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For tourists all over the world, the beauty of the city of Vienna and its attractions is a good reason to visit the capital of Austria. After all, Vienna is an open-air museum. Adults and children come from different parts of the world to come into contact with a unique aura: music, architecture, the smell of coffee and Austrian strudels, the good manners of the local residents and the impeccable cleanliness of the streets.
Vienna ranks 7th on the list of the largest cities in the European Union. It is not just the capital of Austria, but also one of the country’s 9 federal states, located in its eastern part. Population is about 1.865 million people. Together with suburban residents, the number reaches ~2.6 million (more than a quarter of the Austrian population). The total area of Vienna is almost 415 square kilometers.
Vienna is one of the oldest cities not only in Europe, but also in the world
Historical path
These territories began to be inhabited in the 6th millennium BC. The fertile climate and generous natural conditions became a tasty morsel for the first Celtic tribes. This is how the first settlement appeared on Mount Leopoldsberg.
Later, Roman legionnaires erected an outpost on the site of modern Vienna (the events took place in the 1st century AD). Further, the military camp became the starting point for the development and consolidation of the settlement, which was severely damaged by a fire at the beginning of the 5th century. A few decades later, with the departure of the Romans, Slavic and Avar settlements formed on the remains of the ashes.
Unfortunately, historians have not been able to build in detail the entire sequence of events at a certain stage. The first mentions of Vienna in written sources date back to the 9th century. Before that, the Carolingian family, who came from the west, built a small castle and a church (the church still functions today and bears the name of St. Ruprecht).
The current capital has gone through many historical battles and disasters. From battles with the Hungarians to confrontation with the Turks during the siege of the city in 1529, from the plague epidemic at the end of the 7th century. until the Napoleonic invasion at the beginning of the 19th century. As a result, by the end of the 19th century, Vienna had become a lush capital of culture and art, education and science.
True, Vienna suffered considerable damage from Austrofascism and the First World War with its consequences: economic decline, inflation, and a rebalancing of internal political forces. And yet, from the second half of the 20th century. economic recovery began, the results of which formed the basis for further prosperity.
Today, the results of the processes described above impress the whole world. Vienna abounds in educational and scientific institutions, palace complexes, churches and ancient architecture, park areas, and theaters. The highlight of the city is the special atmosphere of elegance in the way people communicate and their attitude towards the world around them.
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How to get to Vienna
It all depends on the availability of free time and preferences for speed of movement. Air route the most popular. Charter flights are organized during the summer season. The flight duration from Moscow is only 3 hours. Ticket prices: 75€ – 220€. international Airport Vienna International is located southeast of the capital, 15 km from it, near the town of Schwechat. From the airport to Vienna there are electric trains and a high-speed shuttle train, taxis and buses. The latter are the most economical option of all of the above (one way fare is 14 euros). Trains run every 30 minutes, travel time is 16 minutes. Taxi is the most expensive form of transport; a 20-minute trip without stopping can cost from 18 to 35 euros.
Vienna is connected to neighboring countries railway track. Trains run from Moscow twice a week, travel time is 29 hours, ticket price for 1 adult passenger starts from 217 €.
Stable intercity service bus service within the European Union. Bus tours will especially appeal to those who appreciate leisurely travel with the opportunity to watch the gradually changing landscape outside the window and see popular tourist spots. Bus tours can even be cost-effective (tickets Moscow - Vienna cost 57 € - 68 €, travel time is approximately 36 hours).
You can get to Vienna on your own by car. Again, it takes 22 hours to travel from Moscow, the distance is 1938 km. You will spend 155 liters of gasoline costing 180 € - 270 €.
The city's attractions
Houses, streets, monuments and unusual places will help you feel the mood of Vienna and create a special, your own picture of the city. The number of attractions in Vienna is endless, so let's explore and enjoy Vienna together!
The imperial residence of the Hofburg embodies the entire history of the Austrian state
One of the attractions of Vienna is the Hofburg Palace. Its official year of construction is considered to be 1654, although in reality the history of the complex dates back to the 13th century. A bright symbol of the former greatness of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In former times, the city residence of the imperial family was located here, now the complex contains art galleries, a museum, concert halls and a national library. Tourists will be interested to appreciate the scope and quality of the construction: 2 beautiful internal parks, 19 courtyards and 18 buildings, dozens of architectural elements and buildings, more than 2,600 rooms and premises. Architectural styles: Baroque, Gothic, Biedermeier and Renaissance. Household items of monarchs from different times are available for inspection, including the outfits and jewelry of the famous Empress of Austria.
Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:30.
- adults - 13.90 €/16.90 € (audio guide/guide);
- children 6–8 years old 8.20 €/9.70 €;
- students aged 19–25 years 12.90 €/15.90 €;
- disabled people 12.90 €/15.90 €;
- school groups (ages 6–18) €6.50/€8.00.
The landmark of Vienna - the Belvedere Gallery with its scale and content will shock even those who previously considered themselves indifferent to sculpture and painting
The building was built in 1714, and in 1717 a park with fountains appeared, which are decorated with statues of sphinxes, nymphs and tritons. The park consists of several terraces and is 1 km long. Informal name "Vienna Versailles". It was once owned by the Austrian commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. A luxurious example of palace baroque - a style that intrigues lovers of historical architecture. Today the halls house the Austrian National Art Gallery. The richest collection of paintings consists of paintings from different eras: from the Middle Ages to the present day. The complex has been on the list of sites under UNESCO protection since 2001. Consists of upper and lower segments. Both palaces are surrounded by luxurious parks, where beautiful fountains constantly operate.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (Wednesday from 10:00 to 21:00).
The cost of a single ticket to the upper and lower parts of the complex:
- adults - 22 €;
- pensioners (over 65 years old) – 19 €;
- students (up to 26 years old) – 19 €;
- children and teenagers (under 18 years old) – free;
- group of 10 people - 20 €.
Tickets are sold separately for the Upper or Lower Belvedere.
Kreuzenstein Castle is an Austrian cultural monument with a 400-year history
Built in the 12th century on the site of a Roman military fortification. The object was destroyed many times, then literally restored from ruins. The Wilczek family took up the restoration closely in the 19th century, purchasing the medieval castle in a completely destroyed state. The castle does not exude pompous luxury, however famous for its rich collection of medieval weapons and knightly armor. In one of the kitchens of the palace there is an ancient table weighing 1000 kg! Today, the internal atmosphere has been recreated as close as possible to the medieval one. The restaurant located near the complex offers a magnificent view of the Danube.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00, Monday-Saturday until 16:00, Sunday until 17:00.
- for adults - 10 €;
- for children 6–16 years old - 5 €;
- children under 6 years old - 4.5 €;
- group discounts.
