65 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA - BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES
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This post is about the top things to see and do in Vienna, Austria
So you’re planning a trip to Vienna, Austria and you need a little travel inspiration to get you started?
Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
The city that has been dubbed the City of Music due to its musical legacy has so many incredible things to do whether you’re visiting for a day or a month.
From palaces to obscure museums and elegant cafes to nearby vineyards, this is a breakdown of the top 50 things to do in Vienna.
There’s something for everyone on the list whatever your interests, be it art, museums, food, nightlife, architecture… You will find many things on the list that appeal to you and you should add on to your Vienna itinerary.
All you have to do is pick and choose based on your interests to create your perfect trip to the city.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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Vienna Travel Top Picks:
Save Money : Save money during your solo trip to Vienna by getting a Vienna PASS, which includes access to 60 attractions as well as a hop on, hop off bus ticket.
Experiences: A few top-rated tours in Vienna include:
A classical concert at the beautiful Karlskirche in Vienna
A guided walking tour of central Vienna seeing the city's most popular highlights
Skip the line at Schönbrunn Palace and bus tour of Vienna
Click here for a full list of Vienna tours
Accommodation: Find the best places to suit your style and budget here
Safety: Vienna is a safe place for travel but you should still pack some travel safety essentials. A great item to take is a Personal Safety Alarm that can help scare away potential attackers. Other safety items you should consider are Hidden Pocket Scarves or Hidden Pocket Scrunchies and Clever Companion Hidden Pocket Pickpocket Proof Clothes.
WHERE IS VIENNA?
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Vienna is a capital city known for its grand architecture, stunning art museums, and vibrant cultural scene. It is located in the eastern part of Austria which is a popular European destination. The city itself lies on both sides of the Danube River, which passes through its center from east to west.
But, where is Austria?
It is located in Central Europe and shares borders with the Czechia and Germany to the north, Slovakia, and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
The closest foreign city to Vienna is Bratislava, Slovakia. From Vienna, you can reach Bratislava by car in an hour and 20 minutes.
The city covers an area of 414 square miles (1,072 km2) and has a population of 1.9 million people.
WHY VIENNA IS A GREAT DESTINATION?
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Are you planning a trip to Vienna, Austria and looking for the best things to do, see and eat whilst visiting? Read on as I will breakdown 50 of the must dos in Vienna.
Vienna is known for its beautiful architecture, Mozart, Sigmund Freud, museums, palaces, castles, wineries, opera, coffee culture and fancy chocolate cake.
Viennas Christmas markets are some of the very best in Europe and indeed the world and you should definitely try and visit Vienna during the festive season if you can.
This list is great whatever your interests and will give you ideas of the must see attractions, off the beaten path adventures, food and drink experiences and so much more so you can create your perfect Vienna bucketlist.
THINGS TO DO IN VIENNA
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Outdoor wanderings
1) Take a walk along the beautiful Ringstrasse. Known as the ring road around Vienna this is a circular boulevard that encases Vienna’s Old Town. The road is located where the city’s medieval fortifications once stood and it’s a beautiful part of the city to explore on foot seeing as it’s lined with parks, museums, palaces and numerous historic buildings. You can wander the road yourself or go on a walking tour if you’d like to learn more about some of the buildings.
2) Check out the Roman ruins at Michaelerplatz. There are Roman ruins just a few layers beneath Vienna. Located in the plaza right in front of Hofburg Palace, these are believed to be the ruins of a brothel for soldiers.
3) Go on a carriage ride through Vienna. A popular thing to do in Vienna is to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a Fiaker, through the city. You can find them around Stephansplatz and Hofburg Palace.
4) Go for a stroll along the People’s Garden (Volksgarten). The Volksgarten is a public park in Vienna which dates back to 1823 and is a beautiful place for a stroll. The area was originally used for fortifications which were destroyed by the French at the beginning of the 19th century. There’s a beautiful rose garden to wander through and on the north end of the park you can also see a statue of Empress Sisi.
5) Take a photo of Mozart in the park. Vienna has several statues dedicated to one of the greatest composers there has ever been but the largest is at Burggarten, next to the Hofburg Palace.
