Vienna, a city of wonders and secrets, where history and culture blend seamlessly together like the flavors of a fine Viennese pastry. There's a reason this city is renowned and visited by throngs of culture seeking tourists every year. You just have to go at least once. Better twice. Ideally more.
The reality is you can't do everything during your trip but if you want a great trip, my approach is to understand the main reasons to visit Vienna and then make sure you do a couple things that let you dive into each of those reasons. Below are for me the reasons that make Vienna a great place to visit, and I also share my top picks for what to do for each of them. I'm excited for you - you're going to have a GREAT trip.
Note: Where relevant you'll find I link to a site I use to book experiences. I do this because the site (GetYourGuide) lets you book in advance with free cancellation and the prices are almost always the same anyway. You can avoid missing out on experiences that tend to get booked out, but cancel closer to date.
What are the main reasons I should visit Vienna?
The Music: Vienna is known as the "City of Music," where some of the world's most famous classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert once lived and worked. Visit the State Opera House, attend a concert at Musikverein, or stroll through the streets where the sweet sound of classical music fills the air.
The Architecture: Vienna is a city that celebrates its architectural heritage with beautiful buildings, palaces, and churches. The iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral dominates the skyline, while the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and Belvedere Palace all showcase different styles and eras of Viennese architecture.
The Art: Vienna is a city that has been shaped by art and artists for centuries. Explore the works of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele at the Belvedere Museum or the Albertina Museum. Discover the Viennese Secession movement at the Secession Building or immerse yourself in contemporary art at the MuseumsQuartier.
The Food: Vienna is a city that has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Savor the flavors of traditional Austrian cuisine or try something new at one of the city's many restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors.
The Coffee Culture: Vienna is a city that has a long-standing coffeehouse tradition, where coffee and conversation are both art forms. Experience the unique atmosphere of a Viennese coffeehouse, where locals and visitors alike gather to chat, read, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
What should I do in Vienna for the music scene?
There are tons of performances you can enjoy in Vienna, as well as attractions. Here are the best ones to consider, which offer a good range of prices as well for your budget.
Karlskirche Classical Performance: I've written about this one before - an incredible experience that blew me away. Beautiful venue, ornate and so perfect for the Vivaldi pieces that were played for us that evening. An absolute must do. The images below are exactly what I experiences and it was magnificent. The duration is perfect - 1.5 hours.
I booked it on GetYourGuide. You have to book in advance - this experience fills up. You can check availability here.
Vienna State Opera Tour: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vienna State Opera, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Learn about the history and architecture of the building, see the stage and orchestra pit up close, and hear stories about the famous performances that have taken place there. Read more here.
Vienna Mozart Concert at the Musikverein: Experience the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the city where he spent much of his life. Attend a concert featuring the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the historic Musikverein, one of the finest concert halls in the world.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Concert: Enjoy a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Hear the works of famous Viennese composers like Strauss and Mahler, conducted by some of the world's top conductors.
Haus der Musik Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to the history and science of music. Learn about the famous composers who lived and worked in Vienna, experiment with musical instruments, and even conduct a virtual orchestra.
Vienna Boys' Choir Concert: Experience the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys' Choir, one of the oldest and most famous choirs in the world. Attend a concert at the Augartenpalais, the choir's home base, and hear them sing a variety of classical and contemporary pieces.
What should I do in Vienna for the architecture scene?
It's not hard to find ways to enjoy the architecure in Vienna. You can just walk around, but I recommend you take a tour to really appreciate it. Here are a couple options I found which can dive into the heart of it:
Two Hour Walking Tour in Central Vienna: This is an obvious choice, and was mine as well. A quick two hour tour to start the trip which helps you learn about the city, get the best highlights and feel introduced. You can ask the guide questions and really just get a good start to your trip. The architecture you see along the way is wonderful and the explanations behind the symbols are really interesting. I booked it here.
Vienna Ring Tram Tour: Hop on the Vienna Ring Tram and take a journey around the city's famous Ringstrasse. Let the tram's gentle pace and the city's grand architecture wash over you as you discover Vienna's most famous landmarks.
Schönbrunn Palace: A must do. Be swept away by the ornate Baroque architecture of Schönbrunn Palace, where the opulent halls and splendid gardens are reminiscent of a bygone era. Walk in the footsteps of royalty and discover the stories that the walls hold. You can check availability here.
Belvedere Palace: It's basically the first thing you read about when researching Vienna and that's with good reason. Step back in time with a guided tour of the Belvedere Palace, where the breathtaking Baroque architecture will leave you in awe. As you explore the palace's grand interior and serene gardens, let yourself be transported to a world of elegance and refinement.
Hundertwasserhaus Guided Tour: Visit the Hundertwasserhaus, a unique apartment building that defies conventional architectural principles. Let the eccentric designs of Friedensreich Hundertwasser take you on a whimsical journey, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and imagination knows no bounds.
What should I do in Vienna for the art scene?
Vienna's thriving art scene, where creativity and inspiration collide. It's no surprise in such a beautiful city and country.
Kunsthistorisches Museum Tour: Step into the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a magnificent palace that houses one of the world's greatest art collections. Discover masterpieces from famous artists like Bruegel, Rubens, and Titian, and let the museum's ornate interior transport you back in time.
