Top 12 Things To Do in Vienna, Austria

There are endless things to do in Vienna, from trying Sachertorte in historic coffeehouses to walking in the footsteps of musical legends like Mozart and Beethoven. With over 7.5 million tourists visiting annually, it’s no surprise that Austria’s capital is famed for its dazzling palaces and classical music.

Wander through Schönbrunn Palace, which was once home to the powerful Habsburg dynasty, or enjoy panoramic views from the 19th-century Ferris wheel, Wiener Riesenrad. Families can enjoy Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world still in operation.

To ensure you don’t miss any of the best attractions, here are 12 popular things to do in Vienna. We selected these activities based on expert recommendations, traveler reviews, and personal experiences.

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Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria Ride the Wiener Riesenrad

🎡 Wiener Riesenrad 1/5

Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria Walk Around St. Stephen’s Cathedral

⛪ St. Stephen’s Cathedral 2/5

Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria Have Fun at Schönbrunn Zoo

🐼 Schönbrunn Zoo 3/5

European Palaces Schonbrunn Palace Vienna Austria © saiko3p Shutterstock 1117347032 - This European Capital Is the Birthplace of Classical Music — and Its Coffeehouses Are a UNESCO-Recognized Tradition

🏰 Schönbrunn Palace 4/5

Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria Try Vienna’s Signature Cake

🍫 Try Sachertorte 5/5

Results

🎡 Wiener Riesenrad

7 4

⛪ St. Stephen’s Cathedral

8 3

🐼 Schönbrunn Zoo

4 7

🏰 Schönbrunn Palace

8 3

🍫 Try Sachertorte

10 1

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Table of Contents

Best Hotels

Here are our top hotel recommendations in Vienna:

Luxury: Melia Vienna
Midrange: Radisson RED Hotel, Vienna
Budget: Vayalen Boutique Hotel

Must-Do Activities

Here are three things you don’t want to miss in Vienna:

Visit Schönbrunn Palace – Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most popular tourist attraction.
Ride the Wiener Riesenrad – The Wiener Riesenrad is the oldest operating Ferris wheel in the world.
Have fun at Schönbrunn Zoo – Perfect for families, Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Located in Hietzing, the 13th district, Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most famous tourist attraction. Every year, millions of travelers visit the palace and its vast grounds. Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, this grandiose palace is a sight to behold. You’ll quickly fall in love with the ornate halls, luxurious private apartments, impressive fountains, and lush gardens.

The best way to explore the palace is on a tour. However, book your tickets in advance because the palace can get busy. The Grand Tour includes an audio guide about the palace and Vienna’s history.

You’ll visit the private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, the rooms occupied by Maria Theresa, and the State Apartments.

Travel Tips

Arrive Early: I got there before 9 AM, and it made all the difference. The palace opens at 8:30 AM, and the crowds start piling up fast.
Book Tickets in Advance: Tickets sell out fast. Book tickets well in advance.
Download the App for Self-Guided Tours: I used the Schönbrunn Palace app, which has extra info and maps. Just download it before you go.

Ride the Wiener Riesenrad

The Wiener Riesenrad is one of the most exciting attractions in Vienna. Also known as the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel or simply Riesenrad, this Ferris wheel was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. It is now the oldest operating Ferris wheel in the world.

Standing 212.4 feet (64.75 meters) tall, the Wiener Riesenrad offers spectacular city views and an exhilarating experience. You can sit in one of the traditional wagons to go around the wheel or stand on Platform 9.

Perfect for thrill seekers, Platform 9 is a glass floor where travelers stand to go around the wheel. Don’t worry, though, you’re strapped in.

Travel Tips

Go at Sunset for the Best Views: Aim for a ride around 30 minutes before sunset.
Buy Tickets Online to Skip the Line: The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel ride takes 12-15 minutes with views of the city and the Danube River. Book tickets online.
Take the Dinner Cabin: You get a romantic meal while the Ferris wheel slowly turns. Just book it well in advance.

Have Fun at Schönbrunn Zoo

If you want something fun to do with your family, visit Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest zoo. Founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie, this 42-acre (17-hectare) zoo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, this zoo is home to many of the world’s most exciting species, including giant pandas, African bush elephants, and Indian rhinos.

