Vienna is a city of grandeur, filled with majestic monuments and palaces that echo its imperial past, alongside elegant avenues lined with charming cafes and historic buildings. We’ve outlined some of the top sights to see in Vienna, but there are many reasons to fall in love with one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Best attractions in Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace
When you enter the courtyard, the palace looks like a painting, with its yellow bricks and green shutter. It was formerly the imperial summer residence; over 100 years ago the Empress Elisabeth, famously called “Sisi”, used to frequent the palace. The audio-guide tour is fascinating, allowing you to discover some of the 1,414 rooms which constitute the palace. The interior is luxurious, filled with paintings and elaborate furniture, provoking vivid images of life back in the 1850s. The best way to discover the gardens and the Gloriette is by foot, but you can also enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride or take a mini-train ride. From the Gloriette, you get an amazing panoramic view of the main palace and of the city of Vienna. Before you leave, we highly recommend a visit to the lovely Imperial bakery where you can watch the “Apple Strudel Show”, a live demonstration by the bakers hard at work preparing the famous pastry. You will learn how original Viennese apple strudel is made while you enjoy a delicious slice for yourself!
The Hofburg
Another impressive former royal residence and the original seat of the Habsburg Empire, the Hofburg is a vast palace complex that has evolved over the centuries to reflect the changing power and prestige of its imperial inhabitants. The Hofburg houses numerous museums, including the Sisi Museum, where you can learn more about the life of Empress Sisi, and the world-renowned Spanish Riding School, where you can watch the Lipizzaner horses perform their graceful and intricate dressage routines, a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Belvedere Palace
Originally built as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, a renowned military leader, this magnificent Baroque complex consists of two main palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, set within beautiful landscaped gardens. For art lovers, Belvedere palace also houses an incredible art collection including Gustav Klimt’s 'The Kiss', one of Austria's most famous painters.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has been a central symbol of Vienna’s religious and cultural history. Its towering south spire, known as the Steffl, stands at 136 metres, offering breathtaking views of the city from the top. The cathedral is also renowned for its colourful, intricately patterned roof tiles, which depict the Austrian eagle.
Wiener Riesenrad
The Wiener Riesenrad is a famous Ferris wheel located in the Wurstelprater Amusement Park. Built in 1897 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph’s reign, currently it stands as one of oldest operational Ferris wheels in the world. A trip on the Riesenrad offers incredible panoramic views of the city. It has been featured in iconic films such as The Third Man and The Living Daylights. For more travel inspiration, check out our blog on Famous Film Locations across the world.
Museum of Military History
From the 16th century to the modern era, the Museum of Military History offers deep insight into Austria's significant role in history, showcasing its involvement in pivotal events such as the Napoleonic Wars. Among its most notable exhibits is the car in which Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated in 1914, an event that became the catalyst for the First World War. This museum provides a powerful and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Austria’s military past and its impact on global history.
Shopping in Mariahilfer Strasse
Mariahilfer Strasse is the longest shopping street in Vienna. The nicest part of the street starts at the Museumsquartier and stretches to the Westbahnhof (about 30 mins walk). A lively and mostly pedestrianised street, this is the perfect place to go if you're looking for gifts or souvenirs, or if you just want to walk along and browse the shops as the locals do. If you get hungry, you'll find plenty of restaurants, fast food outlets and cafés along the way. Shops can become crowded on Saturdays or during Christmas time, but as the street is relatively wide it rarely feels too busy.
Vienna State Opera
On a visit to the majestic Opera House, you will come to understand why Vienna is often referred to as the "City of Music". Guided tours are held almost every day, offering the chance to enter the beautiful Tea Salon, the impressive Marble Hall and, if there is no rehearsal, you can even go onto the stage! The Opera House hosts about 70 productions per year, has a capacity of more than 2,200 people, and employs over 1,000 staff on a full-time basis.
Vienna City Hall
Vienna City Hall, or Wiener Rathaus, is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Completed in 1883, it was designed by Friedrich von Schmidt and it houses the mayor’s office and city council. Its impressive facade is adorned with a central tower, topped by the iconic Rathausmann, a statue symbolising the city. The building is located on Rathausplatz, a historic square, which holds various cultural events throughout the year, including Christmas markets.
Vienna Christmas Markets
If you have the chance to go to Austria during the Christmas season, you will certainly come across some of their magical Christmas Markets. There are about 25 different markets to choose from in Vienna, including two of our favourites, which you experience on our Vienna Christmas Markets holiday.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market - The market here is majestic, with a huge Christmas tree placed right at the centre. Here you will find handmade Christmas decorations, among other local gifts and crafts. If you start to get cold, you can drink a local Glühwein (mulled wine) and eat Kasespatzle, a kind of homemade pasta tossed with onion and Emmental cheese.
Spittelberg Christmas Market - Though much smaller than the market at Schönbrunn Palace, Spittelberg market is also far less touristic and a lovely place to browse market stalls. Situated in amongst the small streets next to the Volkstheater, you can also enjoy nearby shops and historic buildings while you soak up the area's wonderful atmosphere.
Coffee houses in Vienna
You cannot leave Vienna without experiencing one of its vintage coffeehouses, a real institution in Viennese culture. Enjoy some piano music at the Café Central, eat a slice of the Original Sacher-Torte (chocolate cake coated with apricot jam) in Café Sacher, and watch authentic cake baking and decorating in the famous pastry shop, Demel.
Whether you choose to experience our Vienna City Breaks or get a unique perspective on our relaxing Danube river cruises, Vienna is the perfect destination for a short European break, offering a captivating blend of culture, history, and charm. If you wish to explore beyond the capital, we also offer holidays to Austria, where you can uncover more of the country's landscapes, picturesque towns, and rich heritage.
