Destination
Things to see and do in Vienna : Tourism and activities
10 addresses
Wiener Staatsoper
Opernring 2 Vienna 1010 • 1-514-442-250Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The Vienna State Opera House is central to Viennese life and was a symbol of resurgence following World War II. Its rich history includes the first performance of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." The post-war reconstruction features a neo-Renaissance façade and auditorium, and a stage built with state-of-the-art technology. Highlights include the marble Grand Staircase and the Tea Room, as well as tapestries and paintings that depict scenes from famous operas and sculptures of famous composers and conductors.
Künstlerhaus
Karlsplatz 5 Vienna 1010 • 1-587-9663Description:
Styled in the manner of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, the entrance of this "House of Artists" is lined with marble statues of Velasquez, Raphael, da Vinci, Titian, Michelangelo and Rubens. The museum was founded by the Vienna Artists Society in the 19th century; its main house presents an eclectic mix of themed exhibitions; the gallery is used for exhibitions featuring painting, installations, design and architecture. It also houses a theater/cinema.
Gemaeldegalerie der Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste
Schillerplatz 3 Vienna 1010 • 1-588-16-225Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The Art Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts focuses on an important selection of works by the Old Masters. Hieronymus Bosch's impressive altarpiece triptych "Last Judgment" is the hallmark of this gallery. Flemish and Italian painters are well represented, and the collection includes works by Guardi, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Titian.
Gemaeldegalerie der Akademie der Bildenden Kuenste detail
Secession
Friedrichstrasse 12 Vienna 1010 • 1-587-5307Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This pavilion was built to house the works of artists who turned away from conservative academic aesthetics and formed the Secession Movement during the late 19th century. The entrance is topped with an openwork dome comprised of 3000 gilt bay leaves, affectionately referred to as the "golden cabbage." The permanent collection houses art by Gustav Klimt. Changing exhibitions feature contemporary and avant-garde works by local and international artists.
Haus der Musik
Seilerstaette 30 Vienna 1010 • 1-516-48Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Just how a modern museum should be, and just what the city's great musical heritage deserves: a wonderful interactive tour through sound and music. Play the waltz-dice-game in the first floor's Vienna Philharmonic Museum. Get a new perspective on sound in the second floor's Sonosphere. On leaving the third floor, have a go at being the virtual conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra after learning about many of the great composers who gave them something to play. Discover how tomorrow's music might be made in the Futuresphere on the fourth floor.
Karlskirche
Karlsplatz Vienna 1040 • 1-505-6294Description:
4TH DISTRICT. This enormous church was dedicated in gratitude to St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of plague victims, whom Emperor Karl VI credited with delivering Vienna from its plight. Construction started in the early 18th century, and its unorthodox exterior is a collage of architectural elements showing influences from the ancient Greek and Roman to contemporary 18th century styling. The interior is embellished with altarpieces and carvings by prominent artists of the time.
Wien Museum
Karlsplatz Vienna 1040 • 1-505-87470Description:
4TH DISTRICT. Vienna's history, from prehistory to present, is documented in the Historical Museum of the City of Vienna. Displays in this multi-level structure include artifacts from Roman times, architectural fragments and stained glass windows from medieval buildings, old engravings and city plans, objects from the Wiener Werkstätte arts and craft studio, and the reconstructed rooms of architect Adolf Loos and poet Franz Grillparzer, where the furnishings are representative of the Biedermeier style.
Augustinerkirche
Josefsplatz Vienna 1010Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The interior of this 14th-century Gothic church is one of the most well preserved in Vienna. It was the site of many lavish court weddings. The Loretokapelle (Loreto Chapel) houses 54 small silver urns that preserve the hearts of the Hapsburg family. One of the most impressive works is the symbolic tomb of daughter Maria Theresia, a powerful neo-Classical sculptural piece by renowned artist Antonio Canova.
Jüdisches Museum der Stadt Wien
Dorotheergasse 11 Vienna 1010 • 1-535-0431Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Housed in the Palais Eskeles, this museum features a study center, archives, a large library and three floors of exhibition space that document the important role Jews played in the financial, intellectual and cultural development of Europe. An interesting holographic display on the first floor features large glass panels whose contents include images of a medieval matzo bakery, conductor Gustav Mahler, and Nazi violence. The images can be seen only if viewed from the correct angle.
