Coffee House Culture and not to mention, iconic traditional food – Vienna has oodles to offer to its visitors . It truly stands out as one of Austria’s most enchanting destinations .

With an endless number of interesting museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like Kunsthistorisches Museum, Albertina, Leopold Museum, Belvedere Palace, and so on, Vienna is also one of the best cities for arts and culture. It’s here, you’ll find the masterpieces of famous artists like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.

Now we can’t talk about Vienna without mentioning its timeworn tradition of classical music. Known as the “City of Music”, famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss called it home.

Vienna beautifully manages to keep its classical music tradition alive. You can attend spellbinding concerts at historical musical venues around the city, such as the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Musikverein.

The fans of architecture will appreciate the city for its unique and elegant architecture that blends Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles.

Also, there are umpteen historic restaurants, coffeehouses, and wine taverns around the city for you to bask in the world-famous Viennese coffee culture , wine culture, and traditional cuisine.

And just as importantly, If and when you need a peaceful respite from the city, there’s no dearth of lush green spaces to relax and unwind. The best part is that most of the beautiful parks, gardens, and nature reserves in Vienna such as the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, the Stadtpark, and the Vienna Woods are free!

Where is Vienna in Austria?

The largest city and the capital of Austria, Vienna sits gracefully along the banks of the Danube River.

Situated at the core of Central Europe , Vienna is frequently dubbed the “City of Music” due to its rich musical heritage. Additionally, its title as the “City of Dreams” pays homage to its most renowned resident, Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis.

Things to Know Before Visiting Vienna, Austria

The exploration becomes all the more easy with all the practical information under your belt. Here are the essentials you need for planning a trip to Vienna:

How Long Should You Spend in Vienna

Deciding how long to spend in Vienna really depends on what you want to get out of your visit. If it’s your first time and you’re keen on hitting all the iconic sights like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera, then a minimum of three to four days is recommended.

With three or four days in Vienna, you can get the vibe of the city and can tick off the major tourist attractions. With mannerly planning, you might be able to squeeze in some of the lesser-known wonders too.

But let’s be real, Vienna has layers, and to truly peel them back—a week would let you dive deeper. You’ll have time to explore the artsy districts, indulge in Viennese coffee culture, and maybe even catch a live classical music performance.

Trust me, Vienna is the sort of city that reveals itself slowly; the longer you stay, the more hidden gems you’ll discover.

Best Time to Visit Vienna

Vienna is beautiful no matter the season. It’s truly a year-round destination. As such there’s no best time to visit Vienna – Every season has its own charms and quirks!

To put it in other words, the best time to visit Vienna depends totally on your personal preferences and what you want to do and see in the city.

If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, June through September is the best time to plan.

If you want to experience Vienna’s festive mood and Christmas cheer , you should plan around December. Winter is also a good time for a peaceful city break.

Wine lovers can plan during the wine harvest season that peaks in September and October. It’s also the beautiful time of the year when autumn foliage envelops the city’s parks.

The spring months of March and April bring milder temperatures and vibrant spring blooms.

Overall, the best time to visit Vienna would be during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Additionally, you can expect to grab good deals on accommodation, flights, and tours.

How to Get to Vienna

Vienna being one of the most popular cities across the world is easy to get to with several transportation options available.

With a well-served International Airport, there are plentiful airlines, direct and indirect, flying to Vienna from various cities across the world.

If you are coming from one of the neighboring European cities like Budapest, Prague, Munich, Bratislava, or Zagreb, Vienna has a robust inter-country rail network system. It has several train stations, with the main one being the Wien Hauptbahnhof or Vienna Central Station. You can check the timetables, and ticket prices, and book your tickets online using Trainline or Rail Europe.

If you prefer a bus journey, there are several bus companies offering services to Vienna from other European cities. Vienna International Bus Terminal handles tons of international bus connections. Flixbus comes in handy when you want to book bus tickets online.

And did you know, you can travel to Vienna by boat or ferry if you are coming from Bratislava, Slovakia?

And then comes our favorite way to travel between European countries – by rental car. Nothing competes for the freedom it brings. Consider Discover Cars for cheap and the best car rental hire in Europe.

How to Get to the City from the Airport

With a distance of about 18 km, there are several transportation options available to travel between Vienna International Airport and Vienna city center.

The fastest way to get to the city center from the airport is by riding the City Airport Train (CAT) from the airport terminal. This non-stop train runs every 30 minutes and takes a little over 15 minutes from the airport to Wien-Mitte Station.

S-Bahn is also a great option and affordable too. The S7 line runs between the airport and the city center, with trains departing every 30 minutes wherein a 25-minute journey stops at different stations in the city center, including Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern. You can choose to take a drop at the nearest to your hotel.

You can opt to board an Airport Bus. Vienna Airport Lines operates quite a few bus routes that connect the airport to different parts of the city. The most convenient one is bus 1187 which runs every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes to reach Wien Hauptbahnhof, the main train station in Vienna.

The easiest yet most expensive way to get to the city center is by hiring a taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach, depending on traffic.

For first-timers, pre-booking an airport transfer is a convenient and hassle-free option. At €36, including full meet-and-greet support and a local, English-speaking driver, it’s fairly priced.

How to Get Around Vienna

Vienna enjoys an extensive public transportation network that makes getting around the city almost effortless and affordable.

The public transportation system includes buses, trams, and underground trains (U-Bahn). Covering the length and breadth of the city, Vienna U-Bahn or Subway is an exceptionally efficient and cost-effective way to move around Vienna.

You can purchase a  Vienna Card  online to get unlimited public transport use for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Walking can be a great way to explore the city’s historic centre, the cultural heart of Vienna as nearly all the top attractions are within walking distance.

With a good number of bike paths, Vienna makes for a great bike-friendly city. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental companies like Citybike Wien and explore the city’s hidden gems on bikes.

For attractions that are out a bit, taxis and other ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt be more expensive, however, be efficacious.

I highly recommend downloading a mobility app called WienMobil from Wiener Linien – no matter how you are traveling around Vienna – by public transport, by bike, by taxi, or on foot – this app literally brings the entire city to your fingertips.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Innere Stadt aka the First District, the historic old town and the heart of the city’s cultural and iconic tourist attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera is the best neighborhood to stay in Vienna for the first-timers.

Also, it’s here where you’ll find most of the famous restaurants and cafes.

The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly so it’s easy to explore on foot. Plus, being the center of the city, it’s also well-connected to the efficient public transportation system of Vienna, so you can easily get to the other parts of the city.

From budget-friendly hotels to mid-range accommodations to luxurious properties to charming boutique hotels – there are plenty of accommodation options in Innere Stadt for every budget and style.

Here are my recommendations for accommodations in Innere Stadt:

Budget travelers will love Palais Elegance Wien , a lovely hotel that offers comfortable rooms, studios, and apartments with modern designs and most importantly, a central location. Each accommodation comes with city views.

A dependable mid-range option in Innere Stadt, Hotel König von Ungarn is the oldest hotel in Vienna. Founded in 1746, the hotel raves exclusively designed and decorated rooms and promises a traditional Viennese ambiance. A lucky find for culture lovers!

Hotel Sacher Wien is Vienna’s premier hotel and is in a class of its own when it comes to luxury. Talking about the location, It’s just opposite the iconic Vienna State Opera – as good as it gets. It offers individually decorated rooms and world-class service.

Next door to the Innere Stadt, MuseumsQuartier in the 7th district (Neubau) of Vienna is a beautiful art center in Vienna and my favorite place to stay in Vienna. It has an artsy vibe and an incredible cultural scene. You can book a stay at the 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier for a unique experience.

Just about a 5-minute walk from MuseumQuartier, in a charming neighborhood of Spittelberg is Hotel Altstadt Vienna , another favorite. Set in a renovated historic building, it’s a gorgeous boutique hotel with an elegant and cozy vibe.

What to do in Vienna

Vienna, a charming city where classical music, art, and coffee culture thrive.

First and foremost, immerse yourself in the city’s musical heritage. Attend a soul-stirring performance at the Vienna State Opera or the Musikverein.

For those with a penchant for imperial grandeur, the palatial splendors of Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace beckon.

As you wander, don’t miss the chance to savor a cup of traditional Viennese coffee in one of the city’s iconic coffeehouses. It’s not just a beverage here; it’s an experience, especially when paired with a slice of the world-famous Sachertorte.

The MuseumsQuartier is a haven for art lovers, with contemporary art spaces nestled alongside historic museums.

Embrace the rhythm of Vienna by attending one of its grand balls. Even if you’ve got two left feet, the magic of the evening is bound to sweep you off them.

A bustling market of Naschmarkt is where you can find the variety of flavors from around the world, everything from local cheeses to exotic spices.

And for those who need a touch of nature, the Vienna Woods offer the perfect escape—a tranquil haven where the city’s hustle and bustle seem a world away.

Lastly, Sipping wine at a Viennese Heurigen is an experience that goes beyond mere tasting—it’s a cultural deep dive.

As you wander into one of these rustic wine taverns, often family-owned and situated amidst vineyards, mostly sprinkled throughout Vienna’s outskirts such as Grinzing, Neustift am Walde, and Nussdorf, you’ll feel a sense of timelessness. Here, the wine flows from barrels, not bottles, and it’s as local as it gets, usually produced from grapes grown on the surrounding hills.

We have a detailed post about the  best things to do in Vienna for you.

Day Trips from Vienna

As I said, Vienna is a great base to explore the nearby Austrian gems, Here are our top 6-day trips from Vienna suggestions: 1. Wachau Valley 2. Hallstatt 3. Grossglockner 4. Bratislava 5. Salzburg 6. Budapest

Here’s a detailed post about the  best day trips from Vienna   for you.

What and Where to Eat in Vienna

From traditional to modern, sweet to savory, there’s something for every palate in Vienna.

Indulge in Sachertorte , a chocolate cake that’s a Viennese classic, at its birthplace, Hotel Sacher .

For savory delights, Wiener Schnitzel is a must-try, especially at Figlmüller aka the Home of the Schnitzel, and no trip to Vienna is complete without sampling their iconic Apfelstrudel .

If you’re a fan of sausages, don’t miss the Käsekrainer , a cheese-filled sausage.

Eiernockerl are comforting Austrian dumplings, a simple yet satisfying blend of eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt. For dessert, don’t miss Kaiserschmarrn , a delectable shredded pancake that epitomizes Austrian sweet indulgence.

Palatschinken , Austrian pancakes, are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, and for a quick snack, Pretzels are readily available at street corners.

For those who want to dine like a local, check out Gasthaus Pöschl for traditional Austrian fare. Plachutta Wollzeile is the go-to spot for the best Tafelspitz (boiled beef) in town. Vegetarians shouldn’t miss Deli Bluem , a cozy spot serving plant-based delights.

When it comes to quick bites, Trzesniewski offers a range of open-faced sandwiches that are perfect for on-the-go snacking.

If you’re an aficionado of all things sweet, head straight to Demel . Known for its dazzling display of cakes, tortes, and pastries, Demel is a dessert lover’s paradise.

For coffee aficionados, the cafes to put on your radar are Cafe Central , Cafe Sacher , Cafe Sperl , and Cafe Schwarzenberg , Cafe Landtmann , Cafe Frauenhuber , and Hawelka . Each offers a unique blend of history, coffee, and delectable pastries.

