16 Awesome Things to Do in Vienna for First-Timers

16 Best Things to Do in Vienna

1. Explore Schönbrunn Palace

We start off this travel guide with a big one. Schönbrunn Palace is a historic palace located on the outskirts of Vienna. It was the principal imperial summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, and if you know a little bit about the Habsburgs, they always go above and beyond with everything they do.

Schönbrunn Palace is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, vast gardens as far as the eyes can see, and ornately designed interiors that will blow you away.

It is one of the greatest palaces that showcases just how prosperous and influential the Habsburgs were when they ruled vast parts of Europe for so many centuries.

The highlight of visiting Schönbrunn Palace is, funny enough, not the palace itself, but its massive gardens. Extending for 1.2 km from east to west and approximately one kilometer from north to south, it can take you more than 2 hours to see it all.

There are several points of interest in the gardens alone, from museums to zoos. However, the best thing to do here is to hike up the 60-meter-high (200 ft) hill where the Gloriette is located, and all the paths around the huge garden point to.

As you move across the vast space of the Schönbrunn Palace garden, you will also stumble upon the Neptune Fountain, a large, opulent fountain built in 1776 featuring marble sculptures grouped around a Neptune figure, where you can walk behind and see the palace through the fountain.

As you move across the vast space of the Schönbrunn Palace garden, you will also come across the Neptune Fountain, a large and opulent fountain built in 1776. It features marble sculptures grouped around a Neptune figure, and as you walk behind it, you can see the palace through the fountain.

Once you are at the fountain, continue along the walking trail that snakes up the hill to Gloriette. It can get blazingly hot in the summer in Vienna, and many of the paths here are not shaded, so be sure to prepare yourself for the heat.

At the Gloriette, you will find a nice cafe with an incredible view of Vienna and its cityscape stretched as far as the eyes can see. It is a great place to freshen up, relax, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

As I mentioned earlier, Schönbrunn Palace is massive, and if you want to visit the palace, be sure to give yourself at least 3 hours. The walk from the subway station to Gloriette took me about 30 minutes, so be sure to dedicate enough time for your visit. I would suggest dedicating at least half a day here.

The best part about Schönbrunn Palace is that its massive gardens are open to the public for FREE. You can roam around as long as you like, do some hiking, jogging, etc., and enjoy as the Habsburgs did centuries ago, without paying a single dime. Trust me, anything free is not so easy to come by in Western Europe.

If you want to get inside the palace, visit the zoo, or explore other museums in the park, you are going to have to pay for the entrance fee, which should cost from 22 EUR to 35 EUR, depending on the type of tour you want.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Vienna, so be sure not to miss it. Schönbrunn Palace is open from 6:30 AM to 9 PM every day in the summer. For opening hours in other seasons, be sure to check out their official website.

Tips: If you are planning to visit a lot of the tourist attractions here, I highly recommend that you get the multi-day Vienna Pass. It will save you a lot of money in the long run compared to paying separately for each individual attraction.

2. Be Amazed by the Beauty of Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is another impressive palace that you should definitely visit while you are in Vienna. Although much smaller when compared to Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace can stand on its own with its world-renowned art collection, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning gardens, and best of all, it's much easier to navigate and way closer to the city center than Schönbrunn Palace, making it a great alternative for those who do not have much time in Vienna.

Belvedere Palace is located just south of Vienna's historic city center and can easily be reached on foot. It was originally built in the early 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The palace consists of two Baroque buildings - the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere - connected by a beautiful garden that you can explore for free, just like Schönbrunn Palace.

From the 19th century to today, the palace continues to be used as a museum, holding some of the finest collections of art and cultural artifacts in Vienna.

If you want to see the art collection of the world-renowned artist Gustav Klimt, among other things, you will have to pay the entrance fee. It should be around 15 EUR for access to one of the Belvederes and 25 EUR for a combination ticket. If you want a guided tour, you can also reserve a spot here with free cancellation.

The palace is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and if you want to get inside the Upper and Lower Belvederes, then you are going to have to book a time slot online and purchase the ticket from their official website or you can book it through here with free cancellation.

