Best of Vienna

Vienna Essentials

Vienna’s imperial legacy is preserved in the Hofburg and Belvedere palaces, and the Baroque gardens of Schönbrunn. Cultural landmarks include the Neo-Renaissance State Opera, the Museum of Art History, and the Albertina. Architectural highlights range from the Baroque St. Charles's Church and National Library to the Greek Revival Parliament. The city’s unique character is defined by the Spanish Riding School’s classical dressage, the historic Prater amusement park, and the traditional coffee house culture of Café Central.

Vienna Essentials — Map

Kristian Allin / CC BY-SA 3.0 at

A

Hofburg Palace

Extensive former winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty and current official seat of the federal president. This complex dates back to the 13th century and houses significant cultural institutions, including the national library and imperial museums.

Nuno Simoes / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Vienna State Opera

Renowned Neo-Renaissance opera house and cultural landmark hosting world-class opera and ballet performances. The venue features a seating capacity of 1,709 and serves as the home for the annual Vienna Opera Ball.

Thomas Wolf / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

C

Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Vast Baroque gardens featuring meticulously designed parterres, statues, and fountains. This historical ensemble reflects the imperial heritage of the Habsburg monarchy across more than 300 years.

Lukáš Nevosád / CC-BY-SA

D

Hundertwasser House

One of the most popular buildings in Vienna as well as one of the most extraordinary ones, this house is a must-see for any fan of…

Mary2605 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Albertina Museum

Housing one of the largest print rooms in the world, this museum also used to be the biggest Habsburg residential palace, inhabited by one…

John Menard / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

St. Charles's Church

Some say this is the most beautiful church on the northern side of Alps.

Jorge Royan / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Museum of Art History

The Fine Arts Museum, as it is sometimes called, houses the greatest collection of art in entire Austria.

MrPanyGoff / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Austrian Parliament Building

Built to hold gatherings of the Imperial Council, this magnificent palace is one of the largest in Vienna, extending over some 13 hectares…

Peter Gugerell / CC0

I

Prater

Historic amusement park featuring over 250 attractions and an iconic Giant Ferris wheel. Entry to the grounds is free, with individual payments required for each ride.

J

Belvedere, Vienna

Baroque palace complex housing an art museum with a collection spanning 800 years of history. The site features significant works of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Thomas Ledl / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Café Central

Café Central is a traditional Viennese café located at Herrengasse 14 in the Innere Stadt first district of Vienna, Austria.

Tsukino / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

State Hall of the Austrian National Library

One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, it contains whopping 7.4 million items and it is among the most visited attractions in…

M

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is an Austrian institution dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner…

Other Lists

Vienna Heritage Highlights Vienna's Hidden Gems Vienna Heritage Highlights Best Museums in Vienna Historic Churches of Vienna Vienna's Grand Palaces Parks and Gardens Historic Heritage Sites Architectural Gems of Vienna Iconic Memorials & Statues