The breath of this city froze in beautiful buildings, each of which is unique. Cozy streets and cafes, the smell of the famous apple strudel accompany the traveler on a journey through this ancient and beautiful city, whose soul, like Strauss's waltzes, is beautiful and light.
We have prepared an overview of the main attractions and tell you what to see in Vienna on your own. The history of this European gem begins with a small Celtic settlement, founded in 500 BC. Many events took place in this city, joyful and not so much. Twice the city experienced a plague epidemic, fell into decay and flourished again.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the capital of Austria became the center of a musical, theatrical and scientific community. Musicians Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven aspired here, the founder of psychoanalysis Freud lived and worked here. Many talented people have found inspiration in this beautiful European city.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
There are many temples in Vienna that were built in different eras and in different styles. Only one of them is considered a symbol of Vienna and Austria. The locals call him affectionately Steffi. Its real name is St. Stephen's Cathedral or Stephansdom. The purity of the Gothic style is 100% expressed here. The spiers of this divine piece of architecture, directed into the sky, are visible from afar. As one approaches it, a person feels his own smallness and sublimity of the temple. The feeling of being close to the Middle Ages is difficult to describe in words. You need to feel it.
In Vienna, all roads lead to the Church of St. Stephen. It is located in the central square of the capital. The interior decoration does not leave the visitor disappointed after the external elegance. Delightful stained glass windows, religious artwork and of course the organ. Amateurs from all over the world come here to listen to it. Under the cathedral there are tombs where the once reigning persons and their family members are buried.
Albertina Museum
Duke Albert von Sachsen-Teschen in the 18th century began to collect a collection of works of art, which to our time amounts to 900 thousand works in the style of graphics and about 50 thousand drawings and watercolors. Now it is a museum of painting and at the same time a gallery, where exhibitions are constantly held. This museum, famous throughout Austria, is called after the name of its creator - Albertina. An interesting architectural solution makes a giant titanium slab float in the air in front of the gallery.
Vienna Opera
Hearing just the name, the imagination draws beautiful paintings of the 19th century, where luxuriously dressed ladies and gallant gentlemen flock to this building to be present at the celebration of music and voice. From its very birth, the opera was called upon to bring art to the royal court of Austria. Lavish balls were held here, many dreamed of being present.
Couples whirled in a whirlwind of waltz to the sound of Strauss's Tales from Vienna Woods. Even people who are far from the classics come here and the action taking place here literally fascinates them. Performing at the Vienna Opera is a great honor for any musician. The solemnity of this temple of music, which occupies almost an entire block, continues the luxury and splendor of the interior from the outside.
Schönbrunn Palace
Kings and queens lived here. A wonderful park that welcomes the visitor into its green embrace, emphasizes the style and sophistication of this royal splendor. Beautiful tunnels with blooming wisteria in May or pink alleys in June, where each flower says thanks to the gentle and hardworking hands of the gardeners. The fanciful works of topiary art on the main avenues of the park lead the visitor to the palace itself. Its halls house unique household items of the Austrian emperors.
The pomp and solemnity of the internal situation suggests that the fate of the country was being decided here. A day is not enough to get around this royal dwelling. In each room there are works of art, tapestries, elegant interiors where Queen Elizabeth, Franz Joseph, Maria Theresa and other royals lived. The oldest zoo in the world, recognized several times as the best in Europe, should be attributed to all the delights of this Viennese green and gold miracle. The rarity of the planet - the giant panda bear, looks at small and large visitors with its touching gaze.
Hofburg palace
Vienna's unique transport - a fiacre harnessed by two horses, "clings" you to the gates of the Hofburg Palace. This winter residence of the royal Habsburg dynasty is a whole complex, which will take more than one day to travel. Anyone who has already been here comes back again and again in order to see something new. In addition to beautiful well-groomed alleys and squares, this vast territory has many buildings of architectural and historical value. Of particular note is the Habsburg Treasury, where one is dizzy from the abundance of priceless jewels and artifacts adorned with stones of various sizes and colors.
Gazebo
The palace complex of the Austrian capital with its magnificent external design fully justifies its name, which sounds in translation as "beautiful view". These buildings (Upper and Lower Belvedere) are rightfully considered the most majestic and beautiful architectural structures of the city. Now it is a grandiose museum of works of art of the past and present - a repository of extraordinary beauty, where everything admires from the outside and inside.