For those traveling with family, Zum Schwarzen Kameel offers a versatile menu that pleases both young and old. For dessert, Xocolat serves up a variety of handmade chocolates that are sure to be a hit with the kids.

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to making the most of Vienna. If you find yourself pondering over any details or in need of extra insights, don’t hesitate to hit us up in the comments. We’re all about making your Austrian escapade nothing short of fabulous.

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Anjali Chawla

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12 city trips that are easy-to-reach from Vienna by train that you absolutely must do

Can’t get enough of the city life now that traveling is possible again, why not enjoy a quick trip to some other exotic urban setting we’ve put together a list of easy-to-reach cities you can visit just by hopping on the next train. these all make for a perfect (long) weekend getaway..

Here are 12 city trips that are easy to reach from Vienna by train in less than 6 hours:

Images via Unsplash

Budapest – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Budapest, Hungary

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Budapest-Keleti (around 2h 39min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: the giant and beautiful gothic style parliament building, take a dip at the Instagram-famous thermal Széchenyi Baths, to sit at the Danube somewhere other than Vienna, take in the views of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, to try the tasty Hungarian cuisine, to enjoy the rough but grand vibe of the city

Less obvious reasons: munch on a delicious langós with various toppings at the central market hall, to take a ship as public transport instead of the metro, partake in endless games of pinball at the Flipper Muzeum, spend rainy days at a former aristocrat’s mansion that was turned into Szabo Ervin Library, to spend a night at one of the very cool hidden open air ‘ruin bars’ located in the courtyard of buildings (like  Racskert ,  Szimpla Kert) , enjoy the view from the 360 Bar

Images © Graz Tourismus - Tom Lamm © Graz Tourismus - Harry Schiffer

Graz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Graz, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Graz HBF (around 2h 35min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  catch some  scenic views from the Schlossberg and the clock tower, visit an artificial island on the river Mur that looks like a giant shell, admire the beautiful buildings in the old town, take hundreds of pics in front of the outlandish art-museum Kunsthaus Graz that looks like a human heart

Less obvious reasons: build-your-own lunch at one of many Bausatz Lokale in the city, walk through Schlossbergtunnel, take in some modern art in a religious building at church St. Andrä, slide down the largest underground slide in the world at ‘The Slide,’ eat your way through the daily market,  Kaiser-Josef-Platz Market

Munich – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Munich, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Munich HBF (around 4h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to drink  beer in the beer gardens (obvious, right?), visit the Hofbräuhaus , to eat Weißwurst for breakfast with a Wheat beer in a place where both is socially acceptable, to check out the town hall at Marienplatz aka. the city’s most favourite postcard-building, to explore the multiple periods of art in the Neue Pinakothek, to experience a car-lover’s dream in the BMW Museum, Munich’s former Olympics Venue at Olympiapark, spend time shopping and walking around the so-called ‘bohemian neighbourhood’ of the city, Schwabing

Less obvious reasons:  see  the devil’s footprint at Munich’s Frauenkirche, walk a hidden stairway that leads to nowhere called ‘Umschreibung’, the pavement memorial of the nazi-opposing student group White Rose, to explore the nearby alps on nature day trips out of the city, to indulge in some heavy and hearty Bavarian cuisine, to watch (or join in yourself) the people surfing on the one wave in a stream known as the Eisbachwelle, go for a walk in West Park or the English Gardens, spends some thinking time in the NS-Dokumentationzentrum , go for a swim in the Müller´sches Volksbad

Images via Pixabay

Nürnberg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: NÜRNBERG in GERMANY

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Nuremberg HBF (around 4h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to explore the castle of Nuremberg, beautifully arranged fresh fruits and vegetables in the Hauptmarkt, see where renaissance-painter Albrecht Dürer lived and did his work

Less obvious reasons: Bratwurst at the last real “Bratwurstküche”, to let your inner kid loose in the Toy Museum, a medieval Holy-Spirit-Hospital turned restaurant, a rather grim interpretation of married life in the form of the fountain-sculpture Ehekarussel, the home of the city’s former executioner and some surprisingly beautiful views out his windows

Prague – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Prague, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Praha hl.n. (around 4h)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to marvel at the   astronomical clock in the main square , for strolls across the Charles Bridge, to take a scenic route to the Prague Castle, for some very affordable Bohemian cuisine and local beer, for the buzzing nightlife (including the likes of Chapeau Rouge  , Roxy , Hemingway Bar ), to enjoy the romance of its medieval streets

Less obvious reasons: ice-cream filled chimney cake, a huge graffiti wall in honor of John Lennon, to dance the night away in the five-story club, Karlovy Lazne , for pickled cheese, relaxing at the Beer Spa (just please don’t drink the bath water)

Blick über die Salzburger Altstadt vom Mönchsberg Images: © Tourismus Salzburg, Fotos: Breitegger Günter

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick vom Kapuzinerberg auf die Salzburger Altstadt und auf die Festung Hohensalzburg, Untersberg im Hintergrund

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick über den Mirabellgarten auf die Salzburger Altstadt

Salzburg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Salzburg, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Salzburg HBF (around 2h 30min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to binge on the  original Mozartkugel chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth, to check if the hills are actually alive with the sound of music, frolicking in a flower field between scenic mountain views, baroque architecture, to visit classical music’s most famous Wunderkind W.A. Mozart house, to catch impeccable views of the old town from the Kapuzinerberg, to explore the blissful nature surrounding the city, to climb up to the fortress and see the city from above, wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, do a kitschy skip in the idyllic setting of the Mirabell gardens

Less obvious reasons: beer with the locals at Augustiner Bräu , visit the stone dwarfs at the Zwerglgarten, five human-sized gherkins (unfortunately not edible), visit the Eagle’s Nest

Images: © Vienna Würstelstand

Bratislava – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Bratislava, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Bratislava (around 1h 7min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s just a stone throw away from Vienna, cheap booze resulting in fun nights out, to check out the UFO bridge and enjoy the view up high in the Flying Saucer , the charming streets and squares to wander through

Less obvious reasons: enjoy Middle Europe’s renowned and very affordable cuisine, find out how closely connected the city is to Vienna, to go on a hunt throughout the city to find ALL the hidden human-sized bronze statues, listen to some music in an upside down pyramid or in a granary, lounge on the ‘Magio Beach’ on the Danube riverside, to get messy with the amazing racks of ribs in Meštiansky pivovar 

Images: via Pixabay & Vienna Würstelstand

Brno – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Brno, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Brno main train station (around 2h 11min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s very easy to reach from Wien, the cheap beer, the heartwarming bohemian comfort food, the mix of gorgeous Modernist and Medieval architecture

Less obvious reasons:  it’s undiscovered by tourists, there’s plenty of Instagram-worthy buildings and spots to take pictures at, to climb the highest church tower and have a grand view over the city, to enjoy a vibrant city during summer, to experience the hip cafe scene

Dresden – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Dresden, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Dresden (6h 40min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit one of the trendiest city’s to visit at the moment in Germany, to taste some quality German beer, to check out a historically important city that’s been rebuilt from scratch, to check out the halls of magnificent masterpieces by the old masters in the  Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister , visit the architecturally unique, Semperoper , to marvel at the plentiful architectural gems

Less obvious reasons: to really check out why it’s known as a living and breathing book of German history, to taste a glass of fine wine from the surrounding wine-growing region, to take a long stroll and check out the alternative scene of the city that tries its best to match Berlin’s vibe (and it’s doing a damn good job), for some serious bar-hopping

Images © Pixabay © Vienna Würstelstand

Innsbruck – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Innsbruck, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Innsbruck (4h 14min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit the Goldene Dachl and the Bergisel Ski Jump stadium , to get that priceless Alpine feeling, to experience some epic hikes around the city

Less obvious reasons: to take the Hungerburgbahn funicular railway and the Hafelekar cable car all the way up the 2,556 metres mountain for the breathtaking views over the region, to rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings, to check out the hip café and foodie scene in the old town, to see Innsbruck’s version of their own unique Ampelpärchen aka. Ampelskier

Images via Pixabay & Unsplash

Košice – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Košice, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Košice (around 6h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to check out a former European Capital of Culture and enjoy some Central European charm

Less obvious reasons: to eat your way through town and try some Lokše (thin pancakes), or Bryndzové halušky (dumplings with sheep cheese – the national dish), to admire the historic buildings of the old town, to check out the nearby Spiš Castle which is the largest castle site in Central Europe

Linz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Linz, Upper Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF, or Wien WBF to Linz HBF (1h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to check out the rich cultural scene, take the steep Pöstlingberg tram up the Pöstlingberg for the great view over the city, the stunning old town

Less obvious reasons: to eat the famous Linzertorte, to check out the Hip Hop capital of Austria, to check out the local club and somewhat underground party locations such as KAPU , Stadtwerkstatt , Exxtrablatt or Solaris , to enjoy the summer breeze next to the Danube in summer, to eat and dance at the cafés/bar/art and cultural space mix on the ship that is the Salonschiff Fräulein Florentine , check out the Ars Electronica Center

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82 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

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Vienna is a real city of culture and it has given the world some of its greatest artists and thinkers. It has many impressive palaces, churches, theaters and museums but it is also a lively city with plenty of restaurants (and more than 15 Michelin Star-rated restaurants), bars and outdoor festivals in the summer months.

There are few cities in the world that can boast the musical legacy that Vienna can. Mozart, Beethoven and both Johann Strauss senior and junior lived and worked in the city. Their music is still alive through the city’s many orchestras, musicians and singers.

With many classical concerts, and Viennese balls taking place inside 19th-century palaces, you’ll surely be able to feel the essence of the music that Mozart, Beethoven, and other great classical composers once played in “The City of Music”.

Just outside the city, you can find ancient villages, traditional Austrian towns and breathtaking alpine scenery. It would be hard to visit Vienna and not be overawed by how grand it all is. Here are some things to do in Vienna .

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Vienna tours

1 – Live out your royal fantasies at Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace has to be the first stop for anyone visiting the city and one of the best things to do in Vienna. The palace gets its name from a spring that was found on the site by Emperor Matthias in 1612. The original building was a hunting lodge that grew over time to be the huge Baroque-style palace we see today.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. The house and its gardens are a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Walk in the footsteps of Mozart … One of the most special experiences to enjoy at the former royal summer residence is classical music concerts at Schönbrunn Palace , performed daily inside the iconic Palace Orangery.

• Schönbrunn Palace tickets & tours

Read more about Schönbrunn Palace tickets price .

2 – See genuine masterpieces at Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistoriches is Vienna’s Historic Art Museum. The museum has works and masterpieces by some of the best known European artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian and Durer.

The building is located on Maria-Theresien-Platz opposite the Natural History Museum in near-identical buildings. It has an extensive collection of ancient art including Egyptian objects, carvings and even mummified remains. In the stairwell, you can see frescoes by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

• Kunsthistorisches Museum tickets

3 – Take a spin on the 126-year-old Wiener Riesenrad at The Prater

The Wiener Riesenrad is Vienna’s antique, giant Ferris Wheel and is an iconic landmark on the city skyline. Everyone who travels here should take a spin on it and grab some of the best views of the city.

It is at the entrance to the city’s famous amusement park, The Prater, which was donated to the people in 1766. You will find plenty of fun ways to pass the afternoon here if you like rides, arcades, ghost trains and games!