Schönbrunn palace and park ensemble. Here is the oldest zoo in Europe, Botanical Garden, labyrinth, fountains and other garden and park structures
The castle was built in 1713. Built on the remains of the Kattenburg estate, which arose before the 14th century. The complex is also under the protection of UNESCO. This is the former summer residence of the ruling Habsburg dynasty. Architectural styles are Rococo and later Austrian Baroque. Luxurious landscape park with rich, well-groomed vegetation (including exotic). The object introduces visitors to the way of life of the imperial family. Today, out of more than 1,440 rooms, only 45 are available for viewing. Among them are the Tapestry Room, the Millionth Room, the Napoleonic Room, the Chinese Round Cabinet and the Hall of Mirrors. Notable are the zoo and the palm greenhouse inside the complex.
Working hours:
· palace - all year round from 8.30, from April to June and from September to October until 17.30, from July to August until 18.30, from November to March until 17.00);
· park - daily from 06:30, closing time 17:30, 19:00, 20:00 or 21:00, depending on the season.
- classic tour;
- family tour - 49.90 €;
- "Imperial" tour - 14.20 €;
- large tour - 17.50 € (visiting 5 places of the complex).
Rates are per adult.
There are inexpensive mini-excursions to individual elements of the complex.
The Vienna State Opera is the keeper of the traditions of classical art, the symbol of musical Vienna, the largest opera house in Austria
Its doors opened on May 25, 1869. On that day, the scores of the famous work “Don Giovanni” by Mozart were performed. Today it is a cherished performance venue for the most famous stars on the planet, a world pearl of opera and ballet art. World famous productions regularly take place on the stage of the Vienna State Opera. The number of spectator seats is 2100. Brilliant productions are broadcast throughout the world via television. Once a year the Opera Ball is held, where the world's best artists and connoisseurs of real masterpieces flock.
Opening hours: most events take place after 16:00 in the afternoon and until late in the evening.
Over its almost century-long history, the Museum of Pathological Anatomy has accumulated many chilling exhibits.
Aka Tower of Fools, aka Narrenturm. It is the oldest hospital on continental Europe. Initially, in 1784, it was built as a home for the disabled. But by order of the Roman Emperor Joseph II - a freemason and alchemist - the institution was rebuilt into a hospital with a maternity ward, a hospital and an area for the mentally ill. The asylum for the insane was closed in 1869. The building was empty for half a century, in the 20s of the XX century. it was given over to a nurses' dormitory, and since 1971 a museum of pathological anatomy was organized, which operates to this day. The “creepy” excursion requires visitors to have remarkable endurance, because the entire exhibition consists of bodies, body parts and organs of mutants. The exhibits number in the thousands. It's no surprise that the museum is part of the Natural History Museum and is a popular attraction in Vienna.
Opening days: Wednesday (10:00–18:00), Saturday (10:00–13:00). Check the time of excursions locally, they are few and do not last long.
- under 19 years old - free (with excursion 4 €);
- adults - 2 € (with excursion 6 €).
The famous Vienna Woods is a landmark covered with dense forests, colorful valleys and mighty mountains
Situated in the vicinity of Vienna. Settlement began in the 8th century. It has been used as a holiday destination for the last 1000 years - originally intended for the aristocracy. On one side it is adjacent to the resort area, on the other it abuts vineyards and the Danube River valley. A gorgeous area with a varied landscape, the highest point of which (893 m) is Mount Schöpfl.
The forest area is approximately 3 times larger than the area of the Austrian capital. The forest is called the “green lungs of Vienna”, the local air is so beneficial. Invaluable beech and oak forests are included in the list of UNESCO protected sites. On the territory of the park there are observation decks, monasteries, a Benedictine abbey with ancient wine cellars, castles, an underground lake (you can walk along it by boat), and specially equipped recreation areas for tourists.
Entrance ticket prices:
- adults - 5.50 €;
- children under 15 years old - 3 €.
Facility opening hours:
- from May 2 to September 14;
- Monday-Friday from 09.00–19.00;
- Saturday-Sunday from 08.00–19.00.
What to see with your child
A trip to Vienna with children will be most enjoyable if planned for the end of September-October or April-May. There is no tourist rush at this time, as well as heat - the weather is the most stable.
The Vienna Zoo is not only the most beautiful, but also the oldest zoo in the world. A walk along it will bring a lot of joy to both adults and children!
The organizers built a beautiful “housing” for all the inhabitants of the zoo - a pavilion of tropical animals, a Tyrolean farm, and a bird house. The list of animals and the design of the Vienna Zoo gave it the well-deserved right to be considered one of the best in Europe. An observation train runs around the zoo. The adventure in the green maze will be unforgettable.
Butterfly Museum, Natural History Museum and Sea House
A fascinating area with tropical trees, flowers and many exotic colorful butterflies
A wonderful opportunity to broaden your child’s horizons and instill a love for their native planet. Collected in establishments unique animal specimens, including those that are quite rare and not available for dating in ordinary cities of other countries.
Museum ZOOM
Zoom is the only museum in Austria for children, exciting, educational and interesting
Inside the museum there are attractions and educational playgrounds for the development of cognitive abilities. This establishment is aimed at the youngest guests - aged 5, 6 and even younger. Little ones will be impressed by the mirror tunnel, water mattresses and many inclined planes.
For fans of fast-paced entertainment, the park offers more than 250 attractions
A place for those who cannot sit still for a minute. The park was created back in the 18th century. Today this site literally gushes with energy. Carousels, ice cream stands, winged swings, rides, a scary room with dinosaurs in the dark, rotating benches, speed slides and a Ferris wheel. For just 5 Euros you can ride a the largest chain carousel in the world- Praterturme (its height is 117 m and speed is 60 km/h).
Vienna climate
In general, Vienna's climate is temperate continental, despite its proximity to the Alps. Of the summer months, the hottest are July-August, when the peak daytime temperature can reach 25–30 degrees.
Winters are mostly mild, with the maximum possible night temperature -12...-17 °C (period: October, November, December, January). The usual indicators are -2...-4 °C at night; during the day the thermometer rises above zero. Long periods of snow in Vienna are rather rare than the norm.
| Index | Jan. | Feb. | March | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| Average air temperature, °C | 2,6 | 6,4 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 25,3 | 23,6 | 18,1 | 12,6 | 9,4 | 4,3 |
| Air humidity, % | 80 | 77,1 | 65,9 | 67,9 | 68,8 | 59,2 | 60,3 | 65,5 | 73,9 | 83,6 | 78,8 | 84,5 |
| Precipitation, mm | 0,9 | 1,2 | 0,5 | 2,1 | 2,1 | 1,1 | 2,1 | 3 | 2,6 | 1,7 | 0,6 | 0,7 |
| Wind, m/s | 4,8 | 5,2 | 4,4 | 4 | 4,8 | 3,5 | 3,8 | 3,7 | 4,4 | 3,8 | 4,8 | 4,3 |
How much time to spend on vacation in Vienna
With skillful planning, the main attractions of Vienna can be explored in 3-5 days. Fans of longer exploration of tourist sites will need a week. And although the excursion business in the Austrian capital is on stream, it is much more interesting to get to know the city on your own.
In a couple of days you can discover Vienna from unusual angles and get in touch with world history
Tourists need to stock up on “replaceable” media for photo and video recording equipment - there are a lot of beautiful architectural structures in Vienna. There are a dozen and a half palaces alone, and more than 25 castles. Not to mention just residential buildings with magnificent forms of “golden modernism”, with “imperial” design of external decoration.
