Where to visit in Vienna? 15 Famous tourist attractions & best places to visit in Vienna

Are you planning to visit Austria but don’t know where to go and what to do? Then save the famous Vienna tourist attractions and best places to visit in Vienna below!

There are cities that, just by mentioning them, people can immediately imagine the melodious music, ancient buildings and the sweet taste of streetside cafes. Vienna is exactly that place. Once the center of the Habsburg empire, Vienna is not as dry as the pages of history but is full of vitality, art and romance.

If you are looking for a destination that is both culturally profound and an ideal place to relax and enjoy, the journey to explore Vienna tourist destinations will surely captivate you.

Best places to visit in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace – Vienna’s Resplendent Royal Symbol

A must-see when visiting Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is like an “Austrian Versailles” with its classical charm and elegant royal atmosphere. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this complex includes a magnificent baroque palace, beautiful flower gardens, fountains, mazes, greenhouses and even the world’s oldest zoo.

Inside the palace, you also have the opportunity to explore the state rooms that have witnessed the imprints of historical figures such as Empress Maria Theresa or Emperor Franz Joseph. Don’t forget to stop by Gloriette for a panoramic view or enjoy apple strudel at Gerstner Café.

• Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – A Gothic Masterpiece in the Heart of Vienna

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is a sacred symbol and architectural highlight of Vienna since the 12th century. With its distinctive multi-colored tiled roof and soaring bell tower, the church stands out in the middle of the bustling Stephansplatz square. The interior is a blend of original Gothic architecture and post-war restored baroque details.

You will visit the bell towers, crypt, main altar and listen to organ concerts echoing in the sacred space. Despite suffering great damage during World War II, the church has been completely restored and continues to be the spiritual heart of the city. From the top of the South Tower, you will admire the panoramic view of ancient Vienna stretching out before your eyes.

• Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00, Sunday: 7:00 – 22:00

Vienna State Opera

Located on the magnificent Ringstraße boulevard, the Vienna State Opera is a place where the quintessence of art and history converge for more than 150 years. With its enchanting Neo-Renaissance architecture, this is not only a theater but also a cultural symbol closely associated with the identity of Vienna. More than 200 performances each year, from classical opera to contemporary ballet, make this an ideal meeting place for art lovers.

In addition to the top performances, you can also join a tour of the magnificent interior architecture or enjoy “Opera Live on the Square” – a show shown live on a large outdoor screen completely free of charge.

• Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Austrian National Library

Entering the Austrian National Library is like entering a palace of knowledge. Located in the grounds of the Hofburg Palace, it not only stores more than 12.5 million books but also impresses with the magnificent beauty of the Baroque hall – the State Hall. With a 20-meter high ceiling covered with paintings, busts and ancient bookshelves, this will be a destination for you to “travel through time”.

In addition to exploring the reading space, you can also visit unique museums such as the Museum of Literature, the Museum of Maps and Globes, or the Esperanto Language Museum. Each area offers a unique perspective on history, culture and the development of human thinking.

• Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1015 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00, Monday: closed

Vienna’s Romantic Belvedere Palace

If you love spaces that are both ancient and artistic, Belvedere Palace is definitely a destination not to be missed in Vienna. The complex consists of two buildings – Upper and Lower Belvedere – surrounded by an elegant French-style garden, offering a poetic strolling experience in the heart of the city.

Once the summer residence of Prince Eugene, this place not only possesses splendid baroque architecture but also preserves precious art treasures. The Upper Belvedere Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, with the masterpiece “The Kiss” attracting millions of visitors every year.

• Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:00

Kunsthistorisches Museum – Preserving the Quintessence of Ancient Art

In the heart of the magnificent Ringstrasse, the Kunsthistorisches Museum stands out as a giant art treasure of Vienna. Considered the pearl of European museums, it houses the massive art collection of the Habsburg dynasty – from ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman masterpieces to classics by Bruegel, Rembrandt, Vermeer or Raphael.

The interior space of the museum is also a work of art with grand staircases, decorative domes and beautiful ceiling paintings. In particular, the Kunstkammer area gives the feeling of being lost in a mysterious medieval collection room with countless unique treasures. After your journey of enjoying art, stop at the museum’s cafe to relax and admire the enchanting historical scenery around you.

• Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00, Monday: closed

Enjoy Viennese Specialties at Naschmarkt

In the heart of ancient Vienna, the Naschmarkt market has an unforgettable modern and vibrant color. With more than 120 stalls and restaurants, this is an attractive culinary destination for those who love to explore from Asian to European dishes.

You can start the morning with a cup of aromatic coffee at Deli, enjoy lunch with hot shakshuka at Neni or choose a Greek dinner at Iris. Seafood lovers definitely cannot miss Umar, one of the most famous fish restaurants in Vienna. Remember to visit the neighborhood on the weekend, this is when the flea market opens with many impressive antiques for you to shop!

• Address: Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 24/7

Kunsthalle Wien Museumsquartier

Kunsthalle Wien is a destination for those who love contemporary art with ever-changing exhibitions that reflect modern social issues. Located in the bustling MuseumsQuartier, Kunsthalle does not have a permanent collection but acts as an art forum, where domestic and foreign artists present creative works with diverse genres and styles.

