Top Things To Do in Vienna and Where to Stay – Vienna Travel Guide
Imperial palaces, classical concerts, Christmas markets and more – my guide to the top things to do in Vienna will help you make the most of this beautiful city.
Vienna’s beauty is hardly a well kept secret, however, I still wasn’t prepared for how enchanting Vienna really is. Its location on the Danube certainly adds to its beauty, but this is nothing compared to the stunning buildings on every corner, the magnificent palaces, remarkable museums and historic coffee houses.
But its not only in terms of beauty that Vienna excels. Its rich history and vibrant cultural scene has seen it receive the award for Europe’s most liveable city. And, being surrounded by palaces, churches and museums, Vienna feels elegant, clean and safe.
You don’t just have to take my word for it. International consulting firm Mercer‘s annual global study assesses the quality of life in major cities and Vienna has maintained the number 1 spot for 10 years and was once again awarded the city with the best quality of life in 2023.
Show me another city that offers as much culture, art, history and beauty as Vienna, I’ll wait….
About Vienna
Austria’s capital city has over two million residents and is Austria’s largest city. Vienna’s artistic heritage comes from having the world’s best composers, artists and phycologists, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Klimt and Freud as former residents of the Austrian capital.
The Habsburgs ruled their empire from Vienna for over 600 years and their legacy is evident by the extraordinary Imperial palaces in the city.
In 1857 Emperor Franz Joseph, the last great monarch of the Habsburg dynasty, decided he wanted Vienna’s suburbs to be connected to the city, so that the historic centre wasn’t just for aristocrats and the royal society.
He ordered the destruction of the city walls and the building of a 5.3km boulevard – Vienna’s Ringstrasse. This took over 50 years to build and surrounds the city today. It is home to the Vienna State Opera, the Museum of Fine Arts as well as numerous palaces and parklands.
With so much history and culture, it is no surprise that there are many great things to do in Vienna. I have picked some of my favourites below to help you make the most of this captivating city over a long weekend.
1. Spend the day at Schonbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs, the rulers of the Austrian empire from the 15th to 20th Century. However, the words summer residence do not aptly describe this 1441 roomed stunning palace that is set on 435 acres – a larger area than the country of Monaco! Schönbrunn is Vienna’s Versailles, it is Austria’s top sights and a must visit in Vienna.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the palace to gain valuable insight into how the royals lived. Photographs inside are forbidden but each room has a different story to tell and it is a fascinating tour.
You will learn about the remarkable Empress Marie Theresa, who was the only female Empress to rule the monarchy, all while having 16 children in 19 years – one of whom was Marie Antoinette, who became Queen of France.
Empress Elisabeth, or Sissi as she is more famously known, has been a royal icon for years. Bars and cafés are named after her and her face if often depicted on souvenirs.
She is often referred to as 19th-century Princess Diana and I loved hearing tales about her, especially after seeing the Netflix drama The Empress, which is an intriguing mini series about her life.
TOP TIP: Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the stunning palace gardens and have lunch in the gorgeous Gloriette Café afterwards. Housed in what was once the former garden house, it is a beautiful building and well worth a visit.
TOP TIP: Check to see if there are any concerts scheduled in the Orangery during your visit – Mozart performed here, and there are regular classical concerts held throughout the year.
2. Take in a concert
Vienna is known as the ‘City of Music’ and Schonbrunn is just one of the many places to catch a classical concert in the city. Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Haydn were born here, and although Beethoven was born in Germany, he spent much of his time in Vienna too.
Vienna’s State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses in the world and is one of city’s top attractions. There are 350 performances of more than 60 different operas and ballets throughout the year. Some say its Art Nouveau design is as impressive as the musicians that perform here, but that will depend on your taste in music I guess!
If you are not sure if Opera is for you, and just want to sample the experience, then you can opt for €10 standing tickets, which allow you to tour the opera house on your own beforehand. Guided tours are also available.
To get standing room only tickets, you can either sign up online for the Austrian Federal Theatre Card (this allows you to purchase 4 standing room only tickets in advance for €20) or wait in line the day of the performance for any remaining seats.