To save time, it makes sense to identify objects of study within the central part of the capital. Vienna is divided into 23 quarters. Among them, districts 2 to 9 are the modern center of the Austrian capital. There are a lot of interesting places within this segment:
- Luna Park "Prater" in the quiet green area of "Leopoldstadt" (block no. 2).
- Quarter No. 3 will delight you with the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the beauty of the Belvedere Palace.
- For shopping, we recommend the long shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse, which goes from the 6th quarter to the 7th.
- The Vienna Opera is the world cradle of singing art.
- Schönbrunn is the summer residence of the legendary Habsburg dynasty. During her reign, Vienna concentrated a huge amount of cultural treasures from all over the world.
- Austrian Parliament. The complex is impressive with the presence of simultaneously elements of ancient, Byzantine and neoclassical architectural styles.
- House-museum of the great composer of all times, Mozart. The building is over 100 years old. Some things that belonged to the family of the genius are still preserved and are available for review.
- Museum of the legendary psychoanalyst, researcher of the human sexual sphere - Sigmund Freud. The scientist lived in this house with his family until the beginning of the German occupation.
- Two scientific museums - Arts and Natural History. They are next door to each other. Italian Renaissance, luxurious interior decoration, fascinating exhibitions.
- Observation tower 252 m high with high-speed elevators. Known as the Danube Tower. Inside the building there are restaurants on a rotating platform. Summer visits will include a bungee jumping service for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Outside the segment from 2 to 9 blocks is the so-called Outer City, where educational tourism is not so relevant. But guests are pleased with the number of huge malls and extensive recreational parks among residential areas.
Costs for traveling to Vienna vary widely. Important:
- how do you get there and where from;
- where do you plan to stay (star rating of the accommodation);
- What should you pay more attention to - visiting historical places or shopping?
The following information will help simplify the calculations:
- the minimum budget for one day of stay in Vienna is 40 euros (inexpensive hostel, 2–4 trips by public transport, 2 meals a day in modest cafes);
- Tourist insurance costs from 1 euro per day (current minimum prices).
The figures increase significantly when the cost of visiting cultural and tourist sites is added to them. It is recommended to find out ticket prices for each specific establishment in advance. Also try to resolve the issue of booking hotels long before your trip, unless you are traveling on an all-inclusive package.
Approximate cost of tours to Vienna with departure from Moscow:
- 3 days/2 nights, 3–4 star hotels, from 20 to 25 thousand rubles;
- the same, for 5 days, from 25–27 to 37–40 thousand rubles;
- weekly tours from 27–30 to 42–48 thousand rubles.
Tips for staying in Vienna and tourist map
In recent years, information has emerged about the deterioration of drinking water in Vienna. Pipelines contain a lot of lead - this is what some experienced travelers say and strongly recommend drinking exclusively bottled water.
Another tip concerns shopping for sweets. Vienna is famous for its chocolate and other confectionery products. Newbie tourists rush to buy souvenir versions, simply wasting their money. For those who want to save money, it is advisable to find a regular store and buy goodies there at a regular price.
There are many bike paths in the city. You need to cross them as if they were an ordinary road for cars: let those traveling in vehicles pass, look around before starting to move, and under no circumstances walk on them as if on sidewalks.
You should be careful when communicating with restaurant waiters. There are evidences of a not very complacent style of behavior on the part of staff, although this is not a widespread phenomenon. If tension arises, it is best to contact the owner of the establishment directly.
Fans of gambling should refrain from contact with street touts. They meet every now and then on the streets of Vienna. It is recommended to avoid even banal thimble-makers, since they have high skill in seduction and deception. Do you want to try your luck? There are quite a few official casinos in the city.
Press traders show enviable ingenuity. They may come up to you during breakfast in a cafe and offer to take a fresh newspaper. Supposedly free. As soon as you agree to the offer, you will immediately be required to pay without a chance to return the newspaper to the seller.
Vienna has many faces, like any large city. In general, the crime rate here is very low. However, the presence of swindlers and swindlers (not excluding pickpockets) on the streets does not in any way contradict the high aesthetics of the Austrian capital. Just be vigilant, especially in crowded places. Do not leave personal documents, equipment and other valuables within easy reach.
Vienna city center. All main attractions
To visit the capital of Austria at least once in your life means to visit a real pearl of Europe. Many people dream of walking the streets and breathing the air of the city where Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Haydn worked. Feel the unique spirit woven from music, poetry and architecture. The imperial style of Vienna leaves a royal feeling and makes one realize the greatness of human civilization through its man-made treasures.
Updated 03/07/2019
Wondering what to see in Vienna in 1 day? I will help you! I suggest you get acquainted with the main attractions of Vienna along a specially designed route. If you find yourself passing through the capital of Austria or planning to travel to Vienna from nearby European cities for 6-8 hours, then this post is for you.
I suggest starting from the very heart of Vienna - Stephansplatz Square, which is easiest to reach by metro. To travel around Vienna, I recommend purchasing.
If you start your route not from the train station, but from the airport or hotel, then your starting point will still be Stephanplatz.
St. Stephen's Cathedral, Graben and Kohlmarkt
Rising from the underground, you will find yourself in the very heart of the historical part of Vienna. Our one-day itinerary around Vienna begins here. In front of you rises the bulk of one of the main symbols of the Austrian capital - St. Stephen's Cathedral.
I advise you to pay close attention to the Gothic temple - you can examine it not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
If you're lucky, you'll hear the organ, of which there are three in the cathedral.
- In the South Tower there is an observation deck, which can only be reached by stairs, the height is 67 meters - there are 343 steps to overcome.
- An elevator will take you to the top of the North Tower. Entrance costs 6 euros.
I advise you to choose a site located in the North Tower, but not because of the presence of an elevator, but because of the best view.
Next we head towards Graben Street, but first we will walk along the Stock-im-Eisen-Platz adjacent to Stefansplatz and stop opposite the corner of one of the houses. Here is the Stock im Eisen or pole in iron.
The attraction that gave the square its name is spruce trunk with nails driven into it. It is protected from the influences of the external environment and overly curious tourists by a glass cylinder.
In the 18th century, in the Austrian Empire, there was a custom in which blacksmiths would drive a nail into a tree trunk for good luck. According to some sources, nails were driven in this very square back in the 15th century, that is, more than 500 years ago.
So, you find yourself on Graben Street, and its most important attraction is the plague column or the column of the Holy Trinity. It was erected at the end of the 17th century after the terrible plague epidemic that struck Vienna.
Next we walk along Graben Street to its intersection with Ungferngasse Street. Here I suggest go to St. Peter's Church. Allegedly, the temple was founded by Charlemagne himself at the end of the 8th century. The current church building was erected at the beginning of the 18th century.
The Graben Street is also home to many shops and restaurants. Graben Street smoothly flows into Kohlmarkt Street, where the famous confectionery Demel is located (address: Kohlmarkt, 14).
