The capital of Austria, the city of Vienna, is the largest city in this European state. She is known for her classical music, as well as for the names of the composers who created it. This amazing city attracts with its centuries-old traditions, pretentious architecture, as well as small but very cozy coffee houses that offer their guests real Austrian strudel and world-famous cakes.
That is exactly what most people living on our planet imagine Vienna. Nevertheless, it is impossible to describe this magnificent and beautiful city in two words. The one who comes here, the capital of Austria impresses with its mystery and depth. Vienna attracts travelers with a variety of attractions. Most of them were erected in ancient times and are perfectly preserved to this day. All this gives the city a special charm and charm, making it unique.
Travelers who prefer to get acquainted with the history of the cities they visit should stay longer in the Austrian capital. The fact is that there are about eighty museums in each of which you can find exhibits of interesting exhibits. The city will also appeal to architecture lovers. There are a lot of interesting places. What is a must-see in Vienna for the first-time visitor to the city?
Study tour
Often, tourists traveling in Europe try to visit as many cities as possible in one round. That is why they come to Vienna for just one day. In this case, you should develop a route in advance and decide on the main attractions that are worth exploring in this wonderful city.
Most of all, travelers tend to get to the First District. It is also called the Old Town. This is a place of concentration of the main attractions of Vienna, which is taken under the protection of UNESCO. In the 19th century around the area built Ringstrasse. This is a ring street, which will also be interesting for travelers.
What to visit in Vienna in 1 day? Those who are in this city for the first time are advised to take a sightseeing tram ride. On his route that runs along the Ringstrasse, he leaves exactly on schedule. There are 13 sights along its route. Passing on this tram, you can inspect the streets of the city and navigate before walking. This will help make a multimedia device. It is installed directly in the tram and allows passengers of this unusual transport to find out all about the places that are visible from the window.
Stefanplatz
Among the most interesting and significant places to visit in Vienna, it is worth mentioning the square, which is the historical center of the city. It is from here that it is recommended to start an independent walking tour to explore the sights of Vienna.
Stefanplatz, or St. Stephen's Square, is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in the Austrian capital. In its center is the eponymous cathedral. Closely connected to this square is Stock-im-Ivan-Platz. Here stands the building of UniCredit Bank, which makes a rather striking impression with its architecture, as well as the Haas house, made in the post-modern style.
From the Stefanplatz square, you can see the contours of the Virgil chapel located here in the old days, which are indicated by mosaic tiles. Once there was the grave of the Krannest dynasty.
Passing to the southwestern part of the Stefanplatz square, you can see Kertner Strasse. In the western direction is located. Graben, and in the north - Rogenturmshtrasse. Each of them is a unique ensemble of buildings erected in various architectural styles, from Baroque to modern. Here the most important routes converge along the historical part of the Austrian capital. That is why Stefanplatz is a popular meeting place. And you can sit and enjoy the minutes of relaxation in one of the many street cafes.
The central square of Vienna also serves as the largest parking lot for cab drivers. A short sightseeing trip to the fiacre (the so-called open cart, which is harnessed by a pair of horses in Austria) can be completed in 20 minutes by driving around the Old Town.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
What is a must visit in Vienna? On Stefanplatz square, the tourist is given the opportunity to explore the symbol of the city and one of the main attractions of the whole country. This is the church of St. Stephen. It is located on the site of the old cathedral, built in 1137-1147. The construction of this religious building was carried out in the 13-15th centuries.
To date, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Gothic temples in Europe. Residents of Vienna consider him the soul of the city. The south tower of the cathedral reaches a height of 137 m and is the third tallest in Central Europe. The crowns affectionately call her Steffi.
The temple is named after the first Christian saint. Stephen was a Jerusalem martyr who was stoned to death for faith. That is why the cathedral is considered a symbol of resilience.
The tourists will be interested in the unique stained-glass windows and crucifixes, sculptural compositions located in the temple, as well as the bishop's chair. In addition, there are catacombs with burials of the remains of Austrian emperors.
Museum of the Cathedral and Diocese
What to visit in Vienna? On the same Stefanplatz square, not far from the church of St. Stephen, is the Archbishop's Palace. This is the Museum of the Cathedral and the Diocese. It is a repository of a large number of medieval relics, which include a portrait of Rudolph IV. This work of art, written in 1365, is a masterpiece of world significance.
Among the exhibits of the museum are objects of religious art that have been created over more than one century. Among these exhibits there is also a collection of Otto Mauer - the theologian and philanthropist, who has collected a collection of almost 3,000 works.
Mozart's House
What museums to visit in Vienna? Rounding the Stefanplatz square on the left, you can go out onto Domgasse street. Here, in house number 5, painted yellow, the great Mozart lived and worked for several years. On three of the four floors of this building, covering an area of 1000 square meters. m, a real museum is organized. Restorers tried to do everything possible so that the appearance that he had at the end of the 18th century returned to the house.