3. Check Out Karlskirche

As we inched closer to the city center, we were going to visit Karlskirche next. Karlskirche is a Baroque church and one of the city's most famous landmarks. The church was built in the early 18th century and is known for its grand architecture, which combines Baroque and classical styles, as well as its beautiful frescoes and ornate interior.

One of the highlights of visiting the church is seeing its impressive grand facade and ornate interior that showcase the true beauty of Baroque architecture.

The church features a 32.5-meter-high viewing platform where you can take the elevator up and see the beautiful frescoes on the ceiling up close. You will also be able to get onto the balcony and enjoy a nice view of the surrounding areas.

I'll be honest, walking inside felt like I had just arrived in heaven the moment I saw the breathtaking main altar of Karlskirche. The altar is adorned with a series of sculptures and frescoes that depict the life and teachings of St. Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of the church. It is that profound!

To gain entry into the church, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which should be around 10 EUR. This fee includes access to the elevator and the viewing platform. The church welcomes tourists from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, except on Sundays when they open from 12 PM to 7 PM.

4. Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

There are a ton of museums in Vienna, and if you do not have the time and money to visit them all, I highly recommend you at least see the inside of the amazing Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, the Vienna Museum of Art History.

Vienna Museum of Art History is probably one of the best art museums I've been to so far. The museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from a variety of historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The museum has an incredible collection of art that covers a wide range of historical periods and styles. From the Roman artifacts of antiquity to a comprehensive collection of art from the Renaissance period, including paintings, sculptures, and much more.

It is also said that the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien holds the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, Egypt, which goes to show just how wealthy and influential Vienna was across the world back in the day.

Even if you are not so interested in the art and artifacts the museum holds, you are going to be blown away by the place, as it is housed in a beautiful building that is itself a work of art. The museum was built in the late 19th century and is an example of neo-Renaissance architecture, beautifully adorned and decorated with frescoes, paintings, and other decorative elements, to the brim.

Vienna Museum of Art History is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 18 EUR per person. You can get the ticket online with free cancellation here. You can expect to spend around 2 hours in the museum alone. Do not miss the Egyptian collection here. I've visited the Egyptian collection in Cairo before, and in many ways, it is actually better presented here, so do not miss it.

The museum is also located in the beautiful Maria-Theresien-Platz, a historic plaza surrounded by museums that will please everyone's curious minds. If you have the time, be sure to check out the Museum of Natural History Vienna while you are here.

5. Explore the Museums surrounding The Hofburg

The Hofburg is an imperial palace that used to be the primary residence of the Habsburg dynasty. What's cool about the Hofburg is that it is not just one palace but a complex of buildings that were constructed over many centuries and includes a number of ornate and opulent rooms and spaces you can explore.

The palace is known for its Baroque and Neo-Classical architectural styles, and its interior features a number of frescoes, paintings, and sculptures inside this massive complex, and you will likely be walking through the complex as you explore Vienna's city center.

Within the palace, you will find many interesting museums such as Weltmuseum Wien and Kunsthistorisches, as well as many beautiful parks surrounding these buildings where people often come to picnic during sunset. It is a beautiful area that will give you a glimpse of what's to come for you in Vienna.

6. Check out St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Historical Old City Center

We finally made it to the historical city center of Vienna, and one of the most important landmarks right at the heart of the city center itself is the prominent St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is a Romanesque and Gothic structure built in the 12th century, and that is where you should begin your exploration.

The cathedral is a beautiful and impressive example of the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with its exterior adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative elements, while its interior is filled with impressive frescoes, paintings, and other works of art.

The inside of the cathedral is massive, but it can still get pretty crowded during the day as people flock to the old historical city center. You can escape the crowd by climbing up to the top of either the North or the South Tower, where you will be able to have a stunning view over the historic city center and see just how beautiful the roof tiles of the church are.

Although it is free to enter St. Stephen's Cathedral, in order to access the towers, you will have to pay about 6 EUR and climb about 343 steps up the 67-meter-high towers using the narrow staircase to reach the top. I do not recommend doing this if you have claustrophobia.