The establishment's signature dessert is violets in sugar. Grab a cup of coffee and watch the chef at work (the wall separating the hall and the kitchen is glass). The street is lined with boutiques of famous brands such as Tiffany, Burberry and Gucci.
Hofburg and Maria Theresien Platz
We continue our route around Vienna in one day. The street ends at Michaelerplatz and the Hofburg Palace. In him Austrian rulers lived for more than seven centuries. Under the Habsburgs, the palace received the status of an official winter residence, which housed the imperial court.
Now there are several museums in the palace that you can visit. I recommend visiting the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and admiring the exhibits of the Silver Collection.
I advise museum lovers to purchase a combi ticket, which, in addition to the three exhibitions listed above, includes a visit to:
- Summer residence of the Habsburgs Schönbrunn Palace;
- furniture museum (Hofmobiliendepot).
We enter the Hofburg courtyard through an arch and find ourselves on Heldenplatz. Here in 1938, Adolf Hitler announced the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria to Germany.
On the left is a monument to Prince Eugene of Savoy, on the right to Archduke Charles. Walking a little behind the monument to this commander, you will be able to admire from afar three historical buildings- parliament, town hall and Burgtheater. I’ll tell you how to see them closer below.
If you have time, you can take a walk in the Volksgarten park. In the warm season, especially in spring, it is very beautiful and picturesque here.
Behind the Hofburg lies Maria-Theresien-Platz. In the center of the square stands a monument to Empress Maria Theresa. On both sides of it rise the buildings of the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art History. Visiting them is only possible with a longer stay in Vienna.
Tram Tour - Opera, Parliament and Town Hall
I suggest continuing the route “What to see in Vienna in 1 day” by public transport. There is a Burgring tram stop near Maria Theresa Square.
You need tram number 1 going towards Prater-Hauptallee. True, if you sit here, you won’t be able to admire it. Therefore, I suggest going down to the Kärntner Ring stop. Oper, where after getting acquainted with the building you need to take the same tram number 1.
Briefly about the Vienna Opera- the largest opera house in Austria, built in the second half of the 19th century and completely destroyed during the Second World War. The Vienna Opera was restored in 1955.
It will take you to the famous Hundertwasser House, and on the way, without leaving the tram, you can see other equally famous buildings in Vienna - the parliament, the Burgtheater, the town hall and the university.
Briefly about parliament– the building was built in the second half of the 19th century in the neo-Greek style, was badly damaged during the Second World War, and was restored at its end. In front of the parliament building is the famous sculpture of Pallas Athena with a fountain.
Briefly about the town hall– the building was built in the second half of the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. The office premises of the mayor of the city and the municipality are still located here. The central tower of the town hall is 105 meters high.
Briefly about the Burgtheater- a court theater established by order of Empress Maria Theresa in 1741. Previously it was called the Royal Theater at the Palace.
Briefly about the University of Vienna- is one of the oldest in Europe (founded in 1365), although the modern main building was built in 1877-1884.
If you have time, you can get off at each stop to explore the sights in more detail.
Hundertwasser House and Vienna Gasometers
The tram will then travel along the Danube embankment towards the funniest house in the city. You need the Hetzgasse stop.
A few meters from it there is an unusual building, to which I dedicated a separate post.
From here I suggest you walk to the Rochusgasse metro station (line U3), from where you go through four stations and get off at the Gasometer stop. At the top is another must see attraction of the Austrian capital, which I also wrote about in detail -.
After visiting the gasometers, my time in Vienna came to an end and I went to Train Station to return to Budapest. However, if you have time to spare, I recommend get to Schönbrunn.
Schönbrunn and Belvedere
The best way to get to the main summer residence of the Austrian emperors of the Habsburg dynasty is by metro - the station is called Schönbrunn (line U4).
Prater and Karlsplatz
An alternative to visiting palace complexes can be parks where you can relax after long walks around Vienna. The most famous park in the Austrian capital– – located in the southern part of Leopoldstadt. You can get there by metro (line U1) to Praterstern Bf metro station. The main attraction of the park is the Riesenrad Ferris wheel, built at the end of the 19th century. It is officially recognized as the second oldest in the world.
If you’re really short on time and don’t want to go far from the center, take a walk along Karlsplatz and go to (Karlskirche). From outside the center you can get to the square by metro (lines U1, U2, U4), getting off at the Karlsplatz stop.
The 72-meter high church, in front of which there is a fountain in the summer, is an outstanding example Viennese Baroque. You can take the elevator up to the very top of the dome, and also go out to the observation deck.
I am attaching a map of the route described above with all the main points (it is better to open it in a separate window). The blue line is a walking route, the red line is a tram ride.
Now you know what to see in Vienna in 1 day. On the one hand, it will be great if you have time to visit everything planned on this excursion. But for me it’s better not to have enough time. After all, then there will be a reason to return to Vienna again :).
If you are going from Vienna to Heviz, then you will need it.
Where to stay in Vienna for a night or several
If you prefer to stay in hotels, then here is a selection of several accommodation options in Vienna through the popular Booking.
Looking for a hotel or apartment? Thousands of options at RoomGuru. Many hotels are cheaper than on Booking
Seeing everything in one day is frankly an impossible task. A city with such mighty imperial glory, the number of cathedrals, pastry shops and coffee shops requires at least three days. But we’ll try to squeeze all the highlights into one day. So that you definitely have a desire to return to Vienna - the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the queen of the hearts and stomachs of millions of tourists))
So, is it possible to explore Vienna in one day? Can. But by the evening, or rather night, you will fall off your feet.
Vienna - main attractions: First, it’s worth looking around, for this we’ll take a ride on the tram, and then walk to all the main interesting places in the city.
Vienna sightseeing tram
MetroU1, U4stationSchwedenplatz
In order to quickly get your bearings and understand what attractions are worth seeing in. He leaves with Schwedenplatz square and makes a complete circle along the boulevard ring in 30 minutes. There are 13 stops on the route. The tram has a multimedia device with a sightseeing tour of the sights the tram passes by (there is a Russian version).
The route starts operating at 10:00, and the last flight leaves at 17:30. Interval 30 minutes. The tram will take you past the University, the People's Theatre, the People's Park, the Parliament, the Town Hall, the Hofburg, the Palace Park, and the Opera House. This is the best way to quickly find your way around Vienna.
A ticket without the right to enter or exit at intermediate stops costs 8 euros. Discount for owners. Previously, the usual city tram No. 1 ran along this route, but now the Viennese have changed its route, and only the excursion tram completes the ring.
Vienna Ring - ring of boulevards
The old town is surrounded by a ring of boulevards, and it is divided into parts with different names, but each has the word Boxing ring (Ring) - translated as a ring. In the Middle Ages there were fortress walls here, then they were demolished and a wide boulevard was built. Traffic on the boulevard is one-way counterclockwise, and trams run in both directions. The total length of the boulevard is more than 4.5 km, and you should follow it Viena Tram Ring. There are many Vienna's main attractions. After a ride on the tram, we get off at the same stop where we got on and go to the heart of Vienna - to the main cathedral. Before further excursion around Vienna, we recommend that you get your bearings using the map.
