Capital of Austria, Vienna is famous for its historic centres, palaces, museums, modern art and cafes. We tell you everything in this guide for you to have the best experience in the city that is the world capital of classical music. Check out!
Austria is a country with a very welcoming people and an amazing story. I visited the city of Vienna with a local friend and was delighted with everything I discovered. I share all the tips here.
Vienna was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1867 and 1918. In 1873, it ended up becoming the headquarters of the Universal Exhibition and, to celebrate the date, the famous Opera Theater, in the city center.
During World War I, the empire was divided, and in 1912, the Republic of Austria was born. However, it was not until 1855 that the country achieved its independence. Vienna, in addition to being the capital, ended up becoming the seat of several international congresses.
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- City history
- Attractions
- where to stay in town
- Prague itinerary
- Itinerary to Italy
Vienna Austria - História
The capital of Austria is located at banks of the popular Danube River – the second longest in Europe. Vienna is a place that cannot be left out of your Eastern European itinerary.
The location has already been chosen several times as the city with the best quality of life in the world. This is because of education, health, leisure and nature. In addition, it is known for its famous parks that are incredible, with a vast green area and clean, pure water, which descends from the Alps.
It is possible to explore the Austrian capital in just a few days and discover the various tourist attractions. I've separated some tips for 10 things you need to visit in Vienna to enjoy your stay even more!
#ToDon'tForget: Travel insurance is mandatory in Austria
Immigration does not release visitors who arrive in Vienna without travel insurance. use the coupon FORTRAVELOVERS for 5% OFF, compare prices and coverage on InsurancePromo.
Sights to see in Vienna Austria
Vienna is a city that has many amazing places to visit. The place is divided into 23 districts, but the best known by tourists are the Inner City e Leopoldstadt, known as the First and Second Districts. For those who are going to spend a few days in the city, the ideal is to choose to visit only these two places, which are the downtown.
>> Read more in our full post Vienna Tourist Points – 17 Attractions You Need to Know
Easy to get around, you don't need to rent a car to get to know the city. It is worth doing everything by train and subway. I ended up buying a 24-hour subway ticket and that was my means of transport during the trip.
If in doubt, it is possible to get information about transport on the various maps spread across public transport.
So you don't miss any tourist attractions in Vienna in Austria, we made a map with all the places we talk about here.
Stephansdom – Vienna Cathedral or St. Stephen's Cathedral
The most famous church in Vienna, Austria, is located in Stephansplatz, one of the capital's postcards. she is called St. Stephen's Cathedral or St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom).
In addition to the religious symbol itself, it was built in 1147. However, only the Pagan Towers and the gate are still the same. Its design is a mix between Romantic and Gothic style.
In the North Tower it is possible to observe the Austria's biggest bell, a landmark that is known by the population as but boomer. Next to it is the entrance to the catacombs, an underground place that has 14 members of the Habsburg monarch family.
There is also a guided tour of the catacombs which is very popular. I ended up not doing this tour, but it costs approximately 5,50 euros. The Cathedral also has a Museum with several religious paintings from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Ringstrasse
Known as Ringstrasse, or just Ring – for locals – it is a circular road that passes through approximately 20 tourist attractions in Vienna such as City Hall, Stock Exchange, Parliament, Burgtheater, Museum of Art History, Royal Hofburg Palace among others.
If you are a lover of cultural attractions, start with Museums District, which has 8 museums and is a mandatory stop! Next door, the public square Maria Theresa Square It is a great place to rest and observe the city.
In the center of the square, a large statue of Empress Maria Theresia delights tourists. On a weekend I was there, some young people were having an alternative party with dancing and music there.
Nearby it is also possible to visit the park rathauspark which is amazing with lots of trees and a vast green area. Being quite local, you can find the Viennese reading a book, walking their dogs and relaxing. It is a very nice place to rest between one walk and another.
Another point not very touristy, but quite interesting, is the University of Vienna. As I was with a local friend, we ended up entering the building that opened in 1365 and is the oldest German-speaking university.
It was a pretty cool discovery, as I got to see a little bit of how the Austrian capital's education system works. There are guided tours, see more information on the official website of the University
Vienna State Opera (Whis State Opera)
One of the most important and well-known, the Opera Theater (Straatsoper) It opened in 1869 in a performance by Mozart.
To find out, you have to do guided visit, which are available in English and Spanish. It is worth it watch an opera show and live that experience. Tickets can be purchased online or on site. Prices vary between 150 euros but there are some that cost 4 euros – watching standing up, without an accent.
Tip: For those who do not want to miss the show, it is possible to buy tickets online, still in España, click here.
Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)
O Palacio Schönbrunn It was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting! Built in the XNUMXth century, the Palace is very reminiscent of Versailles, France. For many years it was the summer residence of the Vienna imperial family.
Its beautiful and flowery gardens are free. It is also possible to visit the interior of the palace and learn a little more about the decorated rooms. Inside, you can see the intimate quarters of Elisabeth of Bavaria, Sissi – famous Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary.
It is worth remembering that the public can only have access to 40 rooms.
I chose to take the shortest tour, as I was enchanted by the gardens and wanted to enjoy the Palace's outdoor area. The gardens yield many beautiful photos. The part of the Palace that I liked the most was the great ballroom, a ballroom that also hosted banquets and audiences. It's all so beautiful that the site has entered the UNESCO World Heritage list.
After the visit, it is worth visiting the Schönbrunn Zoothe world's oldest zoo. Built in 1752, the place has several animals such as pandas, which are not common in Spain. The video below shows the Vienna Zoo seen from above, it's worth seeing! It's beautiful.
Roda Gigante (Vienna Ferris Wheel)
The attraction is a little away from the center of Vienna, but it is one of the tourist spots worth visiting! THE Wiener Riesenrad it is 65 meters high, and was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Franz Joseph I, the emperor at the time.
The “toy” is in Prater, an amusement park located in the second district. Tickets can be purchased on site for approximately 10 euros (adult). My tip is to ride the Ferris wheel during the day, as there are several parks that can be observed from above.
For the more romantic, there are some cabins that make romantic dinners with candlelight and everything! A good idea to plan a special moment for two.
O Prater district It is also very pleasant with several famous restaurants and nightclubs that are worth knowing!
Sigmund Freud Museum
Sigmund Freud was born in the Czech Republic, but at the age of four he moved to Vienna. Being of Jewish origin, he ended up withdrawing from the country during World War II and lived in London, England, until his death in 1939.
In Vienna, the house in which he lived and worked - Sigmund Freud Museum – it is open to the public and today it has become a museum with some personal belongings. Even though it's a little far from other tourist spots, it's worth knowing. Tickets cost around 12 euros per person.
Have you already booked your hotel in Vienna? On Booking you will find the best prices and offers. It is worth checking!
Belvedere Palace (Belvedere Castle)
O Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) it was built to be a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Saboya. Inside, it is only possible to see the chapel, the entrance hall and the marble room. The other places have no decoration, just collections of paintings.
In 1903, the Modern Gallery in the Belvedere, which brought the first Austrian collection dedicated to modern art, with names such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.
The most interesting thing is to visit the Upper Belvedere exhibitions and see famous works like “The Kiss”, by Gustav Klimt. Tip: I really wanted to buy a work by Klimt as a souvenir for my house, but I was advised to buy the souvenirs in the souvenir shops in the center and not in the museum, because the price is much cheaper.
Since 2001, Belvedere has become UNESCO World Heritage.
Café Central
Vienna is so well known for its cafes that they've also made the list of UNESCO Cultural and Intangible Heritage, in 2011. In addition to being delicious, they are already part of the tourist program.
No matter the time, the cafes are always full. During my stay, I ended up really enjoying the Café Central, which served in addition to drinks various local pies.
In addition to an elegant decoration, the hall opened in 1876 and was frequented by Adolf Hitler, Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud. In the 30s, it became known to visitors as the University of Chess, as many people attended and gathered to play a game.
I ended up opting for a late afternoon coffee and was surprised by live music on the piano.
Hundertwasser house
O Hundertwasser house is a residential which was built between 1983 and 1986. The shape and colors of the building, designed by Vienna's most avant-garde and iconic architect – Friedensreich Hundertwasser – surprises tourists.
With 52 apartments, 19 patios and 250 trees that grow from the roofs – and appear from some windows – the place is one of the darlings for taking beautiful photos. With undulating walls and uneven floors, it draws attention for its irreverence.
Right in front is a Shopping Center, with works that are offered for sale as gifts and souvenirs, called Hundertwasser Village.
Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches)
Vienna is one of favorites for those who like museums, arts and history. Built in 1891, the Art History Museum is located at Maria-Theresian Platz. .It is possible to comfortably spend approx. four hours walking and seeing several classics such as Velázquez, Canaletto among others.
The ground floor is intended for oriental, Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the paintings. The second floor surprises tourists with a collection of coins and medals with more than 700 thousand objects on display.
At the entrance, it is possible to opt for an audio guide to explain a little more about the pieces. The ticket costs 15 euros.
Where to stay in Vienna Austria
Vienna is divided into districts, located around District 1, known as Innere Stadt (the historic city center). There are 23 in all, and the best regions to stay are Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 13.