• Vienna Ferris Wheel tickets

4 – See the sights in the Historic Center of Vienna

The historic center of Vienna known as Innere Stadt, or inner city, is the area of the city within the area’s grand ring road, the Ringstrasse . Here you can find lively restaurants and cafes, museums and galleries.

You can visit major landmarks including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg palace or shop on the pedestrianized Kårtner Strasse. The Historic center is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent architecture and skyline.

• walking tours in Vienna

5 – See dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum

Vienna Natural History Museum  is considered one of the best in the world. Its impressive collection of artifacts, which includes dinosaur skeletons and ancient meteorites are housed in an equally impressive building.

The museum covers the history of life on Earth and even the planet itself and has a digital planetarium that shows a range of nature-related movies. This is one of the best attractions in Vienna.

6 – Telepathically communicate with the famous stallions at the Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School upholds the dressage traditions of horse riding and the training of its famous Lippizaner horses. Visit the stables and Winter Riding School with its traditional architecture and grand views over the historic city.

For a relaxed equestrian experience, why not try a traditional “Lohnkutchen” horse-drawn carriage ride around the city? Visitors can even enjoy a selection of food and drinks while touring the sights.

• horse riding in Vienna

7 – See Picasso’s ‘Woman in a Green Hat’ on the walls of the Albertina Museum

As well as being a museum of fine art, The Albertina is also home to one of the most extensive print houses in the world. It has more than 65,000 drawings and over a million prints of old masterpieces.

The Museum itself is a great place to go see exhibitions of prints, drawings and photography. It has a permanent exhibition of modernist art in Austria covering Monet-Picasso. There are also grand historic rooms and apartments to visit within the building.

• Albertina Museum tickets

8 – Like a scene out of a fairytale, be balled over by the Hofburg Imperial Palace

Hofburg Palace has been the seat of power in the country since the 13th-century. It previously was the residence of the powerful Habsburg Dynasty who ruled Austria from the 15th-century. The Palace is now the home of the President of Austria.

You can visit the country’s impressive collection of Crown Jewels in the ancient Swiss Wing of the palace. Volksgarten park is a part of the palace grounds and has some interesting buildings including a smaller replica of the Temple of Hephaestus, the original of which is located in Athens.

• Hofburg Palace tickets & tours

9 – See over 1,000 treasures like the Royal Roman Crown at Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien

Located in the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Treasury is a fascinating place to visit as it hosts some of the country’s most valuable possessions. It has royal and religious collections including crowns, jewelry, clothing and one of the world’s largest emeralds.

Amongst the objects, you can find a very old narwhal tooth which was thought to be a unicorn’s horn and declared an heirloom of the Habsburg’s.

• Imperial Treasury tickets

10 – Flitter among hundreds of butterflies at Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house)

At the Schmetterlinghaus you can step out of the busy city for a while and find yourself in a peaceful and calm oasis. The Schmetterlinghaus is an enclosed garden that is home to tropical plants and 400 live butterflies.

This most colorful of living museums is a great place to unwind and observe the gentle butterflies. The Schmetterlinghaus is located about 200 meters from the Opera House in the Burggarten palace gardens.

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Experience a live concert by candlelight in Vienna

Catch live performances on piano, violin and cello of classical music and tributes to your favorite modern bands and musicians, from Queen to the Beatles and Taylor Swift to Imagine Dragons. Candlelight concerts take place in scenic venues across the city that don’t typically host concerts and events for an unforgettable backdrop to live renditions of your favorite tunes.

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11 – Visit the world’s oldest zoo at Tiergarten Schoenbrunn

The Vienna Zoo was established in 1752 and is the world’s oldest zoo that is still in operation. It is home to 8,500 animals from more than 700 species. Visitors can view giraffes from a raised gallery, see orangutans and Koalas, Siberian tigers and African elephants.

The most visited creatures in the zoo are its pair of Giant pandas named Yang yang and Yuan Yuan. The zoo’s architecture has a unique old-fashioned appearance which adds to the atmosphere of the place.

• Zoo Vienna tickets

12 – Visit local markets or try dishes like Wurstgulasch on a food tour

Are you curious about Viennese food? Most people have heard of schnitzel, which is the Austrian national dish, but don’t know much more about the country’s cuisine.

A food tour is a great way to learn about Vienna’s most popular delicacies. Venture into the city with a local guide to show you the way. Sample traditional starters, main courses and desserts at the best local eateries.

• food tours in Vienna

13 – See the Gustav Klimt collection at Belvedere Palace

Vienna’s Belvedere Palace is actually two large palaces, The Upper Belvedere and The Lower Belvedere and also includes extensive gardens. It was built by Prince Eugene in the early 1700s for use as a summer palace.

It now holds a huge collection of Austrian art from the middle-ages to the current era. Some of the most paintings are by Gustav Klimt including his famous works The Kiss and Judith.

• Belvedere Palace tickets & tours

14 – Explore more in less time on a segway tour

See the city in a fun and unique way on a segway tour. No experience is necessary, segway is an easy way to travel for everyone. You will be given a short lesson on riding the segway then hit the city streets.

Take a guided tour of the city passing all the major landmarks like the City Hall, Opera House and Hofburg Palace. A segway tour is a fun thing to do in Vienna.

• segway tours in Vienna

15 – Visit the turtles at Haus des Meeres – Aqua Terra Zoo

Haus des Meeres is a city center aquarium and zoo which is home to 10 thousand aquatic lifeforms. Visitors can see sharks, turtles and many fish as well as reptiles and monkeys spread out over 9 floors.

Haus des Meeres is unique in the fact that it is located in a World War II flak Tower. It has a restaurant, observation deck and wartime museum in addition to the zoo and aquarium.

Save on the city exploring with Vienna Passes

If you’ve got more sites to see in Vienna on your Bucket List than you can count, Vienna Passes are the way to go — and save! What’s the deal? Granting automatic access to any of the 50+ attractions and tours included in the pass, a total saving of up to 50% is calculated into the overall price, plus, there’s nothing better than skipping ticket queues.

Opt for an All-Inclusive Pass valid for one day only, or the Explorer Pass is for two city attractions, but this is valid for up to 60 days (perfect if you’re on a Euro tour).

16 – See the birthplace of Mozart on a Salzburg day trip

Salzburg is a historic city on the Austrian-German border. Its picturesque alpine setting and ancient buildings make it one of the best day trips from Vienna . It was the hometown of Mozart and visitors can see his birthplace and family home.

Salzburg is also the setting of the Sound of Music and you can take a guided tour around the most famous sites from the movie which includes the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Salzburg is a must-see for music lovers.

• Salzburg tours from Vienna

Hot tip: Check out our complete list of things to do in Salzburg .

17 – Admire the views from the Gothic tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the main church of Vienna and is an icon of the city. It was built in the 12th century and has an unusual roof with tiles arranged into the pattern of a double-headed eagle. Inside you can find many elaborate features like the stone pulpit and the 15th-century St. Catherine’s Chapel.

You can take a guided tour which allows you to climb the tower, or “Steffl”, for a great view of the city. It also gives unique access to the cathedral’s catacombs, crypts and tombs.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral tickets

18 – Only pay once and use a hop-on hop-off bus for sightseeing in Vienna the entire day

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore the city and visit the main landmarks and attractions. Listen to the audio guide as you cruise through the city streets on one of the many city buses.

See the Vienna State Opera, Albertina, Natural History Museum and Schonbrunn Palace. Get on and off as many times as you like during the validity of the ticket. Tickets can be purchased for one to six-day durations.

• bus tours in Vienna

19 – Take a grand tour of the Esterházy Palace

Visit the family home of the Esterházy dynasty for over 300 years, absorb the ornate beauty, browse the private art collections, and learn about what life was like to live in an estate such as this late 13th-century palace.

Built originally from a medieval castle, with moats and grandeur, the castle originally belonged to previous owners including King Louis.

Make sure to book a tour that will take you through the Palace Chapel, to the Haydn Concert Hall, as you learn about the story of its residents.

• Esterházy Palace tours

20 – Check out art (for free) inside Stadtpark

Vienna’s City Park is a great place to take a picnic and sit and watch the people pass. The park is divided by the Wienfluss river and has a lake and numerous Art Nouveau and contemporary sculptures.

One of the most famous monuments is a gilded statue of the composer Johann Strauss II who is one of the cities most celebrated sons.

21 – Museophiles fall in love with over 50 at Museumsquartier

Museumsquartier is a huge space in Vienna devoted to arts and culture. It offers a venue for fine art, architecture and music as well as fashion, dance, theater, photography and street art. You can find almost all creative disciplines represented here.

The Museumsquartier encompasses over 60 institutions as well as studios and residences for artists. Among the institutions, there’s the Leopold Museum and the Modern Art Museum . It is a lively and inspiring place to visit and those with children will find plenty of interactive exhibits and workshops to get involved in.

Spot works by your favorite contemporary artists at Kunsthalle , particularly international creatives utilizing social and political contexts as subject matter. Offering multiple types of tours, the guided Curator’s Tour is one of the most special.

Are you obsessed with geometry and lines? Introducing the Austrian Museum of Architecture: the Architekturzentrum Wien . Exhibitions are relative to 20th and 21st-century architectural materials in Austria, and among its permanent collections, highlights are the Friedrich Achleitner and the Margherita Spiluttini Photo Archives.

• Museumsquartier tours

22 – See the city like a local on a bike tour

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to see the city or just like to explore under your own steam, why not take one of the many bike tours? Take a long tour of the city and hit up all the major sites like the Imperial Palace, Austrian Parliament, Burgtheater and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Follow the Donau canal on the cities extensive bike paths past Urania Observatory and through the Stadtpark past the majestic Karlskirche church.

• bike tours in Vienna

23 – Immerse yourself in Vienna’s past with Time Travel

Step back in time with Time Travel Vienna , a unique multimedia experience that takes you on a journey through 400 years of Vienna’s history.

From the ancient Roman camp of Vindobona to present-day Vienna, you’ll witness World War II, meet the imperial family and fly over the roofs of Vienna.

With the latest entertainment technology, including 5D cinema and virtual reality experiences, it’s a thrilling adventure for the whole family.

• Time Travel Vienna tickets

24 – Learn about medieval life at the Jewish Museum Vienna

Vienna’s Jewish Museum tells the history of the city’s Jewish population from medieval times to the present day. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history, customs and traditions in a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

See the foundations of an ancient synagogue on the site and see a 3D animation about Jewish life in Medieval Vienna. Learn how Vienna’s Jewish community rebuilt itself in the post-war years.

• Jewish Museum tickets

25 – Photograph one of the tallest churches in the world, Stock-im-Eisen at Stephansplatz

Stephensplatz is the central Square of Vienna and is named after the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral which takes center stage in the square. Around Stephensplatz you can find upmarket stores and the ancient street and marketplace Graben which is still in use today.

The Stock-im-Eisen, or staff in iron, is a local landmark near Stephansplats with mythical status. It is a section of a tree trunk with hundreds of nails hammered into it dating back to the 15th century.

26 – Meet the real Empress at the Sisi Museum

The Sisi Museum takes a deeper look at Vienna’s enigmatic Empress Elisabeth wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. The exhibit takes a sensitive look at the life of the Empress and try’s to define who was the woman behind the fairytale exterior.

