Is Vienna Worth Visiting: 33 Reasons to Explore the City

Vienna is worth visiting for its magnificent attractions, majestic palaces, splendid museums, incredible cuisine, fragrant wines, and the breathtaking Danube River. The imposing Stephansdom, the exceptional Prater, and the unusual Hundertwasserhaus make Vienna a great place to visit.

In this article, you’ll discover 33 cool reasons to visit Vienna.

From the cultural heritage to the delectable dishes, and from the musical legacy to the curious facts, we bet you’ll stop wondering whether you should travel to Vienna.

Ready to explore?

Let’s dive in!

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The Attractions Vienna Is Worth Visiting for

Regal palaces, fascinating museums, and unusual structures will make you fall in love with the Austrian capital. Each of the city’s landmarks tells a compelling story about its rich past. Discover the top landmarks that make Vienna worth visiting in the section below.

1. Schönbrunn Palace. The palace is one of Vienna’s most famous attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the summer residence of the Habsburg family, Schönbrunn Palace is a testament to the grandeur and extravagance of imperial Vienna. The palace’s architecture and lavish decoration will transport you to a world of opulence and luxury. Its 1,440 chambers hold countless treasures. The gardens are just as impressive, with meticulous landscaping that adds to the majesty of the palace. To fully immerse yourself in Schönbrunn Palace’s magnificence, book a room to spend the night inside via this link.
2. Belvedere Palace. Comprised of two Baroque palaces – the Upper and Lower Belvedere – this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and an impressive art collection. The palaces were originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18^th century. Later, they were transformed into a museum that showcases Austria’s rich history and culture. You can marvel at a magnificent collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibits include the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including his most famous work, “The Kiss”.
3. Hofburg Imperial Palace. Once the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, the palace now houses several museums and the offices of the Austrian president. You can explore the Hofburg Palace’s opulent halls and rooms, which testify to the splendor and elegance of regal Vienna. Don’t skip the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, and the Imperial Apartments, which provide insight into the daily life of the royal family. Before you leave, check out the treasury, displaying impressive valuables, including gigantic walnut-sized rubies.

4. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). The most famous cathedral in the Austrian capital Stephansdom. The Gothic architecture and the impressive size of St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a view you’ll never forget. The interior is even more striking. Admiring the incredible Baroque ornate nave is alone worth the entry. For the best views of Vienna’s historic center, climb the 343 steps leading to the top of the cathedral’s tower.
5. Stephansplatz. The bustling square in the heart of Vienna is home to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Historic buildings, luxury shops, and a plethora of restaurants and cafés surround Stephansplatz. The best way to soak up the atmosphere is to order your favorite beverage at one of the cafés. Enjoy your drink while listening to the street musicians playing at the square.
6. The Vienna Prater (Wurstelprater). The legendary amusement park has been around since 1766. It’s one of the world’s oldest themed parks. The Prater’s thrilling attractions continue to attract visitors of all ages. The park features a diverse selection of rides – from classics such as the Ferris wheel and roller coasters, to more modern experiences like virtual reality and simulators. In addition to the rides, you can indulge in carnival games, delicious food, and live entertainment.

7. The Wiener Riesenrad. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Vienna is the world’s oldest, still operational Ferris wheel. The Wiener Riesenrad was constructed in 1897 and is among the Prater’s top attractions. Take a ride in one of the 15 cabins, which accommodate up to 12 people, and enjoy breathtaking views of Vienna from 212 ft. (64.75 m) high.
8. Vienna Zoo. In the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, you’ll find the oldest working zoo in the world. Established in 1752, the Vienna Zoo is home to over 700 animal species. With its stunning Baroque architecture and wide range of animal species, the zoo is one of the best in Europe. Witness the beauty of the animal kingdom as you walk through the carefully crafted enclosures. Observe the behavior of fascinating creatures, such as giant pandas, tigers, and koalas.
9. The City Hall (Rathaus). One of the most impressive and recognizable buildings of Vienna is its City Hall. The gorgeous 19^th-century structure incorporates an intricate neo-Gothic style. The Rathaus is Vienna’s most important historical building, unrelated to religion. The Rathaus is the seat of the capital’s local government. Nowadays, the building and the surrounding area act as a venue for balls, concerts, and markets.
10. The Hundertwasser House. One of the strangest things to do in Vienna is visiting the quirky Hundertwasserhaus. Built by the eccentric architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the unique residential building is his most famous work. After admiring the vibrant façade with undulating lines, visit the Hundertwasser Museum across the street. Another of the architect’s bizarre creations in Vienna is the incineration plant Müllverbrennungsanlage Spittelau. The plant’s tower dominates the city skyline, making it visible from afar.
11. The Museum of Natural History. You’ll rarely find a museum that’s more impressive than the Museum of Natural History of Vienna. Its unparalleled collection boasts an unbelievable 30 million items. The exhibits come from every corner of the world and include meteorites, fossils, and minerals. And if that’s not enough to pique your curiosity, how about the fact that the museum also hosts a planetarium? Under its domes, you can admire large-scale projections of the solar system.
12. The World Museum Vienna (Weltmuseum Wien). This marvelous ethnographic museum currently resides in the Hofburg Palace. Inside The World Museum, you can marvel at over 40,000 objects, showcasing the diversity of human cultures. The museum’s collection is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different area of the world – from ancient Egypt through China to South America. The highlight of the museum is the Anthropology Collection. It offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of societies from the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas.

The Cultural Heritage That Makes Vienna Worth the Trip

The Austrian capital offers a fascinating blend of history, arts, crafts, and music that will satisfy even the most fastidious taste. In the section below, you can explore the cultural heritage that makes Vienna worth visiting.

13. The Viennese Balls. Vienna is famous for being The Waltz Capital of the World. Since the 18^th century, the Austrian capital has been celebrating the captivating rhythm of the Viennese waltz. Nowadays, the city hosts over 450 balls per year. Some of the events feature as many as nine orchestras. Dressed in tails and gowns, guests dance to the melodies of the eternal compositions of Josef Lanner, Johann Strauss I, and his son, Johann Strauss II.
14. The ballet and opera performances. The first performance at the Vienna State Opera was in 1860. Its music hall has enchanted millions of visitors since then. Captivating ballet and opera performances take place on its stage, accompanied by the legendary Vienna Philharmonic. Another important part of the city’s cultural life is the Vienna Volksoper. During its season, you can attend one of the whopping 300 spectacles. They include opera, ballet, operetta, and musicals, and mix traditional and modern styles.
15. The Spanish Riding School. A must-see destination for anyone interested in equestrian art, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna was founded in 1572. It’s one of the oldest riding schools in the world. The dazzling performances by professional riders and their white Lipizzan stallions go back to the time of Charles VI. The enchanting shows take place in a unique Baroque atmosphere under the sounds of classical music.
16. Wiener Zeitung. The first issue of the Wiener Zeitung was released in 1703 under the name Wiennerisches Diarium. This makes the publication the oldest daily newspaper still in print. Today, Wiener Zeitung focuses on national and international news, politics, culture, and sports. It’s published in paper and digital formats. In addition to its daily news coverage, the award-winning newspaper is recognized for its high-quality journalism and in-depth reporting on politics, economics, and culture.
17. Vienna’s coffee houses. The first establishments date back to the 17^th century. The Viennese traditional cafés have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These vintage coffee shops still play an important role in the social life of the city. Start your day in a special way by enjoying the decadent drinks served on marble tables – a unique and unforgettable Viennese tradition that has stood the test of time.
18. The Wine City. The 1,700 acres of vineyards within its borders have earned Vienna the moniker The Wine City. The Austrian capital produces an impressive 600,000+ gallons of wine per year. Wine enthusiasts won’t want to miss a chance to savor a glass of the Viennese specialty Gemischter Satz, a heavenly blend of white wines. For those looking for a great day trip from Vienna, a visit to the vineyards is a must-do activity. We recommend exploring Biohof Nº5, Weingut & Heuriger Christ, and Weingut Cobenzl.
19. Heuriger. Since Vienna is a wine city, it comes as no surprise that the capital boasts specialty establishments, where you can sample locally produced beverages. The typical Austrian tavern is called Heuriger. Local winemakers serve their new wines in a unique, cozy atmosphere. For an entertaining night out, join the crowd and enjoy young wines, tasty food, and live Viennese folk music – the so-called Schrammelmusik.

The Viennese Dishes that Make the City Worth Exploring

Vienna packs centuries of traditions in gastronomy. The capital city will seduce you with mouthwatering main dishes, desserts, and hot beverages. Below, you’ll find the Viennese foods and drinks you shouldn’t miss trying.

