Vienna Travel Guide

Contents
1. Introduction 2. Interesting Facts 3. History 4. Main Sights 5. Top Museums 6. Local Cuisine 7. Shopping 8. Nature 9. Getting Around 10. Best Time to Visit

Introduction

Vienna (Wien in German; pop. 1.7 million) is the capital and largest city of Austria, and the country's cultural, economic, and political centre. Seat of the Habsburg Monarchy for nearly 400 years, Vienna shines brighter than any other city in Central Europe. Endowed with superb Medieval, Baroque and Classical architecture, it plays in the league of Europe's most beautiful capitals, along with London, Paris and Rome. The whole historic centre of Vienna has been designaed a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2001.

Vienna is regarded as the capital of classical music. Famous composers who lived and worked there include Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Johann Strauss (Sr. and Jr.), Bruckner, Brahms, Mahler, and Schönberg.

Various surveys between 2005 and 2024 (notably by The Economist, Mercer and Monocle) have consistently ranked Vienna as one of the world's most liveable cities. Since 2005, Vienna has been the world's top destination for international congresses and conventions.

Interesting Facts about Vienna

• Vienna is home to the world's oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, established in 1752.
• The iconic French croissant actually originated in Vienna, based on the Austrian Kipferl.
• Known as the "City of Dreams", Vienna was the birthplace of psychotherapy, thanks to Sigmund Freud's work in the city.
• The snow globe was accidentally invented in Vienna by Erwin Perzy in 1900 while trying to improve surgical lamp brightness.
• Vienna's coffee house culture is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The city hosts over 450 balls annually, primarily during the January to March ball season.
• Vienna boasts the world's oldest operating Ferris wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad, constructed in 1897.
• More than half of Vienna's metropolitan area is green space, including over 2,000 parks.
• Vienna's tap water comes directly from nearby mountains via two mountain spring pipelines.
• The Viennese waltz, which emerged around 1750, is faster than the English waltz with about twice as many beats per minute.
• Vienna's entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering approximately 16 square kilometres.
• Vienna is home to one of the four United Nations headquarters.
• The Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard encircling the historic centre, was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1857 to replace the old city walls.

History

Vienna, initially a Celtic settlement called Vedunia, was transformed into the Roman military camp Vindobona in the 1st century and gained Roman city rights in 212. The city evolved from early medieval settlements to become the capital of the Babenberg dynasty in 1155, and later the seat of the Habsburg Empire. Vienna gained significant prominence as a trading hub in the 11th century and received official city rights in 1221, along with the valuable staple port rights that required all passing traders to offer their goods in the city. The city served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire from 1558 to 1806, and subsequently as the capital of the Austrian Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. During the 19th century, Vienna underwent significant expansion with the demolition of its fortifications in 1858 and the construction of the grand Ringstraße boulevard, reaching its peak population of 2,031,000 inhabitants in 1910. Throughout its history, Vienna has been a crucial centre for European music, hosting major composers from the 16th to 20th centuries, and its historic centre, rich in Baroque architecture and cultural heritage, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Main Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

This magnificent Baroque palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. With 1,441 rooms and sprawling gardens, it's a testament to imperial grandeur. The palace grounds also house the world's oldest zoo, founded in 1752.

Hofburg Palace

Once the seat of the Habsburg Empire, the Hofburg now serves as the official residence of the Austrian President. This vast complex spans several centuries of architectural styles and houses numerous museums, including the Imperial Apartments and the Spanish Riding School.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

This Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna's old town has stood since the 12th century. Climb its tower for panoramic views of the city.

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's most prestigious opera houses, it hosts over 350 performances a year.

Belvedere Palace

This Baroque palace complex consists of two palaces, Upper and Lower Belvedere, set in beautiful formal gardens.

Prater Amusement Park

The Wiener Prater is a large public park featuring a permanent amusement park. Highlights include:

• The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad)
• Various carnival rides and games
• Restaurants and entertainment venues

Stadtpark (City Park)

This lovely green space is perfect for relaxation and features numerous sculptures, including the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss.

Hundertwasserhaus

This colourful apartment building, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a unique architectural attraction.

Naschmarkt

Vienna's largest open-air market offers a sensory experience with its array of local and international cuisine, as well as various goods.

Christmas Markets

If visiting during the festive season, don't miss Vienna's enchanting Christmas markets, particularly the one at Rathausplatz.

Hidden Gems

For a less touristy experience, consider:

• Lainzer Tiergarten: A large managed wilderness on the city's edge
• Hirschstetten Gardens: Lovely gardens featuring a mini-zoo, palmhouse, and maze
• Kahlenberg: Take bus 38A for panoramic views of Vienna

Remember, many of these attractions can be enjoyed for free or at a minimal cost, allowing you to experience the best of Vienna without breaking the bank.