6) Visit the Republic of Kugelmugel. This is a strange attraction but worth a visit. It is located in Prater Park and enclosed in barbed wire. It is a micronation that came to existence in 1984 when the government had a dispute with Austrian artist Edwin Lipburger over the construction of his spherical house in central Vienna. This lead to Lipburger declaring his property an independent nation.
7) Shop at the flea markets. If you’re interested in antiques and collectables, Vienna has a few different flea markets to choose from. Naschmarkt is by far the most popular, but Riesenflohmarkt is another option with more of a local feel.
8) Watch the Ankor Clock in Hoher Markt at noon. Located in the in the Hoher Markt - the oldest square in Vienna - the Ankeruhr is an Art Nouveau clock that was designed by Franz von Matsch. The clock is a tribute to various historical personalities, and each hour a new copper figure emerge. If you visit at noon, you’ll be able to see all twelve figures come out!
9) See the city from the Donauturm. The views over Vienna from the Danube Tower are magnificent. You can enjoy the panoramic views on an outdoor terrace or a glassed-in indoor section. This is the tallest structure in Austria standing 252 metres high.
10) Find the tree covered in nails. Stock im Eisen means ‘staff in iron’ and is a tradition of covering trees in nails which dates back to the Middle Ages. These trees have been found throughout southeastern Europe and this particular one, which now sits behind a glass shield at the Palais Equitable, is believed to date from the 1400s.
11) Walk in the footsteps of Jesse and Celine. If you haven’t watched the movie Before Sunrise you’ll wander wo on earth Jesse and Celine are. If you haven’t watched it I’d urge you to do so before you leave for Vienna.
12) Explore the hidden courtyards of the 1st District. The Innerstadt (1st district) has many beautiful, hidden places you can explore.You should do some research beforehand or join a secret courtyards walking tour.
13) Check out the street art passage. Since 1995, there have been ‘legal walls’ in Vienna for street artists to play around with. This has attracted artists from around the world such as Stinkfish, David Shillinglaw and more. The street art scene is amazing in Vienna. You can book a 2 hour guided tour.
14) Go for a hike in the Vienna Woods. There are many museums, sacred structures like the Klosterneuburg Monastery and the Stift Heiligenkreuz that you can visit in Vienna Woods.
15) Shop until you drop. There are some excellent pedestrian shopping streets in the Old Town - Kärntner Strasse, Graben and Kohlmarkt. The first two have lots of familiar brand names with fairly affordable prices. Kohlmarkt is more high end, but you can enjoy some window shopping.
16) Pay your respect to Mozart at St Marz Cemetary. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in 1791 and was buried in a pauper's grave in the St. Marx Communal Cemetery. For many years the location of Mozart's remains was unknown until 1855 when it is believed the grave was discovered. In 1859 Hanns Gasser built a monument there.
17) See Vienna up high from St Stephen’s Cathedral Also known as Stephansdom, this is a striking Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a colourful roof that you need to admire up close. Ride the elevator to the top for stunning views of Vienna.
Food and Drink
18) Eat Sachertorte, Vienna’s signature cake, at Cafe Sacher or Cafe Demel The Sacher Torte is a dense chocolate cake, filled with a thin layer of apricot jam and covered in a dark chocolate icing.
19) Enjoy a slice of Wiener Apfelstrudel. A dessert you can’t miss in Vienna is the Viennese Apple Strudel! This delicious pastry is stuffed with apples, raisins, sugar and cinnamon and is perfect in the afternoon after a morning of sightseeing.
20) Enjoy a typical Viennese breakfast. The Austrian’s love a good breakfast and before you start a busy day of exploring Vienna sit down at a cafe and order coffee, croissants, bread rolls, butter, jam, an assortment of cheeses and deli meats. It will set you up well for the day ahead.
21) Drink a Wiener Melange. This is the speciality coffee of choice in Vienna; one espresso shot served in a large coffee cup topped with steamed milk and milk foam similar to a cappuccino.
