Leslie Massey
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its grand palaces, opera houses, and classical music legacy, there is plenty to see and do in Vienna. The city boasts impressive Baroque architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant food scene. Visitors can explore the historic First District, take a stroll through the Prater, or visit one of the many Christmas markets that spring up across the city each December. For art lovers, the Leopold Museum offers an extensive collection of Austrian art, while the MuseumsQuartier is a hub for modern and contemporary art. Those interested in the imperial past of Vienna can visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburgs. With its elegant gardens, grand ballrooms, and imperial apartments, the palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur of imperial Austria. Beyond the palaces and museums, Vienna also offers a unique café culture, with traditional coffee houses and wine taverns serving Austrian specialities and local wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Grand dame hotels, luxury hotels, chic and cozy hotels, five-star hotels |
| Restaurants | Rooftop restaurants, traditional Austrian restaurants, Japanese-Austrian fusion restaurants |
| Attractions | Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Schönbrunn Palace, Leopold Museum, MQ, Mumok, House of Strauss, Wien Museum, Christmas markets, Spittelberg Christmas Market, City Hall Plaza Christmas Market, Krapfenwaldlbad, Prater, Alte Donau, Danube boat rides, Majolikahaus, Badeschiff Wien, Therme Wien |
| Art | Works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Richard Gerstl, Max Oppenheimer, and Egon Schiele |
| Music | Vienna State Opera, House of Strauss |
| Transport | Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Westbahnhof, Flixbus, Eurolines, Citybike Wien, Uber, taxis |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city's palaces, including Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace
- Visit the MuseumsQuartier, home to nine museums, including the Leopold Museum
- Experience the city's cafe culture, including Café Rüdigerhof and Café Demel
- Take a boat ride on the Danube or go ice skating at the City Hall Plaza Christmas market
- Discover Vienna's green spaces, such as the Prater and the Old Danube
Explore the city's palaces, including Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace
Vienna is home to some of the most beautiful palaces in the world. The Hofburg Palace, for example, was the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria. Located in the centre of Vienna, it was built in the 13th century and has been expanded several times since. It served as the imperial winter residence, while Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence. Today, it is the official residence and office of the President of Austria, but parts of the palace are 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. You can also explore the 18 Imperial Apartments that are open to the public out of a total of 2,600 rooms.
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna's most popular tourist destination, attracting 3,800,000 visitors in 2017. The whole complex, including the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Palmenhaus, Wüstenhaus, the Wagenburg, and the Schoenbrunn Palace Concerts, accounted for more than five million visitors in 2009. The palace became the property of the newly founded Austrian Republic after the downfall of the Habsburg monarchy in November 1918 and was preserved as a museum. It has been owned and administered by the Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur-und Betriebsges.m.b.H., a company wholly owned by the Republic of Austria, since 1992. The palace and its gardens were catalogued on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 as a remarkable Baroque ensemble and example of synthesis of the arts.
The Hofburg Palace has been expanded over the centuries to include various residences, the imperial chapel, the imperial library, the treasury, the Burgtheater, the Spanish Riding School, and the imperial mews. The palace faces Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square), which was ordered under the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The oldest parts of the palace date from the 13th century and were constructed by Ottokar II of Bohemia or the last of the Babenbergers. The original castle had a square outline, four turrets, and was surrounded by a moat with a drawbridge at the entrance. Today, these oldest sections form the Swiss Court, where there is a gothic chapel (Burgkapelle) dating from the 15th century and the treasury (or Schatzkammer), which holds the imperial insignia of the Holy Roman Empire and of the Empire of Austria.
The Schönbrunn Palace in its present form was built and remodelled during the 1740–50s during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, who received the estate as a wedding gift. Franz I commissioned the redecoration of the palace exterior in the neoclassical style as it appears today. The complex includes many noteworthy luxuries of European palaces of the time, including the Tiergarten, an orangerie, and a palm house. The sculpted garden space between the palace and the Neptune Fountain is called the Great Parterre and was planned by Jean Trehet, a disciple of André Le Nôtre, in 1695.
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Visit the MuseumsQuartier, home to nine museums, including the Leopold Museum
The MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world, with 60 cultural institutions spread over 90,000 square metres. The site hosts around 50 cultural initiatives, nine Artists-in-Residence studios, and an exhibition space. The district includes the ZOOM Children's Museum, the Kunsthalle Wien (Vienna's leading exhibition venue for contemporary art), the Austrian Architecture Museum, and the Leopold Museum.
The Leopold Museum, opened in 2001, houses one of the greatest collections of Austrian art in the world. The museum's collection includes major works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, Richard Gerstl, and Max Oppenheimer, as well as the world's largest collection of works by Egon Schiele. The Leopold Museum is also home to the world's largest Egon Schiele Collection. The core of the collection consists of Austrian art from the first half of the 20th century, including key paintings and drawings by Schiele and Klimt, showcasing the evolution of art from the Wiener Secession to Expressionism. The museum also features notable Austrian artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, providing historical context for its exhibits.
The Leopold Museum has been at the centre of several controversies regarding Nazi-looted art. The museum has been accused of possessing art stolen by Nazis from Jewish owners, and has faced lawsuits from the heirs of those whose art was looted.