Konzerthaus is less known but also a popular concert venue, as are the classical concerts at St Anne’s Church, which I had the pleasure of experiencing. We enjoyed an hour-long concert of music from Mozart and Haydn by a string quartet. St Anne’s Church is considered an architectural masterpiece with outstanding acoustics.
Even the buskers in Vienna are worth stopping for. Many of them have been trained in classical music and listening to them play at the metro station is a tourist attraction in its own right!
3. Climb St Stephen’s Cathedral
St Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is located in the heart of the city and a must see in Vienna. This gothic masterpiece is beautiful inside and out, but if time and energy allows, I suggest climbing the 343 steps of the south tower to see its extraordinary roof, as well as views over Vienna.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the tallest church in Austria, and the tallest of its four towers is the south tower at 136 metres. Its colourful roof tiles are striking and contain Vienna’s coat of arms on one side and the imperial double-headed eagle on the other.
St Stephen’s Cathedral is also the burial site of many Habsburgs, and the catacombs and cathedral can be visited by guided tour.
Top Tip: Allow plenty of time to explore the surrounding streets. Graben is one of Vienna’s most famous streets and houses many designer shops as well as trendy cafés with heated outdoor seating.
The famous chocolate café Demel is nearby too – don’t miss its elaborate window displays, while the Lindt shop across the road from St Stephen’s Cathedral offers personalised Lidnt bears for just €13 – a lovely souvenir to bring home.
4. Sample a Sacher Torte
Vienna’s signature cake, the Sachertorte, dates back to 1832. This is a chocolate sponge cake with dark chocolate ganache and finely-spread apricot jam. Most cafés and restaurants will have this on the menu but the Hotel Sacher has the original recipe, which was proven after a successful lawsuit against the Demel chocolate café in 1938.
5. Marvel at the Museum Quarter
The museums in Vienna have their very own quarter – it is known as MQ. It is one of the largest cultural quarters in the world and covers 60,000 m². There are 60 different cultural institutions here, and many museums are housed in former imperial court stables.
MQ manages to make the museum quarter a great place to hang out. As well as art and history museums, there are trendy restaurants with contemporary outdoor seating, a sculpture park and even a mini golf course.
The Leopold is one of Austria’s finest art museums and houses several Schiele and Klimt paintings as well as a cool rooftop bar, while Mumok’s contemporary collection features works from Andy Warhol and Yoko Ono.
Children up to 14 can experiment with animation, painting and glue at Zoom museum, while younger kids can enjoy the ocean-themed room with mirror tunnel and a ship’s deck.
6. Visit Vienna’s Coffee Houses
Vienna is renowned for its café culture with Café Central and Landtmann being two of the most famous coffee houses. We had dinner at Café Landtmann, and while I don’t recommend it, I believe it is a great spot for coffee and cake.
Café Central opened in 1876 and was a regular haunt of Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky. It is beautiful inside but I didn’t get the opportunity to dine there.
Vienna’s coffee houses are on the UNESCO world heritage site list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and many cafés still retain their original decor. Both cafés have lengthy queues throughout the day, but you can pre-book tables.
7. Explore the Hofburg Imperial Palace
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is also known as the winter palace, and was the official residence of the Habsburgs. It has been the centre of power since 1279 so as you can imagine it is packed with history.
It is now the residence of the president as well as many of Vienna’s best museums and galleries, including the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, State Hall and Austrian National Library.
The Sisi Museum is regarded as one of the best things to do in Vienna. You can see her dressing room in the well preserved Imperial apartments, where Sisi spent two hours every day getting her ankle-length hair combed!
However, if you don’t want to visit the museums, the Hofburg Palace is still a must visit in Vienna. You can’t help but be wowed by its stunning architecture and the immaculate horse and carriages that are parked outside – it is one of the most iconic places in Vienna.
Take time to pass through the porticos to Heroes’ Square (Heldenplatz), and see the balcony where Hitler gave his famous speech in 1938.
