14 Things to do in Vienna | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

14 Things to do in Vienna

The best of Austria!

72
14 Things to do in Vienna
Shea Ward

In This Article:

A breathtaking country and a beautiful city, there is so much to see and do, “here are a few of my favorite things" (Only Sound of Music Fans will appreciate that one). I starred my absolute MUST DO recommendations, and if Austria isn't on your bucket list yet, it should be.

1. St. Stephen's Cathedral*

Shea Ward

This gorgeous cathedral church was founded in the 12th century. The exterior and interior of the church are absolutely beautiful and admission is free. The church has many additional features for a price, but the two things I recommend doing would be the Catacombs tour and taking the elevator up to the North tower for one of the best views of the city.

2. Mozart’s Apartment

Take a stroll down Domgasse 5 to see Mozart's apartment. The apartment now serves as a Museum that you can purchase tickets to tour.

3. Hofsburg Imperial Palace

Shea Ward

In the heart of Vienna. Served as The Habsburg dynasties winter palace until 1918. Today the palace is used by the democratic Republic of Austria. The historical Imperial Apartments of past Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth (Sissi) are available to tour.

4. Schmetterlinghaus (Butterfly House) 

The Imperial Butterfly house (part of the Hofsburg Royal Palace) in the center of the city. 400 colorful free-flying butterflies in a beautiful Art Noveau palm house.

5. Spanish Riding School*

Spanish Riding School

Located at the Hofsburg palace. Only institution in the world that has practiced for more than 450 years, continuing to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition. Can purchase tickets to see the Lipizzaner Stallion performance or a cheaper alternative is to watch a morning practice session. UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site. A highly sought after opportunity- so book tickets way in advance.

6. Belvedere Palace

A beautiful Baroque palace used by Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence. Until possession was transferred to Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph and it became an official museum.

7. Schönbrunn Palace**

Shea Ward

The Hapsburg dynasty’s summer palace. Highly recommend doing the Grand tour. Easily an all day experience. The palace and grounds are breathtaking and there is a ton you can see and do including the Zoo, Children's imperial museum, Privy garden, maze and labyrinth, Gloriette with panoramic views of Vienna, etc.

8. Schönbrunn Zoo*

Home to over 700 species of animals from the tropics to the arctic. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The best Zoo in Europe and an activity that excites both young and old visitors.

9. Vienna State Opera House

Shea Ward

Gorgeous theater and breathtaking building. Worth walking by and briefly admiring or if you’re interested you can look into seeing an Opera performance one evening.

10. Danube Canal

Take a walk down the Danube canal, you can book boat tours/excursions but they sell out constantly so make sure you book in advance!

11. Grinzing wineries

Shea Ward

Want to escape the crowds of tourists and hangout with the locals? Grinzing wine gardens are the perfect place for that. Walk down the village and choose a cute courtyard area. They all serve their specialty wines, can get light cold cuts and food. No coffee, literally just wine!! You could always wine garden hop too, if you're really feeling it. Enjoy :-)

12. Wiener Wurstl Stand 

You can't get a complete Austrian experience without eating from one of the countless Weiner Wurstl stands- it's affordable, authentic, and Austrian!

13. Gerstner K. u. K. Hoflieferanten

Shea Ward

Oh how Austrians love their coffee and cake. This is THE BEST place to get tortes (cake) and dessert. My other favorite places in Vienna are Cafe Aida, and Cafe Central (best apple strudel).

14. Take a day trip to Salzburg**

Shea Ward

You can take a train easily from Vienna to Salzburg (2 hours) and spend the day in this gorgeous authentic city. There is so much to do, I personally LOVED the Sound of Music tour (4 hours) and you can cover a lot more ground this way, especially if you're only going for a day. There's Fortress Hohensalzburg for one of the best views. Can see Mozart's birthplace, visit St. Peter's Abbey, the Salzburg cathedral, Schloss Hellbrunn Palace, etc.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1154
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

17 Times "Friends" Accurately Described Life

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

296
friends

In the 12 years since it went off the air, "Friends" continues to be adored by millions. The show that gave generations unrealistic expectations about love (or should I say lobsters?) and New York City apartments had a charming cast of characters that everyone could relate to at some point or another. Here are 17 times Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel accurately described life.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Times Aubrey Plaza Described Sophomore Year

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

647
Aubrey Plaza
Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.

1. When your advisor tells you that you should declare a major soon.

2. Seeing the lost and confused freshmen and remembering that was you a short year ago, and now being grateful you know the ins and outs of the campus.

3. Going to the involvement fair to sign up for more clubs knowing that you are already too involved.

4. When you actually do the reading required for the first class.

5. Seeing your friends for the first time since last semester.

6. When you're already drowning in homework during syllabus week.

7. Realizing you don't have the same excitement for classes as you did as a freshman.

8. Going home and seeing people from high school gets weirder the older you get.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College vs. High School

Freedom vs. Curfew

318
graduation

Things you may not realize are different between high school and college:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments