10 Must Visit Places In Vienna

June 28, 2012 Austria 69 Comments 377,704 Views

10 Places You Must Visit When In Vienna.

Vienna has a lot to offer, so it’s hard to name just 9 must-visit spots. Personally I think Austria’s capital city is one of the most stunning cities to live in, and there are many reasons for this: its rich culture, long-lasting tradition, stunning architecture, the way of living, amazing coffee houses, the capital city for classical music, and many many more…

Obviously there are many more sights and places to be seen in Vienna, if you want more info, feel free to contact me via a comment below or an e-mail through the contact form (even when it comes to touristy places).

#1 Must Visit When In Vienna: A Ring Tour.

The Ringstraße is the road surrounding the inner city (1st district) of Vienna with some of the most famous sight like the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament and City Hall. While wondering the street, take a side track into the lovely Burggarten to either rest a bit or to enjoy a cup of coffee in the Palmenhaus. Further along the way, you will come to the Votivkirche and then to the Danube Channel with many restaurants.
The Ring is definitely one of my favourite places in Vienna, simply because of the impressive buildings built around it and the atmosphere along the way…

I'm a huge Opera fan, and therefore the Vienna State Opera is alsmost my second home...
I’m a huge Opera fan, and therefore the Vienna State Opera is almost my second home…
The famous Hofburg palace was the Habsburgers winter residence, as the Schönbrunn Palace was their summer residence.
The famous Hofburg palace was the Habsburgers winter residence, as the Schönbrunn Palace was their summer residence.
Just across the Hofburg palace sits the Austrian Parliament with the Pallas Athena fountain in front of the main entrance.
Just across the Hofburg palace sits the Austrian Parliament with the Pallas Athena fountain in front of the main entrance.

#2 Must Visit When In Vienna: One, Or two, Or three Coffee Houses.

As a Viennese, I love a good cup of coffee. The Viennese Coffee House Culture is world famous – and since 2011 even an UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The Viennese coffeehouse is described in this inventory as a place “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.” And oh is that true! I wrote a separate article on my top 10 favourite coffee houses. Of course there are many more, but I think this gives you a goof impression on traditional and modern ones in all areas ov Vienna.

#3 Must Visit When In Vienna: Twin City Liner.

Vienna and Bratislava are the capital cities with the shortest reaching distance (in Europe). So, if you’re staying in Vienna for more than just the weekend, be sure to hop on the Twin City Liner to take a cruise to Bratislava. It only takes 75 minutes in each direction and you can check out two capitals in just one day.

#4 Must Visit When In Vienna: Schloss Schönbrunn (Including The Zoo) & Gloriette:

Schloss Schönbrunn: Schönbrunn is one of the most important cultural monuments and tourist attractions in Austria. So why am I posting it here, since I promised to stay away from typical tourist attractions … Well, because there’s more to Schloss Schönbrunn than just the (very beautiful) castle; the park around Schloss Schönbrunn is a great little oasis in an otherwise busy city. It’s perfect for long walks or a little jog. Jogging grounds in Vienna are rare, so naturally the park can get pretty crowed … best to go there early morning or late in evening.

Winter tip: The Christmas Market in front of the castle is a must for every visitor and local.

Gloriette: The Gloriette in Vienna is the largest (and therefore most well-known) gloriette worldwide and is a nice café where you can refuel your energy.

The Gloriette was built in 1775 as the last building constructed in the garden of Schönbrunn castle. it was used as a dining hall and festival hall as well as a breakfast room for emperor Franz Joseph I.
The Gloriette was built in 1775 as the last building constructed in the garden of Schönbrunn castle. it was used as a dining hall and festival hall as well as a breakfast room for emperor Franz Joseph I.
Each year the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra plays an open-air concert at Schönbrunn Palace park. The admission is free and it has been held every year (around May) since 2004. Approximately 100.000 people come here every year.
Each year the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra plays an open-air concert at Schönbrunn Palace park. The admission is free and it has been held every year (around May) since 2004. Approximately 100.000 people come here every year.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn: The famous Vienna zoo was founded in 1752, which makes it the oldest zoo in the world.

