With so much on offer in the Austrian Capital, I have put together a list of my favourite things to do in Vienna.
1. Prater Amusement Park
Located on the east side of the city centre, Prater Amusement Park is a well known Vienna landmark, packed full of rides, entertainment, restaurants and excitement.
Stepping through the entrance you can’t miss the famous, gigantic Ferris Wheel. Built in 1897, this popular tourist attraction offers up some great views of Vienna.
If you are going to take a ride I would recommend booking Skip-the-Line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride tickets as the queues can be long!
With its huge revolving viewing boxes, it creates a truly memorable experience for tourists and locals alike.
You will also find all the normal amusement park rides like roller coasters, ghost trains, carousels and more. Along with stalls and booths full of games and opportunities to win prizes.
Also located in the park is the Schweizerhaus restaurant. Serving hearty food in its large garden and indoor area, this is the perfect place to fuel-up ready for some more fun.
Visiting Prater Amusement Park was definitely one of my favourite things to do in Vienna.
2. Hundertwasser House
If amusement parks aren’t really your thing, then you can skip past Prater and head straight to Hundertwasser House.
This unique apartment building was designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Although it can only be viewed from the outside, the colourfully decorated facade is definitely a must on the list of things to do in Vienna.
Furthermore, with over 200 trees and shrubs on the balconies and roof terraces, this is a stunning green oasis.
Opposite the Hundertwasser House the same artist created his own shopping centre from an old tyre workshop. It has a bar and a handful of stores, all in the typical Hundertwasser style.
There’s also the Kunst Haus Wien, a museum designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The museum houses the World’s only permanent exhibition of Hundertwasser’s works.
The Vienna: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour will take you to the museum. It’s also a great way to get around the city.
3. Stephansplatz
Named after St Stephan’s Cathedral, Stephansplatz is the central square that sits right in the heart of the city.
The stunning Cathedral is the most prominent building in the square and is one of the tallest churches in the world.
Along with two exclusive shopping streets adjacent to the square and plenty of cafes and bars, this makes for a great spot to sit, relax and people watch.
There is also some some striking modern architecture in the square which when first built was initially frowned upon due to its close proximity to the cathedral. However, it’s now considered a fine example of how the old and the new can blend together well.
A great way to see more of this area is to jump in a 30-Minute Fiaker Ride in the Old Town. Located next to the cathedral, these horse and carriage rides are a relaxing way to see the Old Town sights.
Stephansplatz has a great vibe and has to be on the list of things to do in Vienna.
4. Museumsquartier
The Museumsquartier in Vienna, is one of the largest districts for contemporary art and culture in the world.
This arty area is close to the Imperial Palace and is spread over 90,000 square metres. There’s certainly plenty to see, as well as there being a lively restaurant scene, making the museum district a great place to visit.
There are a few options of tours such as the 1–Hour MuseumsQuartier Guided Site Tour or you could book your Skip-the-Line Tickets to Leopold Museum in advance.
From music and fashion to theatre and dance, it doesn’t end there. Photography, street art and fine art make this place a creative heaven.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Vienna, especially if you love your art.
5. Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt is the most popular market in Vienna! And it’s just a 5 minute walk from Museumsquartier.
It has all the best foods and local produce, including those that are not available in other parts of the city or even the country.
This was one of my favourite places, probably due to the sheer amount and choice of food on offer!
There’s so much to see, eat and drink at the market. Not only does it serve the locals, who complete their weekly food shops here, it also attracts visitors from all over the world.
If you’re looking for a cheap and reputable guided tour of Naschmarkt, you should check out the Naschmarkt Food Tasting Tour.
Alternatively, there is a full 4 hour food tasting tour of Vienna, which includes a broader experience of the Austrian food culture. Including visiting a coffee house, a traditional market, a bakery, and an artisan chocolate shop.
Naschmarkt has a vibrant bustling atmosphere, with bright colours and lots of different aromas to awaken your senses, it’s a must for all foodies.
6. Eat Sachertorte
One thing you must try when in Vienna is a slice of fresh Sachertorte.
Sachertorte is a specific type of chocolate cake, or torte, invented by Austrian Franz Sacher in 1832 and is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialities.
It may look like just the ordinary chocolate cake, but don’t let the Austrians hear you say that.
A favourite at the Imperial Court in Austria it soon went on to win over the palates of people around the world.
Topped and held together with an apricot jam, it certainly kicked my cravings for something sweet in the mid-afternoon.
7. Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace was once the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Now it’s a World Heritage site and possibly the most photographed building in the country!
The beautiful palace gardens and park have been open to the public since 1779 and they fill with locals, tourists and joggers everyday.
Covering over a square kilometre of tree-lined avenues, lawns, woods, and landscaped flowerbeds they are a great place for a leisurely walk.
Inside, the Palace has been transformed into a huge museum full of history and story telling throughout the ages.
This enormous building has hundreds of rooms and you can visit up to 40 of them, including stunning state rooms, a children’s museum, a carriage museum and much more.
I recommend booking the Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour. Where you’ll see the Palace’s marvellous interiors and learn about its fascinating history on a guided walking tour.
Otherwise there are plenty of tours online such as the City Bus Tour and Schonbrunn Palace, which guarantees a delightful taste of Vienna’s cultural landmarks.
Where To Stay In Vienna
Luxury – Grand Hotel Wien
Only a 3-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera and the famous Kärntner Straße Shopping Street, the luxurious Grand Hotel Wien offers 5 restaurants, 2 bars, a spa area, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Vienna.
Valet parking and free WiFi are available as well.
The luxuriously-furnished rooms and suites in the Grand Hotel’s impressive historic building are equipped with elegant furniture, large modern flat-screen TVs with a selection of international channels, and coffee making facilities.
Bathrobes and slippers can be found in the marble bathroomwith 2 washbasins.
Mid-Budget – City Pension Stephansplatz
The family-run City Pension is located in Vienna citycentre, a 2-minute walk from Saint Stephen’s Square, Schwedenplatz and Kärtner Straße Shopping Street.
The U1 and U3 metro stops are only 50 yards away, and the U4 metro stop is 150 yards away. Free WiFi is also available.
The newly-renovated rooms in Viennese style provide a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar, an electric kettle and a bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Budget – Boutique Hostel – Zum Goldenen Kegel
Set in the 16. Ottakring district in Vienna and occupying a 300-year old building, 1,000 yards from Wiener Stadthalle, Boutique Hostel, Zum Goldenen Kegel features free WiFi access.
The Thaliastraße Metro and Tram Stop (U6 and 46) is 250 yards away.
This family-run hostel provides comfort in a quiet and calm location with a garden and a yard for social interactions.
All rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom.
For more places to stay in Vienna, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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