A walking tour of the city is a great way to see and gain insight into the Imperial Palace, especially if you don’t have time to visit the museums.
8. Book a Performance at the Spanish Riding School
Classical dressage is a tradition in Austria and the Spanish Riding School has been training horses for over 450 years. Built during the Habsburg Monarchy, it seems to be just as popular today – tickets to all shows were booked out during our visit.
It is located at the Hofburg Palace and is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. Performances take place in a unique baroque riding school, the largest oval horse walker in the world, where horses perform to classical Viennese music.
Guided tours will give you insight into the training involved, and you can purchase tickets for training sessions or exclusive performances.
9. Visit Belvedere Palace
Vienna’s Belvedere Palace was the summer home to Austrian princes in the 1600’s and is another top attraction in Vienna. This Baroque palace is divided into Upper and Lower Belvedere. Upper Belvedere is famous for housing the Klmit art collection, while Lower Belvedere houses art exhibitions from the palace and the Orangery – you can purchase tickets to tour one section or the entire palace.
Make time to explore the beautiful Baroque gardens too. The main garden is situated between the Lower and the Upper Belvedere and extends over three large terraces, while the reflection pond offers the mirroring effect that is often photographed – it is one of Vienna’s most iconic images.
10. Play at Prater Amusement Park
If you want a break from Vienna’s cultural centre, take a trip to nearby Prater Amusement Park. It is one of the free things to do in Vienna that is home to multiple rides, including one of the world’s oldest ghost trains and a massive 65-metre Ferris Wheel that was built in 1897!
While the park will surely feel vintage, there are modern rides and rollercoasters too as well as lots of restaurants and market stalls. This is one of the top things to do in Vienna with kids. Note rides are priced individually.
11. Visit Mozart’s Apartment
Mozart and his family stayed in the same apartment in Vienna from 1784 to 1787 – the longest period of time he stayed in one place in the city. It has seven rooms and is located close to St Stephen’s Cathedral. If you are interested in Mozart then this is a must visit in Vienna.
While the furnishings are not original, they are representative of this period, and you can say you stood in the same place that the greatest composer of all time composed the Marriage of Figaro! See more here.
12. Explore Vienna’s Christmas markets
Vienna is a beautiful city at any time of year, but Christmas time is magical. Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the world, they have been a tradition since 1298, and there are over 12 different markets in the city centre, with more in the suburbs.
Read: Europe’s top 10 Christmas markets
Some markets open from mid November and run until the 23rd of December, and I highly recommend visiting as early as possible to enjoy them with less crowds. We went at the end of November on a group tour with Travel Department and it was the perfect time to visit.
The market at Rathaus (City Hall) is considered the best Christmas Market in Vienna and is its largest with over 100 stalls. You will also find a giant Christmas tree, ferris wheel, carousel, ice rink and a dedicated children’s area.
The markets at Schonnbrunn Palace are also worth visiting, and because it gets dark from about 4pm in December, it is a good idea to combine them with a visit to the Palace.
I liked the Art Advent Market too which is located at Karlsplatz, beside the beautiful Karlskirche Church, Church of St Charles. This market is more focused around arts and crafts and has lots of unique handmade gifts.
The small market at Am Hof is also a must visit, it has some great outdoor bars and cafés, including a cosy Champagne Bar! Pop into the nearby Brezl Gwolb restaurant afterwards for authentic Austrian food.
There are international choir singers performing free of charge at the markets, and classical concerts are on in churches and theatres all over the city.
There are many more markets to choose from including large markets at the Museum Quarter and Belevedere House, as well as stalls in the city centre at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Day Trips from Vienna
Although there are so many things to do in Vienna, if time allows I recommend booking a day trip to explore some of the nearby countryside. Salzburg is a popular choice, as is the nearby city of Bratislava in Slovakia, but if you are looking for the wow factor, and one of the most Instagrammable places in Austria, then it has to be Hallstatt.
