Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is situated on the banks of the Danube River and owes much of its appeal and rich history to this splendid location. For many centuries it served as the conduit between West and East Europe, and the natural core of the then vast Habsburg Empire. To this day Vienna remains Austria’s most essential commercial and cultural hub.
Vienna succeeds in attracting visitors with its fabled collections of art, its many important historical sightseeing opportunities, and lustrous palaces. Its exceptional musical heritage is still carried on in concert halls and one of the greatest opera houses in the world.
Vienna retains its distinctive charm and flair with a remarkably cosmopolitan atmosphere, accentuated by its beautiful old architecture. The city is famous for its venerable horse-cabs, as well as its marvelous coffee houses with their Viennese cakes and other pastries.
You will have a lot of choices in this elegant city whether you’re looking for places to visit in just one day or want to stay in Vienna for several days. You can take some day trips to explore the lovely surroundings and nearby cities if the time permits. Let’s start our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Vienna.
The Hofburg
The Hofburg is probably the most historically significant of all Vienna’s palaces. It served as the office of the Habsburgs and was the official residence of every Austrian ruler since 1275 for over six centuries. This vast complex consists of several buildings reflecting various periods, including architectural marvels from the Renaissance, Gothic, Rococo, and Baroque movements, and it is the official seat of the Austrian President
Overall, this vast complex extends 59 acres with its 18 groups of buildings. That includes 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Its main tourist attractions are the Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments. Other noteworthy sites within the complex include the famous Hofburg Treasury with its vast collection of Imperial regalia and artifacts of the Holy Roman Empire and the Imperial Chapel. You can participate in informative guided tours that are available in English.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in the historic center of Vienna and is the city’s most important Gothic edifice. It plays the role of the cathedral church of the archbishopric since 1722. The original 12th-century Romanesque church was replaced in the 13th century by a Late Romanesque one, the remains of which are the huge gate and the old Heathen Towers.
Then, in the 14th century came the next reconstruction in the Gothic style, along with the addition of the chapels of St. Eligius, St. Catherine, and St. Tirna and of the choir. The cathedral’s famous 137-meter high South Tower, in its turn, belongs to the 15th-century.
The further construction with some additional improvements followed from the 17th to 19th centuries and the whole structure was eventually rebuilt after World War II. Most popular tourist attractions include climbing the 343 steps to the Steffl’s Watch Room, which offers incredible views, as well as the North Tower, known for its massive Pummerin Bell. You will be able to take a fast lift to a viewing platform. Some other notable features include the Cathedral Treasure, storing many of the cathedral’s most important artifacts, and the 14th-century catacombs.
The Vienna State Opera House
The Vienna State Opera House is one of the world’s largest and most magnificent theaters. It has hosted many of the world’s most prominent soloists, composers, dancers, and conductors. Ballet and operatic performances are staged here at least 300 times a year, being fuelled by a passion for music that goes as far back as 1625 when the first Viennese Court Opera was performed in this theater.
The current monumental Opera House is notable for its French Early Renaissance style. It was built in 1869 and its interior highlights include an expansive staircase leading to the first floor, the elegant Tea Room with its valuable tapestries, and the Schwind Foyer, which was named after its paintings of well-known opera scenes. The Opera House is capable of accommodating an audience of 2,211 people along with 110 musicians and is also home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The English language guided tours are available for tourists.
Vienna City Hall
Vienna’s City Hall is an astounding building in Neo-Gothic style that functions as the city’s administrative center. It is remarkable for its size, as it occupies nearly 14,000 square meters of the former Parade Ground. This dazzling building was completed in 1883 and is easily recognizable for the famed Rathausmann on top of its tower. Rathausmann is a banner-carrying iron figure that was gifted to the city as a present from its master locksmith. The arcaded courtyard in the center of the building is used for hosting summer concerts and is the largest of seven courtyards.
The high spots of a guided tour of the building include the two Grand Staircases, that lead to the Assembly Hall, and the Schmidt Halle, the vast entrance that carriages used to deposit their passengers. Other sights included in the tour are the Mayor’s reception room, the Heraldic Rooms, and the City Senate Chamber, which is notable for its massive Art Nouveau candelabra and its coffered ceiling ornated with gold-leaf.
Natural History Museum
Vienna’s Natural History Museum is an exciting place to visit. It is best known for the world’s largest exhibit of meteorites, which includes the famous Tissint meteorite from Mars, and for its massive Dinosaur Hall. Its 39 display halls demonstrate such subjects as the origins and evolution of humans and the development of human culture from prehistoric times. One of its greatest treasures is a pottery figurine dating from between about 28,000 and 25,000 BCE called Venus of Willendorf.
The museum’s latest addition is its Digital Planetarium with a full-dome projection. The building itself is a work of art, particularly the splendid ceiling painting above the main staircase. Tourists can find plenty of nice workshops along with guided tour options.
