Best things about Vienna and how you can experience them
Vienna — or Wien (pronounced “Veen”) in German — is the capital of Austria and a must on any European itinerary. The city, located east of the Alps along the Danube River, is known for being enlightened and elegant. It is easy to get around by walking or
The experience is called “gemütlichkeit” in German, conveying an environment of hospitality, friendliness and warmth. This is why coffee society has been an important part of Viennese life for centuries. Here, visitors can have a conversation, read the newspaper or taste another iconic aspect of Vienna: pastries.
Meet new friends at a wine tavern
Another of the most classic gathering spaces is the Viennese Heuriger, or wine tavern. These taverns were originally established so that vintners could directly sell their latest vintage to thirsty customers. This was best enjoyed alongside some local snacks and with jovial live music. These are still a fixture in Vienna today.
Some are open seasonally, others more consistently year-round. Classic spots include Heuriger Wieninger, Edlmoser Weingut & Heuriger, and Mayer Am Pfarrplatz, which is famous because Ludwig van Beethoven lived next door.
Stop to smell the roses in a city park
Save time in your trip for walks, flower-smelling and bench inhabiting. The people of Vienna enjoy these parks, which are meticulously maintained and frequented by locals. One of the unique aspects of Viennese life is the impeccable drinking water that flows to the city from the mountain springs in the Austrian Alps. Fountains and water taps can be found in the city parks, so bring a bottle and fill it up for free.
See a world-class opera
The Vienna State Opera is considered to be one of the finest musical experiences in the world. The architecture of the opera house is highly impressive as well. Opening its doors in 1869, the Vienna State Opera represented one of the flagship establishments on the then-newly created Ringstrasse, a boulevard lined by some of the city’s most magnificent buildings, museums and palaces.
Experience the masterpieces
The world’s masters await! Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” at Österreichische Galerie Belvedere and Raphael’s “Madonna in the Meadow,” now hanging in Kunsthistorisches Museum, are highly worthwhile finds on a Viennese treasure hunt. Add to the list the comprehensive Egon Schiele collection at the Leopold Museum, The Albertina and Albertina Modern and mumok, and you’re only getting started.
Follow the footsteps of musical masters
Vienna is regarded as the city of music, and even those not fully in tune with the classics will know two of the most famous composers to work in the city: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Visitors to Vienna can walk where these celebrated composers once walked and see what they saw during their time here. Mozarthaus, at Domgasse 5, where the composer lived from 1784 until 1787, is his only Viennese address that’s still standing today and where historians believe he spent the happiest days of his life. Beethoven’s apartment at Probusgasse 6 is now a museum.
Step into an imperial palace
The Habsburg monarchy ruled Austria from 1282 until 1918, evidenced by the presence of the exquisite imperial palaces in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence, and The Hofburg, the centrally located primary residence. The Hofburg complex is now open to the public and is the site of several art museums, the Spanish Riding School, imperial apartments and collections, and a display of arms and armor. At the baroque Schönbrunn Palace, explore the building, grounds and gardens. Plan ahead, because this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is one of Austria’s most popular tourist attractions.
Explore stunning architecture
Architekturzentrum Wien, Austria’s museum of architecture, is the only one of its kind in the country, located appropriately in the Museumsquartier, near Leopold Museum and mumok. The permanent exhibition centers on Austrian architecture during the 20th and 21st centuries, and there is a consistent stream of rotating presentations, events and lectures.
Taste authentic Austrian cuisine
For a cozy and classic meal, visit a Viennese bistro or “beisl.” Schnitzel, goulash and pancake-like palatschinken are classics. Vienna also offers abundant gourmet options, including Michelin-star restaurants.