20 fun and cool things to do in Vienna

Vienna offers a treasure trove of experiences for visitors to the Austrian capital. From the hidden wine cellars nestled in the heart of the city to the grandeur of its iconic castles and palaces, the wealth of fun things to do in Vienna promises many memorable additions to any bucket list. Whether it's the thrill of an exciting day trip to the mountains or the serenity of a classical art experience, Vienna's diverse attractions cater to every traveler's wishes.

Fun things to do in Vienna as a couple

1. A romantic walk through Schönbrunn Palace and gardens

Take a journey through royal grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace. Once owned by the royal Habsburg family, the palace's modern evolution is one of the top things to do in Vienna. Spend half a day exploring the grounds or get even more insight with a guided tour.

Highlights:

Check out the 40-meter long Great Gallery and the Hall of Ceremonies and get a peek into the life the former royal family of Habsburgs and Empress Sissi.

Address and opening hours:

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria. Open daily 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.

2. Uncover the romantic secrets of Vienna's Old Town

Embark on an enchanting journey through Vienna's romantic Old Town. Wander through quaint squares and hidden courtyards, and discover the origins of the places you visit. This delightful exploration, offering a glimpse into the city's diverse past, is one of the most romantic ways to spend an afternoon in Vienna.

Highlights:

Must-see landmarks in Vienna's Old Town include Mozart's Former Residence and St Stephen's Square with its iconic cathedral.

Address and opening hours:

Anchor Clock, Hoher Markt, 1010 Vienna.

3. Take a horse-drawn carriage through the city

For something a little different, opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna. As the carriage meanders through the city center, enjoy the fascinating sights, like Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School, Burgtheater, Albertina, and the Opera. This is one of the more fascinating things to do in Vienna to experience the city's culinary and cultural heritage.

Highlights:

This is the perfect activity for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Address and opening hours:

Meeting points and start times vary.

4. Unearth Vienna's dark past with a haunted walking tour

Brace yourself for a chilling night-time walking tour in Vienna, themed around the city's ghostly legends. Unearth the eerie tales behind landmarks like the Imperial Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Blood Alley. The city's dark past comes alive as you discover macabre historical details.

Highlights:

Once you have finished your tour, cozy up at one of Vienna's best bars with a glass of Viennese wine for the perfect night out in the city.

Address and opening hours:

Locations and start times vary.

5. Indulge in a musical evening with the Classic Ensemble Vienna at St. Peter's Church

Experience an evening of music at St. Peter's Church, brought to life by the Classic Ensemble Vienna. As the ensemble performs timeless classics by renowned composers, the ornate vaults of St. Peter's Church provide a fitting backdrop for this musical journey.

Highlights:

This is you chance to listen to renditions of works by Vivaldi, Schubert, Beethoven, and Haydn.

Address and opening hours:

Petersplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Start times vary.

Fun things to do in Vienna with kids

6. Have fun at Cobenzl Children's Farm

Home to domestic farm animals such as horses, pigs, goats, sheep and cows as well as rabbits, chickens, ducks and geese, the Cobenzl Children's Farm is a great day out for the whole family.

Highlights:

Take a walk along the nature trail filled with aroma stations, meadows dotted with fruit trees, herb gardens and snack bushes filled with berries.

Address and opening hours:

Am Cobenzl 96a, 1190 Wien, Austria. Open daily 10 AM-7 PM.

7. Immerse yourself in the art of classical equitation at the Vienna Spanish Riding School

Learn all about classical horse riding at Vienna's Spanish Riding School, a distinguished institution with a legacy stretching back over 400 years. Interact closely with the Lipizzaner stallions and delve into the history of this equestrian tradition.

Highlights:

The demonstration is held at the baroque Winter Riding Academy, and offers an insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders.

Address and opening hours:

Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Start times vary.

8. Enjoy a family day out at Schönbrunn Children's Museum

Located in the Schönbrunn Palace, the Children’s Museum takes kids on a journey through the everyday life of the imperial family. Each of the castle's twelve rooms offers a snapshot of 18th-century life. The area also features a Maze and Labyrinth, and Labyrinthikon Playground.

Highlights:

Kids can learn bout the key differences between imperial children and children from ordinary families, and play with toys popular in that era!

Address and opening hours:

Schloßallee, 1130 Wien, Austria. Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM.

9. Get creative with a chocolate-making workshop

Experience the art of chocolate making in Austria at a hands-on workshop the whole family will love. You'll indulge in the delicious world of chocolate and create your own sweet masterpieces to take home or eat right away. This is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon in Vienna if you’re in need of a great family activity.

Highlights:

Kids will love learning how chocolate is made and tasting the fruits of their labor! Continue the day with a visit to the nearby Chocolate Museum Vienna.

Address and opening hours:

Schönbrunner Str. 99, 1050 Wien, Austria.

10. Learn about Old Vienna on a walking tour

Get insight into the history of the Austrian capital on a walking tour of the city center. Explore iconic sights and listen to stories only locals know for a great introduction to Vienna. You'll learn all about Vienna's most famous residents, including the Hasburgs, Mozart, and Strauss and pass by Hofburg Palace and the Albertina Museum.

Highlights:

A walking tour will help you orient yourself in the city, and kids will learn all about the weird and wonderful history of how Vienna became what it is today.

Address and opening hours:

Tour locations and start-times vary.

Fun things to do in Vienna on your own

11. Journey into the Viennese Alps

The Viennese Alps are located around 35 miles from Vienna, making it an excellent day trip for solo travelers who want to get out of the city and into nature. Take a trip to the beautiful town of Hallstatt to marvel at mountain peaks, serene lakes, small villages, and magnificent alpine scenery. You can also enjoy breathtaking views over the town from the incredible Skywalk.

