Attractions in Vienna
Most, but certainly not all of Vienna's attractions are centralized in the busy first district of Vienna. The city center is easily navigated by foot and ample public transportation routes make all districts accessible. A fun and easy way to see the city is to rent a bike from City Bikes. Payment is easy and terminals are everywhere.
Ringstrasse
Ringstrasse is the wide boulevard surrounding Innere Stradt, the city-center district. Along it, you'll find grand architecture and many museums including Kunsthistoriches Museum, Museum Quarter, Leopold Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
MuseumQuarter: a cultural area with a range of museums (including the highly recommended Leopold museum) and exhibits. In summer, the month-long Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival) presents a fun mix of performances, shows and exhibits, some (including the opening festival) with free admission.
Kunsthistoriches (Museum of Art History):
Don't miss the Kunsthistoriches a top-notch art museum with works by Velazquez, Rembrandt and Raphael, to name a few.
East of the Danube: in these residential districts you'll find Jewish History and parks.
- a traditional center of Jewish life
- Prater Amusement Park
Home of the famous Riesenrad ferris wheel
Other famous streets:
Karntner Strasse a good strolling street chock full of souvenir shops and street performers.
Graben & Kohlmarkt:
These two pedestrial streets connecting Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and Stephansdom offer shops, historical buildings and views and throngs of tourists.
Graben: Shops here are more expensive and high-end than those selling souvenirs on Karntner Strasse.
Kohlmarkt: Kohlmarkt received its name from the charcoal market that formally stood here. You will find more luxury shops, some of the best views of Vienna and café Demel, among the best in Vienna.
Innere stradt:
Hofburg (Imperial Palace) The Hapsburgs were here for 6 centuries, beginning in 1279 with Rudolph I. Each emperor constructed additions to the palace. Inside you'll find lovely courtyards, chapels, museums and apartments from 13th to 20th century.
Stephansplatz: In this square youll find the Stephansdom and the Haas Haus
Stephansdom: this cathedral dominates Stephansplatz and is a symbol of gothic architecture.
Haas Haus – a post-modernist building completed in 1990 by architect Hans Hollein, controversial with a glass façade.
Parlament: The Parlament, modeled after Greek architecture as the origin of democracy, includes Corinthian columns, rich decoration and a statue of Athena. Access to the visitor's center is free; and a combined ticket gets you a Parlament tour and access to the adjacent Palais Epstein, currently used as a branch of Parlament.
Rathaus (City Hall) – A neogothic building completed in 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt. Explore the 7 inner courtyards and join a tour to see the interior.
Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera House): The rich musical history of Vienna makes the opera house a must-see. Built in the mid-19th century, the design was disdained by the Hapsburgs and Viennese public, earning it the nickname "stone turtle”. Tickets are available one month in advance, standing room tickets (2 to 3.50 euro) are available 80 minutes before performances and unsold tickets are available one day before a performance for 30 euros. Tours are available year-round.
Spanish Riding School & Lipizzaner Museum
Reserve for a show months in advance or buy tickets to watch a training session or workout. Guided tours and separate museum (history of the stallions. Combined ticket to museum and a training session is 15euro for adults, 9 for children.
