15 Best Things to do in Vienna: The Ultimate Guide

Located on the banks of the Danube River, Austria’s capital Vienna is ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It is rich in history, music, art, and culture, making it a popular tourist destination and a city that you must visit at least once. This ultimate guide to the 15 best things to do in Vienna will show you just how spectacular the city is.

Walking the streets of Vienna feels like walking into the pages of a fairy-tale as a horse and carriage trot across. The city of music is renowned throughout the world for its beautiful gardens, architecture, and historical buildings. You’ll find stunning architecture made up of palaces, museums, theatres, and churches. And the best part is much of the history is free to look at from the streets.

This was our second visit to Vienna and the city is still as picturesque as it was when we visited some years ago. I’ve now visited Vienna in summer and fall and it seems no matter what time of the year you visit, Vienna is charming all year round.

Whether you are visiting for a week or just a few days, Vienna is a city that has so much to offer. With so many things to do in Vienna, it is a great destination and holiday spot if you are traveling with kids. The list below outlines some of the best places to visit in Vienna so you can plan a perfect trip to the city.

Know Before You Go

• Language: Official language spoken is German
• Currency: The currency in Vienna is the Euro
• Credit Cards/ Cash: There are ATMs all around the city.
• Safety: Vienna is considered one of the safest cities in Europe. Public transport is safe at all hours and the touristy parts of the city are very safe to walk at any time as are the vast majority of streets. You should take sensible precautions by not having valuables on view in your open bag, not walking in quiet parts of public parks late at night, and perhaps avoiding quiet, dark alleys.

Best Time to Visit Vienna

Vienna is charming all year round. But the best time to visit Vienna is usually in Spring and Fall. They tend to be quieter and more pleasant times to visit the city, which means you won’t have as many tourists around. It’s easier to make your way around the city during off-peak season. In addition, you’ll find plenty more accommodation options at lower prices.

Summer months see larger crowds as tourists flock to the city to enjoy the warm, sunny weather that Vienna experiences. If you are not a big fan of the heat, I’d suggest staying clear of the summer months as it can get very hot and temperatures reach the late 30s to early 40 degrees Celsius.

While winter months tend to see temperatures dropping extremely low, many tourists flock to this charming city in search of Christmas markets. Vienna excels during Christmas time and the Christmas markets are one of the best things to do in Vienna in winter. It’s a magical time to be in this part of the world.

There’s no right or wrong time to visit Vienna. We visited during summer and fall and enjoyed the city on both occasions. It all comes down to the type of experience you want to have and your budget.

Getting Around Vienna

The public transport in Vienna is first class. Whether it’s the metro, trams, or buses, it’s all so convenient to get from one place to another. If you are flying into Vienna, from the airport you can take a bus, taxi or train to the city center.

Depending on how long you stay in Vienna, I’d highly recommend looking into the Vienna City Card. You can choose between 24hr, 48hr, and 72hr card versions. These offer better value than buying individual tickets. The passes cover you for all forms of transport within the city network. i.e. metro, trams, and buses. The exceptions are the airport bus lines and any private bus or tram services. To find out more about the Vienna City Card, read here.

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna: The Ultimate Guide

There are so many things to do in Vienna. Even if you have only 2 days in the city, it is possible to cover some of the main attractions in Vienna. These are the 15 best things to do in Vienna that will show you exactly why the city is rated as one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.

Note: If you know there is a lot you’d like to see and cover during your time in Vienna, get a Vienna Pass.  This all-inclusive sightseeing pass includes free admission to over 60 top attractions in Vienna, lots of discounts, and unlimited use of the hop-on-hop-off bus routes.

1. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the best places to visit in Vienna. It is worth visiting not just for its architecture but also for its beautiful park and zoo. This immaculate yellow palace was the former imperial summer residence of the Hapsburgs. The Baroque palace has approximately 1441 rooms and is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. It’s the number one thing to do in Vienna and I highly recommend coming here!

Entry into the palace grounds itself is free. Alternatively, you can take a paid tour through the palace and museums which focus on the royalty who once lived there. Consider paying a bit more and booking a skip-the-line tour such as this one.

·       Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

These gardens are part of the complex and are definitely not to be missed. The park extends from the Palace for over a kilometer so you could spend hours walking around discovering different sections. A perfect photographic opportunity and best of all it’s one of the free things to do in Vienna.

You’ll be dazzled by the beauty of these gardens. The Gloriette which stands opposite the palace features a pool and a classical colonnaded long building. There is a café here where you can enjoy a nice drink or simply take in the views of the whole garden.

2. Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Zoo)

The Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo and lies within the Schönbrun Palace grounds. The zoo is home to a myriad of animals such as giraffes, sea lions, and giant pandas amongst others. Be sure to check it out, it’s one of the top things to do in Vienna especially if you are traveling with kids and looking for more family-friendly attractions. You can find more information here.

