Perhaps in our time, it is difficult to imagine the question: "Where is Vienna?". The city is so popular among tourists that every European knows where Vienna is. The capital of Austria leads the rankings of the most popular cities in Europe because it captivates with its beauty and originality at first sight. At the same time, Vienna is also considered to be one of the most comfortable cities in the world to live in. What is its feature? Let's figure it out…

What is Vienna?... Everyone will find the answer to this question depending on their preferences. For gastronomic aesthetes it is culinary masterpieces and gourmet restaurants; for fashionistas - branded stores; for fans of outdoor recreation - picturesque views and landscapes, for connoisseurs of art and history - theatres, opera, exhibitions and museums, for party-goers - loud and driving parties.

Vienna is not only the capital but also the largest city of Austria. This is a metropolis with a unique charm, energy and atmosphere, the historic center of which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is located in the northeastern part of the country at the foot of the Alps on the banks of the Danube. The area where Vienna is located is a hilly plain. The surroundings of the city are covered with forests, and vineyards grow on the slopes of the hills. A colossal historical heritage has been preserved here. In the center of the city, among the spacious squares and majestic palaces, there are amazing architectural monuments and masterpieces of art. Vienna really has a lot of places to go and things to see.

In the XVIII-XX centuries, the city became one of the most important cultural centers of Europe and is still considered its cultural capital. Outstanding composers and artists lived and worked here: V.-A. Mozart, X. Gluck, J. Brahms, J. Haydn, L. Beethoven, R. Wagner, father and son Strauss, I. Kalman, F. Schubert, F. Lehar and others. That is why Vienna has become one of the main centers of musical culture.

 

What to see in Vienna

What is interesting to visit in Vienna?... When asked where to go in Vienna, there are many options. To make your choice easier, we have concentrated on the top 10 interesting places in the Austrian capital.

1. Town Hall Square

In Vienna, as in many European cities, the square near the Town Hall is very popular among tourists and locals. It traditionally hosts a Christmas market, which is considered the largest and most amazing in Western Europe.

2. Schwarzenbergplatz

This is the famous square of the Austrian capital, where several attractions are located at once: the Karlskirche church, the Artist's House, the Vienna Museum and the Technical University. A Christmas market also takes place here in winter.

3. Schoenbrunn and the Vienna Zoo

The majestic baroque palace of the Austrian emperors is surrounded by a picturesque park area. Schoenbrunn is considered to be the pinnacle of Vienna's architectural art. The Vienna Zoo is located on the territory of the Schoenbrunn Palace and Park Complex. This is one of the oldest zoos in the world and, despite its age, it is home to many rare and unusual animal species. The Vienna Zoo is an ideal place for families with children.

4. Museum of Art History

The museum presents a whole treasure trove of world masterpieces from such famous artists as Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, Bosch, Rubens and others.

5. Vienna Opera

We have already mentioned above why Vienna has become one of the main centers of musical culture. The Vienna Opera is the pride of the country. Many tourists from all over the world necessarily include the Vienna Opera in their cultural program. Ticket prices are expensive, but a few hours before the start of the performance, it becomes possible to purchase cheap standing tickets. Even if you fail to purchase tickets for the concert, be sure to inspect the building of the Vienna Opera from the outside - it really deserves the attention of a tourist.

6. Hofburg

The majestic palace complex of the Hofburg during the time of the Austrian Empire was the winter residence of the emperors. It is currently the main residence of the President of the country. The most valuable asset of the Hofburg is the Habsburg treasury. There you can look at precious relics of the Austrian Empire.

7. St. Stephen's Cathedral

The mysterious St. Stephen's Cathedral, built in the Gothic style, is a symbol of Vienna. There is a bell tower with dozens of bells of various sizes in its high towers. St. Stephen's Cathedral should be viewed from afar and from the inside. There are guided tours of the cathedral and its underground catacombs. Guided tours of the cathedral`s attic are also held during the warm season. There is an amazing view of the city from its top.

8. Belvedere

Belvedere is another palace complex, consisting of two parts - the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Most tourists are attracted by the Upper Belvedere since the masterpieces of the famous Gustav Klimt are collected here.

9. Museum Quarter

There are not only museums but also many cosy cafes and restaurants in the Museum Quarter on the outskirts of the Old Town. The Leopold Museum, the Kunsthalle, the Museum of Modern Art and the Zoom Children's Museum are the most famous attractions here. Life is always seething here: all kinds of exhibitions, art performances and fashion shows are held in the Museum Quarter.

10. Mozart House

The world-famous composer Mozart is another symbol of Austria. In Vienna, you can visit the house where this great composer once lived. His most famous masterpieces were created here! Now the building houses a museum, a small cafe and a concert hall.

11. Madame Tussauds House of Wax

You can visit the famous House of Wax not only in London but also in Vienna. There are exact copies of famous historical and cultural figures of Austria - Mozart, Strauss, Klimt, Einstein etc - and modern celebrities.

12. Hundertwasser House

The Hundertwasser House is a striking contrast against the backdrop of pompous and majestic imperial palaces. This house is very original and unusual - multi-coloured windows, uneven walls and overhanging growth. It is rightfully considered the most famous avant-garde monument in Vienna. This unusual building is located at Kegelgasse 36-38.

13. Vienna Woods

Lovers of outdoor recreation can also visit the Vienna Woods, located on the outskirts of the city. It is considered a biosphere reserve and protected by UNESCO. The forest is famous not only for its picturesque views but also for the cosy restaurants on its territory.

 

Where to eat in Vienna

                                                                                                         Bastei Beisl

1. The best restaurants in Vienna in the Old Town are Bastei Beisl and Augustinerkeller. Taste national dishes such as Viennese goulash and schnitzel here.

2. Cheaper restaurants where to go to eat Austrian cuisine in Vienna are Steirereck, Lindenkeller, Figlmüller, Plachutta (come here to taste the signature dish Tafelspitz), Zum Schwarzen Kameel, Der Kuckuck and Österreicher im MAK.

3. Restaurants of world cuisine:

  • Slavic cuisine - Feuervogele, Rasputin or Wladimir

  • Chinese cuisine - China-Restaurant Sichuan

  • Italian cuisine - Margareta

  • Indian cuisine- Indian Restaurant Demi Tass

  • American cuisine - Frank's American Bar & Restaurant

  • Brazilian cuisine - Churrascaria

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4. The most famous Viennese cafes (coffee houses) are Sacher, Demel Cafe, Sperl, Hawelka and Café Imperial.

5. Budget cafes in Vienna - Nordsee.

Note that with the Wien-Karte Tourist Card (Vienna Card) you can get discounts at many local restaurants.

 

The best hotels in Vienna

                                                                  Hotel Bristol

We have prepared for you a list of the top hotels in the center of Vienna.

1. Steinberger Herrenhof Hotel is located in Old Town near Hofburg. It offers a fitness center and individually designed rooms. Styles of apartments range from baroque to art deco.

2. Radisson Blu Style is located near the Steinberger Herrenhof Hotel. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the historic Herrengasse Street and the U3 metro station are nearby.

3. Hotel Bristol is an exquisite building which was once at the disposal of the United States. It rightfully tops the rating of the most interesting hotels in Vienna. From here you can reach Karlsplatz and Stephansplatz in a few minutes. The apartments are decorated in Art Deco style and meet all high quality Viennese standards. Even the Bristol bar is a historical place, as it is the first American bar in Vienna.

4. Hotel Le Meridien – a design hotel, the perfect place for art and design lovers. It is located not far from the Royal Museum, the National Museum and the Hofburg. Travelers who want to experience Vienna in a contemporary style stay at this hotel.

5. Trend Hotel Europa Wien combines modern touches with a historic feel. This hotel is located in the heart of the city. From here you can quickly reach St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Albertina and the Vienna Opera.

6. Capricorno Hotel also combines modernity and the historical past. It is located near the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Hofburg. Within minutes you can reach the famous Viennese party and bar place - Bermudadraijek.

7. Do&Co Hotel is built in a more modern style. It offers a view of St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is located near Kärntnerstrasse, the Vienna Opera and the Hofburg.

8. Arthotel ANA Amadeus combines modern features and at the same time remains true to the atmosphere of the historic district in which it is located. Within minutes you can reach the Vienna Opera and Stephansplatz.

9. Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum - a modern hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Its location allows you to visit most of the sights of the center on foot.

10.  Marriott Hotel Vienna - located near the city park, the House of Music and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

 

Cheap hotels in Vienna

                                                   Hostel Zum Goldenen Kegel

  • Vienna Boutique Hostel

  • Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner

  • Vienne Vienne Ruthensteiner

  • Wombat's The City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt

  • MEININGER Hotel Wien Downtown Franz

  • Hostel Zum Goldenen Kegel

  • Pension Wienderland​

These places are the most popular among guests of the Austrian capital looking for budget locations.

Such hotels usually offer a shared lounge area, free Wi-Fi and even a continental breakfast or a buffet. You can even find separate single apartments in some budget hotels.

As you can see, the Austrian capital has prepared a lot of interesting things for the guests. Vienna has everything to surprise and amaze. Therefore, it is advisable to take at least a week to get to know it.

 

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