Today we are going to Vienna – the capital of Austria and I will show you my top 5 list of things to see in Vienna. As always, you can find our YouTube video at the end of the post. Check it out!
Vienna was recently crowned the best city in the world to live, for the second year in a row, by the Global Liveability Index 2023. The reason is its “unsurpassed combination of stability, good infrastructure, strong education and healthcare services, and plenty of culture and entertainment.”
I flew into Vienna myself and visited in early August. To get from the airport to the city there are plenty of options. Don’t go for the green CAT trains as they are completely overpriced. Instead take the red OBB trains where you can get a one-way ticket for only 2 euros with a similar travelling time as the green CAT trains. You can also buy affordable return tickets including unlimited public transport in Vienna.
Vienna is a city steeped in history, culture, and elegance. Located along the banks of the Danube River, Vienna’s majestic architecture reflects its imperial past, with grand palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg Palace. It’s a city where classical music resonates in every corner, being home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
Strolling through the city’s beautifully landscaped parks, such as the Stadtpark and Belvedere Gardens, or exploring its museums like the Military History Museum, provides a glimpse into Vienna’s rich cultural past.
1. St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom in German)
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is an iconic symbol of Vienna. Its towering Gothic spire and stunning architecture draw visitors from around the world. Inside, you’ll find impressive stained glass windows and historical treasures. It’s a must-see for anyone exploring Vienna’s rich heritage.
There are several viewpoints to visit in the church but the best one by many reviews is the one called North Tower or Nord Turm in German. It’s 6 euros and you take an elevator up and get a great view of the church’s beautiful roof and surrounding areas.
2. Sacher Torte
Just a 10 minute walk from the cathedral, along the famous shopping street Kärntner strasse, you will find the Sacher Hotel, where you can taste the famous Sacher Torte. The Sachertorte is available in Vienna at many cafes, but this is the place where it all started.
The story of the Original Sacher-Torte is from 1832. The court of Prince Metternich had requested a dessert for a special occasion, but the chef was ill at the time, so 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher filled in. The cake he created could not have been more delicious. The Original Sacher-Torte is still hand-made using Franz Sacher’s original recipe to this day, and is best enjoyed with a side of unsweetened whipped cream.
I liked it. It’s like a chocolate cake but slightly less sweet. The price of almost 9 euros is definitely not cheap but it was worth the experience. The interior is beautiful and historical.
3. Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Located in the centre of Vienna, it was built in the 13th century and expanded several times afterwards.
Since 1946, it is the official residence and workplace of the president of Austria. It’s an impressive building. Inside you will also find the Austrian Crown Jewels. The collection dates from the 10th to the 19th centuries, and it reflects more than a thousand years of European history.
On the way to the next sight we stop by a local kebab shop for some food and energy. Fresh and tasty, just what I needed. Priced at €5.50, you can’t beat that.
4. Maria Theresien Platz
Next to the Hofburg Palace lies the Maria Theresien Platz which is an impressive public square with a monument and impressive greenery. It’s located between two of the most famous museums in Vienna. The Natural History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.
In the middle of the plaza is the monument of Maria Theresa. An impressive monument of the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa surrounded by 4 horsemen and famous composers.
5. Military History Museum
The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is located close to the beautiful Belvedere Garten which is slightly outside the inner city.
The Military History Museum features Austrian military actions from medieval times and onwards. I came here mainly to see the Franz Ferdinand section. It’s located on the ground floor, to the right after the entrance. But first I want to show you this impressive entrance hall consisting of incredibly detailed marble statues of the great kaisers of Austria.
Back to Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand was murdered in Sarajevo 1912 and in this museum they have the gun who fired the shots, his car and clothes that he wore that day. Many claim that the shots in Sarajevo was one of the biggest contributing factors to that WW1 started.
The section next to Franz Ferdinand is dedicated to WW1 and is also very impressive.
It was completely renovated by 2014 and features over 2000 WW1 items.
See our YouTube video for more information:
