A few years back I have written a quick travel guide on how to spend 48 hours in Vienna. Since Austria is super convenient and close to my hometown in the Czech Republic, I have decided to revisit the Vienna travel guide and extend it with highlights of 10 things you should not miss while in Vienna!
Vienna is a popular destination for travelers that are traveling across a number of countries in Central Europe. Their most frequent itinerary is Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague. These capital cities are indeed beautiful and definitely try to stay for more days to explore beyond those cities as well.
And whether it is your first time in Vienna or not, you’ll always definitely find something new to do and see! Here’s a good resource of additional quirky and lesser-known places to see in Vienna!
1. Visit and watch a concert at the Vienna State Opera House
Whilst in Vienna, you have to visit the beautiful 1,709-seat Renaissance Revival venue of Vienna State Opera House. Not only it is a leading opera house in the world, but the building and interior itself are one beautiful masterpiece. If you have a chance, definitely book a play to see or book a guided tour.
2. Try a slice of Sacher torte cake
Sachertorte is a chocolate cake, or torte of Austrian origin, invented by Franz Sacher, supposedly in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties, a must-try dessert in Austria!
3. Visit Hundertwasser’s odd architecture
Famous as Vienna’s “nature and human-friendly” apartment block, the decidedly odd (yet fascinating) Hundertwasserhaus is well worth a visit. Located off the city center, this colorful building is designed by painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser and completed in 1985. This apartment building may not be accessible to tourists and visitors, but the Hundertwasser Village is worth exploring to get the feeling of this colorful and unusual landmark.
4. Explore the Viennese coffee culture
Do you know that UNESCO added Viennese coffee house culture to their list of intangible cultural heritage because the coffee houses have a very specific atmosphere and are places where time and space are consumed? That is why you need to spend some time exploring the coffee houses of Vienna to take you back in time. Make sure to check places like Demel or Cafe Central!
5. Delve into Vienna’s art scene
There are so much art and history in this city, and it is hard to define where to even begin. Whether you enjoy modern art, classic, theatres, films or whatever it may be, you will always find something here! The hub for Vienna’s art scene is around MuseumsQuarter. Spread over 90,000m2 in central Vienna and encompassing 60 cultural institutions, the MuseumsQuartier Wien is one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture. Other major galleries and museums in Vienna, is, for example, Albertina or Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.
6. Visit Vienna’s palaces and gardens
Vienna has so many nice palaces and gardens worth getting lost in. Exploring the Renaissance, baroque or neo-classical architecture, the history of the city and country, and admiring the beautiful piece of art around. Take note of these amazing palaces to visit in Vienna, including Schonbrunn Palace Complex, Belvedere palace, Hofburg palace, or Palais Schwarzenberg.
7. Visit Christmas markets
Visiting Christmas markets in Europe is one of the must things to do in the winter. Whether it will be Germany, the Czech Republic, or Austria! Christmas markets are like a dream in these cities. The streets are full of light, packed with stands and the aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch, and toasted almonds hang in the air. Viennese Christmas market is ranked as one of the prettiest markets in Europe, so make sure to experience this winter excitement alongside other traditions and events happening around the city during this time!
8. Visit Prater
An amusement park for many, a place of nostalgic dreams for some, oasis of greenery for almost everyone. An alternative place to spend your day if you are looking for something fun. The Vienna Prater is in season from March to October. But the world-famous Giant Ferris Wheel and a few other attractions are open all year round.
9. Relax at Danube Island
The Donauinsel is a 21km long, narrow island in central Vienna, Austria, lying between the Danube river and the parallel excavated channel Neue Donau. It is a great place for groups of friends or families to hang out, exercise, or play some games during summer time. If you are looking for a place away from the city center to nature and near water, head to Danube Island for relaxation.
10. Visit the local market at Naschmarkt
Vienna’s best-known market has around 120 market stands and restaurants for a colorful culinary offering ranging of cuisine. The Naschmarkt has developed into a meeting point for young and old. The Flea Market on Saturday is already a cult event.
