20 Things To Do in Vienna For The First Time (Austria)
Discover the imperial grandeur and artistic soul of Vienna with this guide to its must-see attractions. From magnificent palaces and world-class museums to charming cafes and vibrant markets, experience the best of Austria's capital for a truly unforgettable visit.
Hotel Beethoven Wien
A culture and classical music-themed family-run hotel with a cosy bar, offering a memorable accommodation experience in Vienna.
Schönbrunn Palace
The summer residence of the Habsburgs, consisting of 1441 rooms with gorgeous gardens and the Gloriette.
Schönbrunn Gardens
The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, featuring the Gloriette and the Schönbrunn Maze.
Hofburg
A massive palace, the top thing to do in Vienna, especially for visiting the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments to glimpse into the life of Empress Elisabeth.
Sisi Museum
A museum within the Hofburg Palace dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi.
Imperial Apartments
A part of the Hofburg Palace offering a glimpse into the life of Empress Elisabeth.
Augustinian Church
A church within the Hofburg complex where several imperial couples got married, including Franz Joseph and Sisi; highlighted by a crypt containing the hearts of 54 Habsburgs.
St Stephen’s Cathedral
One of the indisputable symbols of Vienna, dominating the city centre with its glistening tiled roof.
Graben Street
One of Vienna’s main shopping streets, where you can see an elaborate column commemorating the plague of 1679.
Vienna State Opera
A venue to appreciate Vienna’s classical music culture by attending a concert.
Konzerthaus
A venue to appreciate Vienna’s classical music culture by attending a concert.
St Charles Church
A venue to appreciate Vienna’s classical music culture by attending a concert.
Sachertorte
Vienna’s signature cake, a delicious chocolate cake with thin layers of apricot jam inside and topped with dark chocolate.
Demel
An iconic place to try Sachertorte and the so-called Emperor’s Pancakes.
Cafe Sacher
One of the most iconic places to try Sachertorte.
Aida
A historic pastry shop in Vienna, the best place to try the pink punch cake and Viennese strudel.
Belvedere Museum
An essential stop in Vienna, split between three venues, bringing some of the best works of art right before your eyes.
Upper Belvedere
A venue to marvel at the genius of Gustav Klimt and see the world’s most famous Kiss.
Lower Belvedere
The former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Belvedere 21
A museum focusing on Austrian art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
MuseumsQuartier
A vast area where large museums and small contemporary exhibitions co-exist, creating a cultural hub.
Albertina
A museum to check out in Vienna.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Vienna’s Museum of Art History, featuring a vast collection of art treasures and one of the prettiest museum cafes.
Freud Museum
The former residence and practice of Sigmund Freud, allowing you to take a journey into the history of psychoanalysis.
Furniture Museum
A themed exhibition narrating the history of the Habsburgs through a massive collection of furniture that belonged to several members of the dynasty, also featuring the Sissi in the Movies Tour.
Prater
One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, set in a lush park and home to the oldest Ferris Wheel in the world.
Capuchin Crypt
The final resting place of 150 Habsburg royals, including Empress Elisabeth and her husband Franz Joseph.
Austrian National Library
The State Hall of the largest library in Austria, a sight to behold with its wooden bookshelves that carry over 200,000 books, Venetian globes, vaulted ceilings and stunning frescoes.
Danube River
A river that flows through Vienna, where you can spend some time relaxing at one of the city’s riverside beach bars or simply stroll along the peaceful waters.
Naschmarkt
A lively market in the heart of Vienna where you can buy fruit, vegetables, spices and other treats in the morning, and sit for a drink or have dinner among locals and visitors alike in the evening.
Hundertwasser House
The quirkiest apartment building in the Austrian capital, an architectural wonder designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Hunderwasser Village
A place where you can step inside its almost magical world.
Kunst Haus Wien
A mind-blowing building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Karlsplatz
One of the largest squares in Vienna and one of the city’s main public transport hubs, known for the Church of St Charles and the two beautiful Art Nouveau pavilions.
Church of St Charles
A church that dominates Karlsplatz.
Judenplatz
The former centre of Jewish life, now dominated by the austere Holocaust Memorial and the Lessing Monument.
Ferstel Passage
A shopping arcade designed in the Parisian standards of the time, one of the best places to catch your breath on a rainy day in Vienna.
Anker Clock
An Art Nouveau clock featuring 12 historical figures that parade before your eyes.
Stadtpark
One of the best parks in Vienna, centrally located and featuring peaceful paths to walk along or lovely spots to sit back and people-watch.
Burggarten
One of the best parks in Vienna, centrally located and featuring peaceful paths to walk along or lovely spots to sit back and people-watch.