Highlights:

There are a number of excellent day trips from Vienna if you want to see more of Austria. Alongside Hallstatt, Wachau Valley and Melk are also popular.

12. Step back in time at the Sisi Museum

The Sisi Museum in the Imperial Apartments of the Imperial Palace is home to hundreds of objects once owned by Empress Elizabeth, fondly known as 'Sisi.' The museum gives you insight into Empress Elizabeth’s personal life and influence on the country, as well as her journey from a girl in Bavaria to her assassination in 1898.

Highlights:

The museum features royal items such as jewels and dresses, but also day-to-day objects like her traveling milk glass, fans, gloves, and medicine chest. Well worth a visit for those interested in historical artefacts!

Address and opening hours:

Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Open daily between 9 AM - 5:30 PM.

13. Enjoy a delicious Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace

Experience the impressive Strudel Show in the court bakery of the Cafe Residenz in Vienna. Watch as skilled bakers prepare the Viennese specialty, apple strudel, then relish a warm piece of this popular delicacy fresh from the oven.

Highlights:

Don’t forget to try a piece of delicious, warm Viennese Strudel before you leave the city! It’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Address and opening hours:

Cafe Residenz in Schonbrunn, 1130 Vienna. Start times vary.

14. Marvel at the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace

One of the best museums in Vienna, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is a vast and opulent 13th-century building in the heart of Vienna. On display here are ecclesiastical treasures, most notably the 10th-century Imperial Crown, encrusted with precious stones.

Highlights:

Also on display is the Vienna Coronation Gospels. This manuscript from the eighth-century tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ.

Address and opening hours:

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Start times vary.

15. Unearth hidden treasures at the Old University

Venture away from the well-trodden tourist routes to discover Viennese locations and hidden gems as you explore St. Stephen's and the Old University of Vienna. Explore tranquil streets and squares, admire Baroque buildings and palaces, and discover beautifully renovated courtyards.

Highlights:

The university if 650 years old and is split into seven main topics encompassing university's history, including the university’s deed of foundation, the 1848 revolution, denazification, and open access to the university.

Address and opening hours:

Albertinaplatz 1 corner with Maysedergasse, 1010 Vienna.

Fun things to do in Vienna if you like food and drink

16. Uncover the secret wine cellars of Vienna

Venture into the heart of Vienna's city center and uncover the hidden wine cellars beneath its bustling streets. Vienna is one of the only city's that grows most of its wine within its city limits, making a tasting or two a must for visitors to the city.

Highlights:

Popular wine varieties include Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can taste a variety on a wine tasting tour (guided or self-guided).

Address and opening hours:

Locations and start times vary.

17. Discover Vienna's vibrant food, coffee, and market scene

Take a tour that introduces you to the riches of Vienna's dynamic food and drink scene. This offers you a unique opportunity to explore trendy neighborhoods, browse legendary markets, and discover the best places for food in the city.

Highlights:

Tours takes visitors to real Viennese markets, far from the tourist crowds, where locals actually shop. A fantastic opportunity to pick up some special souvenirs.

18. Delight in a gourmet journey at Vienna's Naschmarkt

Revel in a culinary adventure at the renowned Vienna Naschmarkt. Why not be guided by your tastebuds as you enjou an unforgettable experience of the market's lively atmosphere? Indulge yourself in the incredible diversity of products offered at Naschmarkt.

Highlights:

The market features 120 market stands and restaurants offering ranging Viennese, Indian, Vietnamese and more. A flee market is held every Saturday.

Address and opening hours:

Naschmarkt Wien, Austria. Open Monday to Friday 6 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 6 AM to 6 PM.

19. Try an icon of Viennese cuisine

The famous Wienerschnitzel is Austria’s national dish, and a must-try when in the city. Head to one of Vienna’s many schnitzel joints to try the flattened, breaded cutlet served with potatoes and cucumber salad. Follow your meal up with a slice of strudel for the ultimate comforting Viennese dinner out!

Highlights:

Other Viennese classics to try on your stay include kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancakes and raisins), leberkäse (“liver cheese”), and Viennese Goulash.

20. Discover the tradition of Viennese coffee

Vienna is one of Europe’s coffee capitals, where the beverage is taken very seriously. Its most famous style of coffee is the Wiener Melange—quite literally ‘Vienna mixture’—which is an espresso with steamed milk, topped with a little foam, and Einspänner which is mokka in a glass, topped with whipped cream.

Highlights:

Today, Vienna has many specialty coffee joints, and Viennese coffeehouse culture now appears on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Vienna at night?

Vienna at night offers a variety of fun activities, such as attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera, enjoying a concert at the Musikverein, or exploring the vibrant nightlife in the MuseumsQuartier.

Are there any fun day trips from Vienna that I should consider?

Yes, you should consider visiting the Wachau Valley for wine tasting or the historic city of Salzburg. A boat trip on the Danube River gives you a great day out in the fresh air.

What are some popular festivals or events in Vienna?

Vienna hosts several popular festivals and events, including the Vienna Film Festival, the Vienna Jazz Festival, and the Christmas markets during the holiday season.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Vienna?

Family-friendly activities in Vienna include visiting the Schönbrunn Children's Museum, exploring the Haus der Musik interactive sound museum, and enjoying the Prater Amusement Park.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Vienna?

Outdoor activities in Vienna include biking along the Danube Island, hiking in the Vienna Woods, and exploring the beautiful gardens of the Belvedere Palace.