The Upper Palace, which used to serve as the reception room of its creator, the Prince of Savoy of Austria, is now the Museum of Art. Its exhibits are paintings by great painters from the French impressionists to Austrian artists of the 19-21 centuries. The Lower Palace is the Museum of Medieval Art, the halls of which are delightful with their luxurious decoration.
The museum is open: Upper Belvedere, every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
Lower Belvedere and conservatory: every day, 10.00-18.00, Wednesday - until 21.00.
Gardens: daily, all daylight hours throughout the year.
State stable: 10.00-18.00, Wednesdays: 10.00-21.00.
Liechtenstein Palace Museum
The palace museum, named after the famous princely family of Austria, is a repository of all sorts of masterpieces, including brilliant paintings by Rubens, van Dyck, Rembrandt, exclusive furniture samples, unique sculptures, antique porcelain items, and handmade tapestries. The magnificent building of the Palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden, in which, as in the main Baroque Hall, the most important celebrations are held. On Sundays, it hosts music concerts, themed exhibitions and cooking shows with a lunch for 30 euros. A New Year's concert with the participation of the Vienna Orchestras (symphony and philharmonic) is traditional.
Opening hours: Friday-Tuesday, from 10.00 to 17.00.
Tower of the Mad
The gloomy-looking tower is located on the territory of the university and before it was really a haven for madmen, as evidenced by its internal structure. Now there is an institution that resembles a cabinet of curiosities: here, in different rooms, individual human organs and body parts are stored in alcohol, disfigured by some pathology such as gene mutations. Visitors experience a sensation similar to that of watching ominous thrillers. In fact, this is the Pathological Museum, which contains the physiological defects of the human body.
Open for visits: Wednesday - 10.00-18.00, excursions - 13.00 and 14.00;
Saturday - 10.00-13.00, excursion - 10.00 and 11.00.
Entrance ticket (in euros) - 2: up to 19 years old - free; with ex. - 6 and 4.
Burgtheater
It was opened as the Royal Theater at the palace on the initiative of Marie Teresa in 1748 by analogy with the Parisian Comedie Francaise, so the repertoire and artists were French.In 1988, a new, luxurious theater building was erected in the Renaissance style with many decoration elements: statues of ancient gods, sculptures and bas-reliefs, busts of world-famous playwrights.
Rebuilt after the destruction of 1945, the theater is beautifully decorated: rich boxes, roomy, velvet, stalls; bright lighting, state-of-the-art technical equipment, classical repertoire attract viewers from all over the world. The whole theater is a kind of work of art that adorned the boulevard ring - Ringstrasse.
Vienna concerthaus
The walls of this concert hall remember the famous Richard Strauss, composer and conductor, namesake of no less famous Johann Strauss; renowned jazz and rock performers. The opening of the Konzerthaus in 1913 was a real celebration, where members of the imperial family arrived. Now it is the most demanded concert venue in Vienna: various music festivals are held here all year round, its 4 halls are never empty.
Each of them has spacious stages, magnificent decoration of walls, ceilings and parterres. It has wonderful acoustics, excellent lighting technique. Konzerthaus is a real Temple of Art, loved not only by the Viennese, but also by tourists.
Vienna Woods
Who is not familiar with the famous Strauss waltz "Tales of the Vienna Woods", not accidentally called the king of waltz ?! This enchanting, full of charm place is called "the lungs of Vienna". Here they walked under the shady crowns of the cozy alleys Schubert and Beethoven, Strauss and Lehar, Balzac and Zweig. The famous forest is located on a hill (893 m) and covers an area of 1250 sq. m. Picturesque hills, overgrown with oak, beech, coniferous trees, lake, rocks - the landscapes of the forest are very diverse. There are many cycling and pedestrian paths along it, along which comfortable benches are set. The Hinterbrühl underground lake is the most visited attraction in the forest.
Hundertwasser House
The author himself calls the original house ecological, because the trees in it grow inside it, extending branches directly from the windows, green with crowns against the background of multi-colored walls of an asymmetric configuration. Unusual design elements: a fountain with a mosaic finish, columns with surreal patterns, arched spans, a large number of windows.
