Best 20 things to do in Vienna, Austria

Welcome to Vienna, the city that's as cultured as Mozart and as caffeinated as its famous coffee houses! In this quirky guide, we unveil the crème de la crème of things to do in this enchanting Austrian capital. Discover fairytale palaces fit for a royal selfie, immerse yourself in the timeless charm of a classical concert, and don't forget to squeeze into those lederhosen for an unforgettable visit to a traditional Viennese beer garden. With these tips, your trip to Vienna promises to be a symphony of laughter and unforgettable memories!

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1. Graben

Graben, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Vienna, the land of stunning architecture, delicious pastries, and Graben - the street that'll make you grab your camera and run in circles, out of sheer awe! This vibrant boulevard, like your favorite pair of jeans, seems to get better with each visit. From high-end fashion boutiques to souvenir shops bursting with quirky trinkets, Graben has something for everyone, including a few brave souls who are still saving up for that designer handbag! As you stroll along Graben, be prepared to witness the ultimate battle for supremacy—a thrilling competition between elegant horses, aka the horse-drawn carriages, and the ruthless two-legged creatures, also known as determined window-shoppers. Will the horses' majestic presence woo potential shoppers? Or will travelers be lured by the irresistible charms of luxurious storefronts, like bees to honey? Only time will tell, dear adventurers! But don't be fooled, dear traveler, by Graben's innocent appearance. With its gleaming facades and glittering shop windows, it's no wonder that even the pigeons here walk with a touch of sophistication. So, remember to put on your best walking shoes, as you embark on a stylish journey through Graben, where you'll discover the finest waltz between human ambition and architectural splendor!

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2. Albertina

4.7 (23537)

Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Albertina, the quirky gem of Vienna! This delightful museum exudes charm, housing an impressive collection of art and wit. Prepare to be swept away into a whimsical world where Mona Lisa meets the quirkiest contemporary art, all under one roof. Don't forget to grab a cheeky souvenir from the gift shop – you never know when you'll need a stylish postcard to fuel your inner artist!

www.albertina.at

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3. St. Stephen's Cathedral

4.7 (92071)

Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the crown jewel of Vienna's skyline! As you gaze upon its magnificence, you'll realize it's like the Beyoncé of cathedrals, commanding attention and stealing the show. With its Gothic spires reaching for the heavens, it's the perfect place to confess your sins while also getting a great calf workout from climbing the 343 steps to the top - your quads will thank you later!

www.stephanskirche.at

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4. Spanish Riding School

3.7 (2140)

Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where horses have mastered the fine art of "equine ballet" or as we like to call it, "horse-dancing with pizzazz!" Get ready to witness the mesmerizing sight of elegant Lipizzaner stallions gracefully pirouetting and tiptoeing around the arena, as if auditioning for a horse version of "Dancing with the Stars." Don't be fooled by their fancy footwork though; these majestic creatures can also kick up a storm, so make sure to bring an umbrella for protection against accidental horse-hair showers.

www.srs.at

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5. Museum of Natural History

4.8 (28089)

Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the Museum of Natural History in Vienna, where the wonders of our natural world come to life like a cast party of eccentric characters! With more fossils than your grandma's collection of old records, this place is the jackpot for all you budding archaeologists and dinosaur enthusiasts out there. Prepare to be amazed as you delve into a treasure trove of mind-boggling artifacts and creatures that make even the wildest creatures on reality TV seem tame in comparison. So hold onto your hats, folks, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of discovery!

www.nhm-wien.ac.at

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6. Hofburg Palace

4.7 (41889)

1010 Vienna, Austria

Welcome to the magnificent Hofburg Palace in Vienna, where imperial splendor meets quirky history! Prepare to be dazzled by this colossal architectural marvel that has more rooms than your neighbor's house, and enough opulence to make even a peacock jealous. Get ready to see where Habsburgs ruled while practicing their royal wave, venture into the maze of endless corridors, and experience the grandeur that comes with having a palace fit for an emperor - and maybe a few of his pet elephants.

www.wien.info

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7. Danube Tower

4.5 (12790)

Donauturmplatz 1, 1220 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the splendid Danube Tower in Vienna, where you can elevate your sightseeing experience without any fear of vertigo-induced wobbling! Standing tall at 252 meters, this architectural marvel boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making you wonder how many hours you'd have to invest on an airport's moving walkway to glimpse such beauty. Prepare to be whisked away to cloud nine, quite literally, in one of its high-speed elevators that may leave you momentarily considering a career as an astronaut.

