Regal, elegant and almost annoyingly pretty, Vienna is a European capital that dazzles and delights with its impressive architecture and grand museums (seemingly around every corner).

But I’ll be honest. Vienna hasn’t always been my favourite city. It’s beautiful, sure, but at times I found it almost too perfect.

It took me three visits to finally get the hype… and I realize now it’s because the “typical tourist side” of Vienna only scrapes the surface of what makes it such an incredible city.

Honestly, if you’re a fan of history, and a fan of beauty, odds are you’ll probably also be a fan of Vienna… so long as you do it right! 

So in this post, I’ll be sharing an honest take on the best things to do in Austria’s polished capital… from palaces and pastries to unique hidden gems.

My Free Map of Things to Do in Vienna

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!

We’ll start with a big one – and I do mean that literally. Known as one of the largest palace complexes in the world, you could truly spend days exploring the wonders of Vienna’s Hofburg. After all, this was the OG centre of the Habsburg Court, where endless meetings, balls, feasts, and more were held for centuries… so it has a lot of stories to tell, and a lot of fancy rooms to prance through. 

Originally built in the Middle Ages as the seat of the Dukes of Austria, the palace continued to expand over the centuries, as the Dukes became more powerful. It later became the seat of the Hapsburg Kings, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and then the Emperors of Austria. It is still used by the current head of state, the Austrian Federal President, as an official residence and workplace.

Today, the Hofburg houses a truly astounding number of Vienna’s top attractions. Some of the most famous highlights though include the…

• Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of the famous Austro-Hungarian Empress Elisabeth, known as “Sisi,” who was assassinated in 1898
• Vienna State Spanish Riding School, where visitors can see the famous Lipizzaner horses dancing to music in a Baroque riding hall (though the morning training isn’t really worth the wait/money in my opinion)
• Imperial Treasury, one of the most important treasure chambers in the world, with two imperial crowns on display along with many other incredible pieces including one of the largest emeralds in the world and a bowl that was thought to be THE Holy Grail
• Pretty green spaces like Burggarten and Volksgarten
• Heldenplatz, with its epic gate 
• More museums in the Neue Burg (more on this below)

Honestly, you could spend a whole day exploring this complex (dodging the city’s heaviest crowds along the way). If you’re short on time though, don’t worry – you can get a great feel for its power from the outside!

In any case, a quick visit to admire the Hofburg’s many courtyards, elegant facades, and surrounding green spaces is a must for any Vienna itinerary. 

An especially noteworthy section of the Hofburg is the Neue Burg, so named for its (relatively speaking) recent addition to the complex beginning in 1891.

This section was the last expansion made to the Hofburg, beginning after Vienna’s city walls were demolished in 1860s, allowing the city (and palace) to become larger. The Neue Burg was designed to contain an Imperial Forum, with twin museums (the art museum and natural history museum) flanking it on each side. While the museums were completed, the forum remains uncompleted to this day.

Today, this portion of the historic palace is home to a number of museums, including the (relatively new) House of Habsburg Tour which I honestly think is one of the most worthwhile museum experiences in Vienna… especially if you want to learn more about the city’s royal history. 

This immersive experience guides you through various rooms in the museum, teaching you about Habsburg history as you go – really worth it, and you get to see some very badass armour and treasures.

The World Museum is also housed in the same building, though to be honest I don’t think this would be my top priority when visiting Vienna. In this museum, you’ll find the collection of seafarer James Cook and other treasures from around the world. Out of the many possible cultural attractions to enjoy in Vienna, I feel like this one speaks the least to Austrian history and culture, so I’d definitely prioritize other sights.

Another highlight of the Neue Burg is the House of Austrian History, which gives a broader overview of Austria’s history beyond the Habsburgs. If you’re curious to see Austria’s historic timeline laid in a clear and straightforward way, with relics and helpful explanations for each era, this is a great educational spot.

And finally, one of the more underrated (though small) museums in the complex is the Ephesos Museum, home to artefacts from the Turkish city of Ephesus. I loved having this space entirely to myself during my visit… so definitely head here if you’re looking for a bit of a hidden secret.

Now, if you’re a fan of stunning old libraries, best believe Vienna has the place for you. The Prunksaal National Library is an opulent baroque hall housing a wealth of historical books and manuscripts, with some dating back all the way to 1501 … and you can find it right by the elegant Hofburg complex.

Inside, you’ll find one of the most beautiful rooms in the world, with giant bookcases, marble columns topped by golden scrollwork, incredible statues, a pair of giant globes and some absolutely incredible ceiling frescoes. There are more than 200,000 historic books held here, mostly behind glass to protect them but it’s still a must-see for any book nerds!

Tickets are 10 euro, but I’d say it’s well worth it, especially as it’s included in the Museum Pass.

PRO TIP: You can skip the lengthy line here with a Vienna Pass. If you come as soon as it opens, you can just walk right up to the front and scan your pass to go, bypassing the entire giant line-up at the start of the day as they don’t start selling tickets until 11am. If you’re feeling shy, double check with the security desk to the right, but they waved me straight through and I got to smugly be the first person to walk in for the day!

By the way, the National Library as an institution is primarily housed in the Neue Burg, but this specific grand room is in a separate location in Josefsplatz, so don’t get confused and accidentally walk into the wrong building! Search using the full name – Prunksaal National Library to avoid confusion.

Of course, no visit to Vienna is complete without a quick gawk at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that has graced the city since the 12th century. 

Famed for its multi-colored tile roof and four towers rising up from the center of the city, this is one of the most important buildings in the whole of Austria. Of the four towers, the tallest one (known as Pummerin) contains the second-biggest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe. The tiled roof is particularly impressive, with mosaics depicting the Vienna and Republic of Austria coats of arms on one side, and on the other is the double-headed eagle that represented the Austrian empire under the rule of the Habsburgs.

Today, visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views or (or perhaps spookier) explore the catacombs which house the tombs of notable figures from the city’s past, including Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III, Duke Rudolph IV and many other Hapsburgs.

A short walk away from the iconic Stephansdom, you’ll find one of the spookier things to do in Vienna – the Capuchins’ Crypt, which has served as the burial place of Habsburg dynasty members since 1618. 

Yes, it is exactly as it sounds… a crypt holding the remains of Habsburgs spanning centuries – including big names like Maria Theresa and of course, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).

Sure, it’s a bit of a morbid attraction, but one that’s nonetheless quite interesting if you’re into the history of the Habsburg Dynasty. Though they vary widely in detail and opulence, many of the sarcophogi are accompanied by informative signs about the (often short) lives of those who occupy them… providing some eye-opening insight into just how easy it was to die randomly back in the day.

6. Amble around Vienna’s Ring Road (Ringstraße)

If you’re looking for one of the best free activities to enjoy in Vienna, I can definitely suggest a leisurely stroll around Vienna’s Ring Road, a grand 5.3km boulevard circling the city center, filled with some of the city’s most droolworthy architectural wonders. 

Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landmarks like the…

• Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) – Vienna’s beautiful historic opera house, the first major building to even be constructed along the ring road, built between 1861 and 1869. When it was first opened, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth were both in attendance. Seeing a performance here would be amazing and they also offer guided tours.
• Austrian Parliament Building (Parlamentsgebäude) – A Greek Revival style building with a magnificent fountain out the front featuring a giant statue of Athena with smaller statues representing the four most important rivers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• City Hall (Wiener Rathaus) – Located on Rathausplatz, this impressive neo-Gothic building was built between 1872 and 1883. This is where the mayor of Vienna works along with the city council. You can join a guided tour of the city hall for free on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm.
• Academy of Fine Arts (Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien) – A university art school which was initially a private academy. It’s also rather infamous for twice rejecting admission to a young Adolf Hitler…
• Palace of Justice (Justizpalast) – Home of the Supreme Court of Austria, inside a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building that was constructed between 1875 and 1881. Visitors can go inside to check out the arcade court and also visit the rooftop café.

I personally think the best way to take it all in is by foot, but many of the tram lines will also allow you to DIY your own sightseeing tour.

Close by you’ll find another treasure of a museum: the Albertina… worth visiting for the stunning view from its terrace alone (also a great place to munch on a sausage from the famous Bitzinger Sausage Stand below).

Honestly speaking though, if it’s value for money you want, the Albertina is probably one of the best all around attractions in Vienna.

