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Famous Landmarks in Vienna

Famous Landmarks in Vienna

Vienna Austria Travel Guide

Discover Vienna's Grandeur

Vienna's iconic landmarks are powerful reminders of its imperial past and artistic heritage. These sites are crucial for any first-time visitor. Explore the city's rich its history via its magnificent architecture and cultural institutions.

This section details must-visit sites, visitor information, and tips for the best viewing experiences. Prepare for a journey through centuries of imperial splendor and artistic brilliance.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Schönbrunn Palace: Former imperial summer residence, Baroque architecture, vast gardens.
  • Hofburg Imperial Palace: Main imperial residence for hundreds of years, Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum.
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral: Gothic masterpiece, iconic tiled roof, panoramic city views from South Tower.
  • Belvedere Palace: Baroque palace, home to Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, includes Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'.

Visitor Information

Schönbrunn Palace & Hofburg Imperial Palace

  • Schönbrunn: Opening hours differ depending on the season (around 9:30-17:00/18:00). Various tour options, €18-€22.
  • Hofburg: Entry to Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Collection €18.50.
  • Spanish Riding School: Performances, morning exercises, and guided tours. Separate pricing applies.
  • Schönbrunn: Photography is generally not allowed inside the palace.
  • Vienna State Opera: Standing room tickets for performances are affordable, typically €4-€10.
  • Ringstrasse: Take a tram (e.g., Ring Tram or D-Tram) for a comprehensive overview of the boulevard’s architecture.

St. Stephen's Cathedral & Belvedere Palace

  • St. Stephen's: Entry to the nave is free. Guided tours, catacombs, tower climbs incur fees, typically €6-€8 each.
  • Belvedere: Entry to the Upper Belvedere, where "The Kiss" resides, costs €24. Combination tickets for other sites are available.
  • Always check official websites or GetYourGuide for current information on hours and fees.
  • Opening hours for religious sites may vary by service schedule.

Plan ahead for a smooth experience at Vienna's popular attractions.

Less Crowded Times

  • Early mornings and late afternoons often offer a more relaxed experience at popular sites.
  • The off-season (January-March, November) sees fewer visitors.
  • Gardens and outdoor areas, even at popular sites, usually have more space.
  • Weekdays are typically less busy than weekends for the majority of sights.

Secret Viewpoints

  • Gloriette at Schönbrunn:

    This monument provides a great view of the palace and the urban area beyond.

  • South Tower of St. Stephen's:

    Climb for impressive panoramic city views.

  • Kahlenberg:

    Accessible by bus, this hill has panoramic views of the town and the Danube.

  • Rooftop Terrace of Haus des Meeres:

    Offers another unique perspective of the city skyline.

  • Danube Tower (Donauturm):

    An observation deck with a rotating restaurant, with 360-degree views.

Cultural Gems

Vienna's museums cater to every interest, from ancient art to modern masterpieces, offering detailed looks at history, science, and culture.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Leopold Museum (MQ)

    Features a significant collection of Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and other Austrian Modernism artists.

  • MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art)

    Focuses on contemporary and contemporary art within the MuseumsQuartier.

  • Kunsthistorisches Museum

    Among the world's's leading art museums, home to Old Masters, Egyptian, and From the roman era Antiquities.

  • Sigmund Freud Museum

    Located in Freud's former apartment and practice, with insights into his life and work.

  • Mozarthaus Vienna

    Mozart's former residence, where he composed "The Marriage of Figaro."

  • Hundertwasserhaus (Kunst Haus Wien)

    A a museum focused on Friedensreich Hundertwasser's unique art and architecture.

Archaeological & Historic Districts

Roman Excavations (Michaelerplatz) present remains of the Roman military camp Vindobona. The Jewish District (Leopoldstadt) has historical synagogues and institutions, reflecting a long Jewish presence.

Religious & Spiritual Sites

St. Stephen's Cathedral is an architectural marvel. Other distinguished churches include Peterskirche, Karlskirche, and Votivkirche. The Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) has graves of famous musicians.

Memorials & Industrial Heritage

The Holocaust Memorial (Judenplatz) is a moving memorial. Other sites comprise the Soviet War Memorial and the Pestsäule. Gasometer City shows unique urban regeneration.

Natural Escapes

Vienna has parks and natural beauty, with serene escapes from metropolitan bustle.

Parks & Gardens

Vienna provides a surprising amount of green spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.

Green Areas

  • Prater: A large public park with vast green spaces, chestnut avenues, and an amusement park.
  • Schönbrunn Gardens: Extensive Baroque gardens surrounding Schönbrunn Palace, with the Gloriette and Neptune Fountain.
  • Volksgarten: A beautiful rose garden, with the Theseus Temple. Burggarten has the Mozart monument and a butterfly house.

Scenic Viewpoints & Waterways

Discover city panoramas plus revitalizing water bodies.

Best Views & Water Activities

  • Kahlenberg: A hill with panoramic views of Vienna and the Danube.
  • Danube Island (Donauinsel): A long artificial island popular for recreation, swimming, cycling, and sunbathing.
  • Old Danube (Alte Donau): A former arm of the Danube, with calm waters for swimming, rowing, and pedal boating.

Wildlife & Geological Features

Encounter diverse wildlife and explore Vienna's natural foundations.

Nature & Conservation

  • Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Zoo): The oldest continuously operating zoo globally, renowned for conservation.
  • Donau-Auen National Park: East of Vienna, these floodplain forests have diverse birdlife and sightings of beaver and otter.
  • Vienna Woods (Wienerwald): Vienna sits at the eastern end of the Alpine mountain range, bordering this area.

The Danube River is a prominent geographical feature, influencing the city's landscape.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Vienna hides charming places and unique experiences.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

  • Narrenturm (Fool's Tower): Europe's oldest purpose-built psychiatric hospital, now a pathological-anatomical museum.
  • Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) Section 71: Explore the graves of many famous musicians and artists.
  • Spittelberg Quarter: A charming, historic quarter with cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and snug cafes.

Local favorites like Cobenzl/Am Himmel have gorgeous views and Heuriger, with a relaxed atmosphere.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Hundertwasserhaus

Capture the quirky, colorful, and organic architecture of this unique apartment building.

Schönbrunn Gloriette

Frame the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace with the urban area stretching beyond from this elevated viewpoint.

Kahlenberg / Danube Tower

Capture panoramic cityscapes, especially at sunrise or sunset, for amazing vistas of Vienna and the Danube.

Smart Sightseeing Tip

Utilize the GetYourGuide site for making reservations attraction tickets and tours, streamlining your visit to Vienna's many sights.