Top Sights in Vienna

The Historic Center of Vienna is listed on UNESCO as World Heritage, boasting grand buildings such as the State Opera and Hofburg Imperial Palace. Furthermore, the Kunsthistorisches Museum exhibits artwork from Habsburg empire such as paintings by Klimt and Rembrandt.

Stop and indulge at one of the Wurstelstand (street food stands selling sausages). Or sample Punschkrapfen – an irresistibly rich delicacy made of nougat-filled sponge cake and jam soaked in rum!

Hofburg Palace

One of Europe’s grandest palace complexes, this immense structure offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into daily life during the Habsburg period when one of history’s longest-ruling empires was established here. Comprised of 18 wings designed by top architects – baroque splendour combined with austere modernism is evident here – along with imperial apartments and Sisi Museum as well as an astounding Imperial Treasury collection that includes coronation insignia, rank badges and secular and religious treasures, it gives visitors an incredible glimpse into Habburg history!

Hofburg Palace was an epicenter for politics and culture during its peak years, as Empress Elisabeth decorated her living rooms and bedrooms lavishly. Additionally, take note of Lobmeyr chandeliers found in Kleiner Redoutensaal for another remarkable sight.

Visitors to the complex are welcomed, with tickets providing access to both Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum. Guided tours are also available or you can just enjoy its spectacular surroundings – this area of the palace is also very popular for picnicking as well as more trendy sports like spikeball and yoga.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s premier tourist spots, boasting Baroque palaces surrounded by manicured gardens. Both Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces contain one of Austria’s (and possibly Europe’s) most impressive art collections; featuring historical and mythological scenes as well as landscape paintings by artists like Ferdinand Georg Waldmuler and Friedrich Amerling.

The Upper Belvedere Collection boasts some of Austria’s finest 18th century paintings and the largest display of Gustav Klimt’s gold-painted works (such as “The Kiss” and “Judith”) as well as sculptures by Ferdinand Georg Amerling and Franz Xaver Messerschmidt among many other pieces.

Lower Belvedere was once home to Prince Eugene and features tiered fountains and statue gardens with two-story rooms specifically designed to display statues. Notably, its Marble Gallery stands out as one of the world’s premier statue-display areas. Furthermore, this palace’s palatial rotunda hosted the 1955 signing ceremony that ended World War II and restored Austria’s independence.

Museum of Fine Arts

As one of Europe’s premier art galleries, established in 1891 and known by its German name Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of Europe’s must-visits. Travelers especially appreciate its vast painting collection; coin and sculpture collections as well as Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities, decorative arts and a library are also impressive features of this museum. A guided tour can help visitors make the most out of their visit; otherwise book ahead with your Vienna Pass to save entry fees and avoid lines!

Experience Vienna’s top attractions on a flexible hop-on hop-off Big Bus ticket which includes admission to Schonbrunn Palace and Belvedere. Choose between two sightseeing routes, and upgrade for river cruise or Ferris Wheel visit options. Or take your time on your own pace by using an audio tour app with customizable experiences!

Maria-Theresien-Platz

This square is home to two magnificent museums on either side, the Natural History Museum and Art History Museum, both worthy of your exploration. Make sure you schedule enough time for each experience so as to maximize their full impact.

Travelers to Vienna should also visit the neo-baroque monument of Empress Maria Theresa by famed sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch – it features her enthroned and flanked by figures from science, arts, and other prominent professions. It is an immensely popular attraction!

Maria-Theresien-Platz is best known for its shopping street (Mariahilfer Strasse), filled with shops and cafes. Additionally, this area is the starting point of many tours of Vienna so is an excellent place to begin exploring this historic city! To arrive here easily by tram you should take lines 1 or 2, getting off at either Burgring stop before walking towards the museums; alternatively bus line 59A takes you directly there (get off at MusumQuartier stop).

Karlsplatz

Karlsplatz is an energetic central hub in Vienna, known for its stunning architecture and cultural attractions which draw both locals and visitors alike.

This square is home to several breathtaking buildings, such as Karlskirche (Saint Charles Church), Vienna Museum and University of Technology. It’s also an ideal place for strolling through lush green space with walkways. And don’t forget Musikverein concert hall! With stunning architecture and phenomenal acoustics.

Formerly, this area was known for commerce; today it boasts bars, restaurants and cultural institutions. Furthermore, the square is one of the city’s main transportation hubs with easy access to several subway lines.

Discover Karlsplatz on your own or book a guided tour with GPSmyCity’s walking tours, which transform your mobile phone into a personal tour guide. Read real traveler reviews and see photos to plan your itinerary, then download this free app now to begin your adventure.