Explore Essentials: Things to Do in Vienna

“From the striking remains of its long history as the home of the Habsburg monarchy to examples of impressive 20th century architecture and fine culinary traditions, there are plenty of things to see and do in Vienna. Here’s our essential guide to the best attractions, museums and activities in the Austrian capital.

Load up on Culture at the Hofburg Palace
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Once the imperial palace of the ruling Habsburg monarchy, the Hofburg Palace today is home to the Kaiser Apartments, the Sisi Museum and other visitor attractions. Don’t miss the incredible dressage performances of the Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School, as well as works from iconic artists like Picasso, Chagall, Kirchner and Kiefer at the Albertina Museum (which is within the palace complex).

By Thomas Ledl – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40696559

Ride the Big Wheel at the Prater
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The Prater is Vienna’s main public park and where you’ll find the city’s giant ferris wheel, which delivers incredible views across the capital. It is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular attractions here. Having taken in the views, discover what else the park has to offer, with family-friendly attractions including a rollercoaster, planetarium and the Prater Tower swing. During the summer, the Schweizerhaus is home to Vienna’s most beautiful beer garden.

Relax with Coffee and Cake
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If there is any city that has taken coffee drinking paired with pastries, apfelstrudel or other baked goods to a fine art then it’s Vienna. Make it part of your daily routine in the city at one of the legendary cafes or coffee houses. Cafe Central has been an intellectual hangout of choice since the 19th century with its vaulted ceilings and classic decor, while the 1950s stylings of the Cafe Prükel got it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Go for a Swim in the Amalienbad
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It’s not often you can combine a swim with a bit of cultural history, but in the Art Nouveau Amalienbad swimming baths, you can get a feel for 1920s Vienna while doing a few lengths. As well as the main pool there’s also a sauna area with steam baths and whirlpools, a restaurant, and a variety of spa treatments on offer. Keep an eye out for their events, including pool parties, film screenings and more.

Luxuriate in the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
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Journey back in time at the imperial Schönbrunn Palace, where you can experience the lavish grandeur of what life was like for members of Austria’s royal family at different moments in its history. Arguably as impressive are the gardens, wonderfully landscaped and great for strolling. Within the grounds you’ll also find the Schönbrunn Zoo, the palm house, cafes and restaurants, and the Schönbrunner Bad open-air swimming pool.

By Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34663455

Be Inspired by the Hundertwasserhaus
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There can be few more photographed buildings in Vienna than the Hundertwasserhaus, but even if you’ve seen its colourful and quirky facade from countless postcard stands in the city, it is even more impressive when you’re standing before it. Designed by the artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the building houses normal residential apartments. However, there is also a cafe and a small museum to visit.

Move through Time at the Jewish Museum
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The original Jewish Museum in Vienna was opened in 1896 and was the first of its kind in the world. Closed by the Nazis in 1938, the museum was re-established in the 1980s and opened at its current location in 1993. The permanent exhibition explores Jewish life in Vienna from the Middle Ages to the present day and the contribution Jewish citizens have made to life in the city. It also remembers the Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Catch a Performance at the Vienna State Opera
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Austria has long been a land of musicians and composers, and in the Vienna State Opera they have one of the greatest opera houses and classical music venues in the world. There are more than 350 performances a year and one of its long-standing traditions is the cheap standing tickets it sells 80 minutes before each performance. As well as concerts, you can tour the building most days. Check the website for upcoming concerts and guided tours.

Get a Taste of Vienna at the Naschmarkt
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Six days a week you can get a true taste of Vienna and its multicultural culinary traditions by visiting the Naschmarkt, the city’s main produce market. There are countless stalls to explore, and it’s a great place to stock up for a picnic. You can also eat in the market, with various street food stalls and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. The market opens each morning at 6am and is open on weekdays until about 7:30pm, and around 5pm on Saturdays.

If you are looking for a place to stay in the Austrian capital, check out our hotels in Vienna or explore Vienna holidays and find great deals on flights and accommodation”