How to get there:
  • If you want to see the castle, take metro line U4 station Schönbrunn. For the zoo it’s better to take the metro line U4 until Hietzing (even though you can also walk through the gardens to reach the zoo).
Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, Austria.
Today Tiergarten Schönbrunn is considered and regards itself as a scientifically administered zoo which sees its main purpose as a centre for species conservation and general nature conservation as well as in the fulfilment of the education mandate given to it by the legislation.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, Austria.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn is one of the few zoos worldwide to house giant pandas. Apart from these there are other zoo attractions like the rainforest house, in which the spectator is led through a simulation of the Amazon rainforest, an aquarium, which enables spectators to walk through underneath a simulation of the Amazon in flood, and, more recently, an exhibit of animals in unnatural habitats.

#5 Must Visit When In Vienna: Naschmarkt & Brunnenmarkt.

Naschmarkt: The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular market and a real hot spot. Whether you want to go out for lunch or after work-cocktails … one of the many bars/restaurants will suit you for sure. You can also buy yummy fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world, exotic herbs, cheese, baked goods, meat and seafood.

How to get there:
  • The Naschmarkt is located at the Wienzeile in the 6th district of Vienna and is about 1.5 kilometres long. You can get there by metro line U4 station Kettenbrückengasse or Karlsplatz (also U1 and U2 go there).
Fresh Vegetables at the Naschmarkt in Vienna, Austria.
Fresh Vegetables at the Naschmarkt in Vienna, Austria.

Brunnenmarkt: The Brunnenmarkt is the longest street market in Europe, located in the 16th district of Vienna and (in my opinion) the “new” Naschmarkt. Over the years, many lovely restaurants have popped up around the Yppenplatz, which is the extension of Brunnenmarkt. The setting around the entire area is trendy yet still very cultural, and that’s what makes Brunnenmarkt so diverse and “hot”.

How to get there:
  • The Brunnenmarkt can be reached by the metro line U6 until station Thaliastrasse and then the tram line 46 until Brunnengasse.
Vegetables at the Brunnenmarket in Vienna, Austria.
Vegetables at the Brunnenmarket in Vienna, Austria.

#6 Must Visit When In Vienna: Lainzer Tiergarten.

The Lainzer Tiergarten is for those of who who would like to get away from all the hassle for a while. It’s a wildlife preserve in the 13th district of Vienna. Approximately 80% of it is covered in woodland, so it’s a perfect destination for long walks. Back in 1561, it was used as a fenced-in hunting ground for Ferdinand I of Austria and his family. What’s really lovely about this place is that your trip can either be topped with a yummy lunch/coffee at the café or a visit to the museum in the Hermesvilla (or both of course). Emperor Franz Josef I gave this chalet to his wife Empress Elisabeth (better known as “Sissi”) because she was a huge nature fan and wanted a place for her own. Not bad huh?

How to get there (Lainzer Tor):
  • Take the tram line 60 until Hermesstraße, or bus number 55A until Lainzer Tor
Hermesvilla is a palace in the Lainzer Tiergarten, in Vienna, a former hunting area for the Habsburg nobility. Today it's home to a café and museum great for weekend visits.
Hermesvilla is a palace in the Lainzer Tiergarten, in Vienna, a former hunting area for the Habsburg nobility. Today it’s home to a café and museum great for weekend visits.
The name Hermesvilla refers to a statue of Hermes made of white marble that is located in the garden of the villa. Empress Elisabeth aka "Sisi" called it the "castle of dreams.“
The name Hermesvilla refers to a statue of Hermes made of white marble that is located in the garden of the villa. Empress Elisabeth aka “Sisi” called it the “castle of dreams.“
The Lainzer Tiergarten is a wildlife preserve in mostly home in the 13th distinct of Vienna. 80% of it is covered in woodland with alleys for runners and walkers leading through the forest. My favourite time of the year to go there is autumn where the colours are simply amazing.
The Lainzer Tiergarten is a wildlife preserve in mostly home in the 13th distinct of Vienna. 80% of it is covered in woodland with alleys for runners and walkers leading through the forest. My favourite time of the year to go there is autumn where the colours are simply amazing.

