Art and culture have a long tradition in Vienna. There are many sights to visit; travel either on foot, by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, streetcar or bus. If you are romantic, take a Fiaker, the famous horse carriage and let you drive around. Make the most of your vacation and tour through the many interesting districts.
Schönbrunn Palace
A visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, Empress Sissi’s former summer residence, is a must in every travel guide. Tour through the most magnificent baroque palace and take a look at the Palm house, the largest glass house of Europe. At the Westside of the Schönbrunn Park, you find the oldest zoo of the world (founded in 1752) with more than 750 animal species. Take a stroll through the enchanting park, with its many marble sculptures and architectural accents.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
In order to get a breathtaking view of Vienna, climb the 343 steps to the tower-keeper’s room of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s landmark and Austrian’s most significant gothic building, representing art-history of 8 centuries. “Steffl”, affectionately called by the locals, was originally built as a parish church in 1147.
Imperial Palace and Spanish Riding School
The Imperial Palace, once inhabited by the imperial family during winter, houses now the office of the president of Austria as well as numerous art collections. The famous Vienna Boy’s choir performs during High Mass in the Gothic Imperial Chapel on Sunday. Admire the riding skills of the highest order at the ‘Spanish Riding School’ with its famous Lipizzan ballet in the baroque ambiance of the Imperial Palace.
Prater with Giant Ferries Wheel (Riesenrad)
The Giant Ferries Wheel is the symbol of the principal park of Vienna, the ‘Prater. The silhouette of the wheel can be seen from far away. Built in 1896, destroyed by bombes and fire in 1945 but rebuilt in 1947, is still an attraction for tourists as well as locals.
Hundertwasserhaus
The apartment house in Vienna, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was built in 1983. With it’s painted facades, golden bulbous spires, round corners and windows of various sizes it has become part of Austria’s cultural heritage. Thousands of tourists visit this special house every year.
State Opera
The famous opera, built from 1861-1869, was inaugurated in 1869 with Mozart’s famous ‘Don Giovanni’. Visit the opera and listen to the wonderful music of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the in-house orchestra since 1842. Enrich your vacation with a beautiful operetta.
The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a society highlight of the Viennese carnival season.
Liechtenstein Museum
On display is the most important private art collection in the world, owned by Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, including paintings by Raffael, Giulio Romano, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthonis van Dyck and Frans Hals as well as sculptures by Mantegna, Giambologna, Adrian de Fries and Alessandro Algardi. The collection comprises more than 1,600 objects of which around 170 masterpieces are on show in the permanent exhibition together with sculptures, Kunstkammer objects and furniture.