How to experience Vienna

What is Vienna like?

Once you step into Vienna, you step into a world where elegance prevails. From glamorous palaces, picturesque museums, and vibrant streets, this European city offers a unique experience that will make you want more and more of it.

Vienna is art painted by skillful artists, art that inspires, art that transforms. It is no wonder that a myriad of artists lived and created masterpieces in this city — the city of music, the city of the most magnificent music in the world.

Vienna is one of the cleanest cities in Europe. You will not even find a crumb on the streets; it is that clean, and I love it!

What to visit?

1. Schönbrunn Palace

The first thing that you can think of when in Vienna is the famous Schönbrunn Palace. The area where the palace stands today was first used as a hunting ground. Later, a small palace was built, but it was destroyed when the Ottomans besieged Vienna. After the damage, the Habsburg rulers, one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Europe, decided to restore it.

The palace had its golden years during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa. As a female ruler who had 16 children and who had to face a myriad of challenges because she was female, Maria Theresa turned this palace into a paradise.

Luxurious rooms, enchanting gardens, and areas for enjoyment and relaxation — this palace simply captivates with its beauty.

2. Schönbrunn Zoo or Tiergarten

As part of the Schönbrunn resort, there is the enormous Schönbrunn Zoo, or Tiergarten. You will have the chance to see various animals from different parts of the world.

The funniest moment for us was when we saw the panda. This animal, which follows the art of dolce far niente, reminds us that sometimes there is nothing to feel guilty about, especially when one deserves it.

3. Palm House (Palmenhausgarten)

As you walk further along the Schönbrunn resort, you can also take a walk through the Palm House (Palmenhausgarten). If you love nature and plants and want to learn more about them, this should definitely be on your list.

You will see exotic plants, tropical trees, and a stunning architectural structure. It was built in the 19th century and was considered the largest greenhouse in the world, with state-of-the-art architecture.

It is really peaceful, with the sun shining through the glass and making the atmosphere even more magical.

4. Wüstenhaus

Opposite the Palm House, you will find the Wüstenhaus. It is a glasshouse constructed during the reign of Franz Joseph I and served for the collection of various plants from Australia and South Africa. You will have a chance to walk among fascinating plants that survive with very little water.

5. Schönbrunn gardens

Vienna is famous for its stunning gardens, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy the Schönbrunn gardens. Enjoy the views of the fountains and the flowers that are especially well cared for.

6. Gloriette

Cross the gardens and head towards the Gloriette, a marvelous monument which you can climb, walk on the terrace, and enjoy a panoramic view of Vienna. The Gloriette was created to mark the achievements of the Habsburg dynasty. It was also used as a festival and dining hall, and the location couldn’t be better! You can drink coffee at the café inside and enjoy this marvelous Neoclassical architecture.

7. Schönbrunn Maze

Another thing you can enjoy and have fun with in the Schönbrunn resort is the maze. The maze was created during the reign of the Habsburg dynasty, and it was very popular and fashionable to have such a thing at the time. It was designed for leisure walks, relaxation, and entertainment.

8. Kaiserliche Wagenburg (Imperial Carriage Museum)

The Schönbrunn resort is quite enormous, so plan to spend and dedicate a whole day to it. As part of the resort, you can visit a museum dedicated to the Habsburg dynasty and their lifestyle at the time. The museum is called Kaiserliche Wagenburg (Imperial Carriage Museum).

Inside, you’ll have the chance to see magnificent carriages that signified imperial power. The most popular section is about Empress Elizabeth, also known as Sisi. Princess Diana is often associated with Sisi, as they both struggled with public pressure as royal outsiders, both had troubled emotional lives, and both died tragically. Their lives followed very similar paths, although they lived in different centuries.

Apart from carriages, you can also admire traditional clothing that was typical for the time. The museum showcases Baroque-style craftsmanship that abounds with prestige.

9. Maria-Theresien-Platz

Vienna has some of the most beautiful squares, and one of them is Maria-Theresien-Platz. In the middle, there is a monument of Maria Theresa, who was a powerful empress and one of the most influential Habsburg rulers.

10. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Located on Maria-Theresien-Platz stands one of the most stunning art museums in Europe — the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Designed in Neo-Renaissance style, this museum proudly displays its richly decorated halls, marble staircases, statues, antiquities, and galleries.

11. Hofburg Palace

You can’t go to Vienna and not visit one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, the Hofburg Palace. This palace was the heart of the Habsburg dynasty and has a touch of different styles. It is an enormous complex which feels like a small district in the city.

Within the complex, you can explore:

• The apartments of the Habsburg family and how they lived.

Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and many more — you’ll walk through elegant rooms that you will fall in love with.

• Various jewels and robes from their time.
• A museum dedicated to Sisi.

This is also a must-visit museum when in Vienna. You’ll learn about how Empress Elizabeth lived, her routines, and her struggles.

• the Austrian National Library

A stunning library that you cannot stop admiring. With high ceilings, Baroque design, and various collections of manuscripts, rare books, maps, photographs, and much more dating back to the 14th century, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

• the Spanish Riding School

If you wake up early in the morning, you can take the opportunity to visit the Spanish Riding School. It is a very interesting experience, as you will enter a magnificent hall and have the chance to see morning exercises and advanced performances.

There is classical music in the background, and people train with the horses called Lipizzaners, which are a famous breed that originated from the import of Spanish horses, hence the name Spanish Riding School.

12. Albertina Terrace

For the best view of Vienna’s stunning Opera, head to a place called Albertina Terrace. It’s free to access, and you will definitely enjoy the elegant views. You can plan to watch the sunset there.

13. Domkirche St. Stephan

The Gothic-style cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Vienna. Both the exterior and the interior are fascinating. Mozart’s wedding and funeral were held there.

14. Mythos Mozart

f you love Mozart’s music, this is a spectacular museum for you to visit. It is not a traditional museum but rather a modern one with interactive installations where you can immerse yourself. You will need about an hour to explore and experience it fully. There are five rooms in which you can experience how Mozart lived and composed his magnificent music.

15. House of Music

Another immersive and non-traditional museum is the House of Music. You will explore how different classical musicians lived at the time through interactive activities. You can even create music by yourself there!

16. Belvedere Palace

A marvelous art museum that is one of the most important landmarks in the wonderful city of Vienna. It was built as a summer residence for a commander, and nowadays it hosts various art collections, the most famous of which is The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

17. Johann Strauss Museum

If you like music, you cannot miss the Johann Strauss Museum; it is simply outstanding. I love museums, especially those that offer something new and unpredictable every minute. You can experience the King of the Waltz’s life in an unforgettable way.

18. Madame Tussauds

This interactive wax museum is a must-visit! You will have the chance to stand next to the most famous people on Earth — celebrities, historical figures, musicians, and more. The experience is spectacular!

19. Donauturm (Danube tower)

The Donauturm is a tower and one of the most famous modern landmarks in Vienna. You can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Vienna, with the beautiful blue Danube flowing across the elegant city. The staff will welcome you and take you to the elevator with you, which can be helpful if you feel uneasy about going up quickly in an elevator.

Other activities:

Classical Music Concerts

Vienna offers a plethora of concerts if you are that type of person. You can either go to the opera or book concerts in various churches. Check the dates.

Kino am Dach

During our stay in the summer, there was an open-air cinema located on the roof terrace of the Vienna Main Library. It was a lovely experience.

Transportation

Vienna has one of the safest and most beautiful metro systems in Europe. You can easily get anywhere.

Food

Main dish that you should try: Wiener Schnitzel

Dessert: Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte

Coffee: Wiener Melange