Despite its unconventional nature, the house is residential: the apartments are occupied by residents who do not experience any inconvenience, except for the invasion of curious tourists who click the camera lenses. Next door is the Kunsthauswin (House of Arts) - another brainchild of the architect, which organizes daily exhibitions of contemporary artists, from 10.00 to 19.00.
Tourist card: discounts and free transport - 17 €
Hop-on hop-off bus tour - € 22.40
Mozart concert at the Golden Hall of the Vienna Philharmonic - 50 €
Tourist card for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days - 59 €
Ferris wheel ticket - 10 €
Entrance tickets to Belvedere - 13 €
Kreuzenstein castle
The famous architectural monument of the Habsburg era, built on the site of the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress in the 13th century, is located 17 km from the city. After 3 centuries, during the Thirty Years War, ruins remained from the castle, on the site of which in the 19th century, through the efforts of the wealthy landowner Vilczek, the castle complex was painstakingly restored to its original form.
Located on a hill surrounded by lush green forests, the castle with its many domes and roofs seems fabulously beautiful. Now it houses a museum, which presents interesting exhibits in the form of knightly armor, a rich collection of weapons, luxury items, and old books. Tourists not only inspect the historical site, but also take part in falconry, those who wish can conduct a wedding ceremony in the chapel at the castle.
Working hours: from 01 04 to 01 11 - daily, on weekdays - 10.00-16.00; Sunday - until 17.00. Excursions for groups only, organized hourly. Entrance price 10 euros.
Liechtenstein castle
The unique castle, which has repeatedly undergone reconstruction and restoration, is located in the picturesque Vienna Woods at an altitude of 817 m above sea level. This is a medieval fortress castle with narrow loopholes, massive thick walls, where the premises of the 1st floor are carved into the rock, which gives strength to the entire structure. In it, the main attraction is the Chapel of St. Pancratius, built by a distant ancestor of the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. Here everyone's attention is drawn to the true masterpiece of painting - the Crucifixion of Christ, captured in red chalk (13th century). Services are held in the chapel, bells sound. The entire castle is open to sightseers and hosts annual festivals.
Open: March-October - 10.00-16.00, July-Aug. - until 17.00, in winter - 10.00-15.00.
Museum of art history
One of the most popular and richest museums in Vienna is housed in a beautiful 3-storey Renaissance building. The 1st floor is occupied by the Kunstkamera - a collection of ancient musical instruments, works of art and household items of Ancient Egypt, ancient Greeks and ancient Romans. 2nd floor - a magnificent collection of masterpieces of painting by brilliant European artists. On the 3rd - a huge collection of coins from different times and peoples - the largest numismatic collection in Europe.
The Natural History Museum, located opposite, is part of a single museum complex, its most interesting exhibitions can be visited with one ticket. Opening hours: Tuesday-Wed, Fri.-Sun. - 10.00-18.00; Thursday - from 10.00 to 21.00.
Prater Park
Occupying 6 thousand sq. m of area, the park is conditionally divided into 2 parts: the People's Prater and the Green. In the 1st there are attractions, cafes, pubs, for which it was nicknamed "sausage"; 2nd - a shady park with old mighty trees, with many cozy alleys and paths. In "Narodny" they ride on merry-go-rounds, the Ferris wheel, relax in a cafe, restaurant. From the high Ferris wheel (60 m), a beautiful picture of the city opens up. And in "Green" they ride on rollers, bicycles, run and walk. This part of the park is very loved by residents who come here with their families, walk, sit on benches, read. Cleanliness and order reign here, the observance of which is strictly monitored.
Open for visits: from 03.03 to 31.10 every day, 10.00-00.00.
The entrance to the Prater is free.
Town hall
The new Vienna City Hall appeared on Schmidt Square in 1883 by the famous German architect Schmidt. The neo-Gothic façade is striking in its splendor. The total height of the building is 105 m. The town hall is decorated with a tower (its height is 97, 9 m) with the figure of the "Iron Guardian of the Town Hall" holding a flag. The observation deck of the tower will become accessible after overcoming 256 steps. There are 4 smaller towers on both sides of the town hall. The appearance of the town hall resembles a luxurious palace due to the seven courtyards. The largest of these is the Arcade Yard.
