Wien, or Vienna in English, has been the capital city of Austria for almost a century, having been the first city of the Habsburg Empire for over 600 years before that. The city centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance, and the mighty Donau (Danube River) flows through the its heart.
In the present day, the city is a vibrant central European hub, full of chic eateries, trendy nightclubs and an active arts scene. Alongside all of this sits the very clear legacy of the city’s past as an imperial metropolis, in the form of ornate and imposing palaces, meticulously maintained parks and numerous monuments.
To learn more about this rich history and to admire the spoils of rule from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace. In the same complex, the Albertina offers a fabulous, world-renowned collection of art, while the MuseumsQuartier is a busy gathering place for cultural events.
The Innere Stadt, which is bound by the Danube on one side and the Ringstraße (Circling Street) on the others, is also home to a number of other cultural hotspots. Admire the splendid Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) and Vienna State Opera, or while away an afternoon at the excellent Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum).
Native Viennese artist Gustav Klimt is adored here, and his masterpieces are on show in some top galleries, including the Burgtheater, the Museum of Art History (Kusthistorisches Museum) and the Belvedere. If you’re visiting the city with people who are a little too young for art appreciation, then a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace to see the world's oldest zoo offers a fun alternative.
The importance of Vienna as a melting pot for musicians, groundbreaking thinkers and fantastic artists down through the years is difficult to overstate: Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, Strauss and Hayden all lived here, as did Sigmund Freud and the aforementioned Gustav Klimt. Many of these stellar names can be honoured with a visit to their final resting places in the Central Cemetery.
Vienna Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Vienna
Where to stay in Vienna
Innere Stadt
Known for its fascinating museums and stunning cathedral, there's plenty to explore in Innere Stadt. Check out top attractions like Vienna State Opera and Vienna Christmas Market, and jump on the metro at Stephansplatz U-Bahn or Herrengasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Leopoldstadt
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Leopoldstadt. If sightseeing is on the list, Giant Ferris Wheel is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Praterstern U-Bahn or Franzensbrücke Tram Stop to see more of the area.
Wieden
Spend some time visiting places like Karlsplatz while getting to know Wieden, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Paulanergasse Station or Taubstummengasse U-Bahn to see more of the area.
Landstraße
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Landstraße. Spend some time visiting top spots like Landstraßer Hauptstraße, and catch the metro at Rochusgasse U-Bahn or Sechskrügelgasse Tram Stop to see more of the area.
Favoriten
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Favoriten. Spend some time visiting top spots like Franz Horr Stadium, and catch the metro at Altes Landgut Station or Alaudagasse Station to see more of the area.
Mariahilf
Travellers love Mariahilf for its popular shops, and you can see more of Vienna by jumping on the metro at Neubaugasse U-Bahn or Mariahilfer Gürtel Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Haus des Meeres and Naschmarkt.
Leonardo Hotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof
Clean room, comfy bed, adequate breakfast
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025
Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien
Nothing special, average 4 star hotel
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025
MOOONS
Absolutely spotless room, left a note and free chocolates for my girlfriend’s birthday. Gave us vouchers for free drinks if we chose to skip housekeeping for the day. Really cool place and lovely decoration. Absolutely lovely hotel in a lovely city. Will definitely be my go to when i return!
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025
Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere
Spacious and clean room. Quiet neighborhood as it's not in the city center. Super convenient next to the the train station. Love that they have washer dryer as it's much needed for our mid trip stop. Bathroom is very modern and large. Plenty of storage and table / couch space for lounging. The only ...
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
Adina Serviced Apartments Vienna
Good friendly staff. Room was ok, bare minimum of facilities, but fine for 1 night. Check out was a bit chaotic, no staff on reception at all for more than 5 minutes. When she appeared all was sorted quickly. Surely reception should be manned at all times ?
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
A by Adina Vienna Danube
Friendly and attentive staffs. Love the online messaging system to order essential. Excellent view to the city. Will definitely come back for Xmas market next year
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025
Popular places to visit
Vienna Christmas Market
When you visit Vienna Christmas Market, a popular shopping spot in Vienna, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums.
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer retreat of Austria's ruling dynasty, this stunning palace is set among 120 hectares of land which also houses the world's oldest zoo.
Vienna State Opera
Come and experience world-class opera productions in opulent surroundings or simply admire one of the most famous opera houses on the planet.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Visit this marvellous array of museums, sumptuous residences and theatres in the historic home of the Habsburgs.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Centuries of architectural genius, artistic endeavour and fascinating history are packed into Vienna's most important religious structure.
Stephansplatz
Vienna’s geographic heart buzzes with street performers, horse-drawn carriages and a procession of shoppers, sightseers and seekers of perfect coffee.
Reviews of Vienna
5/5 - Excellent
What a beautiful city, we loved naschmarkt and all the gorgeous architecture. It was a shame that Coronavirus affected our visit but this could not be helped. Would love to return
5/5 - Excellent
Exceptionally quiet due to coronavirus and all museums shut but the architecture and the atmosphere more than compensated for the closures.
5/5 - Excellent
Great city, compact with great museums and architecture.
5/5 - Excellent
Perfect for a weekend city break. Such a beautiful city to explore, whether you're travelling solo or with others. It needs to be on everyone's travel list.
5/5 - Excellent
We LOVED Vienna and will definitely be back!!
5/5 - Excellent
Vienna is much quieter than London, Paris and New York. At first I found this a bit alarming, but once I got used to it I realised it’s normal for Vienna at this time of year. Go if you are a fan of classical music, modernist art and good food
