Are you visiting Vienna, Austria soon? Vienna, once home to Beethoven and Mozart, is bursting full of life, culture, and charm. This city feels like you’re walking through a fairytale with beautiful buildings around what seems like every corner. You could easily spend the day walking around and admiring the gorgeous architecture, however, I’m excited to share the top things to do in Vienna!
This was a destination I loved visiting and would love to go back to. There is so much to see and do in Vienna and I was really impressed. So, without further auidue, let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to use our links we may receive a small commission.
Visit Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace is a gorgeous building located in the city center of Vienna. It once was the home of the Habsburg royal family and was first built in the 13th century. Currently, the president of Austria lives and works in the palace.
You can walk around the courtyards and admire the extravagant details of the building for free or you can also pay to take a guided tour. Or enter the attractions on your own within the building, such as the Sisi Museum and Imperial Treasury where you can see various crown jewels and more!
Take a Stroll Through The Volksgarten
If the weather is nice and the sun is shining, you should take a walk through the Volksgarten. Located near the Hofburg Palace this public park is pristine and looks really beautiful. It was first established in the early 1820s as a private garden for the archduke who lived at the palace but today it is a public park.
The grass is a vibrant green, you can smell the florals from all of the flowers, and overall it’s a really beautiful park to take a walk through.
There are also several benches in both the shade and the sun that you can sit on and relax. Don’t be tempted to sit in the grass, even though you’ll see people doing it. It is technically not allowed and you may be asked to get off the grass by the friendly grounds workers which happened to us!
Check Out The Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches is an art museum that you absolutely need to visit. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Vienna because not only were the exhibits lovely and well-curated but the ceilings and decor within the museum were extravagant and absolutely gorgeous.
Everywhere you looked you would see detailed design that really captured the charm you see in the architecture around the city. The ceilings were painted with gold and complex imagery and framed by marble pillars along the walls.
At the time we went to the museum there was an incredible art exhibit, a coin exhibit, an Egyptian exhibit, and a Greek and Roman exhibit. Overall, I was very impressed with this museum and you could easily spend the whole day wandering through it.
Enjoy a Coffee at the Cafe in Kunsthistorisches
While you are visiting the museum, make sure to sit down for a coffee and tea at the cafe within the museum. This was also one of my favorite highlights from this trip as the cafe was one of the prettiest places I’ve ever enjoyed a slice of cake.
Everywhere you looked you were surrounded by gorgeous and detailed decore. Unfortunately, you cannot go to the cafe without getting a museum ticket and you also should make a reservation ahead of time as it’s a popular spot for those visiting the museum.
However, if you do get the chance to visit the museum I highly recommend also visiting the cafe for a quick bite to eat or a coffee!
Go to a String Quartet Performance at St. Peters
Vienna takes pride in being the home of Beethoven and Mozart at one point in time. So what better way to immerse yourself in the culture than to enjoy a string quartet performance in one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the city.
My family went to this specific performance at St. Peters and can speak from firsthand experience that this was a highlight of the trip. You not only get to enjoy incredibly talented musicians and be fully immersed in the classical music they’re playing, but you also get to enjoy one of the most beautiful venues. I highly recommend doing this experience when you’re in Vienna!
Get Coffee and Cake at Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker
If you’re looking for a spot for afternoon coffee and a slice of cake I highly recommend visiting the Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker. This cafe not only is gorgeous and beautiful inside but the pastries and cakes are just as decadent as the decor.
We stopped in here in the afternoon for cake and coffee and it’s a spot I highly recommend. The dessert is baked in-house, the staff is super friendly, and the atmosphere and decor are amazing.
I could gush about this spot all day but highly recommend you add it to your itinerary when visiting Vienna. Don’t forget to book a reservation ahead of time!
Walk Through the Schottenkirche
One thing Vienna does not have a shortage of is beautiful cathedrals. They’re often open for free to the public when they are not holding a church service and the inside is usually absolutely beautiful. You don’t need to be a religious person to enjoy the intricate details and ornate decor.
One of the cathedrals that is worth visiting is the Schottenkirche. It was founded in the 12th century by Irish Monks and today you can enter for free during open hours. You’ll be able to step inside and take in all of the elaborate details and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings.
Enjoy the Sun in Stadtpark
Another public park that is worth visiting in Vienna is the Stadtpark. Stadtpark a.k.a. City Park, is a wonderful spot to walk through or sit down and enjoy the sun when the weather is nice. The park is home to a variety of different attractions.
Along with beautiful lawns and comfy benches, you’ll also find the Kursalon which is a building that is used for a variety of events as well as a variety of monuments of Vienna’s best composers, writers, and artists.
Explore the Votivkirche Church
The Votivkirche Church is one of the many iconic buildings you’ll see in Vienna. This church is incredibly ornate and reminds me of a lot of other cathedrals I’ve seen in Spain.
Built in the 1850s this neo-gothic style church is chalk full of small ornate details that add to the grandeur of the building. This is a common theme you will notice with the architecture in Vienna.
This is one cathedral that is definitely worth checking out when you visit Vienna! Make sure to look up opening times so you don’t miss an opportunity to go inside.
Check Out the Rathaus (Town Hall)
Another popular building you check out is the Rathaus a.k.a. the town hall. This grand building was built in the 1870s and is a government building that 2,000 people work out of.
It is often the backdrop for concerts, press conferences, and balls. You are allowed to enter the building and go on a free guided tour if you get tickets ahead of time. Tickets for the tours are limited and released at 8 am on days that provide tours.
Wrapping Up
Vienna, Austria is a charming city that makes you feel like you’re walking around in a fairytale. It is one city I highly recommend and somewhere I can’t wait to go back and visit!
Vienna is full of beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re visiting the Kunsthistorisches and enjoying a coffee in their cafe, or going to a string quartet performance in an ancient church, Vienna has something for everyone.
I really hope you enjoyed this guide on the top things to do in Vienna! Make sure you bookmark or pin this for later!
Related Articles:
Everything You Should Pack for Europe
Essentials You Need For a Long Flight
Pin this for later!
