Imperial & laid-back: Vienna’s sights, art and cuisine

Contents:

• Vienna’s neighbourhoods – character, charm & walks
• Sights – Vienna’s highlights
• Museums – from world-class art to a spirit of experimentation
• Vienna with Children – Relaxed & Varied
• Insider tips – Vienna’s hidden gems
• Cuisine – from coffee houses to Heurigen
• Vienna at Advent: The most beautiful Christmas markets
• Practical tips – to make Vienna even more wonderful
• Conclusion: It’s well worth coming back

Vienna’s neighbourhoods – character, charm & walks

Vienna in Austria is a city of contrasts: the imperial Ringstrasse meets creative courtyards, traditional Heurige meet urban street art. Every sight tells its own story – and every neighbourhood has its own rhythm. If you really want to understand Vienna, you should take the time to discover these nuances.

• Innere Stadt (1st district) – the heart of Vienna: This is where the historic centre beats: St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and elegant shopping streets such as Graben and Kohlmarkt. Cobblestones, horse-drawn carriages and magnificent façades tell the story of Vienna during the imperial era. Our tip: take an early morning stroll around Stephansplatz whilst the city is still quiet, then pop into the Fenster Café (Griechengasse 10) for an espresso served straight from the window.
• Leopoldstadt (2nd district) – green & delightful: From the Prater to the Augarten, this neighbourhood offers plenty of space to breathe. Around the Karmelitermarkt, a thriving culinary scene blossoms, ranging from traditional bakeries to trendy brunch spots. Our tip: Visit the Karmelitermarkt on a Saturday morning for fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, regional specialities and cosy eateries – and then enjoy an aperitivo at the nearby MADAI Aperitivobeisl.
• Neubau & Spittelberg (7th district) – creative & charming: boutiques, concept stores and studios characterise this part of Vienna. The romantic alleyways of Spittelberg are a real treat, especially during Advent with their Christmas market. Our tip: Take an evening stroll through the Spittelberg courtyards, soak up the atmosphere of the beautifully lit alleyways, and round off the evening at OBEN Küche und Bar with a view over Vienna.
• Mariahilf (6th district) – shopping & trendy cafés: Mariahilfer Strasse is Vienna’s longest shopping street. Off the main road, you’ll discover trendy cafés, street art and small design shops. Our tip: At Linke Wienzeile 40, admire the Art Nouveau façade designed by Otto Wagner with its colourful majolica tiles – a true masterpiece from 1898.
• Wieden (4th) & Landstrasse (3rd) – Art Nouveau & Art: At Karlsplatz, the golden dome of the Secession meets the imposing St Charles’s Church. Further south, the Baroque Belvedere Palace beckons with its gardens. Quick tip: After visiting the Belvedere, pop into the Salm Bräu right next door – hearty Viennese cuisine and their own beer. Our tip: Party in the evening at Club U beneath Karlsplatz – a unique venue in a former underground station entrance. This historic pavilion, designed by Otto Wagner, combines Art Nouveau charm with live music, DJs and urban flair.
• Döbling / Grinzing (19th district) – Vineyards & Heurigen: On the outskirts of the city, amongst vineyards and rolling hills, lies the heart of Heurigen culture. Here you’ll find Grüner Veltliner, a traditional ‘Brettljause’ platter and often live music. Our tip: hike or drive up to the Kahlenberg in the late afternoon – the view of Vienna at sunset is unrivalled.

Sights – Vienna’s moments of splendour

Vienna is a stage, and its landmarks are the stars of the show – magnificent, steeped in history and yet always vibrant.

• St Stephen’s Cathedral – the heart and symbol of the city: with its colourful glazed roof and 136-metre-high south tower, this Gothic cathedral dominates the historic centre. 343 steps lead to a magnificent view over Vienna, whilst inside, the stonemasonry and ornate altars are truly impressive. Our tip: Be sure to visit the catacombs too – they house the remains of thousands of people, an experience that is both impressive and unsettling.
• Hofburg Palace – the imperial seat of power: the residence of the Habsburgs for over 600 years, the Hofburg remains a symbol of imperial splendour to this day. It comprises the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum with personal mementoes, and the Spanish Riding School, where the Lipizzaner tradition lives on. Our tip: Combine your visit with a morning training session or a Lipizzaner show – make sure to book your tickets in good time.
• Schönbrunn Palace – Vienna’s Versailles: Magnificent halls, splendid ceiling frescoes and extensive gardens make the former Habsburg summer palace a real highlight. From the Gloriette, a picture-postcard view of Vienna unfolds. Our tip: start the ‘Grand Tour’ in the morning, then stroll through the park to the Gloriette and enjoy a coffee whilst taking in the view.
• Upper Belvedere Palace – Art, History & Klimt’s Masterpiece: This 300-year-old Baroque palace is not only an architectural gem but also home to one of Austria’s most significant art collections. At its heart is Gustav Klimt’s world-famous painting ‘The Kiss’ – the final work of his Golden Period – surrounded by the largest collection of his works worldwide. Our tip: visit in the late afternoon during the week – fewer crowds and the most beautiful light in the gardens.
• Ringstrasse – Vienna’s magnificent boulevard: A stroll along the Ringstrasse is like a journey back to the heyday of the monarchy. Architectural masterpieces line the street one after the other: the State Opera House, the Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, and the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museums. Our tip: Take tram line 1 or 2 for a full circuit – it’s comfortable and ideal whatever the weather.
• Hundertwasser House – an explosion of colour and architectural poetry: Designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this residential building deliberately defies straight lines. Colourful façades, uneven floors, green roofs – a living work of art that is as playful as it is sustainably conceived. Our tip: Visit the Kunst Haus Wien right next door – it showcases further works and changing photography exhibitions.
• St Charles’s Church – Baroque splendour with panoramic views: St Charles’s Church on Karlsplatz is regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Europe. Inside, a panoramic lift takes you up to just below the dome, where you can admire the frescoes at close quarters – an experience you rarely get in churches. Our tip: on summer evenings, take a photo of the church’s reflection in the pond in front of it – it’s particularly atmospheric.
• Central Cemetery – a place of tranquillity and musical history: One of the largest cemeteries in Europe and the final resting place of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Falco. Amidst Art Nouveau mausoleums, avenues of old trees and the Church of St Charles Borromeo, a quiet, almost poetic side of Vienna is revealed. Our tip: Pick up a map at the entrance – that way you’ll find the graves of honour and the church with ease.

Museums – from world-class art to a spirit of experimentation

Vienna is a paradise for museum lovers – from imperial collections to avant-garde galleries and interactive experiences. Every institution is a cultural attraction, and here everyone can find their own personal cultural treasure.

• Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) – Treasures of world art: a temple to art on the Ringstrasse, famous for works by Bruegel, Rubens, Vermeer and its collections of antiquities. The magnificent staircase alone is worth a visit. Our tip: Have a coffee in the museum café beneath the dome – one of Vienna’s most beautiful spots to take a break.
• Natural History Museum (NHM) – Wonders of Nature: Directly opposite the KHM, this museum showcases everything from dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones. Highlight: the 29,500-year-old Venus of Willendorf. Our tip: take a look at the roof terrace (during special guided tours) – a magnificent view of Vienna.
• Albertina – masterpieces galore: from Dürer’s ‘Hare’ to Impressionists such as Monet and Degas – the Albertina brings together world-class graphic art, painting and photography. Quick tip: Don’t miss the magnificent state rooms – they’re part of the tour and are often quieter than the main exhibition.
• Leopold Museum – Vienna around 1900: Schiele, Klimt, Kokoschka – here you can experience Vienna’s artistic renaissance at the turn of the century. Clean-lined architecture, plenty of light and a wonderful view of Museumsplatz. Our tip: Come in the evening, when the MuseumsQuartier is atmospherically lit.
• MUMOK – Modern and Contemporary Art: The Museum of Modern Art, housed in a dark basalt block, showcases everything from Pop Art to contemporary installations. Our tip: The special exhibitions are often particularly worthwhile – check the programme online beforehand.
• MAK – Museum of Applied Arts: A blend of design, crafts and contemporary art – from historical furniture to avant-garde fashion. Our tip: Admission is often heavily discounted on Tuesday evenings – ideal for a spontaneous visit.
• Haus der Musik – interactive worlds of sound: Hands-on music history: composers’ rooms, a conductor simulator, sound experiments. Perfect for children too. Our tip: Be sure to try the virtual conducting – it’s great fun and offers fascinating insights.

Vienna with children – relaxed & varied

Vienna isn’t just a city for culture lovers – it’s also an ideal destination for families. Many attractions are child-friendly, offer plenty of space for children to run about, and provide exciting experiences that delight young and old alike.

