Whether it's your first time in Vienna or you're a repeat visitor – this list of top attractions will ensure you're well-prepared for your trip.

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1. Schönbrunn Palace – Empress for a Day

Empress Sisi’s summer residence lies slightly outside the city center (reachable via the U4 metro line), but it’s an absolute must-see, especially for first-time visitors. Wander through the opulent imperial chambers of the palace and let your imagination run wild: what might Empress Sisi’s days here have been like? You’ll also learn fascinating details: Did you know that the ladies-in-waiting sewed combs into the hems of her dresses to discreetly collect Sisi’s loose hair? This clever trick was meant to ease the empress's fear of losing her beauty. Incidentally, you’ll hardly find a single portrait where she appears older — her legendary obsession with beauty simply didn’t allow it.

Beyond the palace itself, the magnificent and expansive palace gardens enchant thousands of visitors. I personally take a stroll here at least twice a month, often writing articles beneath the chestnut trees. A real highlight is the climb up to the Gloriette , where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the palace and Vienna. At the Gloriette, you can also pause for a coffee and apple strudel—a classic treat that tastes particularly delightful in this setting. And if you bring a few nuts along, you might be lucky enough to attract the adorable squirrels scurrying through the woods.

Tip for our readers: Visiting Vienna in spring and looking for a quiet escape? From the Gloriette, take the path to the left past the Tiroler Haus and stroll down to the Botanical Garden . (Or, alternatively, from below: at the Hietzinger Gate, go right past the zoo.) Most people overlook this hidden gem, but in spring, when the cherry trees are in bloom, it’s simply enchanting.

2. Schönbrunn Zoo

If you love animals, stay a little longer: The Schönbrunn Zoo is not only the oldest zoo in the world (open since 1752!) but has also been named the best in Europe several times. This is thanks to the incredible efforts of the zoo directors, who have gradually transformed the old cages into spacious, natural enclosures. We Viennese are quite proud of it :) The zoo is home to numerous endangered species, including giant pandas, Siberian tigers, and Asian elephants. There’s also a petting zoo for children.

Beautifully integrated into the palace gardens, the zoo is a fantastic destination — especially for those who, after a cultural overload, just want to take a relaxing stroll with the penguins.

My favorite spot The Rainforest House — I just love the bats.

P.S.: Please be mindful of the animals. Unfortunately, many people ignore the signs asking for silence, especially near the koalas. Parents, too, should remind their children not to scream or bang on the glass.

3. Old Town Vienna

If you're in Vienna, you absolutely must take a stroll through the 1st district. We always take our visitors past the Opera House, along Kärntner Straße, and through the charming old alleys. Every street and every corner tells its own little story — for those who are into history a city walking tour is definitely worth it. Depending on your itinerary, start at U3/U1 Stephansplatz Station or U4/U1 Karlsplatz Station and walk to or from Stephansplatz.

At the heart of it all stands the Steffl , Vienna’s proud landmark. Its construction took so long that, according to legend, even the devil had a hand in it. If you climb the 343 steps of the south tower, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views over Vienna’s rooftops.

The Graben

If you head towards Graben , you’ll enter a short but stunning pedestrian zone. Once a medieval trench surrounding the city, today it’s a lively street lined with shops, cafés, and the striking Plague Column . Be sure to look up and admire the beautiful facades — this is how architecture should still be done today!

P.S. At the very beginning, you’ll find the unassuming Stock im Eisen .

Kärntner Straße

From the Graben, you can head straight to the Hofburg or return to Kärntner Straße . Along with Mariahilfer Straße , it’s one of Vienna’s largest shopping streets. If you're in the mood for shopping, this is the place to be — besides boutiques, luxury stores, and international brands, you’ll also find the legendary Hotel Sacher, home of the world’s most famous cake.

Café Central

Locals rarely go there anymore because of the many tourists, but for most visitors, Café Central is a highlight of their trip. Its elegant interior and delicious cakes leave a lasting impression. Even for me, it was a memorable experience.

A reservation is highly recommended!!! The lines for a spontaneous visit are often insanely long. With a reservation, you can skip the queue and simply give your name to the waiter at the entrance.

Rotenturmstraße

And then there’s Rotenturmstraße , which has evolved into a lively, pedestrian-friendly zone in recent years. Once dominated by cars, it is now shared by pedestrians and cyclists, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Connecting the Old Town with the Danube Canal, the street is lined with historic buildings. Formerly home to Vienna’s first coffeehouse, Rotenturmstraße now radiates fresh energy with its new design.

4. The Ringstraße – Vienna’s Magnificent Boulevard

The Ringstraße, a 5.3 km-long boulevard encircling Vienna’s 1st district, is one of the absolute must-see's. Commissioned in 1857 by Emperor Franz Joseph I to replace the medieval city walls, they were transformed into a grand promenade lined with palaces, theaters, and museums. You can take a leisurely stroll from one landmark to the next or hop on one of the many trams for an easy ride.

Here, you’ll find some of Vienna’s most significant buildings:

• the State Opera ,
• the Parliament ,
• the City Hall ,
• as well as the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum . (These two alone offer enough to explore for at least two days!)

For a deeper dive into Vienna’s history, be sure to visit the Wien Museum at Karlsplatz.

Museums

With over 100 museums, Vienna is a fascinating city to explore in any weather. From world-renowned institutions like the KHM, Belvedere, and Albertina to niche collections such as the Pathological-Anatomical Museum in the Narrenturm, there’s something for everyone.

My personal recommendation is the KHM, the Kunsthistorisches Museum . I absolutely love it. While it may not have quite the same level of worldwide recognition as the Uffizi in Florence, I personally find it even better. The exhibitions are vast yet well-structured, and the stunning architecture alone makes it worth visiting time and again.

If you love paintings, you should also visit the Albertina or Albertina Modern .

For those with a passion for technology, the Technical Museum (not far from Schönbrunn) is a great choice, while history and military enthusiasts should add the Museum of Military History to their bucket list.

5. The Belvedere – Klimt’s Kiss and More

For fans of Art Nouveau and art history, the Upper Belvedere is a true delight. The palace itself, a baroque beauty, is worth visiting on its own, but the real highlight is Gustav Klimt’s iconic paintings. Art lovers from around the world flock here – and rightly so. Besides Klimt, you’ll also find works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.

Don’t overlook the Lower Belvedere , which frequently hosts great exhibitions – check the website for details.

6. MuseumsQuartier – Modern and Hip

Vienna is a city of museums, and the MuseumsQuartier is one of its creative hotspots. At the Leopold Museum , the Kunsthalle, or the mumok , you’ll find everything from classical painting to avant-garde performance art.

But even beyond the exhibitions, the atmosphere here is worth experiencing: the courtyards are filled with lounge chairs and trendy cafés where locals — especially students — gather to enjoy life over a glass of Spritzer.

7. The Hofburg

The Hofburg was once the political and cultural heart of the Habsburg Empire. Today, it houses several museums, including the National Library and the Sisi Museum, which offers insight into the life of the famous Empress Elisabeth of Austria. If you want to learn more about Sisi’s glamorous yet tragic life, this is the place to visit. But be prepared—the Hofburg is vast, so plan enough time to explore!

8. Vienna’s Markets

Naschmarkt – Vienna’s Culinary Heart

Located between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse, the Naschmarkt is as much a part of Vienna as a Wiener Eitrige after a long night out. This bustling market is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from fresh fish and an abundance of oriental spices to falafel and cheeses from around the world. You’ll also find plenty of cozy eateries.

That said, if you're short on time, you can easily skip the markets. Over the years, the Naschmarkt has lost much of its original character and has become more of a dining hotspot. The only things I still buy here are herbs and spices – and there’s certainly no shortage of those!

Brunnenmarkt

The Brunnenmarkt in the 16th district may not be as well known as the Naschmarkt, but that’s precisely what makes it special. Here, you’ll find authentic Turkish cuisine, far from the tourist crowds. Stretching along Brunnengasse, the market is packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and exotic spices. In the morning, it’s one of the liveliest spots in Vienna.

Food lovers will appreciate the diverse street food options – from classic Viennese sausages to Turkish baklava. Right next to the market, Yppenplatz has evolved into a trendy hotspot for cafés and restaurants. A true hidden gem for those eager to experience Vienna’s international flavors.

9. House of the Sea – Fish with a View

If you miss the ocean, the House of the Sea is the place to go. Housed in a former World War II flak tower, this aquarium offers not only an impressive collection of marine life but also one of the best panoramic views of the city. The rooftop view is stunning – and the sharks swimming below you aren’t bad either ;-)

10. Wiener Prater – Perfect for Families

The Prater , formerly known as Wiener Wurstelprater is Vienna’s classic amusement park, with a touch of nostalgia. The famous Ferris wheel, dating back to 1897, is more than just a tourist attraction – it’s a piece of Viennese history and offers fantastic city views.

For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of high-speed rides guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, take a stroll through the expansive Prater park and enjoy this green oasis in the middle of the city — it’s Vienna’s ultimate leisure park.

While we wouldn’t call the Prater an absolute must-see, many visitors — especially families and younger travelers — love the amusement park vibe.

P.S.: The Schweizer Haus is famous for its Stelze (crispy pork knuckle). To avoid disappointment, make a reservation — it’s nearly impossible to get a table spontaneously.

11. Hundertwasser House

A visit to the Hundertwasser House reveals just how colorful Vienna can be. Designed by the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this vibrant and unconventional residential building is a true eye-catcher. With its wavy floors, irregular windows, and playful architecture, it’s one of the most unique landmarks in the city.

12. Spittelberg

Spittelberg (Spittelberggasse near U3 Neubaugasse) feels like a charming little village in the middle of Vienna. Once known for its shady characters and narrow alleyways, this part of the 7th district has transformed into one of the city’s most picturesque areas. Cobblestone streets, quaint Biedermeier houses, artisan shops, and cozy cafés make it the perfect place to wander and explore at a leisurely pace.

Especially in winter, when the Christmas market lights up the streets, Spittelberg exudes an irresistible charm.

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