Known as the city of music, Vienna masterfully combines the old and the new, offering something unique for every visitor.
Vienna has countless points of interest to explore, and we’re here to guide you on what to see in Vienna and how to experience it in the best way possible.
Additionally, the city is known for its distinctive culinary scene and more than 100 museums and monuments, making it one of Europe’s top-recommended destinations in travel guides.
With so many highlights, it’s hard to pick just a few. However, iconic spots like the Opera House and Mozart’s House are essential for every visitor’s itinerary.
Let’s explore these and other extraordinary spots in this historic European city that you simply have to experience.
Must-see attractions in Vienna
Here are some of the most interesting places to visit if you have several days to spend in Vienna:
Vienna State Opera House
After booking a convenient hotel in central Vienna, planning your itinerary becomes essential to make the most of your trip.
The Opera House is an ideal starting point, as it is the most iconic landmark of the city. It was the first building completed along Ringstrasse, the city’s most significant avenue.
Interestingly, the opera’s original reception was lukewarm, as citizens expected more from this monumental tribute to music. This led to the tragic suicides of the architects, each unable to bear the criticism.
Over time, however, Vienna embraced the Opera House, and it is now recognized as one of the city’s most celebrated symbols.
In the mid-20th century, a bomb caused severe damage, forcing the Opera House to close for ten years—a time that allowed for modern technological upgrades to the venue.
Guided tours of the Opera House interior are available, allowing visitors to see the nearly 3,000-seat auditorium and the Emperor Franz Joseph’s private room, where he would rest between acts. If you have enough time, the entry ticket also includes access to the Opera Museum.
In addition to the tours, visitors can attend opera performances. Tickets range from just €4 for standing room (if you don’t mind queuing) to over €150 for premium seats.
Options cater to various budgets, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the Vienna opera experience, as it’s often said that “opera in Vienna is never too expensive.”
The Vienna State Opera House is so famous that no trip to Vienna would be complete without a visit to this unique city icon.
Ringstrasse
Vienna’s most emblematic avenue is a circular road surrounding the entire city center, separating the inner districts from the rest of the city.
Many must-see landmarks are found here, including the Opera House, the City Hall, and the Stock Exchange building.
Ringstrasse is not just a single street; rather, it’s a collection of streets that form a ring.
Visitors can stroll along this route or take a tram to explore each landmark at a relaxed pace, soaking in the sights as they pass by. It’s an ideal activity if you enjoy leisurely walks and if the weather is pleasant.
The Parliament Building
The Parliament is designed in a style reminiscent of ancient Greece, with two main halls converging at a central portico.
This building has witnessed historic transitions, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the declaration of Austria as a republic.
Guided tours are available at the Vienna Parliament in various languages, but if time is limited, the exterior view alone is worth stopping by before moving on to the next sight.
Natural History Museum
This museum is considered one of the best of its kind, with richly curated collections and tastefully decorated exhibition rooms. If you’re interested in Vienna’s history and wildlife, this stop will be a treat.
The ground floor holds Europe’s most significant collection of minerals and gemstones, along with archaeological finds and prehistoric artifacts, including the famous Venus of Willendorf, one of the most renowned female statuettes in the world.
On the first floor, you’ll find taxidermy displays featuring animals that no longer exist today, like the Steller’s sea cow.
There are also temporary exhibits hosted on this floor, offering fresh experiences with each visit.
Belvedere Palace
The summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy is one of the best sights to see in Vienna. It’s essentially a landscaped garden connecting two palaces in one stunning ensemble.
The upper palace, located at the highest point, features an elaborate facade, though the interior may feel slightly understated by comparison.
Only the entrance hall, a large salon, and the chapel are fully decorated; other rooms resemble a museum with paintings spanning from medieval times to the present.
The lower Belvedere palace is more reserved in design but houses Vienna’s most important Baroque art collection, showcasing an era of grandeur and detail.
Some rooms, like the Hall of the Grotesques or the Hall of Mirrors, are also designed in this distinctive style.
The greenhouse that once adorned the garden now serves as an exhibition space. Strolling around the grounds can be a highly recommended way to wrap up your visit.
Explore the Upper Belvedere and its Permanent Collection to admire masterpieces of fine art. Make your visit even more comfortable by securing your entry here: Upper Belvedere Entry Ticket
Prater, a Historic Amusement Park
Vienna’s Prater Park is the oldest amusement park in the world and one of the most fascinating.
In the early 19th century, an amusement park was established, with several original attractions, like a carousel, still present today alongside newer additions that have been introduced over the years.
The park was once a hunting ground reserved for the nobility and the emperor until the 18th century, when it was opened to the public.
Simply walking around the park takes you back in time, making it one of Vienna’s most cherished sites among locals.
