Are you ready to travel again? To fill all the pages in your passport? There is no doubt about that. Us Brits have been unable to travel for the last two years, so many of us are itching to discover new places again. Now that we can, the world is our oyster!
But there is so much to see and do. What will you choose? Well, if you are looking for a weekend gateway in a European capital, maybe you should consider Vienna. This famous city is the biggest in Austria and has been home to some incredible figures over the years. From Sigmund Freud to Mozart to the United Nations. It is a cultural, economic, and political center.
The Ringstraße
One of the best ways to explore the city on foot is to walk the Ringstraße, or the Ring Road. It is literally a ring that goes around the center of the city. The Ringstraße was the place where the medieval fortifications once stood. This beautiful boulevard will show you all the main sights the city has to offer.
However, if you would like to explore the Ring from the comfort of a tram, you can do the tour on the Vienna Ring Tram. The Tram takes you around the most important sights, from the Vienna Opera to the University of Vienna. It is a bright yellow tram that you can’t miss! (Schwedenplatz, 1010 Vienna).
Stephansplatz
Stephansplatz is the geographical center of the city. It is named after the magnificent Stephansdom that stands proudly in the middle. St Stephens Cathedral is one of the biggest cathedrals of the city. Its magnificent spine (137 meters tall) is an iconic landmark. The cathedral was on the brink of destruction during WW2. However, Austrians came together to restore this symbol of the country.
Alongside St Stephens Cathedral, Stephansplatz has much to offer. Wander along the shops, try a Viennese Schnitzel, or a Sacher torte, two of Vienna’s most famous dishes.
Museums
This beautiful city is home to so many museums. Make sure you bring a student card, as you will usually be offered student discounts! Some of the best museums to see include:
- The Kunsthistorisches Museum – a small Louvre museum with a beautiful Egyptian wing. Not to be missed!
- Albertina Museum – unique collections of art, prints and drawings.
- The Belvedere Museum – before it displayed Klimt’s, the Kiss, it was a palace of the Hapsburg family.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace used to be the summer residence of the Hapsburg family. Out of 1,141 rooms you can visit 45 beautiful rooms! Retrace the steps of the Hapsburg family from Empress Maria Therese to Empress Elizabeth (Sisi) and her husband Franz Joseph.
Once you have visited the palace, the gardens are a sight to see. Wander around, go enjoy the maze and then climb up to the Gloriette. You can have a superb view of the city. Top tip: Come back to watch the sunset over the city. It is beautiful.
Hundertwasser House
Hundertwasser House is something that is so hard to describe that it’s best to see it in person. This wonderful apartment building was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a Viennese artist. The façade of the building is richly and colourfully decorated. It is well worth a look. Opposite the Hundertwasser House is the Hundertwasser village. Hundertwasser Village was created out of a tire workshop between 1990-1991.
Karlsplatz and the Vienna Opera House
Karlsplatz, or Charles’ Square in English, is another one of Vienna’s landmarks. This beautiful square is located just out of the first and fourth districts of Vienna, only a few steps away from the Vienna Opera House. If you have a chance, stop by the opera and take a guided tour to learn more about it.
Karlsplatz is a focal point of the city. The square also houses the beautiful baroque church Karlskirche. This church is one of the most beautiful in the city. If you have time you should go in look at the magnificent ceiling design. Climb up the stairs to have a great view of the city.
Honourable mentions
Vienna is such a big city, there is so much to do. Unfortunately not everything could be included in this guide. So here are some extra locations to check out if you have the chance.
- University of Vienna
- The Hofburg Palace
- The Spanish Riding School
- Stadt Park
- Albertina Modern
- Naturhistorisches Museum
- The Rathaus
- The Prater
- Vienna’s Museum Quarter
- Take a Stroll on Donauinsel
- Sigmund Freud Museum