Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that blends rich history with modern flair. Known for its stunning architecture, classical music, and vibrant cultural scene, Vienna shows elegance and charm everywhere. From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace to the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the city is a treasure trove of architectural wonders. It also has many amazing cafés and green spaces where you can relax.
In 2018, I travelled to Vienna and absolutely loved the city. I have therefore made a list of the 9 best places to visit in Vienna, which is also a list of the things that I did during my visit there.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- 1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- 2. Hofburg
- 3. Schönbrunn Palace
- 4. St. Charles’s Church
- 5. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
- 6. Vienna State Opera
- 7. Hotel Sacher Wien
- 8. Kärntner Straße
- 9. Austrian National Library
General Information
Where should I stay in Vienna?
I recommend staying in the city center, where you will be close to almost every attraction. You will then be walking distance from all the best places to visit, except for the Schönbrunn Palace, where you can use the public transport to get to.
Hostels are also a super affordable option. Click here to see all the hostels in Vienna.
How do I get around Vienna?
The best ways to get around in Vienna is by walking or by public transportation.
Should I get an eSIM before going to Vienna?
If you do not already have a SIM card that covers data in Vienna, I highly recommend getting one. This will provide you a stress-free experience once you land in a new country. A great way is to get an eSIM, which means that you can simply download the SIM instead of swapping it out.
Should I go on tours or explore by myself?
Going on tours or not is a personal preference. Tour guides can provide you more explanation on the history and can help you create a more stress-free travel experience. When I travel, I personally explore by myself because I like not being restricted to a certain time.
1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a big church located in the heart of Vienna, Austria. It’s really famous because of its tall spire that you can see from far away. The outside of the cathedral is decorated with colourful tiles on the roof, and there are lots of statues and intricate carvings all around. Inside, it’s super grand with high ceilings and stained glass windows that let colorful light shine in. People from all over the world come to visit this amazing cathedral and learn about its history and architecture.
If you visit only the main nave of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, it is free. If not, you will need to pay an entry fee at the different sections of the cathedral.
Vienna is very popular for its classical music. If you are a music lover, I highly recommend this classical musical evening at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You will hear wonderful interpretations of works by famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and many more.
2. Hofburg
The Hofburg is a big, fancy palace in Vienna. It’s like a real-life castle! The palace has lots of cool rooms and halls inside where important people used to live and work. Now, it’s where the President of Austria works and where big events and ceremonies happen. The palace also has museums inside where you can learn about the history of Austria and see some really old and cool stuff!
If you are looking for a nice way to visit the Hofburg, I highly recommend this Vienna City Center Walking Tour. Not only does it include a tour of Hofburg, but it also includes a tour of most of the other things to do that I have mentioned below. Therefore, you can easily see all the amazing sights in one tour.
If you are interested in visiting the inside of the Hofburg, there is an entry fee. You can find the updates rates here.
3. Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning, big palace in Vienna, Austria. It’s like something out of a fairy tale! The palace used to be the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, who were super important rulers. Now, it’s a cool place for visitors to explore and learn about Austria’s history. The palace has beautiful gardens with flowers, fountains, and even a maze to get lost in! Inside, you can see fancy rooms where the royal family lived, with lots of golden decorations and fancy furniture. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone in Vienna!
If you would like to visit the Schönbrunn Palace’s Garden, the entry is free. If you would like to visit inside the Schönbrunn Palace, there is an entry fee. Depending on what you would like to visit, they have various price categories. Click here for the updates rates.
4. St. Charles’s Church
St. Charles’s Church is a beautiful church in Vienna with a big dome that you can see from far away. It was built a long time ago, in the 18th century, and it’s really famous for its stunning architecture. Inside, there are amazing paintings and sculptures, and the ceilings are super high. People visit St. Charles’s Church to admire its beauty, listen to music concerts, or just sit quietly and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a special place in Vienna that you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting the city!
When people visit St. Charles’s Church, they often come to see a classical performance. Out of the many performances, one of their popular ones is the Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert.
5. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is a really cool museum in Vienna. It’s like a treasure trove of art and history! Inside, you’ll find amazing paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from all over the world. Some of the most famous artists, like Rembrandt and Vermeer, have their works displayed here. The building itself is super fancy, with grand halls and beautiful decorations. It’s a great place to visit if you love art, history, or just want to see something amazing!
There is also an entry fee for the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. Click here for tickets.
6. Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera, located in the heart of Vienna, Austria, is one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. With its stunning architecture and rich history, the Vienna State Opera stands as a beacon of classical music and opera. Inside, visitors are treated to breathtaking performances featuring talented singers, musicians, and dancers, bringing timeless stories to life on stage. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or a first-time attendee, the Vienna State Opera promises an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, emotion, and grandeur.
There are guided tours and concerts offered at the Vienna State Opera. Guided tours are a much cheaper way to experience the Vienna State Opera, whereas the classical concerts usually cost over 100 €.
7. Hotel Sacher Wien
The Hotel Sacher Wien is like a luxurious palace in the heart of Vienna, Austria. It’s famous for its delicious chocolate cake called the Sachertorte. People from all over the world come to stay in its elegant rooms and indulge in its decadent desserts. With its rich history and top-notch service, a visit to the Hotel Sacher Wien is sure to be a memorable experience fit for royalty.
Although I did not stay at the Sacher Hotel, I did visit them for their Sachertorte, which was delicious. If you would like to visit, I recommend you to go in the morning and during weekdays to avoid long lineups. When I visited, although it was in the afternoon, we only waited for a few minutes in the queue.
8. Kärntner Straße
The Kärntner Straße is like the main street of Vienna, Austria. It’s a bustling place where people shop, eat, and enjoy the city. You’ll find lots of shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and tasty treats. It’s a great place to stroll around and soak up the vibe of Vienna.
9. Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library is like a treasure chest of books and history in Vienna, Austria. It’s a beautiful old building filled with lots of interesting things to see, like ancient manuscripts, old maps, and rare books. People visit to learn about Austria’s past and explore its rich cultural heritage.
There are different sections of the Austrian National Library such as the State Hall, the Literature Museum and the Papyrus Museum. Depending on the sections you would like to visit inside, there are different set of tickets. Click here to see the admission fees.
Jessie Across the World 