With a collection of personal items such as clothes, jewelry, letters and replicas of some of her famous dresses, this is a must for all Sisi fans.

• Sisi Museum tours

27 – Travel to a new country in one day: Budapest

If you are visiting Vienna for a longer stay why not take a day-long excursion to Budapest? The picturesque Hungarian capital has a lot of historical sites to see as well as restaurants, shops and cafes to explore.

See the famous Buda Castle, home to generations of Hungarian kings, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion with its beautiful views over the River Danube. A guided tour ensures that you won’t miss the best of this fascinating city.

• Budapest tours

28 – Get up close and personal with the Danube during boat cruises

Inspiring composers, artists and musicians, boat cruises along the Danube River are second to none. In Vienna, Europe’s second longest river is split into four channels, and boating on the Danube Channel is very popular.

If boating is your middle name, enjoy a full-day cruise from Vienna to Dürnstein and Wachau on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, all meals included for the ten-hour venture.

Set sail on an evening dinner cruise onboard the Dream Ship, relishing in a three-course meal under the stars. Some expeditions are accompanied by classic Viennese wine tavern songs.

• boat cruises in Vienna

29 – Touch the same walls as the famous composer at Mozarthaus

Music lovers and especially fans of classical music won’t want to miss the Mozarthaus museum. The Museum is located in the Vienna apartment where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787.

The museum focuses on the fruitful “Vienna years” of Mozart’s life in which he composed Le Nozze di Figaro. It contains documents, pictures and items related to the life of one of the world’s greatest composers.

• Mozarthaus tickets

30 – Cool off at Bohemian Prater

The Bohemian Prater is a small amusement park on the edge of Vienna. Its history extends back to 1882 and some of its attractions are over 100 years old. It has traditional rides many of which are specifically aimed at younger children.

The Bohemian Prater has a bunch of water rides that are great for those sunny days as well as a vintage carousel and historic roller-coaster.

31 – Get the best views of the city at the Donauturm

The Donauturm, or Danube Tower, is Austria’s tallest landmark at 252 meters tall. It opened in 1964 and though it hosts cell phone and radio masts, its primary use is an observation tower.

Visitors can ride the high-speed elevators to the observation decks to see impressive 360° views of the Vienna skyline. A revolving cafe and a restaurant can also be found on different levels of the tower.

• Danube Tower tickets

32 – Make your own bars and enjoy chocolate tastings at the Chocolate Museum Vienna

Feel like one of the golden ticket winners to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory at the Chocolate Museum Vienna, with plenty of chocolate tastings and sweet workshops that go down a real treat!

Become a chocolatier for the day during a classic workshop, creating three of your own bars and learning about the different types of chocolate. Make 24 fanciful Viennese-style pralines during a praline workshop, or craft a Mozart Kugel (a chocolate-coated marzipan ball filled with nougat).

From the gigantic choccie statues to mirrors shaped as cacao pods to the black and white checkered floors, the shop interiors add all the fun.

• chocolate experiences in Vienna

33 – Visit Vienna’s first green museum at Kunst Haus Wien

Kunst Haus Wien is a museum and exhibition venue designed by influential Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The building is as much an art object as the works it holds and its distinctive wavy contours and painstaking mosaics are somewhat at odds with the city around it.

The Museum is dedicated to the works of the Hundertwasser and also displays exhibits of 20th and 21st-century photography exhibitions. It is also the city’s first green museum and focuses on sustainability in its operations.

34 – See the vistas of Melk Abbey & the Danube Valley on a day trip

Melk Abbey stands overlooking the beautiful Wachau Valley. The current Baroque abbey is built on a much older site that has been in use since the 13th century. As well as its attractive design the abbey houses numerous medieval manuscripts and decorative frescos.

Take a scenic bus and river cruise through the picturesque Wachau and Danube Valleys and into the wine-growing region of Wachau. See this land of ancient castles, villages and vineyards.

• Melk Abbey tours from Vienna

35 – Slide into ball pits at Family Fun

Family Fun is a large playground with indoor and outdoor areas for children of all ages. It has separate areas to play, jump, run and climb for older children and safe fun spaces for very small children to play.

A whole bunch of inflatables, trampolines, slides and play equipment is sure to keep the young ones happy as well as go-karts and games that even grown-ups can enjoy.

36 – Take a boat ride to Bratislava on a day trip

A day trip to Bratislava offers a great excuse to see more of the major European cities. The Slovakian capital sits between the borders of Austria and Hungary. The rolling hills and ancient vineyards of the surrounding area and its 18th-century architecture give it a historic but contemporary feel.

Bratislava is on the River Danube and a short boat trip from Vienna . Travel the slow way to really get a feel for the country. When in Bratislava, the ancient ruins of Devín Castle are a must-see.

• Bratislava tours from Vienna

Hot tip: Check out our list of things to do in Bratislava .

37 – See a whole day in 24 minutes at Miniatur Tirolerland

Miniatur Tirolerland is more than an amusement park, it’s a miniature world! Tirolerland has highly detailed models of trains, cars and attractions all in miniature format. Visitors can see a whole 24 hour day reenacted in miniature every 24 minutes.

Thousands of LED lights create dawn, daytime and dusk, which intrigues you to watch and explore as the miniature world comes alive around you. A visit to Minatur Tirolerland is a really fun thing to do in Vienna.

38 – From the first-ever locomotives to bicycles to automobiles, explore the Technical Museum Vienna

Also known as the Technisches Museum Wien, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology is dedicated to all tech-driven and science-savvy exploits and developments of Austria, chronicling these over the last decades.

The all-white crisp spaces suit the museum’s objectives, and real-time items and objects are displayed categorically. These are a mix of historical commodities from centuries ago to innovative modern technologies.

Its permanent collections include ‘Everyday life & society,’ ‘Natural sciences & energy,’ ‘Transportation & mobility,’ ‘Information & communication’ and ‘Production technology.’

• Technical Museum Vienna tickets

39 – Visit the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

Zentralfriedhof is not actually in the city center, rather it received its name because it is the most used cemetery in Vienna. It is actually the second largest cemetery in Europe by capacity. It is a resting place for over 2.5 million people, including some very famous local residents.

Four of the world’s most beloved composers are buried here, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Brahms. Surprisingly, Zentralfriedhof is not actually that old and it first opened in 1874.

• Vienna Central Cemetery tours

40 – Walk through famous grave sites inside the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)

The Austrian National Library State Hall is not just any old library. The building is renowned for its impressive size and decoration as well as the works it holds. The State Hall is a grand building that was part of the Court Library.

It is nearly 80 meters long and 20 meters high with ornate frescos and decorations including four Venetian globes. The library has over 200,000 books and also puts on regular exhibitions.

41 – Where nothing is ever as it seems, visit the Museum of Illusions Vienna

Bring your camera (or fully charged mobile) and fool not just your own mind’s eye but your friends back home when you step inside the Museum of Illusions Vienna.

Over 15 attractions, or entire rooms, are set up inside, each themed differently and designed in such a way as to create optical illusions.

Walk up the side of a bedroom wall, serve your friend’s head on a dinner platter, see your face multiplied by ten and imagine life as a giant!

The Vortex Tunnel, Upside Down Room, Bottomless Pit, Kaleidoscope, Infinity Room and the Chair Illusion are a few examples of the features to discover inside.

• Museum of Illusions Vienna tickets

42 – Visit the Wachau Valley for wine tasting

The Wachau and Danube Valleys are the places to visit for wine tasting in Austria. The fertile valleys are home to steep vineyards which produce some of the country’s finest dry white wines.

There are numerous guided tours offered through the Wachau Valley region. Take in the scenic landscape of rolling hills, medieval villages and the majestic River Danube before stopping for lunch and tasting the best local wines.

• wine tours from Vienna

43 – See the unique design of Hundertwasserhaus

Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment block in the Landstrasse district of Vienna which was designed by famed local artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The creator’s style is highly unique and features a prominent lack of straight lines, varied window sizes and wall textures.

In 1979, he was invited by the Mayor of Vienna to create a housing block based on his unique ideas. He submitted the design free of charge and it was built in 1983. Hundertwasserhaus features innovative ecological elements like a grassed living roof and is home to 250 trees and bushes.

44 – View the Astronomical Clock on a Prague day trip

When you’ve seen all there is to see in Vienna why not take a day trip to Prague. The Czech capital is another gem of a European city within a few hour’s drive of Vienna. This ancient city was the center of the Kingdom of Bohemia and it has buildings that date back thousands of years.

One of the most fun things to do in Prague is to visit the Old Town Hall and see the astronomical clock which was installed in 1410. It has been in almost continuous use since then and is thought to be the world’s oldest operating clock.

• Prague tours from Vienna

45 – Learn about the empire at Heeresgeschichtliches Museum

The Austrian Museum of Military History blends together technology, art, architecture and natural science to cover the country and its empire’s military history. Housed in the 19th-Century armory buildings, the exhibits show weapons, armored vehicles, planes, uniforms, battleships and historical photographs.

The museum covers the eras of the Habsburg Dynasty from the 1500s to the fall of the empire in 1945. This is a great place to visit for lovers of history.

46 – See the city from above on a helicopter tour

What better way to see the whole city than on a helicopter tour. Grab aerial views of the entire city on these scenic flights and get insights from the helicopter pilot and crew.

Get a unique view of local landmarks like the Greifenstein Castle ruins and Klosterneuburg Monastery. Pass Castle Kreuzenstein and see Europe’s largest wetlands at the Donau Auen. This is a seriously fun thing to do in Vienna!

• helicopter tours in Vienna

47 – One of the few places close by for hiking, trek the 484-meter-tall Kahlenberg Mountain

Kahlenberg Mountain is one of the most popular destinations to visit on a day trip from Vienna. It is located in the densely forested Vienna Woods and is easily reachable from the city by bus or car.

It is a beautiful spot to go hiking and you can get a great view of the entire city and parts of Lower Austria from Stefaniewarte tower at the peak.

• hiking tours in Vienna

48 – Bend your brains at the Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud Is one of Vienna’s most famous sons. He created the field of psychoanalysis and his theories have shaped our understanding of the human mind and our behavior.

The Sigmund Freud Museum is located in his former home and office and contains collections and exhibitions related to his life and works. It also contains Europe’s largest Psychoanalytical Research Center and the Sigmund Freud Foundation Research Institute.

• Sigmund Freud Museum tickets

49 – Meet the stars at Madame Tussauds Vienna

A trip to Madame Tussauds is always fun. The Vienna branch has waxwork lookalikes of worldwide celebrities and local ones. Where else could you hang out with Empress Sisi and Mozart as well as Freddie Mercury, Angelina Jolie and Audrey Hepburn at the same time?

Travel to a Hollywood party, a Vegas chapel and the picturesque alps and enjoy the guided audio tour experience. A visit to Madame Tussauds is a fun thing to do in Vienna.

• Madame Tussauds tickets

50 – Revel in a night of Opera at the Renaissance Revival venue, Wiener Staatsoper

Fancy an evening of culture while you are visiting the city? Vienna State Opera puts on 300 performances a year. The building is home to the Vienna State Orchestra, State Ballet company and hosts the yearly Vienna Opera Ball.

