Must-See Places to Visit in Vienna: A Regal City’s Top 10 Sights

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Vienna’s top 10 must-see places, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the regal city’s iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital, unfolds like a resplendent baroque dream. With its magnificent palaces, world-class museums, and picturesque cobblestone alleys, this grand city on the Danube is steeped in history, art, and music. Places to visit in Vienna span the gamut from opulent Hapsburg residences to exquisite Gothic cathedrals and tranquil parks. In May 2022, 524,200 visitors flocked to the Austrian capital to discover its many charms—11.8% more than in May 2021. If you’re planning to join them, here are the top 10 places to visit in Vienna to make the most of your trip.

 

1. Schönbrunn Palace

 

One of the most iconic places to visit in Vienna in 3 days, Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Hapsburgs. This sprawling Rococo estate encompasses:

 

• 1,441 lavishly furnished rooms

• Stunning formal gardens with fountains and sculptures

• The world’s oldest continuously operating zoo, founded in 1752

Insider Tip: The palace’s Grand Tour takes you through 40 rooms, including the resplendent Great Gallery where Mozart performed as a child prodigy in 1762.

 

2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

 

Soaring above the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an unmissable stop on any Vienna places to see itinerary. This 12th century Gothic masterpiece features:

 

• A 137-meter south tower offering panoramic city views

• Intricately patterned mosaic roof made with 230,000 glazed tiles

• Catacombs holding the remains of Hapsburg royals

Quick Fact: An estimated 3.5 million visitors enter this cathedral each year to admire its soaring vaults and exquisite stained glass.

 

3. Belvedere Palace

 

Among the grandest places to visit in Vienna, Belvedere Palace is actually two Baroque palaces set in tiered formal gardens. Art lovers shouldn’t miss:

 

• The world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including The Kiss

• Masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Schiele in the Upper Belvedere

• Splendid ceiling frescoes by Carlo Innocenzo Carlone in the Lower Belvedere

Pro Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and better light in the galleries.

 

4. Kunsthistorisches Museum

 

The Museum of Fine Arts holds one of the world’s greatest collections of European art, making it a top pick for Vienna attractions. Don’t miss these highlights:

 

• Bruegel Collection with the artist’s most famous peasant scenes

• Egyptian-Oriental Collection spanning 3 millennia

• Raphael’s ‘Madonna in the Meadow’ in the Picture Gallery

Expert Advice: The museum’s sumptuous cafe is the perfect spot for a coffee and Viennese pastry between galleries.

 

5. Vienna State Opera

 

Music lovers have flocked to this temple of opera since 1869, cementing its status among the most iconic Vienna places to visit. Not to miss:

 

• Daily guided tours through the opulent neo-Renaissance interiors

• 350+ dazzling opera and ballet performances each season

• The famed Vienna Opera Ball held here each February

Insider Secret: Standing room tickets go on sale 80 minutes before each performance for as little as €10.

 

6. Naschmarkt

 

Vienna’s largest outdoor market is a feast for the senses and a must-see among places to visit in Vienna. This foodie paradise features:

 

• 120+ stalls selling spices, cheeses, olives, and regional delicacies

• Dozens of casual eateries dishing up global cuisine

• A bustling Saturday flea market with antiques and vintage finds

Local Tip: Visit in the morning for the widest selection of fresh produce and baked goods.

 

7. Hofburg Palace

 

The sprawling Hofburg complex, seat of the Hapsburgs for over 600 years, tops many lists of places to see in Vienna. Highlights include:

 

• The glittering Imperial Apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth

• Dazzling Imperial Treasury housing the Austrian Crown Jewels

• Refined performances by the famed Vienna Boys’ Choir on Sundays

Did You Know? This vast complex covers 59 acres with 18 groups of buildings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms.

 

8. Ringstrasse

 

For a scenic overview of many top attractions in Vienna, stroll or cycle along the Ringstrasse. This grand 19th century boulevard:

 

• Encircles Vienna’s historical city center

• Is lined with landmark buildings like the Vienna State Opera and Parliament

• Features inviting parks like the Stadtpark and Burggarten

Travel Tip: Tram line 1 runs the length of the Ring, offering hop-on-hop-off access to major sights.

 

9. Prater Amusement Park

 

The Prater is among the most entertaining Vienna places to visit, especially for families. This historic amusement park boasts:

 

• The Giant Ferris Wheel built in 1897, an icon on the city skyline

• Over 250 attractions from carousels to thrill rides

• Leafy paths for strolling, cycling, and picnicking

Fun Fact: After riding the Ferris wheel, head to the nearby Schweizerhaus beer garden, serving Viennese specialties since 1766.

 

10. Hundertwasserhaus

 

For a quirky addition to your list of places to visit in Vienna, don’t miss the Hundertwasserhaus. Designed by eccentric artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this expressionist landmark features:

 

• Undulating floors, wonky windows, and a rooftop forest

• Whimsically mismatched tiles in bright hues

• A small on-site museum showcasing Hundertwasser’s unconventional vision

Photo Op: The best spot to snap a pic of the building’s zany facade is from the opposite corner on Kegelgasse.

 

Stay Connected with Airtel as You Explore Vienna

 

As you set out to discover the top places to see in Vienna, having reliable internet access can make all the difference. With a prepaid international roaming pack from Airtel, you can easily navigate the city, book tickets, check hours, and translate signs on the go. Airtel’s affordable data plans ensure you stay connected throughout your Viennese adventure.

From opulent palaces to beloved boulevards, Vienna offers an abundance of regal splendour and old-world charm. As you explore this captivating city on the blue Danube, you’ll quickly see why its magnificent sites have inspired generations of artists, musicians, and travellers. No matter which attractions in Vienna top your must-see list, each offers a window into the rich history and culture that make Austria’s capital such an unforgettable destination. With this guide to the best places to visit in Vienna, you’re all set to waltz off on your own imperial adventure.