If you prefer taking an elevator, avoid the South Tower and go for the north instead. The North Tower has one installed, which makes it much easier to get to the top.

After you are done with St. Stephen's Cathedral, be sure to spend some time exploring the other tourist attractions in the city center, such as the Column of Pest (Column of The Trinity). It is a stunning late 17th-century sculpted Holy Trinity column built to commemorate the victims of the Great Plague of Vienna that occurred in 1679.

Or you can spend some time shopping around for souvenirs, relaxing at cafes, and just people-watching here. There are a ton of restaurants, cafes, and places to hang out in the city center. It should occupy you for a few hours.

7. Check out the inside of St. Peter's Catholic Church

While you are exploring the city center, do not forget to drop by St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche), one of the most important landmarks in Vienna. The church is known for its elaborate architecture and stunning interior decorations, including frescoes, statues, and other ornate details.

Built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier church dating back to the 9th century, St. Peter's Catholic Church features some of the prettiest interiors out there. Unlike the Gothic style of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Peterskirche is designed in a Baroque architectural style with a domed structure, which is the first of its kind in Vienna.

I personally found the interior of Peterskirche way more interesting than that of St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its detailed frescoes, golden-colored decor, and overall more animated atmosphere.

The church opens from 8 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 7 PM on weekends. It is free to enter, so be sure to drop by there while you are exploring Vienna's city center.

8. Walk Through the Ferstel Passage

Also located in the city center, Ferstel Passage is a historic shopping arcade built in the late 19th century and named after its architect, Friedrich von Schmidt.

The passage consists of a series of connected shops and restaurants with tables lining both sides of the passageway under this beautifully ornate architecture, with a glass roof, marble flooring, and intricate decorative details.

It is similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade in Milan, but smaller and a bit more personal, with a lovely vibe that makes it great for dining or enjoying a nice cup of coffee while people-watching.

There is a nice French restaurant at Ferstel Passage that serves delicious buckets of mussels with a nice romantic seating area along the passageway. So, if you are looking for a nice romantic place for lunch or dinner at Ferstel Passage, check out Beaulieu Épicerie Bistro.

9. Admire the Beauty of the Austrian National Library

One of the most Instagrammable spots in Vienna is the Austrian National Library, which is the largest library in the country. It is located inside this beautiful architecture decorated with all kinds of ornaments such as frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.

The library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials that document the cultural, historical, and intellectual achievements of Austria and the surrounding region.

Unfortunately, when I was there, it was temporarily closed for renovation for most of the year, and I didn't get to see the inside. So if you are lucky enough to be there when it reopens, make sure to get inside and check out the stunning interior of the national library.

10. Be Amazed by Capuchin's Crypt

One of the coolest places to visit, that not many people know about, in Vienna is Capuchin's Crypt, the resting place for the imperial Habsburgs among other 3,000 Capuchin friars who were buried there between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Capuchin's Crypt is not just one crypt, but a series of underground chapels located beneath the Church of Our Lady of the Capuchin (Kapuzinerkirche). It is also known for its unique and unusual decor, which includes the bones of the Capuchin friars arranged in a variety of patterns and designs, such as chandeliers, crosses, and other ornate structures.

In addition to its macabre decor, the Capuchin Crypt is also known as a great example of Baroque art and architecture. The crypt's chapels are decorated with ornate frescoes, paintings, and sculptures and are considered some of the finest examples of Baroque art in Austria.

Some of the tombs here are larger than the hotel room where I was staying in Vienna, and way more decorative - on the outside, at least 😂 - than my house in Thailand.

Visiting the crypt was probably one of the coolest things I've done here, and if you are interested in getting off the beaten path a little in Vienna, be sure to check out Capuchin's Crypt. The crypt is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 8 EUR per person.

11. Hang Out at Albertina

Albertina is a 19th-century Habsburg palace turned museum, known for its vast collection of old master prints, artifacts, and 20th-century art by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.

The museum is also housed in this historic building with interior features such as ornate frescoes, paintings, and sculptures located not too far from the city center, making it a great place to stop and cool down.

The museum features a nice balcony area where people often come and hang out throughout the day. On the balcony, you will have a pretty stunning view of Vienna Opera House as well as the other surrounding old buildings.

This place also features in the cult classic movie of the 20th Century, Before Sunrise, one of my all-time favorite travel films. If you are a big fan of the film, as I am, you are going to enjoy sitting here in the evening and watching the street lights illuminating Vienna Opera House, just like in the film.

12. Check Out the Famous Vienna Operahouse

While you are at Albertina, you will be able to get a glimpse of the beautiful Vienna Opera House, one of the most prestigious and important opera houses in the world.

The opera house was built in the late 19th century in a Neo-Renaissance style, and its interior features elaborate decorations and ornate architectural details.

With its excellent acoustics and seating capacity of more than 2,000 people, there is no better place to experience your first opera than here. If you want to attend an opera, be sure to check out and buy the ticket prior to your arrival.

13. Hang out at Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz is a 19th-century park with a large spacious area full of statues, trees, and fountains, making it a great place to hold summer events like the film festival and the Christmas Market equipped with an ice rink and all.

I was there in the summer, and the film festival was already in full swing, with kiosks and stalls selling all kinds of street foods from around the world. It is a great place to grab some snacks and enjoy the event in the evening as you drink your night away.

If you are there in winter, you will also be able to experience an authentic whimsical Austrian Christmas market that everybody loves. With the ice rink, glühwein (warm wine), and an unlimited supply of beers, what more can you ask for a nice holiday in Vienna?

14. Look up at Votivkirche

I know you are probably getting bored of churches in Vienna, but this one is a little different from the others. Votivkirche is a Roman Catholic church built in the mid-19th century in a Gothic Revival style, and it is known for its elaborate exterior and interior decorations.

The church is quite unique with its pointed arches, elaborate ornamentation, and use of vertical lines. The church's exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, and its interior features a number of frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.

The church is particularly famous for its stained glass windows, which depict important figures and events in the history of the Catholic Church. The windows were created by some of the most talented artists of the time and are considered some of the finest examples of stained glass in Austria.

For some reason, I felt less claustrophobic when I walked inside the church than at the other churches in the city, probably due to how the church is designed to let in more natural light.

If you are in the area, be sure to check out Votivkirche. The church is open from 11 AM to 5 PM every day except Monday, and it is free for the public to enter.

15. Enjoy the Night Away at Prater

No, Prater is not a night out spot or a pub or bar where you can waste your night away. Prater is, in fact, a large public park with a pretty interesting history and is known for its wide range of recreational activities, including amusement park rides, sports facilities, and other entertainment options. Definitely one of the best things to do in Vienna.

The park itself is massive, and it has changed functions many times throughout its existence since the 16th Century when it was used as a hunting ground before it was slowly converted into a public park.

At one corner of the park, you will find the Wurstelprater, an old amusement park that is often simply referred to as "Prater," and that is the place I highly recommend you spend your evening in when you are in Vienna.

This amusement park is home to the famous Wiener Riesenrad, the oldest still-operating Ferris wheel in the world, standing over 64 meters (212 ft) high. It was constructed way back in 1897 and was considered the tallest Ferris wheel in the world for more than 65 years before the one built in Japan in 1985 took the lead.

Prater is also a great place to hang out with friends or, if you are a photographer like me, the perfect place to do some street photography while you are in Vienna.

There are so many rides in Prater; it is hard to count them all. I spent 2 days exploring Prater in the evening, and I have yet to see all the rides. There are at least 3 roller coasters here, among other thrill rides.

The place can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and if you are looking for a unique place to visit in Vienna at night, Prater is the best place to be. The park is free to enter, but each ride costs a few EUR to get on. The park opens from 10 AM to 11.45 PM every day in the summer.

If you want to get on the giant Ferris wheel for sunset, be sure to be there early, as the line can get quite long. The ticket to ride the Ferris wheel is 13 EUR per person.

Fun fact: If you are a Before Sunrise fan, you will know exactly what the Ferris wheel looks like. This was where Celine and Jesse kissed and for the view you get, and being able to relive the moment in the movie in real life, I think 13 EUR is definitely a good deal for sure 😉.

16. Follow the Steps of Jessi and Celine from Before Sunrise

Last but not least, if you are a huge fan of the romantic travel movie, Before Sunrise, make sure to check out many of the filming locations here in Vienna and relive those romantic moments in real life.

That is exactly what I did in Vienna, as I decided to spend more than a week exploring every nook and cranny this wonderful city has to offer. As mentioned earlier, places like Albertina and Prater are given, but what about the other places? Well, let's find out!

For the scene where Celine and Jessie sat with the palm reader, Moses Fountain and the old school cozy little cafe called Kleines Café, are where you want to be. The cafe is very nice with vintage furniture, and the seating area is located right in the square, just like in the movie. I highly recommend that you visit the square in the evening for extra immersion.

For the record store where Celine and Jessie listened to "Come Here" by Kath Bloom, you should check out Teuchtler Record Shop, the actual shop where the scene was filmed. You will find many "Before Sunrise" fans here, listening to records just like in 1995 when the film was released. Very cool!

There are other places as well that you should check out while you are in Vienna, like Café Sperl, Zollamtssteg, and the steps of Maria am Gestade. So, don't forget to drop by there if you have the time.

What to Eat and Drink in Vienna?

1. Devour the Ribs of Vienna

Ribs of Vienna is an atmospheric underground eatery with a barrel-vaulted ceiling that specializes in, you guessed it, ribs. It is one of the best ribs I have ever had in my life!

Their signature dish is the ribs that come with different flavors, and it is hard to describe just how tender and juicy the meat is. I highly recommend you come and try it for yourself.

The place gets packed very fast, and you might not have a table if you are there during prime times. Even when you get a table, it will take about 45 minutes to one hour for the dish to be ready, but I assure you, it is worth the wait.

If you want to try out the ribs, I highly recommend that you come to the restaurant an hour and a half early so that by the time you are hungry, the dish will be ready to serve you. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Friday, while it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

2. Try the Chocolate Wafer Cake at Café Sperl

Café Sperl is another highly recommended place to visit if you want to try homemade pastries and dishes at a local price in this stunning 1880 coffeehouse building.

The coffeehouse was built in 1880, while Cafe Sperl was established here 4 years later, and it continues to run today, more than 130 years later. The place is best known for its homemade pastries like the delicious chocolate wafer cake, but you can also dine here as they serve common dishes like schnitzel at a pretty affordable price.

This is also where they shot the movie Before Sunrise, with the same decor and furniture retained as it was back in 1995 when the movie was filmed. The cafe is open from 7 AM to 10 PM every day, except on Sundays when they are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

3. Relaxed with a Cup of Coffee at CoffeePirates

Last but not least, if you are looking for a nice cafe to relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a cozy place, CoffeePirates is one of the best cafes in Vienna.

The cafe attracts a lot of students, both locals and international, and the creative vibe they've got going on here is quite contagious, which was perfect for me to sit and do some work.

The coffee is also delicious, and there are plenty of spaces for you to sit. The cafe is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends.

Further Reading for Austria

I hope you found this Austrian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Austria, here are a selection of articles you might like:

• Looking for a complete itinerary for Austria? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Austria Itinerary.
• Popularized by the classic movie, "The Sound of Music," Salzburg is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe, with a ton of things to do. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Salzburg.
• Probably one of the most picturesque towns in Europe, Hallstatt is so much more than just getting that perfect Instagram photo. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Hallstatt.
• Innsbruck is one of the best places to visit if you want to see the wonderful Austrian Alps up close and personal. Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Innsbruck.
• One of the best hikes you can do in the Austrian Alps is the Olpererhütte hike, and you can do it all in one day from Innsbruck. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Olpererhütte from Innsbruck.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Austria, visit the Austria Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Western Europe Travel Guide, Central Europe Travel Guide, or Eastern Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.