20. The Wiener Schnitzel. The classic Wiener Schnitzel recipe has remained the same for centuries. You cover the thin-sliced veal cutlets in eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs. Then, deep-fry them. Simple, right? The result is sheer ecstasy for the taste buds. The dish is so popular in Austria that it has its own celebration. The National Wiener Schnitzel Day is on September 9^th and tributes to the famous meal.
21. The Viennese sausage. Also known as Wiener Würstel, the Viennese sausage is a staple Austrian delicacy. Made from beef and pork, it’s seasoned with a blend of spices. Butchers traditionally boil and then smoke the Viennese sausage, giving it a delicious taste and tender texture. The Wiener Würstel goes well with mustard and a freshly baked bread roll, as well as local wines and beer. If you’re a meat lover, sample it at least once during your visit to Vienna.
22. The croissant. Contrary to popular belief, the birthplace of the world-famous dessert is not in France. The name derives from the German word for “crescent” – Kipferl. It refers to the croissants’ shape. Austrian pastry chefs created the dessert to celebrate the victory of the Austrian soldiers over the Ottoman Turks. The shape symbolized the crescent on the Turkish flag. Later, Marie Antoinette introduced the croissant to King Louis XVI who made it popular in the French royal court. From there, the finger-licking pastry took over the world.
23. The Sacher Torte. Most eateries in Vienna serve this scrumptious staple dessert. The original Sacher Torte recipe dates back to 1832. The apprentice of Prince Metternich’s chef, Frank Sacher, needed to create something new for the royal menu. He ended up sandwiching together two layers of rich chocolate sponge cake with a thin layer of apricot jam. Sacher covered the cake with a velvety chocolate glaze. The decadent result became one of Vienna’s signature culinary temptations. 
24. The Manner Schnitten. The classic wafers filled with hazelnut crème are one of the most popular culinary emblems of Vienna. Josef Manner created this flavorful goodness approximately 120 years ago. The wafers became an instant success, and Manner developed his own brand. The Manner logo features Stephansdom, and one of the masons in the cathedral always wears a special uniform bearing the Manner brand signs.
25. Apfelstrudel. The sweet aroma of freshly baked Apfelstrudel fills the air of Vienna’s streets, inviting you to try the pastry. Although it appears simple, each bite reveals delicious layers of flaky baked dough, filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon. You can find this scrumptiousness in most bakeries and coffeehouses. Enjoy your Apfelstrudel with a hot cup of coffee in the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Viennese café.
26. Wiener Melange. If you’re a coffee lover, you won’t want to miss the Wiener Melange when visiting Vienna. This iconic coffee drink is a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It’s typically served in a glass with a small spoon. The espresso gives the beverage a bold flavor, while the steamed milk and foam create a creamy texture perfect for sipping. The Wiener Melange is a popular choice for breakfast or afternoon coffee. You can order it in almost any café in the city.

The Curious Facts That Make Vienna Interesting to Visit

Vienna is safe, culturally diverse, and fun to explore. In the section below, you’ll find some of the most peculiar facts which make the city worth the trip.

27. The City of Music. Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II spent their incredible lives in Vienna. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, and Robert Stolz all lived and worked in Austria’s capital at some point during their careers. Their remarkable influence on the world of music is the reason Vienna is called The City of Music.
28. The city with the highest quality of living. One of our favorite facts about Vienna is that the Austrian capital is the best city in the world in terms of quality of life. Vienna has topped prestigious ratings such as Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking and the EIU’s Global Liveability Ranking for years. The rankings examine multiple factors, such as services, economics, employment, food, transportation, culture, and entertainment. For us travelers, this means Vienna is not only a safe but also a great place to visit.
29. The City of Dreams. Vienna was home to many prominent figures, including Sigmund Freud. The pioneer of psychoanalysis spent a considerable amount of time working and conducting research in the city. As a result, Vienna has earned the nickname The City of Dreams. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of psychotherapy. Today, you can explore Freud’s former residence, which is now a museum dedicated to his work. If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Vienna, you should pay it a visit.
30. Vienna’s tap water comes directly from the Austrian Alps. The tap water in the city is not only safe to drink but incredibly delicious. One of our best Vienna travel tips is to enjoy the water flowing from the 1,000+ public fountains. Its taste is even better than most brands of bottled mineral water you can buy. Vienna’s tap water comes from Alpine springs and reaches the capital in about 36 hours. On the way, it also powers two hydroelectric plants, generating enough electricity to light a small town.
31. The Christmas markets. Vienna’s most attractive holiday tradition gathers hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe. The Viennese Christmas Markets transform the city’s landmarks into a winter wonderland. The most popular spots include the Rathausplatz, the Biedermeier Quarter, and theSchönbrunn Palace. The vibrant selection of gifts, decorations, sweets, and candles, combined with the smell of gingerbread and mulled wine, create an enchanting festive atmosphere.
32. The Vienna ice rink. Another magical winter tradition in the Austrian capital is the gigantic ice skate rink. It emerges between January and March at Rathausplatz surrounded by stunning architecture and festive decorations. The sprawling rink is one of the largest in Europe. You can rent skates on-site and take to the ice, enjoying the holiday spirit. After a few laps, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine from one of the nearby vendors.
33. Vienna’s Museum Quarter is the biggest and most impressive museum complex in Europe. In MuseumsQuartier Wien, you can explore 60 cultural establishments on a whopping area of 645,000 sq. ft. This makes it one of the largest historical and cultural complexes on the planet, and the biggest one on the Old Continent. Explore the extraordinary art collections at the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, or take a stroll through the picturesque courtyard full of cafés, eateries, and street performers.

Which of These Things Vienna Is Known For Did You Already Know?

And there you have it – the 33 best reasons to travel to Vienna.

With its opulent palaces, vibrant music scene, and world-class dishes, the Austrian capital will steal your heart.

Stroll through the winding streets of the historic center, take in the beauty of the Schönbrunn Palace, and immerse yourself in the city’s charming atmosphere.

Whether you’re interested in art, music, history, or culinary, Vienna is a good place to visit.

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Have you been to the Austrian capital? Did you think Vienna was worth the trip?

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