Must see in Vienna

Vienna is a city steeped in history and rich in culture, and you can experience much of it through its many fascinating landmarks. On this website, we’ve curated a list of the most exciting, beautiful, and must-see attractions in Vienna. As frequent visitors, we make it a point to explore something new every time we return—because Vienna always has more to offer.

To make the most of your sightseeing, consider getting a day pass for public transport or the Vienna City Card. Both allow unlimited travel on Vienna’s extensive metro, tram, and bus network, making it easy to move between attractions. Another great option is the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which lets you explore the city’s highlights at your pace.

Before you go, don’t forget to check the Vienna weather forecast to ensure you’re well-prepared for your trip!

The most important sights in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace

Sisi times two! If there’s one landmark you absolutely cannot miss in Vienna, it’s Schönbrunn Palace. As the most visited attraction in the city, this grand summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty—once rulers of a vast European empire—offers a glimpse into imperial splendour.

Nestled in a breathtaking park-like setting, Schönbrunn is much more than just a palace. Stroll through its elegant gardens, get lost in the historic maze, and visit the world’s oldest zoo, which is still a must-see for visitors of all ages.

A trip to Vienna isn’t complete without experiencing the magic of Schönbrunn!

Schloss Belvedere

Schloss Belvedere is not only a stunning Baroque palace, but also home to one of the most valuable and extraordinary collections of Gustav Klimt’s artwork.

Built in the 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy—a successful military commander and passionate art lover—the palace now houses two major museums:

• Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) – Home to the most extensive art collection, spread across three floors with 420 masterpieces, including Klimt’s world-famous painting “The Kiss”.
• Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere) – Showcasing fascinating exhibitions in a magnificent historical setting.

In addition to Klimt, you’ll also find works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka, making Belvedere a must-visit for any art lover.

Prater

To be a true world city, you need a Big wheel—and Vienna had one as early as 1897! The Wiener Riesenrad, with its iconic red wooden gondolas, has been a symbol of the city for over a century. Reaching a height of 65 meters, this legendary Big wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views over Vienna, making it a must-visit attraction.

But Prater Park is much more than just the Riesenrad. Thrill-seekers will find plenty of excitement here, with roller coasters, adrenaline-pumping rides, and even Europe’s tallest flying swing, located in the heart of the park. Whether you’re after nostalgic charm or heart-racing adventure, Prater has something for everyone!

Explore Vienna’s attractions at a great price

The Spanish Riding School: A royal equestrian tradition

The Spanish Riding School is an iconic part of the Hofburg Palace complex in Vienna’s historic city centre. Every morning, in a breathtaking baroque setting, the world-famous Lippizaner stallions showcase their exceptional training under the guidance of Spanish riding masters.

During the public training sessions, visitors can witness the elegance and precision of these magnificent horses as they perform classical dressage movements that have been perfected over centuries.

A visit to the Spanish Riding School is a must for horse lovers and history enthusiasts alike!

Stephansdom or St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The Stephansdom is Vienna’s most recognizable landmark and an absolute must-visit. This magnificent Gothic masterpiece dominates the city centre, drawing visitors in with its striking architecture and rich history.

If you’re up for a challenge, climbing one of its towers is highly recommended! The reward? A breathtaking panoramic view over Vienna’s rooftops. Prefer to explore underground? The catacombs beneath the cathedral offer a fascinating, eerie glimpse into Vienna’s past.

No trip to Vienna is complete without experiencing the grandeur of St. Stephen’s Cathedral!

Naschmarkt

Vienna’s most famous market, the Naschmarkt, is a feast for the senses. With over 120 market stalls and various eateries, it offers a colorful mix of flavors from around the world. From traditional Viennese delicacies to Indian spices, Asian street food, and organic farm-to-table produce—this market is a true melting pot of cultures.

But the Naschmarkt isn’t just about food. On Saturdays, the flea market transforms into a treasure hunter’s paradise, where vintage lovers and collectors can browse for unique finds from times gone by.

A visit to the Naschmarkt is more than just shopping—it’s an authentic Vienna experience!

The Hofburg palace

For centuries, the Hofburg Palace was the center of Habsburg rule, where the most important decisions in the empire were made. Located right in the heart of Vienna, this imposing palace served as the Habsburgs’ residence from the 13th century until 1918.

While little remains of the original imperial fortress built in the 1200s, the Hofburg today houses some of Vienna’s most fascinating attractions. Within its grand walls, you can visit the Imperial Apartments, the world-famous Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, and the Imperial Treasury, where the crown jewels are displayed.

A visit to Hofburg Palace is a journey through centuries of imperial history—a must for history and culture lovers alike!

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

Looking for a fun and family-friendly experience in Vienna? Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, is one of Europe’s oldest zoos and a must-visit, especially for families with children.

Home to giant pandas, exotic species, and rare animals you won’t often see elsewhere, this beautifully designed zoo combines conservation with history. With its stunning baroque setting and modern enclosures, it offers both education and adventure for visitors of all ages.

A visit to Tiergarten Schönbrunn is a perfect way to add a touch of wildlife to your Vienna trip!

Hundertwasserhaus

The famous Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria’s most extraordinary architectural highlights. Designed by the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this colorful masterpiece is a true icon of Vienna—even though it can only be admired from the outside, it remains one of the city’s most popular attractions.

With its vividly painted façades, irregular shapes, and lush greenery, the building has a dreamlike, almost magical appearance. More than 200 trees and shrubs grow on the balconies and rooftop, transforming the Hundertwasserhaus into a green oasis in the city.

As Hundertwasser intended, the building serves as a residential complex, and people still live here today. To respect their privacy, visitors can only view the exterior. However, in the inner courtyard, you’ll find a small souvenir shop and a cozy café, where you can soak in the artistic atmosphere of this unique landmark.

Wiener Ringstrasse

Without hesitation, I can say that the Ringstrasse is one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world. More than just a street, it is a grand architectural showcase, lined with some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.

As you stroll along the Ringstrasse, you’ll pass breathtaking buildings such as the

• Hofburg Palace
• Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
• The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
• The Museum of Natural History
• The Vienna State Opera
• The Austrian Parliament

But the Ringstrasse is more than its magnificent architecture. It is also home to beautiful parks, important monuments, and statues, making it not just a historic and cultural highlight, but also a scenic and relaxing place to explore.

A walk along this legendary boulevard is like stepping through Vienna’s imperial history—an experience you won’t want to miss!

The Vienna State opera

Among Vienna’s many architectural masterpieces, the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list of the city’s most important landmarks. As Austria’s premier opera house, it has a rich musical legacy, once led by legendary conductor and composer Gustav Mahler.

Many other world-renowned composers and musicians have graced its stage, making it a sacred place for classical music lovers. Beyond its spectacular performances, the opera house’s interior is a masterpiece in itself—a true feast for the eyes.

Whether you attend a guided tour to admire its breathtaking details or experience a live performance, a visit to the Vienna State Opera is an unforgettable part of any trip to the Austrian capital.