City Guide

Vienna Travel Guide

Austria

Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of Europe’s most important cultural cities. With its historic palaces, classical music heritage, art museums, cafés, and organized urban life, the city offers a blend of historical and modern atmosphere.

Vienna, Austria city travel guide

Must-See Places in Vienna

Discover the landmarks, historic sites, natural highlights, and memorable places worth seeing in Vienna.

Hofburg Palace place to visit

Architecture

Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace is a magnificent palace complex that served as the main seat of the Habsburg dynasty for centuries and remains one of Vienna’s most important historic landmarks. With its imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum, historic squares, and impressive architecture, the palace offers visitors a chance to explore Austria’s imperial past.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
Schönbrunn Palace place to visit

Architecture

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace that served as the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and remains one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is famous for its grand rooms, expansive gardens, historic atmosphere, and panoramic views from the Gloriette.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
Belvedere Museum place to visit

Museum

Belvedere Museum

Belvedere Museum is one of Vienna’s most important art museums, renowned for its Baroque architecture, elegant gardens, and valuable art collections including Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss.” Consisting of the Upper and Lower Belvedere sections, the complex is one of the city’s most impressive destinations for art and history lovers.

  • Ticketed
  • Photo Spot
  • Museum
Austrian National Library place to visit

Library

Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is one of Vienna’s most important cultural landmarks, known for its impressive Baroque architecture and historic collections. Its magnificent State Hall offers visitors a breathtaking experience with ceiling frescoes, historic bookshelves, and an imperial atmosphere.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
 place to visit

Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is one of Europe’s most important art museums, housing the valuable art collections gathered by the Habsburg dynasty over centuries. Known for its extensive Renaissance, Baroque, and classical European art collections, the museum is one of Vienna’s most impressive cultural landmarks with its grand architecture and historic atmosphere.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
Albertina Museum place to visit

Museum

Albertina Museum

Albertina Museum is one of Vienna’s most prestigious art museums and home to one of the world’s most important graphic art collections. Featuring works by artists such as Monet, Picasso, Klimt, and Dürer, the museum combines classical, modern, and contemporary art collections within a historic palace setting.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna place to visit

Museum

Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna

Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna is an impressive museum home to one of the world’s most important natural history collections. Featuring dinosaur fossils, minerals, meteorites, prehistoric artifacts, and the famous Venus of Willendorf figurine, the museum is one of Vienna’s most popular destinations for science and history enthusiasts.

  • Ticketed
  • Dinosaurs
  • Zoology
 place to visit

Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most important religious landmarks and a symbol of the city. Known for its Gothic architecture, colorful tiled roof, and towering south spire, the cathedral is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions thanks to its historic atmosphere, impressive interior, and panoramic city views from the tower.

  • Ticketed
  • Cathedral
  • Architecture
 place to visit

Monument

Pestsäule is a historic column built after the great plague epidemic of the 17th century and is considered one of Vienna’s most remarkable Baroque monuments. Located on Graben Street, the monument is known for its elaborate sculptures, religious symbolism, and impressive architecture, making it an important cultural landmark of the city.

  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
  • Free
 place to visit

Landmark

Maria-Theresien-Platz is a grand public square located in the historic center of Vienna, situated between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum. Featuring the impressive monument of Empress Maria Theresa at its center, the square is known for its gardens, historic atmosphere, and elegant architecture.

  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
  • Free
Vienna State Opera place to visit

Concert Hall

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and a symbol of Vienna’s classical music culture. Known for its grand Neo-Renaissance architecture, world-class performances, and rich cultural heritage, it is one of the city’s most important destinations for art and music lovers.

  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot
  • Concert Hall
 place to visit

Church

Karlskirche is considered one of Vienna’s most beautiful churches, known for its impressive Baroque architecture and massive dome. Built in the 18th century, the church stands out for its elaborate interior decorations, historic atmosphere, and reflective pool in front of the building, making it one of the city’s most remarkable architectural and religious landmarks.

  • Ticketed
  • Architecture
  • Photo Spot

Things to Do in Vienna

Discover activities, local experiences, and memorable events to enjoy while exploring Vienna.

Wiener Festwochen
May - June

Wiener Festwochen

Wiener Festwochen is one of Vienna’s most important cultural festivals. Every year, the city transforms into a large stage filled with theater, opera, contemporary dance, music, and performance art events. Artists from around the world perform across Vienna during the festival.

Ticket May Be Required
Donauinselfest
June

Donauinselfest

Donauinselfest is one of Europe’s largest free open-air music festivals. Multiple stages along Danube Island host pop, rock, electronic, and local music performances. It is a vibrant summer event attracting millions of visitors every year.

ImPulsTanz
July - August

ImPulsTanz

ImPulsTanz is one of the world’s largest contemporary dance festivals. The festival includes dance performances, workshops, and international productions. Various theaters and cultural venues across Vienna host artistic events throughout the festival.

