Best 25 Tourist Attractions in Vienna That You Must Know About

Do you know that Vienna was once referred to as the Capital of the World? Maybe you do. But the question is why the capital of Austria is called the Capital of the World. Well, it has some pretty good reasons to be so, and you can only discover those reasons only by exploring this city. 

Vienna is one of the prettiest and lively cities in Europe, which is also rich in history, art, and incredible architecture. The city has the Royal touch of many dynasties, and the Hapsburg dynasty is the most renowned among them. And for sure, it is a haven for the history buffs.

Before you enter this traditional city, quickly check out the best 25 tourist attractions in Vienna so that you can get a clear idea of where you want to opt first.

Now let get started!

1. Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is one of the most incredible attractions in Vienna and a Pandora box for art lovers. It is the former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Those of you who admire artwork and history must not miss this outstanding Belvedere complex. 

The complex is divided into two baroque buildings, namely: the Lower (Unteres) Belvedere and the Upper (Oberes) Belvedere. Both buildings are rich with brilliant artwork and masterpieces.

Built by Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Upper Palace exhibits the ceremonial staircase that has stucco relief and murals. The uniqueness of this Upper building is its two-story Marble Hall that has historic sculptures, ceiling art, and paintings. There is also an enchanting view of statues placed on the Ground Floor.

The Lower Palace also houses a Marble Hall that exhibits exquisite plaster decorations, a spectacular ceiling, and the Marble Gallery displays a collection of ancient statues.

The remarkable fountains and gardens are the linkers of these two buildings.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien

Opening time: Daily 10:00 am to 06:00 pm

Admission fee: Adults: EUR6.00 – 25.00 (depending on which tickets you choose); Children (below 18): free

2. Spanish Riding School

If you want to be a witness to a 400-year-old legacy, you cannot avoid visiting the Spanish Riding School. Established in the time of Emperor Maximilian Ⅱ, it is a school that offers performances of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. 

The riders and horses undergo special training to showcase their breathtaking equestrian skills. The performances are so spectacular and classic that the viewers call it magic.

You can visit the school during their morning training session to catch some action. But the actual performance is far better and has a huge demand for tickets. So, it would be better to book your tickets in advance to enjoy this elegant show.

Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Monday to Sunday 09:00 am to 04:00 pm｜Friday 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (in case of showcase)

Admission fee: Actual show: EUR25.00 – 217.00｜Morning work: EUR7.50 – 15.00

3. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Museums are always an artistic treasure, and Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien is one of the essential art historical institutions in the world. Housed in the magnificent palatial building, the museum shelters an extensive art collection of the Hapsburg royal family. 

Inspired by Roman architecture and classicism, Kunsthistorisches Museum was designed by Gottfried Semper and opened in 1891. The museum is situated close to the Hofburg imperial palace as well as some other renowned cultural institutions.

It is the home of numerous world-class works of art, paintings, pictures, and history. Here you’ll get a section called “Egyptian Collection”, where you can learn A-Z of motifs from Ancient Egypt. There are more sections like the Collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, coin collection, library, and picture Collection, which will undoubtedly blow your mind.

Paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Titian, as well as portraits by Velazquez, are the masterpieces of this museum that attract most visitors.

Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Friday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm｜Thursday 10:00 am to 09:00 pm

Admission fee: Adults: EUR16.00

4. Albertina

Built in 1744, Albertina is one of the most beautiful Palaces in Vienna, which has been converted into a museum. The Palace reflects the neoclassical architecture style and exhibits some magnificent artworks. 

During the Habsburg monarchy, Albertina was the largest residential palace in the city. And now, in the present day, it houses over a million works of art and nearly 65,000 drawings. 

With twenty staterooms, the museum shows the world-renowned art collection of Monet, Degas, Cézanne, and of course, Picasso. All these masterpieces have made this museum one of the world’s most impressive graphic art collections.

