-Vienna travel guide –
Is Vienna worth seeing?
What should you not miss in Vienna. Vienna is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful European cities. It is famous for its magnificent architectural monuments, unique atmosphere and exceptional delicacies. It is the world capital of cheesecake and schnitzel, the cradle of the waltz and a place that many prominent artists have fallen in love with. Beautiful architecture, numerous museums and art galleries, excellent cuisine and numerous entertainment centers make Vienna one of the most visited cities in all of Europe.
What should see in Vienna?
Hofburg
One of Vienna’s most magnificent buildings is the Hofburg, a majestic palace that dates back to the 13th century. Even then it was the seat of Austrian rulers. The vast building is maintained in Baroque and Classical style, with visible Gothic elements. The palace’s interiors include the seat of the Austrian president, as well as a museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth (known as Empress Sisi), which features magnificent palace interiors, as well as a unique collection of royal silverware.
Schonbrunn Palace
Even more impressive is the phenomenal Schonbrunn Palace, which was built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. The building contains more than 1,400 chambers, some of which (about 45) are open to the public. These include the baroque, extraordinarily opulent apartments of Maria Theresa, which feature magnificent wall paintings and frescoes, as well as rooms filled with gold and artwork. There are gorgeous French gardens full of flowers, romantic groves, fountains and sculptures all around, and a nearby hill offers a magnificent view of the sprawling palace complex. While visiting the palace, you should also visit the local Carriage Museum, as well as the palm house located in the gardens.
Vienna Schönbrunn Zoo
Schönbrunn Zoo is located right next to Schonbrunn Palace. Interestingly, the facility is the oldest zoo in the world, dating back to 1752. The vast grounds are home to extremely rare animals, such as orangutans, polar bears and giant pandas. Among other things, there is a grotto with flying bats and large tanks full of horsetails – so-called living fossils that have not changed their form for millions of years. The Vienna Zoo also offers numerous attractions for children and youngsters, aquariums and pavilions with tropical animals, as well as well-developed food and beverage facilities.
Vienna Prater Park
The Prater is certainly a unique place – bustling, noisy, guaranteeing great entertainment for the whole family. The central part of the park is occupied by the tall Ferris Wheel, the top of which offers a magnificent view of the city. There are numerous carousels, scare houses, cabinets of mirrors, shooting galleries and water attractions. There is no shortage of tracks with go-karts and electric cars, stands with cotton candy and delicious snacks, as well as grills and food booths.
Belvedere Palace Vienna
Among Vienna’s most beautiful buildings, the Belvedere certainly deserves a mention. This magnificent Gothic palace was built in the 18th century, and shortly after its construction it was purchased by Maria Theresa, who kept her family’s art collection there. The complex consists of two buildings (Lower and Upper Belvedere) and the beautiful gardens surrounding them. Today the stately buildings serve as museums, housing the most distinguished collection of Austrian art in the entire country. Here you can admire the works of Oskar Kokoshka and a large collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, among others. The picturesque Alpine gardens are also open to the public, as well as the Orangery and the Carriage House.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most important symbols of Vienna. The origins of the temple date back to the 14th century, but it has been repeatedly renovated and rebuilt over hundreds of years. Today it is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture with its characteristic portals, gates and soaring turrets. There are 22 bells in the towers, including the largest Pummerian weighing more than 20 tons. Inside, visitors can admire historic statues of saints, a phenomenal main altar, as well as numerous shrines and tombs. The basement of St. Stephen’s Cathedral hides the Habsburg Mausoleum, where the most prominent and influential representatives of the family are buried.
Mozart House Vienna
At Domgasse 5 is a unique building, which from 1784 to 1787 was inhabited by one of the world’s greatest composers – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Since 2006 the place has been open to tourists: there are numerous rooms dedicated to the memory of the musician. Here you can see, among other things, documents and illustrations, musical equipment, as well as stylized furnishings and memorial plates.
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