22) Experience the Austrian Dinner Show. An incredible evening where you will be enchanted by the best-known operettas of the country as you enjoy a delicious 3-course menu made of regional specialties in the vaults of the famous Vienna City Hall.
23) Visit Vienna’s vineyards. Vienna has numerous vineyards within the city limits and you can spend the day at the Heurige or wine taverns, sipping to your heart’s content. You could also visit Wachau Valley or Grinzing Wine Village. You can book a half day tour to meet local wine makers in the Weinviertel Wine Region.
24) Order a Wiener Schnitzel. A dish you really should try when you visit Vienna is the Wiener Schnitzel! It’s considered by many as the national dish of Austria and is a staple at almost every restaurant. It is a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet that’s delicious with a squeeze of lemon on top.
25) Buy Manner hazelnut cream wafers as a souvenir. These Manner hazelnut cream wafers were invented in 1898 by Manner founder Josef Manner I in Vienna. They are a great treat to take home for family and friends and are accidently vegan.
26) Eat your way through the Naschmarkt. If you love your food you’ll want to head to Vienna’s Naschmarkt. Vienna’s best-known market has around 120 market stands and restaurants for a colorful culinary offering ranging from Viennese to Indian, from Vietnamese to Italian. At this market you can buy produce such as fruit, vegetables and various other delicacies from every country. There are also amazing international restaurants for you to enjoy. You can book a great tour of the Naschmarkt with hours of non stop eating.
Museums and History
27) Take a look at Hundertwasserhaus. Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment building in Vienna like no ordinary apartment building. It was designed by Friedrich Stowasser and completed in 1985. The building is characterised by its bright colours, wonky lines, and uneven surface. Vegetation carpets the roof (they used 900 tonnes of earth to construct the terraces). And plants (Hundertwasser’s “tree tenants”) appear all over the place, often where you’d least expect them. After visiting Hundertwasserhaus, go into Hundertwasser Village just across the street.
28) Learn about Mozarts life at the Mozarthaus Vienna. The famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg but he resided in Vienna for a few years. Today you can visit Mozarthaus Vienna which is located at Domgasse 5. This was his place of residence from 1784 to 1787.
29) Explore the Museum of Natural History. The history of the earth and nature is on display at the Museum of Natural History from insects to gemstones and minerals and pterodactyls, the Habsburgs united everything under the roof of this museum near the Imperial Palace.
30) Visit the Sigmund Freud Museum. At the Sigmund Freud Museum you can see all the private rooms where Sigmund Freud worked and lived for half a decade and changed our minds by developing the ground-breaking science of psychoanalysis. You can prebook your skip the line tickets here.
31) Learn about a made-up language. Esperanto was created by L. L. Zamenhof in the year 1887. The goal was for it to serve as a universal second language and foster peace and international understanding. You can learn all about it at the Esperanto Museum which is located inside the Austrian National Library.
32) Learn about Viennese history at Time Travel Vienna. Travel through Vienna's history on a multimedia experience featuring a 5D cinema and virtual reality experiences. Meet the imperial family, witness World War II, and fly over the roofs of Vienna. Learn more and get your tickets here.
33) Visit the Albertina Museum. Once home to the Habsburgs’ imperial apartments for guests, the Albertina now houses an impressive collection of graphic prints, photographs and drawings. You can experience the permanent exhibition of Monet-Picasso: the only nonstop display of Modernist art in Austria. Explore the Habsburg state apartments as well as the Albertina’s diverse selection of exhibitions.
34) Explore MuseumsQuartier and choose your art. The Museum Quarter features numerous museums and art galleries. These include MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art), Kunsthalle Wien and Leopold Museum. You can wander around visiting the ones that take your interest.
35) Soak in the artworks at the Belvedere Museum. The Belvedere is a Baroque palace that houses the Belvedere Museum, which holds the largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings in the world. This is where you can see the famous ‘The Kiss.’
36) Go underground with the Third Man tour. The city’s sewage system offers an interesting perspective on the city. It was made famous in the 1950 movie The Third Man. On this tour you explore a network of tunnels that date back to the mid-1800s.The Vienna sewers offer an unexpected chance to relive a piece of cinematic history. The Third Man Tour lets you follow in the (underground) footsteps of Harry Lime.