13. Enjoy a full Day Trip to Hallsstatt with Skywalk
A visit to Hallstatt is arguably the best day trip from Vienna. This is a full day guided tour that includes visits to Seeschloss Ort castle, the beautiful town of Hallstatt and its amazing Hallstatt Skywalk.
14. Visit Vienna’s Thermals Baths
Therme Wien is one Europe’s biggest and most modern city spas that can be reached easily from Vienna’s historic city center on the subway. It is home to the largest thermal baths in Austria with 26 pools, 25 sauna and steam rooms, 2,500 loungers and a 6,000 m2 health and fitness area.
15. Book a half day wine tour
If you want a short break away from the city, and are a wine lover, then this 4-hour small-group tour should tick both boxes. Drive out to the Austrian countryside, visit three local wineries, taste 10 – 12 different wines and enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner all for just €115.
The best time to visit Vienna
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and can be enjoyed at any time of year, with cheaper airfares and hotel prices available during Spring and Autumn. However, the optimum times to visit Vienna are the warm summer months, or the winter months for the traditional Christmas markets.
The summer months are the best time to see the gardens at Schonnbrunn and Belvedere Palaces at their best. You can also admire the city from its many outdoor dining areas and roof top bars, and take a trip to the countryside to explore Austria’s wineries and majestic mountains.
As well as the magical Christmas markets, many believe Austrian cities and cuisine are best enjoyed during the winter – think goulash, hearty soups, hot chocolate and plenty of gluhwein, and if you are lucky, you may get some snow flurries too!
Where to stay in Vienna
If your budget allows, I recommend staying in the heart of city, if for no other reason that to soak up its wonderful atmosphere. However, the subway is extremely efficient and inexpensive, so if you are staying on the outskirts, you will be in the city centre in minutes.
4 Star Hotels in Vienna
The K+K Palais Hotel and the K+K Hotel Maria Theresia are some of the best hotels in Vienna for value. The former is housed in a historical building that once belonged to the Imperial family, and located close to St. Stephens Cathedral it is hard to beat this for price and location.
If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Vienna, then check out the boutique Rathaus Wein Hotel – Vienna’s only wine themed hotel which boasts a rooftop terrace.
The Hotel Beethoven Wein is located beside Naschmarkt Open-Air Market and just a 5-minute walk from the Ringstraße Boulevard and Vienna’s centre. You can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee in the Beethoven Lounge and there is a classic concert including a glass of sparkling wine on either Saturday or Sunday from 17:00.
The Appartement-Hotel an der Riemergasse is the best choice for a families looking for apartments in Vienna. These studios, one and two bedroom suites are highly recommended on TripAdvisor and centrally located in the heart of Vienna, just 3 minutes walk from St Stephen’s Cathedral.
5 Star Hotels in Vienna
If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Vienna that won’t break the bank, check out the Hotel Topazz & Lamée. This is superbly located and is one of the best value five star hotels in Vienna.
The Sans Souci Wein is a hotel that is only own wish list. Superbly located directly opposite the Museum Quarter, this is a stylish art hotel in the centre of Vienna. Not only is amazing art displayed throughout the hotel, but everything from food to facilities is portrayed in an elegant artistic way. The Sans Souci Spa boasts the largest indoor pool in Vienna too.
If money is no object and you are looking for the best five star hotels in Vienna, then look no further than the Hotel Sacher or Imperial.
How to get to Vienna
Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly direct to Vienna from Dublin. There is a direct train service from the Vienna international airport to the city centre every 30 minutes – the journey time is just 16 minutes. This is the easiest way to reach the city. Public transportation through the city is reliable and easy to use, choose from buses, trains or the metro.
Consider purchasing a Vienna City Card to enjoy unlimited access to public transportation along with a variety of additional benefits, such as discounts on museums, attractions, tours, and restaurants throughout the city.
Group tour specialists, Travel Department, offer guided group tours during the Summer with combined visits to Prague and Budapest, as well as city breaks.
I hope my Vienna travel guide will help you enjoy a city break there soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, attractions and services are subject to change.
Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional charge to you.