Vienna Day Tour Map
Musical clock Anker Ur
On the way, on Hoher Markt 10-11 you can see watchAnkeruhr in art nouveau style. They decorate the passage between two buildings. The dial, instead of numbers, is decorated with the coats of arms of noble Austrian families. The clock does not show time in a circle, but linearly. Every day at 12 noon a musical performance begins, it lasts 15 minutes, figures move in front of the dial, telling about significant events in the history of Austria. 
The main attraction of Vienna is St. Stephen's Cathedral, Stefansdom(Stephansplatz, 4)
Metro U1, U3Stephansplatz station.
The cathedral is located on central square Stefansplatz. (Stephanshaus) is the largest and most beautiful cathedral in Austria, with majestic stained glass windows and rich decoration.
Perhaps you will be lucky and there will be a morning service going on, then you will be able to hear the organ. You can climb one of the observation platforms in the towers of the Cathedral to see Vienna from above, but we do not recommend it, it is much more interesting from below. The best way to look at Vienna from above is from the Ferris wheel Prater park, but more on that later.
The first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1230 on the site of an ancient Romanesque church. Over the next 400 years, it was actively completed. Stefansdom has one feature that is uncharacteristic for Catholic cathedrals - asymmetrical. The North Tower is much lower than the South Tower and was never completed. The North Tower houses the largest bell in Austria - Pummerin, he calls only on major holidays. If you come to Vienna at Christmas, you will definitely hear it.
While looking around the cathedral from the outside, look carefully at your feet; fiacres drawn by a pair of horses are traditionally “parked” on the north side of the cathedral. The roof of the cathedral is covered with majolica tiles.
Stephansplatz and Haas House
Coming out to the square in front of the cathedral - Stephanplatz, your gaze will definitely land on an awkward modern building surrounded by ancient houses. This Haas house(Teehaus Haas&Haas, Stephansplatz, 4). In the 19th century there was a trading house "Philip Haas and Sons", in the Second world war it was destroyed, and a modern shopping and office center was later built in its place. It looks like a false tooth, but it reflects beautifully Stephansdom. The curve of the house follows the contour of the Roman defensive structures that were found here during the construction of the new building.
Hundertwasserhaus(Hundertwasser House) Kegelgasse 37-39, 1030 Vienna
Architect Hundertwasser- Austrian Gaudi, he adhered to the concept that everything around should be natural and natural. That a person can change his environment at arm's length, he adhered to this concept in architecture, all his buildings with smooth natural lines, decorated with tiles and ceramics.
In this house, each resident can change the appearance of the facade of the house around their windows; trees grow in some apartments. The walls are rounded and the rolls can be sloped. Although this is just a residential building. The roof is covered with grass, flowers, bushes and trees grow. There is a fountain with real frogs in the yard.
At the end of construction, Hundertwasser waived the fee for the house project and said that he was simply glad that there was now such a house here, and not gray squalor. The house is residential, of course you can’t just get into the apartments, although I would really like to. But there is one nearby shopping mall with very good prices for souvenirs with all Viennese themes.
The Viennese initially did not accept the architect’s work, but now this is another one of the most famous places in Vienna. In Vienna, Hundertwasser also built a waste incineration plant. Also very creative, but we won’t make it there today.
It turned out to be a very busy itinerary, and now it’s important to decide how you want to spend the evening in Vienna:
There are two important points: 1 ticket per person, you cannot queue for the whole group; 
and entrance to the theater Wed
Basics from the cash register, you can’t go outside.
- If after all this you still have some energy left and you haven’t chosen Pratter, you can dine in one of the meat and authentic restaurants in the center of Vienna. Ribs of
Vienna(Weihburggasse 22) – here you will be served excellent beer, impeccable ribs and other Austrian beer snacks.
The restaurant has been operating since 1591 and the owners claim that there used to be casemates here. The restaurant is close to Stefansdom, and you can shake up your dinner a bit with a stroll around the gorgeously lit cathedral.
It’s more than enough for one day in Vienna, so that’s all for today))). Finally, we offer you a convenient calendar with the ability to select tickets for the required date
Special project H
PART 1. For those who are in Vienna for the first time - a classic route for a couple of days so as not to miss anything.
All the classics of the city in one gulp.
THE FIRST DAY.
1. Old city Vienna deserves a whole day, we’re not in a hurry to dive into castles and museums – you could easily drown in each for three days, so we’re aiming for the very heart of the city, it’s in the center of the Ring.
Previously, there were ramparts and fortress walls, but now there are tram rails, so we take the tram Vienna Tram Ring and we begin to spin in the Viennese waltz, stopping 13 times at some landmark.
The tram operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., departing from stops with the Ring Tram badge every 30 minutes. Full trip along the ring it costs 7 euros (4 euros for children), a daily ticket costs 9 euros (5 euros for children) (minus the Wiener Karte discount), you can get off and on at any stop.
Wiener Karte, Vienna Card (aka Vienna Card) - a single ticket for all public transport in Vienna + three-day discount on visiting museums, theaters, exhibitions, cafes and restaurants.
For example, a discount in Belvedere is up to 20%, Schönbrunn is from 1 euro to 17%, Mozart House is up to 22%, Hofburg is up to 10% (and further on the list).
We buy card for 19.90 euros at the airport, in tourist offices at railway stations, in the metro and in most hotels + at the same time we take a booklet with discounts for Vienna Card holders or buy online
We circle, look around and determine a possible further goal))
Inside the Ring: Hofburg, Treasury of the Hofburg Palace (Schatammer), Heroes' Square, People's Park(Volksgarten), Austrian Palace Park (Burggarten), Burgtheater (Burgtheater) and Vienna State Opera.
Outside: Parliament (Parlament Wien), Town Hall (Rathausplatz), University of Vienna, Sigmund Freud Park, Danube Canal, Museum of Applied Arts, City Park (Stadtpark), a little in the distance St. Charles Church, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Maria Theresa Square , Natural History Museum and Palace of Justice.
2.Another option– travel around and hear Vienna on a sightseeing bus “ Citi Tour“- these yellow-green friends always stand at the Opera (Opernring) and work from 10 am to 5 pm.
You can get on and off at any stop.
1 hour trip - 13 euros, 2 hours - 16 euros, 24 hours - 20 euros, 48 hours - 27 euros (children -7 euros) + there is an audio guide in Russian. The same circle, but with historical details.
3. Now we dive deep into the ring, to Stephansdom, St. Stephen's Cathedral or Steffi, as the Viennese affectionately call it, on Stephansplatz (Stephensplatz). With colored tiled roofs and coats of arms, with Saint John of Capistran calling for a crusade against the Turks, sundials, bells and carved Gothic inside and out.
The cathedral is truly very beautiful, and it’s better to start with it not only because it is the very heart of Vienna, but also because observation deck on the South Steffi Tower. To get to the site, you need to enter the tower from the street and slowly climb the 343 steps of a narrow spiral staircase, overlook the green roofs of the Hofburg, the turret of the Michaelekhirche, Maria Theresa Square, Neue Burg, Peterskirke and the famous green domes of the twin museums: the Habsburg Art Museum and Museum of Natural History.
