Among the European capitals with the most charm is definitely Vienna, best known for its monuments, period palaces, Baroque castles and its thousand-year history. Vienna is the nerve center of Austria, where thousands of tourists flock every year to admire its artistic and cultural beauty. If you are planning to visit this extraordinary European city, we provide a brief travel guide, to learn about the main points of interest and some useful information to orient you during your trip.
Vienna: general information
Vienna is the capital of Austria and is located in the northeastern part of the country, spanning 23 districts with a population of more than two million. The historic center of Vienna is the hub of the Austrian state’s economic and social activities, but it is best known for some of its important monuments, which tell the centuries-old history of this city. The entire historic center is surrounded by defensive walls from Roman times, creating a kind of division with the new modern conurbation. Vienna was for years the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and this dominance is well reflected in the opulence and wealth of its palaces and period residences. The Austrian capital is not only prized for its monuments, but is universally regarded as the home of classical music, in fact it was the birthplace of composers of the caliber of Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart. The passion for music continues to hover in the streets of Vienna, where it is not uncommon to come across classical music concerts improvised by up-and-coming musicians. This romantic and charming city is not only about history and music, but it is also one of the most important centers for Austrian and international cuisine, where you can taste traditional delicacies or try the latest gourmet novelties.
Vienna has been rewarded for its quality of life and efficient services, becoming the flagship not only of Austria but also of the northern European capitals. To get around Vienna, you can use the subway, public buses, as well as bicycles and electric scooters, and to save on the cost of the ticket, it is a good idea to apply for the Vienna Card, which is available at tourist information centers, major train or bus stations, or even online, on the city’s institutional website. To reach Vienna from Italy, there are direct flights from major Italian cities or you can also use the train, given its proximity to Austria.
What to see in Vienna
The city of Vienna has a wealth of attractions, but if you have little time to visit, there are some points of interest that you absolutely cannot miss, let’s see what they are.
The first destination for any tourist visiting Vienna for the first time is Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Empire, which now houses the residence of the Austrian President. Hofburg Palace is an imposing building that covers 240,000 square meters and houses inside the National Library, the Spanish Riding School and the Museum dedicated to Princess Sissi. Tourists can admire not only the impressive gardens and courtyards, but also the Royal Apartments, about 18 rooms, richly frescoed, that contain the furniture and personal belongings of the imperial family. Also in the historic center is the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its roof of colored tiles representing the Austrian coat of arms, which has become the symbol of the Austrian city over time. The cathedral is built in the Gothic style and fascinates visitors with its grandeur, but also with its mystery, as there are so many myths and legends related to this cathedral.
If you are staying in the center of Vienna, do not miss a walk along the Innere Stad, the city’s most famous street, dotted with historic buildings and palaces, including Mozart’s and Strauss’s house. To continue your discovery of Vienna’s historic center, you can visit the Museums Quartier, a 60,000-square-meter area where Baroque buildings, museums and modern art galleries, exclusive cafes, and fashion and design stores mingle.
Near the Hofsburg Palace is the Vienna State Opera, Austria’s most famous theater, directed in the past by such musicians as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Karl Böhm. The Vienna State Opera hosts about 50 internationally significant operas each year, and it is possible to book a guided tour. For those who want to take a break from Viennese art and culture, a stroll through the Prater, the city’s largest park, which houses some 250 attractions and the famous Ferris wheel, giving you a breathtaking view of the Austrian capital, is a must. Inside the Prater are a number of kiosks and small restaurants, where you can try Austria’s most important delicacies in the company of genuine Viennese.
The city of Vienna is not only famous for its historic center, but there are other places of interest to visit that can be reached by metro or public transport. On the outskirts of Vienna, you can visit Schoenbrun Castle, one of Austria’s most important palaces, which is distinguished by the intense yellow color of its facade. In addition to admiring the royal apartments and the Castle Theater, a visit to the Carriage Museum and the Ballroom is not to be missed. The heart of Schoenbrun Castle is definitely the garden, which also contains a labyrinth, a statue park, and the oldest zoological garden in Europe. Also just a few kilometers from Vienna, Belvedere Palace, a Baroque-style residence mostly known for its art gallery, dedicated to the great painter Gustav Klimt and other important painters, is definitely worth a visit. In the Belvedere Palace you can admire Klimt’s “The Kiss” as well as masterpieces by Schiele, Monet, Kokoschka and Van Gogh and many Baroque or Renaissance-style rooms. Other places of interest to visit in Vienna include other must-see museums such as the Albertina Museum, devoted entirely to graphic art, or the Leopold Museum, a permanent collection of modern art.
When to visit Vienna
The climate in Vienna is continental, so it is characterized by long, harsh winters and mild summers with little precipitation. There is no best time to visit Vienna because it offers different kinds of attractions and scenery depending on the different seasons. The Austrian capital is famous for its Christmas markets and festive atmosphere during December-January, so it could be an ideal destination for a family trip during the Christmas vacations. In summer, Vienna’s parks and gardens become populated and festivals, concerts and outdoor cultural events are organized, making the historic center a hub of merriment and vitality.
What to eat
Vienna is famous for its cafes and pastry shops, a true paradise for those who love good food and drinking fine wines. If you visit Vienna, you should definitely try the famous Austrian soups such as frittaten made of savory crepe strips or Viennese beef soup, perfect to enjoy when the weather is too cold and you want to warm up. Vienna’s most famous dish is definitely Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet, which you should try with a nice mug of ice-cold beer and a side of boiled potatoes. Vienna is also the capital of pastry, and for those with a sweet tooth, it is a must to try the original Sacher Torte with whipped cream or ice cream, or snack on some Viennese strudel or Kaiserschmarrn, also known as the emperor’s omelet.
Where to stay.
Vienna offers different types of accommodations for tourists, in fact there are plenty of hotels, hostels, room rentals and bed & breakfasts in every corner of the city. If you plan to spend a weekend in Vienna, we recommend choosing a hotel or bed & breakfast located in the historic center, so it will be easier to reach the most important attractions. For those who want to save on the cost of accommodation, simply search for an apartment or hostel on the outskirts of Vienna, so you can reach the center by bike or public transportation.
