Constructed in 1897, the landmark starred in the 1940s thriller The Third Man, and a ride in one of its 15 stately gondolas feels like stepping back in time. Check out our latesttravel guides, written by local experts. Standing taller than any other building in the city and in fact the tallest structure in Austria, the 252-meter-tall Danube Tower, the Donauturm, opened to great fanfare in 1964 and continues to attract visitors for its spectacular view over the Danube River. By car, the journey is around 30 minutes. Today its the official residence of the countrys president and is home to many of Viennas top museums, attractions and galleries (and some famous dancing horses, too). Tours are free and are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1pm, and audioguides are also available. Pretty Salzburg is just a two-hour journey from Vienna canadastock / Shutterstock, The best Vienna day trips for fairytale scenery and stunning centuries-old architecture. Phew. Head up to the hills and you can both sample their delights while also admiring stunning panoramas of the city. Here are five standout culinary experiences across the continent, from Dubrovnik to Helsinki. About an hour's drive from Vienna, the beautiful Wachau Valley is a World Heritage Site due to its spectacular scenery and rich history and culture. Day-trippers stream in from Krems too, so the cobbled streets are busy year-round. for its vibrant cultural life. The MQ Libelle rooftop terrace provides some of the finest views of the city centre. Highlights include a chance to visit an authentic medieval Jewish synagogue, along with art and photography collections. Improvements and further construction followed from the 17th to 19th centuries, and the whole structure was rebuilt after World War II. In the summer, stroll back down the Wanderweg 1 walking route along the way, you can sample wines from local producers in their own vineyards, all while admiring the view. This city can be an amazing choice for a family trip too. A mix of old and new architecture centered around an area that once served as the former royal stables, it's easy to spend the best part of a day (or two) here. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. If you're able to squeeze in a little more gallery hopping, head over to the Museum of Applied Arts (Museum fr angewandte Kunst), or MAK. Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Vienna is impressively equipped with pools the Art Deco. In the summer, stroll back down the Wanderweg 1 walking route along the way, you can sample wines from local producers in their own vineyards, all while admiring the view. This former limestone and gypsum mine, just over an hour from Vienna, closed in 1912 after a controlled explosion caused 20 million liters of water to flood its underground tunnels anincident that created the largest subterranean lake in Europe. 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An easy and rewarding day trip from Vienna,Melkis high on the list for many travelers, most of whom call in for its blockbuster abbey-fortress,perched high above the Danube. The oldest of the "Viennese villages" on the city's outskirts, Heiligenstadt was incorporated into the district of Dbling in 1892 and is famous for its quiet, narrow winding streets, especially around the historic homes of Probusgasse and Armbrustergasse. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Vienna - Tripadvisor One-, two-, or three-day options are available. After a narrated drive along the famed Ringstrasse, past major attractions like the Hofburg Palace, City Hall, and the Vienna State Opera, you'll tour Schnbrunn Palace without having to wait in line. How to get to the Danube Valley: The journey from Vienna to Krems an der Donau takes one hour 13 minutes by direct train and just under an hour by car. Fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, this 45km (28-mile) swath of forested hills was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods, Johann Strauss Jr's 1868concert waltz. This is very much accentuated by its fine old architecture; its famous horse-cabs, known as Fiakers; as well as its splendid coffeehouses with their famous Viennese cakes and pastries. Also of note is the nearby Plague Pillar, a 21-meter-tall Baroque pillar built to commemorate the end of the devastating plague of 1679 that cost at least 75,000 Viennese their lives. Although this is a long day trip, it's worth it for the wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking architecture spanning styles from Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, and the chance to soak in the city's famous therapeutic springs. THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Vienna (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Work began on the grand boulevard with a decree by Franz Joseph I in 1857, and today it still serves as the main orientational aid for any Vienna visitor. Today, it's one of Vienna's leading attractions, and one of the leading riding schools in the world, thrilling audiences with fabulous displays of equestrian skills in the Baroque Winter Riding School in the grounds of the Hofburg Palace, where it has been located since 1735. Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria, Official site: www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/. 