Visitors can explore the zoo freely, but it’s also possible to participate in tours and experiences. You can also book a backstage tour that shows you behind the scenes.

Alternatively, you can attend one of the many feedings. The Siberian tiger and Indian rhino feedings sound particularly exciting.

Travel Tips

Arrive at Opening Time to See Animals Active: The zoo opens at 9 AM, and the animals are much more energetic in the morning. By midday, many are napping, especially in summer.
Pack Snacks and Water: Bring snacks and sit on a bench. There are food stalls, too. There’s also a playground nearby.
Don’t Miss the Rainforest House: It’s easy to overlook this indoor rainforest house, but it’s amazing, with free-flying birds and tropical plants. It’s also great to escape rain.

Explore the Museum of Natural History Vienna

24 Must-Visit European Cities To Add to Your Bucket List — © Mistervlad / Adobe Stock

One of the best tourist attractions in Vienna for museum buffs is the Museum of Natural History Vienna. This fascinating museum is jam-packed with exciting exhibits that cover earth science, biology, archaeology, and more. There are almost 40 exhibit rooms to explore and over 100,000 objects to look at.

One of the main highlights is the World of Crystals. This dazzling exhibit displays crystals in a way that allows visitors to learn about the dispersion of light and double refraction.

The Museum of Natural History also has a history trail that invites travelers to journey through time. You’ll discover the World of Our Ancestors, enjoy a Glimpse into the Future, and more.

Travel Tips

Start at the Top Floor and Work Down: The museum has multiple levels, and the top floors get less crowded early in the day.
Bring Small Change for the Lockers: You can’t take large bags inside, and the lockers near the entrance require a €1 or €2 coin. I had to scramble for change, so come prepared.

Admire the Breathtaking Beauty of Hofburg

12 Dreamy European Destinations Made for a Romantic Getaway — © Sina Ettmer / Adobe Stock

Another iconic sight in Vienna is Hofburg, one of the world’s largest palace complexes. Located in Central Vienna, this 13th-century palace was once the residence of the imperial family.

Hofburg served as a winter residence, and Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the imperial family.

Today, the palace is a significant tourist attraction and home to museums, unique attractions, and events. The palace’s exterior features a stunning facade with intricate carvings, a grand dome, and arched windows.

However, don’t let that stop you from going inside. On a palace tour, you’ll explore the beautiful palace apartments, the Imperial Treasury, and the lavish Silver Chamber.

Travel Tips

Visit the Sisi Museum First: The Hofburg complex is huge, so start with the Sisi Museum to learn about Empress Elisabeth’s fascinating life. It gives more context to the apartments and treasury.
Skip the Line with a Combo Ticket: Get a combo ticket for Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Imperial Furniture Collection. It saves time, and you get a small discount.
Check Out the Morning Exercises of the Spanish Riding School: If you’re there in the morning, book tickets to watch the Lipizzaner horses train. It’s cheaper than a performance, and you get to see one hour of music and training.

Try Sachertorte, Vienna’s Signature Cake

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Food enthusiasts searching for their next fix must try Sachertorte, Vienna’s signature cake. It is a delightful combination of dark chocolate ganache, apricot jam, and thick chocolate sponge cake. It usually comes with whipped cream.

If that doesn’t sound delicious, we don’t know what does. Aside from being super tasty, Sachertorte is one of Austria’s most historic culinary delights. It was created by Franz Sacher in 1832.

Both Hotel Sacher and Demel claim to have the original recipe for Sachertorte, so the fairest thing to do is try it in both places and decide which is the best. This sounds like an excellent plan.

Travel Tips

Visit Hotel Sacher Early: Hotel Sacher can get crowded, especially in the afternoon. Go before 11 AM, and getting a table without a wait is easier.
Pair Sachertorte with Wiener Melange: At both Hotel Sacher and Demel, order a Wiener Melange (Viennese coffee with milk foam) with your cake.
Buy a Cake to Go at Demel: If you don’t have time to sit down, Demel packages Sachertorte to take home.

Enjoy the Sights and Smells of Naschmarkt

Another must-visit attraction in Vienna for food enthusiasts is Naschmarkt, the city’s best-known market. Located at the Wienzeile, this lively food market was founded in the 16th century. It’s approximately 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) long and features over 120 market stands.

