- Vienna Travel Guide
- Best Places to Eat in Vienna
- Top Attractions in Vienna
If you’re looking for an informative Vienna travel guide, then we bet we can surely provide the most amazing places you shouldn’t miss!
Vienna is the capital city of Austria and one of the most important cultural centers in Europe. It’s known for its rich history, grand architecture, and vibrant arts and music scenes. We visited Vienna a while back, but we remember for sure how great the city was.
Not only were the locals helpful, but the way the modern and new world combined was just seamless. Colorful buildings, historical landmarks and the overall great vibe of this city, makes it a must see!
In addition to these sights, Vienna also boasts a thriving cultural scene, with numerous theaters, concert halls, and music events throughout the year.
If Vienna is on your list to visit, then best be sure you won’t skip the places below. But in order to actually get a sense of it all, you should hit play on the video below.
A complete Vienna tour guide would actually begin with a city tour. This is what we took when we arrived. It makes it so much easier to decide on the places you would like to visit later and you’ll get the vibe of the city.
Sightseeing bus tours are a popular way to explore Vienna and take in its many attractions and landmarks. There are several companies that offer these tours, and they typically depart from several locations around the city, including popular tourist areas such as the Ringstrasse, the State Opera House, and the Hofburg Palace.
The length of a sightseeing bus tour in Vienna can vary, but many of them last between 1 and 2 hours. Some tours offer hop-on, hop-off options, allowing visitors to explore attractions in more detail or take a break from the tour and explore the city on their own.
The cost of a sightseeing bus tour in Vienna can range from €15 to €30 per person, depending on the length of the tour and the company offering it. Some tours include audio guides or live commentary in multiple languages, and many offer discounts for children or families.
To find a sightseeing bus tour in Vienna, you can search online for tour operators or ask at your hotel or tourist information center for recommendations. Many tours can be booked in advance, and some offer the option to purchase tickets online.
The Ringstrasse: This Historic Street Circles
The Ringstrasse is a historic street and a popular tourist destination in Vienna, Austria. It is a circular road that encircles the city center and is lined with some of the city’s most iconic buildings and landmarks. That’s why it’s something you won’t want to miss while in Vienna.
The Ringstrasse was built in the mid-19th century as part of an effort to modernize Vienna and provide the city with a grand boulevard that could compete with other European capitals. Today, it is one of the most recognizable streets in Vienna and is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Some of the highlights of the Ringstrasse include the State Opera House, the Hofburg Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Parliament building, the City Hall, and the Burgtheater.
In addition to its historic and cultural attractions, the Ringstrasse is also a popular shopping and dining destination, offering a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re interested in exploring Vienna’s rich history and cultural heritage, or simply want to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the city’s sights and sounds, the Ringstrasse is a must-visit destination.
The Schönbrunn Palace
There’s no Vienna travel guide that doesn’t include this magnificent palace!
The Schönbrunn Palace is a former imperial palace located in Vienna, Austria. It was built in the early 18th century and is considered one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in the country. The palace has over 1,441 rooms, including private apartments, state rooms, and ceremonial halls, and is surrounded by a vast baroque park that includes the famous Schönbrunn Zoo.
The palace is open to the public year-round, with the following opening times:
- April to October: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- November to March: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
The cost of a ticket to the palace varies depending on the type of tour you choose. A standard adult ticket costs €13, while a ticket that includes a tour of the imperial apartments costs €20. There are also discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
Undoubtedly, every Vienna tour guide will include this magnificent palace. You can also visit it on your own – and it will probably be much better, as the place is both amazing and large!
When you visit the Schönbrunn Palace, you can explore its rich history and magnificent interiors, including the grand Hall of Ceremonies, the opulent State Apartments, and the beautiful Garden Rooms. The palace also features an impressive collection of furnishings, paintings, and other decorative objects, providing a unique insight into the lifestyles and tastes of the Habsburgs, who ruled Austria for over 600 years.
In addition to the palace, visitors can also explore the baroque park, which includes the Palm House, the Privy Garden, and the Maze, as well as a number of fountains, sculptures, and other features. The park is a great place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy a picnic, and is also home to several other attractions, including the Schönbrunn Zoo, the Orangery, and the Gloriette.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply admire the grandeur of imperial life, the Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit destination in Vienna. With its rich history, impressive interiors, and beautiful gardens, it offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur of the Austrian Empire.
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna
The Hofburg Palace is a former imperial palace located in the heart of Vienna, Austria. It has served as the primary residence of the Habsburg dynasty for several centuries and has played a significant role in Austrian history. Today, it is a museum and cultural center, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Austrian imperial family and their court.
The palace is open to the public year-round, with the following opening times:
- April to October: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- November to March: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The cost of a ticket to the palace varies depending on the type of tour you choose. A standard adult ticket costs €15, while a ticket that includes a tour of the imperial apartments costs €24. There are also discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
It’s yet another site that’s included in our Vienna travel guide, as it’s surely worth seeing!
When you visit the Hofburg Palace, you can explore its rich history and magnificent interiors, including the grand Imperial Apartments, the Spanish Riding School, and the Treasury, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian State Crown.
The palace complex is composed of several buildings, each with its own unique history and architectural style. Some of the most notable buildings within the complex include the Swiss Courtyard, the Imperial Chancellery Wing, the Leopoldine Wing, the Imperial Treasury, and the Imperial Apartments.
The Imperial Apartments, in particular, are a popular attraction and provide a fascinating insight into the private lives of the Habsburgs. Visitors can see the private chambers of several emperors and empresses, as well as the lavish furnishings, artworks, and decorations that once graced these rooms.
