Things to do in Vienna

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Schoenbrunn Palace showing landscape views, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Vienna Attractions

Are you a fan of "The Sound of Music?" Did it make you want to pack up and journey to Vienna, Austria? It's time to stop dreaming and make your travel plans a reality. Plot your trip now with Expedia as your do-it-yourself travel guide. There's no need to hire an agent when everything you need to know about attractions in Vienna has been centralized at one convenient location.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vienna that you won’t run out of things to do. Start thinking about your Vienna excursions and soon you'll be on your way to one of the top tourist destinations in the world!

Make sure your Vienna tours include a glimpse of some of the most incredible architecture in the world. The Schonbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral list only a few of the best spots in Austria. Burgtheater and Belvedere are two more must see places when you choose your top Vienna activities. Don't soley rely on a map. As you wander through this great city, be sure to turn to local experts for their recommendation, if you prefer an insight to local life over the tourist-version of a trip to Vienna. For a really unique experience, visit Hundertwasserhaus, built as a tribute to Expressionist artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This interesting building of several stories resembles a collage of colors. It is sure to make you wonder what else could be hiding around the corner of this old, European city.

Your journey will not be complete until you sample the local wares and wine and dine at Vienna’s top restairants. When it is time to turn in for the night, Expedia.com can help you choose the hotel of your dreams. Let Expedia help you to access great discounts on plane tickets, too. Do you need a rental car? We can help you with all of your arrangements. Don't put off your fantasies any longer. Make them reality and commit yourself to a great adventure in Vienna!


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Vienna must see attractions

1. Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s largest Rococo buildings; each year millions of people visit the internationally recognized world heritage site. Admire the luxurious decor of the apartments belonging to Franz Jozeph, Maria Theresa and other Austrian aristocracy. Then take a stroll in the vast Baroque park behind the palace. Children will love the 18th-century maze and zoo.
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Schoenbrunn Palace which includes heritage architecture, a city and a castle

2. Vienna State Opera

Enjoy an evening performance in the Vienna State Opera, one of the most respected opera houses in the world, or come here during the day to tour the grand building. Admire the Renaissance-style facade and the gilded interior with symbolic statues and mesmerizing tapestries.
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Vienna State Opera featuring interior views and heritage architecture as well as an individual femail

3. Belvedere

Make your way up the gentle slope through the manicured gardens of the Belvedere historic complex to be rewarded with some of the best views across Vienna. Within the walls of its two impressive Baroque palaces you can see opulent rooms and famous works by Gustav Klimt and other European masters.
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Belvedere which includes a pond and heritage architecture

4. St. Stephen's Cathedral

A prominent feature in the Vienna skyline is the needle-like South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As you approach it, the cathedral’s glazed-tiled roof reveals its many colors. Inside you’ll find a fabulous array of religious artworks.
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St. Stephen\'s Cathedral showing a sunset, heritage architecture and landscape views

5. Hofburg Imperial Palace

From the impressive showroom in the National Library to the shining objects in its treasury, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is full of ornaments, architectural and artistic masterpieces and history. Visit to see the luxury in which Austria’s Habsburg family lived for 600 years and learn more about these powerful rulers.
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Hofburg Imperial Palace showing a city, heritage elements and heritage architecture

6. Prater

Visit the Weiner Prater and enjoy spectacular views across Vienna from the top of its iconic Riesenrad (Giant Wheel). Back on the ground you can choose between nostalgic merry-go-rounds, high-adrenaline roller coasters and over 250 more attractions in the Wurstelprater. This amusement park lies within the larger Wiener Prater park, which also contains a planetarium and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
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Wiener Prater featuring a city

7. Stephansplatz

Visit Stephansplatz in the center of Vienna and enjoy a square that buzzes with activity day and night. Choose a café and spend an hour or so watching the world go by or visit two of the city’s most prominent buildings; St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Haas-Haus.
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Stephansplatz showing a city

What to do in Vienna

Free Things to Do in Vienna

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's a snap to have fun in Vienna without surrendering a penny.

Circus and Clown Museum

- Filled with exhibits and objects, this gallery is a wonderland for hungry minds.

Nouvel Tower

- Architecture fan or not, prepare to be impressed by this landmark's modern design.

University of Vienna

- Wander around this historic place and find out a couple of secrets from times past.

Judenplatz

- Mingle with some locals and seek out the true character and soul of this wonderful place.

Gaensehaeufel

- Take a deep breath — nothing tops being beside the water for some peace and relaxation.

Vienna Christmas Market

- Allow some time to check out this site of local significance.

Schottenkirche

- Throw a little spirituality into your getaway by visiting this sacred place.

Leopoldsberg

- Bring along your camera and let Mother Nature spark a sense of wonder in you.

Volksgarten

- Cultivate your green thumb and enjoy admiring the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Vienna. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that are bound to make your getaway unforgettable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Vienna? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Vienna on a sunny day?
What to do in Vienna on a rainy day?
Try out one or two of these great indoor activities and turn a miserable, rainy day into something memorable:


What is Vienna famous for?
Schoenbrunn Palace lives up to its reputation as an iconic attraction you simply can’t miss.
What should I not miss in Vienna?
Put these things at the top of your to-do list to get the most out of your trip:

  • Vienna State Opera
  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Belvedere
  • Spanish Riding School

Are there cheap things to do in Vienna?
What can you do in Vienna for free?
You could store your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these fabulous attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Viennese City Park
  • Vienna Christmas Market
  • Naschmarkt


Discover the most popular places to visit in Vienna

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Vienna

St. Stephen\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, a city and religious elements

Innere Stadt

5/5(1,255 area reviews)

Explore the city’s central hub, with enough interesting choices to keep you busy for days. Find best matches to your interests among engaging attractions and events.

Innere Stadt
Wiener Prater which includes landscape views, a city and a square or plaza

Leopoldstadt

4.5/5(363 area reviews)

The natural beauty and rides of the Prater are this district’s most famous attractions. Linger here for sometimes surprising glimpses into Viennese history.

Leopoldstadt
Viennese City Park featuring a garden, flowers and signage

Landstraße

4.5/5(200 area reviews)

Views here are best from street level, where casual walks pass the splendors of the Belvedere Palace and the modernist fantasies of Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Landstraße
Belvedere showing a park, a castle and a square or plaza

Wieden

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Numerous unusual sights make this small central neighborhood worth a visit, and its homey atmosphere makes it difficult to leave.

Wieden
Vienna featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Neubau

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Art is around every corner here, with museums and independent art galleries set in a relaxed neighborhood popular with young people.

Neubau
Naschmarkt showing food, markets and interior views

Mariahilf

4.5/5(142 area reviews)

Travelers love Mariahilf for its popular shops, and you can see more of Vienna by jumping on the metro at Neubaugasse U-Bahn or Mariahilfer Gürtel Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Haus des Meeres and Naschmarkt.

Mariahilf

Popular day trips from Vienna