12 activities that reveal the essence of Vienna

With a history spanning a thousand years, Vienna is home to ruins, artifacts, masterpiece-filled museums, and majestic palaces.

As a contemporary city often ranked among the world’s most livable places, its elegant districts and innovative cultural venues are truly noteworthy.

With so much to explore in Vienna, here’s how to get started.

Begin your journey at Stephansdom

Majestic and Gothic, the iconic Stephansdom with its 136m (446ft) South Tower dominates the Innere Stadt. Entrance to the church is free, but to marvel at the intricate Gothic details in the central nave, a fee is required. An elevator takes you up to the 21-ton Pummerin bell in the North Tower, or you can conquer the 343 steps to the South Tower for stunning views of the colorful mosaic roof and the expansive cityscape. For a more reflective experience, explore the underground Catacombs, a resting place for those lost to the Plague.

Explore the imperial palace complex at the Hofburg

A testament to imperial grandeur, this 240,000-sq-m (2,583,338-sq-ft) castle complex was home to the Habsburgs' vast collection of art and artifacts. Your visit starts at the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, moving through a stunning series of 17 regal rooms, culminating in the frescoed and columned Prunksaal (State Hall of the Austrian National Library). The Austrian crown jewels shine in the Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, while the Weltmuseum features 250,000 anthropological treasures collected by inquisitive royals. Don’t miss the majestic Lipizzaner stallions performing their spectacular equestrian feats at the Spanish Riding School’s baroque winter arena. If you need a break, unwind in the fragrant Volksgarten or relax on the lawns of Burggarten.

Tip for planning: The Hofburg is located along the Ringstrasse, a magnificent avenue established after the city's fortifications were dismantled in 1850. A pleasant stroll or tram ride (lines 1 or 2) will showcase some of the city's architectural gems, including the neo-Renaissance Staatsoper, the Greek temple-inspired Austrian Parliament, the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall), and the Renaissance-style University of Vienna.

Discover a museum paradise

Adjacent to the Hofburg, on Maria-Theresien-Platz, lie two magnificent domed buildings that host the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Within their vast galleries, the collections span over seven millennia. Explore meteorites and minerals, ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as rare artistic treasures in the Kunstkammer (cabinet of curiosities) and world-renowned masterworks.

Directly across lies the MuseumsQuartier, an impressive cultural hub featuring around 11 exhibition spaces, formerly the imperial stables. Flanking the courtyard are two prominent institutions: the Leopold Museum, showcasing 8,300 works of Austrian modern art, and MUMOK, which houses bold, experimental, and avant-garde creations.

Detour: With over 100 museums, the city offers quirky, fascinating, and eccentric exhibits. Consider visiting the Funeral Museum at the Central Cemetery, places dedicated to everything from clowns to contraception, or even taking tours of the sewer system and the Spittelau waste-incineration plant.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace

As Vienna’s top attraction, the magnificent Schloss Schönbrunn deserves an early visit to experience its 45 luxurious Rococo state rooms, stunning ceremonial halls, and lavish private apartments that once housed Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph. After your tour, step into the Schlosspark, which features grand fountains, obelisks, and the hilltop triumphal arch Gloriette, commissioned by Maria Theresa. Founded in 1752 by her husband, Emperor Franz I Stephan von Lothringen, Schönbrunn also boasts the world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten.

Explore the art at Schloss Belvedere

After commissioning a new palace in 1723, the art enthusiast Prince Eugene of Savoy filled it with masterpieces. Fifty years later, Empress Maria Theresa transformed it into Vienna’s first public museum, the Imperial Picture Gallery. Three centuries later, Schloss Belvedere remains a baroque masterpiece, showcasing exceptional Austrian art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Among its highlights is Gustav Klimt’s renowned The Kiss, part of the largest collection of his artworks worldwide. At Lower Belvedere, you can explore the opulent home of the military prince, featuring marble galleries, frescoed ceilings, and gilded rooms. The free-access parterre and baroque gardens of Belvedere are said to be inspired by the gardens of the Château de Versailles.