Address: Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Thursday to Tuesday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm｜Wednesday 10:00 am to 09:00 pm

Admission fee: Adults: EUR12.90; Children (below 19): free; Vienna Card Holder: EUR10.50

5. State Hall of the Austrian National Library

Visiting a library during your touring time may sound boring. But the State Hall of the Austrian National Library is an exception and will entirely change your conception about the library. This State Hall is the heart of the Austrian National Library and has the stunning statue of Emperor Charles Ⅵ, just at the centre of the library.

To visit this giant library, you have to prepare your neck as the State Hall has a delightful dome with fascinating frescoes lying at the centre ceiling.

Besides its mesmerising look, the library is a heaven for history buffs and bibliophiles. It shelters countless oldest and rarest books on its wonderfully carved wooden shelves. 

The library has a royal look as it was established nearly 450 years ago and is the most extensive baroque library in Europe. It is worthwhile to visit this place during the annual exhibitions. The library hosts more than one annual exhibition in a year.

Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Closed on Monday)

Admission fee: Free of charge

6. Vienna State Opera

Opera shows are the most classic and sophisticated attraction. And if you get a chance to visit an opera show in the elegant and royal city, Vienna, you for sure will not miss it.

You cannot leave Vienna without visiting the Vienna State Opera at least once as this Opera House ranks top amongst the world’s Opera Houses. This place not only offers you to enjoy the live performances, but also you can admire the tremendous aesthetic architecture of the house. You’ll also have a guided tour facility here. 

The uniqueness of this Opera House is its incredible interior decor, giant auditorium, and splendid staircase. Rich with history and culture, the Vienna State Opera showcases a new performance every week. But the star show is its annual event called “Viennese Opera Ball” which is a memorable occasion that you can be witnessed of.

Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien

Opening time: To know the performance and event time, visit the official page of Vienna State Opera.

Admission fee: General tour ticket EUR9.00｜Children and students (up to the age of 27) EUR4.00｜Senior citizens EUR7.00

7. Hundertwasser House

A famous, unique, and colourful Vienna’s cultural heritage is the Hundertwasser House. Locally called the “nature and human-friendly apartments”, this house is the must-visit attraction of Vienna.

This fanciful house is one of the architectural delights of Vienna. In the 20th century, the painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed this brightly coloured apartment. And so the name of this landmark is also after him. 

This beautiful building is situated in the Landstraße district and houses 52 apartments, each of them in a different colour. The highlight of the building is the growing trees inside and outside of it.

You can also enjoy a warm cup of coffee as it has a terrace café called “Kunst und Café”. 

Address: Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien

Opening time: Daily 24 hours

Admission fee: Free of charge

8. Graben

Established in the 12th century, Graben is a renowned street in Vienna. It is also known as Vienna’s Heart of Shopping. So clearly, you can imagine, this is the ultimate shopping experience for those of you who are shopaholics.

This elegant street is one of the hottest fashion destinations in Europe as it hosts many popular stores as well as a gourmet supermarket in the main street and the surrounding alleys. At the same time, it is the home of some of the most renowned restaurants and cafés, such as Demel and Hawelka.

The Pestäule (the Plague Column)

Besides shopping, the main attraction of Graben Street is the Pestäule (the Plague Column). This sculpture was built by Emperor Leopold in 1679. It is situated just right in the centre of the street as a monument to the end of a terrible epidemic that killed thousands of lives.

Address: 1010 Vienna

Opening time: Daily 24 hours

Admission fee: Free of charge

9. Karlskirche

When you’re in Vienna, visiting a church is a very common phenomenon as this city is the home of numerous traditional and baroque churches. Karlskirche church is one of the most impressive churches in Vienna, and of course, it is a must-see attraction in Vienna.

This magnificent building was built in the early 18th century under the observation of Emperor Charles Ⅵ. The architecture style of this unique church is a mixture of ancient Greek and Roman elements with Renaissance, Byzantine, and Baroque designs. 

The exterior decoration will impress you with its massive dome and two giant columns. In comparison, the church’s interior design is rich with marble stonework, statues, wall paintings, and carvings.

