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If you want to see all of Vienna's most important and significant sights, you should hire an experienced guide. If you decide to refuse the help of a guide, then from our article you will find out what to see in Vienna in the first place.
What to see in Vienna in the first place
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 accompanying person, first of all, take a look at such sights of Vienna as:
1. Hofburg Palace
The former city residence of the imperial family – the Hofburg Palace
A trip to the imperial residence leaves an indelible impression. It is believed that such sights of Vienna are the personification 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
2. Palace Schonbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace surrounded by a huge landscape park
This sight of Vienna was awarded the title of the most beautiful palace and park ensemble in Europe. It is also the largest building in the Austrian Baroque architectural style. Numerous structures are located on the territory of the complex – fountains, green labyrinths, a botanical garden and an old zoo (also the oldest in Europe). Don't know what to see in Vienna in 1 day with your kids? Head right here. No description or photo can convey the beauty of Schonbrunn.
Official website: https://www.schoenbrunn.
< h3> 3. Belvedere
View of the building of the Upper Belvedere and the palace park
If you're wondering where current heads of state live, check out this Vienna landmark. Another name for the Belvedere, given to it by the locals, is the Austrian Versailles. You can visit the unique gallery of sculptures and paintings. Inside the castle, the original interior has been preserved with unique wall paintings, statues, frescoes, and stucco bas-reliefs. Belvedere is included in the list of “the best sights in Vienna” for those who are fond of history and art. The adjacent territory of huge size is represented by a giant three-level parks, a waterfall, pools, forged gates decorated with statues and stables.
Official website: https://www.belvedere.at/en< /p>
4. Vienna City Hall
Facade of the Vienna City Hall
Set aside a full 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. Over 800 various events (concerts, festivals, shows) are held annually in the Town Hall – you should familiarize yourself 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 can see the main sights of Vienna: the Federal Theatre, the National University, the Parliament and the State Opera.
Official website: https://www.wien .gv.at/english/
5. Austrian Parliament Building
The building of the Austrian Parliament in Vienna
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 Revival. Under the ramp of the legendary creation of Theophilus Hansen, you can see a fountain and a sculpture of the Greek goddess of wisdom, Aphrodite. We recommend such interesting places in Vienna to connoisseurs of architecture.
Official website: https://www.parlament.gv.
6. Vienna Opera
The Vienna State Opera is a symbol of musical Vienna
The recommendations of the guides and 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 backstage and see the entire building with a guide.
Official website: https: //www.wiener-staatsoper.
7. Vienna Philharmonic
The building of the Vienna Philharmonic at night
We continue to talk about the “musical” sights of Vienna. The philharmonic orchestra performing here, performing the cult works of 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 concert hall with 1740 seats never remains empty. The architecture of the facade and the interior of the old house also deserve attention.
Official website:https://www.musikverein.at/en
8. Royal Burgtheater
The Royal Burgtheater is Austria's oldest drama theater on the Ringstrasse
An ancient theater adjacent to the Town Hall. There are organized guided tours 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/en/
9. Liechtenstein Palace
Front facade of the magnificent Liechtenstein Palace-Museum
The modern complex, which combines garden and city palaces, houses exhibitions of paintings from the private collection of Liechtenstein and canvases from the Biedermeier period. By booking an excursion program (prior arrangement required), you can stroll through the luxuriously decorated state rooms, admire the walls decorated with natural silk, parquet made from the finest woods and stucco ceilings. The Liechtenstein Palace will amaze you with the famous furniture of Michael Thone, vases and dishes from the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, elegant engravings.
Official website: https://www.palaisliechtenstein.com
10. Liechtenstein Castle
The powerful walls of Liechtenstein Castle on the edge of the Vienna Woods
Building , whose architecture will take you to 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, which you should see with your own eyes. You can watch it during a personal visit or by watching the film “The Time of the Witches”.
Official website: http://www.kreuzenstein.com
12. St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral – a majestic Gothic building of the XIV century
Catholic symbol of the state. The archbishop of the capital still sits in the temple. 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: http://www.stephanskirche.
13. St. Peter's Church
One of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Vienna – St. Peter's Church
Luxurious baroque building, built by order of Emperor Leopold the First. The temple, created by the outstanding masters of Italy, is open for inspection daily. Today, this particular church is the most capacious building of a religious nature in the Christian world. On the square in front of it, you can listen to the speeches of the Pope. Among the relics inside are the spear of Longinus, which pierced the crucified Christ, and the remains of St. John Chrysostom.
14. Votivkirche
Green Square and Votivkirche (Vow Church)
Another neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church built near the National University. We recommend this cathedral for a visit to everyone who does not know where to go in Vienna, but is fond of architectural monuments. By the way, the church is active. The entrance to it is open to everyone even during masses, services and other cultural and religious events.
