If you like art, histtory and culture, this is the city for you. Moreover, the Austrian capital is considered one of the most comfortable cities to live in.
There are so many attractions and things to do in VIenna but what is the allure and why do so many foreigners love to travel here?
Austria is a very peaceful country with a distinctive culture and interesting history. And Austria's capital, Vienna, is one of the biggest cities in Europe with so many places of interest, museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Local people are also very hospitable.
Not sure if Vienna is the destination for you? Or keen to plan a city break? Check out our guide where will will highlight some of Vienna's spectacular sights that you shouldn't miss.
Flights to Vienna and Getting from the Airport
Getting to Vienna is easy, several low cost budget airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways, Austrian and Air France offer direct flights into Vienna International Airport from UK/European destinations and prices are affordable especially when booking in advance.
Most tourists arrive by plane into Vienna International Airport and it's crucial for travelers to familiarize yourself before with the complete details about Vienna airport. Knowing the airport layout, facilities, and transportation options can streamline the arrival process.
Before you arrive check accessing information on baggage claim procedures, customs regulations, and any visa requirements can ensure a smoother transition from flight to destination. Thus, being well-informed about airports in advance allows you to anticipate any potential challenges and make necessary arrangements, contributing to a stress-free and enjoyable journey.
It is very convenient to get to the city centre by airport transfer. To make your trip as comfortable as possible you can take a Vienna airport taxi service which is quick and reliable. Other options include the City Airport Train (CAT), the ÖBB Railjet (Austrian Federal Railway), Express train S7 or there are also bus connections.
Vienna's Best Attractions
Now, let's begin our journey through Vienna's unmissable attractions!
1. Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is one of the most visited places by tourist coming to Vienna. This palace complex was created over many centuries and is an architectural gem.
It was the previous seat of the Habsburg dynasty and was later used by the Austro-Hungarian rulers of the time. If you are a true lover of history and culture - you need to come here.
2. City Hall
The last place on our list is a very majestic building in neo-gothic style. Be sure to rent AtoB airport transfer and visit this atmospheric place. The top of the tower has a standard bearer in armor (from the time of Maximilian I). And if you go inside you'll see the unrealistically beautiful hall of town hall, decorated with sculptures of famous Viennese. You can also attend a concert or a ball, which is often held there.
3. Gallery of Street Art
Vienna is an art treasure trove and if you are looking for a unique place to see check out the Gallery of Street Art? There are thousands of immortal works by international artists but besides the classics (which we are used to seeing) - you can also see avant-garde urban graphics, which should surprise you.
4. Zoo Linz
Walking around the city is great, but to diversify your journey, you might want to take a trip to the outskirts of the city to the Linzer Tiergarten Zoo.
This is a large nature reserve (1945 hectares) that is now home to a diverse range of animals. What makes it even more special is that most of the trees are about 400 years old and the setting is a great escape from the city centre.
5. Museums
Vienna is a city with a lot of museums for every taste.
One of the most off-beat places to check out is a tobacco museum. It is also convenient to take Vienna airport transfer there. It's important to note that this is the oldest and largest tobacco museum in the world (dating back to 1873).
You'll find all kinds of pipes, unique lighters and cigarettes, and the last remaining piece of tobacco and cigar vending machine in the world. It might seem that only smokers would be interested in this place; however, that is not the case. It is for everyone because it is, above all, a historical exhibition.
6. Strudlichstieghe
Strudlichstieghe is a treasure trove of Viennese architecture in the Art Nouveau style. It's located in the Alsergrund and the staircase connects Liechtensteinstraße with Strudlhofgasse.
It is made of Mannersdorf limestone, decorated with a bloody banister and small white bollards with elegant lanterns. It is just a beautiful and atmospheric place that is impossible not to visit while in Vienna.
7. St. Stephen's Square and Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral is an incredibly beautiful structure that dates back to the 12th century. It is a true symbol of Vienna and Austria in general.
Everywhere you go, if you come across a booklet, there will be a picture of this cathedral. 72 members of the Habsburg dynasty are buried here, as well as some earlier Austrian rulers.
Once inside, you'll see relics of St Valentine and a few other interesting things (let it be a secret). It will be an incredible experience. Be sure to listen to the ringing of the bells.
8. Vienna University
The University of Vienna is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and is very interesting to look at if you have an interest in architecture. As many as 9 Nobel laureates have studied here.
9. Vienna Opera House
It's a crime to fly to Vienna without going to one of the biggest theatres in the world. The Vienna Opera House is a very beautiful 19th-century building, made in the Rennesan style.
During all seasons you can buy tickets to opera performances. It's well worth taking the time to go see a live show.
10. House of Butterflies
This is a very unique destinations and it won't make most top things to do in Vienna lists, but you should visit.
This house, as you can guess, is home to dozens of species of exotic butterflies from Costa Rica, Thailand, the Philippines, and other countries.
Moreover, all conditions are created there for the comfortable stay of these creatures. You can enjoy their beauty and even watch their daily life (drinking nectar, butterfly birth, etc.).
Since public transportation is not very popular in Vienna - you can rent Vienna airport transfer and drive there.
How to Get Around
There are five main forms of transport are U-Bahn (subway), Schnellbahn or S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn (tram), Autobus (bus) and taxi. Depending on where you stay some of the main tourist attractions can also be reached on foot, sometimes just wandering the streets and taking in the architecture can be one of the highlights.
Plan a Trip to Vienna
Vienna really is an impressive city and hopefully our guide has given you some ideas for the best locations to see. If it is your first time visiting the city you will find so many impressive places from palaces to cafes. Go soak up the local culture and history for yourself.
