Vienna

Key Sights to See in Vienna, Austria

Since I had traveled to Vienna several times before this trip, it was easy for me to get the best out of this short trip. Therefore, I am sharing with you the places in Vienna you must see if you visit this beautiful city. Austra is surrounded by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, and Liechtenstein; therefore, easily accessible by road, it is an excellent destination as part of your European road trip. On the other hand, Vienna airport is well connected with major European countries and the rest of the world.

Things To Do In Vienna

Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is in the city’s center and is one of Vienna’s most beautiful iconic landmarks. Construction began in the 12th century. Today, it is one of the most important Gothic-styled architectures in Austria. A visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must for every visitor to Vienna. It offers guided tours of the catacombs and tower climb, where you can enjoy a birdseye view of the city from the south tower.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral at night
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Medieval Roman Catholic place of worship

Rathaus – Vienna’s City Hall

An extraordinary Gothic-styled gigantic building in downtown Vienna from the late 1800s is where the city’s most significant events are held: Everything from the famous Christmas market to winter on Ice and the Life ball, this is quite the site to admire when in Vienna.There are free guided tours inside the city hall where you can check out the richly decorated staterooms and experience what it’s like dancing at a ball.

Rathaus (City Hall) Vienna

Hofburg Palace: Heldenplatz & Austrian National Library

No trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Hofburg Palace in the city center, one of Vienna’s most important attractions. Once the political center of the Austrian Empire, it now offers fascinating insights into culture and history. In addition, part of the palace forms the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.

Gracing the expanse before the Hofburg buildings, Heldenplatz, aptly named “Heroes Square,” is a magnificent public square. It boasts a collection of notable landmarks, including the National library, museums, an enchanting imperial garden, and monuments paying tribute to esteemed figures such as Mozart, whose statue stands prominently. Undoubtedly, Heldenplatz offers an ideal setting to unwind and soak in the evening ambiance, making it a captivating destination to gather, create cherished memories, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Hofburg Palace: Heldenplatz & Austrian National Library

Hofburg Palace: Michaelerplatz

As you meander through the grandeur of the Hofburg residence and pass by the illustrious Imperial Spanish Riding School, a captivating journey leads you to the remarkable Michaelerplatz, also known as St. Michael’s Place. Here, the majestic Michaelertrakt, an exquisite Neo-Baroque monument crowned with a stunning dome, awaits your admiration. Nestled at the heart of Michaelerplatz, an intriguing sight unfolds as excavated Roman ruins, reminiscent of a bygone era, intertwine with medieval remnants, creating a captivating tapestry of history and architectural marvels.

Hofburg Palace in Vienna
Hofburg Palace in Vienna

Imperial attractions in the Palace and the gardens

Schönbrunn Palace is a World Cultural Heritage site and Austria’s most-visited site. The Palace, with its surrounding buildings and vast park, is one of Austria’s most significant cultural monuments. The castle was built to rival French Versailles in Baroque beauty and importance. In earlier times, it served as a summer residence for various Habsburg rulers.

Street food at Stephansplatz

As you walk down Kohlmarkt and Graben, dotted with lovely shops and cafes, you will eventually come to the center of the city square, Stephansplatz, with Stephansdom (Saint Stephan’s Cathedral) in the area. Easily accessible on foot, U-Bhan is an excellent place for hanging out, shopping, and social gathering.

Austrian Parliament Building

The Austrian Parliament building is where the two houses of the Australian Parliament conduct their political sessions. It offers visitors guided tours that give insights into its day-to-day political work, historical details, and architectural features. It is located on Ringstraße boulevard in the first district Innere Stadt, near Hofburg Palace and the Palace of Justice. Most importantly, this building is known for its ancient Greek architecture in front, with the goddess Athena at the top of the famous fountain. 

A view of the Austrian Parliament Building
Vienna Parliament Building

Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche), Vienna

Don’t miss this one, St. Michael’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Vienna from 1792, Austria, and also one of its few remaining Romanesque buildings.

Michael’s Chuch, Vienna
Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche), Vienna
Katholische Kirche St. Peter
A view of Katholische Kirche St. Peter

Katholische Kirche St. Peter

St. Peters is the second oldest church in Vienna and is classified as one of Vienna’s most beautiful and famous churches. Hundreds of visitors visit this 800-year-old church every day.

Karlsplatz (Charles Square)

Karlsplatz is a vital traffic point in the city, having five different traffic flows, but I don’t think that’s what it’s known for: the huge St. Charles Church from 1737 stands with its Baroque architecture with a large pond in front.

Nestled amidst illustrious neighbors such as the Technical University of Vienna, the vibrant Naschmarkt farmer’s market (as mentioned below), and the prestigious Musikverein, which serves as the cherished abode of the Wiener Philharmoniker, Karlsplatz emerges as a bustling hub that attracts students, artists, locals, and visitors alike. This dynamic square pulsates with an energetic ambiance, fostering a vibrant atmosphere where diverse communities converge, creating an enchanting tapestry of culture, creativity, and connection.

Maria-Theresien-Platz

Maria-Theresien-Platz is a large public square in Vienna that joins the Ringstraße with the Museumsquartier, a museum of modern arts located in the former Imperial Stables. Named after Empress Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Habsburgs, this public square holds two massive art museums that face each other — the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Fine Arts Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Museum of Natural History).

Vienna State Opera

This 19th-century opera is one of the top operas in the world and provides first-class performances with over 50 operas, and ballet shows 300 days per season.In the Spring and Summer, there are live performances in front of the building for the public to enjoy for free, or you can sign up to watch them online.

Book your Sightseeing Trip

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and some exciting sightseeing activities to bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click below affiliate link to see more options. 

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Hasan Mahmud
Traveler, Blogger, and Travel Photographer!

Welcome to my travel blog, a space where I share the wonders of the world through my eyes and lens. I’m thrilled to have you join me on this incredible journey. 

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