The total area of the town hall is 113,000 m² (length 150 m, width 137 m). It contains 1,575 rooms, more than 2 thousand windows. Exhibitions and concerts are held in the ceremonial hall of the Town Hall (its length is 71 m, width is 20 m). Now the town hall serves as the seat of the city authorities. Here are the sessions of the Senate and Parliament. Separate areas of the building are occupied by two libraries. Guided tours of the Town Hall take place three days a week. You can get there by metro (stop Rathaus), by tram to Rathaus Stadiongas.
Karlskirche Church
The Catholic temple stands out above the surrounding area with a majestic dome located between the columns. The height of the building is 72 m. An elevator leads to the top of the painted dome, there is an observation deck accessible to tourists. The architecture of the unusual church consists of elements of different eras and styles, although it belongs to the typical Vienna style of the Baroque era. The church was built in 1737 in gratitude to the patron saint of the city of Borromeo, who protected it from the plague.
The main entrance of the church is decorated with sculptures of angels, symbolizing the 4 main virtues (Mercy, Faith, Humility, Repentance). On the pediment of the church there are images of townspeople suffering during a terrible plague.Inside there are many frescoes, rich decoration, stucco figures, the main altar, a luxurious painting of the dome. The church has a museum (there are only 20 exhibits) dedicated to Carl Borromeo. It is located in Karlskirche at Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien.
Votivkirche church
In the building you can hear the extraordinary sound of the organ (Great Organ), created in 1878. The acoustics of the church hall (with very high ceilings) contribute to the birth of unusual music. It often hosts concerts and competitions for organ music performers. You can listen to the organ during Mass. Getting to church is not easy. Excursions to it are held once a month (last Saturday) for a group of 25 people. "Church of the Vow" (as the name of the building is translated) was erected in honor of the salvation of Emperor Joseph I from injury (neo-Gothic architectural style).
April 24, 1879 is considered to be the birthday of the church (the ceremony "wedding to the silver wedding" of the imperial couple took place). Inside there are beautiful stained-glass windows created by paintings from biblical scenes, the main altar, chapels, and a museum. It houses the Antwerp Altarpiece, an example of Flemish woodcarving. You can get to the museum by appointment. You can see a beautiful, functioning, Catholic church during the service. The church is located on Maria Theresa street (you can take the metro to Shottentor station).
St. Peter's Church
In one of the ancient Catholic churches in Vienna, which has acquired a modern look from
1137 and now there are divine services and ceremonies. The beauty of the building (baroque style) is admired by tourists. The most beautiful church in the city appeared on the site of a medieval Gothic building at the initiative of the emperor. It is dedicated to the Trinity, which is reflected in the numerous elements associated with the main sacrament of the Catholic faith, performed with extraordinary sophistication and luxury.
Sculptures of angels, saints, frescoes, gilded stucco molding, side altars, organ are imbued with the atmosphere of antiquity, unusual grandeur. Particular attention is drawn to the painted dome (outside the dome has an emerald color), the glass coffin with the relics of St. Benedict, the main altar with the image of the healing process by the apostles. The church is located in the central area of the city. You can get here by metro line U1 to the Stephansplatz station.
Mozart House Museum
You can plunge into the world of Mozart, feel the inner wealth of a brilliant personality who has filled the house with an extraordinary atmosphere, in the Mozart Museum. The Museum was opened in honor of the 150th anniversary of the death of the composer. It got its modern look after restoration in 2006 (in connection with its 250th anniversary). The museum building was expanded to six floors. The second floor houses the Mozart apartment, restored to its original form. He lived in it with his wife from 1784 to 1787, created the famous work "The Marriage of Figaro", and many other masterpieces.
By the way, excursions around the Museum are accompanied by the melodies of this opera. Of the many apartments and houses where Mozart lived in Vienna, only this house has survived. The Museum contains documents, artifacts related to the life and work of Mozart. Modern interactive equipment has been assembled, allowing you to hear many of the composer's works, watch videos of his concerts. In the underground floor there is a meeting and conference hall. The museum is located at Domgasse street, 5.