11 Best Things To Do in Vienna Updated May 8, 2023 Vienna is a city that relishes its past, and it has the attractions to prove it. Other notable buildings are Palais Esterhzy, built in 1698 and now home to an upscale restaurant, while nearby buildings house high-end clothing stores. It was here that many famous battles were fought, including one against the Romans and, centuries later, against the Hungarians, the Turks, and the French under Napoleon. 2023. Its highlights include the vaulted Romanesque nave (1187); the 13th-century ribbed vaulting; and the 13th-century choir, considered a masterpiece of Austrian Gothic. The Albertina Modern an offshoot of the long-established Albertina museum is Viennas newest major art museum and holds two of the most important collections of post-1945 Austrian art, the Essl and Jablonka collections, alongside works by other famous international artists. Semmering, however, is the pick of the bunch. By car, the journey is around three hours. Now visitors can wander through its echoing chambers and enjoy a short boat ride out on its turquoise waters. - Wander around this historic place and find out a couple of secrets from times past. Address: Prinz Eugen Strasse 27, A-1037 Vienna, Austria. Nowhere is this more true than at the Lame Rooftop bar where you gaze side-on at the Stephansdom cathedrals single tower, which feels so close you can nearly touch it. Best Neighborhoods Discover storybook palaces, masterpiece-packed museums, sublime classical music venues, green parks and more in Vienna's fabulous neighborhoods. The worlds oldest Jewish museum was founded in Vienna in 1895 but was closed and plundered by the Nazis in 1938; many valuable objects are still missing. Vienna Heurigen Express 5. are beautiful skiing resorts in its vincinity Vienna is situated in the very center of Try another? Next came reconstruction in the Gothic style in the 14th century, along with the addition of the choir and the chapels of St. Eligius, St. Tirna, and St. Catherine. Fields, meadows, vines, and woodland are the distinctive features of the pretty March-Donauland region to the east of Vienna. If you're traveling to Vienna with children, be sure to check the zoo's official website for details of feeding times, always a fun family experience. Experience Vienna - Lonely Planet | Austria, Europe Visitors to Vienna have long been told to always look up to admire the architecture, but the influx of rooftop venues has flipped that on its head. Not much has changed since Mozart was born and raised here 250 years ago, including St Peters Stiftskeller serving food. It stretches for about 40 kilometers between the towns of Melk and Krems. See 1 Experience. Dating back to the time of Emperor Maximilian II, the superb Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) was established after the ruler had the famous Lipizzaner horses introduced to his courtesans in 1562. Vienna, Austria's capital is mostly known After devastation by bombing and fire in 1945, the theater eventually reopened in 1955 and has since grown in stature as the country's most important theater. 2. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, lived and worked at Berggasse 19 until 1938 when the Nazis persecution of the citys Jews forced him and his family to flee to England. Gaensehaeufel. 0.3 miles from Vienna Intl Airport. Constructed in 1897, the landmark starred in the 1940s thriller The Third Man, and a ride in one of its 15 stately gondolas feels like stepping back in time. Then slowly work your way along Andrssy t and up to Heroes Square. , home to 42 Schiele paintings and various works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and members of the Wien Werksttte movement, is one of Viennas finest art museums, while the. The Old Town Square is a wonderful place to begin a walking tour. 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Points of Interest & Landmarks 132 Show more We found 1,564 things to do for you near Stephansplatz Haas Haus 142 Reviews Stephansplatz, Vienna Austria Friedhof Grinzing 1 Review An den langen Lssen 33, Vienna 1190 Austria 1 minute from Stephansplatz Hara Shiatsu Praxis Wien | 1020 | Tobias Knig Be the first to review this attraction Head to the Spanish Riding School to watch the Lipizzaner horses perform their nifty dressage work. 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austria, 27 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna, Exploring Vienna's Belvedere Palace: A Visitor's Guide, 16 Top-Rated Museums and Art Galleries in Vienna, Exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Exploring Vienna's Imperial Hofburg Palace: A Visitor's Guide, Visiting Vienna's Schnbrunn Palace: Highlights, Tips & Tours, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bratislava, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brno, 12 Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Linz, 12 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Austria, 2023, Austria in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph, The Cultured Biker: Mixing Biking & the Arts in Bentonville, AR, Croatia Road Trip: Driving the Coast from Istria to Dubrovnik, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World. Other paintings are the Martyrdom of St. Capristan and one of the church's patron saint. What is it? Dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, Vienna's Capuchin Church (Kapuzinerkirche) is best known for its spectacular Imperial Vault (Kapuzinergruft). How to get to Graz: The train from Vienna to Graz takes around two hours 30 minutes. After a ride on the Riesenrad, stroll through the antiquated, not to mention in places rather macabre, historic funfair. A second site above the remains of the medieval synagogue in Judenplatz was opened in 2000. Easily accessible via water taxi or bridge, the island is dotted with interesting dining opportunities (both casual and upscale), and is particularly pleasant for those wanting a quiet stroll along the Danube. The Lower Palace also boasts a Marble Hall, this one noted for its oval plaster medallions and rich ceiling fresco, as well as a Marble Gallery built to house a collection of historic statues. Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. It was here, at 6 Probusgasse, that he wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers in which he bemoans his increasing deafness (and which he never sent). Whether you're interested in the long-reigning Habsburg. From fine art to fine wine, here are the very best things to do in Vienna this year. 1. The newer Baroque building has two copper domes, one surmounted by the German Imperial Crown, the other by the Lower Austrian Archducal Bonnet. English language guided tours are available and can be tailored to your specific interests. A short zip across the border is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Of particular note are the exterior carvings depicting the granting of the Constitution by Franz Joseph I to the 17 peoples of Austria, along with numerous marble statues and reliefs. So, exploring on foot is often the best way to go. Visiting Prater park at night is also fun, and is highly recommended. 25 Absolutely Free Things To Do in Vienna (that you can't miss!) Among the most striking neoclassical buildings in Vienna, Vienna Musikverein (Wiener Musikverein pays homage to the city's music-infused past and present. Address: Berggasse 13, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Go (a bit) crazy at the Sigmund Freud Museum 8. Island, Burggarten or Stadtpark. English language guided tours are available and come highly recommended. Now part of a superb historic attraction, Archaeological Park Carnuntum is a reconstruction of the key buildings from the 1st-century town, including a city mansion, a citizen's house, and Roman baths, as well as a semi-reconstructed practice arena of a gladiator school that was discovered in 2011. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vienna - Tripadvisor Interesting English language guided tours are available, including an unforgettable 1.5-hour evening tour that takes in the cathedral's superb city views. Also worth checking into is the availability of special themed and backstage guided tours. THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Vienna | Attractions & Activities - Viator Theres no better way to see Vienna than from the top of this 200ft-high landmark, although for 89 (79, $94) the more adventurous can take a full spin in the open air while harnessed to the glass-bottomed carriage Platform 9. Whatever flavours your taste buds are calling for, youll find it here. And be sure to spend time enjoying the splendid architecture, too. Graz, Austrias second-largest city, might be a smidge over two hours from Vienna by car, but its an instant heart-stealer: renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, abundant parkland, sea of red rooftops and a beautiful bluff, connected to the center by steps, a funicular and a glass lift. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Stephansplatz, Vienna - Tripadvisor Light, fresh and fruity, Austrian wines are reliably delicious. More about PARKS OF VIENNA. Back in the days of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the ornate Hofburg Palace was its beating heart. This massive monument depicts the Empress on her throne while surrounded by major personages of her day, including a number of generals on horseback. Haydn lived here for many years, and today his house serves as a museum celebrating his life and times (he was buried in the Bergkirche above the town). The home is now a museum - the Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt - dedicated to this period in the composer's life. This full-day excursion begins with an air-conditioned coach ride through the beautiful Wachau Valley, while an experienced guide shares information about the history and attractions in the area. Here, you'll find magnificent abbeys, opulent palaces, and historic attractions. Taste your way around Viennas diverse culinary history as you work through everything from barrels of sauerkraut to shawarma and Tel Aviv-style sabich at Neni Am Naschmarkt. The largest underground lake in Europe, the Seegrotte was formed when a former gypsum mine was flooded, and you can take a boat ride through its subterranean caverns and passages. The museum overlooks Maria-Theresien-Platz, the focal point of which is the grand monument to Empress Maria Theresa. Austria Vacation Ideas: The lovely shoreline of the Hallsttter Sea is where you'll find the pretty town of Hallstatt, one of the loveliest destinations in Austria and one that offers a variety of great vacation experiences. Admission tickets from 1,942.61. As well as preserving the memory of the 50,000 Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust, the museum showcases the extraordinary contributions made to every aspect of Viennese life by Jewish citizens throughout the ages. But if you dont fancy going chlorine-free, try the. Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria, Official site: www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/tours.htm. Mels Diner is a modern-style tap room tucked away in a quieter part of the city centre and offers an extensive range of ales and beers, both bottled and on tap. There's something here for everyone, from thrills and spills in the Wurstel area, with its old-fashioned theme park rides, to dining and dancing, to the dinosaur-themed park for the kids. There is such a huge variety of things to explore in Vienna that young and old kids can have a fun time. For those not wanting to tackle the stairs, a fast lift takes visitors to a viewing platform. Its never been more important to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. If you fancy something a little more relaxed, the living room-like interior of the. Vienna travel cards are available for 24 hours (8); 48 hours (14); or 72 hours (17); or as part of the Vienna City Card. Located in Freud's former home (it was built in 1891, the year he moved in, and was his home for 47 years), the museum features rooms and exhibits relating to the history of psychoanalysis, including its influence on art and society as a whole. Perhaps you know Vienna for its renowned Kaffeehaus culture (the city is said to have the best cafs in Europe),or youre there to sample hearty Austrian fare at one of its best restaurants. 20 Best Things to Do in Vienna for First Timers Also of interest is the nearby town of Kierling, with its Kafka Memorial set up in the very room of the sanatorium where the famed writer spent his last days. If you want to visit in a single day, either get the first train from Vienna at 4:55am and arrive before the coaches, or stay overnight and wait for the day-trippers to leave, then enjoy a lakeside dinner in relative peace. Hallstatt is quite simply one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Austria. Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 25, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). A variety of fun themed cruises are also available, from fine dining to classic ballroom dancing in the evenings. Founded in 1752 it's the oldest continually operating zoo in the world. Page not found Instagram Highlights include its octagonal domed entrance gate; the Imperial Corridor, lined with priceless art; the museum; the frescoed Marble Hall; and the lovely gardens. There are also paintings by Raphael, Titian, Bellini, Caravaggio, and Vermeer, plus portraits by Velazquez. Other sights included in the tour are the Heraldic Rooms; the City Senate Chamber, notable for its coffered ceiling decorated with gold-leaf and its huge Art Nouveau candelabra; and the Mayor's reception room. Be sure to explore the lovely Old Town, also known as Freistadt (Free Town), traversed by three long streets opening off the main square: Hauptstrasse, Pfarrgasse, and Haydngasse. There are also military artifacts on display, as the Nazis used the mines dry, upper sections to secretly build aircraft during WWII. The Baroque Kahlenberg Church (St. Josef auf dem Kahlenberg) was built on the spot where Polish Prince Sobieski beat the Turkish army besieging Vienna. The tour continues to Belvedere Palace, where you can see Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and other famous Austrian art with a discounted admission. A highlight for sightseers is taking a ride on the famous Giant Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad), a Viennese landmark that has provided fine views over the city since 1896. Its cathedral-like domed ceilings and accomplished patisserie selection are just as much of a draw now as they were then. (Editor's Note: Please be aware that there may be some restrictions regarding tour access due to ongoing renovations. 30 UNIQUE Things to Do in Vienna [in 2023] - The Broke Backpacker Covering an area of 3,200 acres, this vast park - once a royal hunting ground - has long been one of Vienna's most popular recreation areas. Existing exhibits showcase Freud's work, including signed copies and first editions. The whopping 900-year-old clifftop fortressFestung Hohensalzburgwill eat up a whole morning, while a wander through the historic Altstadt will swallow up the rest. Hallstatts beauty borders on the surreal and the sublime. The journey takes around the same by car. In winter, you can enjoy a walking tour and a hearty Austrian lunch in a local restaurant. Head to itsheurigen (wine taverns) for a much-deserved glass of wine before heading back. The nearby Abbey of the Scots (Schottenstift), built in the 12th century and extensively renovated and enlarged since, is also worth popping into. About 2.5 hours by train from Vienna, Salzburg is another of Europe's beauty queens. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). 