10 interesting places to see in Vienna

Vienna - a marvelous, beautiful, vibrant capital of Austria, distinguished by a large number of historical landmarks, magnificent palaces, museums, cathedrals, and other significant places. Only here can you visit cozy and charming cafés, taste the famous cakes, and enjoy authentic Viennese strudel. Every guest of the city feels a special atmosphere created by opera premieres, exhibitions of famous artists, and cultural treasures. Where to go in Vienna and what to see? We'll figure it out in this article.

№ 1. Vienna City Hall

This is truly the city's calling card and pride. Its first part was built in 1883, but it was later enlarged due to the increasing number of citizens. Executed in the neo-Gothic style, it has over 1500 rooms, 3 tall towers, and 7 courtyards located inside the building. The tallest tower reaches 105 meters. At its top is an iron landmark in the shape of a spire. The arcaded courtyard is considered the largest, so a summer music festival is constantly held here. Various events are also organized here annually: Christmas markets with souvenirs, attractions, carousels, New Year's performances, film festivals, carnivals, concerts, and balls. In summer, there is an open-air cinema, and in winter, an ice rink. There are many cozy restaurants here with traditional and European cuisine.

№ 2. Vienna Opera House

It is a world-renowned cultural and architectural landmark, created in 1869. Every year, about ten ballets and sixty operas with performances by world-famous artists are staged here. The ticket prices vary depending on the location of the seats. However, they all have special monitors with text, so spectators can read and listen to the performances. A distinctive feature of the Vienna Opera is its democratic attitude towards audiences of different classes. Here you can meet men dressed in tailcoats and ladies in elegant evening dresses, as well as ordinary students in simple everyday clothes. Every year, the famous Vienna Ball is held here, which is included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. In addition to performances, you can also book a tour of the main staircase, foyer, audience halls, etc., which lasts about 40 minutes and is conducted in various languages.

№ 3. Schönbrunn Palace

A significant landmark of the city, which was once used as the summer residence of the Austrian Habsburg monarchs. It ruled Austria and many other states for 600 years. In the 14th century, it belonged to the abbey in Klosterneuburg. There was a vineyard, arable fields, a stable, a water mill, and a house on the palace grounds. In 1569, it became the property of the Habsburg dynasty. Today it is a magnificent palace and park complex in the Baroque style. Visitors can see 40 rooms and several huge halls with elegantly decorated walls, expensive furniture, and magnificent decoration. The building even has a room with a carousel and lanterns, a small elevator used to deliver food and leading to the round Chinese cabinet. Numerous paintings, Empress Elizabeth's marble washstand, and other items are also on display. The palace complex also features:

• the world's oldest zoo with 8500 different animals representing 700 species;

• a labyrinth with winding tricky paths surrounded by high fences. Here you can find twelve signs of the zodiac, mathematical digital puzzles, a central raised platform, and a giant kaleidoscope;

• artificial Roman ruins, the development of which was carried out by the architect Hohenberg. There are also statues of gods, including Hercules fighting evil;

• a museum of imperial carriages;

• the Gloria Triumphal Column with an observation terrace sitting on a ball held by an eagle, symbolizing the strength and power of the Habsburg dynasty;

• a fountain with Neptune in a chariot holding a trident;

• a building with palms and three types of climate: tropical, cold, and temperate. Here, a variety of plants are grown.

There are also many cozy cafes where you can taste traditional strudel and other exquisite drinks and dishes.

№ 4. Vienna Park

It is called "Prater" and is a famous public recreation area. Its area is over 6 km2. There are two observation wheels, various swings, carousels, attractions, and a forested area. When visiting Vienna, interesting places must be visited first, and this also includes the famous beer restaurant "Schweizerhaus", where traditional goulash, potato pancakes, schnitzel, pork knuckles, and much more are served. There are also Viennese slides, rooms of laughter and fear.

№ 5. Hofburg Palace

It is the largest palace and park complex, which includes 18 buildings and 19 magnificent palaces. The total number of rooms and halls is 2600. In the 18th century, it was used as an administrative and governmental center, as well as the winter residence of the Habsburgs. There are several interesting museums here:

• Sisi Museum. It presents personal belongings and portraits of Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, whom close people called Sisi.

• Imperial Silver Collection. Here you can see unique kitchen and dining porcelain and silverware belonging to the Habsburg dynasty.

• Emperor's Apartments. Consisting of nineteen rooms that belonged to Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth.

You can also visit cafes or restaurants on the complex grounds, tasting authentic Viennese coffee.

№ 6. Schwarzenbergplatz Square

Located near the Ringstrasse. There is a statue of the prince, a Soviet monument, a fountain, and several other interesting monuments. In the 9th century, the square was one of the most prestigious and aristocratic. Today it is crossed by tram lines and has become quite noisy.

№ 7. Belvedere Palace Complex

It is under UNESCO protection. It is the former summer residence of the Roman general Eugene of Savoy. It consists of two palaces and a park located between them. Here you can see the marble hall, golden cabinet, frescoes, rooms in the Baroque style, stable, galleries. There are also grand stairs, a palace chapel where Mass is held daily, fountains, and sculptures.

№ 8. Museum Quarter

In Vienna, you can see significant places here, getting acquainted with art. Only here can you find the perfect combination of ancient architecture of buildings in the Baroque style with postmodern decorations and objects. The area of the quarter is about 60,000 m2. Performances, concerts, and thematic events are most often organized here.

№ 9. St. Stephen's Cathedral

It is a Catholic cathedral built in the 12th century in the Gothic style. It is the family burial place of the Habsburg dynasty. There is the North Tower about 68 m high, the 21-ton Pummerin bell, the South Spire about 136.5 m high, and an observation deck.

№ 10. Hundertwasser House

An "irregular" extravagant residential building with no straight lines. If you think there is nothing unusual and extraordinary to see in Vienna, then you should definitely visit here. In the 1980s, the Austrian avant-garde architect and artist decided to create a completely "ecological" building. The main task of the artist was to build a house that would not conform to stereotypes and would combine a person with nature.