Top 7 Things to See and Do in Vienna

Best places to see in Vienna

Are you a traveler and looking for a European city with rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene? Then Vienna should be at the top of your list!

Vienna is a heaven for those who are fans of classical music, art lovers or simply enjoy exploring picturesque streets and majestic palaces. This amazing city offers something for everyone.

But, what makes this city stand out from others in Europe?

Vienna is the capital city of Austria. This city is renowned for its imperial palaces, world-class museums, classical music legacy, and picturesque streets. Vienna is located in the heart of Central Europe and this city offers countless opportunities for sightseeing, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.

In this guide, we will explore your top 7 must see attractions and activities to do during your visit to Vienna so you can collect unforgettable memories. Excited to know where you should start?

Let’s start exploring each attraction one by one.

Vienna Natural History Museum

The first tourist destination to visit in Vienna is the Vienna Natural History Museum which is not just a museum. This museum is a portal of millions of years of history of Earth and offers a fascinating journey through time.

The museum is also home to Europe’s most extensive meteorite collection. The Tissint meteorite which is believed to have come from Mars, makes for an awe-inspiring exhibit.

Are you moving with your kids? This museum has something for your kids as well. For dinosaur lovers, the fully reconstructed Diplodocus skeleton is a sight to behold, towering over visitors in the newly renovated Dinosaur Hall. This hall isn’t just about skeletons, it's filled with interactive displays, bringing the prehistoric world to life for both young and old.

Besides the mesmerizing earth history, you must also appreciate the stunning architecture of this museum itself. This museum was built in the late 19th century and its grand hall and ceilings reflect the era’s love for both knowledge and beauty.

• Location: Museumsquartier, Vienna
• Hours: Open Thursday to Monday, 9 am – 6:30 pm (open late on Wednesdays)
• Admission: €10 for adults, €8 for seniors, free for children under 19

Pro Tip: If you’re tired and want to take some rest exploring the museum, there is a Cafe inside the museum to take a break. You can enjoy a coffee surrounded by marble columns and a view of the inner courtyard and this will add a touch of Viennese flair to your museum day.

Schonbrunn Palace

If you want to visit Austria's Imperial past then there is no place better than visiting Schonbrunn Palace which is also a historical monument and it's an immersion into the grandeur of Austria’s imperial past.

When you walk through the palace’s vast corridors and Opulent rooms, you can imagine the life of Empress Maria Theresa or Emperor Franz Joseph. They opened the palace to the public.

When you look at the delicate porcelain displayed in the Blue Chinese Salon or the grandeur of the Great Gallery, you will feel like everything is telling you a story. These sparkling chandeliers and frescoed ceilings are showing the love for the art of that era.

The ground of the palace is also very spectacular with its manicured Gardens, the Gloria perched atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the place and the City beyond.

When you visit the palm house with its exotic plants and the world's oldest zoo, you will feel like you have spent that full day exploring the estate.

• Location: Hietzing, Vienna
• Hours: Daily, 9 am – 5 pm (vary by season)
• Admission: €16 for adults, €11 for children (various ticket packages available)

Pro Tip: If you want to go deep down for a better experience than you can have an audio tour of the Imperial Apartments. This way you will learn about the fascinating stories and political intrigue of the Habsburg family.

Vienna State Opera House

Are you a music lover? Then what's better than visiting Vienna State Opera House! This place is an iconic symbol of the city's deep connection to music. No matter if you want to attend a world class performance or simply tour its Opulent interior, the experience that you’ll get is unforgettable.

If you are a music enthusiast, you can catch performances ranging from traditional Opera offered by Mozart and WagonR. You can also enjoy more modern productions as well. There are world renowned acoustics and Vienna Philharmonic which is also performed here. This could be considered as one of the best orchestras in the world.

What if you are not an Opera buff? You can still tour this Opera House because this will offer fascinating insights into its history. You will learn how it was destroyed during WWII and how much effort has been done to restore it to its former Glory.

• Location: Opernring 2, Vienna
• Hours: Guided tours available daily, times vary based on performance schedule
• Admission: Tour prices start at €12 for adults, performance ticket prices vary

Pro Tip: If you are having a tight budget then here is the tip for you; you can get the standing tickets at surprisingly low prices so you can enjoy this top not Opera even if you don't have enough budget.

Riesenrad Ferris Wheel

Your trip to Vienna will be incomplete if you don’t enjoy the famous ride on Riesenrad that is one of the most beloved landmarks of the city.

