If you want to see all the most important and significant sights of Vienna, you should hire an experienced escort. If you decide to refuse the help of a guide, then from our article you will learn what to see in Vienna first of all.
What to see in Vienna first of all
Guides in Vienna are rarely left without numerous clients. Since many of the best sights of Austria are located in the capital of the country. If your trip will take place without an escort, first of all, see such sights of Vienna as:
1. Hofburg Palace
The former city residence of the imperial family is the Hofburg Palace
A trip to the imperial residence leaves an indelible impression. It is believed that such sights of Vienna are the epitome of the entire history of the Austrian state. The territory is represented not only by 19 palaces made in different eras, and dozens of buildings of a different nature, but also by magnificent parks, which every tourist can walk through. Some halls of the medieval castle still serve as the official residence for the President of the Republic.
Official website: https://www.hofburg-wien.at
Vienna | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Schoenbrunn Palace
The Schoenbrunn Palace is surrounded by a huge landscaped park
This landmark of Vienna was awarded the title of the most beautiful palace and park ensemble in Europe. In addition, it is the largest-scale building in the architectural style of the Austrian Baroque. There are numerous structures on the territory of the complex – fountains, green labyrinths, a botanical garden and an ancient zoo (also the oldest in Europe). Don’t know what to see in Vienna in 1 day with the children? Go right here. No description or photo can convey the full beauty of Schoenbrunn.
Official website: https://www.schoenbrunn .
3. Belvedere
View of the Upper Belvedere building and the Palace Park
If you are interested in where the current heads of state live, go to see this landmark in Vienna. Another name for the Belvedere, given to it by the locals, is the Austrian Versailles. You will be able to visit a unique gallery of sculptures and paintings. Inside the castle, the original interior has been preserved with unique wall paintings, statues, frescoes, stucco bas-reliefs. The Belvedere is included in the list of “the best sights of Vienna” for those who are interested in history and art. The adjacent territory of enormous size is represented by a giant three-level park, waterfall, swimming pools, wrought-iron gates, decorated statues and stables.
Official website: https://www.belvedere.at
4. Vienna City Hall
The facade of the Vienna City Hall
Set aside a whole day to visit this Vienna landmark. By the way, you can notice it from afar – more than a hundred-meter tower can be seen from almost every corner of the capital. Every year, over 800 various events (concerts, festivals, shows) are held in the Town Hall – it is worth getting acquainted with their list in advance. Perhaps your excursions in Vienna will coincide with the time of any celebration? Another plus: on the way to the Town Hall you will be able to observe the main sights of Vienna: the Federal Theater, the National University, the Parliament and the State Opera.
Official website: https://www.wien.gv.at
5. The Austrian Parliament Building
The Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna
A place for meetings of the Federal and National Councils of the country. The building is stylized as an ancient temple in the spirit of the Greek Renaissance. Under the ramp of the legendary creation of Theophil Hansen, you can see a fountain and a sculpture of the Greek goddess of wisdom Aphrodite. We recommend such interesting places in Vienna to architecture connoisseurs.
Official website: https://www.parlament.gv.at .
6. The Vienna Opera
The Vienna State Opera is a symbol of musical Vienna
The recommendations of the guides and the reviews of tourists that we used in compiling this review indicate the need to visit the local opera. We included it in our rating not only because it is the largest opera house in the state. But also because the premieres of the greatest works of our time are held here regularly. If you are not interested in the performances themselves, buy a ticket for a tour of the theater – you can, among other things, go behind the scenes and explore the entire building with a guide.
Official website: https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at
7. Vienna Philharmonic
The Vienna Philharmonic building at night
We continue to talk about the “musical” sights of Vienna. The Philharmonic orchestra performing here, performing iconic works by Mozart, Strauss or Beethoven, is called the best not only in the country, but also on the planet. New Year’s performances are broadcast on national television. The 1,740-seat concert hall never remains unfilled. The architecture of the facade and the interior of the old house also deserve attention.
Official website: https://www.musikverein.at
8. The Royal Burgtheater
The Royal Burgtheater is Austria’s oldest drama theatre on the Ringstrasse
An old theater adjacent to the Town Hall. Guided tours are organized around the snow-white building. You can explore galleries with portraits of local actors, sculptures and other works of art. Or buy a ticket and attend one of the performances.
Official website: https://www.burgtheater.at
9. The Liechtenstein Palace
The front facade of the magnificent Liechtenstein Palace Museum
The modern complex, combining the garden and city palaces, houses exhibitions of paintings from the Lichtenstein private collection and paintings from the time of Biedermeier. By booking an excursion program (prior arrangement is required), you can stroll through the luxuriously decorated state rooms, admire the walls decorated with natural silk, parquet made of the best wood and stucco ceilings. The Lichtenstein Palace will amaze you with the famous furniture by Michael Tone, vases and dishes of the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, and elegant engravings.
Official website: https://www.palaisliechtenstein.com
10. Liechtenstein Castle
The powerful walls of Lichtenstein Castle on the edge of the Vienna Forest
The building, whose architecture will take you into a fairy tale about knights, is located in a beautiful forest. The date of construction of the medieval landmark is 1135.
Official website: https://www.burgliechtenstein.eu
11. Kreuzenstein Castle
Kreuzenstein Castle in a picturesque location on a high cliff
Another medieval building that you should see with your own eyes. You can watch it during a personal visit or by watching the movie “Time of the Witches”.
Official website: http://www.kreuzenstein.com
12. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic building of the XIV century
The Catholic symbol of the state. The Archbishop of the capital still sits in the church. If you are interested in the panorama of the city, climb to the top of the tower. If you have already visited the observation deck, enjoy the interior decoration and Gothic architecture of the cathedral, built back in 1340.
Official website: https://www.stephanskirche.at
13. St. Peter’s Church
One of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Vienna is St. Peter’s Church
A luxurious Baroque building, built by order of Emperor Leopold the First. The temple, created by outstanding Italian craftsmen, is open for inspection daily. Today, this particular church is the most spacious building of a religious nature in the Christian world. On the square in front of it, you can listen to the Pope’s speeches. Among the relics inside are the spear of Longinus, which pierced the crucified Christ, and the remains of St. John Chrysostom.
14. Votivkirche Church
Green Square and Votivkirche Church (Votive Church)
Another Roman Catholic church in the Neo-Gothic style, built near the national University. We recommend this cathedral for a visit to anyone who does not know where to go in Vienna, but is interested in architectural monuments. By the way, the church is active. The entrance is open to everyone, even during masses, services and other cultural and religious events.
15. Karlskirche Church
Sculpture group “Hill Arches” in the oval pool in front of the Karlskirche Church
The temple is more than 70 meters high and is famous for its beautiful columns, interior with painted walls, altars and vaults, and a giant dome visible from afar. The complex has pavilions and a portico with a triangular pediment, made in the Greek style. The main building has elements of Islamic, Byzantine, Roman and Ancient Greek architecture.
16. Vienna City Park
Monument to Johann Strauss in the Vienna City Park
What to visit in Vienna after long walks around the city? An ancient and spacious park with sculptures, rose bushes (over 400 varieties of roses), a beautiful pond, winding paths and all kinds of trees. This huge ornamental garden has playgrounds for newlyweds and children, regular performances of artists and outdoor concerts are held.
Official website: https://www.wien.gv.at
17. Mozart House Museum
Entrance to the Mozart House Museum in the center of Vienna Joe Ross
It was here that the famous composer created the work “The Marriage of Figaro”, and lived for more than three years. His personal belongings are displayed in the museum, and the original furnishings are reproduced. You will be able to learn about the life of a genius and about the conditions in which Mozart created his masterpieces.
Official website: https://www.mozarthausvienna.at
18. Hundertwasser House
The absence of straight lines neither inside nor on the facade of the Hundertwasser house
One of the most unusual buildings in the capital, you will not have to pay for the inspection of which. The facade, created by a famous Austrian artist, is decorated with all the colors of the rainbow. Today, this house houses apartments and offices, shops and game rooms. There are shared and private terraces, a winter garden with numerous shrubs and trees.
Official website: https://www.hundertwasser-haus.info
19. Cafe Sacher
The doors of the Sacher cafe are open to everyone shinji_w
What to visit in Vienna if you want to pamper yourself with national cuisine? The world-famous cafe Sacher, where you will be served excellent coffee and a delicious cake with the same name. The establishment is located in an old expensive hotel. The interior and atmosphere correspond to the high status of the Sacher brand: marble everywhere, expensive upholstered furniture, red upholstery on the walls, Bohemian crystal chandeliers and mirrors.
