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The capital of Austria, Vienna is a spectacular city. Rich with history, the story of its formation and many reformations, as well as the events of the past several thousand years are remarkable. With half of the city covered in green, Vienna is home to some of the world’s most beautiful parks. The climate is moderate, with a weather pattern similar to that of New York. The Danube River winds itself through the city, creating at one point a small island, which holds Vienna’s principal park, the Viennese Prater. Locals take great pride in the fact that their city was once home to music greats like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. The history is so well preserved through imperial palaces, magnificent museums, abundant and lush parks, and historical monuments, that it’s hard to believe the modern-day culture is one of the most dynamic urban spaces in all of Europe.

Vienna Pictures

Things to do in Vienna

Vienna is a traveler’s paradise. Within the city limits, you can find everything from the world’s oldest zoo (founded in 1752) to some of the most stunning parks, impressive monuments, and unique museums in the world. The likelihood of visiting each and every famous historical site in Vienna during just one trip is pretty slim, but the best part about that is you’ll have no trouble finding something to do the entire time you’re there. On nice days, it’s a treat to stroll the city streets. Vienna was once enclosed by a high wall all around the city, but in 1857 the wall was removed, and in its place the Ringstrasse was installed. Now you can walk around the periphery of the city, passing by sites like the Rathaus (the town hall), the Burgtheater, the University, The Parliament, and the State Opera House. On days when it may not be as nice, you can take a trip to any number of museums, from the famous gallery Belvedere, to the Sissi Museum and Silver Chamber, and also the Kunsthistorische (art history) Museum.

Nightlife in Vienna

Vienna is beauty by day, luxury by night. Just steps from the busy day-time parks, visitors will find courtyards brimming with locals, casually enjoying a drink and easy conversation. Nearby restaurants are full of those seeking a more up-beat and quick paced evening, enjoying local food and wine. Museum cafés turn into nightly hot-spots, pulsing with music, activity, and conversation.

Dining in Vienna

Vienna has been touted as a “gourmet heaven,” which seems a reasonable claim given its culinary roots. With influences from the Germans, Polish, Czechs, Slovenians, Hungarians, Italians, and many more, Viennese cuisine offers a diverse set of tastes and treats. Most important to mention is the Wiener Schnitzel (veal escalope), which originated in Vienna, and is an international favorite.

In Vienna, meals start early in the morning, and snacks are plentiful. A classic Viennese lunch or dinner has three courses, with a soup, a pastry or noodle dish, and a meat dish. Some of the more popular Viennese classics include Tafelspitz (boiled beef) gulasch, Rostbraten (braised beef) or Beinfleisch (leg). Vienna is also world-famous for a wide array of cakes and pastries, including favorites like Dobostorte, Indiane, Malakofftorte, Linzertorte, and the greatest of all, the Schertorte. There are many fantastic restaurants to visit while in Vienna where you can get a taste (or two) of the delicious local cuisine.

Shopping in Vienna

Shopping in Vienna is the embodiment of fancy European shopping. It is all about high-style, and will likely prove one of the most unique shopping excursions you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing. With an array of specialty shops and boutiques, the city’s principal shopping mile, Mariahilfer Strasse, is a sight to behold. The core of Vienna’s shopping is situated within the ringstrasse, and consists only of local boutiques. Most stores are within comfortable walking distance of each other, so it is easy to get around, and the calories burned during your store-to-store browsing might make you feel slightly less guilty about stopping into one of many confectioneries. Vienna is known for them, and a trip there wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one. Some of the most acclaimed include Grand Cacao, Xoclat, Schokoladekönig, and Sacher Confiserie.

Vienna Travel Tips

• If you have time, take a trip to the Spanish Riding School. Founded in 1572, it holds some of Vienna’s most poignant cultural history, and the Lipizzaner horses you will find here are world famous for their stunning acrobatic displays.
• The ideal times to visit Vienna are during the spring and fall, when the weather is milder. However, if you’re a winter person, the winter months are crisp and clear, with abundant sunshine.
• The Imperial Apartments are a long wing of 21 open-to-the-public rooms in the palace, adorned with all sorts of treasures collected through the centuries by the Habsburg family. Definitely a great spot to check out if you’ve got the time while visiting Vienna!