It is a lively venue and its regular audience is not afraid to let the performers know if they are any less than perfect. Cut-price standing-only tickets are offered from eighty minutes before the shows.

51 – Follow in the sounds of Mozart with Classical Music Concerts

Hear the best of vienna music at the eschenbach palace.

Vienna is still considered the capital of classical music worldwide. A visit to the Eschenbach Palace is an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Enjoy an evening of Viennese music from Mozart, Schubert and Strauss performed by the Vienna supreme Orchestra.

Take in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace’s Golden Ballroom with its coffered ceiling, baroque decorations and fantastic acoustics. Classical music fans shouldn’t miss this.

• concerts at Eschenbach Palace

Catch a performance at Peterskirche

A version of Peterskirche or St. Peter’s Church has sat on the same spot in Vienna since the 4th century. The current building was completed in 1733 and is one of the most attractive Baroque churches in the city.

The Classic Ensemble Vienna puts on regular concerts in the church performing pieces by Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven. To hear this timeless music in such stunning surroundings is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

• concerts at St. Peter’s Church

Attend a Johann Strauss and Mozart Concert at Kursalon Palace

Prepare for an evening of Viennese classical music inspired by Mozart, the Austrian composer and conductor Johann Strauss, and a few other notable composers from Vienna.

See as the music and the Viennese Waltz comes alive inside the ornate 19th-century Kursalon Palace, with all its glitz and glamour, taking you back to the Golden Age of Viennese Operetta.

Before heading to the concert, make dinner plans at the palace’s restaurant, serving a menu of modern Austrian dishes and complete dinner courses. Concert tickets can be purchased online.

• concerts at Kursalon Palace

Russia or Austria? Look up to the striking green dome at Karlskirche

Karlskirche church is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Vienna and can be found just outside the Innere Stadt. It has an unusual ellipsoid dome that is decorated with magnificent frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr.

The interior of the church is quite stunning with marble pillars, ornate plasterwork and a dramatic altar to the Apotheosis of Saint Charles Borromeo. The famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi was buried here in 1741 though it’s not certain where.

Make sure to check out the classical music concerts that take place inside, and feel transported to the times of Motzart surrounded by timeless baroque beauty.

• concerts at Karlskirche

Watch a performance of Viennese Music by the Hofburg Orchestra

The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra features at least 40 of the capital’s best musicians, performing “Viennese waltz and operetta music.”

Throughout the summer months, the orchestra holds regular weekly concerts at the Hofburg Palace, performing music by Mozart and Strauss. if you like classical music, why not include it in your calendar?

• Hofburg Orchestra in Vienna

Visit the Musikverein to see a concert

Vienna’s Musikverein is one of the city’s finest concert halls. It is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and is renowned for its outstanding acoustics. The Musikverein’s Great Hall seats 300 and is also known as the “Golden Hall” due to its ornate decorations.

Join the Vienna Philharmonic for an evening of music by Mozart including his concertos, symphonies and operas.

• concerts at Musikverein

Experience enchanting concerts at St. Anne’s Church

As if the beauty of Iglesia de Santa Ana wasn’t enough, there are classical music concerts at St. Anne’s Church to whisk you away into compositions of mesmerizing melodies.

Founded in 1518 in a Baroque fashion, you’re drawn in by not only the music but the grandiose interiors as well, dripping in gold finishings, painted fresco ceilings and Gothic architectural design.

For centuries, classical music concerts have been held inside, its acoustic and spatial design deeming it the perfect stage. The orchestra, led by a string quartet, pays homage to geniuses like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert.

• concerts at St. Anne’s Church

52 – Grab a coffee in the historic Café Central

Café Central is something of an institution in Vienna and from the late 19th-century became the place to meet local intellectuals. Famous patrons include Peter Altenberg, Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky to name but a few.

The Cafe is located in the Palais Ferstel in the upmarket Herrengasse neighborhood and has a classic decoration with a glass ceiling and marble pillars. It serves a variety of sweet treats and traditional Viennese foods.

53 – Take a moment of silence for the lost lives of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp

Eye-opening, compelling, and, in moments, also heart-wrenching, a day trip to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp is an unsurpassable experience.

From 1938 to 1945, under the order of the National Socialist Gauleiter, this harrowing site imprisoned people from across Europe, its first stones laid by deportees (at the time, this was predominantly men from Germany and Austria).

Today, visitors can get a better understanding of how men, women and children lived, or rather, tried to survive, through its museum’s permanent exhibitions: ‘The Crime Scenes of Mauthausen – Searching for Traces,’ ‘The Mauthausen Concentration Camp 1938–1945’ and ‘The “Room of Names”.’

• Mauthausen Concentration Camp tours

54 – One of the prettiest museums ever: check out MAK Austrian Museum of Applied Arts

MAK focuses on the relationships between art and design and especially architecture and contemporary art. The institution was founded in 1864 and its collection is one of the most important in the world.

Exhibits focus on the Vienna 1900 period, an era of great creativity in the city but also feature works from the middle ages to the current day. MAK DESIGN LAB focuses on the positive effects design can have.

• Museum of Applied Arts tickets

55 – See the Habsburg sarcophagi at the Imperial Crypt of Capuchin Church

The Imperial Crypt at the Capuchin Church is the resting place of 145 members of the Habsburg family who ruled the region from the 15th Century onwards. There are 107 metal sarcophagi in total and five urns containing hearts.

Amongst the remains are 12 Emperors and 18 Empresses. There are some very elaborate and ornate sarcophagi and some much more austere ones. The sarcophagus of Charles VI is particularly grand with crowned skulls and cherub decorations.

56 – Visit an ancient settlement on a Hallstatt day trip

Hallstatt is another popular day trip from Vienna. It is a very small town famed for its picture-perfect scenery. The town has a history that dates back to prehistoric times which centered around the local salt mines.

Take a day trip to Hallstatt and receive a guided tour of the most famous landmarks. Stop en route to visit the birthplace of Mozart’s mother in St. Gilgen and enjoy the lakes of Mondsee and Wolfgang amid the spectacular alpine scenery.

• Hallstatt tours from Vienna

57 – Get a virtual reality tour from an Empress on Sisi’s Amazing Journey

If you’re looking for an unusual yet informative way to learn about the history of Vienna why not take Sisi’s Amazing Journey! Let Empress Sisi take you on a virtual reality boat ride and give you a full tour of the town.

Take a trip through the city sewers, wave to the cheering crowds then visit the torture chambers of Elizabeth Bathory and more. Let Sisi recount humorous stories and take you on a flight over the city. This is a lighthearted look at Vienna and one of its greatest personalities.

58 – Make like Beethoven at the interactive Haus Der Musik

Haus der Musik is a museum of music and sound. It has interactive exhibits that encourage a playful as well as a scientific approach to music. You can hear music as a baby would inside the womb, put your name into a composition and direct your own opera on a virtual stage.

In addition to the exhibits, Haus Der Musik hosts live concerts, talks by artists and a varied program of events. Haus der Musik is a fun place to visit for the whole family.

• Haus Der Musik tickets

59 – Try the wiener schnitzel at Wiener Wiaz Haus

Taste the best wiener schnitzel of your life (and more) from the best restaurants From schnitzel to strudel, and then the city’s modern take on food, here are the best restaurants in Vienna.

Wiener Wiaz Haus first opened in the city in 1898. Authentic as you can get, it’s a popular spot for great schnitzel (the veal wiener is a crowd favorite) and beer in Vienna.

With a focus on fermentation and a seasonal menu, Bruder is awesome! For a full fledge of vegetables as the hero, Tian takes the humble veg and puts it on its contemporary head.

Thell (formerly Motto) is a long-standing spot, and for seafood, head to trendy O boufés bistro.

60 – Visit the ruin of Aggstein Castle

Aggstein Castle is a ruined 12th-Century castle that overlooks the River Danube. It sits on a rocky outcrop perched 300 meters above the river. It has had some notable owners including the Kuenrings, Jörg Scheck von Wald and Anna von Polheim-Parz.

The castle was left to deteriorate from the mid-1600s but in the 1930s efforts were made to preserve it. It is now a popular attraction and visitors can see the escape-proof prison and chapel.

61 – Learn more about non-European cultures at Weltmuseum (ethnographic museum)

The Weltmuseum is a museum of historical artifacts from around the world. Located in a wing of the Imperial Palace it houses hundreds of thousands of items from diverse cultures across Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.

Some of the museum’s most prized artifacts are an Aztec headdress from the early 1600s, a 2000-year-old Vietnamese drum and 14th-century glass lamps from Cairo.

• Weltmuseum tickets

62 – Somersault through the air at FLIP LAB

Whether you’re a trampoline beginner or already a pro, you may want to get your blood pumping at FLIP LAB ‘s gym in Millenium City, Vienna. It’s a place for fun and action where you can practice your ninja-backflip skills in safety and with a verified instructor.

Flip Lab has 12 different zones and 2000 square meters of high-flying trampoline fun as well as a spectator lounge and cloakrooms with showers. A visit to Flip Lab could be the fun thing to do in Vienna that you are looking for!

63 – Spend the day kayaking on the Alte Donau

Vienna has miles of waterways in and around the city, why not try kayaking on the Alte Donau? The Alte Donau or Old Danube was a section of the main Danube until the river was diverted in 1870 due to regular flooding.

It now offers a calm place to go kayaking in the city and spot wildlife like geese, swans and ducks. A kayaking tour is a great way to see the changing landscape of the Vienna riverside.

• kayaking in Vienna

64 – Pretend to be a spy for the day with outdoor escape games

Think you have what it takes to go into the espionage business? Or, perhaps you’ve always thought you’d be a fantastic Inspector Clouseau? Well, these epic outdoor escape rooms are one sure way to find out!

Setting off on a city quest (powered by a smartphone app), you’re given a set of clues and riddles that need solving. Cracking each one involves running around the city, and in between, visiting plenty of landmarks and attractions.

Pick a game centered around the 17th-century Plague, embark on a spy mission, discover all things relating to Freud, Mozart and Beethoven or opt for a classic sightseeing adventure.

• outdoor escape games in Vienna

65 – Enter the labyrinth and cross high rope gardens at Tigersworld

If you have young children aged six years and over, a visit to the Tigersworld Adventure play park might be just the thing. It has 2000 square meters of equipment to climb, jump and play on.

The park has three Ninja-parkour tracks, a trampoline zone and a 30 square meter jump air-bag. For the brave, there is a 7-meter climbing wall to really test their bouldering skills on. A trip to Tigersworld is a great way to spend the afternoon.

66 – From the early life of Hitler to Nazi atrocities, learn more with World War II tours

Involving nearly every single country across the world, WWII is one of the most historical wars our world has ever experienced, changing much of how global societies once were prior to the event.

Throughout WWII, close to one million Austrians fought for the Nazi German armed forces! And, Austria is, in fact, the birthplace of Adolf Hitler! Uncover in-depth history, information and sightseeing during World War II tours.

Your educated historian leads the way on this private walking tour (some tours also include a visit to the Military Museum). Stops on the itinerary include the likes of the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Heldenplatz and Meldemannstraße 27 (Hitler’s residence).

• World War II tours in Vienna

67 – See a German-language play at the Burgtheater

The Burgtheater is the national theater of Austria and one of the oldest theaters in Europe. It has a distinct style of its own and performs only German-language plays. It is a big part of the culture of the city and was the venue for the premiers of three operas by Mozart and Beethoven’s first symphony.