• Schönbrunn & the Zoo – where history meets wildlife: next to the magnificent palace lies the world’s oldest zoo – home to pandas, elephants and over 700 other species. There’s also a maze, a labyrinth and large play areas. Our tip: Set off early – the animals are most active in the morning and it’s not too crowded yet.
• Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel – Fun and Nostalgia: The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is an experience for all ages. At the Wurstelprater, you’ll find carousels, mini rollercoasters and food stalls serving candyfloss and langos. Our tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon – shorter queues, more space.
• ZOOM Children’s Museum – Hands-on fun: Located in the MuseumsQuartier, ZOOM offers age-appropriate exhibitions, workshops and experiments where children can create and explore for themselves. Our tip: Book places for workshops online in advance – they often sell out quickly.
• Haus des Meeres – Tropics, sharks & panoramic views: In a former anti-aircraft tower, children can discover tropical aquariums, crocodiles, birds and monkeys. To round off the visit, the roof terrace offers a fantastic view over Vienna. Our tip: pop in during feeding times – it’s particularly exciting for children.
• Technical Museum – Hands-on Science: From steam engines to interactive experiments, technology comes to life here in a playful way. Our tip: Allow plenty of time – children often spend ages at the hands-on stations.
• Danube Island – Nature in the heart of the city: Cycling, playgrounds, water fun in summer – the Danube Island is a huge open space for family activities. Our tip: Take a picnic with you – there are plenty of lovely, shady spots right by the water.

Hidden gems – Vienna’s lesser-known treasures

Away from the major postcard sights, Vienna reveals a different side: small squares, hidden architectural gems and places where you can have the city almost to yourself.

• Spittelberg Courtyards – Romance behind the brickwork: between Neubau and the MuseumsQuartier, narrow alleyways and leafy courtyards lie hidden. In winter, the neighbourhood transforms into one of Vienna’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Also worth a visit is the Schottendurchhaus, which connects the 8th and 7th districts – here you’ll find the superb vegan bakery Schwarzbrot.

• Crime Museum – Vienna’s dark side: An unusual museum in the 2nd district: here you can delve into Vienna’s criminal history – from historical murder cases to spectacular crimes of the past few centuries. Not suitable for very young children, but fascinating for anyone with a penchant for true crime.

• Republic of Kugelmugel – the Sphere Nation: Right in the middle of the Prater stands a sphere that, in 1984, unceremoniously declared itself a ‘republic’. Today, it is a curious landmark and photo opportunity – a slice of Viennese humour with a political wink.

• Wotruba Church – Concrete Meets Spirituality: On the edge of the Vienna Woods stands the church designed by Fritz Wotruba, built from 152 concrete blocks – raw, monumental and yet bathed in light.

• Cinema like never before – open-air film enjoyment: In summer, the area near the Augarten is transformed into an atmospheric open-air cinema. International films, classics and new releases are screened under the open sky – a real highlight for balmy Viennese evenings.  The evening gets off to the best start when you settle into a deckchair before the screening and enjoy the sunset over the Augarten with a glass of wine.

• Kramladen – a stage for Vienna’s young music scene: Situated right on the Gürtel, the Kramladen is one of the most exciting venues for live music in Vienna. The programme ranges from indie and alternative to promising newcomer bands, complemented by DJ sets and club nights. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming – perfect for experiencing the city’s creative side up close.

• Vienna’s smallest vineyard – wine in the heart of the city: At Schwarzenbergplatz 2, genuine Viennese wine grows on just a few square metres – a charming symbol of the city’s rich wine-growing tradition. Pause for a moment as you walk past and admire the vines right in the city centre – a quirky photo opportunity and quintessentially Viennese.

Cuisine – from coffee houses to Heurigen

In Vienna, eating and drinking aren’t just everyday activities – they’re a celebration. Whether in a traditional coffee house, at a colourful market or in a wine bar amongst the vines: here, cuisine is always part of the culture.

• Coffee houses: Vienna without coffee houses is unthinkable. Classics such as Café Central, Café Sperl or the legendary Hawelka invite you to read the paper, people-watch and enjoy a Melange with strudel or Kaiserschmarrn. There are also modern cafés offering a creative coffee culture. Particularly popular are the Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters, with two locations in the city centre – both renowned for excellent speciality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Palmenhaus Café-Restaurant: In the Burggarten stands a spectacular Art Nouveau greenhouse where you can enjoy coffee and cake in an exotic setting – a place that combines elegance with nature.

• Viennese cuisine: Veal schnitzel, Tafelspitz with apple horseradish or a hearty onion roast are among the classics. You can experience them in a particularly authentic way at Gasthaus Pöschl or Figlmüller on Wollzeile.