This museum offers very original excursions. Tourists are given the opportunity to see a large number of multimedia fragments, allowing you to recreate the atmosphere of those years when the sound of live music was heard in the house. Among the museum's expositions are sculptures and paintings, photos and videos about the famous composer and about the places where he lived and worked.
Graben and Colmark
What to visit in Vienna? Crossing from Stafanplatz square to Stock im Eisen, it is recommended to turn onto Graben street. In addition to numerous restaurants, shops and fountains, you can admire the 17th-century monument. It has an awesome name - Plague Column.
Similar structures were erected in many cities in Europe. They were lavishly decorated columns, on top of which was a statue of the Virgin Mary. Such monuments served as thanks to the gods for pacifying epidemics of plague and other diseases.
Such a column was built in Vienna. It is a terrible reminder of the plague epidemic, which in 1679 claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.
The grand opening of this monument took place in 1693. It is a column decorated with statues of saints and angels. A granite letter is placed in its center, on which a text is carved containing the words of gratitude of those crowns who survived the plague epidemic. Many of the elements of this column are coated with a layer of pure gold.
Walking a little further from this place, tourists should turn onto Kolmarkt Street. In the Middle Ages, there was a coal and firewood market. Today, the street is a cluster of expensive Vienna shops.
Hofburg
What to visit in Vienna? While in the Austrian capital, you must definitely visit the former imperial residence of Hofburg. It is located on Michaellerplatz square, which can be reached by Kolmarkt Street.
The imperial residence personifies all the milestones in the history of Austria. On its territory there are 19 palaces. They were erected at different times. About two dozen other buildings and structures are part of the complex. Hofburg is surrounded by two beautiful parks. These are Volkogarten and Burggarten.
Approaching the palace complex from the side of Michaellerplatz square, you can see the magnificent empire facade of the building, which creates the first very vivid impression of Hofburg.
Having passed into its territory, you can visit the Swiss courtyard. In the 13th century this place was a medieval castle. It belonged to the kings of Austria, who ruled the country before the advent of the Habsburg dynasty. Today, from this building there is only one castle chapel.
During the reign of the Habsburgs, the Hofburg was constantly reconstructed and expanded. All the buildings of the complex acquired their present look only after 1913.
The pearl of the residence is considered a treasury. It contains all the symbols of power, including crowns and wands, imperial robes belonging to the rulers of the Roman Empire, as well as Austria-Hungary. You can see in the treasury cult and household items that were used by members of the dynasty monarch. The holy artifact of all Christians is also stored here - the Necklace of Fate.
There is also a palace library in the Hofburg. Built on the orders of Charles IV. Today in this building is the national library of Austria.
Maria Theresa Square
What to visit in Vienna? Leaving Hofburg and crossing the road, tourists get to Maria Theresa Square. It is surrounded by two buildings in which the largest museums in the city are located - the history of art and natural history. In the center of this square is a monument to Maria Theresa herself. It is the largest of those installed in Vienna by the Habsburgs.
The area is intended for pedestrians and is considered one of the most popular places for visiting tourists in the Austrian capital. It is decorated with four lawns, in the center of which are the fountains of Nyad and Triton. The period of their construction - 1887-1890.
City Hall
What is a must visit in Vienna? Walking north from Maria Theresa Square, you can see a huge building with a high tower and lancet windows. This is the city hall, in which all the city power of Vienna is concentrated. The office of the burgomaster, the municipality, and the local parliament also sit in this building. The Town Hall was built after a competition was announced in 1868 to create a new building project designed to house the city authorities. The German architect Frederick von Schittt won it.
The facade of this building is decorated with five towers. At the top of the main one is the iron figure of the keeper of the city's privileges of freedom - an armed man in arms holding a banner. At his feet is an observation deck, which you can climb along, passing through 256 steps. Inside there are 1575 rooms, most of which are represented by workrooms.
On the territory of the Town Hall, vernissages, exhibitions and concerts are arranged annually. Balls are held in the People's and Parade Halls, and music festivals are held in the courtyards.
Not far from the Town Hall is a small English park. Tourists who came to the city in winter can visit the largest fair working here during this period and ride on an ice rink.
Gazebo
What to visit in Vienna in 2 days? After touring the Old Town, it is recommended to go to the palace complex called Belvedere. It is located on a hill from which you can see the panorama of the Austrian capital and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
The Belvedere is a chic complex of buildings that were built at the expense of the outstanding commander Eugene of Savoy. Today it is one of the most popular and famous tourist attractions of Vienna. Its prototype was Versailles.
