There are many places to visit in Vienna, the imperial capital of classical music and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Considered a clean, safe city with good services, Vienna tops the list of the city with the best quality of life almost every year.
In the capital of Austria you can see some of the most impressive palaces in the world, visit one of its many museums, stroll among large buildings and monuments, relax in its well-kept parks or taste its famous sasher cake in some historic café, among many other things .
We have made a list of what are for us the10 essential places to see in Vienna, based on the days we spent in the city on our trip through Austria by rental car. We start!
1. Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the famous Sissí Empress and is one of the most amazing places to see in Austria. It is our favorite palace, especially for its huge and well-kept gardens, where the views from the gazebo and a beautiful maze garden stand out.
The visit to the interior is done with audioguide and runs between huge luxuriously decorated rooms and rooms with objects of the former imperial family.
Schönbrunn Palace is located about 8 kilometers from the center, but is easily accessible by subway, tram or bus. A good option to enjoy it to the fullest is to book a tour of Vienna with a guide in Spanish that includes a visit to the palace or this guided tour of the palace, both of which are among the best excursions in Vienna.
Visiting hours: every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From July to August they close at 18:30.
Entrance included in the Vienna Pass.
Schönbrunn Palace
2. Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is one of the most beautiful libraries we have seen in the world and one of the best things to see in Vienna.
This 18th-century Baroque-style library next to the Hofburg Palace contains more than 8 million documents, including old books, maps and papyri of the House of Habsburg. Stresses its great Imperial Hall, surrounded by high wooden shelves full of books and also its statues, frescoes and ancient world globes. It is certainly one of the places to visit in Vienna And one of our favorites.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 6pm and Thursday until 9pm.
Austrian National Library
3. Ringstrasse
The Ringstrasse is a circular avenue of more than 5 kilometers that passes through many of Vienna's most visited buildings and monuments. This street that surrounds the historic center, was built in the place of an old wall that protected the city.
In addition to walking the Ringstrasse on foot you can get on a tram and enjoy the views of its parks and buildings such as the Opera House, the Parliament, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hofburg Palace, among others.
Ringstrasse
Recommended travel cardsRemember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
4. Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is another of the great imperial palaces of Vienna. This baroque-style palace is composed of two buildings, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. It was the summer palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy and stands out for its beautiful three-level gardens with large fountains.
In addition to the gardens, the Alto or Superior Belvedere gardens have become a museum that houses masterpieces such as "The kiss"by Gustav Klimt.
The palace is half an hour walk from the center, although it can also be easily reached by subway.
Visiting hours: every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entrance included in the Vienna Pass.
If you do not have the Vienna Pass you can book the ticket here in advance.
Belvedere Palace
5. Stadtpark, one of the best places to visit in Vienna
The Stadtpark is the most famous park and another one of the best places to visit in Vienna. One of the most beautiful places in the park is where the golden monument to Johan-Strauss is located, a corner that we recommend not to miss.
The park was opened in 1862 in the center of Vienna, which made it a perfect place to disconnect from the city surrounded by nature and sculptures by famous artists.
Stadtpark
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Vienna from Vienna by travelers:
- Guided tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace
- Excursion to Salzburg
- Excursion through the Danube Valley and Wachau
- Excursion to Budapest
- Vienna Forest Excursion
- More excursions and tours here
6. St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most important religious building in Vienna and also the place where the wedding and funeral of the genius Mozart was celebrated.
The church located in the central St. Stephen's Square was built on the ruins of two churches and stands out for its high spire-shaped tower from which you can see its characteristic tile roof and fantastic views of the center of Vienna.
Inside the cathedral you cannot miss the image of the crucified Christ, the Catacombs, the Pummerin Bell and the Pilgram Pulpit.
In addition, the remains of much of the House of Hasburg rest inside the cathedral.
Visiting hours: every day from 6:00 to 22:00.
Entrance included in the Vienna Pass.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
7. Prater
The Wiener Prater is the oldest amusement park in the world and one of the places to visit in Vienna more beautiful. This 1895 park retains some of the perfectly preserved attractions of that time. The Giant Ferris Wheel is its symbol and one of the attractions we climb to enjoy beautiful views of the park and Vienna from its 60 meters.
The park, located in a large green space, has other typical attractions such as a roller coaster, a ghost train and some roundabout as well as an extensive restoration offer.
The Prater is located about 3 kilometers from the center and is easily accessible by subway.
Visiting hours: every day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free entrance. The climb to the ferris wheel is included in the Vienna Pass.
If you do not have the Vienna Pass we recommend that you book this ticket in advance to avoid queues.
The Prater, one of the best places to visit in Vienna
8. Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace, the largest and oldest in Vienna, is another of the most important palaces to see in Vienna. The complex is huge and includes in addition to the imperial rooms, the Sisi Museum, a church, the Austrian National Library or the Riding Winter School, among others. The palace was the official residence of the Habsburgs for a long time and now it is the president of Austria.
It is interesting to take the audio guide to learn more about the history and details of the palace.
A great option to learn about the history of the city and that of this palace is to book this Free tour of Vienna Free!, One of the best free tours in Vienna with a guide in Spanish.
Visiting hours: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance included in the Vienna Pass.
Hofburg Palace
Our recommended hotel in Vienna
Hotel Capricorn, 4 star accommodation very central. Large and very clean rooms. Free WIFI. The very complete breakfast. Very nice and friendly staff.
For more information on the best hotels and neighborhoods we recommend you check this post of where to stay in Vienna.
9. Vienna Opera
The Vienna Opera House is one of the most emblematic opera temples worldwide. In the opera, the Vienna State Opera, one of the most prestigious companies, represents its functions.
The interior of the Renaissance-style building can be explored with a guided tour in Spanish in which you will be taken through many of its rooms.
If you do not just fit this way to visit it, another option is to buy a ticket for one of its functions, prices are not high.
Visiting hours: you can check it here.
Vienna Opera
10. Hundertwasserhaus
One of the most amazing places to visit in Vienna is the Hundertwasser House by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The colorful facades with irregular shapes and with trees coming out of the rooms are a real wonder.
On the ground floor you can visit a mall with wavy shapes of the same style, where you can also do some shopping and take some souvenirs.
It is advisable to visit it when you go to the Prater, as it is nearby.
Hundertwasserhaus
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 10 essential places to visit in Vienna, add your favorite in the comments.
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The best offers of Flights to Vienna here
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How to get from Vienna airport to downtown
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