Dear Travelers,
now that you are acquainted with our story, let us take you on our first trip together – Vienna. If you’re thinking about heading to Vienna and you’re like, “What on earth should I do and where should I go?” Don’t sweat it! We’ve got your back with the best travel secrets.
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, located on the Danube River in the eastern part of the country. It is a global city and one of the world’s leading cultural centers. Vienna has a population of over 1.9 million people and is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. It’s a place where grand imperial palaces coexist harmoniously with cozy coffeehouses, where classical music fills the air, and where each corner reveals a new story waiting to be explored.
In this blog, we’ll share our top tips on what to do and see in Vienna, as well as some hidden gems.
Before we dive into all the Vienna adventures, let us tell you how to get around this awesome city:
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Public Transportation
The city’s public transportation system, includes the underground (U-Bahn), trams, and buses. You can purchase single-ride tickets or day passes, which allow unlimited travel on the public transportation network for 24, 48, 72 hours, or weekly passes (really convenient price). It can be purchased from ticket machines or at ticket offices. I have paid the 48h ticket 14,10 €.
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City Bikes
If you’re feeling more adventurous, Citybike Wien provides a bike-sharing system for pedaling your way through the city.
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Taxis and Ride-Sharing
If you’re not into public transport, there’s always the trusty Uber and Bolt to get you where you need to go. They’ve got your back.
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Sightseeing Buses
For a more touristy experience, consider hopping on one of the sightseeing buses. These hop-on-hop-off tours will take you to all the major attractions, making it easy to explore the best of Vienna.
Now that you know how to get around Vienna, let’s check which are the top places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vienna.
1. Schönbrunn Palace:
This magnificent Baroque palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. Explore the opulent rooms, stroll through the vast gardens, and be sure to visit the Gloriette for stunning views of the palace and the city. Another thing not to miss there is the Schönbrunn Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. Check the ticket prices here.
If you’re visiting Vienna during Christmas, be sure to check out the Christmas market—it’s truly magical. Don’t miss the Ferris wheel ride for just €3, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Schönbrunn Palace. Simply splendid!
2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Stephansdom:
A gothic cathedral that is the symbol of Vienna. One of the cathedral’s most famous features is the Pummerin Bell, one of the largest free-swinging bells in the world. It weighs over 20 tons and rings on special occasions and holidays. Also, you can climb the South Tower for panoramic views of the city, there is an entrance fee and just be prepared to climb 343 steps.
3. Belvedere Palace:
Comprising two magnificent Baroque palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere) and beautiful gardens, the Belvedere is home to an impressive collection of Austrian art. The highlight is Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss” (it’s in Upper Belvedere). The tickets can be bought online with a date and time slot. Check the tickets here.
One tip: Don’t visit the museum during the weekend, there are so many visitors that you can’t enjoy the art.
4. Hofburg Palace:
Once the residence of the Habsburg emperors, the Hofburg is now the official residence of the President of Austria. There you can visit the Imperial Apartments (insight into the daily lives of the Habsburg monarchs), the Sisi Museum (dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, often known as “Sisi”, it offers a glimpse into her life, including her beauty rituals, fashion, and personal struggles) and the Silver Collection (a vast collection of imperial silverware). Part of the Hofburg Palace complex is the Spanish Riding School (known for its Lipizzaner horses and classical equestrian performances).
5. Prater:
Vienna Prater has more than 250 attractions and there is no entrance fee. Each ride has its own ticket price which can vary from 3€ to 10€. Here are our top recommendations for what to try at Prater:
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Giant Ferris Wheel (breathtaking views of the city).
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Praterturm (carousel ride at 117 meters height; we have tried it,it’s not scary at all).
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The Jack Ripper horror house (unlike the other spooky houses in Prater, where visitors are taken through the experience on a train, in this particular house, you’re actually walking through it, and let me tell you, it’s seriously scary).
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Madam Tussauds Museum (it’s a museum of lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical figures, so, totally check it out if you’ve never been – it’s pretty cool).
Rollercoaster restaurant (the food is delivered to your table via a mini rollercoaster). While there are numerous attractions to explore, these are our must-try picks.
6. Rathaus:
Vienna’s majestic City Hall, stands as a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. With its outstanding spires and rich history, it serves as an emblem of Viennese governance, hosting vibrant cultural events and captivating visitors with its timeless charm. You know what’s cool? Some of the Christmas market action goes down here (and let’s be honest, Vienna is absolutely gorgeous in the winter).
7. Albertina Museum and Art Gallery:
An art enthusiast’s paradise. With over a million prints, impressive modern graphic works, and eye-catching photographs, it’s no wonder the museum attracts visitors from all over the world. From Monet to Picasso, there’s something for everyone in the museum’s fascinating art exhibitions, making it a must-visit destination in Vienna’s city center.
8. MuseumsQuartier (MQ):
MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is an awesome cultural complex with a variety of museums and art institutions all in one place. It used to be a royal riding school, but now it’s the coolest spot for contemporary art exhibitions, dance performances, and more.
9. Austrian National Library:
A visit to the Austrian National Library in Vienna is like stepping into a storybook filled with centuries of history. Housed in the grand Baroque State Hall, the library is a masterpiece of architecture, with its ceilings, painted frescoes, and wooden shelves lined with over 200,000 historic volumes. Wandering through the space feels almost magical, as if the books themselves are alive with tales from the past. Highlights include ancient globes, rare manuscripts, and beautifully preserved maps, making it a paradise for history buffs and book lovers alike. The ticket is 10 € and you can buy it online.
So, there you have it – your guide to Vienna’s gems and experiences. So grab a bike, hop on a tram and enjoy your journey through this splendid city! If you need some more tips about getting to Vienna and finding the perfect stay, check out this blog.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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