Jüdisches Museum der Stadt Wien detail
Loos Haus
Michaelerplatz 3 Vienna 1010Description:
Architect Adolf Loos disliked excessive ornamentation and the exteriors of his buildings were designed quite simply. This early 20th-century building utilizes clean lines and offers a stylish interior. Although today the building's appearance seems unremarkable, the austere structure was considered scandalous during its time, which was more accustomed to ornate and lavish detail.
Best of the City
Wiener Staatsoper
Opernring 2 Vienna 1010 • 1-514-442-250Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The Vienna State Opera House is central to Viennese life and was a symbol of resurgence following World War II. Its rich history includes the first performance of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." The post-war reconstruction features a neo-Renaissance façade and auditorium, and a stage built with state-of-the-art technology. Highlights include the marble Grand Staircase and the Tea Room, as well as tapestries and paintings that depict scenes from famous operas and sculptures of famous composers and conductors.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Maria Theresien-Platz Vienna 1010 • 1-525-240Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best in Europe. Over the centuries, the Habsburgs assembled a diverse collection of great art from around the world. Acquisitions by such Old Masters as Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Vermeer, Titian, and Velasquez are the hallmark of the collection that also includes treasures from Oriental, Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquity. With almost two miles of corridors, allow more than a day to view the collections.
Kunsthistorisches Museum detail
Stephansdom
Stephansplatz Vienna 1010 • 1-515-52526Description:
1ST DISTRICT. St. Stephen's Cathedral is said to be the soul of Vienna. Its origins are Romanesque in styling but the structure has been reconstructed through the centuries and its detailing incorporates later Gothic and Baroque elements as well. The frieze above the Giants' Gateway depicts human and animal figures in scenes from the Last Judgment, which was a popular theme during the late Romanesque period. The hallmark of the richly decorated interior is Anton Pilgram's Pulpit, a Gothic creation depicting the Four Fathers of the Church.
Wiener Rathaus
Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1 Vienna 1010 • 1-525-50Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Built between 1872 and 1883, this neo-gothic designed building is the seat of Vienna's mayor and local government. Irregular public events are held in the building, but it's in the square and park in front of the building that the main public activities take place: the famous Christmas market, ice skating in the winter, festivals, markets and concerts through the rest of the year.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse Vienna 1030 • 1-811-13-239Description:
Schönbrunn Palace, elegant former summer residence of the Imperial Family, is one of Austria's premier tourist spots. The entire grounds can be seen from Gloriette, a hill overlooking the site. Tour the ornately decorated palace or visit the carriage museum and the palace theater. Stroll though the Baroque gardens and walkways and see the fountains, the faux Roman ruins, the zoo and tropical greenhouse.
Zentralfriedhof
Simmeringer Hauptstrasse 234 Vienna 1110Description:
11TH DISTRICT. Vienna's colossal main cemetery has more than 2.5 million graves, memorials and pantheons laid out over 600 acres. Many of Vienna's best known musicians, artists and politicians have been laid to rest here, including Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms. In keeping with the Viennese affinity for stylish burials, the cemetery contains a wide range of funerary monuments varying from the simple to the extravagant.
Tiergarten Schoenbrunn
Schönbrunn Vienna 1130 • 1-877-9294Description:
13TH DISTRICT. The world's oldest zoo and bang up-to-date today. A fantastic day out with an incredible range of animals in modern, state-of-the-art enclosures. External enclosures include a great new rhino park, and indoors you'll find a rainforest house, a desert house, aquarium, terrarium and a polarium. Good play areas for the children and plenty of reasonably priced refreshments.
Donauturm
Donauturmstrasse 4 Vienna 1220 • 1-263-3572Description:
22ND DISTRICT. Not in a central location and all the better for it. Protruding from the Donaupark in the east of the city, the tower offers a marvelous view across the Danube to city center. Walk around the viewing platform or take a 360-degree ride in the revolving restaurant; dining on the move at 150m is not for everyone, but it's a good idea to reserve a table anyway. If this sort of thing is for you, there's bungee jumping from the top in the summer.
Belvedere Palace
Prinz Eugen Strasse 27 Vienna 1030 • 1-795-57Description:
The palace and gardens were built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the military commander who helped defeat the Turks in the 17th century. The complex consists of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, linked by a three-tiered formal French garden. The upper palace is the more elaborate of the two and is used for festive occasions. The lower palace served as the Prince's living quarters. Both are elaborately decorated and house works by world-renowned artists.
Wiener Riesenrad
Prater 90 Vienna 1020 • 1-729-5430Description:
2ND DISTRICT. The star of films like "The Third Man," "Before Sunrise" and "The Living Daylights," this Ferris wheel is Vienna's international icon. Built in 1897 to commemorate Kaiser Franz Josef's silver jubilee, it's no longer very big as far as big-wheels go, but it looks great and oozes charm and romance.
