Words by Entire Travel Group
Vienna is a city that captures the perfect blend of Old World elegance and grandeur with modern, world-class art and culture. From museums celebrating national artists to palaces that take you back to the days of the Habsburgs, there are tons to see in Austria’s capital - so much so that it can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time traveller. Here are six must-do experiences in Vienna to get you started.
Marvel at the Majestic Hofburg Palace
An iconic, Inner Stadt attraction is Hofburg Palace, also known as the Imperial Palace. What was once the residence of the powerful Habsburg Royal Family is now the official home of Austria’s President. Visitors can marvel at the opulent Crown Jewels housed in the palace and enjoy the lush greenery at Volksgarten, a stunning park within the palace grounds.
Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel
One of the best activities in Vienna for families is riding the Wiener Riesenrad, a giant Ferris wheel in Prater Park. The amusement park has been open to the public since 1776 and continues to brim with life, offering rides and games for the whole family to enjoy.
Visit Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the World’s Oldest Zoo
The world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn was first built in the 1750s and was designed to be a private menagerie for the imperial family. In 1779, it was officially opened to the public. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 8,000 animals, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers, Brazilian tapirs, Indian rhinos and hundreds of other creatures from all over the world.
Browse Naschmarkt, Vienna’s Famous Market
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and oldest market and has been around since the 16th century. Here, you can shop for freshly baked bread, produce, vibrant flowers, antique collectibles and even international spices and food. It’s also dotted with restaurants and cafés where shoppers can sample some of Vienna’s most delicious dishes.
Appreciate the Colours of Hundertwasserhaus
Vienna may be known for its Baroque and Rococo architecture, but it’s also home to several modern and eclectic buildings. Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment block that features vibrant colours, irregular shapes and wavy lines, much like an expressionist painting. This unique, dynamic structure is a sight to behold in Vienna’s Landstrasse district and a refreshing contrast to the Old World buildings in the city centre.
Visit the Sigmund Freud Museum
You might know Vienna as the city of classical music and imperial families, but it’s also the birthplace of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. The Sigmund Freud Museum highlights Freud’s life and contributions to psychoanalysis, shedding light on how we understand the human mind today. The museum was also Freud’s former home where he saw patients and now holds many of his documents and belongings, including his iconic psychoanalytic couch.
Need help planning the perfect Viennese holiday? Just reach out to your your local Travellers Choice agent agent!