In addition to the palace, visitors can also explore the nearby Hofburg Congress Center, which includes the Redoutensäle (Redouten Halls) and the Congress Hall, and is one of the largest conference and event venues in Europe. The palace is also home to several museums, including the Sisi Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Furniture Collection, which showcases the finest examples of imperial furnishings and decorative arts.
Besides its rich history, the Hofburg Palace is also a vibrant cultural center, hosting a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the grandeur of one of Europe’s most iconic palaces, the Hofburg is a must-visit destination in Vienna. That’s why it’s going to be on every Vienna travel guide you can find!
Hofburg Palace courtyard, Hofburg in Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a medieval cathedral located in the heart of Vienna, Austria. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture. The cathedral was originally built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in its current Gothic style.
One of the most notable features of the cathedral is its south tower, which provides stunning panoramic views of Vienna. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the views and take in the city’s history and architecture. The interior of the cathedral is also worth exploring, with its ornate stained-glass windows, richly decorated altars, and impressive organ.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral has played a significant role in Austrian history and has been the site of numerous important events and ceremonies, including coronations, funerals, and weddings. Today, the cathedral remains an active place of worship and is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a breathtaking view of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-visit destination in the city.
The Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a baroque palace located in Vienna, Austria. It was built in the late 17th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence and has since become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The palace is comprised of two separate buildings – the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere – which are connected by a formal baroque garden.
The Upper Belvedere is particularly famous for its grand interiors, which showcase the opulence and elegance of the baroque era. Visitors can tour the palace’s lavish state rooms, including the Marble Hall, the Gold Room, and the Hall of Mirrors, which are filled with intricate frescoes, ornate ceilings, and glittering chandeliers.
The palace is also home to a world-renowned art collection, including works by some of the greatest artists of the Austrian Empire, including Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. These works, along with other exhibitions and events, are housed in the Lower Belvedere, which was transformed into a museum after World War II.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply admire the grandeur of baroque architecture, the Belvedere Palace is a must-visit destination in Vienna. With its breathtaking interiors, impressive art collections, and tranquil gardens, it offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Austria’s imperial past.
Vienna Travel Guide – Must See The World-Renowned State Opera House
The State Opera House, or Wiener Staatsoper, is a world-famous opera house located in Vienna, Austria. It is widely regarded as one of the most important opera houses in the world, and is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and outstanding acoustics.
So, if you’re wondering about why it’s featured mostly every in Vienna travel guide, you’ll quickly find out!
The State Opera House is open year-round and typically offers performances most evenings, as well as matinees on weekends. The schedule and opening times may vary depending on the performance, so it’s best to check the opera house’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Ticket prices for performances at the State Opera House vary depending on the type of performance and the seat location, but prices typically range from €30 to €300. There are also discounted tickets available for students, children, and seniors.
When you visit the State Opera House, you can enjoy one of its many world-class performances, including works by famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Verdi. The interior of the opera house is equally impressive, with its elegant décor, ornate ceiling frescoes, and magnificent chandeliers.
In addition to its performances, the State Opera House is also home to several interesting exhibitions, including the Costume Museum, which showcases the costume collection of the Vienna State Opera, and the Eroica Hall, which is dedicated to the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Whether you’re an opera aficionado or simply looking for a cultural experience, the State Opera House is a must-visit destination in Vienna. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and outstanding performances, it is sure to be a highlight of your visit to this beautiful city.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum: Vienna’s main art museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) in Vienna is one of the largest and most important art museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 5,000 years of art and cultural history.
If you’re an art lover, then you should include this place on your Vienna travel guide.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and is closed on Mondays. Ticket prices for adults are €16 and reduced tickets for students and senior citizens are €14. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses an extensive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, as well as ancient artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt. The museum’s collections are housed in several galleries, including the Imperial Gallery, which features works by famous artists such as Titian, Vermeer, and Rubens, and the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, which showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations in the Near East.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Kunsthistorisches Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, covering a wide range of themes and artists.
Visitors to the museum can also explore the stunning architecture of the building itself, which was built in the 19th century and is considered one of the finest examples of neo-Renaissance architecture in Vienna.
Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or architecture, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must-visit destination in Vienna. With its rich collections and stunning exhibitions, it offers an unforgettable cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
The Vienna Prater: Amusement and Relaxation
No Vienna travel guide is complete without some fun! And this place has a bunch of it!
The Prater is a large public park in Vienna, Austria, located in the 2nd district near the city center. It is a popular recreational area for local residents and tourists alike and offers a wide range of activities and attractions.
The Prater is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. However, some of the attractions inside the park, such as the famous Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, may have separate admission fees.
The Prater has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when it was used as a hunting ground for the Austrian royalty. In 1766, it was opened to the public and has since become one of the most beloved public spaces in Vienna.
Today, the Prater is home to a variety of attractions, including the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which offers breathtaking views of the city, as well as a variety of amusement park rides and games. The park also features large open green spaces, perfect for picnicking or playing games, as well as several cafes and restaurants.
In addition to its recreational activities, the Prater is also home to several cultural and historical landmarks, including the Prater Museum, which showcases the history of the park, and the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, which hosts trade fairs, exhibitions, and other events.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting day at the amusement park, a peaceful picnic in the park, or a cultural experience, the Prater has something for everyone. It is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Vienna.
All in all, if your looking for a Vienna travel guide from which you can pick your places to visit, we’d say we’ve got that all covered!
You have places to relax in Vienna, enjoy nice meals, go shopping, take your share of adrenaline and enjoy the cultural side of the city. It definitely doesn’t lack culture and architecture! You’ll be amazed and surprised with every visit you do, as each place has its own charm!
