My family has the tradition of always traveling for the holidays. And 2023’s destination for Christmas was Vienna. It was our second time visiting Vienna after almost 10 years, and it was as beautiful as I remember it being. Even though winters can be freezing cold, the architecture and decoration make you feel like you’re strolling through a fairytale town. I’m excited to share with you the 14 best things to do in Vienna. Vienna is elegant, classic, and full of culture and history. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just in search of the perfect slice of Sachertorte, these 14 best things to do will ensure your Vienna itinerary is just perfect.
Related: The Best 5-Day Christmas Vienna Itinerary
Best tours in Vienna
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert in Karlskirche: Enjoy a wonderful classical concert at the beautiful Karlskirche in Vienna. This is a unique experience to have in Vienna, when you get to enjoy the music and the beautiful church.
Sunday Brunch Danube Cruise & Live Music: Celebrate a special occasion with a scenic cruise along the Danube River set to the beautiful backdrop of Vienna. Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch and live music for a relaxing atmosphere.
Full-Day Trip to Hallstatt and Salzkammergut: We highly recommend visiting the surrounding cities if you have time. With this tour, you will explore the lakes and mountains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzkammergut on a guided bus tour from Vienna.
Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift: To make your experience even more unique, we recommend this one-day tour to Hallstatt and the Alpine Peaks which includes a Skywalk lift to enjoy breathtaking views over the town.
Spend the Afternoon at the Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a Baroque palace that is now a museum. You can find one of the most important art collections in Austria there. They’ve got the biggest collection of Gustav Klimt’s work – yes, including ‘The Kiss’ which is even more stunning in person. Each room in the palace tells a part of Austria’s rich history, making you feel like you’re part of Austria’s rich history.
Even if you’re not into art history, it should still be on your itinerary because the place is just breathtaking. Plus, the gardens outside look like out of a fairytale.
If you’re visiting during the winter, it is the perfect place to hide from the weather and you can visit the Belvedere Palace Christmas Village outside where you can sip on Glühwein and eat a Bratwurst.
Cost: The regular tickets are €16.70 per person, however, if you’re under 26 or over 65 years old, you get a discount and only pay €13.40.
Alternatively, if you want to avoid long lines and make the most out of your time, we recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets.
Visit the Spanish Riding School
Witness centuries-old equestrian tradition come to life at Vienna’s iconic Spanish Riding School, a UNESCO-recognized institution. Famous for its Lipizzaner horses, the school showcases performances of classical dressage in the grand Baroque Winter Riding Hall. Watch as riders and horses perform intricate movements and graceful jumps perfected over generations. If you choose to visit the Spanish Riding School, you can also attend morning training sessions to see how these displays come together.
Visit the Albertina Museum
You should consider visiting the Albertina Museum, an art museum, where modern art and history intersect. You’ll see some classic masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, and even Da Vinci, along with other contemporary exhibitions.
The Albertina Museum is housed in a Habsburg palace. The architecture is beautiful! You can also find its State Rooms, which were beautifully restored to their original 19th-century splendor, provide a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the Habsburg dynasty.
Cost: The regular tickets are €18.90, however, if you are under 26 or over 65 years old, you only pay €14.90.
Related: 12 Useful Tips to Avoid Overpacking When Traveling
Stroll Through the Hofburg Palace
This palace isn’t just huge; it’s like a whole world of its own, right in the middle of the city. The Hofburg Palace used to be the home of the powerful Habsburg dynasty, so you can imagine it’s pretty impressive. Inside the Hofburg Palace are the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.
Plus, the place is not just about the past; it’s alive with events and even has the famous Spanish Riding School. Visiting the Hofburg Palace is like taking a casual stroll through centuries of history, and you get to see how royals lived. It’s a must-see if you’re in Vienna and want to get a real feel for the city’s royal roots. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time, I totally recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets for the Hofburg Palace.
Dine at the Palmenhaus
The Palmenhaus is a restaurant and bar that serves Austrian specialties with locally sourced ingredients. They have the famous Wiener Schnitzel, and also some vegetarian and vegan options for those who don’t consume meat. If you don’t feel like ordering a whole meal, you can try their cheeseboards with a glass of local wine.
It is definitely a very Instagram-worthy place, so perfect to take pictures at. Plus, the decoration is stunning! There are tropical trees and plants inside, which makes you feel like you’re in another part of the world but Vienna.
Prices: Vienna itself is not a very affordable city, so beware this restaurant can be a bit pricy. The Wiener Schnitzel was €32. Here is their full menu so you can check out the prices.
Insider’s tip: I recommend you make a reservation beforehand. We walked in and got lucky because it wasn’t too busy so they gave us a table. However, we only got the table for one hour as there were many reservations.
Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a majestic building filled to the brim with some of the world’s most incredible art. We’re talking about works by the likes of Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bruegel. This museum isn’t just about looking at paintings; it’s like stepping into a different time and place with each gallery you explore.
The building itself is a masterpiece, with an interior that’s as stunning as the art it houses. And let’s not forget the Egyptian and Eastern collections. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, the Kunsthistorisches Museum offers an unforgettable journey through art history. It’s a must-visit spot in Vienna, perfect for soaking up some culture and maybe finding a new favorite artist or two. Make sure to buy the tickets online to save time.
Insider tip: Before you start your tour around the museum, grab breakfast at their Café-Restaurant. We didn’t get to this as we accidentally slept in and when we got to the cafe, it was full and there was a long waitlist. You can also make a reservation online, just keep in mind that you need valid museum tickets to be able to dine at their cafe.