Not only is it housed in a stunning Hapsburg residential palace, inside you’ll find a vast collection of artwork scattered across four floors with some of the most famous names in art history, ranging from Monet to Picasso. Honestly, I couldn’t believe the number of famous names casually on display here.

Not only that though, there are also state rooms included in your visit, where Archduchess Marie-Christine (daughter of Empress Maria Theresia) once lived. There are 20 restored Hapsburg state rooms, where you can feel like you’ve traveled back in time to an era of classicism, surrounded by chandeliers, stunning furniture and more art.

And I lucked out with an incredible temporary exhibition by Robert Longo!

So yes, I’m a huge fan of the Albertina, and can definitely recommend it if you’re unsure about which museums to check off your list.

Speaking of worthwhile museums, of all the very grand buildings to visit in Vienna, one of my personal favourites is the stunning Kunsthistorisches Museum, which is home to an exceptional collection of European masterpieces.

Inside, you’ll find the largest art museum in the country, filled with artworks that were once part of the Hapsburgs’ private collection. The museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary to make a suitable home for the royal collection and to enable the public to view the pieces. Highlights include paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Gainsborough and more, along with Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, sculptures, coins and books.

Best of all though, these works are housed in a jawdropping Renaissance Revival style building, with a stunning cafe in the middle that is a work of art entirely on its own. 

While it gets busy here, there’s definitely good reason for that… and if you’re an art lover, you definitely won’t be disappointed by a visit here. 

9. Explore the MuseumsQuartier 

A short walk away, you’ll also encounter one of the largest cultural hubs in the world – the aptly named MuseumsQuartier.

Established in 2001, this area was once the Hapsburg Imperial Stables, originally dating back to the 18th century. It was then used as an exhibition space before and after WWII, before being transformed into the cultural hub you can find there today. As well as the museums, this is also a great spot to catch events in the courtyards, or just hang out at a café.

Some highlights include…

• Architecture Museum (Architekturzentrum Wien) – showcases a wide range of exhibits focused on architecture and urban design, with a strong emphasis on Austrian contributions.
• Mumok Modern Art Museum (Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien) – houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works from movements like Pop Art, Fluxus, and Minimalism. Highlights include pieces by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Roy Lichtenstein. Included in the Vienna Pass
• Museum of International Contemporary Art (Kunsthalle Wien) – a contemporary art museum in Vienna that hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing innovative and experimental works by international artists. It focuses on multimedia installations, conceptual art, and cutting-edge projects.
• Leopold Museum – home to one of the largest collections of modern Austrian art, featuring masterpieces by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and other artists of the Viennese Secession. It also showcases works from the Austrian Expressionist movement and provides insight into Vienna’s vibrant art scene around 1900. Included in the Vienna Pass | Get tickets
• ZOOM Children’s Museum (ZOOM Kindermuseum) – an interactive museum designed for kids, offering hands-on exhibits and activities that encourage creativity, play, and learning.

Alright, moving outside of the historic centre now, let’s go westwards and discuss one of Vienna’s most famous must-sees: Schönbrunn Palace.

Home to a shocking 1,441 staterooms, Schönbrunn Palace is an epic sprawling palace considered one of the top sights in Vienna, with UNESCO World Heritage status to flaunt, along with a wide array of on-site attractions, highlights including…

• The world’s oldest zoo still in operation
• The Imperial Carriage Museum which I genuinely really enjoyed!! There are over 161 beautifully preserved and marked carriages on display, including some very historically significant ones (especially pertaining to Sisi, like her funeral hearse and the carriage she arrived in when she came to marry Franz Joseph I of Austria)
• The state apartments 
• Many, many more sights

While I do think the palace and its grounds are a must-see, I must confess my disappointment with some of the pricier paid attractions. The standard state apartments tour, for instance, is so brief I actually laughed out loud when I realized it was over. If you want to see more of the palace, you will need to book the Maria Theresa or Franz Joseph tour. It’s nice to see some of the palace’s most opulent state rooms for sure, but for the hefty price tag of 37 euros, I’m not sure it’s worth it at full price.

The virtual reality experience is also quite funny, and not particularly popular because I was (I kid you not) the ONLY person sat in that entire room… which made me feel a little silly when I had the VR headset strapped on – from an outsider’s perspective I must have looked insane.

Anyway, the experience is a little cheesy and is mainly just a mini-movie explaining the history of the Hapsburg Dynasty, with a little bonus novelty thanks to the VR thing but again, this isn’t something I would pay full price for.

As a history nerd, I did find the brief explainer quite interesting and helpful, especially for connecting the main imperial sights you’ll see around the city, so worth doing if you have it included in the Vienna Pass. You get to sit down for a solid 24 minutes so maybe plan to do it in between bouts of sightseeing!

Finally, other on-site attractions include the Palm Garden and Desert House – both nice enough, but not especially unique to Vienna. The Desert House did have some delightful giant tortoises though.

There’s also a children’s museum that is billed as a museum about the children of the Hapsburg family… so I thought I might be able to enjoy it for some historical value. In reality though it’s very very much geared towards kids, with play stations, dress up stations, etc. so not particularly worth doing unless you’re travelling with kids in tow.

Now, you might be wondering… are ALL the things here a must do? Not if you’re short on time, in my honest opinion… but if you have the Vienna Pass and want to take some time to adequately explore the palace and all its sights, then spending a full day here would be a great bet.

Another one of Vienna’s main regal attractions can be found at Belvedere Palace, originally built in the late 17th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. When it was built it stood outside the city walls and there are actually two palaces here, Upper and Lower Belvedere, connected by beautifully landscaped gardens. 

The picture gallery in Upper Belvedere was actually opened in 1781, making it the first public museum in the world.

These days, visitors can enjoy highlights such as…

• Upper Belvedere – renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and its art collection, which includes Gustav Klimt’s famous The Kiss. It also features works by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and other Austrian artists. Included in the Vienna Pass | Get tickets
• Lower Belvedere – showcases impressive Baroque architecture and houses temporary exhibitions of art and cultural history. Highlights include the Marble Hall, the Grotesque Hall, and the Orangery. Included in the Vienna Pass | Get tickets
• Belvedere 21 Museum of Contemporary Art – this sleek modernist was originally built as a pavilion for the 1958 World Exhibition but is now part of the Belvedere complex, highlighting modern and contemporary art with a focus on Austrian and international artists. Included in the Vienna Pass | Get tickets
• Baroque Garden – these formal French gardens connect the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces, with beautiful symmetrical terraces, ornamental fountains, and intricate sculptures. Included in the Vienna Pass

Now I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit the famous Vienna Prater, but if you’re especially enthusiastic about amusement parks, then this amusement park is definitely worth a stop.

Dating back to 1895, the Wiener Prater is an amusement park located on what was once the hunting grounds of Austrian royalty until it was opened to the public by Emperor Joseph II in 1766. Attractions such as carousels and roller coasters can be found in the amusement park section, while next door is the “Green Prater” meadow and forest area, one of the most popular leisure areas in the city.

A key highlight here is the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), as seen in Before Sunrise which is cute and offers some great panoramic views of the city… do beware it moves super slowly though so isn’t the most exciting of rides.

Madame Tussaud’s can also be found here along with the peculiar Republic of Kugelmugel, said to be a republic of its own after artist Edwin Lipburger constructed the 8 square meter spherical object in Katzelsdorf without permission from authorities. Lipburger subsequently declared it a micronation and the then-mayor of Vienna Helmut Zik granted it ‘asylum’ in Prater Park!

Since I was in the area and it was included in the Vienna Pass, I did check Madame Tussauds out and can confirm it’s VERY eerie and probably not the best use of your time in Vienna… especially at full price! They do have some city-specific wax figures like Hundertswasser or Sisi but unless you’re a huge fan of wax museums, I definitely think there are better things to do.

While on this side of the river, another potential viewpoint to check off your list is the soaring Danube Tower, which stands at 252 meters high, offering sweeping views over the city. 

For me personally, I prefer closer up views in the historic centre of the city where you can better appreciate the centuries-old buildings, but if you prefer sweeping faraway panoramas, this might be one to consider. 

NOTE: They also have a restaurant here, if you’re hoping to enjoy dinner with a view…. and prices to match.