37) Experience the art of chocolate making at the Chocolate Museum. On a visit to the Chocolate Museum you will create three unique chocolate bars, use a professional chocolate tempering machine and feel like a pro and you can visit the interactive chocolate museum to learn about the origins of cacao.
38) Discover a dazzling world of crystal at Swarovski Crystal World. You will explore crystal in all its facets at the Swarovski Crystal World. It’s an incredible fantasy world where you can discover the gardens of the “Giant," a family-friendly play-tower, café and restaurant, and more.
39) Visit the Capuchins Crypt. The Capuchins Crypt, a place that has been the family burial vault of the Habsburg family since 1618. Explore the monument which was built as a symbol of sovereign power where 12 emperors, 19 empresses, and their family members are resting.
40) Spot an art fake. The Museum of Art Fakes is a small gallery that’s full of forgeries. Not one single piece of original artwork is on display here. Take a look around and see if you can spot the difference.
41) Be wowed by the Austrian National Library. There are few libraries around the world that will make your jaw drop; this one is one of them! It is simply amazing and you should make a quick stop there whilst in Vienna. It was the former court library to the Hapsburgs and contains 2.5 million books!
Castles and Palaces
42) See the Austrian crown jewels at the Imperial Treasury of Vienna Hofburg Palace. This was the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and it’s one of the most striking sights in all of Vienna. Hofburg Palace was built in the 13th century and expanded many times over. Tickets give you access to the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection.
43) Tour Schönbrunn Palace. While Hofburg Palace was the winter residence of the Habsburg, Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence. This Baroque palace has an incredible 1,441 rooms for the family to use! You can skip the line and enjoy a guided tour of the 22 staterooms at Schönbrunn Palace with these tickets.
44) Take a stroll through the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens. The palaces formal gardens are incredible to stroll around. If you’re visiting Vienna on a budget, you’ll be pleased to discover that the Palace Park is free to visit. However, if you want to access some of the special attractions like the Privy Garden, the Orangery Garden or the Maze, you will need to buy individual tickets. If you’re visiting at Christmas time there’s an amazing Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace. For something memorable, you can even catch one of the classical concerts at the palace.
45) Tour the Rathaus. Vienna City Hall is one of the most splendid, monumental buildings in Vienna. It was built in gothical style, with a tower similar to gothic cathedrals. Don’t miss the Grand Staircases and Arcade Courtyard
Music
46) Attend a concert at Mozart's first house in Vienna. This Mozart Ensemble Vienna performance is incredible. You will be enchanted by Viennese classical music in Mozarthaus.
47) Learn about classical music and conduct your own orchestra at the Vienna House of Music. Vienna's interactive sound museum is an amazing place to learn all about music. You can take yourself on a musical journey in Vienna's Museum of Sound in the historical palace of Archduke Karl in the old city center.
48) Listen to classical music concert at the Musikverein. You can enjoy an evening of beautiful music at Musikverein in either the Golden Hall or Brahms Hall. Let the music swell around you and hear Mozart, Haydn, and Vivaldi in classical concert. There are several concerts to choose from. You can browse the different ones and you can buy your tickets here.
49) Attend a concert at St Stephen’s Cathedral. As well as going to the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral you can also enjoy a classical concert from Mozart, Bach and more. Take in the breath-taking atmosphere of one the world's most beautiful churches surrounded by wonderful classical music.
50) Watch a concert at St. Peter’s Church. Peterskirche is a Baroque church that holds free daily organ recitals. A great thing to do if you’re in Vienna on a budget.
51) Attend a Viennese Ball. Vienna hosts over 450 balls every year with peak season around January and February. If you think you’d like to attend but you aren’t quite sure where to start, check out this list of some of the locations and events.
52) Catch a performance at the Wiener Staatsoper. Whether you prefer opera, ballet, orchestra or choir you can enjoy it at the Vienna Opera House. You can have a look at their website to see what’s on during your visit.
Water
53) Rent a ‘floating island’ on the Alte Donau. This is a unique and exciting summer activity to do in Vienna. You rent an E-Boat, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature. t's the perfect way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Danube and can accommodate up to 8 people.
54) Go for a swim at Amalienbad. Budapest may be known for its thermal baths and spas, but Vienna has a few surprises of its own. Going for a swim at Amalienbad is an incredible experience and you are sure to be wowed by the architecture.
55) Take a cruise on the Danube Canal. Discover Vienna from the water on a 1-hour boat tour along the banks of the Danube Canal. Enjoy the view of the highlights of the city from the beautiful old buildings to the new, trendy districts.
56) Spend an afternoon relaxing at Therme Wien. This is one of Europe’s most contemporary city spas, opened in autumn 2010. Spread across a total area of 75,000m², it has 4,000m² of pool space, a sauna area of around 3,000m², a 6,000m² healthcare centre and a 1,200m² gym. The architecture and facilites provide a unique setting for a incredible experience including massage loungers, Finnish saunas, steam baths, grotto and jacuzzi pools, diving towers and so much more.
Night time
57) Have a cocktail with a view on the roof of D-Bar. D-Bar is a classic setting that serves some of the most exciting cocktails in the city. It overlooks Vienna's Ring Boulevard has been named repeatedly as the best hotel bar in Austria.
58) Spend a night out in the 7th district. A night out in the 7th district or Neubau is legendary. There are so many cool and funky bars to try out. Wether you’re looking for a chill spot to catch up with some mates, or a stylish place that’ll give you an excuse to dress up a bit, Neubau’s got you covered.
59) Watch a movie under the stars at Karlsplatz Vienna. The idea behind the open-air cinema Kaleidoskop is that it shows films that get audiences thinking and discussing. Before each film screening, there are performances ranging from dance battles to concerts and readings.
60) Enjoy the city lights on a Vienna night tour. You can discover the most beautiful sights of Vienna during a panoramic bus ride around the city. Admire the beautiful buildings as they sparkle at night including Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater, Vienna State Opera, and the Belvedere Palace among others.
Extras
61) Visit the pandas at Schunbrunn Zoo, the worlds oldest zoo. From penguins and orangutans to giant pandas: discover more than 700 species of animals in the unique setting of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and immerse yourself in different habitats from the arctic to the tropics! Check out their website for prices and opening times.
62) Tour the Spanish Riding School and see the Lipizzaner horses. The Spanish Riding School is a must visit when in Vienna. The Lipizzans are a horse breed that was developed in the 16th century by the Habsburgs. You can watch them perform their “Ballet of the White Stallions” at the Winter Riding School inside Hofburg Palace.
63) Ride the Wiener Riesenrad. This Ferris wheel dates back to 1897, and from 1920 until 1985, it was the world’s tallest existing Ferris wheel. It rotates at a speed of 2.7 kilometers per hour. A ride takes between 12 and 15 minutes, during which you can enjoy the views over Vienna and the surrounding area, such as the hills of the Vienna Woods, the Danube, the Marchfeld, and the Pannonian Basin. It can be a bit unnerving if you’re not fond of heights, but you get some truly amazing views of Vienna. You can skip the line for the Ferris wheel with this ticket.
64) Play around on the rides at Prater Park. The nice thing about Prater is that admission to the park is free of charge and you pay per ride. There is fun here for both young and old with rollercoasters, spooky ghost trains and many more attractions.
65) Watch animals roam wild at Lainzer Tiergarten. The Lainzer Tiergarten is a 24.50 km² wildlife preserve in the southwest corner of Vienna. It dates back to 1561, when Ferdinand I created it as a fenced-in hunting ground for his family to use. Since 1919, it has been open to the public and now deer, boar, and mouflon roam free.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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BEST AUSTRIA TRAVEL GUIDES
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VIENNA, AUSTRIA TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
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What top attractions are a must-see in Vienna?
The must-see attractions in Vienna are:
What are the best tours to do in Vienna with kids?
The best tours to do in Vienna with kids are:
See all family-friendly activities in Vienna on GetYourGuide
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights t using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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