Vienna is the capital of Austria and is located in the northeast of the Alpine country. Vienna is a separate state within Austria and is located on the Danube River. With almost two million inhabitants is Viennathe largest city in Austria. Vienna fulfills an important cultural, political and economic role within the country. Vienna has a rich history which has resulted in a large number of museums and historic buildings. Vienna is also seen as the center of classical music and opera. Numerous famous composers have lived and worked in Vienna, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Hayden. With the Wiener Staatsoper, the city has one of the best opera houses in the world within the city limits. Not a sight but a must-do in Vienna is eating the original Sachertorte in Hotel Sacher, where this delicious chocolate cake was invented in the year 1832.
Top 10 sights of Vienna
#1. Schönbrunn Palace
The absolute top attraction of Vienna is Schönbrunn Palace. This very large palace in Vienna has a long history and is considered Austria’s most important cultural monument. The Schloß Schönbrunn Palace was the emperor’s summer residence for a long time. It has 1441 rooms and also has a particularly beautiful garden with a zoo ‘Schönbrunner Zoo’. As one of Vienna’s most beloved sights, Schönbrunn Palace is invariably in first place. The history of the Habsburgs, Maria Theresa, Emperor Francis Joseph I and his wife Sisi still guarantee millions of visitors every year.
#2. Stephansdom
According to BRIDGAT, Stephansdom is Vienna’s largest cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Austria. With its 107 meters in length and 34 meters in width, this can rightly be called a very large building. This cathedral is sure to impress with its architecture and splendor.
#3. Hofburg Palace
Since 1945, the Hofburg Palace has been the official residence of the Federal President of Austria. Before that it was the winter residence of former monarchs. In the summer they stayed in Schloss Schönbrunn. The imperial apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) can also be found here. The decor is completely intact from how it was then. There is also a treasury, baroque riding hall for training horses, a scientific library and the imperial apartments.
#4. MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier houses many cultural institutes and museums in a large complex. You will find the Leopold museum, MUMOK (museum of contemporary art), concerts, shows, dance center, math center and temporary exhibitions.
#5. Hundertwasser
The Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser has a fairly prominent presence in the Austrian capital. Its organic design in combination with colorful mosaic appeals to many. A fine example is the Hundertwasser Haus, which is a specially designed residential complex. Also very beautiful is the waste incineration of Spittelau in which you immediately recognize the stamp of the artist. If you want to know more about Hundertwasser you can visit the Kunsthauswien. This museum is dedicated to Hundertwasser.
#6. Grinzing
Vienna is the only city in the world where you can find flowering vines right in the middle of the city. There are many wine merchants in the Grinzing district where you can enjoy delicious homemade wines during a delicious dinner. In the oldest winery of Grinzing ‘Oude Presshaus’ you will find an old wine press of 250 years old in the very impressive wine cellar.
#7. Vienna State Opera
This world-famous opera is also mentioned in the list of the best operas in the world. The Vienna State Opera is the largest in Austria. After the Second World War, it was reopened to the public in 1955 after some renovations. Since then, the opera house has been a symbol of freedom for Austria. The main hall can seat about 2280 people.
#8. Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Most likely Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the oldest zoo in the world. It can be found in the garden of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. The zoo is over 250 years old and neatly meets today’s requirements. You will find giant pandas, reptiles, deer, wolves, polar bears, penguins, tigers, jaguars, zebras, African elephants and much more.
#9. Schloss Belvedere
Schönbrunn is the most famous palace in Vienna, but Schloss Belvedere, located in the center, is also definitely worth a visit. The castle consists of two buildings, of which the tall building attracts the most attention. The garden is also definitely worth a visit, with the fountain consisting of different levels as the highlight.More info about Belvedere Castle
#10. Prater
The large amusement park ‘Wurstelprater or Volksprater’ is now located on a part of the former imperial hunting ground in Vienna on approximately 6 km². For example, there is a Ferris wheel from 1897. You will also find various sports facilities and a planetarium in this Prater park.
