If you’re planning to travel to Vienna, it’s essential to know that this city is brimming with history, culture, and countless must-see spots.
Austria’s capital ranks among the most visited cities in Europe, and we’re here to tell you why.
Why Travel to Vienna?
This is a city that cannot hide its glorious past. Spending at least three days in Vienna is highly recommended to see all the essential sights.
It shares with Budapest a similar aura, as capitals of countries whose significance sometimes seems larger than life. The monumental grandeur of both cities reinforces this impression. With its rich culture, history, and the spectacular natural beauty of Austria, there are ample reasons to visit Vienna.
Vienna sometimes resembles a fairy-tale city, yet it hasn’t rested on its laurels or its magnificent past. It remains an active cultural and economic hub.
You can enjoy the latest trends in a city that remains one of Europe’s most important destinations, with something to offer every visitor.
Vienna is deeply connected to music, European history, and is an extraordinary place for shopping.
Don’t miss out! There’s an abundance of fascinating sights waiting for you in Vienna.
Sightseeing in Vienna: What to Visit
Vienna is a city filled with stunning buildings and truly beautiful areas.
It’s a city with countless sites and monuments worth seeing, so plan to explore for several days to make the most of your visit.
Here are the must-see spots for your trip to Vienna:
Vienna and Its Points of Interest
- Ringstrasse: Vienna’s main avenue, built where the old city walls once stood. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
- Vienna Opera House: Possibly the world’s most famous opera. The grand theater and its stunning interior are well worth a visit. We recommend exploring it inside with this guided tour.
- Austrian Parliament: Built in the 19th century in a classic style, it’s the most prominent building on the Ringstrasse.
- Schönbrunn Palace: Constructed in the 17th century, it served as the summer residence for Vienna’s imperial family. Don’t miss its gardens and the palace dinner event with concert—you can reserve here. Another option is the Mozart and Strauss Concert at Schönbrunn, which you can book here.
- Hofburg Palace: Residence of the Habsburgs for six centuries. It’s now one of the most visited sites in Vienna, especially for the Imperial Treasury.
- Belvedere Palace: Originally the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, it now houses an art museum. You can reserve your tickets here. The palace’s interior no longer reflects its original design.
- Prater: Every Vienna guide includes this iconic amusement park, the oldest in the world. The Ferris wheel is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks.
- Hundertwasserhaus: An apartment building by Hundertwasser, known to many as the “Austrian Gaudí.”
- Stadtpark: A favorite park for locals and tourists visiting Vienna.
- Imperial Crypt of Vienna: The final resting place of Austria’s royalty, with over 150 sarcophagi, including that of Emperor Franz Joseph.
- Spanish Riding School: Founded in 1572, this school and its famous horses are known worldwide.
- Austrian National Library: Built by Emperor Charles VI in the 18th century, it’s one of the most beautiful historic libraries globally.
- Mozart’s House: The renowned composer’s residence on Domgasse Street, open to visitors (tickets here).
- Danube Tower: A 252-meter-tall tower offering views of most of Vienna. It also features a revolving restaurant.
- Naschmarkt: The city’s most famous market, open since the 16th century.
Churches
Just like monuments and palaces, Vienna’s religious buildings are well worth a visit.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Located in the city center, it’s often seen as the starting and ending point for Vienna tours.
- St. Peter’s Church: The current building dates back to the 18th century, replacing a previous church. Its design resembles St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The church hosts a remarkable classical music concert within its walls.
- St. Charles Borromeo Church: Built as a vow by Emperor Charles VI after the city was spared from the plague in 1713.
- Votive Church: With twin towers reaching 99 meters, it’s one of the world’s most important neo-Gothic religious structures.
Museums
A city with such a rich past is bound to have museums that match its history, and Vienna certainly does.
By the way, don’t miss a visit to the Mozarthaus, where the magic of Mozart awaits. Dive into history with an audio guide that will take you through the life of the composer in Vienna. Get your tickets here: Tickets for Mozarthaus with audio guide.
Travel tips for your trip to Vienna
Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your visit to Vienna:
Vienna is a bustling city with over one and a half million residents, reaching over two million in its metropolitan area.
You might come across homeless individuals, including those struggling with addiction, in areas like Karlsplatz, Praterstern, and Schwedenplatz. Although some may appear intimidating, they generally pose no issues for tourists, though it’s best to avoid these areas, especially at night.
It’s also wise to be cautious around Stephansplatz, as pickpockets may frequent this busy area.
In District 22 (Donaustadt), there might be a slightly higher likelihood of conflict in the Kagran area, though it is not a tourist zone.
On weekends, some parts of the city may see altercations among youth groups, especially if alcohol is involved.
In summary, when traveling to Vienna, exercise the same caution you would in any major city.
For an easy way to explore Vienna at your own pace, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a fantastic option. Discover the city’s most iconic spots without worrying about transportation. Get your pass here: Hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
The history of Vienna
The first inhabitants of the area now known as Vienna were the Celts in the 5th century B.C.
In the 1st century B.C., the Romans incorporated it into their empire, naming it the “white city.” Emperor Marcus Aurelius died here.
Located along the Danube, which served as the empire’s northern natural border, it became the site of frequent conflicts with Germanic tribes.
Peace did not arrive until the 5th century, when the region fell under the power of the Avars. In the 8th century, Pannonia, as it was then called, was conquered by Charlemagne, who added it to his empire.
Its location between two strong economies, Venice and Germania, gave it strategic importance along the Danube trade route. For this reason, the Babenberg family, a powerful dynasty, took a keen interest in the area.
Vienna’s significance grew as it became a major trade hub for salt, copper, and silver between Italy and the East. In 1237, the city was declared an imperial city.
The Babenberg line ended when Frederick II the Quarrelsome died without an heir. This left Austria’s throne contested by Ottokar II of Bohemia and Rudolf I of Habsburg, ultimately leading to the Habsburgs’ victory and the start of the longest reigning dynasty in European history, from 1278 to 1918.
In 1809, Napoleon’s troops occupied Vienna after defeating the Austrians in the Battle of Wagram.
By 1813, Napoleon was defeated, and the victorious powers convened the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Austria played a central role and managed to secure a position of considerable influence in Europe.
Later, the Kingdoms of Austria and Hungary agreed to equality, making Vienna the capital of this new dual monarchy. Following this agreement, Vienna remained the cultural center of Europe and the political capital of an expanding empire until World War I.
In 1873, Vienna hosted the World Exposition, commemorated with the construction of the Opera House.
After the Great War, Austria was left divided and impoverished, with the Republic of Austria established in 1919 within its present-day borders, and Vienna became the prominent capital of a smaller state.
World War II caused extensive damage to the city. Following the war, Vienna was divided into four sectors, each governed by one of the Allied powers.
In 1955, the four powers departed, and Austria attained full independence, formally declaring its neutrality.
This neutrality has since allowed Vienna to become a leading host for international conferences and numerous UN-affiliated organizations.
Today, the city thrives on its rich heritage and Vienna tourism, drawn from its remarkable legacy and historical landmarks.