Best Places to Visit in Vienna

Top 10 Destinations in Vienna

1. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens is one of the most significant sights of Vienna and a marker of world heritage. With its glistening stucco frescoes and elaborate decor, the palace is one of Europe’s great imperial buildings of the Baroque period. This palace has as many as 1441 rooms out of which most of them are furnished to give visitors a feel of royalty. Sights to see are the Great Gallery and The Room of Mirrors. The gardens are also lovely and were laid in the French formal style. Tourists can stroll the greens, and enjoy the lovely flowers and the patterns of the fountains. Among these attractions is the Gloriette, an above-ground structure best viewed from on high over Vienna. The gardens also contain the Schönbrunn Zoo, which is the oldest working zoo globally, and the Maze which will be John’s favorite.

Schönbrunn is one of the most visited places in Vienna no matter whether your interest is history, a pleasant walk, or a concert in the Orangery, beautiful imperial Vienna has a lot to offer.

2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)

Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom is a spectacular Gothic building and famous religious site in the country. Constructed in the 12th century, this gorgeous cathedral boasts a supple gothic style, detailed facade, high-spired roof, and multicolored energetic tiled roof that portrays the imperial double-headed eagle. On the inside, people are blessed with high arched roofs and ceilings, beautifully carved and colorful altars, and beautiful-looking stained glass windows. Tourist attractions at the cathedral are the Pummerin bell in the north tower, which is the second largest in Europe, and the climbing to the south tower to get the best view of the city of Vienna. It also contains a rather impressive cave system beneath the structure of the cathedral which allows guests to take a look at Vienna’s medieval underbelly. Despite destruction during World War II and competition from countless other attractions, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s major attractions that continues to attract millions of tourists and believers every year.

3. The Hofburg Palace

Close to its center, one can find the magnificent Hofburg Palace building, which recalls Austria’s imperial epoch. Formerly the Habsburgs winter palace, this impressive architectural marvel is currently a center of cultural and political activities. The palace that is part of the complex accommodates the Austrian Federal President’s office and several touristic sights. Visit the Sisi Museum which is the exhibition about Empress Elisabeth and the last Austrian Empress to see the Imperial Apartments, where visitors can just look into the life of the Austrias’ rulers. Imperial Silver Collection can tell a lot about the Habsburg style of eating and=dict={most importantly dining. The power that has been vested in this palace for more than six centuries will be more interesting to history lovers. Their architecture which includes Gothic, Baroque, and many more is a result of the ever-changing trends in tastes of the modern world. Also, it’s worthwhile to visit the National Library with its wonderful frescoes on the ceiling, and the Spanish Riding School where you can see Lipizzaner horses.

4. Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, consisting of two main buildings: The Upper Belvedere as well as the Lower Belvedere. Schloß – The present Baroque architectural neo-classical palace was constructed fundamentally in the eighteenth century as the summer palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy, lies like a magnificent beautiful palace surrounded by splendid gardens with fountains, statues, and neat green lawns. The Upper Belvedere is home to one of the most important art collections in Austria with among others Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka’s works. Lower Belvedere and Orangery are specifically used to display temporary exhibitions and the private rooms of the prince. It is not only quite boastful by boasting a cathedral of classical and contemporary art treasures but it is also a place of tranquility and a vantage view of Vienna’s skyline. Due to the rich art and history as well as beautiful nature, the Belvedere is a place that must be seen by anybody traveling through Austria.

5. Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)

The Vienna State Opera is one of the greatest opera theatres and a symbol of Austria’s spirit. The theatre opened in 1869 and has hosted many performances starting from a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni The opera house’s interior and exterior are showpieces of architectural elegance and it boasts of its splendid performances and concerts. Palladian-influenced Renaissance-style work was used on its outer structure while on the inside it has stylish staircases, facade entries, and an auditorium. It hosts more than 300 performances per year It presents a great number of opera and ballet productions, many international stars, and music enthusiasts. An interesting event that takes place in the course of the year is the Vienna Opera Ball which is very colourful, fancy, and tailored with a lot of formality. Behind the scenes, it is something that any and everyone can get to see during a guided tour regardless of whether or not a ticket to the event is in their possession.

6. MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier (MQ) in Vienna is a complex of spaces that actively involves art, construction, and city space. MQ is in the MuseumsQuartier or the city center; it is the largest cultural quarter in the world with an area of 90950 square meters. It includes famous halls including the Leopold Museum, where works of Egon Schiele and the famous Gustav Klimt are presented, and the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) which hosts avant-garde pieces. This complex also includes Kunsthalle Wien contemporary art gallery and ZOOM – Children’s Museum for those, who have kids. MQ has many covered and open patios and seats where people can relax and rest and its cafés and restaurants make people friendly. MQ during the year organizes festivals such as outdoor movie nights, arts festivals, and winter markets. As a unique mix of art and recreation, MuseumsQuartier is a museum for all, and, thus, a perfect destination for art lovers in Vienna.

7. Prater and the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)

As you know for many guests of Vienna The Prater, which is also known as a historic entertainment center in Vienna, remains popular. Probably the most famous of them is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) which is original and unchangeable. Constructed as a part of Emperor Franz Joseph’s golden jubilee celebration back in 1897, this Ferris wheel stands 64.75 feet tall and gives a marvelous view of the city of Vienna. A trip on Riesenrad is not only a flight into the heavens but also a trip back in time discretely marked in Vienna's history through warfare, mechanical advancement, and the transforming wheel of time. The actual Prater itself is an energetic land of roller coasters, carnival games, and snack bars, and something for everyone to enjoy. Apart from the rides, the areas within Grüner Prater offer nice terrain for strolling or cycling. In combination, the wheel and the park are a bright example of how the spirit of fairness and love for nature can be combined in the very heart of Vienna.

8. Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) is one of the largest and most remarkable Baroque buildings in Vienna and a famous city symbol. It was constructed in 1713 by the order of Emperor Charles VI and originally it was intended to be a votive temple after the plague epidemic. The building which is a church, is dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo who is the patron of healing; thus, the building signifies hope and faith. Based on the plans of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and realized by his son Joseph, the Karlskirche contains a colorful dome, picturesque two Trajansuskolonn which imitates the Trajans Column in Rome, and a beautiful portico. Inside, the visitors get to appreciate what is a frescoed dome with scenes that show St. Charles Borromeo’s life.. A lift lifts people closer to the dome to view the artwork done on it in a closer perspective. Adjacent to the quiet Resselpark, Karlskirche is a calm, perfect place to ponder while appreciating the stunning architecture of Vienna. For such reasons, it is considered a place of arts, history, and spirituality that deserves a visit.

9. Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is the largest and oldest market in Vienna, fully stocked with various tastes, shades, and spirits. Situated in the area of the city center, it is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and comprises mainly food vending units, restaurants, cafes, and miscellaneous shops. The Market has been in existence in Vienna since the 16th century though the current markets are much newer and the markets are among the favorite attractions of the Region. Naschmarkt serves vegetables, fruits, spices, cheeses, meats, cakes, cookies, and all sorts of dishes from all over the world. Despite its relatively small size, it is quite ethnically diverse, and so is the food, with Austrian food on one end of the spectrum to Middle Eastern and Asian on the other. On Saturdays, there is a flea market that starts with clothing to pans and dishes giving it an old touch that comprises of vintages and antiques. It therefore is much more than just a market, it is an experience that is Naschmarkt. Thanks to their openness and variety of goods, it would be fascinating to combine Viennese street food and gastronomic traditions here.

10. Graben and Kärntner Strasse

Both Graben and Kärntner Strasse are important commercial street zones of Vienna, and both streets are pedestrians only. These lively streets are famous for combining as much history as present-day sophistication. Graben, with its wonderful Baroque buildings, hosts the Pestsäule – the plague column, which marks the end of the Great Plague in 1679. It also has luxury stores, traditional cafes, and an intense atmosphere on the street. Adjacent to it, there is a walk-through artery, Kärntner Strasse which links the central area to the Vienna State Opera. This is an active commercial center that has the option of classy stores, international franchises, and lovely restaurants. It is also an ideal place for visitors to sit back, watch people going about their business, or sample some of the best foods Austria has to offer.

Each one of them includes the main historical and unique architectural and design peculiarities of Vienna. When shopping, eating, or even just walking around, Graben and Kärntner Strasse will provide you with a proper taste of Vienna.

Cheap Flight Booking

Skyscanner is a widely used web service that helps to search for affordable flights for a trip. It has also the functions of a search engine that compares prices of fares from airlines and travel facilities to offer the best prices. A simple graphical user interface enables users to filter by price, duration, and stops, among others, to make sure they get the results they want. I found the “Whole Month” option to be extremely useful in identifying the price of such travel as it shows the cheapest dates in case of flexible traveling plans. The mobile application of Skyscanner is just as solid, providing the ability to set up instant real-time price notifications and orders. Besides, it can also be used to search for hotels and car rentals, so the site will be very useful for tourists. Accepted globally, Skyscanner is one of the best resources for saving money on travel.

Best Budget Hotels in Vienna

Here are some of the best budget-friendly hotels in Vienna, available on booking.com:

Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof - Located just several steps from the main railway station in Vienna, this hotel is incredibly chic, and for the price of starting from €110 per night, provides great service and comfortable accommodation. booking.com

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The Ibis budget Wien Sankt Marx – a good and cheap option with great offered areas and clean rooms, this hotel is perfect for cost-effective traveling. Rooms start at €60 per night. booking.com

.Lenas Donau Hotel – This is a cheap hotel by the river which is located near the Danube, quiet and in the vicinity of the city of Ingolstadt, which costs € 70 per night. booking.com.

a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof - A cheap hostel targeting young people as it has dormitory/sharing beds and private rooms available at this location at the central station. The starting price is € 25 per night. booking.com

.limehome Vienna Favoritenstr. A self-service apartment hotel offering well-equipped accommodation in studios and one-bedroom apartments from €123 per night

booking.com

These alternatives provide different facilities and opportunities to get to Viennese sights and tours for different price levels

Best Budget Hostels in Vienna from hostel.world

Here are some highly recommended budget hostels in Vienna for travelers:

1. Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna – Naschmarkt

This one is in a central location, with a very social vibe – the beds are bunk beds in the dorms and private rooms. This one is for cleanliness, free internet connection, and entertaining activities. T- Mobile 3G internet prices begin from $2.25 per day while voice tariff is USD 0.15 per minute mostly charging a minimum of $21 per night.

2. Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna

This artistic hostel is cheap and ecologically situated near Westbahnhof and Schönbrunn Palace. A garden, a bar, and covered shared music spaces provide excellent opportunities for meeting people. Budget lodging begins from $19.50 and above for a dormitory.

3. JO&JOE Vienna

It is a relatively new and colorful hostel that provides a traveler’s fun-like environment but does not lack comfort. It is based in the vicinity of central Vienna and has dorms starting at $10.60 per bed night and private rooms as well.

4. St Christopher's Vienna

Based in the Favoriten area is well suited for visiting various attractions of the city. It has a bar, free WI-FI, and dorm beds starting at $18.70 for a single night.

5. MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz

Located in the bustling Leopoldstadt this property is also a mixture of hotel and hostel tho it offers private and dormitory shared rooms from $14.30 per night.

For bookings and more details please visit Hostelworld.

Best Time to Visit in Vienna

Visiting Vienna is possible at any time of the year, and visitors should choose their favorite time of the year depending on the duration of the stay and the type of activities of interest. Here’s a breakdown by season to help you choose:

Spring (March to May)

The gardens are beautiful, the temperatures are comfortably too high, and there aren’t as many tourists during spring in Vienna. Temperature remains between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius or between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer brings outdoor cafes, fests and lively events such as Apron’s Vienna City Marathon festival.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is a high travel time because of a fine and warm climate, the temperature is usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It is alive with live music, rotating street performances, outdoor cinemas, River Danube canoeing, and pedestrian island activities. Accommodation is always busy during this time so it is advisable to book early.

September to early November or” the autumn season”.

Autumn is dry and warm for visitors with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C or 50°F to 72°F and good falls in the Vienna Woods. This is less bustle for shopping and tourists hustling about; instead, many museums, cultural attractions, and wine festivals are located within easy driving distance from the vine-wards.

Winter (December to February)

December is preferable in Winter because the Christmas markets illuminate Vienna. It is cold and the temperatures range from -1°C to 5 °C or (30°F/41°F). We have festive activities, skating, and warm coffee shops. Some cultural events such as the Vienna Ball Season can be held in January and February.

To have the optimum sunshine and fewer people around, traveling is good in spring and autumn. Winter is undeniably the best season when it comes to having a special Christmas feeling.