Vienna Austria is a city bursting with imperial splendor and old-world allure. Here you’ll discover an impressive blend of architecture, culture, and cuisine – all brought together with that special Viennese charm.
Vienna is definitely one of my favorite European cities. The streets, buildings, and public spaces are beautifully maintained. The locals are also very friendly. The city center is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Here, history is alive and there is so much beauty to absorb!
Our trip to Vienna was relatively short (two nights), and I left feeling like there was a lot more to see. So if you’re planning a trip to Vienna, I would recommend staying at least three nights! The list below covers a few of Vienna’s must see highlights – from historical landmarks, to dinning and nightlife.
– Vienna Austria Travel Guide –
Since 1869, Vienna’s State Opera House is considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Over 300 performances are held in this grandiose building each year!
Previously part of the royal gardens, this formal greenspace now functions as a public park featuring statues of important historic figures and a small lake. Burggarten is a perfectly peaceful setting to relax while taking in the grandeur of the surrounding historic buildings.
Originally part of the Hofburg Palace, this breathtaking greenhouse now functions as a café/restaurant filled with palm trees and tropical plant. Pop in for an afternoon coffee and admire the incredible structure of the arched glass ceiling!
Kärntner Straße is a pedestrian only street that cuts through the heart of the city for seven blocks. Here you will find lots of shopping opportunities and wonderfully maintained building facades.
This medieval Roman Catholic cathedral is absolutely eye-catching. Its ornate spire towers over many of the surrounding buildings. Both the interior and exterior have been decorated with thousands of architectural details. Be sure to appreciate the thoughtfully arranged roof tiles, and have a peek inside to admire the stained-glass windows.
Tucked away on a cozy street behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the 18th century apartment where Mozart lived and composed some of his famous work. We didn’t go inside the building, which is now a museum, but it was interesting to see the home of an important musical genius!
Graben Straße is another one of Vienna’s beautiful pedestrian only shopping arears. However, the road itself has an interesting and unique history. Before being filled in 1200’s, Graben was a deep ditch which functioned as a protective dry moat.
Standing in the center of Graben Straße is the distinctive Trinity Column. This impressive baroque monument is over 20 meters tall and was built to commemorate the end of the black plague.
Despite its green domed roof, the exterior of this 18th century baroque church is relatively unassuming. But step inside to discover what makes this building a true masterpiece. The domed ceiling is actually oval-shaped, and the interior is immaculately decorated with gold gilding and rose marble.
Michaelerplatz is special place in Vienna where you can experience history throughout many ages. At first you might notice the grand buildings which encompass the plaza, but the most interesting feature is in the middle. Here you can observe an open display of excavated Roman ruins.
The Hofburg is a baroque palace complex which was built in the 13th century and used as the imperial winter residence. Today, the building functions as a museum and is also the official residence and workplace of Austria’s President.
The National Library is an absolute marvel for book worms and history lovers alike. The sculptural wooden architectural details of its interior are what make this library particularly special.
This massive greenspace stretches out at the foot of the old imperial Hofburg Palace complex. There’s a lot to experience in Heldenplatz including the Prinz Eugen (a giant equestrian statue), Neue Burg (the incomplete wing of the palace), and Äußeres Burgtor (the massive city gate).
This beautiful park is flanked by Vienna’s Museum of Natural History and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. In the center is a giant statue, and four lovely fountains boarder the gardens.
Karlskirche is perhaps Vienna’s most famous architectural landmark. This 18th century domed cathedral is positioned in front of a magnificent reflection pool. You’ll capture the most Instagramable photo here in front of the pool! Be sure to check out the columns which frame the cathedral’s dome.
– Where to Eat & Drink in Vienna –
There’s no shortage of traditional Viennese coffee houses in the city. It is Vienna after all. The interior of Café Schwarzenberg is quite lovely yet understated. Dark carved wood details are contrasted by a beautiful white tile ceiling. The chandeliers are stunning as well. Here, you truly get the sense that you’ve gone back in time. Unlike many Viennese coffee houses which have become well known tourist traps, Café Schwarzenberg feels like an institution to the locals. I ordered the apple strudel and found it to be delicious, but I wasn’t impressed with the service. Still worth the visit I think.
This famous bakery has been making handmade cakes for over 200 years! I must say, they sure do know what they’re doing. Stop by DEMEL and treat yourself to a classic Sachertorte. It’s possible that you’ll stand in a queue because this place is quite popular, but it’s absolutely worth your time.
Needle Vinyl is the most charming and cozy bar. Here you can relax in their record themed lounge while sipping expertly crafted cocktails. There are hundreds of vinyl records to sift through and a friendly bartenders will gladly play your pick! The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with friends after a long day spent exploring the city.
If you have a craving for traditional Austrian food, give Salzamt a try. The interior is classic and lovely and the staff is very polite! Every day, a new menu is written by hand and daily menu items sell out fast! I ordered the stuffed peppers and was pretty disappointed when I realized they were stuffed with veal – I try my hardest to eat vegetarian. BUT they were absolutely delicious!
Tian Bistro is a vegetarian’s paradise. Their dished are creative and original with very tasty food combinations. The interior is also quite hip and lovely. Definitely check this place out even if you’re not vegetarian – but call ahead and reserve a table!
We didn’t dine here so I can’t speak about the food, but I can say that Amerlingbeisl is a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. Their indoor patio is charming and cozy with lots of hanging lanterns and many plants – you feel like you’re in a secret garden.
