Things to do in Vienna

Vienna is one of my favourite European cities. It is a city with flare, with culture, traditions and plenty of sass. Whatever the season, there are always things to do in Vienna.

I have visited Vienna multiple times, mostly during the summer months. On every occasion have enjoyed exploring and re-exploring various sights and parts of the city. I’ve also been lucky enough to see the city through a local’s eyes; one of my best friends is Viennese. I think I am in a pretty decent position to give you a list of things to do in Vienna. Whilst the following suggestions are by no means exhaustive, they should be a good starting point for first time visitors and should cover all bases in terms of interests, ages and tastes.

1. Stephansdom

There is something about Stephansdom that impresses me each and every time I’m in the city. Perhaps it is the contrast between its old architecture and the new modern buildings lining the surrounding square. Or, the elegant steeple that shoots up into the sky, or the shining multi-coloured tiles that adorn its roof. Who knows, but it sure is beautiful! Definitely take the time to head inside the cathedral, it is a must-see. If you’re feeling brave, take yourself up the cathedral towers for a great view of the city, not to mention the pretty roof tiles!

2. Schloss Belvedere

The beautiful baroque palace is set on the south-eastern edge of the city centre. It is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, whether summer or winter. Within the grounds you will find two palaces, an orangery, and the stables. It is all surrounded by a gradient-set garden with tiered fountains and sculptures. The palace was originally built as a summer retreat for Prince Eugene of Savoy, however nowadays it serves as a historic museum and tourist attraction. Come the winter months, the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with wooden Christmas stalls and twinkly fairy-lights.

3. Schloss Schönbrunn

No-one visiting Vienna should miss out on a trip to the stunning Schloss Schönbrunn. Not only is it an important sight of Vienna but it is also one of Austria’s most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments. The 1,441 room palace was once the imperial summer residence for the Habsburg monarch, and is surrounded by vast gardens and the striking, so-called, Gloriette (which today houses a fancy cafe). If that’s not enough for you, Vienna’s Zoo is also housed in the palace’s grounds and is Europe’s oldest.

4. Graben

One of Vienna’s most famous streets, Graben, is decked out with huge sparkling chandeliers throughout the year and lined with a selection of luxury and expensive shops. It is hard to believe that this elegant street was once a ditch around the old Roman settlement. If you are here at Christmas time, this is one of the best things to do in Vienna. Check out my other blog post to find out more.

5. Kohlmarkt

Just off Graben is Kohlmarkt (literally coal market) – Vienna’s most luxurious (and expensive) street. The shopping promenade is home to traditional Viennese jewellers such as Wagner, Bucherer and Schullin. You can also find global names such as Burberry, Chanel and Ferragamo, all in an eclectic array of historical buildings. At the end of the street you will find the beautiful Hofburg, but make sure you do some window shopping along the way!

6. Hofburg

Built in pearly white stone and topped with a turquoise-turned copper dome, Vienna’s former imperial palace really is quite a sight. The palace was built in the 13^th century has been expanded into what stands today over the centuries. If you have the time, pop in to visit the Prunksaal, or imperial library. This was once a separate structure to the rest of the palace, but is now connected. Here you will be able to enjoy an enormous ceiling fresco by Daniel Gran, as well as plenty of statues featuring emperors and other figures of importance. Whilst you’re in the area, also pop by the Stallburg (imperial stables) where the white horses of the Spanish Riding School are housed.

7. Rathaus

Constructed between 1872 and 1883, the city’s town hall is a great example of neo-gothic architecture. The impressive building houses the Mayor of Vienna’s office as well as the chambers of the city and regional council. The town hall also accommodates the historic and atmospheric ‘Wiener Rathauskeller’ restaurant, made up of a number of baroque halls. It is definitely an experience to enjoy a meal, or just a drink, inside!

8. Staatsoper

As the capital of classical musical, it would almost be a crime not to visit the Vienna State Opera House. The neo-renaissance style building was the first major building on the Vienna Ringstrasse which encircles the city centre, and was finally completed in 1869. Nowadays the Wiener Staatsoper is one of the busiest opera houses in the world producing 50 to 60 operas per year and ten ballet productions in approximately 300 performances. If the opera, ballet or classical concerts are your thing, I would recommend booking yourself in for a show!

9. Naschmarkt

I am a girl who loves exploring markets. There is something so fascinating about all the different produce; the colours, textures and smells. I also love the hum of the market goers and vendors. With this in mind, I couldn’t resist a visit to Naschmarkt – the city’s most popular market – for a bit of a browse. The huge semi-covered market has its origins back in the 16^th century and is made up of over one hundred food and vintage stalls, in addition to restaurants and cafes. Whether you are looking to eat, shop, or not, Naschmarkt is well worth a visit!

10. Coffee Culture

No trip to Vienna should be without a slice or two of cake plus coffee (or beverage of your choice) at one of the city’s elegant cafe institutions. My personal favourite is Demel on Kohlmarkt, but there are plenty of other choices dotted around the town including Cafe Sperl or Cafe Central, which was once a central meeting point for many of the thinkers, academics and literati from the world of the arts, literature and science including the likes of Freud, Altenberg and Trotzki.

11. Hundertwasser Haus

This curious, colourful building is in fact an apartment block which was built after the idea and concept of an Austrian artist and architect duo. The expressionist building has become one of the city’s most visited attractions and has become part of Austria’s cultural heritage.

12. Eat dinner at a Stadtheuriger

For a real taste of Viennese/ Austrian cuisine you will want to find yourself a so-called ‘Stadtheuriger’. When I visited Vienna last December, our ‘Heuriger’ of choice was the Esterhazykeller, a cosy old wine tavern situated in the basement below the grand Esterhazy Palace.

13. Check out the Donaukanal

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you will know I’m into my art – street art in particular – so of course I was on the lookout whilst we were visiting. I was soon pointed in the direction of the Donaukanal, the only place in Vienna where it is legal to make your mark with graffiti and produce street art. The whole area has an urban/ bohemian atmosphere and it was clear that this was a place where people were free to express themselves, their thoughts and their ideals. In the summer months, there is also plenty more aside from street art and graffiti – summer stages, bankside cafes etc – definitely the summer spot for the trendy crowd!

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Other posts that may help you:

• Vienna at Christmas Time: December in Vienna
• The Most Instagrammable Spots in Vienna
• Staying at the Intercontinental Vienna
• 5 Reasons To Visit Vienna in December
• The Original Sound of Music Tour with Panorama Tours, Salzburg

If you have any questions about the items on my list or the city in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.

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Happy exploring,

Love Victoria X