Albertina Gallery
In the historic center of the city, outside the walls of an extraordinary palace (of the Habsburg dynasty, and then of Duke Alberto), there is a famous museum that houses one of the largest collections of paintings in the world. There are works of art from the Gothic era to the present time (the Museum fund has over 900 thousand works of graphics, 50 thousand watercolors, drawings). The initial basis for the formation of the fund was a private collection of works of art, collected by Alberto. After restoration work in 2003, the wealth of the gallery became available to visitors.
Every day throughout the year, they can enjoy paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, Raphael Santi, Durer, Picasso, contemporary artists, and interesting photo exhibitions. The building with old, luxurious gallery halls houses a library with a large number of interesting publications. Gift shop, restaurant, jewelry store. The view of a huge 64-meter titanium slab, standing at the entrance to the gallery, complements the impression for visitors.
Sigmund Freud Museum
Here you can understand the way of thinking, even for a moment plunge into the atmosphere of the psychoanalytic session of the great scientist who managed to penetrate into the secret corners of the human psyche. Despite the fact that the main artifacts of his activity are in London (Freud himself took them with him during his escape from the Nazis), the Museum contains many things that belonged to Freud. Library containing the largest number of books on psychoanalysis (about 38 thousand volumes) among libraries in Europe. Figurines of ancient gods that keep the wisdom of ancient times. They took part in sessions, scientific experiments, helped to solve problems associated with the treatment of the psyche of patients.
In the House of the Founder of Psychoanalysis, you can see living rooms (here the family lived for 47 years), offices, a psychiatrist's office, personal belongings, and working tools. All artifacts and furniture were used during the life of the doctor. There is a beautiful 5-storey building in the center on Berggasse street, 19. You can just get here by metro (stations U2 Schottentor, U4 Roßauer Lande), bus number 40A, stop. Berggasse, tram 37, 38, 42, stop. Schlickgasse.
Leopold Museum
The bizarre layout, the original shape of the building, whose windows offer a stunning view of Maria Theresa Square, the Hofburg, keeps treasures of works of art in its halls. Outside, the building is faced with white shell rock. The interiors have an extravagant interior with oak parquet floors and numerous brass fittings. They house a collection of paintings by Egon Schiele (a representative of the Austrian expressionism movement), Gustav Klimt (a modernist), exhibits of famous masters of Vienna (from Hoffmann to Moser). The collection of the museum was based on a private collection of paintings by the family of Rudolf Leopold (ophthalmologist).
It included the works of Egon Shiloh, who lived only 28 years and created a rich heritage of works (it can be seen in the halls of the Museum). Along with the permanent exhibition, the Museum often hosts special exhibitions. It houses the Leopold Café and the Leopold Museum Shop. The building is located in the Museum Quarter. You can get here by metro U2, st. Museumsquartier, U3, Volkstheater, tram 1, 2, D, Karl-Renner-Ring stop.
Danube Tower
You can look at the old town, the Vienna Woods, the beautiful Danube from the observation deck of the Danube Tower, the tallest building in Vienna. An architectural structure, which has become a symbol of the city, was built in 1964. Together with the Danube Park (Donaupark), the tower represents a harmonious ensemble created before the 1964 International Horticultural Exhibition. The height of the tower is 252 m. The observation deck is located at the level of 150 m. Two high-speed elevators are used to get to it (in 35 seconds). There is also a device for those who like extreme high-altitude jumps (bungee jumping).
The revolving restaurants Danube Waltz and Panorama are located at an altitude of 165 m. The platform rotation speed is equipped with several modes of passing one revolution (in 26, 39, 52 minutes). The Danube Tower is located at Donauturmstrasse 4 between metro stations. Kaisermuhlen-VIC - UN town and Alte Donau on the U4 line. Neue Donau at U1 and (Kaisermuhlen-VIC - UN town).
Ringstrasse
The most beautiful boulevard in the world is a living history of the city, reflected in extraordinary buildings that have appeared at different times. The circular ring in an original way (for the period of 1865) connected all the buildings of the city center. The richest people built palaces on it, laid out parks (in the style of eclecticism). The length of the street is 5.3 km.It is considered an important transport artery of the city, a meeting place, a promenade, and a trade zone.
