Looking for the best things to do in Vienna? Vienna is an amazing city, and I highly recommend you add it to your bucket list ASAP. I had gotten a lot of recommendations myself before getting to Vienna, and also stumbled across some gems while I was there.
You know how sometimes you get to a new city and you just immediately fall in love with it? That’s what happened to me in Vienna. It more than exceeded my expectations; I genuinely loved Vienna and cannot wait to go back! The city was vibrant, the public transit was efficient and easy to use, and the architecture was stunning.
Keep reading for the 10 best things I enjoyed doing in the city. And don’t forget to click the button below to save all these spots and more to your Google Maps!
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There are a ton of palaces in Vienna (you will soon realize that if you weren’t already aware)! If you only have a couple days in Vienna, it will be hard to visit them all to their full extent, touring the inside of each. Belvedere was one of the spots we did not have time to tour.
However, we came here at sunset to see the grounds and gardens, and I am so happy we did not miss it! It is so pretty! Fun fact about Vienna: the gardens of all these palaces are public parks. There were were a lot of people going for runs throughout the gardens, which I thought was really cool!
2. Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace is about 30 minutes outside of the city center, so you’ll want to wake up early and get here right away one morning. Also, make sure you buy tickets and reserve your time slot ahead of time! We did not do this, and then there was a 4 hour wait by the time we got there!
The gardens, again, are a public park so you can explore these for free! You could honestly explore the gardens for hours. There were a ton of park benches and people just roaming around. Check out the rose bushes in full bloom when I went in late May!
3. Das LOFT
OMG can you believe this view?! As the only restaurant on this list, I highly highly recommend grabbing a reservation at Das LOFT for sunset dinner. It is a bit pricier, but the absolute best date night spot or special dinner. Plus, the food was delicious! You can see the full view in my Instagram video below:
You’ll want to make a “Dinner @ Window Table” reservation to get a table right next to the window. There is a small fee to hold the reservation, but you only get charged if you don’t show up or cancel in advance!
4. Rathausplatz
This was the first place we went after we landed in Vienna! The energy was THROUGH the roof, as the FIBA 3×3 tournament was taking place in the plaza from May 30 through June 4. We didn’t go into the tournament, but it was free entry and the area was so much fun!
5. Hofburg Palace
Another palace! This one we actually did get tickets to; we purchased the Sisi Museum day tickets. It was really cool to hear the history of Empress Elisabeth and tour the Emperor and Empress’ apartments. You can’t take any photos inside of the exhibit, so please just enjoy the stunning exterior for now. The inside will be a surprise for when you visit.🤗
6. Maria-Theresien-Platz
On the way to Hofburg Palace, we passed through the Maria-Theresien-Platz. It’s in the Museum Quarter, between the Natural History Museum and Kunsthistorisches Museum. Check out these perfectly manicured hedges! It’s really pretty, and definitely worth passing through. I did not get the chance (this time) to go in either museum, but definitely want to come back to check them out.
7. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This is an absolute must-do! It is free to enter as it is a church! We went at night, and there was no line; I don’t think there was ever even really a line during the day either. It’s centrally located in the city center and there’s a ton of great restaurants, bars and shops all around.
There are a few different rooftop bars / restaurants close to the Cathedral that give you a great view. I didn’t go to them, so I haven’t included them in this post, but they are in my Vienna Travel Guide, if you are looking for recs!
The exterior architecture of the cathedral is so cool; it reminded me of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, if you have ever been! If you look close, you can see the Austrian coat of arms on the roof of the church in the first photo. Super cool.
8. Stadtpark
Ugh I seriously cannot get over all these open, public spaces in nature. I wish we had something (anything) similar in Los Angeles. It was a beautiful day, and soo many people were out in the park! I think this was the first European city I could actually see myself living in and loving, primarily because of parks like this.
9. Vienna Ferris Wheel
For another incredible view of the city, be sure to stop by the Vienna Ferris Wheel. I didn’t realize there was actually an entire amusement park; I wish I had had more time to go on more rides! All lit up at night, it’s sort of giving me Vegas vibes, but like, for children.😂
We walked along the Henriette-Fahrbach Promenade after dinner at Das LOFT to the Ferris Wheel. As a result, we got a view of the city at night. It was so pretty to see all of the lights, but I sort of wish we had done it during the day so I could see everything better.
10. Eis Greissler
I hope you’re a big dessert person, because there are a TON of ice cream and chocolate shops all around the city! My personal favorite was Eis Greissler; we stumbled upon this one and it was incredible. I cannot have dairy, and they had a ton of vegan flavors that were delicious. I got dark chocolate and caramel; I wish I could have taken pints home with me.
It’s the perfect treat for the warm summer nights! Especially around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you’ll see so many different ice cream shops. But this one is the best.😉 Don’t miss it!!
Aaand bonus sight (and possibly my favorite) are these cute crossing lights!!🥹The little people holding hands with the little heart, are they not the cutest!? I’ve never seen this anywhere else in the world. So cool.
If Vienna was not already on your bucket list, definitely add it! And if it is, or if you’re planning to go soon, please let me know if you have any questions or want more information on any of the above!
mariss