District 1 is where some of the main tourist attractions in vienna, such as the Stephansdom Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Albertina museum and everything that surrounds the famous Ringstrasse. That's why it's the most expensive region.
A good option in District 1 is the Hotel Austria – Vienna ($$), it is close to the subway station. O Pension Dr. Geissler ($), it is also next to the metro, the airport shuttle stop. There are cheaper options with shared bathrooms.
Other highly rated and cost-effective options in District 1 are the Motel One Vienna State Opera ($$), CH-Hostel ($), Dan In’n Out ($).
>> See more options and tips in our Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Vienna – Tips from the best neighborhoods and hotels
>> Also check out our recommendations for staying well in the city at Hotels in Vienna
Did you like the Tips? But it's not over, we'll still help you with some itineraries around Vienna:
Vienna – Prague itinerary
The best option for those who want to leave Vienna and discover Prague is to take a train. The trip lasts between four and five hours and is made by the company Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB. The price is approximately 62 euros each way.
A nice tip is to try asking for the “Sparschiene Czech Republic” that it is often possible to get a discount and the price goes to just 29 euros.
For those who have more time and are looking to save some money, there is also a bus that travels around 6 hours for 19 euros one way. See timetables and rates at Euro Lines website here
Vienna also has a flight to Prague, but the price turns out to be quite high! The time is approximately one hour, but the value exceeds 300 euros.
>> Also read our post Backpacking Europe – Everything you need to know to organize one.
Vienna – Italy itinerary
For travelers who want to enjoy and stretch out in a trip through venice and take a trip to Italy. Is it possible to take a train from Vienna to Venice, also by Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB. Travel time is approximately 9 hours and the price is approximately 40 euros.
Another option is to travel from Vienna to Milan or Rome. Both destinations turn out to be a little longer, around 13 hours. The cheapest ticket, second class, costs 49 euros.
There Airlines that make the route Vienna and Rome, for example, but the price ends up being a little higher, 150 euros. Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Did you like our Vienna Austria tips? Leave your comments or questions here.
What you need to know BEFORE traveling to Vienna Austria
Are you full of things to think about and still have to plan your entire trip? Or you've seen it all, but you're feeling that familiar "Have I forgotten something?"
So calm down, we'll help you with some items you can't forget before boarding. Come on!
1) Have you already purchased your airline ticket?
Where to buy: PROMO TICKETS
Looking for a good deal and flight prices? When buying tickets to Vienna, it is worth taking a look at the website Promo Tickets. It is quite common to find cheaper and better flight options than on other sites. We always use it and it's worth it!
2) Have you booked your hosting?
Where to buy: BOOKING.COM
If you haven't booked your stay, the tip is to compare hotels, hostels and inns through Booking.com. This is the largest hotel booking platform in the world, ensuring a safe experience and great accommodation deals.
#StayHip: Keep an eye out for 'Smart Deals', which only last for one day. Some amazing hotels offer great discounts using this badge on the platform. If you find a good deal, it's worth closing.
3) Travel Insurance for Vienna is MANDATORY
Having a Vienna travel insurance is a requirement to enter the country, which is part of the Schengen Treaty and requires medical-hospital coverage of at least €30 for travelers. In addition to being mandatory, insurance is a great way to ensure a smoother trip. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES
4) How to have unlimited internet while traveling
Where to Buy: AMERICA CHIP
Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Just ask for an international cell phone chip through AMERICA CHIP. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.
#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet ;).
5) Rent cars at the best prices
Where to rent: Rent Cars
We really like RentCars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
#Here's a tip: Try to find cars with full car and third party insurance coverage. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.
Note: We highly value the credibility of our information. All the sites we recommend above are sites we already use, we have good experiences and feedback from readers!
Read All about Vienna Austria
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- What to do in Vienna – 1 to 5 Day Itinerary
- 17 Sights in Vienna – Attractions You Need to Know
- Where to Stay in Vienna – Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
- Hotels in Vienna – 15 Options Worth Booking
- 25hours Hotel in Vienna – Our Review
- Austria Travel Insurance – Is It Mandatory? Learn Everything Here
- Innsbruck, Austria – Travel Guide
- Graz, Austria – Everything to Plan Your Trip
- Hallstatt, Austria – Everything You Need to Know
- Salzburg, Austria – How to Plan Your Trip
- Linz, Austria – Complete Travel Guide
Plan your trip:
Get started now by booking your hotel in Vienna on Booking.com
Want to find cheap tickets? Find flights with discounts of up to 35% every day at Passages Promo!
Save time and money searching for the best Travel Insurance with the Seguros Promo comparator! Extra 5% off with coupon: FORTRAVELOVERS
Compare the best prices to rent a car from over 100 rental companies with Rentcars! (Pay in up to 12X! Pay in reais, without IOF)
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