Unlike other churches, Karlskirche church has no barrier for visitors and offers a unique feature called “Panorama lift”. With the help of this lift, you can opt at the height of 32.5 meters and enjoy the view of frescoes and the whole church.

Address: 1040 Vienna

Opening time: Monday to Saturday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm｜Sunday 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm

Admission fee: Free of charge

10. Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) 

The Rathaus is one of the tallest and most fascinating buildings in Vienna. This city hall serves as the administrative centre of the city. The remarkable building is famous for the iron figure on top of its 98-meter high tower. 

Its Neo-Gothic style of architecture will surely impress you as it looks like a fairytale castle. Here you can learn some interesting facts about Vienna City Hall and the Ringstrasse. Moreover, the arcaded courtyard of the building is a regular host of summer concerts and Christmas markets. You’ll get an audio guide there on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 01:00 pm. 

Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien 

Opening time: Monday to Friday 08:00 am to 06:00 pm 

Admission fee: Free of charge

11. MuseumsQuarter

MuseumsQuarter is the treasure of Vienna, where you can spend your whole life only exploring it. The complex is the home of several museums, art studios, along with cafés and restaurants. 

This place is vibrant with culture, art, and wonders. Moreover, it has numerous exciting spots to hang out with friends and family. Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art are must-visits because of their art collections that will give you a glance at Austria’s leading modern arts and artists.

So, if you want to explore the prospering culture of Vienna, you should not miss the MuseumsQuarter that is spread across a vast area of 60,000 sq metres and hosts many exhibitions and festivals.

Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien

Opening time: Daily 24 hours

Admission fee: EUR17.00 – 50.00 (Depends on tickets)

12. Austrian Parliament Building

The Austrian Parliament Building is one of Vienna’s most renowned tourist attractions. In the meantime, it is worthwhile because of its importance to the country and its spectacular architecture. The building is situated on the popularly known Ringstrasse. 

It is architectural excellence that reflects Classic Greek architecture. The white columns and bronze statues of the building attract most visitors. But the remarkable sight is its marvellous Pallas Athene Fountain that stands just in the foreground of the Parliament Building.

Here you will get many guided tours around the building and explore the history, culture, art, and politics of Austria. On the second Saturday of every month, the Parliament House hosts an art exhibition and welcomes visitors. So it can be the best time to be a witness to this dynamic attraction of Vienna.

Address: Dr. Karl Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Wien

Opening time: Monday to Friday 06:30 am to 07:00 pm｜Saturday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Admission fee: Ticket for guided tour Adult: EUR5.00; Children (below 19): free

13. Naschmarkt

I am pretty sure you will never leave Vienna without doing shopping or visiting the local market. Since the late 16th century, Naschmarkt has been one of Vienna’s most popular marketplaces and tourist destinations. 

The marketplace offers more than 120 shops and eateries with a multicultural population. From Viennese to Italian and from Vietnamese to Indian, every cultural culinary is available at Naschmarkt. That’s why this market grabs the attention of a large number of food bloggers and food enthusiasts.

Besides eateries, local groceries and foreign souvenirs are also available here. So the marketplace can be a great way to spend your afternoon.

Address: 1060 Vienna

Opening time: Monday to Friday 06:00 am to 09:00 pm｜Saturday 06:00 am to 06:00 pm (Closed on Sunday)

Admission fee: Free of charge

14. Stadtpark

Are you tired and have enough sightseeing for a day? Do you want a place to have some leisure and relaxing time? If your answer is a big YES, then you should directly opt for the greenery of Stadtpark. 

The literal meaning of the word “Stadtpark” is “city park”. And this park is a little haven for nature lovers. It is a place where both local and foreign visitors come to have some relaxing time. 

The park is divided in two by the Wien River that is running through it. So to explore the whole Stadtpark that is covered over 28 acres, you have to cross some small bridges over the River.

The lush greenery and golden statues are the most interesting sights of the Stadtpark. Here one can enjoy quality time and watch flora and fauna at once. 