#7 Must Visit When In Vienna: A Typical “Heuriger”.

A Heuriger is a typical Austrian wine tavern where pretty much all you get is wine and a limited variety of cold food (bread with cheese, etc.). A Heuriger isn’t open all year around; typically only two to four weeks per year. It’s a really nice experience because it’s some very traditional and typical for Austria so if you’re visiting during the “Heurigen” season, be sure to check one out. The 19th and 23rd district, as well as Perchtholdsdorf (South of Vienna) are the classical areas.

My “Heuriger” tip: Heuriger Kurt Pröglhöf (Am Goldbieglberg 5, 2380 Perchtoldsdorf) or any Heuriger in the 19th district.

A typical Heurigen get together. The name was given to Eastern-Austrian wine taverns in which wine-growers serve the most recent year's wines.
A typical Heurigen get together. The name was given to Eastern-Austrian wine taverns in which wine-growers serve the most recent year’s wines.
At a Heuriger, you will only get the owners own wine, and it serves a limited selection of cold food as an evening meal, generally local, homemade products.
At a Heuriger, you will only get the owners own wine, and it serves a limited selection of cold food as an evening meal, generally local, homemade products.

#8 Must Visit When In Vienna: Wiener Zentralfriedhof (Vienna Central Cemetery).

Some may find this sight a bit macabre but I think that the Zentralfriedhof is an amazing place in Vienna and therefore I want to include it. The Viennese Central Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Austria and Europe’s second largest (Hamburg-Ohlsdorf is the largest). It opened its gates in 1874 and is a great place to visit since it displays Austrian history throughout the last 200 years. The Karl-Lueger-Kirche is the Art Nouveau-style church and once of the most famous buildings at the cemetery. it’s located in the centre of the cemetery. From the Main Gate an avenue leads to the “graves of honor” reserved for famous personalities. Some of the notable persons laid to rest here are Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Johann Strauss (son and father).

My tip: Take a walk through the Jewish cemetery and you might get lucky by spotting a deer – yes, the cemetery is THAT big :)

How to get there:
  • Take the metro line U3 until the station Simmering and then with the tram line 71 or 6 until Zentralfriedhof
Zentralfriedhof during autumn in Vienna, Austria.
The Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) is one of the largest cemeteries in the world, largest by number of interred in Europe and most famous cemetery among Vienna’s nearly 50 cemeteries.
Passing through Gate 1 of the Central Cemetery, the way will lead you towards the old Jewish section, a field of graves with many remarkable monuments. Among others, Arthur Schnitzler and Friedrich Torberg are interred in Group 6.
Passing through Gate 1 of the Central Cemetery, the way will lead you towards the old Jewish section, a field of graves with many remarkable monuments. Among others, Arthur Schnitzler and Friedrich Torberg are interred in Group 6.

#9 Must Visit When In Vienna: Otto Wagner Church.

If you have enough time and are interested in nice architecture, the Otto Wagner Church in the 14th district is an absolute must when visiting Vienna. Designed by Otto Wagner, it’s considered one of the most important Art Nouveau churches in the world. The copper-covered dome (which looks a bit like half a lemon) is visible from quite a distance.

How to get there:
  • Option 1: Metro Line U4 until Unter St. Veit and then Bus 47A untilPsychiatrisches Zentrum
  • Option 2: Metro Line U3 until Ottakring (last stop) and then Bus 48A (also starts from the bus station Dr. Karl Renner Ring) until Psychiatrisches Zentrum
otto-wagner-church-steinhof-grounds-vienna-4
If you have enough time and are interested in nice architecture, the Otto Wagner Church is an absolute must when visiting Vienna.

#10 Must Visit When In Vienna: Haus des Meeres.

The Haus des Meeres is a public aquarium located in the 7th district of Vienna. The aquarium itself is nice, but not that special compared to other aquariums in the world. Although not too many aquariums are located inside a tall concrete flak tower built during World War II, so I guess that’s kinda special. The best part about the Haus des Meeres is the rooftop cafe/restaurant. It’s one of the only public places in the city centre where you really have a complete 360° view. It’s truly spectacular and therefore one of my favourite spots in the city!

