Things to do in Vienna is a question that, upon arriving in Austria’s capital, will lead you to discover a city full of history, culture and architectural beauty around every corner. From its majestic palaces that tell stories of emperors and queens, to its museums that house masterpieces by legendary artists, Vienna is a destination that invites you to explore at every turn.
In this blog, we take you through the city’s most emblematic and curious sights, from the palaces that define its grandeur to the excursions that allow you to discover its surroundings beyond the city centre. So, if you’re wondering things to do in Vienna, here’s a selection of must-see sights that will leave you wanting more – get ready to discover the most fascinating Vienna!
Things to do in Vienna: Palaces
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is an impressive baroque ensemble in Vienna, consisting of the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere, linked by beautiful gardens. The Upper Belvedere houses an outstanding art collection, including Gustav Klimt‘s famous The Kiss, along with other works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. In addition to its art, it offers panoramic views of the city. The Lower Belvedere features medieval and Renaissance art, and its gardens are perfect for strolling. It’s a must-see for art lovers as well as those who enjoy views and imperial history. Get tickets here.
Schoenbrunn Palace
Schoenbrunn Palace is one of the most important residences to see in Vienna, built in the Baroque style and used as a summer residence by the Habsburg imperial family. With 1,441 rooms, its interior reflects imperial luxury, and offers a fascinating insight into court life through its salons and the Museum of Court History. The gardens surrounding the palace include a French garden, a gazebo and the world’s oldest zoo. It is a must-see for those wishing to explore the history and beauty of Vienna. Here is the link to see it.
Esterházy Palace
The Esterházy Palace, located in Eisenstadt, is a baroque architectural gem to see in Vienna; it was the residence of the Esterházy princes. Famous for its Concert Hall, where the composer Joseph Haydn worked for many years, the palace houses a rich collection of art and antique furniture. Its beautiful gardens are also ideal for a stroll, click here for tickets. Today, the palace remains a cultural centre with concerts and events celebrating his musical legacy.
Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna was the residence of the Habsburg imperial family for centuries. Today it houses several museums, including the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, and the Spanish Riding School, famous for its Lipizzaner horse shows. It also includes the Imperial Treasury and the Imperial Silver Collection. In addition, the palace is the official seat of the President of Austria and an important cultural and historical centre in Vienna. To visit it, click on this link where you will find the tickets.
Things to do in Vienna: Museums
KunstHausWien
The KunstHausWien is an art museum in Vienna, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for its undulating architecture and vibrant colours. It houses a permanent collection of his works, including paintings, prints and objects, reflecting his approach to sustainability and the environment. This museum is definitely a must-see in Vienna for lovers of innovative architecture and contemporary art. Click here to visit it. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and has a Café Friedlich and a shop specialising in Hundertwasser-related products.
MozartHaus
Vienna’s Mozarthaus is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ‘s only surviving flat in the city, located at Domgasse 5, where he lived from 1784 to 1787. The museum offers an intimate insight into his life and work in Vienna, with exhibits highlighting his social and musical background. There is also a concert hall in the basement. If you’re looking for things to see in Vienna related to the life of this classical music genius, the Mozarthaus is a must-see. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, general admission you can get by clicking on this link.
Albertina Museum
The Albertina Museum in Vienna houses one of the most valuable graphic collections in the world, with works by Dürer, Klimt, Picasso and Monet, among others. It also has a Batliner Collection of modern art and Habsburg state rooms reflecting imperial opulence. Founded in 1776, the museum is housed in a restored historic building, and in 2020 opened Albertina Modern, dedicated to contemporary art. An essential place to see in Vienna for art lovers, get tickets by clicking here to visit as it is open daily with extended opening hours.
Museum of Art History
Vienna’s Art HistoryMuseum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is one of the city’s most important museums, opened in 1891. Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz, it houses an impressive Picture Gallery with works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Klimt and Vermeer, as well as a Kunstkammer with valuable objects such as Benvenuto Cellini’s Salt Shaker. It also has an outstanding collection of Egyptian antiquities and oriental art.