Address: Parkring 1, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Daily 24 hours

Admission fee: Free of charge

15. Demel Cafe

Before leaving Vienna, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to Demel Cafe, which is one of the most popular and traditional cafes in the city. Located near the Hofburg Palace, Demel has fame in the national and international platform for its delicious desserts and chocolates.

Established in 1786, it was a place where royal people used to spend their time. In short, it was a sophisticated space for the high class and elite society back in that time. But nowadays, Demel Cafe is open for everyone who wants a taste of their mouth-watering pastries and other items.

Their signature dishes that carry history and culture are the famous coffee, different varieties of pastries, and tarts. If you want to taste the authentic dessert in Vienna, you cannot miss Demel Cafe.

Address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Daily 10:00 am to 07:00 pm

16. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace can be the sole reason for your Vienna vacation as it is the city’s major tourist attraction. From the 18th century to 1918, the palace used to be the summer home of the Habsburg emperor.

Now it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offers visitors numerous attractions like the Carriage Museum, a huge zoo, gorgeous staterooms, the Children’s Museum, a maze, giant fountains, and many more.

You probably need a whole day to explore the vast area of Schönbrunn Palace. It’s a live example of Emperor culture and history that cannot be resisted.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien

Opening time: Everyday 09:00 am to 05:30 pm

Admission fee: Subject to the type of tour you choose

17. The Hofburg Palace

Undoubtedly, The Hofburg Palace is a great attraction in Vienna because of its history and architectural beauty. This palace was built in the 13th century and used as the centre of the Habsburg court. And it is the place where the Habsburgs used to live, work and rule.

Afterwards, many European royal families like Holy Roman and Austro-Hungarian lived here. Even today the palace is not only a tourist attraction but the official residence of the Austrian President.

Though the palace has countless halls and wings, only three of them are open for public visits. They are the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection.

The Imperial Apartments is also known as Kaiserappartements. Here you’ll find rooms that Queen Elizabeth and her husband used.

The Sisi Museum describes the iconic lifestyle of Empress Elizabeth.

And the Silver Collection is a collection of Imperial household objects like crockery, cooking utensils, and so on.

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna

Opening time: Everyday 08:00 am to 06:00 pm

Admission fee: EUR14.00 per person

18. Schönbrunn Zoo

Are you willing to visit the world’s oldest zoo? Well, Vienna has the reputation of being the home of the oldest zoo in the world called Schönbrunn Zoo.

It’s a nearly 250 years old zoo which has the authentic imperial charm. Because of the unique blend of culture and nature, this zoo has been selected as the No. 1 zoo in Europe and a part of the UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site.

Schönbrunn Zoo has more than 700 different species of animals including giraffes, orangutans, Siberian tigers, Koalas, African elephants, meerkats, and many more.

But the star attraction of this zoo is the giant pandas. Many tourists come here only to visit these pandas as they’re so adorable to watch.

The best time to visit these animals is feeding time. To enjoy a family fun day, you should opt for the Schönbrunn Zoo.

Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien

Opening time: Everyday 09:00 am to 06:30 pm

Admission fee: Adults EUR22.00 & Children (6 to 18) EUR11.00

19. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

If you want to watch Vienna’s symbol, you must pay a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It’s also known as Stephansdom, or Stephanskirche and is located in the heart of Vienna.

The church was built in the 12th century but destroyed during World War II. After nearly seven years, the church has been reconstructed. And today, it’s not only the home of the Catholic archbishop but one of the best tourist attractions in Vienna.

You can ascend to its long tower to have an elegant view of Vienna. Moreover, you can also explore the cathedral treasure and catacombs crammed with assorted bones alongside urns filled with Hapsburg’s organs.

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien

Opening time: 24 hours

Admission fee: Free

20. Ringstrasse

Built by Emperor Franz Joseph in the 19th century, the Ringstrasse boulevard is one of the most important roads in Vienna. It’s a 5.3-kilometre-long street that houses the city’s most significant monumental buildings, palaces, and museums.

