There are cities that you do not immediately accept, because they can be quite secretive. It takes some time to unravel their secrets, synchronize with their rhythm, and penetrate an invisible barrier. But if you succeed, then you will want to return to these places again and again, and this love will be mutual.
But there are other types of cities. During their first visit, they delight travelers, fascinate them, envelop them in an atmosphere of comfort. They immediately feel like home. So there is love at first sight. The capital of Austria also belongs to this type of city. You will fall in love with Vienna as soon as you see it. But to make this acquaintance more complete and versatile, we have prepared for you an overview of iconic places.
Historical places
Today, Vienna is the capital of Austria, a separate federal state (though the smallest one), the country's most populated city, and an economic and cultural center. In the historical context, it is the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, the residence of one of the most powerful royal dynasties in Europe - the Habsburgs, the epicenter of the cultural life of the world. Therefore, visiting this beautiful city on the Danube, you will witness a very harmonious combination of modernity and rich historical heritage.
You can most vividly feel the spirit of the past in the Inner City, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the birthplace of the Austrian capital, its first district and a powerful tourist center. Ancient buildings, narrow streets, secretive courtyards, numerous sculptures and fountains, cozy cafes - all this you will find in the historical heart of the city.
The majestic St. Stephen's Catholic Cathedral (Stefansdom) located here deserves special attention. It is a symbol not only of Vienna, but of all Austria. It is known not only for its complex history and the largest organ in the country (125 registers, 10 thousand organ pipes), but also for its progressive views. For example, in 2017, on World AIDS Day, an interfaith memorial service was held in it with the participation of Conchita Wurst. The cathedral has also hosted rock concerts, and other youth parties. This is true Vienna - history and modernity in one.
In the mid-19th century, model boulevards began to be built on the site of the old fortifications defending the Inner City. So appeared Ringstrasse or just Ring (ring street). Where there are also a lot of beautiful historical buildings. On the Ring you can slowly ride on a horse drawn carriage, or on a modern tram. By the way, it is in Vienna that the oldest (since 1865) and the longest (almost 180 km) tram network in the whole world is located.
Another attraction of world significance is Schönbrunn Palace. This is one of the most beautiful European palace and park ensembles. It served as the main summer residence of the Habsburgs, and when designing, Versailles was taken as the basis. In total, the palace has more than 1,400 rooms. 190 of them are leased to private individuals, and 40 are open to tourists. But this is quite enough to appreciate the luxury of the royal apartments. And certainly you will not be bored with a walk in the beautiful park with its colonnade pavilion, Roman ruins, numerous fountains and statues.
Moreover, it is on the territory of Schönbrunn that you will find the oldest zoo in the world. It was founded back in 1752 by Emperor Franz I, and was soon open for free public visits. Subsequent rulers organized whole expeditions to Africa and America in order to replenish their menagerie and cause shock among visitors. For example, in 1828, a giraffe became an unprecedented curiosity and a real sensation of the zoo. Interestingly, this particular story was played out in the 2011 Franco-Belgian animated film Giraffe. The Schönbrunn Zoo is also famous for the fact that here for the first time in the whole world an elephant was born in captivity. Now the zoo conducts regular excursions that will be of interest to both children and adults.
Another Viennese palace, built under the influence of Versailles - Belvedere. This is an architectural complex in the Baroque style, consisting of two castles - Upper and Lower Belvedere, which practically did not suffer from time and war. At the beginning of the 18th century, the imperial collection of paintings was moved here, which became the basis of the current Belvedere gallery. Of course, the architectural complex is traditionally surrounded by a picturesque garden.
Hofburg Castle, the official residence of the President of Austria, is another historical monastery of the Habsburgs, the main seat of the court. Each ruler tried to bring something of his own into it, so the palace complex was rebuilt in parts and consists of many patios.
And at the end of the story about the most iconic historical places and architectural structures of Vienna, we would like to mention one masterpiece of our time. Hundertwasser House was built in the mid 80-ies of the 20th century according to the project of the famous Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his colleague Joseph Kravina. This is an apartment building with 52 apartments, located at the crossroads of Kegelgasse and Lowengasse in the 3rd district of Vienna, where ordinary civil servants live. But when you see this house, you will never forget it. Pile of floors, uneven walls, 13 types of windows, terraces, niches with statues and all this is covered with very rich vegetation - this is what the avant-garde Hundertwasser environmental project looks like. Nearby there are several other works of the Austrian architect: the Hundertwasser Village trade fair center and the House of Arts (Kunsthaus Gallery).
Gardens and parks
Another feature of Vienna is that it is a very green city. In addition to the above-mentioned palace and park complexes, there are many other places of outdoor recreation. Therefore, a visit at any time of the year will have its charm.
The Belvedere ensemble is adjacent to the Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna. This is 8 hectares of land and more than 11.5 thousand plants brought from all over the world.
In the 2nd district of Vienna there is a central park - Prater, it stretches along the Danube for 5 kilometers. Here you will find not only many picturesque alleys and lawns, but also an amusement park with a children's railway and a giant Ferris wheel, from the height of which opens a unique view of the whole city.
And in the south-west of Vienna, in the 13th district, you will find a huge park-reserve - Linzer Tiergarten (literally - a garden of animals). This is 2.5 thousand hectares of mostly woodland at the foot of the Alps, one of the last corners of the wild. In fact, this is part of the Vienna Woods, which is called the "lungs of Vienna." Tiergarten has beech and oak groves, which are home to almost 100 species of birds and many insects. Deer, elk, mouflon, wild boar are freely walking around the territory. And all this on the outskirts of the European capital!
The cultural heritage of Europe
Visiting Vienna, you will not be able to ignore the fact that for centuries it was the center of the cultural life of all of Europe. In the Austrian capital there are more than 30 various museums and galleries. Among them, the largest are the Museum of the History of Art, which presents different countries and eras, the Museum of Applied Arts and, of course, the Museum Quarter. This is a whole complex in the 7th district of Vienna, which includes 6 museums in different directions. Needless to say, such a visit can take a whole day.
If you are an admirer of strong and creative personalities, then you may be interested in house museums. For example, Freud, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven. And this list naturally leads us to the next set of cultural attractions.
Perhaps in no other city in the world did so many composers and musicians work as in Vienna. This is the musical capital of, if not the whole world, then certainly Europe. Almost all year round the city hosts a variety of music festivals: classical, jazz, rock, electronic music.
The historical center and legislator of classical music is the Vienna State Opera. Every year it presents to the audience more than 60 opera and ballet productions. The prices for everyday performances are very loyal, but it will not be easy to get to the premiere or performance with the participation of world stars.
The triumph of taste
Another obligatory item in the program of a visit to the Austrian capital is a gastronomic tour. Some dishes are simply impossible to skip. Almost every restaurant will convince you that the best Viennese schnitzel in the city is being prepared here. This is truly a culinary business card. The no less famous Viennese potato salad goes to it with a traditional side dish. It is worth getting acquainted with tafelspitz - a dish of boiled beef with broth, vegetables, fried potatoes and onion sauce.
We advise you to save a place for a dessert, and even better - enjoy it separately. First of all, guests of the Austrian capital need to try the Vienna strudel. It is prepared in all establishments, so just choose to your taste and according to financial capabilities. Another national treat is Vienna waffles with a huge variety of fillings to choose from. And you will certainly not be indifferent to the tender Viennese pancakes.
This pleasure of taste will be the perfect complement to discovering an unforgettable city in the heart of Europe.
Going on a trip, don't forget to buy something nice for you or your friends. Use Mydutyfree service to get a discount!