In addition to its impressive artistic offerings, the MuseumsQuartier boasts a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene, with numerous open-air events held during the summer months. The area also includes the Halle E+G, an exclusive event space that hosts international productions ranging from music to theatre and dance.
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Experience the city's cafe culture, including Café Rüdigerhof and Café Demel
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city steeped in history, culture, and elegance. One of the best ways to experience the city is by immersing yourself in its renowned cafe culture. Café Rüdigerhof and Café Demel are two iconic establishments that offer a glimpse into Vienna's rich culinary and social heritage.
Café Rüdigerhof, located in the vibrant 3rd district of Vienna, is known for its charming atmosphere and traditional Austrian cuisine. The café has a long history, having first opened its doors in 1901. Over the years, it has played host to artists, intellectuals, and locals alike, making it an integral part of the city's cultural fabric. The interior of Café Rüdigerhof exudes old-world elegance, with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and a cozy ambiance. It is the perfect spot to indulge in delicious pastries, sip a Melange (traditional Viennese coffee), and perhaps even strike up a conversation with the locals.
Café Demel, situated just a short walk from the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, offers a truly unique experience. Established in 1786, it is one of the oldest and most renowned pastry shops in Vienna. Café Demel is famous for its exquisite cakes, pastries, and chocolates, which are meticulously crafted using traditional recipes. The interior of the café is a delightful blend of old-world charm and elegance, featuring marble tabletops, intricate woodwork, and elegant chandeliers. Visitors can indulge in a variety of sweet treats, from the iconic Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam) to delicate macarons and luxurious truffles. Café Demel has a rich history, having once been the official purveyor of sweets to the Imperial and Royal Court.
Both Café Rüdigerhof and Café Demel provide a glimpse into Vienna's rich culinary traditions and offer a delightful break from sightseeing. Taking time to relax and indulge in these cafes is a wonderful way to experience the city like a local and appreciate the finer aspects of Austrian culture.
In addition to its famous cafes, Vienna boasts a wealth of attractions, including magnificent palaces, world-class museums, and stunning architectural landmarks. The Hofburg Palace, once the centre of the vast Habsburg Empire, is a must-see. Visitors can explore the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, and admire the grandeur of the Imperial Apartments. Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of this powerful family.
For art enthusiasts, the Leopold Museum, located in the MuseumsQuartier Wien, is a treasure trove of Austrian art. It houses a comprehensive collection of works by Egon Schiele, as well as masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, and others, providing a profound insight into the artistic developments of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Take a boat ride on the Danube or go ice skating at the City Hall Plaza Christmas market
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors. One such experience is a boat ride on the Danube, allowing you to explore the city from a unique perspective.
The Danube River, a majestic waterway that flows through much of Central and Eastern Europe, offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Boat tours on the Danube provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, admire scenic landscapes, and enjoy informative or entertaining guided tours. You can choose from a variety of options, including relaxing sunset dinner cruises, adventurous water activities, or even paddling routes like the guided tour of the Old Danube lake. The latter takes you on a journey through an old side arm of the river, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
However, if you're visiting during the winter months, especially around Christmas, ice skating at the City Hall Plaza Christmas market is a magical experience. The Vienna Ice World transforms the City Hall Square into a massive ice rink, with an area of 10,000 square meters, providing entertainment for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The ice rink has two levels, with a skating terrace on the first floor featuring a 150-meter-long ramp. The backdrop is equally enchanting, with the romantically illuminated facade of City Hall and the surrounding Christmas market.
For beginners or those without their own equipment, there's no need to worry. The ice rink offers skate rentals, with over 2,000 pairs of pre-heated skates available for a smooth and comfortable skating experience. The Ice Dream at the Christmas Market provides approximately 300 meters of trails winding through the park, connecting two large ice rinks where you can showcase your skills or practice with joy and cheerfulness all around.
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Discover Vienna's green spaces, such as the Prater and the Old Danube
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a city full of grandeur and imperial history, but it also has a vibrant, modern side. The city has a lot to offer, from its famous palaces and museums to its edgy cafes and vineyards.
One of the best ways to experience Vienna is to explore its green spaces, such as the Prater and the Old Danube area. The Prater is Vienna's largest park, covering 60 square kilometres of woodlands, meadows, and tree-lined boulevards. It is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. The iconic Riesenrad, a large Ferris wheel, is also located in the Prater and offers beautiful views of the city. The park has something for everyone, with children's playgrounds, a swimming pool, a golf course, and a race track.
The Prater is also home to the Vienna Crime Museum, which offers a unique and gruesome look at Austrian criminal history. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Old Danube (Alte Donau) is a must-visit. This recreation area is located just east of the bustling city centre and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride on the Danube River or simply relax on the riverbank and take in the scenic views.
The Danube Island (Donauinsel) is another popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This 21-kilometre-long island is a great place for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with beach bars and restaurants lining the Danube Canal (Donaukanal). For wine lovers, Vienna also has something unique to offer. As the only capital city in the world with vineyards within its limits, you can enjoy a glass of Viennese wine in one of the traditional wine taverns, or heurigen, and experience the cosy Gemütlichkeit, a Viennese version of hygge.
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