How to get there:
  • Option 1: Metro Line U3 until Neubaugasse and bus lines 13A, 14A, 57A (stop “Haus des Meeres”).
The view up from the Haus des Meeres is truly spectacular. You can see Vienna in all its beauty.
The view up from the Haus des Meeres is truly spectacular. You can see Vienna in all its beauty.
Vienna from above. On the left side you can see St. Stephens Cathedral and also Viennas highest building, the DC tower in the distance.
Vienna from above. On the left side you can see St. Stephens Cathedral and also Viennas highest building, the DC tower in the distance.
The Haus des Meeres offers some of the best views of Vienna. Its rooftop terraces offers a 360° view.
The Haus des Meeres offers some of the best views of Vienna. Its rooftop terraces offers a 360° view.

Other Day-Trip Possibilities Around Vienna.

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69 Comments

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“10 Places You Must Visit When In Vienna.”

  1. Nisa

    Hi Charles!
    Thanks for your comment. If you get the chance, be sure to check out Vienna – it’s a wonderful city ;) I looked at your portfolio and you have some really nice stuff!
    All the best!

  2. Neer

    Hi Nisa,

    We are planning to visit Vienna mostly around Xmas. How about public transport and other touristy places, is they are usually open during Xmas?

    ~Neer

  3. Nisa

    Hi Neer,

    thanks for your comment and I’m happy to answer all your questions :)

    The Christmas markets are open from the beginning of December until the 24th. Shops are closed from the 24th December (mid-day) until the 26th. Then they’re open again until New Years. Museums/tourist attractions are open pretty much every day, so you should be able to visit whatever you like.
    Public transport runs all the time, so you also shouldn’t have problems here. As said, the Christmas markets are only open until the 24th (very few are open until the 26th – like for example Schönbrunn), so if you’re planning on visiting them, better to come before the 24th :)
    Christmas in Vienna is amazing and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

    I hope I could help you out. If you need any advice, please feel free to contact me any time.

    All the best,
    Nisa

  4. Natalie

    Hi Nisa,
    I have been enjoying your photographs and it seems you have a lot of knowledge of regions around Vienna. Do you have a cute village you would recommend for a couple of nights in early January. We will be at week 5 of a holiday so probably looking for some relax time with our 11 & 13 year olds.
    Regards,
    Nat

  5. Hi Natalie,
    Thanks so much. I would recommend Purkersdorf, which is just outside of Vienna (West). It’s a cute village, but not too tiny either…and you have great outdoor opportunities there as well.
    Let me know if you decide to come there – I live nearby :)
    Best, Nisa

  6. Ernie and Tina Caluza

    We will be in Vienna with my mother in law from Jan 2nd leaving Jan 7th 2014. Will the Christmas Markets be open and what are the must see and do’s at that time? We are visiting my mother in law who lives in Malmo Sweden and we would like to take a vacation to Vienna and make this experience as memorable as possible.

    Your comments will be appreciated.

  7. Nisa

    Hi Ernie and Tina!
    Unfortunately Christmas markets will not be open any more – most of them close on December 23rd/24th.
    But you should definitely check out the ice skating ring in front of Rathaus that time of the year. It’s a highlight for sure.
    Other than that, trolling around Vienna will always lead you to other great spots. If you need more details, just drop me an e-mail and I will get back to you then.
    Have a safe trip!
    Best, Nisa

  8. Carol

    We have visited Vienna during the winter and saw the Christmas Markets, etc. We really loved Vienna. Now we want to visit when the parks will be beautiful with the fountains and flowers. What month would you recommend for this adventure? Thanks for all your pictures. They reminded us of all the beauty of Vienna.

