What to see in Vienna
Museums and Palaces
Vienna is overflowing with historical attractions and museums which are an ideal way to become acquainted with the culture of the capital. Museums Quartiers in particular is home to some of the greatest Austrian art work in the Leopold Museum and then more contemporary work in MUMOK, while Naturhistorisches Museum also plays host to a huge range of prehistoric artifacts including meteorites and delicate fossils.
Moving onward, the imposing Hofburg palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the infamous Hapsburg monarchy where you can listen to the Boys Choir or witness the Lipizzaner Stallions as they perform an unusual equine ballet. And there are many more baroque palaces to explore aside from the Hofburg such as Schloss Belvedere and Schloss Schonbrunn, each one of which is equally impressive.
Coffee and Cuisine in Vienna
Renowned for some of the best coffee in Europe and a vibrant coffee culture in general, the local café’s in Vienna are an opportunity to rest up and enjoy another local experience – sachertorte. Invented specifically for an Austrian Prince during the 19th century, this type of chocolate doughnut is simply mouth-watering while a local café is the perfect place to sit back and watch the world go by as you sample this culinary delight.
Vienna is also synonymous with fine dining restaurants and world class cuisine so there is never any trouble in terms of finding a great food experience in the city center. Many of these meals are traditional based with meals including chicken schnitzel, veal meatballs, apple strudel or rindsuppe, a tasty beef stew with pancakes. That being said, it is often expensive in parts although thankfully most restaurants have what is referred to as the “Mittagsmenu” which is essentially a special menu offering cheaper or discounted options.
More things to do in Vienna
Catch a performance in the Musikverein
Vienna is known as “the city of music” with it being the one-time home of many famous composers including Beethoven and Johann Strauss. In this sense you should absolutely take in a performance by the Philharmonic Orchestra in the iconic Musikverein Opera House.
Visit a concert café
Another great way to uncover the musical wonder of the city is by visiting a concert cafe in Vienna. Café Weimar or Schwarzenburg are nice examples of such a place where you can sample some local coffee in a pleasant setting with the soothing sound of a live music performance. Concert cafe’s are certainly something unique
Sample food at the Naschmarkt
If you are seeking a true local experience or maybe something a little more affordable, Naschmarkt market is an ideal way to immerse yourself in Vienna. Home to a huge variety of street vendors serving up gastro meals of every kind imaginable, Naschmarkt is also located in a very enticing part of the city where typical Viennese facades tower high above the locals plying their trade.
Take in some city views
Climbing to the top of the Danube Tower, the highest building in Vienna, promises some truly unforgettable views but you can also find something similar at St.Stephens Cathedral where more than 300 steps are a prelude to a stunning panorama. That said, if you wish to enjoy a meal or drink at the same time, you may be best heading for the Sky Bar Restaurant which is also located at a wonderful vantage point.
Experience the Ringtrasse
Travelling around a beautiful boulevard in the Innere Stadt part of Vienna, the tour of the city by car is an impressive and memorable way to see many interesting attractions including the Vienna State Opera, Rathaus and the parliament building. This is an affordable thing to do in Vienna but also one which is considered by many to be a cultural experience.
Don’t miss the Schronbrunner Gardens
Schronbrun Palace is worth the visit and a very popular attraction in Vienna. However, many visitors come and go without exploring the surrounding gardens and these are most certainly worth taking in during a visit. Majestic in every way, these luscious gardens are very peaceful but they also offer a stunning photograph opportunity with the palace as a backdrop to this beautiful setting.