Top Museums

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum is Vienna's premier art museum, housing the extensive collections of the Habsburg dynasty. Highlights include:

• Masterpieces by Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Caravaggio
• The world's largest collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder
• Ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities
• The Kunstkammer, a chamber of curiosities with over 2,200 precious artworks and objects

Albertina

The Albertina is renowned for its vast collection of graphic arts:

• Over 1 million prints and 60,000 drawings
• Works by Dürer, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Schiele
• Impressionist and modern art masterpieces

Leopold Museum

Located in the MuseumsQuartier, the Leopold Museum focuses on Austrian modern art:

• The world's largest Egon Schiele collection
• Works by Gustav Klimt and other Austrian artists
• Art Nouveau and Wiener Werkstätte objects

Museum of Natural History

The Natural History Museum offers fascinating exhibits on the natural world:

• Dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric artifacts
• Minerals and meteorites
• The Venus of Willendorf figurine

MAK - Museum of Applied Arts

The MAK showcases decorative arts, design, and architecture:

• Furniture, glassware, and textiles from various periods
• Art Nouveau and Wiener Werkstätte designs
• Contemporary design exhibitions

Sigmund Freud Museum

Visit the apartment where the father of psychoanalysis lived and worked for nearly half a century.

Local Cuisine

Vienna's culinary heritage is a delightful blend of imperial influences and local innovation, offering a rich tapestry of flavours that reflect its historical significance as the Habsburg capital. The city's most celebrated dish is the Wiener Schnitzel, a golden-brown veal cutlet coated in crispy breadcrumbs and traditionally served with potato salad. Beyond this iconic dish, visitors can savour hearty classics such as Tafelspitz (tender boiled beef served with horseradish and spinach), Wiener Saftgulasch (a rich beef stew with paprika), and the popular street food favourite Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausages). The sweet-toothed will be delighted by Vienna's renowned café culture, where traditional pastries like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam) are served in elegant coffee houses that are so culturally significant they've been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Shopping

Vienna offers a sophisticated shopping experience with distinct retail areas catering to every taste and budget. The historic city centre features elegant pedestrianised streets, with Kärntner Straße, Graben and Kohlmarkt forming a prestigious shopping district home to luxury brands like Cartier, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. For a more mainstream shopping experience, locals favour the bustling Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna's longest shopping street, which hosts numerous international chain stores and department stores, including the historic Gerngross. The city also boasts several modern shopping centres, with Wien Mitte The Mall standing out as Austria's finest shopping centre, spanning an impressive 30,000 square metres in the heart of Vienna. Most shops typically operate Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:30 and Saturdays until 17:00 or 18:00, with some shopping centres extending their hours until 20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays.

Nature in and around Vienna

Vienna offers a remarkable array of natural attractions that provide a perfect escape from urban life. The vast Prater park, spanning six million square metres just 3km from the city centre, features extensive lawns and woods perfect for cycling, walking and horse riding. The Lainz Game Reserve, a 2,500-hectare nature reserve, boasts endless hiking trails and is home to wild pigs, stags, deer and aurochs, whilst offering fascinating thematic tours about local wildlife. The Vienna Woods, with its marked hiking network and airy beech forests, provides excellent walking opportunities between Kahlenberg and Sophienalpe, complete with stunning viewpoints. For water enthusiasts, the Danube-Auen National Park, one of Middle Europe's largest remaining floodplains, serves as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including the white-tailed eagle and Eurasian beaver, with opportunities for canoeing and boat tours. The Steinhofgründe, a 42-hectare leisure area, offers pleasant hiking trails, picnic meadows and splendid views of Vienna, becoming particularly charming in winter when visitors can enjoy tobogganing and cross-country skiing.

Getting Around

Vienna's public transport system is a remarkably efficient and comprehensive network that makes exploring the Austrian capital an absolute breeze. The system comprises five underground lines (U-Bahn), 29 tram routes, and 127 bus lines, serving approximately two million passengers daily. Single tickets cost €2.40 and can be used across all modes of transport within Vienna's core zone1. The underground operates from early morning until midnight on weekdays, with extended hours during weekends and holidays, whilst night buses ensure round-the-clock service. Particularly charming are the city's historic trams, which offer scenic routes past magnificent landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall. The network's reliability and extensive coverage make it one of the world's most efficient public transport systems, with an impressive 53% of Viennese workers choosing to commute via public transport.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Vienna largely depends on your preferences, but generally, the periods from April to May and September to October are ideal. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spring brings blooming gardens and mild weather, perfect for outdoor strolls, whilst autumn offers picturesque scenery with golden hues. If you fancy festive charm, consider a December visit for the magical Christmas markets. Summer (June to August) is popular for its warm weather and outdoor events, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. For budget-conscious travellers, February and March offer lower costs, though the weather might be a bit chilly. Ultimately, Vienna's timeless beauty and rich culture make it a captivating destination year-round, so choose the season that best aligns with your interests and budget.