The Giant Ferris Wheel has withstood natural disasters and two world wars, although it suffered partial destruction in WWII, resulting in its reduction from 30 to 15 cabins after restoration. The unused cabins are displayed next to the wheel.
Visitors can take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel for a unique panoramic view of Vienna, a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t wait any longer and skip the lines by booking here: Skip-the-line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride.
Entrance to the park is free, making it an essential Vienna destination where you can stroll through a slice of history.
However, individual rides must be paid for separately.
Mozart’s House
The world’s most famous composer lived in Vienna for three years in an apartment on the first floor of number 5 Domgasse, very close to the Peace Museum.
In Mozart’s House, visitors can tour four floors filled with glimpses of his life, his social circle, and even the games he enjoyed.
You’ll also see the composer’s apartment, complete with four rooms and two parlors, though none of the original furniture is preserved. This is one of the top sites in Vienna, drawing countless music enthusiasts.
Experience the legacy of music by attending a classical concert at Mozart’s House, a must for every music lover in Vienna. Reserve your spot here.
The Danube Tower
Located by the river, ascending this over-250-meter tower offers sweeping views over much of Vienna.
But there’s more—a revolving restaurant lets you enjoy a meal while the scenery shifts along with the restaurant’s rotation.
The Imperial Crypt
Beneath the Capuchin Church lie the remains of Austria’s ruling royalty, with nearly 150 sarcophagi belonging to emperors, empresses, and other nobility.
The crypt prominently features the tombs of Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), and Prince Rudolf, their only son.
The church housing the crypt is modest, unlike the grandeur of many of the sarcophagi, whose ornate details reflect the prestige of those laid to rest there.
A striking feature is the number of small graves for children who passed away at very young ages.
Must-Visit Museums in Vienna and Surroundings
Vienna is home to so many museums that it’s impossible to see them all. In fact, there’s an area called the MuseumsQuartier, where nearly every step reveals a new exhibition to explore.
The Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum are well-known, but there’s much more to discover.
Hofburg Palace: The Sisi Museum
Home to the Habsburg dynasty for over six centuries, this complex features remarkable sites like the Imperial Apartments, museums, churches, the National Library, and even the office of Austria’s President.
One highlight is the Sisi Museum.
This six-room museum showcases the life of Austria’s most famous empress, brought to cinema screens in the 1950s. Here, you’ll see items she used in the palace, including dresses, portraits, and more. The museum also sheds light on the real-life story of Sisi, whose experiences were often very different from the romanticized film versions.
Her melancholy, her obsession with staying thin, and her disinterest in court life—where she never felt at ease—are all explored, as well as her extensive travels around the world until her tragic death.
The Imperial Apartments
Nearly twenty rooms that served as the Habsburg residence for over six centuries are on display.
Both the formal and private quarters where Franz Joseph and Sisi lived are open to visitors.
All rooms are richly decorated, showcasing the splendor of the royal family with original furnishings of immeasurable value.
The Court Silver Collection
Following the end of the Habsburg Empire, all silverware from the palaces became property of the Republic.
This museum displays these silver pieces along with other items from the palace kitchens: porcelain tableware, crystal glasses, table linens, and more.
Art History Museum
Constructed almost identically to the Natural History Museum, this must-see museum in Vienna showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Rome, Greece, and the Far East. Mummies, stone pillars, and sculptures are just a few examples.
The museum also features paintings by renowned artists like Titian, Rembrandt, and Velázquez, among others.
A dedicated numismatics room with over 700,000 items illustrates the evolution of currency over time, comprising one of the largest coin collections known.
The museum is worth visiting both inside and out, regardless of whether you’re a history enthusiast or not. It’s no wonder that over a million tourists visit each year.
Imperial Carriage Museum
With one of the world’s largest collections of historical vehicles, this museum is located in the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace.
The museum features over 170 vehicles that tell the stories of notable figures, such as Napoleon’s son’s carriage and Sisi’s carriages—both the one she used in life and the one that carried her body through the city to the Imperial Crypt after her assassination in Geneva.
Clock Museum
Housed in a 17th-century palace, this collection will delight timepiece enthusiasts.
The museum traces the evolution of timekeeping from the 15th century to the present, with clocks from around the world. A highlight is the astronomical clock, made in the 18th century, which not only tells the time but also displays eclipses, planetary orbits, and other fascinating details.
Every hour on the hour, the museum comes to life with an impressive, though rather loud, display of chimes. Sensitive ears, beware!
City Museum
Explore Vienna’s history from prehistory through the 20th century. Notably, this is a museum spread across multiple city locations.
To fully experience it, you’ll need to visit various exhibitions, though if you can only see one, the Karlsplatz Museum, next to St. Charles Church, is highly recommended.
Vienna is also home to former residences of great musical masters, such as Beethoven and Schubert, which are now dedicated to these composers.
There’s much more to see in Vienna, although this list alone will keep you busy for a while! If you’d like, take a look at this video.