1. Go on a walking tour
This is not groundbreaking travel advice, but I love to do a walking tour when travelling to a new city. It is a great way to learn a little about the history and culture of the city, it can orient you to the layout of the downtown, and you often get excellent suggestions for where to go and what to do.
In Vienna, you can expect to learn about the Habsburg family (down to their famous chin). Vienna was the centre of the Habsburg dynasty from the 13th century to the early 1900s, so many of the buildings, museums, and monuments are connected to this empire.
2. Wiener Riesenrad – Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
The Wiener Riesenrad was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I. This ferris wheel offers great views of Vienna and a glimpse of history.
One your way, you can stop by a cute exhibition showcasing tiny dioramas of moments in Vienna’s history inside the historic carriages.
I would recommend going in the daylight, as the ferris wheel is located a little too far from the historic downtown to see cool skylines at night, so the view might be better in the day. Cost: 14 euros per person
and since you are already there..
3. Take a wild ride on one of the Prater roller coasters
This amusement park is free to enter and you pay per ride. Rides tend to range between Є5-10.
4. Visit a library (specifically the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek )
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library) is probably my fav place in Austria. It is located in the Hofburg, and was established by the Habsburg’s in 1368 as the Imperial Court Library. It continues to be the largest library in Austria and probably the most beautiful. Because I am library obsessed, you can read a full post about it here.
5. Go for a swim in Alte Donau
There are a bunch of swimming spots in Vienna, and since it was 34 degrees most days we were there, this was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. I landed at the Alte Donau, which costs approx Є5 and you have access to change rooms and showers and a lovely, calm, lifeguarded swimming spot. There is a pool, if you are not a lake/river lover.
6. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace
Step inside Vienna’s take on Versaille at the Schönbrunn Palace.
There are a range of tours available – ranging from Є20 – 35. We went on the Maria Theresia guided tour, where you can see the gorgeous Bergl rooms Maria Theresa lived in following the death of her husband when she moved from their shared rooms, you tour through the state rooms and see the elaborate 18th century decor.
… and while you are there, you might as well check out the
7. Schönbrunn Zoo
8. Look at a famous kiss (and other beautiful art)
Klimt’s most famous piece lives in the Upper Belvedere in Austria. This painting is somewhat disquieting, particularly in the context of some of Klimt’s other pieces which show a strong misogynistic bent where women are reduced to erotic objects, but there is no escaping “the kiss” in Vienna, as you can get it on everything from thimbles to umbrellas. The Upper Belvedere has some other great pieces, and it is always a treat to see a famous work in the flesh. Tickets Є18.50, and you can book in advance through Viator.
9. Listen to some music
Vienna is legendary as the city of music. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss are only some of the famed residents of Vienna. There are still 15,000 concerts each year, and while we (very disappointingly) did not get to attend the concert that brought us to Vienna (the cancelled TSwift shows 😭), we did catch one of the numerous classical music shows on our final night in Vienna.
St Peter’s (link to concerts) is a solid choice for a classical show. It was sold out the night we wanted, so we ended up enjoying the music and ambiance of St Anne’s church (link to book concerts). The added bonus is that the cafe next door sells fabulous gelato and a series of cakes, perfect for a after-show snack.
10. Eat your fill of pez candy
Did you know that Pez was invented in Austria?
Lovely Outliers 