The article provides information about best things to do in Vienna. Many interesting points about attractions are mentioned.
Dreamland Vienna
Many people have a dream place to visit, and the place I once dreamed of visiting was Vienna. After watching the movie Sisi when I was a child, Vienna became the place I wanted to visit most. Especially the zoo in the palace where Princess Sissi lives is the place I yearn to visit most.
When I came to Vienna, everything was as I expected, the same as the city of my dreams. Exquisite European-style architecture, a clean environment, and friendly locals, Vienna did not disappoint me at all.
In Europe, if you talk about countries, many people have a more positive evaluation of Spain. When it comes to cities, Vienna has a better reputation. The temperament and characteristics of Vienna can conquer the hearts of many people.
Vienna’s gravel roads, European classical architecture, and old-style carriages have the temperament of ancient Europe, as if traveling through time and space, extending history to the present.
The city of Vienna gives people a sense of security, even if a woman travels alone, she will feel safe. In addition to the sense of security, Vienna is clean, and this tidiness makes traveling in Vienna comfortable and pleasing.
17 Best Things To Do In Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
The Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was the summer residence of the House of Habsburg. The Baroque-style palace has 1,441 rooms with elegant interiors, and picturesque French and English styles gardens.
The Gloriette is on the hill of the palace gardens and emperor Franz Joseph I used it as a breakfast room. Furthermore, the world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schoenbrunn, is inside the palace grounds.
Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and listed in UNESCO World Heritage. The zoo is not only important for animal protection but also famous for the first two pandas in Europe in 2003. Many animal species can be found in the zoo and the living conditions for animals are very good.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the symbols of the city. The tallest point of the cathedral is 136 meters. Both the roof and the bottom of the cathedral are interesting. The roof of the cathedral is formed by 230,000 colorful glazed tiles.
Under the foundation, many bishops and Habsburg family members were buried in the catacombs and Crypts. The cathedral has the outstanding and historic bell “Pummerin” that weighs 20.13 tons, which is the largest bell in Austria and one of the largest bells in Europe.
Art museums
Vienna is famous for having many art museums. As the city of Vienna has a long history of being a center of arts and culture, museums are not limited to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) with its impressive collection of masterpieces, Belvedere Palace’s art collection including iconic paintings of Gustav Klimt, and the Albertina’s graphic arts collection.
Vienna also has museums of modern art such as the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (mumok), and contemporary art such as MAK.
Furthermore, many contemporary exhibitions are held in the Jugendstil architecture Vienna Secession Building.
Prater Park
The Prater Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Inside the park, there is the outstanding Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel) that is built in 1897. Except the Liliputbahn, which is the mini railway that goes through the whole park, there are also a tall tower ride called the Prater Turm, carousels, roller coasters, and many other interesting attractions.
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is located on Ringstrasse boulevard in the center of Vienna. It was built in 1869 and was restored in 1955 after the damage from the war. The Opera is famous not only because of hosting all types of opera works and many noted debuts, but also more than 300 performances each season. The tradition of “Stehplatz” is still kept in the Opera, many people can buy the standing room tickets, which cost much less than a standard ticket.
Naschmarkt
The history of Naschmarkt can date back to the 16th century. Originally, the market sold milk bottles. Nowadays people can find not only fresh fruit and vegetables, but also different kinds of international food and delicacies. The Naschmarkt is more than a market, it also has restaurants, cafes, and even flea market on Saturdays. Cultural and culinary events are hosted in this 1.5-kilometer-long market throughout the year, many people want to visit the market to experience the energetic atmosphere.
Austrian National Library
Austrian National Library was originally an imperial library in the Middle Ages. The library is one of the oldest libraries in the world. The collection of the library is more than 12 million items including one copy of the Gutenberg Bible and works of Mozart and Beethoven, which make it one of the most important libraries in the world. Not only is the building of the library itself beautiful, but it also has a Grand Hall called Prunksaal, which is very impressive because of its interior design and decoration.
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
The Rathaus was built from 1872 to 1883, and it has 2,987 rooms in total. The designer of the Neo-Gothic Rathaus is Friedrich von Schmidt who was also instrumental for the restoration of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The tower of the Rathaus is 98-meter high. On the top of the tower, there is a 5.4-meters-tall monument called Rathausmann, which is one of symbols of Vienna.
Mozarthaus Vienna
The Mozart’s House is where Mozart lived from 1784 to 1787, and he created many famous works during this period. Visitors can not only see his manuscripts and letters but also can understand Mozart’s living and working environments.
Austrian Parliament
The Austrian Parliament was designed by famous architect Theophil Hansen and built from 1874 to 1883. The building has more than 100 rooms and emphasizes the importance of democracy by including elements of Greek architecture. The Pallas Athena Fountain in front of the parliament is also a symbol of democratic governance.
Donaustadt district
Donaustadt was named after Danube River because the river passes through the district. Because of the Danube River, a beautiful lake called Alte Donau is formed in the district. From 1972 to 1988, a long and narrow shape island called Donauinsel was built in the middle of Vienna on the Danube River, which hosts annual Danube Island Festival. There are also Donaupark, shopping center Donau Zentrum, and the planned future modern urban district Seestadt Aspern in the vibrant district.
Imperial crypt
The Imperial crypt buries those rulers of Austro-Hungarian Empire such as Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph I, and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). The Habsburg family followed burial traditions such as placing the hearts and bodies of Habsburg emperors in different places. The Imperial crypt was built in 1632 and the underground vaults formed unique architecture, which attracts many visitors.
Stadtpark (City Park)
The Stadtpark opened to the public in 1862 and the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss II is inside the park. The Vienna River (Wienfluss) passes through the park, adding beauty and charm to the park. The park hosts many concerts and performances, so people can enjoy not only the nature views but culture activities.
Hofburg
The Hofburg was built in the 13th century and served as winter palace for imperials. In 1854, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) were married in the Augustinian Church of the Hofburg.
Now it is not only used as the work place and home by Austrian President and the home of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), but also the home for Vienna Boys’ Choir, Spanish Riding School and National Library.
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 18th century. Tourists can find the Belvedere Palace on the Austrian 20-cent euro coin. The Belvedere Palace complex has the Orangery, the Palace Stables, and two palaces called the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, which are connected by the Lower Belvedere Garden. Because of its beauty, some movies have chosen to shoot scenes in the Belvedere Palace.
Hundertwasserhaus
The Hundertwasserhaus was designed by the unconventional artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The idea of the building is to combine nature and human to form harmony. Hundertwasser’s creativity has inspired architects globally.
Author: Hua