Museums
Haus der Musik
Seilerstaette 30 Vienna 1010 • 1-516-48Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Just how a modern museum should be, and just what the city's great musical heritage deserves: a wonderful interactive tour through sound and music. Play the waltz-dice-game in the first floor's Vienna Philharmonic Museum. Get a new perspective on sound in the second floor's Sonosphere. On leaving the third floor, have a go at being the virtual conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra after learning about many of the great composers who gave them something to play. Discover how tomorrow's music might be made in the Futuresphere on the fourth floor.
Jüdisches Museum der Stadt Wien
Dorotheergasse 11 Vienna 1010 • 1-535-0431Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Housed in the Palais Eskeles, this museum features a study center, archives, a large library and three floors of exhibition space that document the important role Jews played in the financial, intellectual and cultural development of Europe. An interesting holographic display on the first floor features large glass panels whose contents include images of a medieval matzo bakery, conductor Gustav Mahler, and Nazi violence. The images can be seen only if viewed from the correct angle.
Jüdisches Museum der Stadt Wien detail
Hofjagd-und Rüstkammer
Heldenplatz Neue Burg, Vienna 1010 • 1-525-240Description:
1ST DISTRICT. One of the world's most extensive collections of weapons and armor of Europe's royal families since the 15th century. Everything from armored saddles to bags for carrying bows and arrows, early cannon to ornately decorated shields.
Museum für Völkerkunde
Neue Burg Vienna 1010 • 1-525-24-4025Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This ethnological museum is situated around an arcaded Italian Renaissance-style courtyard. The collections focus on non-European cultures. The Oriental collection features lacquer screens, garments, furniture, ceramics and musical instruments. Figurines, masks and artifacts include a series of court portraits from Benin. Brass plaques and fine ivory sculptures are also featured in the African section. Other exhibits display artifacts from Australia, Polynesia, Bali, Borneo, pre-Columbian Mexico and the New World.
Sammlung Alter Musikinstrumente
Neue Burg, Heldenplatz, Vienna 1010 • 1-525-24-4602Description:
1ST DISTRICT. On display at this museum are rare and exquisite musical instruments dating from the early 16th century, a collection of the finest musical instruments from the Renaissance era, and pianos that once belonged to Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. A network of headphones allows visitors to hear musical excerpts that relate to the period and theme of a particular room.
Sammlung Alter Musikinstrumente detail
Naturhistorisches Museum
Burgring 7 Vienna 1010 • 1-52-177-0Description:
1ST DISTRICT. Vienna's Museum of Natural History is one of the world's largest. It opened in the late 1800s and was designed to reflect the nature of the collections. The museum features wide and varied collections of skeletons, fossils, precious stones, diamonds, meteorites, dinosaur casts and zoological exhibits. The most important pieces are a limestone fertility symbol, the "Venus of Willendorf," which is approximately 25,000 years old; and "Fanny of Galgenberg," which was found near Stratzing/Krems-Rehberg in 1988, and is one of the world's oldest sculptures, dating to approximately 32,000 BC.
Naturhistorisches Museum detail
Mozart Figarohaus
Domgasse 5 Vienna 1010 • 1-513-6294Description:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his family lived here between 1784 and 1787, possibly his most joyous and productive years in Vienna. Here he wrote his famous opera "The Marriage of Figaro," along with the Haydn quartets and several piano concerti. On display are lithographs, engravings, portraits, letters, documents and copies of scores. Like many museums in Vienna, Figarohaus is equipped with a sound system that allows visitors to use headphones to listen to musical excerpts.
Uhrenmuseum der Stadt Wien
Schulhof 2 Vienna 1010 • 1-533-2265Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This multi-level clock and watch museum is located behind the church of the Nine Choirs of the Angels and traces the history and development of timepieces, from both visual and mechanical perspectives. More than 3000 timepieces include several astronomical clocks, a Biedermeier "Laterndl," the clock from St. Stephen's Cathedral, a temperature sensitive clock, an aviator's watch, and several novelty clocks. One of the most recent timepieces is a 1992 computer clock.