  9. Hi Carol,
    Yeah, Vienna during Christmas is amazing with all it’s Christmas markets ;)
    And for blossoming parks, May would be your best month of the year.
    Let me know if you decide to come and I can recommend heaps of cool places to check out that time of the year.
    Best, Nisa

  10. HR

    Hi Nisa,
    I came across this site while searching for places to visit in Vienna.
    Planning a trip with my wife of 3.5 years and our 6 month old daughter in the mid of May 2014. Going to celebrate my wife’s birthday during the trip.
    Would love your recommendations. We will be there for about a week.
    Also nearby places that we should not miss.
    Regards,
    HR

  11. Nisa

    Hey HR!
    Vienna is a great place to celebrate a birthday. But what exactly did you have in mind, because there are many places I could recommend, so a direction would be helpful :)
    Best, Nisa

  12. Hello Nisa and Ulli,
    We are coming to visit Vienna early June after we have bicycled the Danube and visited the village (Unterbergen) where my mother was born. I was searching for places to visit in Vienna and came upon this site. Your recommendations looked interesting and so did your list of cafes. Then I visited you gallery of photos. All I can say that anyone who photographs as you two do, in partnership with eye and heart has a way of seeing and experiencing things that is exceptional…those recommendations you make have just shot up to top priority along with a leap of impatient enthusiasm to get to Vienna. If you have any other recommendations as you offered Carol in November — that would be amazing. With kind and appreciative regards, Clarissa from Canada (you will find a ‘like’ on your Facebook page from me shortly, unfortunately it will not be from a personal page -don’t have one- it will be from a street art project of mine called ‘The Stealth-Art Collective’

  13. Nisa

    Hey Clarissa!

    First of all thanks so much for your lovely words – we really appreciate it a lot!!!

    June is a perfect month to visit Vienna, because it’s not yet packed with tourists and the weater is nice already.
    Your trip sounds amazing!!! Bicycling along the Danube is absolutely lovely and I enjoy doing this during nice summer days as well!
    There are heaps of places to visit in Vienna. In the warmer months, I recommend a stroll along the Danube channel, where you’ll come across lovely places to eat or drink a coffee (eg Motto am Fluss, Tel Aviv Beach) with stunning street art and artists chilling in the sun. Are you an outdoor kind of person or do you prefer indoor stuff? I’d be happy to give you more insight if you give me a little direction as well ;)

    All the best,
    Nisa

  14. Rina

    Beatiful places. I will be in Vienna at the end of April 14. Hope can visit those places. Thanks for your informations.

  15. Nisa

    Hope you’ll enjoy my beautiful city Rina :)

  16. alfred portelli

    Very interesting as I shall be visiting Vienna in August this year. When is the wine/cold food market open. The one that opens for just four weeks?

  17. Keshia

    Hi,

    I will be in Salzburg in July and thinking about adding on a few days in or near Vienna. Where would you recommend I stay and visit if I only have a few (maybe three) days and I will be alone?

    with thanks,
    Keshia

  18. Nisa

    Hey Keshia!
    Oh for sure!!! You can do heaps of things in Vienna in 3 days or so. When I travel to other European cities, I sometimes just have 2 full days and I squeeze in quite a bit. And travelling alone is not an issue at all here, so go for it :)
    Let me know if I can help you out…
    Best, Nisa

  19. Hi Nisa,
    Thank you for your response. Unfortunately I had no opportunity to check back until today… sitting here in Vienna. Have just arrived from our week of riding our bikes from Passau to Vienna. We are leaving tomorrow (June 1) and returning for a better visit June 4th, for 4 days. We like to walk and although we are open to seeing some typical tourist attractions when we travel our hearts really belong to LESS touristy activities. Have seen plenty of castles and cathedrals… much prefer the people who live where we are visiting and finding hidden treasures and surprises… one of our favorites on the bike tour: a very small village, historic narrow streets, came around a corner to be stopped in our tracks by a village parade on Ascension Day!…. Another very old village, outskirts in the Wachau valley, tiny roadside coffee shop… only local people inside… welcomed us like we were honorary locals ourselves! Bliss… now if we could only find surprises and hidden gems like this in Vienna (may be much harder in a big city, yes?). Anyway, thanks Nisa. Will check back in case you get. Chance too answer. Clarissa

  20. Nisa, I’m going alone to europe in september and I have fitted Austria in my itinerary. I plan to spend two days in Vienna and one day in Hallstatt. Do you think is it worth it to spend only one day in Vienna and fit one day in Salzburg before going to Hallstatt?