Visit Prater Park

Once a royal hunting ground, Prater has transformed into a quintessential recreational area in Vienna, best known for the lively Würstelprater amusement park. With 200 attractions, it offers everything from family-friendly rides to thrilling adventures, including the iconic red Riesenrad (Ferris wheel). A newly established Prater museum showcases historical artifacts related to the fairground since its inception in 1766, while the Panorama Vienna exhibition celebrates the grandeur of the Vienna World Fair that took place here in 1873.

Experience Vienna’s coffee culture

Vienna’s charming cafes, adorned with bentwood chairs, wood paneling, and sparkling chandeliers, offer a unique atmosphere with suited waiters and live music. Here, you can savor a coffee while reading a newspaper and enjoying people-watching for hours. The city’s coffeehouse culture dates back to the late 1600s—so where can you find the best cup of this UNESCO intangible cultural heritage? Iconic spots include the art deco Prückel, the elegant Schwarzenberg, and the classic Landtmann, all along the Ringstrasse. For a mix of styles, try the opulent Café Central or the trendy Kaffee Alt Wien.

Local tip: New-generation coffee shops and specialty roasters are now integral to Vienna's coffee scene, alongside traditional cafes. Notable spots in the central districts include Balthasar Kaffee Bar, Kaffeemik, CoffeePirates, The Good Coffee Society, GOTA Coffee Experts, and Kaffeefabrik.

Enjoy a sip in the city’s urban vineyards

Surrounded by 700 hectares (1730 acres) of vineyards, Vienna is the only capital city in Europe where wine is cultivated within its boundaries. The scenic hillside villages in the 19th district, particularly Grinzing, are ideal for sampling the white grape grüner veltliner and experiencing the charming Heuriger (wine tavern) culture. If you can't venture to the vineyard-laden outskirts, visit 10er Marie, the oldest Heuriger in Vienna, established in 1740. Enjoy its rich history while sipping a glass or two in its delightful garden.

Local tip: On the final weekend of September, join the locals for Wiener Weinwandertag (Vienna Wine Hiking Day), a delightful stroll through the city's wineries and vineyards.

Wander through local outdoor markets

It's nearly impossible to find a district in Vienna that lacks a vibrant market filled with enticing food pavilions. These gatherings are sensory delights, offering samples to taste, aromas to enjoy, and the lively sounds of bargaining echoing around. The city's top bazaars include the bustling Naschmarkt in the 6th district, featuring 120 food stalls and a lively flea market on Saturdays; the diverse Brunnenmarkt in the 16th district with over 170 stalls representing global cultures; and the essential culinary hub of Karmelitermarkt in the 2nd district.

Local tip: Don't overlook the lesser-known markets, which are equally charming. Vorgartenmarkt in the 2nd district offers a relaxed vibe compared to the busier Karmelitermarkt, while Kutschkermarkt in the 18th district showcases a delightful farmers market with a selection of trendy vendors.

Take a hike in the scenic hills of Vienna

For those looking to explore more than Vienna’s well-kept parks and gardens, consider one of the 12 marked Stadtwanderweg (city hiking trails) that weave through the Vienna Woods surrounding the city.

Planning tip: Trail 1 leads you through vineyards to the stunning Kahlenberg viewpoint, nearly 500 meters (1640 feet) high, while Trail 9 takes you deeper into the expansive Prater Park.

Unwind by the Danube waterfront

During the summer months, when not enjoying the breathtaking Alpine lakes, locals can be found lounging at riverside spots and sandy banks along the picturesque Danube. Thanks to centuries of engineering, the river offers various local experiences. Enjoy a picnic along the promenade, relax at a bar by the street-art-covered Danube Canal (Donaukanal), find a spot on the shores of the Old Danube (Alte Donau) for swimming, or visit the New Danube (Neue Donau) to enjoy cocktails at the pop-up bar Copa Beach and dance to tunes at Vienna City Beach Club.

Local tip: For a great time along the Danube Canal, check out the boat bar Motto am Fluss and the urban beach bar and silent-disco venue Strandbar Herrman for top-notch experiences.

Experience the thrill of sliding down Austria's tallest building

Standing at 252 meters (827 feet), the Danube Tower (Donauturm) has been a prominent feature of the Vienna skyline for 60 years. Beyond its panoramic viewing platform and restaurant, the tower now offers an exhilarating experience: a slide from a height of 165 meters (541 feet) to the viewing deck, making it Europe's highest slide.