20 Things to Do in Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital, dazzles with its grand palaces, classical music heritage, and elegant coffee houses lining historic streets. Exploring this magnificent city offers countless experiences, from opulent Habsburg residences to world-class museums, and discovering the many fantastic free things to do in Vienna, like strolling through beautiful gardens or admiring stunning architecture, adds incredible value to any visit. The city seamlessly blends its rich past with a vibrant contemporary culture.
This guide highlights 20 distinct ways to immerse yourself in Vienna’s unique atmosphere. Whether you’re tracing the steps of emperors, listening to Mozart, indulging in Sachertorte, or simply enjoying the city’s green spaces, you’ll find activities that capture the essence of this captivating European capital. Prepare to be enchanted by its artistic soul and imperial splendor.
Imperial Palaces & History
Schönbrunn Palace: Explore the magnificent former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, a UNESCO World Heritage site with opulent state rooms and vast gardens. Don’t miss the Gloriette hill for superb panoramic views of the palace and city.
Hofburg Palace: Discover the sprawling former imperial palace complex in the city center, which now houses museums like the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection. Allow ample time to explore the various wings showcasing centuries of Habsburg rule.
Belvedere Palace: Visit the stunning baroque palace complex consisting of Upper and Lower Belvedere, housing an impressive collection of Austrian art. See Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting “The Kiss” in the Upper Belvedere.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Admire Vienna’s iconic Gothic cathedral with its colorful tiled roof right in the heart of the city. Climb the South Tower for amazing city views or explore the catacombs below.
Imperial Crypt (Kaisergruft): Visit the burial vault beneath the Capuchin Church, the final resting place for many Habsburg emperors and empresses. It offers a somber but fascinating look into Austrian imperial history.
Spanish Riding School: Witness the famous Lipizzaner stallions perform classical dressage exercises during a morning exercise session or a full performance in the Hofburg Palace complex. Book tickets well in advance for this unique equestrian display.
Music & Arts Scene
Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): Attend a world-class opera or ballet performance in one of the world’s leading opera houses. Check for affordable standing room tickets released just before performances for a budget-friendly cultural experience.
MuseumsQuartier (MQ): Explore one of the world’s largest art and culture complexes, featuring museums like the Leopold Museum (Schiele collection) and MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art). Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, cafes, and unique shops within its courtyards.
Albertina Museum: Discover impressive collections of Impressionist and early 20th-century art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Klimt, housed in a former Habsburg residential palace. Don’t miss the staterooms and the terrace views over the Burggarten.
House of Music (Haus der Musik): Engage with interactive exhibits exploring the world of sound and Vienna’s rich musical history. Conduct a virtual Vienna Philharmonic orchestra or experiment with sound installations for a fun, engaging experience.
Musikverein: Take a tour or attend a concert at the renowned concert hall, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, famous for its Golden Hall’s exceptional acoustics. Experience classical music in one of the world’s most prestigious venues.
Parks & Green Spaces
Prater Amusement Park & Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad): Enjoy nostalgic fun at the Prater amusement park, featuring classic rides, modern attractions, and the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. Take a ride on the Riesenrad for classic city views, especially romantic at night.
Stadtpark: Relax in Vienna’s city park, famous for the gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II. Stroll along the paths, admire monuments to various composers, and enjoy the green oasis near the Ring Road.
Danube Island (Donauinsel): Escape the city bustle on this long, narrow artificial island between the Danube River and the New Danube channel. Enjoy swimming, biking, skating, or relaxing at waterfront bars and beaches offering extensive recreational opportunities.
Unique Viennese Experiences
Naschmarkt: Explore Vienna’s most famous market, featuring hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, exotic spices, international foods, and several small restaurants. Visit on Saturday to include the adjacent flea market for unique finds.
Hundertwasserhaus: Admire the unique, colorful apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, featuring undulating floors, trees growing from windows, and irregular shapes. While you can only view the exterior, the nearby Hundertwasser Village offers shops in a similar style.
Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof): Visit one of Europe’s largest cemeteries, the final resting place for famous composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and Strauss. Find the composers’ section or simply explore the vast grounds and impressive monuments.
Ride the Ring Road Tram (Ring Tram): Take a special tram circuit or use public tram lines (like 1 or 2) to travel along the magnificent Ringstrasse boulevard. Admire the grand buildings lining the route, including the Parliament, City Hall, and State Opera, for a convenient architectural overview.
Culinary Delights
Experience Viennese Coffee House Culture: Relax in a traditional Viennese coffee house (Kaffeehaus), enjoying coffee specialties, pastries like Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel, and soaking in the elegant atmosphere. These institutions are perfect for reading the newspaper or people-watching.
Eat Wiener Schnitzel: Try Austria’s famous national dish – a large, thin, breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet – typically served with potato salad or parsley potatoes. Find authentic versions in traditional restaurants for a classic Viennese meal.