    One more question, do you know Hallstatt? What are the best things to see besides the cityescape and go up to five fingers?

    Thanks in advance!

  21. Nisa

    Hello Ricardo!
    Sounds like quite a plan you have on your agenda. Austria in September is absolutely beautiful, so you picked a good time. Honestly, I think one day in Vienna is not enough…but I guess is just depends on what you want to do. There is so much so see and do. Salzburg is beautiful as well and I would say that one day there and you’re good to go. Of course more time gives you more freedom. Hallstatt is stunning. But again, one day is not a lot and I think with what you have planned, you’re on a tight schedule anyway. If you’d have more time, you could check out the surrounding villages/cities which are beautiful as well.
    Let me know if you need anything else.
    Have a safe trip!
    Best, Nisa

  22. Maria

    Hi Nisa.

    I am going for two days to Vienna and I am kind of nervous. I enjoy your pictures but I don’t know what is the best way to go around Vienna and which places to cover. I have a friend that lives in Liechtenstein but I don’t know how close or where my hotel is going to be. I am searching for places to visit in Vienna and I don’t know where to start. Could you pls give me some hints.

    Thank you!

  23. Nisa

    Hi Maria!
    There is really no need to be nervous. The public transport system in Vienna is one of the best in Europe. You can choose between metro, bus, tram and train.
    For transport within in Vienna, check out: http://www.wienerlinien.at/eportal2/ep/tab.do?tabId=0
    For train transfer in Austria, go to: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp
    Have you made a reservation at a hotel in Vienna?
    How long so you have in Vienna? Of course it will be impossible to cover everything, but always a good start for tourists is the 1st district, where many famous sight are…
    Let me know if I can help you out further!
    Best, Nisa

  24. erika

    Hi Nisa,
    I was wondering if you have any insight about this: We are traveling from Croatia to Budapest beginning of September, we need to decide in between visiting Helsinki or Vienna.
    Wondering if Vienna and Budapest are much alike cities and mix it up with Helsinki.
    Thanks
    Erika

  25. Nisa

    Hi Erika!
    Hmmm…since I’ve never been to Helsinki, I can’t really compare any of those three cities. Budapest and Vienna are both stunning and have a great history. Due to the Hungarian-Austrian empire, there are similarities of course, but the culture and traditions are different as well…You have a hard choice there :) All I can say is that I love Budapest a lot and I’ve been wanting to re-visit again for some time now…
    Enjoy your travels!
    Best, Nisa

  26. Rakesh

    Thanks Nisa for your valuable suggestions about Vienna. I am visiting Vienna from 18th October for 5 days for a conference and have another 4 days after that. What do you suggest I can visit during those 4 days? I had thought of Salzburg and Innsbruck based chiefly on friends’ advice. And what would be the MUST DO things in Vienna?

  27. Hi Rakesh!
    Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you find the info helpful.
    4 days is a really good time to explore the city as well as maybe one or two other towns. Of course Salzburg is on every travellers list. A day trip there would be enough, unless you also plan to visit the Salzkammergut (with Hallstatt for example). Innsbruck is beautiful as well, and if you like the mountains, then definitely go there too. Then you’d need two days at the minimum.
    For Vienna: What kind of explorer are you? There are lots of things I could recommend, but to give you specific ideas, it would be good to get an insight on what you like…
    Looking forward to your feedback!
    Best, Nisa

  28. James

    Hi Nisa!

    I am heading off to Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands for a few weeks and leave in two days. I have been browsing around your site for hours and there is so much useful info! Do you have any recommendations for good event websites? Not large markets and such, but more local happenings like live music or cool small-time activities? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    James

  29. Hi Nisa,

    I will be in Vienna for 3 days and experience my first ever white Christmas (I’m Asian) in Europe. Will really love to visit the Christmas Market as well as some historic site/tourist attraction. What are some of the places that I “cannot miss” or “must see” in a short 3 days.