The site is open from morning to 5 pm, entrance is 4.5 euros.
Here, at the northern wall of the cathedral - the largest stop for the famous Viennese cab drivers, you can ride a fiacre around the Old Town - from 20 minutes to an hour and from 40 to 95 euros, respectively, romance.
4. Near the Cathedral at Stephansplatz 12, it stands, reflecting the domes and Gothic turrets of the Cathedral in the distorting mirrors, Haas House(Haas-Haus) is a huge shopping complex built by the Austrian avant-garde artist Hans Hollein.
The cathedral and its surroundings can be viewed by going up to the 7th floor of the glass house to the rather pretentious Do&Co restaurant, and overlooking Vienna while enjoying cocktails (website)
5. We go around the Cathedral on the left, and in a couple of minutes we get to Domgasse 5, to Mozart's house. The composer wrote “The Marriage of Figaro” here, and Beethoven and Haydn also came here for coffee. Classical music concerts are held here, so if there is no opera scheduled for the evening, you can return here. museum website.
6. Next, walking with a map along the main streets of the Old Town, we go out to Michaelerplatz(Michaelerplatz), 10 minutes walk from the Mozart House. It is named after the Church of St. Michael. And we look: here he is, Hofburg(Hofburg), a city within a city, huge and beautiful, with statues, fountains, stucco, residences and Viennese balls. It’s simply impossible not to enter it.
You can wander around inside for several hours with a single ticket for three exhibitions at once: Imperial collection of silver and porcelain(Silberkammer - 150,000 items to appreciate the full scale of what is happening), Sisi Museum(Sisi Museum) – 6 rooms of the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, on whom the whole of Vienna is slightly obsessed I S Hofburg treasury– Weltliche und Geistliche Schatzkammer.
If you choose, then the Treasury, without a doubt. Here it becomes clear what they were like - Great Empires.
It is best to order an audio guide or listen to Russian-speaking live guides; they are almost always available here.
In winter, museums are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
You can order tickets online, in which case you don’t have to stand in line at the entrance - just show a printout of the ticket.
Ticket to 3 museums (Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Silver Collection) 10.5 euros 9, children – 6.5 euros)
Ticket to the Treasury - 7.5 euros.
7. Here, in the Hofburg - Spanish riding school(Spanische Hofreitschule), where you can return in the morning to watch a performance in which Lipizzaner horses hone classical court skills.
Every day, except Mondays, from 10 to 12 am, ticket - 12 euros. Details -
8. If one of the days falls on Sunday, then you can listen Vienna Boys' Choir in the Imperial Chapel.
Concert schedule - + information on ticket prices - .
9. Coffee and strudels in Vienna– this is even more symbolic than Princess Sisi and Klimt, whose images, it seems, are not painted except on the clouds in Vienna. (We will cover coffee shops/bars/markets and non-tourist eateries in Vienna in the second part).
10. Wiener Staatsoper at Opernring 2 (10 minutes walk from the Hofburg). If tickets are not booked in advance and we don’t get to the evening performance, then you can go to the Opera for a tour. Cost – €6.50, duration – about an hour, guides – Russian-speaking Austrians. Everyone will show, tell, and impress. Excursion schedule
11. In the evening, wander and wander around the Old Town. By Graben(Graben) - a spacious street, past the glowing windows of boutiques, "Plague Column", fountains named after the most revered Austrian saints: “Josefsbrunner” and “Leopoldsbrunner”. And look up - baroque beauty, stucco on buildings and the evening Viennese sky.
12. Near the Graben – Kohlmarkt – pedestrian area, also with boutiques and Demel's confectionery (Konditorei Demel) - one of the most famous coffee shops in Vienna.
SECOND DAY.
13. In the morning you can go again to the Hofburg for a performance Spanish riding school, and if the choice fell again on the Old Town, then by noon we’ll just make it to the square Hoher Markt, look at the Anchor clock– For 15 minutes, almost three-meter moving 12 figures float in the central window of the sentry. From Charlemagne to Joseph Haydn, and each person floats to the music of his era.
14. At three o'clock in the afternoon you can listen to the organ for free in the Temple of St. Peter, Peterskirche, near Graben street.
Concert schedules – (except Sundays).
16. But at least one of the beautiful castles of the Austrian capital on the second day of the Viennese Waltz is a must. Choose Schönbrunn(Schloß Schönbrunn): eighteenth century, center of Maria Theresa's empire, summer residence of the emperors of Austria.
Take the green metro line (U4) from the Schwedenplatz stop in the direction of Hutteldorf for about 20 minutes to Schonbrunn station, or take tram 56. You can skip the zoo and the Technical Museum; it is better to walk around the castle (the Million Room, the Lacquer Room, the Ceremonial Hall - only 45 open rooms out of almost one and a half thousand) and along the beech alleys - slowly, imbued with the atmosphere of the time.
The palace itself is open until half past four, and you can walk around the park until late. There are different options for visiting the palace - from 22 rooms of the castle (imperial tour 10.5 euros), to a full tour including viewing the zoo pandas (Golden Pass - 39 euros). And right here eating the most Viennese of Viennese strudels, which are sculpted in the Palace Bakery. They are, of course, good everywhere, but it is the Schönbrunn ones that are the most “real”
Ticket information –
17. In the evening, when it gets dark, you can take another ride around the Ring, look at the already familiar beauties in the light of the night illumination and tell yourself to return to Vienna for a loooong time. In summer, snowy-Christmas, blooming-spring or orange-October, but definitely come back.
PART 2. For those who are not in Vienna for the first time, or who simply don’t really like castles, palaces and tourist classics.
NON-TOURIST VIENNA: addresses-passwords-appearances.
1. You can spend half a day, or even the whole day, hanging out in the Museumsquartier – Museum Quarter.
The “quarter” is more than 300 years old, it has been built and renovated many times, and now it is a very interesting area from an architectural point of view with many cozy cafes and restaurants and the longest shopping street Mariahilferstrasse ( Mariahilferstrasse). It is here, on this street, for shopping, here there are shops, apparently and invisible, both more expensive and cheaper.
More from museums - MUMOK – Museum of Contemporary Art or Kunsthalle- also all kinds of modernity, and for classics - to the Leopold Museum.
A very interesting area here - Quartier 21 (District 21) – the most modern and even young art: painting, design, fashion, information technology - huge 12 offices in which something is constantly happening: exhibitions, festivals, seminars, fairs.
To enter all exhibitions in the Museum Quarter, you can buy a single ticket for 25 euros and walk around art Vienna until late. Tickets for only the most important exhibitions cost from 17 euros, and with a student card or Wien Card - from 11 euros.
All museums, exhibitions, galleries and events of the Museum Quarter:
2. Go to the market – Brunnenmarkt(Josefstädter Straße). Nothing touristy - a very colorful and atmospheric place in the 16th district, long inhabited by Turks and Yugoslavs. The Viennese people believe that nothing has changed in the 250 years of the market’s existence.
