10 Must-See Attractions and Things to Do in Vienna

Vienna is a city steeped in history, art, music, culture, and adventure. From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace to the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, there is something to explore around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a museum, a park, a concert, or simply a place to relax, Vienna has something for everyone. Here are 10 must-see attractions and things to do in Vienna.

1. Explore Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vienna. The former imperial summer residence is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is home to a vast collection of art and antiques. Visitors can explore the palace’s many gardens, including the iconic Great Parterre and the Privy Garden, as well as the maze and the Gloriette, an iconic hilltop building that offers panoramic views of Vienna.

The palace also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, such as the Summer Nights Concerts, which take place in the palace’s beautiful courtyards.

Be sure to visit the Imperial Carriage Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of coaches and carriages used by the Habsburgs. And don’t forget to take a stroll through the park, which is home to a variety of animals, including deer, roe deer, and red deer.

2. Discover the Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks. The palace was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century and is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace is home to a vast collection of artwork, including the world-famous painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

The palace also features a beautiful garden, which is divided into two parts: the Upper and Lower Gardens. The Upper Garden is home to a variety of sculptures, while the Lower Garden features a series of ponds and fountains.

The Belvedere Palace is also home to a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, such as the Summer Concerts in the Great Hall and the Jazz Concerts in the Lower Garden.

3. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Austria, and it is home to a variety of art and antiques. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s many chapels, as well as the treasury, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts.

Be sure to climb the 343 steps to the cathedrals’s roof and take in the stunning views of Vienna. And don’t forget to visit the catacombs, which are filled with tombs of the Habsburgs.

The cathedral also hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, such as the popular Sunday Mass Concerts.

4. Explore the Vienna State Opera House

The Vienna State Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in Vienna. The opera house was built in the late 19th century and is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Visitors can explore the interior of the building, including the grand staircase, the auditorium, and the backstage areas.

Be sure to check out the Vienna State Opera’s world-famous productions, which include a variety of operas, ballets, and concerts. The opera house also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the popular New Year’s Concerts.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, be sure to check out the Vienna State Opera House’s café, which serves a variety of traditional Viennese desserts and snacks.

5. Visit the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. The museum is home to a vast collection of fossils, minerals, and other scientific artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, including the prehistoric gallery, the zoological gallery, and the herbarium.

Be sure to check out the museum’s interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to learn more about the history of Vienna and the natural world. The museum also hosts a variety of special events, such as the popular Night at the Museum, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

The Natural History Museum also offers a variety of educational programs for both adults and children, such as lectures, workshops, and courses.

6. Tour the Hofburg Palace Complex

The Hofburg Palace Complex is one of Vienna’s most important landmarks. The palace complex was the former seat of the Habsburg dynasty and is home to a vast collection of art, antiques, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the palace’s many galleries, including the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Treasury, and the Sisi Museum.

Be sure to visit the Spanish Riding School, which offers a variety of shows and performances throughout the year. And don’t forget to check out the Hofburg Palace’s gardens, which feature a variety of plants, flowers, and fountains.

The Hofburg Palace Complex also hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, such as the popular Music at the Hofburg concerts.

7. Take a stroll through the Prater

The Prater is one of Vienna’s most popular parks. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers stunning views of Vienna. The park also features a variety of rides and attractions, such as bumper cars, roller coasters, and water slides.

Be sure to visit the Prater’s many restaurants, which serve a variety of traditional Viennese dishes. And don’t forget to check out the Prater’s many festivals and events, such as the popular Wiener Wiesn, which takes place every spring.

The Prater also offers a variety of educational programs, such as guided tours and workshops, which allow visitors to learn more about the history and culture of Vienna.

8. Visit the Vienna Zoo

The Vienna Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. Visitors can explore the zoo’s many exhibits, which feature a variety of animals from around the world.

Be sure to visit the zoo’s many restaurants, which serve a variety of traditional Viennese dishes. And don’t forget to check out the zoo’s many events, such as the popular Zoo Nights, which takes place every summer.

The Vienna Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs, such as workshops and lectures, which allow visitors to learn more about the animals and the environment.

9. Explore the Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. The market is home to a variety of stalls, which sell a variety of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, spices, meats, and cheeses. Visitors can also explore the market’s many shops, which sell a variety of souvenirs, antiques, and crafts.

Be sure to check out the market’s many restaurants, which serve a variety of traditional Viennese dishes. And don’t forget to visit the Naschmarkt’s many events, such as the popular Sunday markets, which take place every weekend.

The Naschmarkt also offers a variety of educational programs, such as cooking classes and workshops, which allow visitors to learn more about Viennese cuisine.

10. Enjoy a Concert

Vienna is home to a variety of world-class concert venues, including the Musikverein, the Wiener Konzerthaus, and the Wiener Staatsoper. Visitors can enjoy a variety of concerts, including classical music, jazz, and opera.

Be sure to check out the city’s many festivals, such as the popular Viennese Festival, which takes place every summer. And don’t forget to visit the city’s many concert halls, which offer a variety of performances throughout the year.

Vienna also hosts a variety of special events, such as the popular Music in the Museums, which takes place in the city’s many museums.

Summary

Vienna is a city steeped in history, art, music, culture, and adventure. From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace to the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, there is something to explore around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a museum, a park, a concert, or simply a place to relax, Vienna has something for everyone. Here are 10 must-see attractions and things to do in Vienna: explore Schönbrunn Palace, discover the Belvedere Palace, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the Vienna State Opera House, visit the Natural History Museum, tour the Hofburg Palace Complex, take a stroll through the Prater, visit the Vienna Zoo, explore the Naschmarkt, and enjoy a concert.