Vienna is one of the great cities of Europe — and not only for its history or architecture, but for the depth of culture you feel on every street corner. The Habsburg Empire left its mark in marble palaces, timeless opera and coffee houses recognised by UNESCO. It costs more than other Eastern European destinations, but Vienna is worth every cent.
#1 Schönbrunn Palace
The grandest Habsburg summer palace in Austria, with more than 1,441 rooms and the largest French garden in Vienna. This is where Mozart performed at the age of 6 and where Napoleon set up his headquarters. The walk up the hill to the Gloriette gives you a panoramic view over the whole city that holds its own against anywhere in Europe. Set aside at least half a day.
- Buy the Classic Pass (around 30 EUR) to see the 40 main rooms; an audio guide is available in the app.
- Walking up to the Gloriette is free — no extra ticket needed, and the city view from the Gloriette is far better than the one inside the palace itself.
- Come early, 8:00–9:00, before the big tour groups arrive — it's calmer and much better for photos.
#2 St. Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna's most striking landmark and the heart of the old city. The multicoloured mosaic-tiled roof, visible from a distance, is one of a kind. It dates back to the 12th century and has been restored across many eras; inside lie the remains of several Habsburg royals. Climbing the south tower (paid) gives you a sharp view of the city centre, while the north tower goes up by a cheaper lift.
- Enter the church for free in the morning before 9:00; after that there's a charge for the inner areas (around 6 EUR).
- Climb the south tower's 343 steps (around 5 EUR) for a better view than the north tower, which uses a lift.
- Beneath the cathedral are the Catacombs, holding the bones of tens of thousands of Viennese — the 30-minute tour is well worth it.
#3 Belvedere Palace
One of the most beautiful Baroque summer palaces in Europe, built by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 18th century. Today it's Austria's most famous museum, because the original of Klimt's The Kiss hangs here. The Upper and Lower Belvedere are linked by a large French garden full of statues and fountains. The best photo angle is the palace reflected in the pool in front of the building.
- The Upper + Lower Belvedere ticket including the garden (around 36 EUR) is the best value; book online ahead to skip the long queue.
- Klimt's The Kiss hangs in the third room on the upper floor of the Upper Belvedere — very crowded in the afternoon, so come early.
- The garden between the two palaces is free all year — it's lovely to stroll even without a palace ticket.
#4 Vienna State Opera
One of the world's great opera houses and the final emblem of Vienna as a city of music. It has been open since 1869 and has been led by world-class music directors such as Gustav Mahler and Herbert von Karajan. Even without a ticket to a performance, you can take a guided tour inside (around 9 EUR) to see the marble halls, the balconies and the stage. Standing-room tickets cost just 3–4 EUR and let you watch a real opera — but you have to queue early.
- Standing-room tickets go on sale at the opera house 80 minutes before the performance; queue early for the chance to watch a world-class opera for 3–4 EUR.
- Dress neatly to attend — it doesn't have to be formal, but typical tourist clothes may feel out of place.
- Guided tours run every day, with times depending on the performance schedule; check ahead at wiener-staatsoper.at.
#5 Hofburg Palace
The Habsburgs' city palace, their residence for over 600 years, today the seat of Austria's president and home to several leading museums. The highlight you shouldn't miss is the Imperial Apartments, the bedchambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, along with the Sisi Museum, which tells the empress's life in depth, and the Imperial Silver Collection, the exquisite court tableware.
- The Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments + Imperial Silver Collection are sold together on one ticket (around 22 EUR) — better value than buying separately.
- The Austrian National Library inside the Hofburg is among the most beautiful libraries in the world; entry is 10 EUR.
- The Spanish Riding School trains its Lipizzaner horses every morning Tuesday to Saturday — you can watch for around 15 EUR, far cheaper than the actual show.
#6 Wiener Riesenrad
A historic wooden Ferris wheel that was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1897 and still turns to this day. It's a beloved symbol of Vienna that has appeared in legendary films. The wheel has 15 old wooden cabins holding 12 people each and takes 20 minutes to make a full turn. The view from the top, 64.75 metres up, gives a beautiful panorama of Vienna; in the evening it's lit up and the mood turns romantic.
- Tickets are 13 EUR per person, open daily 9–23 in summer; no need to book ahead and the queue is short.
- If the queue is light, you can ask for a cabin to yourselves for photos and a private moment (you may have to wait for the next one).
- Prater park behind the wheel is a large free public park where the Viennese cycle, walk and picnic — good for a rest after your ride.
Where to stay in Vienna for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Vienna — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel
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Hotel Sacher Wien
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Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna
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Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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Tours, tickets & activities in Vienna
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Vienna — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Vienna is an easy trip any time of year. Winter (December–February) has beautiful Christmas markets, even though it gets cold enough to drop below zero. Spring and autumn have the best weather and the smallest crowds. Plan at least 3–4 days to take in the palaces, the music and the cafés.