3. Hofburg Palace

Formerly the principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty, the Hofburg Palace is the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria. The complex is made up of 18 groups of buildings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms. You can admire the beauty of this elegant palace from the outside, take a tour through the imperial apartments or visit one of the museums within the complex. This is one of the top Vienna tourist attractions and well worth a visit.

4. St Stephen’s Cathedral

This beautiful gothic structure is located in the city center at Stephensplatz and has been the most important church in Vienna and Austria since its construction.

My favorite part was the intricately decorated roof with hundreds of colored tiles forming an intriguing pattern. Everything about this cathedral screams opulence. It’s undoubtedly one of the top Vienna attractions.

Entry into the cathedral is free however if you want to climb to the top of the tower, you may do so for a small fee. We didn’t venture to the top as we had a lot of sightseeing on our agenda for the day but I’ve heard the view of the city is one of the best from the top of the tower. Don’t leave this attraction off your list of things to do in Vienna, you won’t be disappointed. You can book tickets ahead of time here.

5. Rathus (City Hall)

The Rathus is yet another amazing piece of architecture that serves as the city’s administrative center. It has five towers, the largest being the middle, and is topped by the iconic Rathausman statue. It is believed that around forty thousand cubic meters of natural stones and thirty million bricks were used to build this neo-Gothic structure, making this one of the most crucial landmarks in Vienna.

The City Hall was constructed in the 1800s to accommodate the offices of the mayor. It is famous for the Rathausmann on top of its 98-meter-high tower, a banner-carrying iron figure presented to the city as a gift from its master locksmith.

6. Stadtpark

Located in the city center, this beautiful park is large enough and extends from the 1st district to the 3rd district. Scattered throughout the park are statues of famous Viennese artists, writers, and composers. Perfect to take a picnic blanket and have a chilled-out day.

7. Belvedere Palace and Museum

The Belvedere is a historic building complex in Vienna consisting of two beautiful Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere), the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. The buildings can be found in the third district of the city.

If you have time, check out the Belvedere Museum which houses an array of sculptures and paintings. The grounds here have decorative tiered fountains and cascades, Baroque sculptures, and majestic wrought iron gates. A beautiful sight to visit.

8. Vienna State Opera

This impressive building is considered one of the finest Opera Houses in the world. It has a capacity to cater to over 2,000 people along with 110 musicians. Daily guided tours are available to get a great overview of the building. It’s one of the best things to do in Vienna at night.

If you want to watch a live concert, you would need to check well in advance to see what is playing during the time of your visit. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

9. Prater Amusement Park

There’s nothing like having a fun-packed day to give you a break from all the sightseeing and Prater Amusement Park provides just that. Visiting the park is like stepping into another world.

The Wiener Prater Park was once a hunting ground that later developed into a public space for small amusement rides and food stands. It is now an amazing Amusement Park that is free to enter (you just have to pay for any rides you want to go on) and has approximately 250 attractions to enjoy.

This amusement park is filled with several rides, bumper cars, carousels, shooting ranges, a light gauge railway, and a huge Ferris wheel which is a landmark in Vienna. There are also several cafes and restaurants in the park if you just want to sit back and relax.

The best part about the park is that there is something here for everyone. It’s one of the best things to do in Vienna with families.

10. Ride the Vienna Ferris Wheel

It’s impossible to miss the giant Ferris wheel which sits at the entrance of Prater Amusement Park. At nearly 65 meters tall, this is one of the most family-friendly attractions and provides stunning views over the city.

11. The Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is one of the finest institutes for classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses. Today it is one of the leading riding schools in the world.

Tickets to these popular performances sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance. You can purchase packages that include a behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to visit the stables. The building is open to the public and if you are lucky, you may even catch a training session in progress.

12. Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is held on Wienzeile street and stretches for around 1.5km. It is full of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs, cheese, seafood, and ready-to-eat food. This is Vienna’s largest market that has everything from regional spices and food from around the world.  Perfect spot to grab some food and have a picnic at the park across the road.

The market also has a number of cafes, restaurants, and wine bars if you’d much rather have a sit-down meal or drink.

13. Take A Walk Around Ringstrasse

The Ringstrasse is the ring road that runs around the Innere Stadt district (the center )of Vienna. The road is lined with trees and is framed by the city’s tram line which remains an important mode of transport.

On route, you’ll see some of the city’s most famous buildings including the Imperial Palace, Vienna State Opera, Museum of Art history, the Austrian Parliament, the National Library, and City Hall.