Cost: The full price is €21, however, if you’re under 26 or over 65 years old, you pay only €18 upon representation of a valid ID.
Have Tea Time at Café Central
Café Central is the oldest one in Vienna as it opened in 1876, it’s seen poets, philosophers, and even revolutionaries pass through its doors. The interior, with its grand arched ceilings and chandeliers, feels more like a palace than a café.
While it is a cafe, you can also grab lunch or dinner there. We tried the Wiener Schnitzel and Backhendl (Vienna-style fried chicken). It is the perfect place to just sit down, enjoy your meal and people-watch. It is definitely more of a touristy place, due to the reputation it has and because of the amazing architecture.
If you like hazelnut, Nutella, or chocolate, I absolutely recommend you try the “Nuss Kuss”. It might be one of the best pastries I have tried in my whole life!
Prices: The prices were reasonable for the ambiance and quality of food. The Wiener Schnitzel was €26, the Backhendl was €18 and pastries ranged around €6 and €11. Here is Café Central’s menu.
Insider’s tip: Make sure to make a reservation to go to Cafe Central. We didn’t have one and had to wait for over 45 minutes in the rain. You will also get a €10 voucher to spend at their gift shop.
Stroll Around the Rathaus
The Rathaus is Vienna’s city hall. It was built in the Gothic style, and it’s a landmark that tells a story of Vienna’s rich history and culture.
Aside from its stunning architecture, the Rathaus is a hub for some really cool events. Think vibrant Christmas markets in winter and open-air film festivals in summer. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy the best of Vienna’s community.
Insider’s tip: If you’re in Vienna during Christmas, then the largest and best Christmas market is in the Rathaus. We went to three other Christmas markets in Vienna, and none compared to this one. It is big, so there are many shops to choose from, there are also certain interactive activities like the wheel of fortune and a small light show. It does rain a lot during this season, so make sure to bring umbrellas and wear adequate clothing.
Cost: It’s free to stroll around the Rathaus.
Attend a Performance at the Vienna State Opera
There is nothing like going to the opera in Vienna. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as Vienna is well-known for its music history – did you know Mozart and Beethoven are from Vienna?
Even if you don’t go to an opera performance, you should definitely stop by the Vienna State Opera (or Wiener Staatsoper). Just like many buildings in Vienna, it is a magnificent piece of art. Aside from that, you have the option to book a guided tour and see the opera house inside.
Insider’s tip: Going to an opera performance can be expensive. However, there are ways you can score affordable tickets. One of those ways is by showing up at the Vienna State Opera one or two hours before a show, as they might have leftover tickets they are trying to sell. Keep in mind that those might be standing tickets and you might not have a good view. But the experience is what matters, right?
Price of guided tours: Adult tickets are €13, and students under the age of 27 pay only €7. If you’re over 65, you’ll pay only €9.
Price of opera performances: On average Vienna State Opera tickets are around $100 to upwards of $250 depending on the performance and also on the section you choose.
If you couldn’t get tickets for the opera in the Wiener Staatoper, you can still experience classical music in Vienna. There are plenty of classical music concerts in Vienna.
Mozarthaus Vienna – Visit Mozart’s Former Residence
Step into the world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Mozarthaus Vienna, the only surviving apartment where the musical genius lived and composed. Located in the heart of the city near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this museum provides fascinating insights into Mozart’s life, music, and the society he thrived in.
Stop by St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This cathedral isn’t just a church; it’s a symbol of Vienna. Standing tall in the city skyline with its iconic, patterned roof and massive Gothic tower, St. Stephen’s is a masterpiece.
Inside, you’ll find stunning altars, beautiful stained glass, and intricate stonework. You can also climb the South Tower for an amazing view of the city.
Cost: Entrance to the cathedral is free, however entrance to the towers, catacombs, and cathedral treasury requires a fee.
Eat Lunch at a Wurstelstand
You leave Vienna without first eating at a Wurstelstand, which is basically a sausage kiosk. They carry different types of sausages like one filled with cheese or a smoked one. They are either served on a bread roll or chopped up on a plate accompanied with condiments such as mustard and ketchup. The Wurstelstand also sells alcoholic beverages and yes, you are allowed to drink in the street.
Prices: Eating at a Wurstelstand is relatively cheap. A sausage can cost around €7 to €12 euro.
Explore Schönbrunn Palace
No visit to Vienna is complete without exploring the Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 1,441 rooms. Stroll through the lavishly decorated staterooms, walk in the footsteps of Empress Maria Theresa, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Baroque gardens.
Visit the Christmas Markets (Winter Only)
If you’re visiting Vienna in winter, you’ll be able to experience Vienna’s magical Christmas markets, which are open from mid-November to the end of December. My family and I spent Christmas in Vienna and it was an unforgettable experience. The Rathausplatz Christmas Market is the largest, featuring an ice skating rink and handmade crafts. For a more regal experience, visit the Schönbrunn Palace market, where local artisans and festive delicacies shine against the stunning palace backdrop.
And there you have it, a curated list of the 14 best things to do in Vienna, a city that never ceases to amaze.
Vienna is a city where every corner has a story, and every view feels like a scene from a painting. In Vienna, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with, whether you’re admiring art at the Belvedere Palace, exploring the Hofburg Palace, or listening to the opera at the Vienna State Opera. Here’s to your Viennese adventure – may it be as enchanting and unforgettable as the city itself!