When you reach the top of this historic Ferris wheel, you will experience a breathtaking view of the city which will give you a sweeping panorama of the city’s Skyline and this also includes other scenarios such as the Danube River and the sprawling Prater amusement park below.

This ride is not just a sightseeing experience but it is also a nostalgic journey into Vienna's past. This was built in 1897 and it has witnessed over a century of Vienna's history and surviving wars and countless changes to the city's landscape.

• Location: Prater, Vienna
• Hours: Daily, 9 am – 11 pm (seasonal hours may apply)
• Admission: €12 for adults, €5 for children

Pro Tip: Is not just about riding on Riesenrad but the park also has many other fun activities for families such as roller coasters, kids games and cafes. This is not just 2 hours of entertainment but it is a full day of activity and exploration.

Stephansplatz & St. Stephen's Cathedral

If you want to visit a destination in Vienna that seamlessly blends together the old and new Vienna then you should visit this place called Stephansplatz. This is the heart and soul of Vienna.

At the center of this point, you will see awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is an architecture Marvel having a Gothic spire and colorful tiled roof. When you climb 343 steps towards the top of South Tower, you will be blessed with a panoramic view of the whole city.

While viewing the cathedral from inside, you will experience an impressive and soaring vaulted ceiling with intricate stone carvings and also having stunning stained glass Windows. If you hire a guide, he will better explain to you the thorough centuries of history of this place including the catacombs beneath this Cathedral where many notable Austrians are buried including members of the habsburg family.

• Location: Stephansplatz, Vienna
• Hours: Daily, 6 am – 10 pm
• Admission: Free entry to the main cathedral; €5 for tower access, €6 for catacomb tours

When you go outside this Cathedral, you will see the city buzzing with life and the street performers are entertaining tourists. This area is also a home to many famous cafes and restaurants that provide classic Viennese coffee and everything you want to enjoy.

Pro Tip: If you want to build a Deeper understanding of this Cathedral's history then you should join the evening tour which includes visiting the areas such as the crypts and bell tower.

Belvedere Palace and Gardens

If you are both an art lover and history enthusiast then you should visit Belvedere Palace which is an absolute must. This grand Baroque palace complex is not just only an architectural Marvel but it is also home to some of the most significant art collections that you can find in Europe including the world famous painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

There are two sections of Belvedere Palace which are upper and lower Belvedere. In the upper section, you will find the extensive art collection featuring work from the medieval period to modern masterpieces. In the lower section you will find gilded halls and frescoed ceilings which will lead you to the 80th century of art.

However this is not just about the art collection but the Gardens of the palace are a sight with beautifully landscape lawns, fountains and sculptures that are offering a tranquil escape from the bustling City. Especially the view from the upper Belvedere across the garden to the skyline of the city is something that you will remember for years.

• Location: Prinz Eugen-Straße, Vienna
• Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
• Admission: €16 for adults, discounts for seniors and students

Pro Tip: If you want to fully enjoy yourself without facing Rush, then you should visit during the early morning or late afternoon because in these hours there is low Rush.

Naschmarkt

So we have talked about everything including art collections, music, and the beauty of the city but what if you are a foodie who just loves exploring local foods? Don’t forget to visit Naschmarkt.

This place stretches over 1.5 km and has been around since the 16th century. This place is a vibrant hub of Viennese life. You will find everything here such as fresh produce, exotic spices, vintage goods and artisan cheese.

One thing that makes this place special is its variety of foods. You can enjoy local delicacies such as Viennese schnitzel, sample fresh seafood, or even try exotic Middle Eastern or Asian dishes and there are many styles offering all these things.

Not only just stalls but there are chic restaurants and cafes throughout the market that make this place a perfect spot to sit down, relax and soak in the lively atmosphere

• Location: Wienzeile, Vienna
• Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6 am – 6:30 pm
• Admission: Free entry, food prices vary by vendor

Pro Tip: While there is a massive rush of tourists and local peoples, we suggest you visit this place on Saturday to catch that flea market where you can hunt for antiques, vintage fashion and quirky souvenirs.

Vienna is a beautiful city that captivates its tourists with the rich blend of history, culture and Charm. This city offers artistic heritage, musical legacy, picturesque streets and it offers a unique experience for every type of traveler.

If you are a kind of traveler who loves to explore, then Vienna is full of surprises and this city will leave lasting Impressions in your memories. This is a city where you will experience the past and present at the same time.

So make sure that Vienna is on your travel list and explore all the seven destinations that we have explored in this travel guide for you.

Vienna is a city that never disappoints!