One city, three days: Vienna

Let’s go: About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria and the country’s largest city, has a history dating back to the Celts, who formed a settlement on the banks of the Danube around 500 BC. The area later came under Roman domination and then under the rule of the Babenberg and Habsburg empires, respectively. The city experienced a golden age during the 14th and 15th centuries; in particular, the University of Vienna was established in 1365, contributing significantly to the scientific and cultural infrastructure of the city.

There were frequent conflicts with the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century. Following two Ottoman sieges, the Treaty of Passarowitz was signed and commercial relations were established with the Ottoman Empire. Though impacted by the First and Second World Wars, Vienna underwent a great economic and social transformation and continues to be one of Central Europe’s most majestic cities.*

Accompanied by stately streets: Places to visit in Vienna

Beautifully preserved historical buildings and magnificent Baroque-style architecture, countless museums and quiet streets… Vienna offers numerous surprises even during a short visit.

Vienna’s Historic Sites

Vienna has traces of history in every corner, so we begin our three-day jaunt with the city’s historical sites.

Schönbrunn Palace

The 18th-century Schönbrunn Palace is the first stop. Arguably the city’s most popular tourist attraction, the vast Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – features an unbelievably beautiful garden and flawless Baroque-style architecture. Although there is a fee to enter the Palace and certain areas such as the Palm House and the Chamber of Empress Maria Theresa, entry to the garden is free of charge.

Belvedere Palace

Another stellar example of Vienna’s Baroque structures is the Belvedere Palace. Consisting of two buildings, the Palace features beautiful sculptures along with wall and ceiling frescoes. Like the Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere has a lovely garden. As well, the Palace’s gallery section is worth a visit for its historical collection.

Vienna Opera House

We noted the link between Vienna and music – and the stunning Vienna Opera House is a prominent example. The Opera House opened its doors in 1869 with Mozart’s Don Giovanni and continues to stage around sixty operas and ballets each year.

Austrian Parliament Building

Completed in 1883, the imposing Greek-Roman style Austrian Parliament Building is among the city’s most famous addresses and one of its most renowned features is the Pallas Athene Fountain. Symbolizing the Danube, Han, Elbe and Moldau rivers, the Fountain is impressive for both its great size and its statuary.

Hofburg Palace

The official presidential residence, the Hofburg Palace is also open to visitors. The structure, featuring Baroque, Gothic and Rococo elements, includes 19 courtyards and more than two thousand rooms. The highlights include the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection.

Austrian National Library

Dating to the 14th century, the Austrian National Library is yet another of Vienna’s gorgeous buildings and, in fact, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Among the highlights of this majestic structure are the Old Court section. The Library is located inside the Hofburg Palace.

Museums in Vienna

MuseumsQuartier (Museums Quarter)

There are indeed countless museums in Vienna, but a good starting point is MuseumsQuartier. Opened in 2001, the 90,000 square meter complex includes 60 cultural institutions and micro-museums, with exhibits spanning a wide and diverse range of periods and subjects. The summer Vienna Festival also takes place here. Among the highlights of MuseumsQuartier are the Mumok, the Leopold Museum and Kunsthalle Wien.

Mozarthaus Vienna(Mozart’s Apartment) 

At Domgasse 5, the only existing apartment where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived (from 1784 to 1787) is now a museum. The Mozarthaus includes the composer’s original apartment and some of his personal items and manuscripts are displayed. As well, visitors can listen to presentations of his major works. The museum also houses the Bösendorfer-Saal concert and event location.

Natural History Museum of Vienna

Vienna’s Natural History Museum is home to millions of objects and collections ranging from precious stones to insects, as well as exhibits on a variety of topics including astronomy, biology and the prehistoric period. There’s a digital planetarium too. The Dinosaur Hall is particularly popular, housing skeletons as well as a life-sized animated replica of an allosaurus.

A city of delicacies: Dining in Vienna

Vienna is as renowned for its gastronomy as it is for arts and culture. The famous Sacher Torte, a dessert created by apprentice chef Franz Sacher in 1832 for a dinner given by the Austrian State Chancellor, is among the city’s must-try specialties.

In addition to restaurants – and Vienna is home to many Michelin-starred establishments – the city’s café culture is well developed.

Among the many dishes to sample in Vienna, here are a few of our favorites:

• Sacher Torte
• Apple strudel
• Goulash
• Schnitzel
• Tafelspitz (boiled beef served with vegetables and fruits)
• Kaiserschmarrn (a sweet pancake served with powdered sugar, fruit and/or compote)
• Wiener würstel (Viennese sausage)
• Potato salad
• Martinigansl (a seasonal goose dish)

Tips on Vienna

Are you ready to visit Vienna? If so, click here for flights to Vienna! Meanwhile, keep reading for some tips on the city.

To plan your trip easier and faster, we suggest checking out Turkish Holidays holiday packages, which let you book accommodations and flights on one platform.

Transportation in Vienna

Vienna has an efficient public transportation network that includes the metro system known as the U-Bahn and commuter trains, known as the S-Bahn. Public buses are also available; many of the city’s residents also use taxis and bicycles. 

Transportation from Vienna International Airport to the city center

The distance between Vienna International Airport and the city center is approximately 20 kilometers. From the airport, trains, buses, taxis, and Airport Lines buses operate to the city center.

Have a great trip!