Fruits, fish, baklava, plus sometimes in the evenings you can suddenly find yourself in the midst of some street show, concert or art festival. It’s better to go shopping on a Saturday morning, and here you can bargain recklessly, knocking down the price by at least a quarter. (Where else can you buy all sorts of delicious things - in the second part).
3. Have a romantic walk/date on the Strudelhof Steps(Währinger Straße – Volksoper). There is a very cozy and beautiful Liechtenstein park around, there are benches on every staircase, but you can also sit right on the steps with nuts or coffee.
4. Look at the Street of the Beautiful Lantern, Schönlaterngasse (Stephansdom) – the lantern itself at house number 6 (this is a copy, the original is in Historical Museum Vienna), still here Basilisk's house (Basilikenhaus), which in the distant 13th century turned the inhabitants of Vienna into stones until they were saved by a local baker. He came to the basilisk with a mirror, which, of course, saw itself and turned to stone. On house number 7 all this is painted on the frescoes.
5. Catch entertainment - carousels, cotton candy and balloons in the Prater Park(Prater) - huge, more than 5 kilometers long, with a miniature railway and a giant Ferris wheel, from which the whole city is at a glance. It is better to ride the wheel and take pictures of Vienna from a height of 67 meters in the morning, when the sun is not shining from the direction of the city.
You can get to the park by Tram No. 1 to the Prater Hauptallee stop. The wheel is open daily from 10 to 20, 22 or 24 (in summer) hours, more details on the park website
6. For fans of football and scale, it’s nearby Ernst-Happel-Stadion(Stadion) is the largest Austrian stadium, accommodating more than 50 thousand spectators.
7. To experience non-tourist Vienna – from the park to the Hundertwasserhaus We walk, and it’s better in the evening to see the house in the evening illumination.
8. Throughout Austria, chimney sweeps have been a lucky omen since ancient times; meeting one was considered great luck - be sure to look at Figure of a Chimney Sweep at Wipplingerstraße 21.
9. After the chimney sweep we go to visit old Freud inSigmund Freud Museum at Berggasse 19 ,
to see with your own eyes 50 thousand volumes of psychoanalytic books, a copy of the famous couch and learn something about the personal life of the famous doctor.
The museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm .
+ 15 minutes walking distance – Vienna Children's Interactive at Museumsplatz 1
10. And in half an hour of a leisurely walk along the Danube embankment -. In the summer, people swim here in a thirty-meter-long pool and sunbathe on an artificial beach: sand, pebbles, and the breeze from the Danube. And in autumn and winter there are several restaurants and bars, so this is the place to go for pirate and beer parties. We reserve online
11. In January, after the Christmas holidays, a huge skating rink on Town Hall Square is filled - “Ice Dream”. Open daily from 9.00 to 23.00, here you can play curling and drink punch. This year, the largest skating rink in Europe is open from January 25 to March 10, 2013. Entrance, including skate rental, is 5 euros. Details
12. On Herbert-von-Karajan Square in front of the opera house there is a large screen. It broadcasts live opera concerts, which people gather to watch from all over the area. The sound in the square is not at all the same as in the Opera itself, so tourists, impressed, immediately go to the box office to buy tickets. By the way, there is a door at the end of the opera building (it’s easy to identify by the long line). Here tickets to performances can be bought for 3-10 euros, but you will have to stand to listen to the opera.
13. Light up in a nightclub with real drive, all kinds of musical styles and bells and whistles on the “Belt”, Der Gürtel street. There is a metro here, and at the top of the arches railway, designed by modernist Otto Wagner. Between Thalia- and Nussdorfer Strasse stations there are a whole bunch of music clubs located underground. It all started with Chelsea, then B72, Seen, All In, Q and others. Electronic, guitar - any night to the fullest.
GOING ›
Dates and duration of tours may vary - please inquire! For example:
Weekends in Vienna
Price valid at time of publication, at the time of booking the price may change, because... Airfare prices are changing!To reduce the risk of tariff recalculation, you can use the club system ()
Departure 09/27/13 for 3 nights
upd 16/01 The price has increased, now from 274 euros when staying in Academia 2*, without meals and more expensive, ask for a price estimate!
Academia 2*, without meals, 236 274 euros
Sommer Hotel Wieden 3*, breakfast, 269 euros
All you Need Hotel Vienna 3*, breakfast, 277 euros
Congress Hotel 3*, breakfast, 282 euros
Mozart 3*, breakfast, 282 euros
Pension Attaché 3*, breakfast, 285 euros
Amedia Hotel Wien 4*, no meals, 298 euros
Hilton 5*, breakfast, 380 euros
4*, without meals, 422 euros
403 euros
Wilhelmshof 4*, breakfast, 406 euros
5*, without meals, 441 euros
Departure 04/19/13 for 3 nights
HOSTEL HERBERGE *, breakfast, 10 km from the city 272,275 euros
A&O Wien Stadthalle 2*, without meals, 281 euros
Fleming’s Hotel Wien-Westbahnhof 4*, without meals, 290 euros
Donauwalzer 3*, breakfast, 294 euros
Pension Attaché 3*, breakfast, 303 euros
FAVORITA 4*, breakfast, 313 euros
Renaissance 5*, breakfast, 362 euros
4*, without meals, 377 euros
Hotel am Konzerthaus 4*, breakfast, 389 euros
Beethoven 4*, breakfast, 390 euros
Wilhelmshof 4*, breakfast, 419 euros
5*, without meals, 459 euros
APARTMENT for 2 people, 10 km from the center of Vienna
What to see in Vienna in 1 day, even if you are passing through the city. the site has prepared the optimal plan for exploring Vienna for those who are determined to see the maximum. What sights to see, where to stay, and what to visit in passing. The main thing is to wear comfortable shoes, because you will have to walk a lot.
Morning in Vienna: Habsburg Palace
It’s best to start a busy day in Vienna with a visit to one of the most beautiful palace and park complexes in Europe - the Royal residence Schönbrunn.
This land, which once belonged to the monastery, was bought by the Habsburgs and was used as a country estate, in the vicinity of which the royals loved to spend time hunting. Over time, the palace became a full-fledged residence, and generations of a powerful dynasty ruled their empire from here.
The complex acquired its modern baroque appearance under Maria Theresa, who was enchanted by Schönbrunn and turned it into a real Garden of Eden.
It was under her that the palace flourished and became the center of social and political life in Vienna. The scale is truly impressive: the palace has 1,441 rooms, 40 of which are open to visitors.
Vienna city center: from Schwedenplatz to St. Stephen's Cathedral
After visiting the palace, you can head to the historical center of Vienna. Once on the metro, take the green line to Schwedenplatz station.
It was this ancient square that laid the foundation modern city. From Schwedenplatz, turn onto the pedestrian street Judengasse to see the age-darkened, modest Romanesque Ruprechtskirche temple, hidden behind the walls of multi-story buildings.
The Church of St. Rupert is considered the oldest in Vienna: the first building was built on this site back in the 9th century. Over the past centuries, it was rebuilt several times, but still retained the laconicism and simplicity of the Romanesque style.
Also inside the church there is a stained glass window dating back to around 1370, and bells from the 13th century. Today, the Ruprechtskirche serves as a venue for cultural events.