The most important buildings in the country are located along the street. These are: the building of the Vienna Opera, Hofburg, Town Hall, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Parliament, University, Burgtheater. The appearance of the street was formed on the basis of ideas of talented architects (Hansen, Hasenauer, Ferstel, Schmidt). The active life of the city is still associated with this place. Festive demonstrations and ceremonial events of the city take place on the street.
Cafe Sacher
The most famous and favorite café of the city is located next to the Albertina Gallery. Here you can drink coffee (over 30 varieties are served), taste the national strudel, Sacher-Torte. The tricky cake recipe has been a mystery for over 150 years. Chocolate sponge cake with cream, apricot jam, the original chocolate medal at the top cannot be repeated in any other institution. In summer, it is pleasant to try it on the open terrace, admiring the beauty of the opera house, as if listening to the magic music of Old Vienna.
Popular coffee varieties are Kleiner Brauner, Melange, Grosser, Schwarzer. The cafe is open daily from 8 am to midnight. The address is Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Wien A-1010. Just get there by metro U1 to the station. Karlsplatz.
Schönbrunn Zoo
One of the best zoos in the world first invited guests back in 1752 (a menagerie has existed here since 1570). Since then, he has not stopped his activities. Several times he got the title of the best zoo in Europe. In 1906, a baby African elephant was born here (for the first time in world practice), and in 2007 a baby panda appeared (now there are several of them). A feature of the zoo is considered to be enclosures that provide conditions close to natural ones. This was done for 700 species of animals (giraffes, crocodiles, Siberian tigers, koalas, rhinos, polar bears).
Various pavilions are equipped on the territory of the menagerie: tropical, orangutans, giraffe park, Franz Josef Land pavilion, departments for animals of East Africa, arctic wolves, various birds, and many others. Of particular interest is the animal feeding procedure that can be seen. When visiting the zoo, all the little things are thought out. There are recreation areas. You can get to the zoo (it is considered part of a UNESCO heritage site) by metro U4 st. Hietzing, tram 10, 58, 60, bus 13A, 52A.
Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna
The modern garden appeared at the request of the Empress Maria Theresa to create an area for the cultivation of medicinal plants. Now, on an area of about 8 hectares, 22.5 thousand plants brought from different countries grow beautifully. The garden has long been a treasure trove of unique flora. It resembles a well-groomed park with trees of rare species (among them there are unusual representatives of the Chinese flora), extraordinary colors. Near each plant there is a plate with the name in two languages (in Latin and the language of the plant's homeland). The garden has a lot of benches for relaxation, cleanliness, order.
All plantings are of interest, but constant surprise accompanies the inspection of the plantation of cacti, orchids, Australian plants developing in the open air. The modern greenhouses house a collection of tropical, subtropical plants. Famous scientists work in the garden, conferences are held. The collection serves not only for viewing by tourists, but also as an important educational base for chemists, doctors, pharmacists. In memory of visiting the garden, guests can buy a small pot with a plant. Garden address: Rennweg 14, 1030 Wien. You need to go by tram 71 stop. Rennweg Bahnhst.
Military History Museum
The idea of creating a museum (a symbol of power and might of Austria) belongs to Emperor Franz Joseph. It was implemented according to the ideas of the architect Hansen on the territory of the Arsenal in 1869. In the five main parts of the building, weapons of different times, clothing, and other artifacts are presented, confirming the military history of Austria, the glory of its valiant commanders. Military vehicles, bronze cannons, documents, secret maps, banners, coins, and other attributes of a military theme are included in the museum's exhibitions. Few museums in the world can boast of such a rich variety.
It displays historical artifacts from the history of Austrian wars from the Thirty Years to the First World War. There is an interesting sea hall with a unique collection of models of the emperor's fleet. The General's Hall houses a life-size statue of famous heroes of the empire. The Hall of Fame is decorated with interesting frescoes. A separate collection of trophies brought from the Turkish wars is exhibited. An exposition dedicated to France (Napoleonic Wars) was organized. In it you can see a real balloon captured by the Habsburgs in 1796. The museum is open every day, except Friday. You need to go by tram, stop. Heinrich Drimmel Platz.