The Belvedere includes two palaces - Lower and Upper. Both of them are within walking distance from each other and are separated by a park, broken by the famous Bavarian designer Dominic Gerard in those years. This territory, which houses cascades of fountains, flower beds, intricately trimmed shrubs, magical landscapes, gardens and unique sculptures. Today in these palaces are museums, as well as the Austrian gallery.
While in Vienna, you should definitely visit the Belvedere and touch its beauty. After all, the most outstanding artists and architects worked at the time on the construction of this palace complex.
Museum Quarter
What is worth visiting in Vienna yet? While in the Austrian capital, it is recommended to explore the cultural quarter, which is located opposite the Hofburg. Previously, the imperial stables were located here, and now their buildings are occupied by museums and antique shops.
One of the main attractions of the quarter is the Kunsthalle Exhibition Hall. Also popular with tourists are the Zoom Children's Museum, the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Various exhibitions, fashion shows and art performances are constantly held here.
Schönbrunn
What to visit in Vienna in 3 days? After exploring the Old Town and museums, you should go to Schönbrunn. This is a luxurious summer imperial residence. It is represented by a huge territory, the inspection of which must be allocated at least four hours.
Tourists can get acquainted with the palace. Forty rooms are open for visiting. You can see the greenhouse, palm house and pavilion.
What to visit in Vienna for free? A wonderful pastime will be a walk in Schönbrunn Park. The study of only one of its territory can be spent all day. There is no money to pay for visiting the park. You will have to purchase a ticket only for visiting some places, for example, a maze of hedges.
Zoo
What to visit in Vienna with a child? While in Schönbrunn, you can go to the best zoo in Europe, which was opened in 1752. Today, there are 4.5 thousand birds and animals. There are rare species among them.
It is very interesting to come to the zoo in the summer when animals appear in the cubs.
Augustinian Church
What is worth visiting in Vienna? On the Josefplatz square is the Augustinian Church. It was built by the Duke of Austria, Frederick. For three years he was imprisoned in the castle of Trauznits. There he watched the Augustinian hermits and was impressed with their life. After returning in 1327, Frederick founded a church and a monastery for this order.
Today this place is one of the attractions of the capital of Austria.
A visit to the Augustine monastery in Vienna and the church is a must. There is something to see here. Among its structures are the chapels of Loretto and St. George. The grave of hearts is also located here. It is the place where fifty-four hearts of the emperors of the Habsburg dynasty, as well as their relatives, are still kept in silver urns.
Free visits
Where in Vienna you do not need to purchase tickets? On the first Sunday of every month, some museums in the city are open for free. Every Tuesday from 18 to 22 hours without a ticket you can go to the Museum of Applied Arts. What to visit in Vienna for free? Admission to the Ostlicht photo gallery is always free.
Every year, at the end of June, everyone can attend a free concert organized by the Vienna Philharmonic.
Suburbs of Vienna
Of course, the capital of Austria is a very interesting and beautiful city. However, sometimes tourists have a desire to escape from endless museums and see another country - measured and sedate, which can surprise anyone with its rich nature.
Which cities to visit near Vienna? Among them:
- Krems an der Donau. This is a small town with a population of only 24 thousand people. In this village, ancient streets, churches, abbeys and other historical sights are perfectly preserved.
- Puchberg am Schneber. Only 2 thousand people live in it. It is surrounded by mountains and green meadows. In winter, this place attracts skiers, and in summer, tourists are happy to climb the hiking paths that go up.
- Eisenstadt. This small picturesque town has a rich history.In addition, he is the birthplace of Haydn. There you can see the castle of Esterhazy, which was built in the 13th century.
- Baden This is another tiny town located near the Vienna Woods. Baden is a resort known worldwide for its high sulfur thermal springs.
Gastronomic routes
The capital of Austria can amaze anyone with its famous cafes that used to visit Freud, Bismarck, Strauss and Mozart, restaurants, as well as generous and noisy pubs. There are absolutely incredible coffee houses in the city. Some of them are located at an altitude of 160 m. Their visitors are given the opportunity to have a good time while admiring the panorama of the city.
Among Vienna's restaurants worth visiting are the Rote Bar. He works at the Sacher hotel at the Vienna Opera and is a kind of visiting card of the Austrian capital. Guests of this establishment can always count on a chic evening. The dishes in this restaurant are mostly classic. However, the main emphasis is on those that relate to Austrian cuisine. The Rote Bar welcomes its guests in a room with a stunning imperial interior and offers them live piano music.
Among the restaurants worth visiting in Vienna is Steirereck. This is the most fashionable establishment of this type in the capital of Austria. In addition, Steirereck is a real cult landmark in the city. This place is in tenth place in the world ranking of the fifty best restaurants. It serves modern Austrian cuisine, local wines, a refined atmosphere, stylish interiors and royal service.