Explore these unique activities exclusive to Vienna:
Livin' it up in Vienna:
Vienna, a city you'll adore, tempts wanderers with ruins, relics, museums brimming with masterpieces, and palaces that'll leave your eyes popped. It's more than just a safe haven for the Habsburgs; it's a place where contemporary culture thrills and parks beckon for relaxation.
Let's get started on our city adventure!
1. Stephansdom:
Richly gothic, Stephansdom boasts a South Tower that dominates the city skyline. The cathedral is admission-free, but a small fee gives you access to art wonders in the cathedral museum and the Pummerin bell. Brave the 343 steps to ascend the South Tower and embrace stunning panoramas. Peer into the subterranean Catacombs, a chilling reminder of the city's Plague-stricken past.
2. Imperial Complex at Hofburg:
Ruler's heaven! This imperial castle complex is home to the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and the Prunksaal. Visit the Kaiserliche Schatzkammer to marvel at the Austrian crown jewels. Be awestruck by the Worldmuseum amassed by enquiring minds of old. Don't forget to witness the graceful Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School.
3. Wonders of Vienna's Museums:
Two enchanting institutions fill Maria-Theresien-Platz: the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Spanning seven millennia, you'll find meteorites, mummies, ancient artifacts, unparalleled paintings, and curiosities galore in these treasure troves. The MuseumsQuartier district showcases 11 exhibition spaces, ranging from the Leopold Museum and MUMOK to eccentric museums celebrating clowns and contraception.
4. Taste Vienna’s Legendary Coffee Culture:
Vienna's celebrated coffeehouses have been a crucial element of the city's culture for centuries. Dressed in opulent traditional interiors, these establishments offer the ideal setting for sipping coffee, reading a newspaper, and people-watching. Test your tastes at Prückel, Schwarzenberg, and Landtmann, all with a classic vibe built to impress.
5. Danube Tower and the Highest Slide in Europe:
Austria's tallest structure, the Danube Tower offers breathtaking city panoramas from its panoramic viewing platform and restaurant. Europe's highest slide crowns the viewing deck, and visitors can glide down 165 meters at high speed, courtesy of the creator of Tate Modern's Turbine Hall slide, Carsten Höller.
6. Chill on the Danube Waterfront:
The beautiful Danube redefines Vienna’s summer chill. Lounge on promenades and sandy banks, or quench your thirst in riverside bars like Copa Beach and Vienna City Beach Club. Beat the heat at Vereinsbad podium, Vienna's only swimming pool located on a bridge.
7. Schönbrunn Palace:
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schönbrunn Palace is the city's most frequented attraction. 45 opulent Rococo rooms, grand halls, and private apartments bore witness to Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph's reign. Linger in the palace's gardens, complete with manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and the hilltop Gloriette triumphal arch.
8. Step out in Prater Park:
A historical hunting ground turned recreational space, the Prater boasts thrilling rides, adrenaline-pumping attractions, and the iconic red Riesenrad Ferris wheel. Explore the Prater Museum and the subterranean Panorama Vienna exhibition, which recalls the grandeur of the Vienna World Fair of 1873.
9. Wine Tasting in Urban Vineyards:
Vienna, the European city with vineyards in its bounds, invites you to savor local wines in cozy Heuriger wine taverns, like 10er Marie, dating back to 1740.
10. Locashop at Outdoor Markets:
Bazaars pulsate at the heart of each district, offering samples, aromas, and lively bargaining. The most famous bazaars are Naschmarkt, Brunnenmarkt, and Karmelitermarkt. Discover treasures in lesser-known markets like Vorgartenmarkt and Kutschkermarkt.
11. Schloss Belvedere:
Founded by Prince Eugen of Savoy, Schloss Belvedere showcases masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present day. Inspired by the Château de Versailles gardens, the free-to-enter parterre transports you into a magical green oasis.
- During my city adventure in Vienna, I might stumble upon an unusual exhibit at Kutschkermarkt, one of the bustling outdoor markets in the city.
- As I explore the MuseumsQuartier district, I may find myself exploring museums dedicated to clowns and contraception, reflecting the city's quirky and diverse nature.
- After a day visiting historical sites like Schönbrunn Palace and imperial complexes, I could relax at Pruckel, a traditional Viennese coffeehouse known for its lavish interiors and famous coffee culture.
- For a unique travel experience, I plan to ascend the Danube Tower and try Europe's highest slide, followed by a evening spent sipping local wine at a Heuriger vineyard like 10er Marie, located within the city limits.
