Curator’s statement
Vienna holds a special place in my heart. This city became one of my favorite escapes while I was studying abroad in Austria. Although I was a little outside the city, Vienna was close enough for weekend adventures, and every visit felt magical. It was a city where I could wander for hours, get lost in its history and beauty, and constantly discover something new. Vienna has a way of making you slow down, look around, and fall in love with it a little more each time you visit. This is why it is one of the first cities I recommend to travelers.
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Things to do in Vienna
The beautiful Schönbrunn Palace showing off on a cloudy, misty morning
Prater
A fun amusement park right in the middle of Vienna that is free to enter. Go enjoy the games, rides, food, and more. All you do is pay for whatever ride you want to go on or game you decide to take a crack at. My recommendation is to ride the high swings at sunset for the most beautiful view over the city.
Stadtpark
This is Vienna's oldest public park and the most tranquil nature escape in this busy city. This green oasis is famous for its Wien River path, its historic monuments, and the Renaissance-style Kursalon building, which still hosts classical concerts you can attend year-round.
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
One of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The history of this royal Habsburg palace and its vast gardens spans more than 300 years, and it is quite a sight to see. I love walking through the gardens, taking in the architecture, and enjoying an ice cream from the garden ice cream vendor.
Vienna State Opera
This is one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. This Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, featured in movies such as "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation," opened in 1869 and hosts more than 60 different operas and ballets each year. I highly recommend seeing an opera while in Vienna!
St. Stephen's Cathedral
The most important religious building in Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral has witnessed many important events in Habsburg and Austrian history. This sky-scraping architectural gem, with its multicolored tile roof, has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols and makes for one heck of a photo opportunity.
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Welcome to Vienna's Museum of Fine Arts, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most prestigious art museums in the world! This museum opened in 1891 and holds some of the most awe-inspiring art, artifacts, and more collected by the Habsburg dynasty.
Rathausplatz
One of the most beautiful squares in the city, Rathausplatz hosts Vienna's lively events year-round and is famous for being home to one of the city's biggest Christmas markets during the winter, featuring a giant ice rink and thousands of market stalls.
Belvedere Palace
This stunning summer palace of the Austrian military commander showcases beautiful tiered gardens and buildings that hold historic artwork from the Habsburg dynasty.
Austrian National Library
This insanely gorgeous library is truly straight out of "Beauty and the Beast"! The Austrian National Library is the largest library in the country and holds rare manuscripts, maps, and Austrian historical collections that are incredible to see in person.
Places to eat & drink in Vienna
Enjoying a slice of insanely delicious Sachertorte with homemade whipped cream and a hot chocolate on the side. The perfect Viennese afternoon!
Cafe Demel
The best spot in town for hot chocolate, apple strudel, and many other delicious pastries. I never go to Vienna without a stop here!
Hotel Sacher
The most iconic place to try a true Austrian traditional dessert, the Sachertorte! This delicious chocolate cake with a mouthwatering layer of apricot jam is to die for, and Hotel Sacher is the one and only place to try to get your hands on a piece.
Figlmüller Bäckerstraße
If you're looking to try a true, traditional Wiener Schnitzel, this is where you must go. A charming restaurant located right in the heart of the city, Figlmüller is the perfect place for dinner in Vienna. Just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time—being a small restaurant, it gets busy quickly.
Zwölf-Apostelkeller
How does a romantic dinner date or a full family night out in an old wine cellar with live music sound? Zwölf-Apostelkeller is a lively spot for live Austrian music, local flavors, and a meal in such a unique and historic place.
Würstelstand
This sausage stand is the place to be—and for good reason! You can't visit Vienna without grabbing a sausage here, and most stands serve beer, too! My personal favorite is the Käsekrainer, the sausage filled with chunks of cheese.
Need to know
Vienna is a city best enjoyed slowly. It can be busy and crowded, but it’s packed with incredible history and some of the most gorgeous architecture I’ve seen in Europe. While its grand palaces, museums, and coffee houses are world-famous, some of the city’s greatest charm is found by wandering through the elegant side streets, relaxing in the parks, and embracing the local pace of life.
The city has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around using the U-Bahn subway, the trams, and buses. Although I’d also recommend packing some comfortable walking shoes, as this city is remarkably beautiful when exploring on foot.
Don’t forget to carry cash or some local currency (euros) as smaller cafés, market stalls, and local businesses may not accept cards.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, I recommend spending an evening along the Danube River, enjoying a crisp glass of wine. In the winter, checking out the Christmas market stalls is a must! Although fair warning, it does get pretty crowded. But I admit—it’s so worth it.
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Allie Hodge
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