If you’re looking for things to see in Vienna to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of European art, this museum is an essential stop. Open from Tuesday to Sunday and until 21:00 on Thursdays, the museum offers a unique experience for art lovers. Click on this link to get your tickets to visit the museum. It is an essential visit for those who want to learn about the cultural legacy of the Habsburgs.
Vienna Museum of Military History
The Vienna Museum of Military History(Heeresgeschichtliches Museum) is located in the Vienna Arsenal and offers an in-depth look at the evolution of the Austrian army from the 16th century to 1945. Highlights include exhibitions on the Habsburgs, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, military weaponry and military art. If you’re interested in understanding the military history of Austria and Central Europe, things to do in Vienna is visit this museum, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with free admission for children under 19; you can get a ticket here. It is a key place to understand the military history of Austria and Central Europe.
Leopold Museum
The Leopold Museum in Vienna houses one of the most important collections of Austrian modern art, with an outstanding display of works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoschka. It also features pieces from the Wiener Werkstätte, including furniture and design objects. The museum, designed by Laurids and Manfred Ortner, is notable for its elegant architecture and spacious rooms illuminated by natural light. It is located at Museumsplatz 1 and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with general admission, get it by clicking on this link. It is an essential stop for modern art lovers.
Johann Strauss Museum
The Johann Strauss Museum in Vienna is dedicated to Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King”. Opened for his bicentenary, it offers an immersive experience with interactive displays, videos and projections recounting his life and work, as well as participatory activities such as composing your own waltz. The museum, housed in a 1923 Art Deco building, is open from 10:00 to 18:00 from Sunday to Thursday and from 10:00 to 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can be obtained by following this link and is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Judenplatz Museum
The Judenplatz Museum, located in the heart of the former medieval Jewish community, offers an insight into Jewish history and culture in Vienna. It is notable for the excavations of a medieval synagogue reconstructed in 3D and the Holocaust Memorial, designed by Rachel Whiteread. The museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Friday from 10:00 to 14:00. Admission is free for children under 19. It is a key place to explore Jewish heritage and Holocaust history in Vienna.
Sigmund Freud Museum
The Sigmund Freud Museum is located at Berggasse 19 in Vienna, in the building where Freud lived and worked between 1891 and 1938. The museum offers a permanent exhibition on his life and work, including original furniture and a collection of antiques. It also has an archive and library specialising in psychoanalysis. The museum organises temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, with entrance following this link. It is accessible for people with reduced mobility and is a key stop for those interested in psychoanalysis.
Sisi Museum
The Sisi Museum, located in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Opened in 2004, it offers an intimate insight into her life through more than 300 personal objects, including dresses and jewellery, as well as the private flats of Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph I. If you’re wondering things to do in Vienna related to one of Vienna’s most fascinating royal figures, this museum is a must-see. It presents a balanced narrative of his life, from his youth to his tragic death. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, get your ticket here to visit. It is accessible for people with reduced mobility and is located at Michaelerplatz 1010.
Things to see in Vienna: Other places
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Vienna Spanish Riding School, founded in 1565 and located in the Hofburg Palace, is famous for upholding the traditions of classical horsemanship. Its shows with the elegant Lipizzaner horses take place in the impressive Winter Riding School, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. If you are wondering things to do in Vienna related to horse riding and history, this place is a must. The museum offers training and presentations at specific times, with access for people with reduced mobility. It’s a unique experience to enjoy equestrian prowess in a historic setting. Get tickets at this link to visit it.
Spanish Riding School
St. Stephen’s Cathedral(Stephansdom) is one of the most important symbols of Vienna. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it is notable for its south tower, which at 136 metres high is the tallest in the cathedral, and its famous coloured tiled ceiling. Inside, it houses medieval stained-glass windows, ornate altars and the bell tower known as The Royal Pavilion, one of the largest in Austria. It is also famous for its imposing organ. Things to do in Viennaif you are interested in the history, architecture and cultural heritage of the city. It is one of Vienna’s main attractions and an emblem of its historical legacy. Here is the link to visit it.