14. Enjoy Vienna’s Café Culture

Vienna is full of grand cafes thanks to its history after the second Turkish siege in 1683. According to legend, soldiers of the Polish-Habsburg army found some coffee beans that had been left behind by the Turks and one of the officers used those beans to open the first coffee house.

Coffee houses in Vienna became popular gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and writers during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were known for their relaxed atmosphere, elegant interiors, and tradition of lingering over coffee. Today, Viennese Coffee House Culture is listed as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” of Austria by UNESCO because it’s so iconic.

So, in between museum jaunts, one of the best things to do is grab a coffee and a sweet treat… ideally in a grand, majestic setting.

Sure there’s historic coffeehouses like Café Centra, Café Gerstner, Café Sperl, and Café Sacher (pioneers of the world famous Sachertorte, which consists of a dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle and dark chocolate icing)… but you’ll almost always find absurd line-ups, inflated prices, and frosty service at these. It’d be worth visiting maybe once if you want to admire aesthetics, and accept that you’ll be price gauged to oblivion. And book in advance to avoid wasting half your day in a lineup!

If your primary objective is coffee though, there are plenty of more modern options that would fit the bill… at more acceptable prices.

PS: If you want to go full Viennese, do note that (much like Starbucks) they kind of have their own coffee language here. So don’t try to just order a Latte or cappuccino, instead consider these options…

• Kleiner Schwarzer, basically a single espresso, and a großer Schwarzer is double espresso
• Kleiner/Großer Brauner, a single or double espresso, served with milk or cream on the side to add in yourself
• Melange, or Wienger melange, which is very close to a cappucino, although usually not quite as milky and sometimes comes with a dollop of whipped cream on top
• Einspänner, an espresso topped with whipped cream
• Kapuziner, a double espresso with whipped cream

As a warning though: Viennese coffee has a reputation as being unexpectedly strong, anecdotally causing many tourists to sprint to the bathroom afterwards. You’ve been warned. 

15. Admire Vienna’s more modern pieces of architecture

Though Vienna is best known for its elegant imperial architecture, there are plenty of intriguing modern structures scattered around the city as well. If you’re interested in architecture and have some time to spare, then a definite must-do is a DIY architectural tour of the city’s more modern marvels.

Some highlights include…

• The modernist Secession Building, an architectural gem designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, home to exhibitions of contemporary art and Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze
• The Library and Learning Centre at the University of Economics, designed by Zaha Hadid, this building features striking futuristic architecture with bold, angular lines and a dynamic, asymmetrical design. Inside, visitors can admire its open, flowing spaces and explore its extensive academic library
• DC Towers 1, Austria’s tallest building is a skyscraper featuring a sleek, modern design with a distinctive rippled facade. Inside, it houses offices, a hotel, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Vienna
• The Wotruba Church, designed by Fritz Wotruba, this church features bold Brutalist architecture made of massive concrete blocks arranged asymmetrically
• The Gasometer Buildings, historic gas tanks that have been transformed into a unique blend of industrial architecture and modern design. Inside, they house apartments, shops, a cinema, and event spaces

16. See the Hundertwasser House

Especially noteworthy in terms of unique architecture is the (now Instagram-famous) Hundertwasser House, completed in 1985 and designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser in collaboration with architect Josef Krawina.

It was created as an innovative public housing project that blends art and functionality, reflecting Hundertwasser’s belief in harmony between humans, architecture, and nature. The building features uneven floors, irregularly shaped windows, vibrant colors, and an abundance of greenery with rooftop gardens and plants integrated into the design.

NOTE: This house is mainly just a photo opp if you come see it from the outside, so I’d recommend spending a bit more time here to appreciate the architecture properly. The cafe right next to the house has a nice terrace where you can admire the photogenic facade with a hot coffee and warm apple strudel.

The Hundertwasser Village across the street is also nice to see on the inside, although most of the shops sell generic souvenirs. 

Though I should say if you’re interested in his work, I can recommend visiting the Kunst Haus Wien less than a ten minute walk away. This is where you can truly appreciate Hundertwasser’s work over the years, and also explore the inside of one of his beautiful creations, the renovated former Thonet furniture factory.

