Top 6 things to do in Vienna

Austria’s capital is one of Western Europe’s leading cultural centres. Whether you’re wandering through the city’s museums or taking in a performance at the opera, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the former Empress Sissi. Vienna is an elegant city with so much to do and discover. In fact, it boasts an impressive cultural heritage and owes its artistic and cultural legacy to its inhabitants, such as Mozart and Beethoven. The Austrian capital is not only famous for its artistic impact, but also for its former imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn Palace and the Habsburg residence. The city has therefore had a remarkable architectural heritage. You may not know it, but Vienna’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. We’ll take you on a quick tour of the things to do?

What to do in Vienna? 6 ideas for activities

1 – Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Category: €/Cultural

Description: What better way to learn more about the Habsburg royal family than to visit Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, built in the 17th century? Its interior and gardens are a must-see. You’ll discover the sumptuous ceremonial hall, decorated in rococo style, and the 40-metre-long grand gallery, which seems to have stepped straight out of another era and was used for imperial banquets. We leave you free to visit the other halls and private rooms on a guided tour that will give you a better understanding of the daily life of this dynasty: discover the evolution of the palace in modern times. Open from 8.30 a.m. to around 5.30 p.m., go to “47 Schönbrunner Schloss Strasse”.

2 Discovering the Belvedere Palace

Category: €/Culture

Description: The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s largest Baroque palaces and contains one of Austria’s finest collections of works of art. A real jewel for the country, this site is unsurprisingly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s inside? Magnificent, richly decorated rooms and an incredible museum. To give you an idea, it’s here that you can contemplate some of Austria’s best-known works of art, such as Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, as well as masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet. Many visitors leave without bothering to explore the large formal garden, with its mythological references. You’re in for a real treat! The main entrance is at “Rue Prinz Eugen”, and the Belvedere Palace is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

3. a stroll through the Holfburg

Category: €/Culture

Description: The Hofburg was the former seat of government under the Habsburg monarchy for almost 600 years and is now a must-see place to discover. It houses countless imperial chambers, several offices, a chapel, a church and the Austrian national library. But that’s not all! The palace also houses the Empress Sissi Museum. As you walk through the rooms one by one, you will gain a better understanding of the difficult life of this exceptional empress, through anecdotes about her rebellion and through objects that belonged to her. What else is there to say? The rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished, just the sort of place you’d want to take a photo of, don’t you think? To get there, just take Michaelerplatz, and the Holfburg is open from 9am to around 5.30pm.

4 – Behind the scenes at the Mumok Museum

Category: €/Culture

Description: Open every day from 10am to 6pm, this museum brings together fascinating exhibitions on modern art and technology. Located in the “MuseumsQuartier” cultural centre, it is currently the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in Central Europe. A visit to the museum is a must, my friends. It offers a unique artistic experience, and visitors are used to coming away with stars in their eyes. Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the MUMOK museum will give you an insight into how technology brings art to life, and how the two can combine to form an absolutely stunning whole. Would you like to know a little more about the collections? They focus on photorealism, pop art, new realism and other genres inspired by real art and performance art.

5 – Walking in the city

Category: €€/Sport/Culture

Description: Vienna is also known for its romanticism. Visiting the city on foot also means discovering all types of architectural styles and taking the time to admire them (something you sometimes don’t do in a car). Tired of walking? No problem! The town has a number of horse-drawn carriages with sumptuous backdrops and sturdy hooves. Climb aboard one of these marvels and enjoy the scenery. You’ll see Gothic residences, medieval cobbled streets and Renaissance courtyards. If you continue into the centre of the city, you’ll come across the Jesuit Quarter. You can visit the Jesuit Church from the fountain in the square. If you’re feeling peckish, why not stop off at a local restaurant along the way for a delicious savoury speciality?

6. Vienna’s cafés

Category: €€/Culture/Gastronomy

Description: Are you a coffee lover? That’s perfect, because it’s impossible to visit Vienna without missing the delicious Viennese coffee! As you stroll through the streets of the city, that familiar little smell of ground beans will titillate your nostrils, and you’ll be delighted to be able to taste this intoxicating nectar, snug in the warmth of a small café with a classy and refined atmosphere. The aromas of Viennese coffees are among the best in the world. During your visit to the imperial monuments, remember to take a short break and treat yourself to some of the finest discoveries of your life. What about accompanying this dish with a delicious pastry, such as strudel?