  30. Hi Koh!
    Three days is not that much because Vienna offers to many things. But the things mentioned above are definitely must-sees in Austria’s capital. What further suggestion were you thinking of? Food, music, museums?
    I’m sure you’ll love it here during Christmas. There is an amazing spirit in the city this time of the year.
    Best, Nisa

  31. Maria

    Hi Nisa!
    Do you have any suggestions on how and where to spend New Year’s Eve in Vienna? We are looking for something fun and relatively inexpensive.
    Thanks!

  32. Hello Maria!
    Oh boy, there are so many things to do in Vienna during New Year’s… If you want to see the fireworks you can spend it in the city center near Stephansdom (but be aware because thousand of people will do the same) or go to Cobenzl – from here you really see the entire city from far away. Then go back into the city by taxi and enjoy your time here. After midnight people swarm into bars and clubs. It’s packed but in a good way.
    Hope this helps you a little bit. Let me know if you have any detailed plans, then I’d be happy to help you out further! Have the best time & happy 2015!
    Best, Nisa

  33. Hannah

    Hi Nisa, I’ve loved looking over your photos and tips. I’m coming to Vienna with my boyfriend for (sadly) only 2 days after 1 day in Bratislava We love food, coffee and doing/seeing things that are a bit different to what we have in our our cities in New Zealand. Do you have a place you would recommend for a nice meal, perhaps your favourite place to eat in Vienna, somewhere with traditional food around max €40-50? Any other funky/arty areas you would recommend?
    Many thanks,
    Hannah

  34. Hey Hannah!
    I totally love New Zealand! Where about are you from?
    It’s too bad that you don’t have more time in Vienna. But it’s better than nothing and if you like the city, you can always come back again :)
    One of my favourite place for traditional Viennese cuisine is the “Gasthaus zum Holunderstrauch” in the 1st district. Also really good is a restaurant called “Heuer am Karlsplatz” or “Neni am Naschmarkt” – although the last doesn’t offer Austrian cuisine, but rather oriental food.
    I’d recommend walking around the Neubaugasse in the 7th district. Here’s you’ll come across funky/hip little restaurants/shops and bars…
    Let me know if you need anything else & hopefully you’ll enjoy your time here :)
    Best, Nisa

  35. Robert & Diana Melasippo

    Planning to visit Vienna in July celebrating my husbands retirement.
    We love history, food and wine. We are staying at the Vienna Marriott Hotel. Are there many sites in walking distance to view? What other means of transportation would you recommend and places of interest? . I booked 7 days and wonder if that gives us time to really explore Vienna.
    Thank you!
    Diana

  36. Nisa

    Hello Diana!
    7 days is definitely enough time to explore the city and to get a more detailed view of it. The Marriott Hotel is located right next to the Stadtpark and therefore within walking distance of pretty much any sight in the first district. You can go by tram (line 1 or 2) around the ring and just get off wherever you want to.
    7 days are also enough to get out of the city a bit. Maybe a trip to Salzburg and Hallstatt would be of interest for you? The train connections are really good and the trip to Salzburg will only take you about 2 hours in each direction.
    let me know if you need any more input. Hope you’ll enjoy your stay!
    Best, Nisa

  37. Nisa,

    I love your photography! I’ll be in Vienna in the first week of March for 3 full days where I will meet up with my son who is backpacking thru the EU. I wanted to give him a nice break from the hostel’s he has been staying. What recommendations can you offer in the way of a 4/5 star nice hotel in a happening area of Vienna. Could that be found in the 1st District area? I would like to avoid a modern hotel and prefer something truly Viennese.

    Thanks

  38. Hi Paul!

    That sounds like a fun trip! I’m sure he’ll appreciate the change from hostels :)

    Truly Viennese hotels…”Hotel Imperial”, “Hotel Sacher” of course or “Grand Hotel”. I have to say that I don’t really like these hotels, because they are super expensive and dusty and imperial.

    I know you said that modern hotels are not on your agenda, but these ones are really nice: “25hours Hotel MuseumsQuartier”, which lies is a really nice area. Also good is the new “MotelOne Staatsoper”, which is not a five star hotel, but is newly renovated and lies right in the centre of the city. Or “Hotel DAS Triest” in the 4th district.