Just like the Hundertwasser House, this museum features irregular shapes, colorful mosaics, and greenery, as well as the only permanent collection of Hundertwasser’s work. It’s also included in the Vienna Pass.

17. Visit a small niche museum 

After all those recommendations above, you might be surprised to hear that there are in fact MORE museums to visit in Vienna… though which ones are worth visiting depend entirely on your own personal interests.

I 100% do not recommend trying to visit every single museum in the city because, let’s face it, you would probably collapse into a puddle of nerdy exhaustion.

But just so you know, there are many more museums for many more nerdy interests, including:

• Clock Museum, housed in a historic 17th-century building, this museum showcases one of Europe’s largest collections of clocks – probably only one for those who are fans of intricate and historic timepieces.
• Globe Museum, part of the Austrian National Library, with exhibits offering insights into the history of cartography and humanity’s evolving understanding of the world. Honestly very fun and interesting for those as obsessed with maps and globes as me! Included in the Vienna Pass
• Papyrus Museum, an extensive collection of ancient papyri, including manuscripts, letters, and legal texts from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece. Honestly a little boring and probably not worth going unless you have a pass. Included in the Vienna Pass
• Coffee Museum, if you want to learn more about Vienna’s coffee culture, this museum showcases antique coffee machines, brewing tools, and exhibits about Vienna’s famous coffee house traditions.
• Crime Museum, all about the history of crime, law enforcement, and forensic science. It features artifacts, documents, and stories of notable criminal cases from Vienna’s past.

So yes, if you find yourself looking for even MORE things to do in Vienna, do know that these (and more) are options.

18. Admire Vienna’s many other churches

Of course, beyond the ultra-famous Stephansdom, Vienna has many more.

So, if you’re interested in church hopping a bit, that’s another option for a unique Vienna must-do.

Unfortunately, many churches in the city do enforce paid entry, so seeing them all is no cheap feat, but some of the most famous churches to see in the city include…

• Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) – A stunning Baroque masterpiece with its iconic dome and twin columns, featuring impressive frescoes and a panoramic view from the dome’s interior
• Votivkirche – A striking neo-Gothic church built to commemorate Emperor Franz Joseph’s survival of an assassination attempt, with intricate stained glass windows and towering spires
• Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) – Famous for its elegant Gothic architecture, this church houses the Habsburgs’ Heart Crypt (which I mentioned earlier) and was the site of royal weddings, including that of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi)
• Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church) – Known for its opulent Baroque interior, this church boasts intricate gold details, frescoes, and a serene atmosphere in Vienna’s city center

19. Attend a classical music concert

Of course, with classic music so intertwined with Vienna’s history, one of the best immersive things to do in the city is attend a concert… preferably in a stunning location like one of those aforementioned churches so you can tick two things off the list at once. 

Do beware though: not all concerts are made equal! 

Be especially wary of the pushy salesmen dressed as Mozart on the street trying to sell you tickets to a concert – often these can be overpriced or just okay in terms of quality. I’d recommend booking something online instead so you can vet reviews in advance.

Here are some popular options:

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed in the Karlskirche | Get Tickets
• A Mozart concert in the Golden Hall, performed by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra in period costumes | Get Tickets
• A Johann Strauss Dinner Show at the Prater | Get Tickets

20. Enjoy some Viennese eats 

Finally, you can’t leave Vienna without having your fill of local treats and eats.

You can of course book a food tour like this one (link to suitable option on GYG), but if you hope to DIY your own food experience in Vienna, some absolute must tries include…

• Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional Austrian dish consisting of a breaded and fried veal cutlet, often served with lemon, potato salad, or lingonberry jam 
• Käsekrainer, an Austrian sausage filled with melted cheese, typically grilled or fried, and often served with mustard and bread
• Pastries – broad, I know… but Vienna is SO famous for them, and there’s too many to list. Some classics include Apfelstrudel (pastry filled with apple and raisins), Topfenstrudel (pastry filled with a creamy quark cheese) and Kipferl (a crescent-shaped pastry often filled with nuts or jam)

NOTE: The famous Naschmarkt is considered by most locals as a huge tourist trap, so I wouldn’t advise getting food from there. 

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Vienna?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Vienna activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