Riesenrad
The Riesenrad, located in Vienna’s Prater Park, is a historic observation wheel inaugurated in 1897. At 64.75 metres high, it offers panoramic views of the city. It originally had 30 gondolas, but after World War II, it was rebuilt with 15. If you are looking for things to see in Vienna related to the history and icons of the city, the Riesenrad is a must-see. It has been an icon of Vienna and has been featured in films such as The Third Man. It is open daily from 10:00 to 21:45, and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. We leave this link to get tickets to see it.
things to do in Vienna: Excursions
Roman City of Carnuntum
The Roman city of Carnuntum is an important sight to see in Vienna. It is about 45 km from the city and is accessible by train from Wien Mitte – Landstraße station. From Petronell-Carnuntum station, it’s a short walk to the site, where you can explore reconstructed houses, the Carnuntinum Museum and monuments such as the Heidentor. There are also organised tours from Vienna that include transport and a guide, and are often combined with visits to nearby places such as Bratislava. Carnuntum offers a fascinating insight into Roman history; to visit get tickets here .
Forchtenstein Castle
Forchtenstein Castle, located in Forchtenstein, Burgenland, is a medieval fortress that has withstood Turkish invasions and served as the treasury of the Esterházy princes. Founded in the 15th century, the castle houses an impressive collection of weapons, art and family curiosities. A notable feature is its Treasure Chamber, accessible only through a secret passage and protected by two keys guarded by different people. This wealth of history makes the castle an essential stop for those looking for things to see in and around Vienna. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that offer an in-depth insight into its history and architecture. Tickets at this link here.
Esterházy Winery
The Esterházy Winery is an iconic winery located in Burgenland, Austria, with a winemaking tradition dating back more than 250 years. The Esterházy family pioneered the planting of Pinot Noir in Austria, producing the first single-vineyard Pinot Noir in 1758. Today, the winery stands out for its sustainable and organic approach, cultivating its vineyards in the Leithaberg hills. Its wines reflect a harmony of tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience for wine lovers looking for things to see in and around Vienna. Visitors can explore the modern facilities and taste a variety of award-winning wines. Here is the link for tickets.
Stift Klosterneuburg
The Klosterneuburg Monastery is located on the outskirts of Vienna and is an impressive place that combines history, architecture and culture. To get there from Vienna, you can take the U4 underground line to Heiligenstadt station, and then take the 400 bus to the Klosterneuburg – Stift stop, which will take you directly to the entrance of the monastery.
The monastery is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and general admission can be obtained by following this link. If you want a more in-depth experience of things to do in Vienna, you can opt for a guided tour. In addition, the monastery offers wine tastings in its historic wine cellar. The town of Klosterneuburg has other attractions, such as the Beethoven Museum and hiking trails.
Swarovski Shop Kristallwelten
The Swarovski Kristallwelten shop in Vienna, located at Kärntner Straße 24, offers a unique shopping experience with jewellery products, accessories and crystal figurines, as well as art exhibitions by renowned designers. Visitors can also enjoy the Moët & Chandon bar. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00, closed on Sundays and public holidays. To visit you need a ticket which you can get here. This shop is an experience that combines luxury, art and design in one place.
Schönbrunn Zoo
Schoenbrunn Zoo, located in the grounds of Schoenbrunn Palace, is the oldest zoo in the world still in operation. Founded in 1752, it is one of the city’s top attractions and definitely things to do in Vienna if you love animals. It houses more than 700 species, including pandas, Siberian tigers and African elephants, and is noted for its commitment to conservation. It also offers carefully designed natural habitats for the animals. Open daily from 9:00 to 17:30 and accessible to people with reduced mobility, it is an ideal family destination for wildlife viewing and a must-see on a trip to Vienna. You can get tickets to visit the zoo at this link.
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