The main exhibition space at MuseumsQuartier has a rough feel, creating a sense of closeness and difference compared to traditional art museums. In addition, Kunsthalle also has a location at Karlsplatz with a modern design, lots of transparent glass, opening up a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

• Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Thursday: 10:00 – 20:00, Monday: closed

Colorful Rathausplatz

In the splendid Vienna, Rathausplatz is the ideal meeting place for festival-goers who want to immerse themselves in the local life. Located right in front of the neo-Gothic town hall, this large square is famous for a series of special outdoor events throughout the year.

In winter, this area transforms into a wonderland with the Christkindlmarkt Christmas market, which is filled with lights and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. In summer, you will find the Rathaus Film Festival with free performances from opera to contemporary music, accompanied by a “food paradise” from all over the world. For those who love sports, the Vienna Ice World skating season is a must-see, with its spectacular slides.

• Address: Rathauspl., 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 24/7

Learn About Vienna at the Sisi Museum

Located in the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Sisi Museum is the ideal place to explore the mysterious and contradictory life of Queen Elisabeth – the woman who became an Austrian cultural icon. Not just a queen famous for her beauty, Sisi was also a complex, freedom-loving woman passionate about sports, art and travel.

More than 300 artifacts here, from wedding dresses, handwritten letters, to personal first aid kits, all reveal a part of the real person behind the royal halo. In particular, the model of the luxurious train carriage she used when traveling across Europe and the funeral dress after her son’s death, bring a realistic and emotional look.

• Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00

Mariahilferstraße Shopping Street – Fashion Paradise in the Heart of Vienna

Mariahilferstraße is a bustling and vibrant shopping street, stretching nearly 3.7 km from MuseumsQuartier to Auer Welsbach Park. This is a destination not to be missed if you love shopping and exploring local culture. The street is divided into two parts: Inner Mariahilferstraße with fashion stores, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues; while Outer Mariahilferstraße is more peaceful with small shops.

The area is famous for international brands such as Zara, H&M, Mango, and is also a place to celebrate Austrian design. Don’t forget to visit nearby attractions such as the Auer Welsbach Park or the Museum of Science and Technology to add variety and excitement to your trip!

• Address: Amerlingstraße 11; A-1060 Wien
• Opening hours: 24/7

Spanish Riding School in Vienna

Want to experience a unique culture and classical horse riding in Vienna? The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the perfect choice. It is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, a symbol of refinement and excellent coordination between horse and rider.

At the school, you will have the opportunity to attend the morning training session (Morgenarbeit) to witness the elaborate training process, or enjoy spectacular performances in the ancient Baroque setting designed by architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. This is also the only place in the world that preserves and promotes the classical horse riding art in its true tradition.

• Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00

Vienna Imperial Treasury

Vienna is a must-see destination for visitors who love history and high art. The Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) is home to priceless treasures of the Habsburg dynasty, from magnificent crowns to rare large-sized precious jewelry. In addition to the royal crown, when you come here, you can also admire religious objects, lavish ceremonial robes, and items associated with famous European emperors.

The atmosphere here is full of antiquity, making you feel like you are reliving the golden age of the Habsburg empire. In particular, the crown of Rudolf II or the throne weighing more than half a ton for the son of Marie Louise – Napoleon’s second wife – will overwhelm you with the luxury and power of the past. Don’t forget to book tickets in advance to have the most comfortable and complete experience when exploring this royal treasure.

• Address: Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:30, Tuesday: closed

Albertina Modern

In contrast to the Royal Treasury Museum, the Albertina Modern offers a vibrant and creative modern art space. Located in the historic Künstlerhaus building, it focuses on displaying contemporary works from more than 5,000 artists around the world, including names such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst or Roy Lichtenstein.

With no permanent exhibition, the Albertina Modern is constantly changing with special events, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art. The building’s classical architecture blends harmoniously with modern works, creating an experience that is both intimate and full of surprises. You can also visit the surrounding area, enjoy the nearby Otto Wagner architecture or stroll through the famous Musikverein.

• Address: Karlsplatz 5, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Schönbrunn Zoo – The World’s Oldest Zoo

If you are planning to travel to Vienna with children, Schönbrunn Zoo is a must-see stop. This is the world’s oldest zoo with a history of over 250 years, and is now a modern, friendly and educational nature reserve. On a lush 17-hectare area right next to Schönbrunn Palace, the zoo gathers more than 600 species.

The highlights here include Siberian tigers, hippos, polar bears, and the new pandas He Feng and Lan Yun. Other notable areas such as the Koala House, Rainforest, Polarium, or South American Park will bring extremely interesting experiences for both adults and children. In addition, animal feeding sessions are held regularly, helping you have a close and lively experience with many rare animals.

• Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:30

Vienna will overwhelm you with its ancient beauty, and also touch your emotions with gentle, poetic moments. From majestic palaces to leafy zoos, from time-worn cafes to bustling music corners, each experience is unique.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Vienna you can refer to

• Vienna City Card
• Vienna PASS
• EasyCityPass Vienna
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert Ticket in St. Charles’s Church
• Upper Belvedere Palace Ticket in Vienna
• Mozart Concert at the Golden Hall in Vienna
• Vienna Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Ticket with Skip the Line Access
• Vienna Attractions Pass
• 5G eSIM Europe
• Vienna City Airport Train Tickets
• Salzburg Day Tour from Vienna
• Hallstatt Day Tour from Salzburg
• Hallstatt Day Tour from Vienna
• Vienna Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Schönbrunn Palace (Skip-the-Line) and Vienna City Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Vienna: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more here. And Austria guide here.