15. Karlskirche Church
Sculptural group “Vaults of the Hill” in the oval swimming pool in front of the Karlskirche church
The temple with a height of more than 70 meters is famous for its beautiful columns, interior with painted walls, altars and vaults, a giant dome visible from afar. The complex has pavilions and a Greek-style portico with a triangular pediment. The main building has elements of Islamic, Byzantine, Roman and ancient Greek architecture.
16. Vienna City Park
Monument to Johann Strauss in 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 decorative garden has playgrounds for newlyweds and children, and regularly hosts performances by artists and outdoor concerts.
Official website: https://www.wien.gv.at /english/
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 Marriage of Figaro and lived for more than three years. The museum presents his personal belongings and reproduces the original furnishings. You can learn about the life of a genius and the conditions in which Mozart created his masterpieces.
Official website:http://www.mozarthausvienna
18. Hundertwasser House
The absence of straight lines either inside or on the facade of the Hundertwasser house
One of the most unusual buildings in the capital, you won't have to pay to see it. The facade, created by a famous Austrian artist, is decorated with all the colors of the rainbow. Today, this building houses apartments and offices, shops and playrooms. There are common and private terraces, a winter garden with numerous shrubs and trees.
Official website: http://www.hundertwasser-haus.
19. Cafe Sacher
Cafe Sacher's doors are open to everyoneWhat to visit in Vienna if you want to treat yourself to the national cuisine? The world-famous cafe Sacher, where you will be served excellent coffee and a delicious cake of 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
Tram tracks on the Ringstrasse
What to see in Vienna for free? This beautiful boulevard, which houses 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 visiting those monuments of culture and history, which we will discuss below.
Vienna attractions: what else to visit in Vienna
If possible, include in your excursion itinerary visit to such fascinating sights as:
21. Albertina Gallery
The Albertina Picture Gallery is located in the center of Vienna
An art gallery with more than 65,000 drawings and about one million printed graphic works. The expositions contain masterpieces for every taste – both for fans of modern art and for connoisseurs of late Gothic.
Official website: https://www.albertina.at/en/
22. Sigmund Freud Museum
Museum of the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud Prince Roy
Work and living quarters (including a psychologist's business office) and a huge library with 35,000 volumes of books on psychoanalysis, work supplies, Freud's personal belongings, antique collection items – everything you will see this inside the museum.
Official website: https://www.freud-museum.at
23. Kunsthistorisches Museum and Natural History Museum< /h3>
A picturesque square between the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Art History is located opposite the Museum of Natural History 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 site:http://www.khm.at/en/
24. Leopold Museum
The Leopold Museum is located in the Museum Quarter of the capital Mister No
A unique place in which contains thousands of works of Austrian Art Nouveau and Expressionism. A simple, minimalist building with a white shell finish, shaped like a parallelepiped.
Official website: https://www.leopoldmuseum
25. Danube Tower
View from the Danube River to the Danube Tower in Vienna
Skyscraper with an observation deck, located in the Danube Park. Visibility to the panorama of the city from the observation platform is 80 kilometers.
Official website:https://www.donauturm.at/en/
26. Tower of Madmen
The Pathology Museum or the Tower of Fools in a round five-story 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 – human brains, dissected bodies, alcoholized babies. In total, there are approximately 4,000 exhibits of this nature in the tower.
27. Vienna Woods
Charming autumn landscape of the Vienna Woods
The beauty of nature will win you over. You can sunbathe on open flowering lawns, pick mushrooms and berries, look at landscapes from observation platforms, visit a small cafe. At one time, the Vienna Woods was especially loved by Freud and Kafka. You can end your walk with a visit to the nearby arched monastery.
28. Prater
Prater Park is a favorite vacation spot for Viennese families with children
Recreation area and public park with 250 different attractions (including the Ferris Wheel). Large-scale folk festivals are held here, there are equipped bicycle paths and landscaped areas for quiet picnics.
Official website: http://www.prater.at/
29. House of the Sea
One of the numerous marine inhabitants of the House of the Sea in Vienna Tauralbus
The complex has a zoo, a terrarium and an oceanarium, a cafe and an observation deck overlooking the capital. On the territory of 3.5 thousand squares, tens of thousands of exotic animals live in close to natural conditions. On the upper floors there are expositions that tell about the history of the creation and use of the tower in wartime.
Official website: https://www.haus-des-meeres
< h3> 30. Schönbrunn Zoo
Animal figurine in the Schönbrunn Zoo
The current number of inhabitants is 8.5 thousand individuals (about 700 species of animals). Each individual barrier (all multi-level) has its own pool and its own animal rest houses. On an area of more than 17 hectares there is a lake for waterfowl. The imperial family of Franz Stefan, the founder of the zoo, used to have dinner in the central one-story pavilion. Bears, lions, penguins, fur seals – the list of “locals” is endless.
Official website: https://www.zoovienna.at/en/
We hope 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 get inspired for your further trip to Austria.