A little over 2 years ago, I was told by a very cultured and well-traveled friend that I must visit Vienna– “it’s such a you city”, I recall her telling me. Since then, Vienna has been #1 on my travel bucket list. Finally, for my birthday I treated myself to a weekend trip to Austria’s flourishing capital.
While it was difficult to streamline what could be a weeks-worth of historical monuments, cultural attractions, and aesthetic store fronts into a 2-day itinerary, I am beyond satisfied with what I saw given my short amount of time. After my visit, Vienna has easily become one of my favorite cities in Europe, and I hope (given the help of this guide) you find her charm, creativity, and opulence just as enchanting.
Below you will find a short and sweet overview of Vienna’s history, top cultural spots to visit, where to eat, where to get your best Instagram shots, and where to stay.
HISTORY
Before I begin, I am going to give you a brief rundown of Vienna’s vast history (but I’ll use bullet points to make it less daunting). Vienna’s past is represented throughout the city and knowing a bit about it will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Viennese cultural and sites.
- Vienna’s history dates back to 15 BC when the land functioned as a prosperous trading post for the Celts. The Romans soon arrived and over the next several years, the post transformed into a prosperous town. For the ensuing centuries, the town would change hands several times.
- In the 16th century, the Babenbergs gained control and the Hasburgs would come to rule until the city was besieged by the Turks in 1529.
- During the Reformation and Counter Reformation, Vienna endured revolts and civic unrest, and later suffered through plague and siege at the end of the 17th century
- In the 18th century, however, the city experienced a prosperous Golden Age, characterized by civil reform, a classical music revolution (queue Mozart) and most notably baroque architectural development (largely attributed to Empress Maria Theresia and Emperor Franz Joseph).
- During the early 19th century, Napoleon briefly occupied the city but by 1820 Vienna was once again independent and flourishing.
- Then WWII began, and with it came a period of decline. In the 1920s, fascism was on the rise and prompted much internal conflict; in the 1930s Vienna suffered under Hitler’s influence and later Allied bombing.
- Since 1955, however, Vienna has been a thriving cultural center. It has taking its hardships in stride and is now a city steeped in rich history, with beautiful architecture, and a brilliant cultural scene.
CULTURAL SITES
St. Stephens Cathedral
- Built in the 12th century, St. Stephens Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. No trip to Vienna would be complete without seeing it and snapping a picture of its incredible tiled roof. While you are there, go inside and see the beautiful altarpiece and Gothic interior (for free!).
Hofburg Palace
- This palace served as the base for the Habsburgs for over six centuries (including the much-loved Empress Elisabeth (or Sisi) and Emperor Franz Joseph). Today it is the residence of Austria’s president and the home of many museums
Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Opened around 1891 under Emperor Franz Joseph, the structure was built to house the imperial art collection. The collection contains notable works by Jan Van Eyck, Raphael, Durer and Bruegel, but most spectacular in my opinion is the building itself, with elaborate marble columns, tiled floors, and a ceiling painted by Klimt. Even for a poor au pair like myself, the seemingly steep admission prices are beyond worth it– and do not miss the museum cafe!
- Admission is between 12 and 14 euros
State Opera House
- Built in 1869, the State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses in the world. I highly recommend going to the standing room office (if facing the opera house on the Ringstrasse, it’s on the left side of the building) about 2-3 hours before show time to buy a standing room ticket for about 3-4 euros. You wait in line for a little over an hour but then get to watch an incredible performance at a renowned venue—for less than the price of a coffee.
Belvedere Palace
- This palace was originally used as the summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy from the late 17th to early 18th century, and today displays the largest collection of Klimt works, including The Kiss. I did not go in, and given my mid-winter trip the acclaimed gardens were a bit underwhelming, but I think it is worth at least visit.
Notable Mentions: I didn’t have the time to fully experience the following sites, but would recommend them to anyone with more time in Vienna.
Rathouse
- Constructed in the 1800s to accommodate the offices of the mayor, this Neo-Gothic building is impressive. Although there is not but to do besides look at it and take a picture, it is located along the Ringstrasse close to the Palace of Justice and University of Vienna (other beautiful sites for those with more time).
Schonbrunn Palace
- The former imperial summer residence, this is one of Vienna’s most popular sights. Based on Versailles, the palace contains formal gardens, a palm house and even a zoo. The palace is located beyond walking distance from city-center—In other words, I did not make it on this trip. I don’t feel like I missed out by not going and am happy I was able to spend my time exploring other parts of the city (all of which I was able to conquer in 2 days). However, if you have the time, I hear it’s definitely worth seeing
Museum Quartier
- Museum Quartier is made up of several museums and cultural exhibitions that ranges in subject from fine art, architecture, music, fashion, theater, dance, literature, children’s culture, game culture, and street art to design and photography.I didn’t go in any of them, but walked through the courtyard and checked out the gift shop.
The Austrian National Library
- The State Hall, the heart of the Austrian National Library, is one of the most beautiful library halls in the world and the biggest Baroque library in Europe. It costs 8 euros to see it, so I skipped it, but if I ever find myself in Vienna again, this would definitely be on my list.
TO EAT & DRINK
Coffee Culture
- Historically, the Viennese, who mostly lived in tiny, crowded flats, regarded the elegant coffee houses as their “extended living rooms” or second homes where they could meet with friends and neighbors. This sense of warmth and home-y comfort has become synonymous with all cafes you go into. Be sure to order the Melange, a Vienna specialty with one shot espresso and a splash of hot water topped with steamed milk. Cafe Central and Cafe Sperl are two particularly acclaimed coffee houses.
Nachtmarket
- Built in the 16th century, this diverse open-air food market has food from a plethora of cultures to eat there or take away.
Manner Confectioneries
- Available at grocery stores around the city, but also at their own Manner shops, this pink and blue packaged sweets company makes the best wafers and chocolate for as little as a euro. Pick up a few to keep in your bag for snacks throughout the day.
INSTAGRAM ESSENTIALS
Hundertwasser Buildings
- Friedensreich Hundertwasser was a visionary artist and architect among other things whose art promotes a certain harmony with nature. His buildings avoid straight lines in favor of spirals, natural curves, and splashes of color. He has two notable sites in Vienna that are a must if you are looking to get a few legendary shots for Instagram. The first is Hundertwasserhaus, a large apartment building with large blocks of primary colors, which sits opposite Hundertwasser Village (which is open to tourists). A few blocks away is the Kunst Haus Wien, which houses a permanent Hundertwasser exhibition as well as a very cute coffee shop. Both guaranteed to get a lot of likes.
Manz Storefront
- On the street facing the Hofsburg palace is Manz book store with a cute aesthetic façade.
Museum Cafe at Kunsthistorisches Museum
- As already mentioned, the Kunsthistorisches Museum was one of the highlights of my trip, and a big reason for that was for the most amazing museum cafe I had ever seen. Grab a coffee, eat a pastry, and snap a bajillion pictures.
WHERE TO STAY
Do Step Inn Central
- I was originally going to stay in this hostel, but last minute I decided to treat myself and stay closer to downtown at a hotel. My interactions with this hostel were very good though, they were responsive to all of my questions and needs, and I would gladly stay here on future trips to Vienna
- Individual cubical-type beds, key codes to access building, room and bed.
- about 20 euros per night for a dorm bunk
Motel One Wien-Staatsoper
- I ended up booking a single room last minute and was very happy with my choice! The hotel is located in an unbeatable location about 3 minutes from State Opera House, a block from a grocery store and very close to town center.
- The rooms were comfortably modern with a TV, desk and nice lighting. The bathroom was a bit small but was everything I needed it to be. Check out is strictly at 12 but they do hold bags free of charge while you explore the city.
- 80 euros per night for a single
Here is the link to my Google Map for the trip to see how close everything is! For more pictures of the trip, check out my Instagram @au.paris
Please feel free to comment with any additional questions!
auparis 