It is worth a visit to the theater to see the building itself with ceiling murals created by Gustav and Ernst Klimt. Guided tours run daily.

68 – Feel like a city detective with a scavenger game

Looking for a unique way to explore the city? Why not try a scavenger hunt! Use an app to navigate your way around the city. Solve riddles and follow clues to complete challenges and receive the next set of coordinates.

Unlock stories about the places you visit and compete against other teams to get the highest score. This is a really fun thing to do in Vienna especially in a group!

• scavenger games in Vienna

69 – Admire the urban street art on a Street Art Tour

Although Vienna is brimming with classical art, the streets of this beautiful city also have an incredible street art scene not to miss, which you can see and learn more about on a Street Art Tour.

Walk alongside a knowledgeable, local guide as you discover street artwork from Shepard Fairey and ROA, as well as other pieces of work that are both eye-catching, and carry a message that requires no language proficiency.

At the end of your tour, enjoy a local favorite snack – Austrian sausage and beer/wine!

• street art tours in Vienna

70 – Enjoy sweets fit for an Emperor at The Demel

The Demel is a well-known pastry shop and chocolatier in Vienna that first opened in 1786. It was a popular eatery of the Viennese aristocracy and was a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the Empress Sisi.

The Demel has some fun traditions that have endured through time. You will always be referred to as sir or madam in the third person by the traditionally dressed waitresses known as Demelinerinnen. Try the famous Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, if you really want to indulge yourself.

71 – Feast on pukka Alpine dishes with an Austrian Dinner in local’s home

When you’re traveling to any new city or country, what better way to become acquainted than under the arms of a resident? An authentic Austrian dinner in a local’s home is a sure way to go, where you’ll leave feeling like life-long friends — and with a satisfied belly!

Joining Pia and her husband in their family abode, over the next 2.5 hours, delight in swapping stories, drinking Austrian sparkling wine and indulging in classic Alpine cuisine.

The menu typically consists of dumpling soup for starters, tafelspitz for mains and traditional cake for dessert — ingredients sourced from your host’s brother’s farm.

72 – Eat and shop for bargains at the Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is the most popular market in Vienna and is a good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and baked items. The market also has a good selection of stalls selling prepared snacks like hotdogs, sandwiches and sushi.

The market has a multicultural selection of foods and you will find traditional Austrian cheeses alongside Korean kimchi and Turkish kebabs. This is an al fresco dining experience not to be missed!

• Naschmarkt tours

73 – From Dolce & Gabbana to Dior, shop major fashion houses on Kärntner Straße

Kärntner Straße is the city’s most famous shopping street and runs from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Vienna State Opera building. The busy main street of the Innere Stadt has imposing 19th-century buildings housing shops, cafes and restaurants. The ornate Donner Fountain is located here.

You will find many luxury high street brands here and it is a nice place to visit in the evening with its small bars and cafe culture. The street oldest building, the Palais Esterházy has a well-known underground restaurant and wine tavern called Esterházykeller.

74 – Can you see The Walking Dead? Join eerie ghosts & legends tours

From a Countess murderer to Nazi antics to medieval executions, in a city as old as Vienna, you best believe it’s experienced its fair share of gruesome, gory and grueling. Deep dive into its darker past with an exciting ghost and legends tour — not for the faint-hearted.

Lured in by an expert on the city’s paranormal side, you’re shown buildings, streets and points of interest doused in ghost tales and stories hard to stomach.

For example, visit Am Hof Square, where public beheadings happened; Schönlatern Alley where the Knights Templar massacre occurred; the Vienna State Opera, where Jews during WWII were expelled; and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to see the mystifying gargoyles.

• ghost tours in Vienna

75 – Experience fine dining at the Michelin star restaurants in Vienna

Dine in comfort as you enjoy some of the award-winning dishes at Eckel , offering a refined version of Viennese country cooking inside a wonderfully cozy and chic restaurant. Located in the 19th district, the restaurant features terrace dining, as well as indoors during the colder months.

Taste the fusion between international cuisines with Austrian classic flavors at Amador , located inside the Hajszan Winery. This modern restaurant sources its ingredients from local producers, and imports only the best quality ingredients from other countries, to serve you the perfect concoctions of cultures on your plate.

Try the Szegediner lobster with cabbage when you dine at the Micheline star Vestibül restaurant, located inside the Burgtheater. Make an evening plan out of it, and check out a show after your memorable meal.

76 – Rejuvenate at a spa with thermal baths, Turkish hammams and more

After a busy day of sightseeing and museum hopping it’s great to unwind at Therme Wien. The city center spa has over 20 naturally heated pools to enjoy as well as saunas, steam rooms and aroma rooms.

It also has a playground for the kids to explore while the adults take time to relax. Afterward, you can take a cozy seat in the fire lounge or visit the library and cinema.

Check out Aux Gazelles Hammam and the Golden Tree Massage for the ultimate wellness experience offering some award-winning deep-tissue massage services and hair and body beauty services.

• wellness in Vienna

77 – Play roulette at Wien Casino

Vienna Casino can be found in the grand Palais Esterházy, on Vienna’s glitzy Kärntner Straße near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It offers an elegant environment to try your luck at a game of roulette. It also has slot machines and tables for blackjack, poker and Macau baccarat.

The casino has a bar and restaurant serving a selection of two and four-course meals in the style of traditional Viennese dishes.

78 – Ever drunk a Weizenbier? Sample the local brew scene with beer tastings

Beer drinking in Austria is the equivalent of eating pasta in Italy. Not just a social habit, in these parts of the world, it’s a lifestyle, ingrained into local culture.

One of Vienna’s most popular types of beer is Weizenbier, otherwise known as wheat beer. Taste the brew first-hand, plus other types of craft beer, with quenching beer tastings around the city.

Tours range from 40 minutes to two hours worth of drinking. Knock back cold crafts in a beer garden, visit local manufacturers, and learn about production processes at local breweries.

• beer tastings in Vienna

79 – Get a taste of Vienna nightlife on a pub crawl

Vienna’s many pubs, bars and clubs are just waiting to be explored. Why not take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local around the best spots in the city.

Mingle with international travelers on a group tour through the city’s most beloved bars and clubs. Get special drinks promotions and play traditional drinking games while you make new friends. A pub crawl is great for solo travelers and groups alike.

• pub crawls in Vienna

80 – Drink up the Viennese city views at the best rooftops

Though the rooftop furnishings at Aurora Rooftop Bar are minimal, they make the spectacular sights of the Vienna skyline the star of the show. Grab your friends, and order yourselves refreshing cocktails to seal the evening in style.

Recline on a lounger with your craft cocktail in hand, and toast to another successful day exploring Vienna at Dachboden at 25hours Hotel . Whether you’re looking for a relaxing early evening or a vibey night of dancing, you’ll find it all here.

Look at the city from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at Das Loft Bar & Lounge , making it the perfect rooftop to visit during the colder seasons. Turn the heat up, and visit on the weekends when the DJ plays the perfect tracks.

Want to truly feel on top of the world? Visit Vienna’s highest rooftop bar, 57 Restaurant & Lounge featuring the best drink creations from talented mixologists, as the panoramic views show you the city lit up in thousands of lights.

Have authentic Austrian food with a side of Viennese wine or a lovely cocktail at SKY Bar, Cafe, Restaurant . Offering sights of the side of Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as the other historic buildings, you’ll really feel like you’re in Vienna.

81 – Wake up feeling like Cinderella after a night’s sleep in a real palace

Unlike most cities, Vienna has a wealth of extravagant palaces. What better place to stay while visiting the city than in one of these grand buildings. Stay in the heart of the city’s “Golden Quarter” surrounded by decadent historical buildings, world-leading museums and outstanding restaurants.

For a 5 star stay in a Vienna palace, look at The Park Hyatt Hotel , Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial all of which have a luxurious and uniquely Viennese style.

82 – Check out the markets, festivals or concerts of Rathaus (town hall)

The Rathaus, or town hall, and its square are still at the center of life in Vienna. This huge Neo-Gothic building is the office of the city’s mayor but also has ballrooms, banqueting halls and a restaurant.

The Square hosts a yearly film festival throughout the summer months and has a whole program of free events. The Rathausplatz is at its most magical in December when the Christmas market fills the square with lights, food stalls, rides and an ice skating rink.

• city tours in Vienna

How to get to Vienna?

Prepare your ride to the city center from Vienna’s main airport (Vienna International Airport – Flughafen Wien) by pre-booking your airport transfer in Vienna .

Avoid the hassle of figuring out the public transport, carrying your luggage to bus stops or busy trains, and instead book a private airport transfer to drop you off at your hotel directly, or any other point in the city.

Where to stay in Vienna?

Order room service or dine in the restaurant downstairs surrounded by Art Deco and Baroque interiors when you stay at the hospitable Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof . Relax and rejunviante after tiring sightseeing days when you book a spa experience in the hotel’s incredible 2-floor spa with saunas.

Wake up every morning to the stream of light coming in through your room’s large windows when you stay at Eurostars Embassy . Offering guests a fresh and filling breakfast with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, to enjoy right before heading out to the main sights like Saint Stephen’s Cathedral closeby.

Located on the historic Mariahilfer Straße, a famous shopping street in Vienna is Hotel MOTTO , featuring freshly served breakfast inside their on-site restaurant. Rest up every night inside their fully furnished, elegantly decorated rooms, with city views of the historic district. Don’t worry about the outside noise, as the hotel comes with soundproof windows.

• best hotels in Vienna

Visiting Vienna on a budget?

Make sure to book a free walking tour in Vienna to get a walk-through of the different sites throughout Vienna. Offering a layout of the city, available in a variety of languages.

Wondering where some of the best walking tours of Vienna are, or how to book one? Check out our guide to the best free walking tours in Vienna .

If your heart is set on visiting some of the city’s major attractions, there are ways to save on ticket prices and entrance fees, as well as discounted rates on specific tours with Vienna Passes . Schönbrunn Palace tours, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Schönbrunn Zoo are some examples.

Where to go next?

Check off more amazing places to visit in Europe , especially near Vienna, starting with the things to do in Salzburg , offering baroque and medieval architecture, with the outstanding backdrop of the Eastern Alps. Tour the home of Mozart, and take a Sound of Music tour while you’re there.

Looking for outdoor experiences? Head to Innsbruck, “the Olympic City”, and enjoy a diverse range of sports activities – from skiing to rock climbing. Other adventure-fueled things to do in Innsbruck include the Bergisel Ski Jump, rafting and bungee jumping from Europa Bridge.

Prague is only a short plane ride away and features a picturesque Old Town with a mix of Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as a unique “beer bath” you can’t find anywhere else. Attend a classical concert, performed by some of the best Czech composers and visit castles, and there are plenty of other things to do in Prague that are culturally enriching.

Explore the wonders in Budapest, crossing the Danube River to explore Buda and Pest as well as witness the changing of the guards at the Parliament. Among the fun things to do in Budapest , discover different areas and their street art on a street art tour

Book a multi-day trip from Vienna to keep exploring a bit more outside the city center to iconic must-see places including climbing the “Sky Ladder” – Salzkammergut.