Uhrenmuseum der Stadt Wien detail
Bestattangsmuseum
Goldeggasse 19 Vienna 1040 • 1-50-195-0Description:
4TH DISTRICT. This Burial Museum offers an interesting glimpse into the Viennese obsession with funeral rituals and objects. The impressive 18th-century wrought-iron grill at the entrance depicts a crowned skeleton. Displays include a widow's mourning attire; lanterns, staffs and liveries used by 17th-century pall-bearers; a coffin with a bell in the event someone was mistakenly buried alive and re-awakened; and an economy coffin with a trapdoor so that the deceased could be dropped into the grave and the coffin recycled.
Technischen Museum Wien
Mariahilfer Strasse 212 Vienna 1140 • 1-899-9860-00Description:
14TH DISTRICT. Films, texts and experiments illustrating technological advances through the ages. Among the permanent exhibitions you can learn about mass-production and luxury goods, heavy industry, energy, and musical instruments.
Parks
Burggarten
Josephsplatz 1 Vienna 1010Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This park was laid out for the imperial family in the early 19th century and, as one might expect, it is the site of many monuments dedicated to Austria's various emperors. It is lush and informal with large expanses of lawn. A memorial to Mozart is composed of relief sculptures showing a scene from "Don Giovanni" and "Mozart with his Family." Overlooking the park is a Jugendstil conservatory with a butterfly house in one wing, and a café in its central section.
Rathauspark
Rathauplatz Vienna 1010Description:
This city hall park features a line of statues on either side of the avenue that divides it in two. An array of fountains and benches are scattered throughout the leafy grounds. Open-air concerts are held here in the summer; the opening of the Vienna Festival and the Life Ball are annually staged here in May; and during Advent, the central avenue is transformed into a Christmas market with lots of lights and holiday ambience.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse Vienna 1030 • 1-811-13-239Description:
Schönbrunn Palace, elegant former summer residence of the Imperial Family, is one of Austria's premier tourist spots. The entire grounds can be seen from Gloriette, a hill overlooking the site. Tour the ornately decorated palace or visit the carriage museum and the palace theater. Stroll though the Baroque gardens and walkways and see the fountains, the faux Roman ruins, the zoo and tropical greenhouse.
Prater
Prater Hauptallee Vienna 1020Description:
Originally the imperial hunting grounds, the meadow and woods along the Danube are now an enormous public park and a popular attraction. The park is divided into two sections. The first is the Wurstelprater, or funfair section, and features rides, booths and restaurants. Enjoy a ride on one of Vienna's most famous landmarks, which is a giant Ferris wheel called Riesenrad. It moves slowly (about one revolution every 20 minutes) so riders can enjoy views of the park and the city. The other part of the park is devoted to trade fairs and sports activities.
Schönbrunn Park and Garden
Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse Vienna 1130 • 1-811-130Description:
Stroll though the Baroque gardens and walkways and see the fountains, the faux Roman ruins, and the obelisk fountain. The gardens were originally established by French designer Jean Trehet in the late 17th century and greatly extended under the reign of Maria Theresa and Josef II. Arbors, greenery and formal flowerbeds form a backdrop for the elegant statuary and fountains. Throughout July and August the park plays host to the Wiener Kammeroper, who perform Mozart operas in the evenings.
Schönbrunn Park and Garden detail
Belvedere Palace
Prinz Eugen Strasse 27 Vienna 1030 • 1-795-57Description:
The palace and gardens were built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the military commander who helped defeat the Turks in the 17th century. The complex consists of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, linked by a three-tiered formal French garden. The upper palace is the more elaborate of the two and is used for festive occasions. The lower palace served as the Prince's living quarters. Both are elaborately decorated and house works by world-renowned artists.
Belvederegarten
Prinz Eugen Strasse 27 Vienna 1030Description:
3RD DISTRICT. Stroll from the Lower Belvedere to the Upper Belvedere; take the gravel pathways; pass the neatly trimmed hedges, the fountains, the statues, flower beds and lawns. Now, turn around and enjoy the magnificent view across the city and try to tell anyone it wasn't worth the climb.
Sigmund Freud Park
Universitaetstrasse / Waehringerstrasse ViennaDescription:
Originally called the Votivpark and laid out in the 1870s as part of the building project of the Votivkirche, this park was renamed Sigmund Freud Park in 1961. It features a ring of trees planted in March 1997 by the European Union to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Each tree is a different genus and represents a member country. In May 2004 a granite table surrounded by 10 seats was erected in the middle of the ring to represent the EU's 10 new member states. The park also features a sculpture composed of 3 types of marble by the secession sculptor Rudolf Moratti.