The market is also home to many cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You could spend an entire day eating and drinking your way around Naschmarkt. Culinary offerings in the market range from local fruits and vegetables to international cuisines like Indian and Italian.

In other words, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. On the weekends, Naschmarkt also hosts a flea market.

Travel Tips

Arrive Early: Get there around 8 AM for fresh produce and to avoid the crowds.
Explore the Flea Market on Saturdays: Don’t miss the flea market at the end of Naschmarkt for antiques and vintage items.

Have a Drink at Das Loft

If drinking cocktails, eating world-class cuisine, and enjoying epic views of Vienna is something you’d be interested in, head to Das Loft. Located on the 18th floor of the SO/Vienna, Das Loft is one of the city’s best rooftop bars. The bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to see most of the town.

If dining at Das Loft is out of your budget, stop by for a cocktail or refreshment. We also recommend just stopping by for a drink because you don’t have to make a reservation, which you must do if you want to eat.

If you visit Das Loft in the evening, you can enjoy Vienna’s fiery sunset.

Relax and Swim at Alte Donau (Old Danube)

One of Vienna’s most unique tourist attractions is Alte Donau, a 19th-century artificial lake. This artificial lake offers travelers and locals a picturesque spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Vienna’s busy streets. It also provides them somewhere to enjoy lakeside walks, watersports, and lazy beach days.

Of course, you’ll likely only want to go in the water in the summer months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the area in winter, too. In winter, you can still follow the lakeside walking path and dine in one of the local restaurants.

If you visit in the summer, you can hire sailing boats, pedalos, and SUPs, so remember your swimwear.

Travel Tips

Take Public Transport to Avoid Parking Hassles: The U1 metro line stops at Alte Donau Station. It’s just a short walk to the lake.

Walk Around St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most iconic buildings. Located on Stephansplatz, this breathtaking 12th-century Roman Catholic church is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. At 446 feet (136 meters) tall, it’s also the tallest church in Austria.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s most striking feature is its vibrant tiled roof, which consists of 230,000 glazed tiles. These green, white, yellow, and brown tiles were intricately placed to form a diamond. The tiles on the cathedral’s south side also form a double-headed eagle.

Another key highlight is the Tower Room, which features 13 bells and impressive city views. You can admire the views from the tower, but you’ll have to conquer 343 steps first. You can also visit the underground catacombs.

Travel Tips

Visit Early: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the midday crowds.
Get the Combo Ticket for Full Access: Buy the all-in-one ticket (€27) to access the tower, catacombs, and museum.
Climb the North Tower for an Elevator Option: If the 343 steps are a challenge, head to the smaller North Tower, which has an elevator.

Take Photographs of Vienna City Hall

If you’re a keen photographer, Vienna City Hall is one of the top things to see in Vienna. Located on Rathausplatz in the Innere Stadt district, this beautiful 19th-century building is one of the city’s most spectacular.

Vienna City Hall, designed by Friedrich Schmidt, is also politically significant as it is the seat of the local government. In a Gothic style, the city hall’s dramatic facade features a 344-foot (105-meter) tower, four smaller towers, imposing statues, and arched entry points.

It has ornate hallways, sparkling reception rooms, and official offices. If you visit Vienna City Hall at night, you can see it lit up by vibrant lights.

Travel Tips

Visit During Christmas: If you’re in Vienna around Christmas, go to the Christmas Market.
Take the Guided Tour for Hidden Spots: The city hall has a free guided tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm. You cannot reserve tickets, so go by 10 am latest to pick up your tickets.

Visit Hundertwasserhaus

Hundertwasserhaus is situated in the Landstraße district. It is a 20th-century apartment house that Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed. It’s a mosaic of colorful and oddly shaped apartments.

If you’ve ever been to Barcelona, Hundertwasserhaus might remind you of the works of the famed architect and designer Antoni Gaudí. Unsurprisingly, this is a popular place to take photographs, so bring your camera.

The area around the apartments can get busy, so consider visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy Hundertwasserhaus in peace. Unfortunately, visitors can’t enter the building.

Travel Tips