Vienna, the capital of Austria, is definitely the classiest city of Europe. There are a lot of things to do in Vienna as a tourist. Make sure you are keeping at least 3 days to explore this beautiful city.
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1. Schönbrunn Palace
The Schönbrunn Palace attracts over 5 million people annually. That is about 3 times the population of Vienna itself! Since we are making a list on “Things to do in Vienna”, Schönbrunn Palace definitely tops the list.
The palace alone is huge. You will take about 40 minutes to explore the palace if you follow the Imperial Tour (€14.20). The time will go up to 1 hour if you follow the Grand Tour (€17.50).
If you are interested in history, art & architecture, buy the Sisi Ticket (€29.90). It is valid for 1 day & it covers the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Sisi Museum & many other historical attractions.
2. Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Tiergarten Schönbrunn is located inside the premises of Schönbrunn Palace itself hence, it is possible to buy a combined ticket for both. It costs about €27.50 for adults & €15.50 for children & youth.
The zoo is totally worth the money. There are many different species in the zoo including PANDA! One more reason to visit the Schönbrunn Zoo is that it is the oldest zoo in the world.
3. Hofburg Palace
The legendary seat of power. Hofburg Palace is grand, beautiful & the most important power structure of Austria. It used to be the center of the Habsburg empire. Presently, it is the official place for the Austrian President.
Now, you can explore the palace separately with separate tickets (€13.90 for adults & €8.20 for children) but its advisable to buy the Sisi ticket as mentioned in the 1st point here. That’s economic, and covers a lot more than just one attraction.
4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Right in the centre of Vienna, there’s a beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral standing tall. You can simply not miss this beautiful structure. The architecture of it is a beautiful blend of Gothic & Romanesque style.
Keep about an hour’s time to explore the cathedral. You can also buy Viennese souvenirs from the shop around. Also, there are horse buggies outside the cathedral. Take a tour in these buggies to experience the real royal side of Vienna.
5. Prater
I have not seen many posts mentioning Prater as one of the things to do in Vienna but it definitely should be there on more people’s bucketlist. It is an entertainment park which also happens to be World’s oldest entertainment/amusement park. (What’s with Vienna & World’s oldest things?)
You can practially spend an entire day the Prater. If you are traveling with kids, they will be in your debt forever if you take them here. If you’re an adult with a child’s mind (like me), you will enjoy the Prater even more than kids! 😛
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6. Vienna State Opera
Remember Vienna is the classiest city of Europe, all thanks to its imperial roots. To experience this, visit the Vienna State Opera. From outside, the architecture of the Opera looks quite interesting. It stands out.
If you can catch an event there, DO THAT! Even if its a little expensive, even if you don’t understand the language, just go for a show. The experience of that will unmatched.
7. Ringstrasse
Here’s the thing – If you just want to see the architecture of Vienna, if you are only interested in seeing Historical buildings from outside, take the Ringstrasse. It is a road in the shape of a ring. It circulates the oldest structures of Vienna around the city centre.
It is a good way to get acquainted with the city when you are still looking for things to do in Vienna.
8. Kunsthistorisches Museum or Art History Museum
Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the most important museums in the world because of its exquisite collection. For art lovers, this museum is their heaven in Vienna.
9. A Cup of Coffee at Cafe Frauenhuber
Enough of monuments, right? Time to experience the coffeehouse culture of Vienna. The city of Vienna has many prominent names attached to it. Mozart & Beethoven used to play in a coffeehouse before they got famous. That same coffeehouse is still in business.
Visiting Cafe Frauenhuber (Cafe which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site!) to sip a coffee is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Vienna. You can have great conversations in a peaceful ambience. Don’t forget to try out their Mozart coffee which comes with Mozart liquor! 😉
10. Evening at the Gloriette
Back to the premises of the Schönbrunn Palace. The Gloriette is a structure which has a lot of historical significance. If you are not interested in the history, know this – You can see the entire Vienna from the Gloriette. There is a panoramic terrace which offers even better view of the city. You can also visit Cafe Gloriette for a cup of coffee.
View from the Gloriette
You can simply sit on the lawn near the Gloriette & witness a beautiful sunset overlooking this mesmerizing city called Vienna.
Thank you Bianaca Nemeth for being a wonderful host in your beautiful city! 🙂
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