What to See in Vienna: Highlights of the Austrian Capital

Vienna, Austria’s capital, stretches along the Danube, offering a wealth of history, art, architecture, traditions, and curiosities. With 1.6 million inhabitants, it’s a city that truly deserves multiple visits.

Vienna today is cosmopolitan and international—a strategic hub, thanks in part to the European Union’s expansion eastward.

Beneath its grand imperial palaces thrives a vibrant world of creativity and innovation, ranging from cutting-edge art to top-notch international cuisine.

Things to Do and See in Vienna

Vienna reveals its majestic architecture and historic character at every turn. There’s so much to discover, from reminders of its imperial past to the city’s dynamic cultural scene. Here’s a practical guide to what to see and do in this magnificent Austrian capital.

1 Vienna in One Minute: Top Sights

Start with a stroll through the historic center, circled by the tree-lined Ring. Don’t miss St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg with its imperial apartments and glittering treasures, the Spanish Riding School, Kapuzinerkirche with the Habsburg tombs, the State Opera, Albertina Museum, Graben, and other fascinating streets and squares. Beyond the Ring, explore the modern MuseumQuartier, the stunning Belvedere Palaces, St. Charles Church, the Secession building, the fun-filled Prater with its giant Ferris wheel, and the Schönbrunn Palace with its breathtaking park. End your tour near the iconic metro pavilions designed by Otto Wagner at Karlsplatz.

2 Must-See Places in Vienna

• To soak up the city’s atmosphere, head straight to one of Vienna’s historic coffee houses in the Altstadt, famous for their elegance and vibrant social scene.
• Don’t miss the Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts, and admire the Pagan Towers alongside the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
• In this area, the Habsburg legacy shines at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), now the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Fans of modern art should visit MUMOK and Leopold Museum.
• Don’t miss the spectacular Lipizzaner horses performing at the Spanish Riding School.

3 St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Austria’s grandest, built in Gothic style between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its 137-meter South Tower can be visited for stunning views, and the North Tower features a Renaissance spire. Inside, find the red marble tomb of Frederick III.

4 Ringstrasse

The Old City (Altstadt) is encircled by the Ringstrasse, a boulevard separating medieval Vienna from later city expansions.

5 State Opera House

The Vienna State Opera, in the old city, has hosted the greatest composers—Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms. It’s a proud symbol of Austria’s musical heritage.

6 Imperial Palace and MuseumsQuartier

The Imperial Palace played a key role during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, it became the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world’s largest culture complexes. Other highlights not to miss:

• Spanish Riding School —witness the morning training sessions and tour the historic stables;
• Kunsthistorisches Museum —home to the Habsburgs’ impressive art collections;
• MUMOK —Modern Art Museum, featuring Pop Art, Warhol, George Brecht and more;
• Leopold Museum —hosts the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection;
• Schloss Schönbrunn—a UNESCO-listed baroque palace;
• Sigmund Freud Museum —the psychoanalyst’s house, now a museum with personal objects and photos.

7 Famous Viennese Personalities

Vienna has inspired some of history’s brightest minds: Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Mahler, Brahms; it’s where Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis (his house is now a museum); where Gustav Klimt painted “The Kiss”—on display at the Belvedere Gallery—alongside works by Egon Schiele and other influential artists and thinkers.

8 Vienna at Christmas: The Markets

The famous Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz—the square before City Hall—boasts a huge 12-meter Advent wreath, stalls brimming with toys, rides, model trains, and park trees adorned with lights. Don’t miss the Freyung Market, running since 1772 (the “Old Viennese Christmas Market”), with fine crafts, glass decorations, ceramics, and nativity scenes, and the elegant court market at Schönbrunn Palace.

9 Prater Park

Now it’s time to cross the Danube to Prater Park, home to historic rides and attractions. The famed giant Ferris wheel features wooden cabins for panoramic city views.

10 Sacher Torte

After exploring the city’s artistic treasures, unwind with a slice of authentic Sacher Torte—best enjoyed at Vienna’s Hotel Sacher, where the original recipe is still closely guarded despite countless imitations.

11 Vienna’s Surroundings

Nearby highlights include the Donau-Auen National Park bordering Slovakia, the upscale spa town of Baden with its Biedermeier-style houses, and the Klosterneuburg Abbey—one of Austria’s most important, with the precious Verdun Altar. These destinations are also ideal for those touring Austria by camper van.

12 Getting Around Vienna

Vienna is easy to explore on foot, but taking one of the distinctive art nouveau trams or metro trains is also a must. In particular, trams 1 and 2 give a unique perspective of the Ring (Ringstrasse or Der Wiener Ring), the city’s historic boulevard. The Vienna Pass is highly recommended for discounts and access to top attractions. The Vienna City Card (valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours) grants free travel on public transport and HOP ON HOP OFF buses by Big Bus Tours with over 210 perks, starting at €17.

13 Where to Have Fun in Vienna

Vienna hosts countless events and entertainment venues. During Carnival, over 200 balls and neighborhood parties animate the city, especially at the iconic Karl-Marx-Hof. Unique foods, fashion, and young artists have made the Karmelitermarkt area one of Vienna’s liveliest spots.

14 Shopping in Vienna

From alluring cafés and pubs to bakeries, shopping centers abound for those seeking more than monuments and museums — or a sweet treat and a good deal. Visit traditional stores like Loden, Tostmann, and Lanz for Viennese specialties.

15 What to Eat in Vienna

Vienna’s specialties include Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese veal cutlet), Backhendl (breaded and fried chicken), and Sacher Torte. Often wrongly associated solely with Vienna, Austrian cuisine actually showcases diverse regional flavors. Here’s what to try while in Austria.

16 Where to Stay in Vienna

Vienna’s accommodation options match other European capitals. Top hotels in chic neighborhoods can be pricey, but there are many comfortable, affordable choices near transport links—as well as B&Bs, holiday rentals, and guesthouses. Choose wisely and take advantage of special offers.