Ticket May Be Required
Rathausplatz Film Festival
July - September

Rathausplatz Film Festival

The Rathausplatz Film Festival is an open-air film and music event held in front of Vienna City Hall. Giant screen performances, classical concert recordings, and international food stands make it one of the city’s most popular summer attractions.

Vienna Opera Ball
February

Vienna Opera Ball

The Vienna Opera Ball is one of Austria’s most prestigious cultural events. Famous for its elegant waltzes, classical music, and glamorous atmosphere, the ball takes place inside the Vienna State Opera.

Ticket May Be Required
Kultursommer Wien
June - August

Kultursommer Wien

Kultursommer Wien is a free summer cultural festival held across various locations in Vienna. Concerts, theater performances, dance shows, literary events, and open-air stages bring the city’s artistic atmosphere to visitors throughout the summer. The festival features both local and international artists.

What to Eat & Drink in Vienna

Discover local dishes, traditional flavors, and notable drinks associated with Vienna.

Local Food

Wiener Schnitzel - local food

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is Austria’s most famous traditional dish, made from thin veal cutlets coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. Originating from Vienna, it is commonly served with potato salad, parsley potatoes, or lemon.

  • Meat
  • Fried
  • Hot
  • Local Food
Kaiserschmarrn - local food

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a traditional Austrian shredded pancake dessert made with fluffy caramelized batter, often served with powdered sugar and fruit compote. It is especially associated with Viennese and Alpine cuisine.

  • Sweet
  • Vegetarian
  • Hot
  • Local Food
Tafelspitz - local food

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is a classic Austrian dish made from boiled beef slowly cooked with root vegetables, herbs, and broth. Traditionally associated with Viennese cuisine, it is often served with apple horseradish sauce, chive sauce, and potatoes.

  • Local Food
  • Meat
  • Hot
Cordon Bleu - local food

Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is a breaded and fried meat dish filled with ham and melted cheese, commonly made with veal, pork, or chicken. Popular in Austrian and Central European cuisine, it is usually served with potatoes, salad, or fries.

  • Meat
  • Fried
  • Hot
  • Local Food
  • Pork
  • Chicken
Sachertorte - local food

Sachertorte

Sachertorte is Austria’s most famous chocolate cake, created in Vienna in the 19th century. It consists of dense chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam and covered in dark chocolate glaze, traditionally served with whipped cream.

  • Sweet
  • Vegetarian
  • Local Food
Apple Strudel - local food

Apple Strudel

Apple Strudel is a traditional Austrian pastry made with thin layers of dough filled with apples, cinnamon, raisins, and sugar. Especially associated with Viennese café culture, it is often served warm with powdered sugar, cream, or vanilla sauce.

  • Sweet
  • Vegetarian
  • Pastry
  • Local Food
Käsekrainer  - local food

Käsekrainer

Käsekrainer is a popular Austrian sausage filled with melted cheese, traditionally grilled or pan-fried and commonly served with mustard and bread. It is especially associated with Vienna’s street food culture.

  • Meat
  • Pork
  • Grilled
  • Hot
  • Local Food
  • Street Food
Topfenstrudel - local food

Topfenstrudel

Topfenstrudel is a traditional Austrian pastry made with thin strudel dough filled with sweet quark cheese known as topfen. Popular in Viennese cafés, it is often served warm with powdered sugar or vanilla sauce.

  • Pastry
  • Vegetarian
  • Sweet
  • Local Food
Punschkrapferl - local food

Punschkrapferl

Punschkrapferl is a traditional Austrian pastry made from sponge cake, jam, chocolate, and rum-flavored filling, covered with bright pink icing. Especially popular in Viennese pastry culture, it is known for its sweet and slightly boozy flavor.

  • Sweet
  • Vegetarian
  • Pastry
  • Contains Alcohol
  • Local Food

Local Drinks

Café Melange - local food

Café Melange

Café Melange is a classic Viennese coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Similar to a cappuccino but milder in flavor, it is an essential part of Vienna’s historic coffeehouse culture.

  • Hot Drink
  • Milk Based
  • Local Drink
  • Non-Alcoholic
  • Coffee
Einspänner - local food

Einspänner

Einspänner is a traditional Viennese coffee drink made with strong black coffee or espresso topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. Originally popular among carriage drivers, it is known for its rich flavor and elegant presentation.

  • Coffee
  • Local Drink
  • Non-Alcoholic
  • Milk Based
  • Hot Drink
Wiener Gemischter Satz - local food

Wiener Gemischter Satz

Wiener Gemischter Satz is a traditional Viennese white wine made by harvesting and fermenting different grape varieties grown in the same vineyard together. This production tradition is a characteristic part of Vienna’s viticulture and wine culture.

  • Wine
  • Alcoholic
  • Cold Drink
  • Local Drink