14 Vienna attractions you don’t want to miss

Vienna seamlessly blends its Baroque splendor with a modern vibrancy that makes it such a joy to explore. Among the Austrian capital’s most enchanting places to visit, you’ll find the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the sprawling cultural complex of MuseumsQuartier, the Vienna State Opera, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. But it’s not just about cultural immersion and history — there’s all the fun of the fairground rides at Prater and the magic of the equestrian ballet at the Spanish Riding School, too. To help you plan a fantastic trip, this guide rounds up the best places to visit in Vienna.

Best places in Vienna for history

1. Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most prominent landmarks in Vienna. The epitome of imperial opulence in Vienna, opens a window to the lifestyle of the Habsburg monarchs. The awe-inspiring palace and its sprawling gardens are all about 18th-century Baroque architectural mastery.

Highlights:

The 40-meter-long Great Gallery and the Hall of Ceremonies, the heart of the palace.

Address and opening hours:

Schonbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria. Open daily, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.

2. Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace served as the political center of the Habsburg dynasty for centuries. Owing to its expansion across different eras, the palace complex includes multiple architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, making it a significant symbol of the city’s history. The Palace continues to function as a seat of power as it houses the office of the Austrian President.

Highlights:

Some tours include a visit to the Augustinian Church, the place where Sisi was married to Emperor Franz Josef.

Address and opening hours:

Michaelerkuppel, Hofburg, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Open daily, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace, a jewel of Baroque architecture, holds both royal history and an impressive art collection. The palace-turned-art gallery houses masterpieces by Klimt, Schiele, Funke, and van Gogh.

Highlights:

Prince Eugene of Savoy’s private apartments gives an intimate glimpse into the life of this influential historical figure.

Address and opening hours:

Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best places in Vienna for art

4. Albertina Museum

The Albertina Museum’s galleries are bursting with notable artworks by the likes of Money, Picasso, and Klimt. Its opulent rooms, now part of one of the best museums in Vienna, once were home to members of the Habsburg family.

Highlights:

The Spanish Apartment, Hartmann Court, Sphinx stairs, and the Hall of Muses, where art and royal history mingle.

Address and opening hours:

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. Museum of Art History

The Museum of Art History, or Kunsthistorisches Museum, a paragon of culture and history in Vienna, has an extensive collection of artworks spanning some seven centuries and other artifacts spanning five millennia.

Highlights:

The Picture Gallery is home to paintings by masters from Raphael to Rubens, and the museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, including “The Tower of Babel and “Hunters in the Snow.”

Address and opening hours:

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

6. Leopold Museum

The Leopold Museum, nestled in Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier, exhibits a fusion of modern and contemporary art, a must-see for art lovers who like things a little more recent.

Highlights:

View objects created by artists of the Wiener Werkstätte, including Josef Hoffmann and Kolo Moser. These unique masterpieces mark notable milestones in international design history.

Address and opening hours:

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

7. Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)

MUMOK, Vienna’s largest museum for modern and contemporary art, presents a dynamic panorama of the art world’s recent past and present. Its unique collection reflects the diverse artistic ideas, methods, and concepts shaping the contemporary art scene in Austria and beyond.

Highlights:

Pop Art, conceptual art, and Vienna Actionism can all be seen at MUMOK, as well as more alternative mediums like film.

Address and opening hours:

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best places in Vienna for families to visit

8. Schönbrunn Zoo

Founded in the mid-18th century, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and has evolved into a scientifically administered zoo that makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Vienna, especially for those with a passion for animals. Over time, it has become a part of the cultural heritage of Vienna, proudly showcasing its commitment to wildlife and conservation efforts.

Highlights:

One of the zoo’s more impressive initiatives includes the Rainforest House, where you’ll find replicated tropical rainforest ecosystem lives. The giant pandas are by far the zoo’s most popular residents.

Address and opening hours:

Maxingstrasse 13b, 1130 Vienna, Austria. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:30 PM.

