In this series, we will present the most beautiful cities through which the Danube River flows. First one being about the top attractions in Vienna. Enjoy it!
Top Attractions in Vienna
The city’s history dates back to 500 BC when the Celts settled down on the Danube River. Since then, a lot has changed and nowadays, Vienna is the beautiful capital of Austria and also the first capital city through which the Danube flows. It has lots of rich architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles, gardens and monuments. All these were defined by its famous and intellectual residents, such as Mozart, Beethoven and Freud.
What To Visit?
1. The Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
The Schönbrunn Palace
The “beautiful spring” castle is the former summer residence of the royal family. The enchanting Sissi was one of the castle’s residents in the 1800s. The Baroque Palace has 1.441 rooms and over 300 years of history. It has beautiful gardens, sculptures and also the oldest zoo in the world. All these make the castle one of the top attractions in Vienna, visited by thousands of tourists every year.
The Gloriette
It was used by the royal family as a breakfast room, a dining hall and also as a festival hall. Nowadays, it has a cafe in it and on the roof is an observation deck, which provides a panoramic view of the city.
The Schönbrunn Zoo
The zoo is located in the garden of the castle and it is the oldest in the world. This is the only place you can see giant pandas. There are more than 4000 animals and it is also a centre for species conservation and general nature conservation.
2. Belvedere
The beautiful home of the Habsburg dynasty, which is today one of Vienna’s most beautiful museums. Its gates are made from massive iron, it has decorative fountains, cascades and sculptures making its gardens unique.
3. Hofburg
It is the formal winter residence of the royal family. A part of the building forms the current residence of the president of Austria, the other part has the role of a museum, having exposed lots of the royal clothes, armour and accessories.
4. Ringstraße Boulevard
This is Vienna’s most popular street, you can visit several important buildings from the city, such as:
The Parliament
The Rathaus (city hall)
There are several concerts held in front of the Town Hall. The famous winter trade also takes place here.
Opera House
5. St. Stephen Cathedral
St. Stephen Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom is one of the most important landmarks and tourist attractions of Vienna. The cathedral has is a unique and richly colored roof. Also, its walls and towers are very detailed, its construction lasted for decades.
6. Museumsquartier
It is the eighth largest cultural area in the world. It is the home of several large museums and events such as the Viennale, ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival. There is also an initiative for artists, called Q21, which offers workspace for a number of alternative art groups.
Institutions:
- The Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)
- Leopold Museum
- Kunsthalle Wien
- Zoom Kindermuseum
- Tanzquartier
- Architektur Zentrum Wien
- Q21
- wienXtra
- DSCHUNGEL WIEN
The biggest museums are in the Maria – Theresian Platz, joining the Ringstraße and the Museumsquartier. The two identical buildings are facing each other, one being the National History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) and the other the Art History Museum (Kunshistorisches Museum).
7. Hundertwasserhaus
Hundertwasserhaus is a modern apartment house in the Landstraße district. This expressionist landmark was made by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Joseph Krawina, an artist and an architect, which brought this unique idea to “life”.
8. Prater
The Prater Ferris Wheel can be found in the Wurstelprater amusement park.
9. The Danube National Park and the Donauturm
The Donauturm is the tallest structure in Austria, it is located in the Danube National Park. It is well-known for its viewpoint platform and for the two restaurants, from which you can see the city.
Tours You Can Take
City Tour — Vienna’s Highlights
You get to visit Vienna’s highlights, such as the Rathaus, The Ringstraße and the Schönbrunn Palace.
Schönbrunn Zoo and Giant Ferris Wheel
By taking this family-friendly tour you can visit the Schönbrunn zoo, which hosts more than 4000 animals and it is also the only place where you can see the giant panda’s. Also, you can get a ride on the famous Ferris Wheel.
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