Final thoughts

With its ongoing list of things to do in Vienna, like witnessing a Viennese Waltz in a 19th- century palace, to visiting the world’s oldest and continuous zoo, visiting Vienna is just like taking a bite out of a decadent slice of Viennese Sachetorte (chocolate cake) – spectacular and satisfying to the senses.

Safe travels to the “City of Dreams” – Vienna!

Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria)

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria)

The Capital of Austria is home to nearly one third of the county’s inhabitants and is its primary city. This metropolitan city hosts the United Nations organisation and is a major centre for Austria’s culture, economy and Politics. With many different names like the City of Music and the City of dreams, Vienna is renowned throughout the world and has a plethora of stunning historical buildings, gardens and establishments.

Ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world with its inhabitants enjoying a high quality of life, Vienna is a haven in central Europe and remains a popular tourist destination. Listed below are the top must do’s in Vienna and should provide you with more than enough information to plan your trip.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Vienna :

1. Schönbrunn Palace

Standing since the 1600’s and holding a major role of cultural importance in Austria, the Schonbrunn Palace is a colossal 1441 room structure and complex that is the main tourist attraction in Vienna.

The Habsburgs have held residence here for many years and indeed emperors of Austria have been born in the palace too.

The palace itself is an immense building and designed in a Baroque style with a symmetrical main building that has hundreds of windows and statues on the rooftop.

Inside the palace are an assortment of rooms all fully furnished and decorated in the original style – You can enjoy a tour through the rooms and admire the sumptuous furnishings and see how Austrian royalty lived.

2. Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace is another huge palatial complex that pays tribute to the power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the main winter palace for the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for hundreds of years.

Today the complex is home to offices of the president of Austria and serves as a presidential base.

The buildings have undergone many additions since their creation in the 13th century and the most impressive of which is the fabulous semi-circular Neue Burg.

Visitors can admire the beauty and style of the baroque architecture, take a tour through the imperial apartments or visit one of the detailed museums in the complex.

3. St Stephen’s Cathedral

This monolithic structure stands proud in the Stephensplatz and has been the most important church in Vienna and Austria since its construction.

The beauty of this building is undeniable and its huge tower dominates the Vienna skyline and stands as the tallest church tower in Austria.

Everything about St Stephen’s Cathedral oozes opulence – From the Romanesque and Gothic design of the exterior, to the dominating pointed tower, and the intricately decorated main roof complete with hundreds of coloured tiles forming an intriguing pattern.

Inside the church there are a total of 18 altars, several smaller chapels, and even some tombs and catacombs.

As an iconic building of Vienna, St Stephens cannot be missed!

4. Schonbrunn Gardens

Another exceptional part to the Schonbrunn Palace Complex and worthy of a separate visit in its own right, the gardens at Schonbrunn are simply magical.

The grounds of the park extend from the Palace for over a kilometre and you could spend hours walking through the various sections and displays.

You can walk through the Parterre and admire the uniform flower beds, or get lost in the beautiful hedge maze and labyrinth; Neptune’s fountain is a stunning piece of artwork, while there is even an artificial Roman Ruin complete with stone statues.

The crowning glory to all of this is the Gloriette which stands opposite the palace and features a pool and a classical colonnaded long building – Enjoy a drink here in the cafe or simple admire the views of the whole gardens in front of you.

Vienna is full of historical and significant architecture and the Town Hall located on Rathausplatz is a fine addition to this collection.

A later addition to the city, the Rathaus was constructed in the 1800’s in a Neo-Gothic style to accommodate the offices of the mayor for an ever increasing city population.

Similar in style to the town hall in Brussels, the Rathaus has five towers, the middle of which is the largest and is topped by the iconic Rathausman statue.

Guided tours are available of the inside of the Town Hall on certain days, and this is well worthwhile just to see the extravagant style of the rooms and what it must be like to work inside such a wonderful building.

6. Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo)

Located within the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace, the Tiergarten Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and touts itself as a centre for species preservation and educational fulfilment.

Originally built as a menagerie, the Zoo has several original buildings from that era and mingled together with more modern structures, create a pleasant place to walk through.

The Zoo is home to a myriad of animals from the endangered giant Panda, to Giraffes, Sea Lions and Sloths – There are many talks throughout the day by experienced Zookeepers and even a simulated Amazon rainforest environment to walk through.

As Zoos go, the Vienna Zoo is one of the finest in the world and you can see the care the animals receive.

Tip : The Vienna Zoo is included in the Vienna PASS

7. Belvedere Museum

This gigantic palatial complex and gardens is split into Upper and Lower Belvedere and served as a summer residence for Austrian princes in the 1600’s.

The two palaces themselves feature amazing architecture and stand out royally in the gardens – Upper Belvedere has a detailed façade with green domed semi-towers while Lower Belvedere has a simpler design; both palaces face the stunning gardens.

Sights at the Belvedere Museum include the two palaces which hold a staggering collection of artwork and decorated staterooms and the expansive landscape gardens complete with pools and an Orangery.

8. Vienna State Opera

Opera and fine architecture is synonymous with Vienna, and the Vienna State Opera provides both in abundance.

This outstanding building is located centrally in the Innere Stadt district and is considered one of the finest Opera Houses in the world.

The exterior has a Neo-Renaissance style and is characterised by its many arches and arched windows, while the interior is extremely decadent and feels more like a palace than a place of musical celebration.

Daily guided tours are available which last around 40 minutes and give a good overview of the building.

If you wanted to see a live concert or Opera, you would need to research what is showing before your visit and buy tickets.

Available activity : Mozart & Strauss Concert at the Vienna State Opera

9. Vienna Natural History Museum

Housed in a sophisticated palace complex that is typical of the historical architecture in Vienna, the Natural History Museum has a huge collection of minerals, precious stones, meteorites, fossils, skeletons of animals, displays of various insects and mammals and even some taxidermy of extinct species.

With over 30 million objects the museum’s collection is one of the most important in Europe and new additions are arriving all the time.

This fascinating venue also has a digital planetarium where you can see intriguing films about the earth and its development.

Adults and children alike will love the sheer amount of information and eye-boggling displays in this epic museum.

10. Prater Amusement Park

What could be a more enjoyable way to experience Vienna than having a fun packed day at the Prater Amusement Park? The Wiener Prater Park was once a hunting ground that developed into a public space for food stands and small amusement stalls, it now hosts the impressive Amusement Park and is free to enter (You pay for the individual rides instead). Inside the park is a multitude of rides and stalls including a huge Ferris wheel, bumper cars, carousels and hair-raising rollercoasters.

There are also such things as shooting ranges, a wax works display and a light gauge railway to keep you entertained.

If rides and thrills are not your kind of thing, there are several restaurants and cafes in the park to sit back and enjoy the scenery in.

11. The Spanish Riding School

One of the finest institutes for classical dressage in the world, and a long-standing renowned tradition In Austria, The Spanish Riding School has been responsible for training horses in the art of dressage for hundreds of years.

The riding school as built during the Habsburg Monarchy and has stood ever since.

The building is open to the public and you can watch demonstrations and in some cases training sessions too.

For anyone who loves riding this is a must see in Vienna, while even for non-riders you can still appreciate the passion and love that is put into this art form.

Available activity : Spanish Riding School 2-Hour Morning Exercise

12. Donauturm (Viewing tower)

Listed in the tallest 75 free-standing towers in the world at a whopping 252m, the Donauturm stands as an observation tower in the Donaustadt district of Vienna.

The Donauturm stands out against the relatively low-rise skyline of Vienna and is easily recognisable; the structure contains radio transmitters and cell phone antennae, two revolving restaurants, and observation platform and even a bungie jumping gangway.

The tower provides a fantastic and different way to see Vienna and it is easy to see why it draws so many visitors.

13. Naschmarkt

Market places often define a city and give a good representation of its heritage and culture, they are engaging places to walk through and provide tourists with an authentic slice of local life.

The Naschmarkt is held on the Wienzeile street and stretches for around 1.5km, full of stalls selling anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs, cheese and seafood.

The atmosphere, sounds, sights and smells are tantalising and the grand scale of the market make it famous world-wide.

14. Vienna Ring Road

The opulent Ring Road that surrounds the Innere Stadt district of Vienna was especially constructed in the 19th century after the removal of the city walls.

It features eclectic architecture and has many famous buildings lining its pavements.

The road itself is wide and is framed by the cities tram line which remains an important mode of transport, there are also sections lined with trees and the road proves a great cycle route.

It is well worth walking on parts of the ring road to see its importance and also the beautiful buildings that frame it.

15. Vienna Woods

At the foothills of the Northern Limestone Alps, the Vienna Woods lie to the west of the city and span some 45km.

Several rivers form the boundaries of the woods or Wienerwald and the area is popular with both Austrians looking to escape the city, and tourists looking to enjoy the beautiful Austrian countryside.

The woods are full of hidden gems from underground boat rides (The seegrotte) to Hunting Lodges and small villages untouched by the expanse of Vienna.

There are companies that provide half day tours, or you could simple do some research and form your own itinerary – The possibilities are endless in this alluring part of Austria.

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna (Austria):

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Hofburg Palace
• St Stephen’s Cathedral
• Schonbrunn Gardens
• Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo)
• Belvedere Museum
• Vienna State Opera
• Vienna Natural History Museum
• Prater Amusement Park
• The Spanish Riding School
• Donauturm (Viewing tower)
• Vienna Ring Road
• Vienna Woods

The Best Museums To Visit In Vienna

Europe is a dream destination for many. After all, it's home to some of the most historic, charming, and friendly cities in the world. From Amsterdam's canals and endless museums to Florence's incredible food and London's endless family-friendly attractions , there's something for every type of traveler. The list of popular holiday destinations in Europe is extensive, but there is one place that's often overlooked. In fact, it may just be Europe's most underrated metropolis: Vienna.

It's time to change that! The Austrian capital is home to royal palaces, top-rated art museums, family-friendly attractions (like the world's oldest zoo), a rich cafe culture with mouth-watering cakes at every turn, and more. Many of its star attractions are located within walking distance of each other and a large portion are clustered in the MuseumsQuartier. Exploring the historic city center on foot is not only easy but a must. Meanwhile, attractions that are further afield are well connected by an extensive metro and tram network. To help inspire your next trip and make planning your itinerary a little easier, here are the very best must-visit museums in Vienna.

The Hofburg

The Hofburg was once the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the royals' winter residence as of the 13th century. It's one of the largest palace complexes in the world and today, it's home to numerous museums. Interestingly, it's also the official residence of the President of Austria. As a tourist, you can visit the Imperial Apartments to see where and how the Habsburgs lived for over six centuries and walk through lavishly decorated bedrooms, salons, and even Empress Elisabeth's exercise room. The empress, who was nicknamed Sisi, also gets her time in the spotlight in the second major museum here: the Sisi Museum . Comprising over 300 personal objects – including a milk glass complete with a traveling case! – it paints a full picture of the life (and personality) of Emperor Franz Joseph I's wife. A single-day ticket will get you into both attractions. 

Hofburg is also home to the Imperial Treasury where you can see crowns and other royal treasures; the Spanish Riding School where you can see Lipizzaner horses in action at a training or dressage performance; and the Austrian National Library, whose 18th-century State Hall is one of the most beautiful in the world. These require separate tickets.