20 Reviews. Vienna may trade on its imperial past but scratch the surface and youll find theres a lot more here than first meets the eye. Another tourist attraction on the edge of the Vienna Woods is Baden bei Wien, a spa town famous for its curative waters (the Romans called the town Aquae). Amp up your day of sightseeing by visiting multiple tourist attractions in one venue: City Woodland Park is home to an impressive line-up of museums, as well as the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle. These are largely summer activities, of course, although the Badeschiff now offers winter swimming at your own risk. 5 minutes from Vienna Central Station. The current massive Opera House was built in 1869 and is notable for its French Early Renaissance style, while interior highlights include a grand staircase leading to the first floor, the Schwind Foyer (named after its paintings of famous opera scenes), and the exquisite Tea Room with its valuable tapestries. Discover the best sights in Vienna with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {354 fun activities in Vienna fun activities in Vienna}. Find out about Danube In fact, what you're seeing is the Danube River (the wider of the two) and, running parallel to it, a canal known as the Donaukanal, or "new Danube." The pretty town of Spitz finally swings into view some 17km (10.6miles) from Krems. Other highlights include the Barbara Chapel with its magnificent portal, and in which Franz Karl Remp's Decollation of St. Barbara is found, and the choir with its High Altar and painting of the Immaculate Conception. As well as preserving the memory of the 50,000 Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust, the museum showcases the extraordinary contributions made to every aspect of Viennese life by Jewish citizens throughout the ages. Phone +43 2752 5550. Get the kids to count the terracotta hares on the church roof. From the beautiful Vienna Woods to snowcapped mountain peaks; from lovely old palaces to exciting day trips by boat, rail, and road, the city offers some of the best scenery in Austria right on its doorstep. It's about 290 kilometers from Vienna, a long day trip, but you can make it there and back in a day, and get a great feel for the city. You can find them around Stephansplatz and Hofburg Palace. Although only 210 meters wide at its widest point, the island is over 21 kilometers in length and is a popular spot to walk and relax for locals. Add to this interesting dioramas and models, along with uniforms and medals, and you'll want to stay right through until closing. The Wachau Valley is a remarkable network of green forests, storybook castles, medieval abbeys, pristine riverbanks, idyllic vineyards, and cute little towns. Highlights of a visit include the exquisite Haydn Room, with its colorful frescoes and busts (English language guided tours are available). And the House of Music (Haus der Musik) offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into sound and music through interactive displays and demonstrations. Photograph: K. u K. Hofzuckerbcker DEMEL, Viennas signature cake the Sachertorte, a luxurious combo of dense chocolate sponge, dark chocolate ganache and finely-spread apricot jam, traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream, is more than just a dessert its recipe is a closely guarded secret. Why go? Besides, you can always stay longer - Budapest is one of the best weekend trips from Vienna. This full-day adventure is one of the best day trips from Vienna to Salzburg and includes plenty of photo opportunities on the spectacular drive through the Austrian Alps. A good way to get to the palace and avoid the wait at the entrance is on a Skip the line: Guided tour of Schnbrunn Palace and Vienna Historical City Tour. Head up to the hills and you can both sample their delights while also admiring stunning panoramas of the city. Why go? How to get to Melk: The regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk station takes around one hour and 15 minutes. The worlds oldest Jewish museum was founded in Vienna in 1895 but was closed and plundered by the Nazis in 1938; many valuable objects are still missing. Why go? A good way to combine many of these sights is on the Vienna Woods and Mayerling Half Day Trip, which includes guided visits to the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling hunting lodge; a guided walk through the city of Baden; and a scenic ride through the Vienna Woods, past the fairy-tale Liechtenstein Castle. Visit the Rathaus City Hall 7. Also located here is the Tanzquartier, the country's leading dance center, along with artists' studios and galleries. Since its opening in the historic Knstlerhaus in 2020, it has exhibited works by renowned artists such as Egon Schiele, Ai Weiwei and Jackson Pollock. But it is perhaps best known for Austrian Symbolist artist Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, a masterpiece of early modern art. Some of these delicious treats were once used to satisfy the cravings of Emperor Franz Joseph who secretly had Demel cakes and pralines served during his tte--ttes with his lover. All rights reserved. There, youll find idyllic bathing beaches, good fish restaurants, and places to hire boats and SUPs. Highlights of this sprawling complex are the church, with its Romanesque and Baroque features, the Leopold Courtyard, and the monastery vaults. Which Sachertorte is best? Photograph: Radu Bercan // Shutterstock.com, , or MQ as its more commonly known, offers everything from the worlds finest Egon Schiele collection to an array of trendy bars, cafs and restaurants to a. rooftop terrace provides some of the finest views of the city centre. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. Find out about Danube Island, Burggarten or Stadtpark. Grinzing is also unique in that local laws allow individuals to purchase tiny plots of land where vines may be grown. 80 Reviews. For your journey of discovery through Vienna, we have compiled a list of the 65 best things to do in and around Vienna.