www.donauturm.at

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8. Riesenradplatz

Riesenradpl., 1020 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Riesenradplatz in Vienna, where even the tallest man can feel like a hobbit! This iconic square is home to the Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel that's so big, it's practically the gateway to the clouds. Get ready to spin like a dervish and wave at the birds because, let's be honest, this ride is the only time you'll ever feel high without breaking any laws. Once you touch the ground again, indulge in a culinary adventure as you navigate countless food stalls, where you can sample enough sausages to fuel your Schnitzel obsession for a lifetime.

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9. Hundertwasser House

4.4 (13147)

Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria

Nestled in the heart of Vienna lies Hundertwasser House, a wild and wondrous architectural marvel that will make you question if the building designers had a secret rendezvous with a psychedelic rainbow. Prepare to have your eyes tickled as you admire the whimsical array of mismatched windows, each embracing its unique eccentricity like a proud fashion statement from an eclectic collection of sunglasses. Forget symmetry and uniformity, for here, chaos reigns supreme, leaving no straight line untouched and no passerby uninspired.

www.hundertwasser-haus.info

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10. Vienna City Hall

4.7 (2664)

Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Vienna City Hall, a magnificent architectural wonder that resembles a wedding cake on steroids. After all, who doesn't dream of getting hitched in a place that looks like it's been made oven-ready for giants? With its towering spires and intricate details, this beloved landmark will have you saying, "I do!" to exploring all the historical, political, and downright weird tales hidden within these walls. So, grab your oversized tiara and let's get ready to delve into the enchanting world of Vienna City Hall!

www.wien.gv.at

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11. Prater Park

4.5 (96498)

1020 Vienna, Austria

Nestled amidst the Viennese charm, Prater Park is no ordinary green space – it’s a vibrant playground for the young-at-heart. Brace yourself for an amusement extravaganza that will leave you dizzy with excitement and joy. From iconic Ferris wheels to thrilling roller coasters, this park is a whimsical wonderland where you can pretend to be a kid again, free of judgment and high pants responsibilities.

www.praterwien.com

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12. Giant Ferris Wheel

4.5 (30668)

Gaudeegasse 1, 1020 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna, where the sky is the limit, quite literally! Hop on this towering behemoth and prepare for an adventure that'll have your jaw dropping faster than the speed of the wheel! As you soar to new heights, brace yourself for stunning panoramic views of Vienna, because selfies at ground level are so last season!

www.wienerriesenrad.com

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13. Naschmarkt

4.3 (50454)

1060 Vienna, Austria

Welcome to Naschmarkt, Vienna's vibrant culinary playground where foodies and market enthusiasts unite! As you step into this hungry wonderland, prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other. From exotic spices that can make your taste buds do the Macarena to vintage vinyl records that make you want to dance like nobody's watching, Naschmarkt is a feast for all your senses.

www.wien.gv.at

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14. Vienna Zoo

4.7 (44169)

Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria

If you're tired of monkeying around with boring travel destinations, swing on over to Vienna Zoo, also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, for a wild and uproarious adventure. Prepare to be entertained by a menagerie of animals that put on better shows than some humans I know - from the roaring lions to the flamboyant peacocks strutting their stuff. Want to have a conversation with a parrot? Welcome to Vienna Zoo, where even the feathered friends have a lot to say (and if you're lucky, they might just lend you some fashion advice too!).

www.zoovienna.at

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15. Vienna Secession

4.2 (5268)

Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Vienna, where art meets rebellion in the most charming way! Prepare to be whisked away to the era of Viennese Secession, a movement as unique as Austria's love for schnitzels. The city’s architectural amalgamation of ornate and funky buildings, like the famous golden dome of Secession building, will leave you wondering if Gustav Klimt himself spiked the mortar with a hint of whimsy. So, grab your paintbrushes (or just your selfie stick, no judgment here), and immerse yourself in this kaleidoscope of art and culture.

www.secession.at

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16. Kunsthistorisches Museum

4.8 (21449)

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where art takes on a whimsical journey through time! This majestic museum is home to remarkable masterpieces from renowned artists, making it the perfect spot for both art aficionados and clueless wanderers looking to impress their cultured friends. Prepare to be gobsmacked by the stunning architecture, the mind-boggling array of precious artworks, and the uncanny feeling that you've finally found a museum where even the security guards might secretly come to life after dark!