    I’m sure you’ll find something fitting for the both of you! Have fun.

    Best, Nisa

  39. Cynthia

    I will be visiting Vienna in two weeks. Your pictures are beautiful. I am interested in architect and look forward to taking pictures of churches and other historic buildings. Any suggestions for a 5 day stay?

  40. Nisa

    Hi Cynthia!
    Five days is a really good time to explore the city. It depends on your budget, but a really good place is the newly built “MotelOne Staatsoper”, which is pretty cheap and lies in the absolute A-district.
    Let me know if you need anything else.
    Have a great trip!
    Best, Nisa

  41. Annabel

    Heading to vienna for my 50th and looking for a modern or beautiful Viennese hotel for three nights. We will be there end June for the spanish riding school 450th anniversary celebrations (main reason for visiting at this time) any suggestions for a jazz bar, peaceful walks, coffees shop people viewing, modern restaurant for dinner, historical buildings to see – in a nutshell what best to do with three special days and two evenings – thank you

  42. Nisa

    Hello Annabel!

    Spending your 50th in Vienna is definitely something special! I’m sure you’ll love it. The Spanish Riding Schools 450th anniversary is a big celebration and I’ll be a guest of the Summer Ball “Fete Imperiale”, which takes place every year in honor of the horses.

    There are several nice coffee houses you could check out. Ready through my favourite coffeehouses in Vienna.

    Beautiful restaurants for a special evening are:
    – Do&Co Stephansplatz (which also has a great bar called “ONYX bar” for drink before dinner right in the city centre)
    – Le LOFT Restaurant (probably one of the best views in Vienna)
    – Fabios
    – Mercado, Latin Inspired Market Cuisine
    – Restaurant Steirereck (one of the best places in town)
    – Motto
    Keep in mind that you need to make a reservation beforehand in all of these restaurants, since they’re always full.

    Walks:
    As mentioned in this article, the Lainzer Tiergarten/Hermesvilla is a really beautiful and peaceful walk, yet not too easy to get there without a car. But Schönbrunn garden offers stunning walks as well and also Prater-Hauptallee, yet you’ll definitely not be alone here since it’s one of Viennas most popular outdoor area.

    Since I’m not the biggest Jazz fan, I actually have no idea where to find a good Jazz bar, sorry.

    Hopefully you’ll find some of my tips helpful. I hope you’ll have an amazing stay here, but I’m sure you will! Let me know if you need and further info.

    Best, Nisa

  43. Carmela

    Hi Nisa
    We will be in Vienna the beginning of July for a few days.
    We have already picked some sights but can’t decide between a day trip to the Danube Valley or a day trip to Salzburg.
    Which one would you recommend ?
    Thank you ☺️

  44. Nisa

    Hey Carmela!
    Puhh…that’s not an easy choice because every region has it’s charm. Personally, I think Salzburg is nice, but I don’t really find the city itself too exciting (which doesn’t mean that there aren’t any beautiful spots), but rather the outer region. The Danube Valley is amazing in summer, so I if it were me, I think I’d go with the Danube Valley.
    Hope you’ll enjoy your trip! Take care!

  45. Ira

    Hi Nisa,
    Me and my husband together with our baby are planning to travel to Vienna this June for 5 days. Actually I’m following my husband who has a job here. I’m not sure where we can stay. I prefer a place where I can cook since I’m a Muslim. Not too expensive. Just moderate. And would you mind suggesting a nice places to visit (it will be good for a short distance walk for us to explore). I really appreciate your advise and suggestion. Thank you.

  46. Nisa

    Hello Ira!
    Well if you want to cook yourself, then a flat would be the best choice. You can find flat in different price ranges on airbnb.com. Once you’ve found something, I’d be happy to name different sights in the area :)
    Take care & all the best!

  47. Gautam Bhatia

    Hello Nisa,
    I am mesmerised with your photography. Me & my wife will be visiting Vienna in early June 15 and just wanted to know what I must not miss to photograph in Vienna during my 3 nights visit. Once again a big thank you for put up photographs & information so attractive .

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