Albertina Museum Tour: Explore the Albertina Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Get lost in the vibrant colors and daring forms of works by famous artists like Picasso, Monet, and Klimt.
Leopold Museum Tour: Visit the Leopold Museum, which showcases the largest collection of Austrian art in the world. Discover the works of famous Viennese artists like Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, and see how they shaped the art world.
Belvedere Palace Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Belvedere Palace, where you can see a vast collection of Austrian art, including the famous "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. Let the palace's magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens transport you to a world of beauty and wonder.
Vienna Street Art Tour: Immerse yourself in Vienna's vibrant street art scene with a guided tour that showcases the city's most colorful and daring murals. Discover hidden alleyways and secret corners where creativity knows no bounds, and let yourself be inspired by the city's underground art scene.
What should I do in Vienna for the food scene?
There's no way to visit a destination without trying the local food scene. You can head into local places and you can also jump into a few experiences if you want to get a little deeper or have a guide explain some of it to you. Here are a couple optionsL
Low Cost Options
Würstelstand Leo: This small street food stall is located near St. Stephen's Cathedral and is famous for its traditional Viennese sausages. It's a great place to grab a quick and inexpensive meal while exploring the city.
Gasthaus Pöschl: This cozy restaurant serves hearty Viennese classics like schnitzel, goulash, and dumplings. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
Figlmüller Bäckerstraße: This restaurant is famous for its Wiener Schnitzel, which is made from veal and served with potato salad. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large, making it a great option for a filling and satisfying meal.
Med - High Cost Options
Steirereck im Stadtpark: This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of Vienna's most renowned dining destinations. The menu features modern interpretations of classic Viennese dishes, using the finest local and seasonal ingredients.
Zum Schwarzen Kameel: This historic restaurant has been serving Viennese cuisine since the 17th century. The menu features traditional dishes like Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and Wiener Schnitzel, as well as an extensive selection of Austrian wines.
Plachutta: This restaurant is famous for its Tafelspitz, which is boiled beef served with horseradish sauce and apple-horseradish sauce. The menu also includes other traditional Viennese dishes, like goulash and roast pork, and the wine list features some of Austria's best wines.
Additional Food Experiences
Vienna Food Tour: Join a walking food tour that will take you to some of the city's best culinary hotspots, from traditional Viennese cafes to hidden gems that only the locals know about. Taste delicious dishes and drinks, and learn about the city's culinary traditions and history.
Viennese Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine with a hands-on cooking class that will teach you how to make traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. Learn from a local chef and discover the secrets of Viennese cooking.
Wine Tasting in Vienna: Sip on delicious Austrian wines in a traditional Heuriger wine tavern, where you can enjoy stunning views of the vineyards while tasting local specialties. Learn about Austrian wine-making traditions and let the wine transport you to new worlds of flavor.
Naschmarkt Food Tour: Explore Vienna's largest outdoor market, the Naschmarkt, on a food tour that will take you on a culinary journey around the world. Taste delicious treats from different cultures and discover the market's history and traditions.
Coffee and Cake Tour: Treat yourself to Vienna's famous coffee and cake culture with a tour that will take you to some of the city's best coffeehouses and patisseries. Savor delicious cakes and pastries, and learn about the city's coffeehouse culture, which has been an important part of Vienna's social fabric for centuries.
What should I do in Vienna for the coffee culture scene?
You should check out the local coffeeshops, and you can consider doing some coffee related tours or experiences too. Fortunately.. there are a lot of great coffeeshops to choose from.
Café Central: This iconic coffeehouse is located in a beautiful historic building and is known for its grand architecture and elegant atmosphere. Customers rave about the coffee and the selection of traditional Viennese pastries.
Café Sacher: Famous for its Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake that is a Viennese specialty, Café Sacher is a must-visit for coffee and cake lovers. The coffeehouse has a cozy and elegant atmosphere and is located in the heart of Vienna.
Café Demel: This coffeehouse has been around since the 18th century and is known for its delicious cakes and pastries. Customers love the historic atmosphere and the opportunity to watch the pastry chefs at work in the open kitchen.
Café Hawelka: This coffeehouse has a cozy and rustic atmosphere and is a favorite among locals. Customers rave about the coffee and the homemade pastries, especially the Buchteln, a sweet and fluffy pastry filled with jam.
Café Mozart: Located near the famous Vienna State Opera, Café Mozart is known for its excellent coffee and delicious pastries. Customers love the elegant atmosphere and the live piano music that is played throughout the day.
If you're a coffee lover and looking to go deeper, there are some experiences you can check out as well. I haven't done all of these myself, but combined with my research here's a good list:
Vienna Coffeehouse Tour: Join a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most historic and famous coffeehouses, like Café Central, Café Sacher, and Café Hawelka. Learn about the history of Viennese coffeehouse culture and taste delicious coffee and pastries.
Coffee Museum Visit: Discover the history of coffee and its importance in Viennese culture with a visit to the Vienna Coffee Museum. See antique coffee-making equipment and learn about the history of coffeehouses in Vienna.
Coffee Roasting Workshop: Discover the art of coffee roasting with a workshop that will teach you how to roast your own beans and brew the perfect cup of coffee. Learn about different roasting techniques and taste the delicious results.
Enjoy Vienna!
If you're looking for more inspiration, you can check these and more experiences out on GetYourGuide here. They're a good platform for real reviews and online booking with free cancellation.