www.khm.at

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17. Belvedere Palace

4.7 (55141)

Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Belvedere Palace in the heart of Vienna, a visual feast fit for the most distinguished art connoisseur or the avid selfie enthusiast! This breathtaking architectural masterpiece will have your jaw dropping faster than an Austrian pastry in the presence of an insatiable appetite. Whether you're here to appreciate the intricate Baroque details or to hunt for the perfect photo backdrop, Belvedere Palace promises an unforgettable experience that will make you say, "That's my kind of palace!"

www.belvedere.at

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18. Vienna State Opera

4.7 (43270)

Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Welcome to the Vienna State Opera, the grand dame of all opera houses in Vienna! Step inside and prepare to be dazzled by the opulence that would make even Marie Antoinette blush. With its towering columns and exquisite architecture, this magnificent opera house is where Mozart himself would have twirled his powdered wig with glee. So, grab your monocle and prepare for a night of culture, music, and possibly a spontaneous urge to break out into a dramatic aria yourself!

www.wiener-staatsoper.at

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19. Karlskirche

4.6 (16737)

Karlskirche, Karlsplatz 10, 1040 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Karlskirche, Vienna's answer to architects who just couldn't decide on one style. This baby has a little bit of everything - from the grandeur of Baroque, the elegance of Classical, and a touch of youthful rebellion thrown in too. If you're tired of those boring, predictable churches, come on down and marvel at this architectural masterpiece that's as confused as your travel guide's sense of direction.

www.erzdioezese-wien.at

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20. Schönbrunn Palace

4.7 (124527)

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

Welcome to Schönbrunn Palace, the epitome of Austrian royalty and opulence! This majestic palace in Vienna is like a real-life fairytale castle, minus the dragons and wicked stepmothers. With its dazzling gardens and over 1400 rooms to explore, Schönbrunn will make you wonder if it was actually built by super ambitious ants with a taste for grandeur. Trust me, you won't need a time machine to experience aristocratic living.

www.schoenbrunn.at

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Vienna by plane is to fly directly to Vienna International Airport. There are numerous airlines that operate flights to Vienna such as Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and more.

Car

If you are traveling from neighboring countries or just around Austria, driving to Vienna is a great option. The A1, A2, and A4 highways lead directly to Vienna and there are plenty of parking spots available in the city center.

Train

Getting to Vienna by train is convenient with Vienna Central Station being the main transportation hub. You can travel from numerous European cities to Vienna by train such as Berlin, Budapest, and Prague.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat transportation to Vienna, you can take a Danube river cruise which stops in Vienna for sightseeing. These cruises usually start from Budapest or Passau and offer stunning views of the Wachau Valley.

Bus

Traveling to Vienna by bus is relatively easy with many companies offering services to Vienna from other European cities. Eurolines, Flixbus, and RegioJet are some of the companies that operate bus services to Vienna.

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Four-day Fun: Exploring Vienna, Austria

As a tourist visiting Vienna, Austria, you can expect to marvel at the city's ornate architecture, immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, and indulge in the local culinary delights. A stroll through the historic center, exploring the grand museums and art galleries, and listening to world-class music performances are all on offer in this vibrant city. With its picturesque parks, bustling cafés, and charming streets, Vienna is a dream destination for any traveler looking to discover the heart of Europe.

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Vienna is a wonderful place to visit on a limited budget. One can explore the city on foot or by public transport which is cheap and efficient. There are several free attractions like museums, parks, and street performances that one can enjoy.

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Vienna, Austria offers plenty of affordable activities for budget-conscious travelers. Visit museums and cultural landmarks, such as the Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt and St. Stephen's Cathedral, which are either free or have low admission fees. To save on accommodation, consider staying in hostels or renting an apartment in a residential area. Enjoy delicious cuisine from the city's street food stalls or eat at affordable local restaurants like the Vienna Würstelstand.

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Vienna, the city of classical music and stunning architecture, is the perfect destination for a romantic trip. With its grand palaces, romantic gardens, and quaint coffee shops, Vienna offers the ultimate fairy tale experience. Whether you're strolling the charming streets of the old city, enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, or attending a classical music concert, Vienna is sure to impress any romantic couple.