The Belvedere

Set in a sprawling park, the Belvedere  museum complex is made up of two historic palaces (Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere), a modern-day addition dedicated to contemporary art (Belvedere 21), and lush Baroque-style gardens. You could easily spend an entire day here, but if you're tight on time and still want to visit all three museums (Tip: Opt for the 3-in-1 day ticket), you'll need to allocate about three hours.

Built by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 1700s, Upper and Lower Belvedere were meant to serve as his summer home. Now, the lavish estate houses some of the world's greatest art. Start at Upper Belvedere to see works from the Middle Ages running through Baroque, Modernism, and all the way up to the 1970s. Here, you'll have the chance to view pieces from greats like Egon Schiele, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. However, it's the Gustav Klimt collection – the largest in the world – that sets art lovers' hearts aflutter, including the iconic "The Kiss."

As for Lower Belvedere, it's home to temporary exhibits, like 2023's "Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse," and offers a chance to glimpse how Prince Eugene lived through preserved period rooms, including the Marble Gallery, Gold Cabinet, and Hall of Grotesques. Finish off your visit at Belvedere 21, which was specially built to showcase contemporary art, film, and music.

Schönbrunn Palace And Schönbrunn Zoo

Located just outside the historic city center, Schönbrunn Palace is perhaps the most popular attraction in the city. The sprawling complex became the Habsburgs' summer home under the 18th-century rule of Maria Theresa. Today, the imperial palace, along with its lush gardens and award-winning Schönbrunn Zoo, is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. While you could easily spend half a day exploring the palace, walking through the various green spaces, and getting lost in the park maze and labyrinth, you can tailor your visit to your time frame. Ticket reservations for the palace are a must and you can opt to visit the State Apartments (about 25 minutes), take the Imperial Tour (about 40 minutes) to see Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sisi's private apartments, or the Grand Tour (about 60 minutes) which covers all of the above, as well as Maria Theresa's rooms.

Schönbrunn Zoo, where you can spend the rest of your day, is equally impressive. In addition to being the oldest zoo in the world, it's repeatedly been voted Europe's best zoo and is home to 700 species, from Siberian tigers to capybaras, bearded dragons, exotic birds, and the show-stealing giant pandas. Tip: Make sure to check the daily animal feeding schedule for an added treat.

Depending on what you'd like to visit, there are various combination tickets available. For a family day out, be sure to also stop by the Children's Museum Schönbrunn Palace where kids can learn about royal life through hands-on exhibits.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna looks like a palace and the collection it houses is truly royal in nature. Opened in 1891, the museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I as a place to display the Imperial Collections of the Habsburgs. Step into the opulent entrance hall and you'll be greeted by a dizzying array of sculptures, marble columns, and gold. Walk up the grand staircase and admire the paintings created by brothers Ernst and Gustav Klimt and Franz von Matsch, which decorate all of the empty spaces between arches and columns.

This breathtaking beginning sets the tone for the impressive (and varied!) art collection you'll experience inside. Spanning Ancient Egypt to the late 18th century, artifacts range from Egyptian sarcophagi to Greek and Roman antiquities, some 600,000 coins, as well as paintings by an impressive array of Old Masters. Here, you'll be able to admire works by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Johannes Vermeer, as well as experience the world's largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. In need of a break? You can stop by the café-restaurant for a traditional coffee and torte served in the gorgeous Cupola Hall or settle in for a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Natural History Museum Vienna

The Natural History Museum Vienna has a history as impressive as its displays. Franz I Stephan of Lorraine was a Habsburg monarch, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as of 1745, and an avid lover of the natural world. It was he who founded the Schönbrunn Zoo in 1752, followed by Schönbrunn Palace's botanic garden the following year. His passion was so strong that he even funded scientific expeditions abroad and, in 1750, purchased what was then the world's biggest collection of natural history objects. Among the 30,000 pieces he acquired were fossils, minerals, corals, and much more. Following his death in 1765, the collection was made public, laying the foundation for today's museum.

Located right next to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, it brings together biology, earth sciences, anthropology, and archaeology. The rich permanent collection features everything from fossils to meteorites, minerals, animal specimens, and (always a hit) dinosaurs. Just some highlights include a full-sized pteranodon model, pterosaur skeletons, and an animatronic version of an allosaurus placed next to the real deal.

Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum is conveniently located next to the Natural History Museum Vienna and Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna and is home to an impressive array of Austrian modern art collected by Dr. Rudolf Leopold and his wife, Elisabeth Leopold. Dr. Leopold began acquiring works in the 1950s and eventually ended up with over 5,000 pieces from local masters like Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and Oskar Kokoschka. As his obituary in The New York Times pointed out, Dr. Leopold was particularly fond of Schiele, even though his works were taboo and quite controversial at the time. In addition to writing books about the artist, he amassed the largest Egon Schiele collection in the world, comprising 42 paintings, 187 original graphics, and various manuscripts.

In 2001, the Leopold Museum opened to allow everyone to enjoy the fruits of Leopold's art collecting. The space is truly a love letter to the art of Vienna, particularly Viennese Modernism. In addition to the Schiele collection, the permanent exhibition, "Vienna 1900. Birth of Modernism," brings together 1,300 paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, furniture, and more to present a well-rounded picture of the art of the times.

Albertina And Albertina Modern

Although these two museums are housed in separate buildings, it's just a nine-minute walk between them and buying a combined entry ticket will save you over 25% on admission. Begin at Albertina and get lost in the stellar permanent exhibition "Monet to Picasso: The Batliner Collection," which features works by greats like Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne. The museum also hosts top-rated temporary exhibits, like 2023's "Dürer, Munch, Miró: The Great Masters of Printmaking." But it's not just fine art you'll see here. The building that houses Albertina was once the residence of the Habsburg Archdukes and today, there are 20 restored and furnished Habsburg State Rooms for you to visit.

Once you've finished your journey to the past, you can venture over to Albertina Modern for a big dose of contemporary art. While the permanent collection focuses on post-1945 Austrian artists, temporary exhibits take a more international approach with shows like 2022's "Ai Weiwei: In Search of Humanity" and 2023's "Andy Warhol to Damien Hirst: The Revolution in Printmaking."

Tip: It makes sense to do both museums on the same day, given their proximity, but your ticket allows you to visit them on different days within one year.

Former Apartments Of Beethoven, Strauss, And More

Think of a famous composer and chances are, they lived and worked in Vienna – at least for a time. Indeed, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Joseph Haydn all called the city home and six of their former apartments have been turned into museums. You can purchase a combined ticket to save nearly 40% on admission and gain access to: Haydnhaus where Haydn spent the last 12 years of his life; Johann Strauss Wohnung where Strauss lived and worked for seven years; Schubert Geburtshaus where the composer was born; Schubert Sterbewohnung, the apartment where he spent the last few weeks of his life before his death at just 31; Beethoven Pasqualatihaus where Beethoven worked on many of his famed symphonies over eight years; and the Beethoven Museum which showcases the famed maestro's life, work, and struggles. While the museums are compact, they are spread out across the city, so you may want to visit them on separate days. Luckily, your ticket is valid for a full year.

Note: You may also wish to visit Mozarthaus Vienna, the only remaining Viennese apartment that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once called home, but that will require a separate ticket.

Klimt Villa

Located close to Schönbrunn Palace, Klimt Villa is a must-visit for Gustav Klimt fans. While it may not generate as much buzz as, say, Upper Belvedere's collection of Klimt paintings, it is the only space in the city where you can literally walk in the artist's footsteps and learn more about him as a person.

What is now an impressive villa used to be a single-story summer house which Klimt rented and used as a workshop from 1911 until his death in 1918. Notably, while the home was later expanded (and nearly demolished!), the studio space was left untouched. Today, it has been meticulously reconstructed to look as it did when Klimt was in residence. With help from photographs and historical accounts, curators were able to bring Klimt's reception room and studio back to life, offering visitors the unique chance to experience the space as the artist himself would have seen it. Once you're done inside, you can wander out into the very garden he once painted and imagine yourself the subject of one of his works. Tip: If you happen to be visiting on a weekend between May and October, you can enjoy a coffee break in the Garden Café.

Jewish Museum Vienna

The first Jewish museum in the world was founded in Vienna in 1895 and today's Jewish Museum Vienna continues that storied legacy. During WWII, Nazis closed the museum and confiscated its collection, over half of which was never to be seen again. The surviving objects now make up the core of today's museum, which aims to shine a light on Jewish history, religion, and culture. It is split into two locations – Museum Judenplatz and Museum Dorotheergasse – but they can easily be visited at the same time, as they're just an eight-minute walk apart. However, your ticket is valid for seven days, so you can also split them up if you prefer.

We recommend starting at Museum Dorotheergasse where the permanent exhibit "Our City! Jewish Vienna - Then to Now" will teach you about Jewish life from the Middle Ages until the present day. Other highlights include the Atelier, which showcases the art of celebrating various holidays and festivities, as well as Visible Storage, which houses the remaining collection from the original museum. Then, you can make your way to Museum Judenplatz, housed on the site where a 13th-century synagogue once stood until its destruction in 1421. This was the heart of the Jewish quarter at the time and the synagogue's remains can be seen inside the museum alongside a virtual reconstruction.

Museum Of Applied Arts (MAK)

The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) dates all the way back to 1863 when Rudolf von Eitelberger, the first-ever professor of history at the University of Vienna, dreamt up the space to rival London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Initially called the Imperial Royal Museum of Art and Industry, the MAK showcases a wide-ranging collection, from furniture to textiles, contemporary art, and Venetian glass. Its permanent exhibition, titled "Vienna 1900," is a must-see made up of 500 pieces that shine a spotlight on the various art forms of the time. Fans of Gustav Klimt will be delighted to find that the exhibit is home to a shimmering design drawing that runs over three feet in length and is covered in gold leaf, silver leaf, and platinum leaf. The panel depicts the design from the Stoclet Frieze, which Klimt designed for the Palais Stoclet in Brussels (a private home) around 1900.

Other highlights include the MAK Permanent Collection Asia, as well as temporary exhibits from the likes of French performance artist Lili Reynaud-Dewar and New York Minimalist Rosemarie Castoro.

Ernst Fuchs Museum (Otto Wagner Villa)

Yes, the Ernst Fuchs Museum (Otto Wagner Villa) is off the beaten path, but it rewards those who make the effort to reach it with a truly surprising gem of a visit. Accessible by public transport from the Maria-Theresien-Platz, this unique museum brings together two great artists – Otto Wagner and Ernst Fuchs – and offers a rare respite from the crowds.

Famed Austrian architect Otto Wagner (born in 1841) left his stamp all around the city and you can still admire his Art Nouveau creations while wandering Vienna's historic center, from his Majolikahaus (Majolica House) to the Karlsplatz metro station. However, this villa offers the unique opportunity to visit an entire home dreamt up by Wagner. Built in 1888 as a summer getaway for his family, the villa later changed hands and fell into disrepair until Viennese painter Ernst Fuchs (born in 1930) purchased it in 1972. With help from Wagner's original designs, he lovingly restored the home and went on to use it as his own studio. These days, a visit offers the chance to admire the works of both men.

Walk through the opulent rooms filled with period furniture (including Art Nouveau decor designed by Wagner himself), take in the Fuchs paintings adorning the walls, and get ready to have your breath taken away by beautiful touches, like the stunning stained glass windows by Adolf Böhm.

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