Official website: https://shop.sacher.com/en
20. Ringstrasse Street
Tram tracks on Ringstrasse street
What to see in Vienna for free? This beautiful boulevard is home to the most important monuments, parks and palaces, the Parliament and the Opera House, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Art History. In addition, here you will see the most luxurious hotels in Vienna.
If you have free time, devote it to exploring those cultural and historical monuments, which we will talk about below.
Sights of Vienna: what else to visit in Vienna
If possible, include a visit to such fascinating sights as:
21. Albertina Gallery
The Albertina Art Gallery is located in the center of Vienna
An art gallery with more than 65,000 drawings and about one million graphic works of print. There are masterpieces for every taste in the exhibitions – both for fans of modern art and for connoisseurs of late Gothic.
Official website: https://www.albertina.at
22. Sigmund Freud Museum
Museum of the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud Prince Roy
Working and living rooms (including a psychologist’s business office) and a huge library with 35,000 volumes of books on psychoanalysis, work supplies, personal belongings of Freud, objects of the antique collection – all this you will see inside the museum.
Official website: https://www.freud-museum.at
23. The Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History
A picturesque square between the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Art History is located opposite the Natural History Museum in a completely identical building with the same sculptural groups, stucco, arched windows and columns. The buildings are separated by a beautiful green park with paths, statues and fountains.
Official website: https://www.khm.at
24. Leopold Museum
The Leopold Museum is located in the Museum Quarter of the capital Mister No
A unique place where thousands of works of Austrian Art Nouveau and Expressionism are collected. A simple minimalist building with white shell trim, has the shape of a parallelepiped.
Official website: https://www.leopoldmuseum
25. The Danube Tower
View from the Danube River to the Danube Tower in Vienna
A high-rise building with an observation deck located in the Danube Park. Visibility to the panorama of the city from the observation deck is 80 kilometers.
Official website: https://www.donauturm.at
26. Tower of the Mad
The Pathology Museum or the Tower of Fools in a round five-storey building
The museum, housed in a cylindrical building, is part of the Natural History Museum. In previous years, the tower served as a hospital for the mentally ill. Local exhibits include human brains, dissected bodies, and alcohol–soaked babies. In total, there are approximately 4,000 exhibits of this nature in the tower.
27. The Vienna Forest
Charming autumn landscape of the Viennese forest
The beauty of nature will conquer you. You can sunbathe on the open flowering lawns, pick mushrooms and berries, look at the landscapes from observation decks, visit a small cafe. At one time, the Viennese forest was especially loved by Freud and Kafka. You can finish the walk with a visit to the nearby arched monastery.
28. Prater Park
Prater Park is a favorite vacation spot for Viennese families with children
A recreation area and a public park with 250 different attractions (including a Ferris Wheel). Large-scale folk festivals are held here, there are equipped bike paths and landscaped areas for quiet picnics.
Official website: https://www.prater.at
29. House of the Sea
One of the many marine inhabitants of the House of the Sea in Vienna Tauralbus
The complex has a zoo, a terrarium and an aquarium, a cafe and an observation deck overlooking the capital. Tens of thousands of exotic animals live in close to natural conditions on an area of 3.5 thousand squares. On the upper floors there are expositions telling about the history of the creation and use of the tower in wartime.
Official website: https://www.haus-des-meeres.at
30. Schoenbrunn Zoo
An animal figurine at the Schoenbrunn Zoo
The current number of inhabitants is 8.5 thousand individuals (approximately 700 species of living creatures). Each individual barrier (all multi-level) has its own swimming pool and its own animal rest houses. There is a lake for waterfowl on an area of more than 17 hectares. The imperial family of Franz Stefan, the founder of the zoo, used to have dinner in the central one–story pavilion. Bears, lions, penguins, seals – you can list the “locals” indefinitely.
Official website: https://www.zoovienna.at
We hope that you will be able to choose the sights of Vienna that best suit your interests and tastes. The capital of Austria will not leave you indifferent. Read also about the best sights of Innsbruck and be inspired to travel further around Austria.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish