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Visit Vienna guide

Vienna. Photo by Anna Hunko

Visitor information about Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city that offers something for everyone, from its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. A trip to Vienna is a journey through history, with the opportunity to explore palaces and museums, stroll through charming streets and gardens, and experience the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

It’s a city that will inspire and captivate you, a place where you can indulge your senses and broaden your perspective. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a new adventure, Vienna is the perfect destination. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful and fascinating cities.

Looking for the best hotels in Vienna? Check out the updated list of popular hotels in Vienna.

Visit Vienna Guide is designed for travelers that visiting Vienna first time and looking for recommendations about trip ideas and things to do in Vienna. Hope you’ll like our article and have a great trip experience in Vienna!

6 reasons why you should visit Vienna

  1. Rich Cultural Heritage: Vienna is home to a number of museums, galleries, and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Some must-see attractions include the Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Vienna State Opera.
  2. Delicious Cuisine: Viennese cuisine is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and its emphasis on traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, goulash and Kaiserschmarrn.
  3. Music: Vienna is known as the city of music, as it was home to famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Visitors can attend a concert or opera at the Vienna State Opera or Musikverein, two of the city’s famous venues.
  4. Beautiful Architecture: Vienna is known for its beautiful architecture, with many buildings dating back to the Habsburg empire, including the Imperial Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and the Parliament.
  5. Coffee culture: Vienna is famous for its coffee culture, with traditional Viennese coffee houses serving as important social and cultural institutions.
  6. Parks and Gardens: Vienna has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Prater park and the Burggarten, which offer a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

Flights to Vienna

Discover the beauty and culture of Vienna with our great deals on flights. Experience the historic architecture, indulge in the delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant music scene. With our easy booking process and competitive prices, your dream trip to Vienna is just a few clicks away.

Things you should know about Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna. Photo by Haroon Ameer
  1. Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, located in the eastern part of the country.
  2. It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its historic architecture, including the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Schönbrunn Palace.
  3. Vienna is considered one of the most livable cities in the world, and has a high standard of living.
  4. The city is also known for its music, as it was home to famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
  5. Vienna is a hub of international politics, being home to the United Nations and other international organizations.
  6. The city is also known for its coffee culture, with traditional Viennese coffee houses serving as important social and cultural institutions.
  7. Vienna is also famous for its pastries and sweets, such as Sachertorte and Kaiserschmarrn.
  8. The city is also home to many museums and art galleries, including the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
  9. Vienna has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, making it easy to get around the city.
  10. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Prater park and the Burggarten.

These are some of the things you should know about Vienna, but there is much more to discover in this beautiful and fascinating city.

What dishes to try in Vienna?

  • Wiener Schnitzel: Thinly pounded and breaded veal cutlet, usually served with a side of potatoes and a lemon wedge.
Wiener Schnitzel
Wiener Schnitzel. Photo by LikeMeat
  • Tafelspitz: Boiled beef served with a variety of side dishes such as potatoes, carrots, and creamed spinach.
  • Goulash: A hearty stew made with beef, potatoes, onions, and paprika.
  • Kaiserschmarrn: A traditional Austrian sweet dish made from shredded pancakes, caramelized with sugar, and served with a fruit compote.
  • Apfelstrudel: A classic Viennese pastry made from thinly rolled dough filled with sweetened apples and cinnamon.
  • Tiroler Gröstl: A hearty dish made from pan-fried potatoes and diced bacon, topped with a fried egg.
  • Leberknödel: A large dumpling made from ground beef or liver and flour, usually served in a rich gravy.
  • Palatschinken: A type of thin crepe filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as apricot jam, Nutella, or spinach and feta cheese.
  • Topfenstrudel: A traditional Viennese pastry made from a dough filled with a sweet curd cheese mixture and raisins.
  • Beuschel: A traditional Viennese dish made of heart and lungs, usually served with a side of dumplings or potatoes.

These are some of the dishes you can try in Vienna, but there is much more to discover in the city’s diverse culinary scene.

5 cafes to try in Vienna

  1. Café Central: This historic café, dating back to 1876, is located in the heart of Vienna and has served as a meeting place for intellectuals and artists throughout the years. It serves traditional Viennese pastries and coffee in a grand, ornate setting.
    Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria
    See on Google Maps
  2. Café Sperl: This popular café, which dates back to 1880, is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau interior and its traditional Viennese atmosphere.
    Address: Gumpendorfer Str. 11, 1060 Wien, Austria
    See on Google Maps
  3. Café Hawelka: This cozy and intimate café, which opened in 1939, is known for its warm atmosphere, friendly service and its typical Viennese charm.
    Address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
    See on Google Maps
  4. Café Diglas: This traditional Viennese café, which was established in 1887, is known for its excellent coffee, homemade pastries and its cozy atmosphere.
    Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Wien, Austria
    See on Google Maps
  5. Café Landtmann: This historic café, dating back to 1873, is located in the heart of Vienna and is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau interior, its large terrace and its traditional Viennese atmosphere.
    Address: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien, Austria
    See on Google Maps

All the above cafes are renowned for their traditional Viennese atmosphere, delicious pastries, and excellent coffee. They are also part of Vienna’s cultural heritage, and a visit to them is a must for anyone who wants to experience the city’s famous coffee house culture

5 streets in Vienna where it’s worth walking

Graben Street, Vienna
Graben Street, Vienna. Photo by Antonio Šećerović
  1. Graben: This historic street is located in the heart of Vienna and is known for its elegant shops, beautiful architecture, and its famous street performer.
  2. Karntner Strasse: This street is one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets, and it is lined with elegant shops, department stores, and restaurants.
  3. Mariahilfer Strasse: This street is Vienna’s largest shopping street and it is known for its wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  4. Kärntner Strasse: This street is located in the heart of Vienna and is known for its beautiful architecture, elegant shops, and traditional coffee houses.
  5. Naschmarkt: This street is known for its outdoor market where you can find a wide range of fresh produce, spices, and street food. It is also a great place to stroll and explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

All these streets offer a unique experience, from the elegant shopping, charming architecture, to the street performer, traditional coffee houses and street food. They are a perfect way to explore the city, discover its culture and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

2-day trip roadmap in Vienna

Here is a recommended 2-day trip guide for travelers visiting Vienna first time.

Day 1

  • Start your day by visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, a grand baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Take a tour of the palace’s state rooms and gardens.
  • Next, head to the historic city center and explore the famous Ringstrasse, where you can admire the city’s beautiful architecture, including the Imperial Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and the Parliament.
  • Stop by the Stephansplatz, the heart of the city, where you can see the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • In the afternoon, take a break and enjoy a traditional Viennese coffee and pastry at one of the city’s famous coffee houses.
  • For dinner, indulge in the delicious local cuisine at one of Vienna’s traditional restaurants.
  • After dinner, take in a concert or opera performance at the Vienna State Opera or Musikverein, two of the city’s famous venues.

Day 2

  • Start your day by visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
  • After that, head to the Albertina, a museum of graphic art, which is home to an extensive collection of drawings and prints by famous artists.
  • For lunch, take a stroll through the Naschmarkt and sample some of the delicious street food on offer.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Belvedere Palace, which is home to a collection of Austrian art and architecture.
  • Before dinner, take a walk along the Danube Canal and enjoy the views of the city.
  • End your day with a traditional Viennese dinner in one of the city’s famous Heurigen (wine taverns) or Beisln( traditional Viennese pub) and try some of the local wine and delicacies.

This is a general roadmap that you could follow on your 2-day trip, but Vienna has a lot more to offer, so feel free to customize the plan according to your interests and preferences.

 

Vardan Papikyan
the authorVardan Papikyan
Contributor
Vardan is a content creator and optimization specialist based in Armenia, Yerevan city. He's contributing with collecting travel stories on Eurodirections.com

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