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
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 Plague Column, 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.
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.
Wieden
Spend some time visiting places like St. Charles Church 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.
Neubau
Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Neubau. You can visit top attractions like MuseumsQuartier and Leopold Museum, and jump on the metro at Zieglergasse-Westbahnstraße Tram Stop or Neubaugasse-Westbahnstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.
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.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024
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Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024
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Reviewed on 8 May 2024
Popular places to visit
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.
Belvedere
Take in some of the best city views in Vienna from this Baroque masterpiece, which is also home to world-class artworks.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Centuries of architectural genius, artistic endeavour and fascinating history are packed into Vienna's most important religious structure.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Visit this marvellous array of museums, sumptuous residences and theatres in the historic home of the Habsburgs.
Vienna Christmas Market
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Vienna Christmas Market during your trip to Vienna. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.
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
