Beautiful Attractions and Experiences In Vienna
Oh I think I’m in love. Austria’s capital is truly a fairy-tale destination I cannot get enough of. Blessed with gorgeous architecture, lovely natural features and artistry in all its various glorious forms, the attractions and experiences in Vienna are a real treat for the wandering eye. I really felt like I was living out my travel princess fantasies here.
The charms are endless with the Baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces setting the stage for endless beauty, elegance, culture, history and vibrant city life. Frankly, it feels like stepping on to the set of a period drama – everywhere corner you turns will leave you mesmerised.
Unsurprisingly, Vienna has therefore topped every quality of life survey in recent years, and it doesn’t take long to work out why. Fresh air, low crime rates, reliable public transport, and an overall lively atmosphere are just a few of reasons this is one of the best places in Europe to visit – especially if you are a solo traveler or planning a girls trip.
This really was one place I wasn’t ready to leave when it was time.
Travel and Accommodation In Vienna
Vienna is divided into 23 districts, each one unique in its own way. However, I suggest finding accommodation in the first district (Innere Stadt) because most of the attractions and experiences are in this area and it helps to be in walking distance to them. Staying in then Inere Stadt also means having great transport links to explore and is generally the best part of the city for enjoying the lively local atmosphere, especially during the summer.
I stayed at the gorgeous Hotel de France Wien, and would highly recommend it for its fantastic service and location. The hotel is 5* so can get very expensive during the peak season so in that case, other options include:
Eleven Incredible Attractions and Experiences In Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
At the top of every list of the best attractions and experiences in Vienna is this stunning, colossal 1441 room structure. Inside, you will find fully furnished, and classily decorated rooms, while the outdoors brings you acres of stunning, manicured gardens to wander through. You can really admire how the Austrian royalty lived.
If you are visiting in the summer months, aim to arrive just before the palace opens so you can avoid the large tour groups that eventually show up. In doing so, you get the rare opportunity of having the entire place to yourself, which is such a surreal feeling.
The Hofburg Palace
Located at the heart of the city centre, Holfburg Palace is a giant palatial complex that pays tribute to the power of the Habsburg dynasty and served as the main winter palace for the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries. Today, it is used as offices for the Austrian parliament, but you can take a tour through the imperial apartments and visit the Sisi Museum.
St Stephan’s Cathedral
The beautiful religion site is the most important church in Vienna and has an elegant gothic style that hypnotises every photography lens. The ornately patterned, richly coloured roof which is covered with 230,000 glazed tiles particularly draws much attraction, making this 12th-century structure one the most prominent in the city.
The National Library
Vienna’s National Library is easily one of the most breathtaking historic libraries in the world, and with over 10 million books, is a literary paradise. The collection began to form in the Middle Ages when the Austrian Duke Albert III moved books from Viennese vaults into a library, but it was only in 1722, when the books found a permanent home within the Hofburg Palace.
The library faces a long history, including connections to Nazi Germany, however the most interesting thing about it, is that is contains manuscripts dating back to 4th century CE, 16th century maps and Incunabula. It is also home to the world’s only public globe museum.
The Belvedere Palace
Although incredibly famous, Belvedere Palace is not as popular as Schonbrunn Palace with tourists, and is therefore the perfect place to revel in historic and striking architecture and have a relatively quiet atmosphere for taking pictures.
The Albertina
The Albertina is an exceptional art museum that covers the period from Monet to Picasso and beyond. I don’t usually feel the pull for museums and art galleries no matter how much I enjoy visiting them, but going inside The Albertina means being hit by a wave of talent, emotion and magnificence all at once. Along with the permanent collections, the museum hosts changing exhibits throughout the year, so what you see depends on when you go, but it will always be worth it.
Schmetterlinghaus
One of the more unique attractions in Vienna, Schmetterlinghaus is a lush greenhouse home to hundreds of butterflies within a rainforest style setting. This is quite different from anything else you may explore in Vienna, but it is every bit as remarkable, and there is nothing more beautiful than having colourful butterflies fly around you.
Hundertwasserhaus
Inspired by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this colourful set of residential apartments are a unique piece of architecture in Vienna and like so many other parts of the city, is a great place to use to up your Instagram game.
Vienna State Opera
There is nothing quite like attending your first opera in the city that is home to some of the greatest classical musicians, such as Mozart and Strauss. I highly recommend this being on your list of must-do attractions and experiences in Vienna, even if you know nothing about the music.
Annual Festivals
Vienna is bursting with vibrant festivals through out the year, so despite what time you travel, there will always be one to enjoy. From music to wine, the lively lifestyle of this city is untouchable.
Average Cost For Three Days In Vienna Per Person
Transport (flights from London + local travel): £75
Accommodation: £120 (£240 per double)
Attractions: £ 70
Food and amenities: £100
Keep In Mind
I only spent two days here, and while it was enough time to enjoy many of the wonderful attractions and experiences in Vienna, I suggest taking a few extra days to simply bask in the beauty of the city. You will not regret it.
Practical Information About Vienna
Location: Austria, Central Europe
National Languages: Austrian German
Currency: Euro
Neighbouring Countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany.
One Comment
Khilna
Pretty pictures 😘