14. Take A Stroll through Donauinsel (Danube Island)

The Danube Island is a narrow artificial island in central Vienna lying between the Danube River and the parallel canal known as Donaukanal or “New Danube”. The island is over 21 meters in length but only 210 meters wide at its widest point. It’s easily accessible by water taxi or bridge.

If you have a spare day in the city, definitely add this to your list of things to do in Vienna. You’ll find many of the locals partaking in activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and rollerblading.

15. Visit A Coffee House

If you need a break from sightseeing, stop by a Viennese coffee house. Each coffee house has its own distinct style and brings about an experience like no other.

Here are a few coffee houses you can add to your list:

• Kaffee Alt Wien
• Café Korb
• Cafe Schwarzenberg
• Aida Cafe Konditorei
• Café Landtmann

Where To Stay in Vienna for Best Sightseeing

Innere Stadt (1st District)

District 1 is the city center where you’ll find the Vienna Opera House, Parliament, St Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Ringstrasse.

Leopoldstadt (2nd District)

District 2 is a short subway ride from the central city. You’ll find the famous Prater Park, Vienna’s amusement park, in this district.

Landstrasse (3rd District)

In district 3 you’ll find the opulent Belvedere Palace, Stadtpark, and other buildings such as the embassies and consulates. Stadtpark is a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon relaxing on lush green lawns. It also has playgrounds so the perfect place to head to with kids. You’ll also find the famous restaurant Steirereck in Stadtpark.

Mariahilf (6th District) 

District 6 features Naschmarkt and the busy Mariahilferstrasse shopping street. If you are traveling with kids then head to Vienna’s aquarium that can be found in this district.  

Neubau (7th District)

This district has a large number of restaurants, shops, bars, and of course some of the best shopping.  

Hietzing (13th District)

While this district may be a bit further away from the city center, it should definitely be on your radar as it’s home to Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Zoo.

If you want to be central, Districts 1 and 2 offer the most central locations, especially for first-time visitors. You’ll find stunning architecture, museums, palaces, churches, and theatres that are all easily accessible especially if you are only in the city for a couple of days. Most of the city’s major attractions are concentrated around District 1 or along the Ringstrasse. Keep in mind the hotels in this area will be more in the luxury range. If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, you can look outside the ring.

Given how good public transport is in Vienna, you don’t need to worry if you are based a little further away. In fact, the districts that surround the inner city have a lot to offer. For example, there’s the Naschmarkt that borders the 4th and 5th districts. The 7th district is huge for its shopping, coffee houses, and local designer stores. We stayed in the 2nd district which saw us well-positioned to cover the city’s beautiful sites.

If you’re planning to visit a lot of the city’s attractions, it will probably be worth investing in a Vienna Card. You can purchase 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours card which will give you free unlimited travel by public transport. You can buy the cards at the Tourist Information Centre, at the airport, or online.

Summary

Whether you are visiting the city for 2 days or have more time to explore, this Vienna travel guide with a list of the 15 best things to do in Vienna has something for everyone to choose from. I hope you find it helpful and that in some way it will assist in planning your visit to this incredible city.

Happy Travels!

Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.

15 Best Things to Do in Vienna

1. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
2. Schönbrunn Zoo
3. Hofburg Palace
4. St Stephen’s Cathedral
5. Rathaus
6. Stadtpark
7. Belvedere Museum
8. Vienna State Opera
9. Prater Amusement Park
10. Ride the Vienna Ferris Wheel
11. The Spanish Riding School
12. Naschmarkt
13. Vienna Ring Road
14. Take a stroll on Donauinsel
15. Viennese Coffee House

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to walk around Vienna?

You’ll have no trouble walking around the center of Vienna, especially around the ring road which encloses the city center. While there are a number of attractions around the city center, you will need to use the metro to get to some of the other attractions located in districts further away.

Is Vienna expensive?

Vienna does have a high cost of living. It’s definitely not as expensive as London or Paris. But a trip to Vienna doesn’t have to be overly expensive. You can save money by shopping for food at supermarkets and using the metro/ buses to get to tourist attractions. Many restaurants have lunch or dinner specials so you can keep an eye out for these. Book accommodation well in advance to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Is Vienna safe?

Vienna is considered to be one of the safest capitals in the world and the overall risk factor in the city is quite low.

How many days do you need to explore Vienna?

To explore some of the top Vienna attractions you should allow at least 3 days. If you are looking to make day trips from Vienna to other parts of Austria, I’d suggest adding a day for each place you want to visit.

Is the Vienna Pass worthwhile?

It all really depends on what you want to see and do in Vienna. If you have plenty of time in the city and want to explore a lot of the tourist attractions, then I’d suggest you look into the Vienna pass. The pass is a bit expensive, but it includes most of the popular attractions and museums.

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