• Markets: Whilst the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s best-known market, attracts visitors with a colourful mix of international specialities, regional produce and small eateries – particularly lively on Saturday mornings – the Karmelitermarkt offers a genuine taste of everyday Viennese life with its farmers’ market and cosy eateries. The scene is complemented by the Markterei Markthalle in the former hydraulic engineering laboratory, where street food, regional specialities and handmade products are on offer in a modern setting.

• Vollpension: In this café, senior citizens bake cakes using family recipes. Gugelhupf, apple strudel and other treats are served here with plenty of heart and a touch of nostalgia.

• Café Restaurant Oktogon Am Himmel: Perched high above Vienna, it offers regional cuisine and a magnificent panoramic view. When the weather is fine, the terrace is the perfect place to linger.

• Sweet Vienna: The famous Sachertorte – whether at the Hotel Sacher or Demel – is a must-try. Other tempting pastries include quark strudel, Gugelhupf and Palatschinken.

• Heurige: In the wine-growing villages of Grinzing or Stammersdorf, winegrowers pour their own wine and serve it with spreads, cheese and cold delicacies. With live music in the garden, this is where you can experience Vienna at its most convivial. If you’d prefer to stay in the city centre, you’ll also find city wine taverns in the 8th district (Josefstadt) – urban, cosy and easily accessible.

Vienna during Advent: The most beautiful Christmas markets

During Advent, Vienna is transformed into an atmospheric winter wonderland: scattered across the city, festively lit markets invite visitors to enjoy mulled wine, crafts and music.

• Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz: This market is the city’s classic. A huge tree, an ice-skating rink and a sea of lights create a festive atmosphere that immediately captivates visitors.
• Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz: A baroque setting takes shape between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. Here, visitors will find high-quality handicrafts and a wide selection of culinary delights.
• Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung: Here, tradition takes centre stage. Handicrafts, nativity scenes and music ensure an atmospheric Advent experience in the heart of the Old Town.
• Am Hof Christmas Market: Right in the heart of the 1st district, design, regional delicacies and stylish gift ideas come together. The square provides an elegant, urban setting for this.
• Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace: The imperial ambience makes every visit special. Craft stalls and the sounds of brass bands create a particularly atmospheric atmosphere at dusk.
• Christmas Village at the Belvedere: The reflecting pool and the Baroque façade provide a photogenic backdrop. The market is ideal for a romantic evening stroll.

Practical tips – to make Vienna even more enjoyable

A visit to Vienna is all the more relaxing if you know a few things in advance. Here you’ll find the most important information in a nutshell – for stress-free days in the metropolis on the Danube.

• Getting there & airport transfers: From Vienna International Airport (Schwechat) to the city centre, you can take the S7 S-Bahn (good value), the Railjet (fast to the main station) or the City Airport Train (CAT) (non-stop to Wien-Mitte in 16 minutes). Airport buses also run regularly.
• Public transport: The network of underground, trams and buses is extensive, reliable and easy to navigate. 24/48/72-hour tickets or the Vienna City Card (including discounts) quickly pay for themselves. Take tram line 1 or 2 for an affordable sightseeing tour around the Ringstrasse.
• On foot & by bike: The city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Those who prefer cycling will find plenty of cycle paths and bike-share schemes. Citybike stations are well spread out – ideal for short journeys between attractions.
• Bookings & tickets: Popular attractions are often fully booked well in advance. Online tickets with a time slot save you waiting time – especially in peak season.
• Tap water: Vienna’s water comes from the Alps and is of excellent quality. Bring a refillable bottle – there are drinking fountains in parks and in many public spaces.

• Our hotel recommendations: 

  • 25hours Hotel at the MuseumsQuartier: Playful, colourful and right in the thick of things – ideal for having culture, shopping and nightlife right on your doorstep.

  • Boutiquehotel Stadthalle: A sustainable city hotel with a special highlight – the lavender roof, from which freshly harvested lavender even finds its way into your room.

  • Superbude Wien Prater: Creative, young and stylish – perfect for anyone looking to combine a trendy atmosphere with a great location.

Conclusion: It’s well worth a return visit

Vienna combines grand spectacle with subtle details: its museums, markets, coffee houses and green spaces come together to create a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. Plan your highlights – but leave room for spontaneity. That’s how Vienna reveals its elegant and creative side and leaves you with the fondest of memories. 

Fancy more? On our Travel Deals page, you’ll find hand-picked offers for Vienna.