Continuing your walk through the old town, head along the Judengasse to the HoerMarkt square. Here, pay attention to another attraction, although it is not at all obvious.
An unusual clock is located on the covered gallery connecting the two buildings on the square; popularly they are simply called "Anchor". They do not have the usual dial and hands, and the onset of a new hour is announced by successive figures of historical figures of Austria.
Exactly at noon, the real performance begins: all 12 figures follow in turn in a circle, with each person coming out to his own musical accompaniment. Which person corresponds to a certain hour can be seen on the sign under the clock.
Of what is worth seeing in Vienna in 1 day, you cannot ignore main temple cities - St. Stephen's Cathedral, located near “Anker” on the square of the same name. To get there, you need to walk from HoerMarkt along Lichtensteg Street to the intersection with Rothenturmstrasse and, turning right, walk along it for a couple more blocks.
The way we see it today, St. Stephen's Cathedral was built in the 15th century. Before this, there was a Romanesque church on the same site.
The cathedral was seriously damaged during the Second World War. In the spring of 1945, it collapsed due to a fire that spread from shops set on fire by looters. Only thanks to the caring residents of Vienna, the temple was almost completely restored by the year 60.
Fortunately, most of the relics and the most beautiful elements of the cathedral’s interior have been preserved. One of the most revered relics is the Poch Icon of the Mother of God, which is considered miraculous. In addition to it, the cathedral contains the relics of saints and a piece of the tablecloth from the Last Supper.
From Stephansplatz to the Museum Quarter
Almost every major city in the world has a street that is a landmark in itself, and in Vienna it is Graben street.
Translated from German, “graben” means “ditch,” and, as you might guess, a defensive ditch once ran on the site of the modern street. It was dug during Roman rule. In the 13th century, the ditch was filled up, and the street that appeared here was named after old memory.
Today, the Graben is the most prestigious street in the capital with dozens of fashionable shops, cozy cafes and souvenir shops. Even if shopping is not in your plans, it’s nice to just stroll along the Graben, looking at the polished facades of century-old houses.
To the side of the Graben is the second oldest church in Vienna, named after St. Peter. The current baroque temple was built in 1733, but a church has stood on this site since the 4th century.
From the Graben we turn onto another famous Viennese street - Kohlmarkt. Having reached Michaelerplatz square, you will see another beautiful example of Austrian architecture - Hofburg Palace.
It was also once the residence of the Habsburg dynasty, but people lived here in the winter. The Hofburg is huge complex various buildings, courtyards and parks. How many rulers have changed in the dynasty, the palace has been completed and rebuilt so many times.
It is curious that this construction epic ended only at the beginning of the 20th century, and if it had not been for the war that broke out in 1938, perhaps it would have continued further. Today, some rooms of the Hofburg are used as the residence of the Austrian President.
If you are planning to see the most interesting things in Vienna in 1 day, then know that you can be stuck in the Hofburg for a long time. Therefore, it is better to limit yourself to the most interesting places. For example, the Imperial Treasury and the National Library.
Among the things worth seeing in Vienna in 1 day, you cannot ignore the world famous opera house. It is located on Albertinaplatz.
You can see all the beauty of the theater and get behind the scenes if you sign up for a tour. They take place almost every day, and even in Russian (if you contact the administration in advance).
The next part of the route will be especially interesting for museum lovers. From Karlsplatz we will continue our walk parallel to the Ringstrasse along the Getreidemarkt street. Literally in 400 meters you will find yourself in Vienna's museum quarter.
There are several museums nearby: the Kunsthalle, the Ludwig Foundation Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), the Leopold Museum and the ZOOM children's museum. In their halls (except for the children's museum) exhibitions related to contemporary art are displayed.
From the cultural heritage here you can see paintings by Bruegel, Bosch, Raphael, Titian, Monet, from the natural heritage - a dinosaur skeleton, unique species of extinct animals and plants and much more.
Admiring the architecture of Vienna: classical and not quite
From the Museum Quarter, walk forward along Museumsplatz to the intersection with Volksgartenstrasse and turn right. Along the way [after 500 meters] you will see a pompous building in an antique style - this Vienna Parliament.
Opposite the town hall there was another theater, considered the most prestigious German-language theater in Europe. The idea of creating the Burgtheater belonged to Empress Maria Theresa.
To see the next attraction on our Vienna route, you will need to take tram number 1. The stop is easy to find right next to the theater, and you need to go to the Hetzgasse stop.
After getting off the tram, walk a little further forward. We definitely won’t be able to pass by the house we are looking for, because its colored facades, overgrown with trees and grass, will immediately attract attention. This is the creation of the Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
The main idea was to create comfortable housing in the middle of a big city, where a person could be in harmony with himself and nature. Hundertwasser did not accept the typical concrete boxes of residential high-rise buildings, designing spaces where there would be a minimum of straight lines and angles, but a maximum of light and greenery.
Most of the premises in the house are residential apartments, so it will not be possible to inspect it from the inside. But there is also an architect’s museum here, which anyone can easily visit. The museum is open every day until 6 pm.
Atmospheric evening in Vienna
If you follow the route, you will reach the last point in the evening, and therefore it is better to have a plan for a spectacular end to the day.
To do this, you can again take tram No. 1 and go to a parkPrater- the oldest amusement park in Europe.
After sunset, the attractions look especially impressive, but the last object that is definitely worth seeing in Vienna even in 1 day is the oldest Ferris wheel in Europe. The ticket will cost 10 euros, but the experience is worth it - the evening panorama of Vienna will certainly become one of the most vivid memories of the trip.
Vienna route for 1 day
Although the historical center of Vienna is quite compact, there is a huge number of attractions that are simply physically impossible to cover even in a very detailed article.
Because of this, travelers often miss many of them, which many later regret.
Therefore, it is best to see the city with an individual guide or use a ready-made step-by-step route around Vienna for 1 day.
The itinerary is not just a guide to the city, but a ready-made plan for the whole day, which contains everything you need to ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Vienna, even if you come here for a very short visit.
Here's what you'll find in the Route:
- A ready-made and conveniently planned step-by-step itinerary for the whole day, including more than 30 of the main attractions in Vienna.
- A PDF version of the route that you can print and take with you or read directly from your smartphone screen
- Markers for the maps.me application: you can transfer them to your smartphone in 1 minute, and the route map will be at your fingertips even without the Internet. And to better prepare for the trip, the route also includes a detailed map in Google Maps.
- Recommendations for an application with high-quality and free audio tours of Vienna, in order to do without live guides altogether
- What food to try in Vienna and where is the best place to do it [selection of establishments from local guides along the route]
- Secret places that most travelers pass by
- 5 observation decks for you to do best photos as a keepsake
- Detailed operating hours of attractions
- A selection of free and budget excursions in Vienna, as well as contacts of a trusted individual guide.
The route will help you save a lot in Vienna and see all the most important things in 1 day without overpayments. If Vienna is just one of the points on your trip to Europe, then the guide’s authors also have most useful routes in Prague, Budapest and Berlin.
In Russian with the best guides.