To discover the attractions of Vienna, you surely cannot resist this street because buildings like the State Opera, the National History Museum, Austrian Postal Savings Bank, and City Park all are here.

In short, the street has all the architectural masterpieces built between the 1860s and 1890s.

Address: 3500 Krems an der Donau

Opening time: Everyday 10:00 to 06:00 pm

Admission fee: EUR07.00 per person

21. Prater

You probably have seen a giant Ferris wheel in the movies like Before Sunrise, James Bond’s The Living Daylights, and The Third Man. That giant Ferris wheel is placed in the most famous amusement park in Vienna, Prater.

It’s a large theme park that is famous among locals as well as tourists. It has so many attractions that you can spend the whole day exploring them.

The iconic Ferris wheel is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of this park. Apart from this, the park also offers rides like roller coasters, ghost trains, and carousels.

Moreover, Prater also has a recreational park for jogging, cycling, hiking, and bike riding.

Address: 1020 Vienna

Opening time: 24 hours

Admission fee: Free

22. Natural History Museum

Vienna is an old city that has so many historical landmarks. But the Natural History Museum is the most unique and important of its kind in the whole world.

Located on Ringstrasse road just in front of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the museum has nearly 30 million objects in its collection. From prehistoric art, stuffed animals, and dinosaurs to precious stones, everything is remarkably displayed in its 39 exhibition rooms.

You can not only learn so much from their exhibition but also get an experience of being in the beautiful palace.

Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien

Opening time: Wednesday to Monday 09:00 am to 06:30 pm (closed on Tuesday)

Admission fee: Free

23. Danube Tower

If you want to have a 360-degree view of the city and its landmarks, you can opt for the Danube Tower. It’s a 150-metre high tower that is located in Donau Park close to Uno City on the banks of the Danube.

The tower was built in the 1960s to give visitors an astonishing view of the surroundings. At the same time, it’s a perfect place to have a sip of cappuccino as there are many restaurants and cafes located in this area.

Moreover, you can swim or can do stand-up paddling on the river. Hiking and cycling are also good options for exploring Danube Island.

Address: Donauturmplatz 1, 1220 Wien

Opening time: Everyday 10:00 am to 11:30 pm

24. Haus des Meeres

A former defence tower that was used to stop bombers with flak cannons can be turned into a beautiful aquarium, and you won’t believe it until you see the Haus des Meeres. This aquarium is one of the best attractions in Vienna that has nearly 10,000 sea and land animals like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and monkeys.

The highlights of Haus des Meeres are the huge sharks, crocodiles, and free-spirited monkeys. Moreover, the top floor of the building has a rooftop cafe to give you a breathtaking view over Vienna with a warm cup of coffee.

Address: Fritz-Grünbaum-Platz 1, 1060 Wien

Opening time: Everyday 09:00 am to 08:00 pm

Admission fee: Adults EUR18.90 & children EUR14.10

25. Burgtheater

Vienna has a lot of history to unveil, and Burgtheater is one of them. The theatre carries the symbol of Vienna’s rise, fall and rise again. The institution was established during the 1740s and then damaged by fire in 1945. Nevertheless, it was rebuilt in 1955.

The current building is an architectural masterpiece that will teach you about the history of the world-renowned theatre. The interior design of this theatre is remarkable, especially its grand staircases and ceiling paintings.

Now these days, Burgtheater is one of the world’s most renowned theatres because of its cultural richness and historical significance.

Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien

Best paid tours in Vienna

Hallstatt and Alps Day Trip from Vienna with Skywalk

Budapest Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Hallstatt Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off – optional Guided Walking Tour

Salzburg and Lake Region Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Vienna offers so many attractions to its visitors that you will feel overwhelmed. It is a city that offers European tradition and culture to its visitors in the form of museums, fantastic buildings, sophisticated markets, and elegant parks. So, make sure you utilise your time by exploring the beauty and wonder of Vienna.