The beautiful capital of Austria is a true eye-catcher and impresses with its architectural masterpieces. Explore this unique city and visit the nearby palaces. Learn more about Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi, and immerse yourself in this bygone era. Vienna is definitely a place to fall in love with and offers an incredible variety of sights.
If you go to Austria’s capital for a shopping trip, you will come across St. Stephen's Cathedral in the city center. The building impresses with its imposing appearance and is perfect as a photo memory. Don’t forget to take pictures in front of the cathedral before entering inside.
The cathedral can be visited Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. On Sundays, it is open only between 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. As a special highlight, climb the steps of the South Tower and enjoy the unique view of Vienna.
This church has an interesting history. The magnificent St. Charles Church was built due to the plague in 1723 and was completed in 1739. The church impresses with a height of 72 meters and resembles a Greek temple. It is adorned with two triumphal columns reminiscent of Trajan’s Column in Rome. The dome completes the temple-like appearance and captures the gaze of visitors.
The uniqueness of St. Charles Church: If you plan to visit, make sure to take the glass elevator to the top. There you can admire the frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and be enchanted by the beautiful artwork—an impression you won’t soon forget. Note that admission is charged.
The Hofburg Vienna is best known as the former residence of Empress Elisabeth and is probably the highlight for many fans of the once-famous empress. But it’s not only a must for Sisi fans—anyone interested in Austrian history or those who simply want to admire the beautiful building from the outside should visit. Inside the Hofburg, you’ll find museums where you can tour the former imperial apartments. But the Hofburg has so much more to offer:
Especially the Imperial Treasury with its breathtaking exhibits is not to be missed. Admire valuable relics such as the two imperial crowns or the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Please note that admission is charged here as well.
For Sisi fans, the Sisi Museum is, of course, an absolute must. Immerse yourself in the world of the empress and get closer to Sisi than ever before. In the museum, you can view her personal belongings in 24 different rooms. A completely different feeling than just watching the Sisi movies at home. Admission is charged.
If you’re already at the Hofburg, you must make a stop at the Austrian National Library! The State Hall shines with incredible beauty, 80 meters long and 20 meters high. Step inside and let yourself be overwhelmed by the feeling of entering another world. The dome is decorated with stunning frescoes that will leave you in awe. The library is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is charged.
Not only the Hofburg was a significant residence for Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph, but also the Schönbrunn Palace. Sisi fans should not miss this remarkable building. Visit Schönbrunn Palace and be impressed by its beauty. It is no coincidence that Schönbrunn is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions. You don’t need a ticket to admire it from outside, but if you want to explore the entire grounds, including the Crown Prince Garden and Maze, admission is required.
The Vienna State Opera attracts visitors with its impressive exterior and is a true architectural masterpiece. The building shines with its stucco-decorated arches, opulent figures, and a light green roof that contrasts beautifully with the facade. The opera house is one of the most famous in the world and invites you to enjoy wonderful performances. If you’re interested, don’t just admire it from the outside—let yourself be enchanted by an opera performance inside.
The Natural History Museum houses an incredible number of treasures. The 30 million exhibits inside this impressive building will take your breath away. It was built by order of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
The museum combines various exhibition halls. Visit the dinosaur hall with its Allosaurus model, explore the world’s largest meteorite collection, or admire the nearly 30,000-year-old “Venus of Willendorf.” Don’t miss the digital planetarium, where you can get closer to the magic of the universe. The museum is open daily (except Tuesdays). Note that admission is charged.
If you’re interested in art and want to discover Vienna’s creative hub, head to the MuseumsQuartier. This hotspot is a major art and culture center, offering modern and contemporary art. You can also relax on the courtyard sofas after sightseeing. Particularly worth visiting are:
Belvedere Palace is not only an ultimate eye-catcher from the outside but also famous for its impressive art collection. However, you don’t necessarily need a ticket to visit. Enjoy a stroll with views of its unique architecture and admire the baroque garden.
In contrast to Vienna’s imperial buildings, the Hundertwasser House is a unique masterpiece. Built between 1983 and 1985 and designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, it stands out with its colorful and whimsical style.
The special thing? Residents are allowed to help design the colorful facade, influencing its appearance. Opposite the house, Hundertwasser later created a small shopping area that also provides space for community interaction. Please note: the Hundertwasser House can only be admired from the outside.
If you want to enjoy not only the city’s sights but also its culinary side, visit the Vienna Naschmarkt. Here, you’ll find countless stands and restaurants offering everything from Viennese specialties to oriental dishes. Enjoy delicious delicacies and be tempted by the wine bars. The Naschmarkt is open Monday to Saturday.
The Vienna Prater is one of Austria’s most popular destinations and offers a wide variety of fun rides. Its most famous attraction is the Ferris wheel, which first began turning in 1897 and has been delighting visitors with stunning views of Vienna ever since. Entry to the Prater itself is free, but individual rides require payment.
No trip to Austria’s capital would be complete without trying an authentic Wiener Schnitzel. We especially recommend the restaurant Meissl & Schadn. This traditional house is famous for its schnitzels that practically melt in your mouth. Admittedly, the prices are higher, but the experience is well worth it. Remember to book early—this traditional restaurant is often fully booked.
Austria has much more to offer than Vienna. Not far from the former home of the empress lies the charming city of Salzburg. Here you can explore the history of the prince-archbishops and discover remnants of past times. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress or Mirabell Palace. More information about Salzburg can be found in our guide.
If you want to explore not only Austria’s cities but also its natural landscapes, the unique Danube-Auen National Park might be just right for you. Only a 40-minute drive from Vienna, it can also be reached by public transport. Discover the park’s wildlife and observe over 100 bird species such as the white-tailed eagle or kingfisher. You can also take boat trips or explore the park by canoe.
If you want to explore Vienna in the best weather and also enjoy the surrounding nature, the peak season is between June and August. However, Vienna is also delightful in spring (March to May). Especially for popular attractions like the palaces or the Hofburg, the shoulder season can be an advantage. We recommend purchasing tickets for your chosen sights before your trip.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration of Vienna. Don’t forget to check the toll regulations in Austria. More information about the toll can be found in our guide. You can also use our route planner to better organize your trip and see the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via e-mail.