9. Prater

Prater is a must-visit in Vienna for families — a sprawling amusement park home to the iconic Wiener Riesenrad, or Giant Ferris Wheel. Constructed in 1897, it has been an integral part of Vienna’s skyline for almost 130 years, and offers an unparalleled view of the city.

Highlights:

From the Ferris wheel, enjoy an expansive view of Vienna and the surrounding area, including the hills of the Vienna Woods, the Danube, the Marchfeld, and the Pannonian Basin.

Address and opening hours:

Gaudeegasse 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria. Open daily, 9:00 AM-11:45 PM.

10. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History in Vienna holds one of the world’s most extensive natural history collections. It stands as a testament to curiosity and exploration. Among the most popular places in Vienna for visitors of all ages, it houses numerous remarkable pieces, from prehistoric fossils and meteorites to anthropological artifacts from around the globe.

Highlights:

A unique opportunity arises in the meteorite hall, where an interactive display lets visitors touch a real meteorite and feel its texture.

Address and opening hours:

Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Open Wednesday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, Thursday-Monday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

11. ZOOM Children’s Museum

The ZOOM Children’s Museum is a playground of imagination and creativity and is the perfect destination for young explorers. The museum offers an array of interactive exhibits and workshops that inspire curiosity and understanding among children in fields like science, art, and communication.

Highlights:

One standout experience is the Ocean World, a child-sized replica of the underwater world that allows children to imagine themselves as sea creatures.

Address and opening hours:

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna, Austria. Open Tuesday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Best places in Vienna for culture

12. Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera shaped the European music scene once upon a time, and still stands as one of the most important opera stages in the world. Its grand 19th-century Neo-Renaissance construction has played host to musical greats from Mozart to Beethoven.

Highlights:

Catching a concert at the State Opera gives you a chance to hear its Giant Organ, one of the largest organ units in Europe, which is a joy to any classical music fan’s ears.

Address and opening hours:

Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Opening hours vary based on performances.

13. Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School offers an intimate view into centuries of equestrian tradition. Founded during the Habsburg Monarchy in 1572, this institution preserves the Renaissance tradition of classical dressage. It’s also home to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses, known for their graceful performances.

Highlights:

A guided tour or performance allows you to see the winter and summer riding schools, along with the magnificent Stallburg, Vienna’s most significant Renaissance structure.

Address and opening hours:

Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Opening hours vary.

14. Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library, located in the Hofburg Palace, is a treasure trove of knowledge, holding more than 12 million items. As the largest library in Austria, it hosts collections from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Highlights:

With seven reading rooms, stunning architecture, ceremonial rooms, and elaborately painted ceilings, it won’t only be the 3.9 million books you want to look at.

Address and opening hours:

Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Vienna, Austria. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Vienna?

A trip of 3-4 days in Vienna would be ideal to fully explore the city’s key attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace, the Spanish Riding School, and the immensely fun Prater amusement park.

What is the best time of year to visit Vienna?

The best time to visit Vienna is from April to October. During these months, the weather is usually dry and warm and suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city also hosts numerous cultural festivals in summer.

How do I get around Vienna?

Vienna offers a range of public transportation options, including trams, buses, and an efficient metro system. Bicycles are also a popular choice due to the city’s extensive bike paths. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Vienna?

The best neighborhoods to visit in Vienna include the historic Inner Stadt for its imperial architecture, trendy Leopoldstadt for the iconic Prater Park, and Neubau for its hip boutiques and coffee shops.

What are the best places to go shopping in Vienna?

Vienna offers several shopping areas, from high-end fashion boutiques on Kohlmarkt and Graben to independent designers and vintage stores in Neubau.

What are the best places for food in Vienna?

The Naschmarkt is a must for food lovers — it has more than 120 food vendors and restaurants. If you want to try the best food in Vienna, be sure to order a Wiener Schnitzel and a Sachertorte.