When you think of a city steeped in Habsburg romance and countless attractions, Vienna immediately comes to mind! Although the grandeur of the Habsburg era may have faded, the city still exudes that unique charm.
To experience the best of this vibrant metropolis with its historic architecture, we recommend our Vienna Highlights Bike Tour. In just 3 hours, you’ll discover the essence of Vienna with an expert guide.
What are the top attractions in Vienna?
Some highlights you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vienna:
- The magnificent palaces and baroque buildings, such as the Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- The unique Hundertwasserhaus, a showcase of modern architecture.
- The elegance of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School.
- An atmospheric evening stroll through the illuminated Prater city park.
Note…
With the Vienna Advantage Card, you get access to the Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere Palace. Save not only money but also enjoy the convenience of a 100% digital pass and access to public transport (24-72h) + discounts.
Visit the highlights of Vienna at your own pace and enjoy unique combinations of attractions offered by this pass.
Want to know more about these attractions? Be sure to read on!
Schönbrunn Palace
The absolute highlight among Vienna attractions has to be Schönbrunn Palace. This is the place where Empress Sissi and Emperor Franz-Joseph spent their warm summer days. The enormous palace consists of more than 1,400 rooms, 40 of which are open to the public. These are mainly the state rooms, lavishly decorated, taking you back in time. And don’t forget to take a relaxing stroll in the palace gardens, which are perfect for this.
> Schönbrunner-Schloss-Strasse 13 | Open from 08:00 – 17:30 (in Jul – Aug until 18:30 and from Nov – Mar until 17:00) |
Spanish Riding School
When you search for “Vienna attractions” you will definitely come across the Spanish Riding School. This is the only place in the world where the classical haute école of equestrian dressage is still practiced. In one of the city’s chicest baroque palaces, the Hofburg, the Lipizzaner horses perform their pirouettes. If you want to attend a 45-minute show, you might have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, depending on the ticket type. A cheaper way to catch a glimpse of the horses is by attending a training session.
> Michaelerplatz 1 | Open during training on Tue – Sat from 10:00 – 12:00 (no reservation needed), performances on Saturday and Sunday
The postcard-worthy Hundertwasserhaus
Vienna has its own Gaudí, and his name is Hundertwasser. All his designs are true works of art, but his most famous is undoubtedly the Hundertwasserhaus. This is the most photographed house in the Austrian capital and can be found on many postcards. It is used as a residential building and can only be admired from the outside, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. With its colorful facades and modern architecture, it definitely belongs among the top Vienna attractions.
> Kegelgasse 36-38
Schloss Belvedere Palace
This is truly a must-see when you visit Vienna. This complex includes two palaces, a beautiful garden, and the modern Belvedere 21. Architect Lucas von Hildebrandt designed these palaces for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Lower Belvedere was built first, followed by Upper Belvedere.
Both palaces are museums; in the Upper Belvedere, you can find works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Additionally, there are paintings by French Impressionists. In the Lower Belvedere, you can see older art, such as the original statue of the Donner Fountain. You can also admire the former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy here.
Belvedere 21 is the place to find contemporary Austrian and international art, film, and music.
> Prinz Eugen-Straße 27 / Rennweg 6 –
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic structure in all of Austria. The first thing you’ll notice about the church is the southern tower. It rises 136.7 meters above the city, making it literally and figuratively one of the highlights among Vienna attractions. You can climb it for a fabulous view over the city. If 343 steps are too much, you can take the elevator in the northern tower, which takes you to a height of 68 meters. Here you’ll also find the Pummerin: the largest church bell in Austria.
> Stephansplatz 1 | Open daily from 09:00 – 17:30 | Entry varies depending on the part of the cathedral you wish to visit, see website for more information
Naschmarkt
This market is Vienna’s most famous market, and for good reason. It has a history dating back to the 16th century. Visiting this market is like taking a culinary world tour. Spices and herbs from all corners of the globe can be found here. There are countless stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, wines, cheeses, and olives. Over the years, this market has become increasingly popular and, as a result, more international.
> Kettenbrücke and Secession | Open Monday to Saturday from 06:30-18:30 | Entry to the market is free.
Prater
The Wiener Prater is a large city park, but when people mention “Prater,” they often mean the amusement park. Here you’ll find numerous attractions and dining options. Among Vienna attractions, Prater is especially known for its 65-meter-high Ferris wheel. The planetarium, where you can enjoy stunning shows about the universe, is also highly recommended. The advantage of Prater is its central location in the city. After a busy day, you can relax in the beautifully lit park in the evening.
> Open 24 hours a day throughout the year. Some attractions are open from 10:00 – 01:00 | Entry to the park is free
Fancy a Ferris wheel ride?
Albertina Museum
The museum is one of the most prestigious art museums in Vienna, located in the heart of the city. It houses an extensive collection of artworks, ranging from medieval manuscripts to contemporary art.
The collection includes works by many famous artists, including Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt, and Egon Schiele. The museum also has an extensive collection of graphic art, with more than a million prints and drawings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Albertina Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, which often provide an in-depth look at the work of a particular artist or art movement.
The Albertina Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers visiting Vienna, offering a wide range of artworks and world-class exhibitions.
>Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Wien, Austria | Open daily from 10:00 – 18:00 except Wednesday and Friday (10:00 – 21:00)
Stadtpark
This is Vienna’s oldest park, inaugurated in 1962. There are two main attractions here that capture interest. The park features statues of composers, both famous and lesser-known. Names like Johann Strauss, Robert Stolz, Anton Bruckner, and Franz Lehar all have their own statues here.
Additionally, a small river, the Wienfluss, runs through the park. You can feed the ducks and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are also incredibly beautiful flower gardens to admire.
> Stadtpark | Entry is free and the park is open 24/7.
The Museumsquartier
Not sure what to do when you’re in Vienna with teenagers? This is the perfect solution. Here you’ll find numerous modern and cozy bars, shops, and restaurants. The atmosphere is incredibly lively and it’s bustling every day. There are also various museums such as the MUMOK, Leopold Museum, Kunsthalle Wien, and the ZOOM Children’s Museum.
The Vienna State Opera
The most important opera house in Austria is located in Vienna. This opera house is stunning and is truly a Vienna attraction you must visit. Gustav Mahler, the famous composer, was once its director. Many other renowned composers have also showcased their talents here. The building is magnificent inside and out, and you’ll be amazed by its beauty.
You can attend a performance, and ticket prices vary greatly from just 12 euros to 200 euros. It’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
>Opernring 2 | Open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 23:00 and on weekends from 09:00 to 23:00.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. The museum was founded in the 19th century by the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth, and is located in a stunning building on the Ringstraße.
The collection includes works by many famous artists, including Vermeer, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. Additionally, the museum offers an extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts, including mummies, sculptures, and mosaics.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must-see destination for art and history lovers visiting Vienna, with a wide array of world-class artworks and artifacts.
Interested? Below is the option to purchase tickets.
>Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria | Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00 except Thursday (10:00-21:00)
- Tickets: Buy online
The Mozarthaus
The Mozarthaus in Vienna is a museum and a must-see destination for music lovers visiting the city. The museum is located in the historic center of Vienna and is the former home of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
It offers visitors a fascinating insight into Mozart’s life and his time in Vienna, where he composed some of his most famous works. The museum features several rooms dedicated to his life and work, including his music, letters, manuscripts, and personal belongings.
An audio guide is also available to share interesting stories during the tour.
The Mozarthaus is a must-see destination for anyone interested in music history and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the greatest composers of all time. Below is the option to purchase tickets in advance.
>Mozarthaus, Domgasse 5, 1010 Wien, Austria | Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 18:00
- Tickets: Buy online
The Karlskirche
The Karlskirche is a stunning baroque church located in the center of Vienna. It is one of the most striking attractions in the city and is a masterpiece of architecture and art.
The church was built in the 18th century in honor of Saint Charles Borromeo and was designed by the famous architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, featuring beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and altars.
One of the most notable features of the church is the dome, which stands 72 meters high and offers a breathtaking view over the city of Vienna. Visitors can also take the elevator to the top of the dome to enjoy the view.
The Karlskirche is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vienna and offers an impressive example of baroque architecture and art.
Would you like to experience Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed on baroque instruments in the Karlskirche? Below is a link to purchase tickets!
>Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien, Austria | open every day from 9:00 to 18:00 except Sunday (12:00-19:00)
- Tickets: Buy online
The Rathaus
The Rathaus is an impressive neo-Gothic building constructed between 1872 and 1883. It features a towering 98-meter spire that can be seen from afar. The Rathaus serves as the home of Vienna’s mayor and city council.
Inside, there are several halls, including the magnificent ballroom, often used for galas and other events. The Rathaus is also famous for its beautiful Christmas market, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The Volksgarten
The Volksgarten in Vienna is a beautiful park in the heart of the city, offering an oasis of peace and relaxation for both locals and tourists. Originally laid out in the 19th century as an imperial garden, it has undergone numerous renovations since.
One of the highlights of the Volksgarten is the stunning rose garden, which is in full bloom during the summer months, offering a spectacular view of colorful flowers. The park also features several ponds, fountains, and statues, as well as a charming café with outdoor seating.
Additionally, the Volksgarten is home to the famous Heldenplatz, a large square that has played a significant role in Austrian history. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Hofburg Palace and the Austrian National Library.
Church of the Trustworthy Virgin Mary
Vienna is home to the Church of the Trustworthy Virgin Mary, a stunning church known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
The church was built in the 18th century and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The church’s name is derived from the statue of the Trustworthy Virgin, located in a niche above the altar. The statue is one of the most revered religious images in Vienna and is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
Inside the church, there are many remarkable features, including the beautiful ceiling frescoes and extensive murals. The altarpiece, which tells the story of the Virgin Mary, is also very impressive.
The Church of the Trustworthy Virgin Mary also has a rich history. During World War II, the church was heavily damaged but was later restored. Today, the church is considered one of Vienna’s most important attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.
Vienna attractions fun facts
- Vienna is larger in area than Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris combined!
- Throughout the city, you’ll find beautiful old scales. These were once used as a pastime by the Viennese! Instead of inserting a coin into a slot machine, they would put a coin in the scale to see how much they or something else weighed. Here’s a photo:
- Also, you’ll notice red and white flags hanging on old buildings throughout the city. These indicate that you are standing in front of a monument! So keep an eye out for them.
Exploring Vienna attractions by bike
Want to see all the top Vienna attractions? Then book the Vienna bike tour: the highlights. A local will guide you around and share real insider tips.
Seeing Vienna in 1 day? During your bike tour in Vienna, you’ll cycle in a small group past attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hundertwasserhaus.
But also other attractions not mentioned in this blog that are well worth the visit. Relax on the bike and experience the city’s rich history and modern life.
Planning to travel from Amsterdam to Vienna by train? We’ve also compiled all the handy tips and information for you!
