Vienna is a city full of beauty and grace! There are many cultural, historical and of course musical highlights that makes this metropolis an interesting stop for any tourist. Even if you’re not familiar with Vienna’s music scene before visiting, the charming “WIEN” will have you singing by the time you leave.
So what should I spend my time seeing in Vienna? Well, I’m so glad you asked! Here are my top 7 things to see/do in Vienna, but trust me there was SO MUCH MORE that I could write about. I just chose to highlight these specific things since they were my favorites 🙂 Let’s get to it!
1. Schonbrunn Palace
If you can only do one thing in Vienna, take a train out to Schonbrunn and spend your day touring the palace and strolling through the immaculate grounds.
Even if you’re not really a “garden person”, the grounds are so beautifully kept that its hard not to appreciate them. There are also some hidden gems like fountains and a swimming pool that you can spend time seeking out.
If you plan on touring the interior of the palace make sure to book your tickets ahead of time here, because during the high tourist season the lines can be long and the weather can be warm. Not a good combination when your waiting for some shade! Thankfully though, walking through the grounds is FREE!
2. Belvedere Palace
Ok, so I know I just told you to visit a palace, but the Hapsburg royals had multiple palaces, so while you’re in Vienna you might as well go see more than one right? Haha! Well this one is not quite as large as Schonbrunn but it still is beautiful!
This palace was originally built to be the summer home of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 1700’s. But not only did he decide to build one palace here, he actually built two! The Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces are separated by an artistic garden, but you’ll quickly notice their architectural difference and be able to tell which is which.
Today, both the Belvedere houses contain many examples of gorgeous Austrian art (think Klimt!) as well as other well known international artists.
3. Hofburg Palace
Ok last palace, I promise! This was the Hapsburg monarchs winter palace and it is just as stunning as the others, but the one thing that it is lacking is illustrious gardens. Still, it’s worth wandering through the imperial library, chapel, treasury and of course the well known Spanish Riding School.
Take the time to tour this beautiful palace and learn about the past leaders who lived here. You might become especially sympathetic to some former queens named Sisi and Maria-Theresa. Their history is fascinating!
Adjacent to this palace is a square known as Heldenplatz or Heroes Square. It was here that Hitler stood to acknowledge the Nazi Party’s takeover of Austria known as the Anschluss. Because Hitler was originally from Austria, the Austrians were quick to accept his terms and even threw him a parade in Heroes Square to welcome him in. Little did they know what would unfold over the next decade due to his regime.
4. Albertina Museum
If you like viewing classical art, this stop is for you! Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Bruegel, Cezanne and more! This museum has rotating exhibits so make sure to check which works and artists are currently on display. Click here for more information.
If more modern art is your interest, there is another portion of this museum known as the Albertina Modern. Be sure to not to miss either one!
5. Naschmarkt
This is a fabulous market area where you can taste some local Austrian cuisine, but also try food from many different areas of the world! Get lost in the colors, tastes and smells!
6. Get in touch with music history!
I grew up studying classical piano, so the minute we decided to come to Vienna I knew there were a few specific spots we needed to land. My all time favorite composer is Beethoven and although he was born in Bonn, Germany, he spent a considerable about of time here in Vienna! As did Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Brahms and Schubert! If you like classical music, Vienna is the place for you. Here’s a few things you can see in the music capital of the world:
- The Vienna State Opera House
- Mozart’s Apartment
- Beethoven’s apartments, grave and other sites
- Haus der Musik: a museum dedicated to music
- The Vienna Boys Choir
- The Vienna Philharmonic
7. Wiener Prater
Check out Vienna’s version of Central Park! A large area of green space, that was once owned by the nobility and used as hunting ground, is now home to Vienna’s famous ferris wheel, other fun rides and recreational activities. This is an especially great stop if you have kids traveling with you!
Bonus Advice!
Ok I have to stop with just those things because there is simply so much to see in Vienna. My best advice is to take a few themed walking tours to get an idea of where you would like to spend your time (and money). My husband and I decided to go with Good Vienna Tours and we had an amazing tour guide named Wolfgang! We learned so much about the city and its history.
Because of that walking tour, I switched around some of our travel plans and decided to spend more time at the places I listed above. Vienna deserves extra time, so we will be making a return trip in the future.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral 
Interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral 
A Holocaust Memorial near the Jewish Quarter 
An early copy of Beethoven’s Fur Elise 
The only surviving Jewish Synagogue from WWII. 
Volksgarten
Where we stayed:
Wombats City Hostel Vienna–Naschmarkt: a great area to stay in that overlooked the fabulous Naschmarkt!
Where we ate:
Fenster Cafe: Get an ice cream cone filled with coffee called “Cornettoccino”! It was heaven!
Aida Cafe: Perfect spot for breakfast…and of course more Viennese coffee and desert!
Rosenburger’s: A cheaper cafeteria styled eating option. Great selection of items and located centrally within Vienna.
Wok and More: My husband needed a change of cuisine, so we found this Chinese restaurant near Karlsplatz. Decent food and prices!
