Things to do in Vienna
Vienna, the enchanting capital of Austria, is a city steeped in history, culture, and architectural beauty. Known as the "City of Music" for its rich musical heritage and the birthplace of legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, Vienna is a vibrant hub of art, classical music, and intellectual pursuits. Thrown in an alternative vibe, lots of greenery, and genuinely friendly people, it’s no wonder I fell head over heels in love with this city from day one.
Now that I’ve convinced you Vienna is a must-see city in Europe, here’s a guide to my favorite things to do if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
Visit the historic city center
As with any European city, you must start with the historic city center. Vienna's historic city center, known as the Innere Stadt, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and historical significance. I love old buildings and beautiful architecture even though I know absolutely nothing about architecture, and I sure got my fix at Vienna’s Innere Stadt.
Encircled by the Ringstrasse, a magnificent boulevard lined with grand buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to Vienna's imperial past. At its heart stands St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), a Gothic masterpiece that has stood tall for centuries. As you explore the narrow, winding streets, you'll encounter architectural marvels like the Hofburg Palace, the former residence of the Habsburg dynasty, which showcases an exquisite blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles. The opulent State Opera House and the neoclassical Parliament building add to the grandeur of the area. The city center is also home to the bustling Graben and Kohlmarkt, renowned shopping streets lined with upscale boutiques and traditional Viennese cafés. With its rich history and stunning architectural ensemble, Vienna's historic city center offers a captivating journey into the city's past.
Rathausplatz and Votivkirche
Vienna’s Innere Stadt should be your first stop, but it’s not my favorite place to be in the city because it’s where all the tourists flock too, and it can be become quite busy, especially during summer. Allow me to introduce you to my favorite spots in Vienna: Rathausplatz and Votivkirche.
Vienna's Rathaus, or City Hall, is an iconic symbol of the city's civic pride and architectural splendor, and the place to be for lots of (free) cultural activities. In the short five weeks I spend in Vienna, I’ve seen multiple sporting events, concerts, and a film festival hosted at Rathausplatz, most of them free. This is also where you’ll find one of Vienna’s most popular Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) during the holiday season. What I love about this place is the grand neo-Gothic building in combination with a beautiful park in front of it. Since it is located in the heart of the Ringstrasse, you will have a lot of passersby, but it’s not as crowded as other popular places inside the historic city center.
Only a few hundreds meters further, you’ll find the Votivkirche, my absolute favorite spot in Vienna. This 18th century magnificent neo-Gothic church is absolutely gorgeous, both on the inside and the outside. This stunning church was built as a votive offering to Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1856, after an assassination attempt on his life. With its soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained-glass windows, the Votivkirche is a sight to behold. Its interior is equally impressive, adorned with ornate altars, beautiful frescoes, and intricate woodwork. You can find comfortable benches all around the church, and if the weather’s any good, you’ll notice lots of people flocking to the park on the other side of the street (Sigmund Freud Park) for a picnic or drinks.
Museumsquartier
Are you one of those people who loves to visit museums? Then you’re in luck. Vienna's Museum Quarter, or Museumsquartier, is a vibrant cultural hub that showcases the city's rich artistic and intellectual heritage. Located in the heart of Vienna, this expansive complex is one of the largest cultural districts in the world. And you can take complex quite literally: almost all noteworthy museums are located right next to each other for maximum efficiency. The setup reminded me a bit of Stockholm’s Djurgården, except with more beautiful buildings.
A few examples of museums you can find at Vienna’s Museum Quarter are the Leopold Museum, Kunsthalle Wien, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History (which I visited!), the Museum of Ethnology, and the Architekturzentrum Wien. The architecture of the buildings, blending historic facades with contemporary design, adds to the district's allure. It's a vibrant space where locals and visitors gather to explore exhibitions, attend concerts or performances, and simply immerse themselves in Vienna's thriving artistic scene.
Music
Vienna, the City of Music, offers many experiences for music lovers of all kinds. One of the most popular activities is attending a classical concert. Vienna is renowned for its classical music heritage. Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss by attending a concert at prestigious venues like the Musikverein or the Vienna State Opera. The acoustics and atmosphere of these venues make for unforgettable experiences.
Do you want a truly unforgettable experience? Try a Viennese Ball. Dance the night away at a traditional Viennese ball. These elegant events feature live orchestras playing waltzes and other traditional dances. Dress in formal attire and partake in the grandeur and sophistication of this cultural tradition.
Another fun activity is to explore the musical history of Vienna by visiting places associated with legendary composers. Take a tour of the Mozart House or Beethoven Pasqualatihaus to gain insight into their lives and creative processes. Additionally, you can explore the Vienna State Opera House or the Theater an der Wien, where many famous operas were premiered.
Coffee and Cake
This might be my own personal preference shining through, but I love taking a break and enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Everyone knows I’m a basic Starbucks bitch most of the time, but Vienna had so many cute little coffee shops that I couldn’t help but try a few. You’ll find a wide array of historic cafés all the way to trendy modern shops, to each their own. And don’t forget to enjoy the Viennese coffeehouse culture by savoring a cup of aromatic Melange or Einspänner, accompanied by a slice of the world-famous Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, or Linzer Torte.
Walk along the Danube
Need some exercise to work off all that cake? Take a walk alongside the Danube, the second-longest river in Europe. Vienna has a wonderful riverside vibe, and you can walk both sides of the river. I usually stroll from Friedensbrücke to Aspernbrücke. In summer, you’ll find lots of summer bars and even beach scenes. The river also offers a nice, cool breeze on a hot summer day, if you’re looking for a place to escape the midsummer heat.
Day trips
Thanks to Vienna’s location, there’s lots to do in the city's vicinity. My Airbnb host recommended biking along the Danube all the way to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. He’d done it multiple times and claims the views along the river are absolutely worth the exercise. It might seem far, but it’s only around 65 km (40 miles) city-to-city, and you got comfortable biking paths the entire way. If you’re not that into biking, you could also take a bus or train.
Another option is to go on a scenic train ride, for example, the Semmering or the narrow gauge Mariazellerbahn. The Semmering Railroad, running between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passes through some extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. The Mariazell Railway is a narrow-gauge track rail route running between the towns of St. Poelten and Mariazell.
If you have the time, it’s even possible to go see the Alps, although you will need more than just one day to get the full experience. A train ride to Innsbruck takes between four and five hours, depending on the route and type of train.
Do not do: Prater
I realize this might be a controversial opinion since Prater is one of the top things to do in Vienna, at least according to TripAdvisor, but I did not like it. For one, you have to pay for every ride separately, which is not very budget friendly. While the rides do look fun, there’s almost no decoration or theme that binds everything together. It’s also extremely busy and loud, which is not so great for people dealing with sensory issues.