Religious Sites
Karlskirche
Karlsplatz Vienna 1040 • 1-505-6294Description:
4TH DISTRICT. This enormous church was dedicated in gratitude to St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of plague victims, whom Emperor Karl VI credited with delivering Vienna from its plight. Construction started in the early 18th century, and its unorthodox exterior is a collage of architectural elements showing influences from the ancient Greek and Roman to contemporary 18th century styling. The interior is embellished with altarpieces and carvings by prominent artists of the time.
Augustinerkirche
Josefsplatz Vienna 1010Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The interior of this 14th-century Gothic church is one of the most well preserved in Vienna. It was the site of many lavish court weddings. The Loretokapelle (Loreto Chapel) houses 54 small silver urns that preserve the hearts of the Hapsburg family. One of the most impressive works is the symbolic tomb of daughter Maria Theresia, a powerful neo-Classical sculptural piece by renowned artist Antonio Canova.
Stephansdom
Stephansplatz Vienna 1010 • 1-515-52526Description:
1ST DISTRICT. St. Stephen's Cathedral is said to be the soul of Vienna. Its origins are Romanesque in styling but the structure has been reconstructed through the centuries and its detailing incorporates later Gothic and Baroque elements as well. The frieze above the Giants' Gateway depicts human and animal figures in scenes from the Last Judgment, which was a popular theme during the late Romanesque period. The hallmark of the richly decorated interior is Anton Pilgram's Pulpit, a Gothic creation depicting the Four Fathers of the Church.
Peterskirche
Petersplatz Vienna 1010 • 1-533-6433Description:
1ST DISTRICT. The tall dome of this late Baroque structure is the hallmark of the church's simple exterior. Every detail of the interior decoration is wonderfully lavish and includes marvelous examples of altarpieces, frescoes, sculptures, stuccowork, and a beautiful trompe l'oeil painting in the choir's dome.
Minoritenkirche
Minoritenplatz 2a Vienna 1010 • 1-533-4162Description:
This part-Gothic and part-19th century structure is known as the Church of the Minorite Order and was originally established by the Minor Friars in the 13th century. The odd shaped tower is a result of damage incurred during the Turkish siege of 1529. The hallmark of the spacious, bright interior is an ambitious mosaic reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper," which was commissioned by Napoleon and later purchased by the Habsburgs.
Kirche am Hof
Am Hof 7 Vienna 1010Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This picturesque Catholic Church is dedicated to the Nine Choirs of the Angels. It was founded by the Carmelite friars near the end of the 14th century and now serves as a parish for the Croatian community. The Baroque façade is original and features a large balustrade balcony. An interesting high altar and magnificent frescoes highlight the interior. Tiny, quaint shops are tucked in between the buttresses of the Gothic choir at the back of the building.
Dominikanerkirche
Postgasse 4 Vienna 1010Description:
This Dominican church is a baroque structure and features an impressive façade. The ornate interior includes rococo detailing highlighted by a beautiful gilt organ. Fine examples of artwork are displayed on the majestic altars and in the elaborate nave. The frescoes, located in the cupola and the nave, were crafted in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and are especially magnificent.
Maria am Gestade
Salvatorgasse 12 Vienna 1010Description:
1ST DISTRICT. This Gothic church, known as Our Lady on the Steps, is associated with the Czech community in Vienna. The tall, narrow façade displays 15th-century sculptures of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. The seven-sided tower features a magnificent spire, which is an example of intricately crafted openwork. Impressive stained-glass windows highlight the interior.
Votivkirche
Rooseveltplatz Vienna 1090 • 1-406-1192Description:
9TH DISTRICT. Franz Joseph built this French-Gothic styled votive in gratitude for his having survived an assassination attempt in 1853. It is located opposite the scene of the crime, and with its ornate spires, is a highlight in the Viennese skyline. Many of the chapels were built to honor Austrian regiments and military heroes. One magnificent memorial is the Renaissance sarcophagus dedicated to Count Niklas Salm, the commander of the Austrian forces against the 1592 Turkish siege.
Am Steinhof Church
Baumgartner Höhe 1 Vienna 1140 • 1-910-602-391Description:
14TH DISTRICT. Otto Wagner designed St. Leopold's Church, an impressive piece of Jugendstil architecture, during his Secessionist period of the early 20th century. It is located in the west suburbs on the grounds of the Vienna City Psychiatric Hospital. The Carrara marble-clad exterior lies on top of simple brick construction, and copper tiles cover the enormous dome. The interior features two beautiful stained-glass windows: one based on the theme of mercy and another a portrayal of "Dante's Paradise Lost."
To see, to do in Vienna
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