Things to do in Vienna: top sights, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of Vienna are Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere with Klimt's The Kiss and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Two days cover the highlights; with one day, focus on the old town, the Hofburg and the Belvedere.
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More Vienna guides
- Vienna in one dayA one-day walking route through Vienna: St Stephen's, Hofburg, Naschmarkt, Karlskirche and the Belvedere, with times, lunch ideas and tips to save time.
- Vienna in 2 daysA 2-day Vienna itinerary: day 1 the old town and Hofburg, day 2 Schönbrunn, the Belvedere and museums. With times, tickets and tips to save time.
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Vienna's must-sees
Vienna packs the Habsburg legacy, the Secession and a musical tradition into a compact area. These are the stops that repay the time.
- 1
Metro U4 Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' summer residence, with Baroque rooms linked to Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph. Climb to the Gloriette for a view over the gardens and the city. Buy tickets on the official site and allow half a day.
- 2
Michaelerplatz
Hofburg and the Sisi Museum
The former imperial palace holds the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Spanish Riding School. It is the best place to understand court life.
- 3
Stephansplatz
St Stephen's Cathedral
The great Gothic church in the centre, with its colourful tiled roof. You can climb the south tower, a staircase of over 300 steps.
- 4
Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27
Belvedere and Klimt's The Kiss
The Upper Belvedere holds the world's largest Gustav Klimt collection, with The Kiss as its star. Book a timed slot and arrive early.
- 5
Maria-Theresien-Platz
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Habsburg picture gallery has one of the best collections of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, plus Titian, Vermeer and Rubens. The building and its staircase are worth the trip on their own.
- 6
Central ring
The Ringstraße and the State Opera
The circular boulevard built in the 19th century lines up the monumental buildings: Opera, Parliament, City Hall and university. Ride it by tram or on foot.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Innere Stadt: the old town, with Graben, St Stephen's and the Hofburg. Almost everything is on foot.
- MuseumsQuartier and Neubau: contemporary art, independent shops and terraces.
- Naschmarkt and Wieden: a food market and bars, ideal for lunch.
- Leopoldstadt and the Prater: the Riesenrad Ferris wheel and the amusement park.
- Landstraße: the Belvedere, the Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien.
Museums and art
Beyond the KHM and the Belvedere, the Albertina (Dürer drawings and temporary shows) and the Leopold Museum (Egon Schiele) are worth a visit. Point the AnyArt camera at a painting or sculpture and hear its story instead of renting an audio guide, handy in rooms where the labels are only in German.
Cafés, tickets and transport
- Viennese coffee houses are on UNESCO's intangible heritage list: take your time over a Melange and a Sachertorte.
- Buy Schönbrunn and Belvedere tickets on their official sites and avoid resellers.
- The centre is walkable; use the metro or trams for Schönbrunn and the Belvedere.
- The Vienna City Card bundles transport and discounts; compare it with your plan before buying.
- Many shops close on Sundays, so shop on Saturday.
- In summer, visit Schönbrunn first thing or in the late afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Vienna?
Two days cover the main sights: one for the old town and the Hofburg, one for Schönbrunn and the Belvedere. With three days you can add the KHM, the Albertina and the Prater.
How much is a Schönbrunn ticket?
The palace ticket with audio guide is about €42 for adults on the official site. The gardens are free to enter. Confirm the price before booking.
Where can I see Klimt's The Kiss?
In the Upper Belvedere, open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Entry is €23 with a mandatory timed slot.
Is Vienna easy to get around without a car?
Yes. The centre is walkable and the metro, tram and bus network reaches every major sight.
When is the best time to visit Vienna?
April to June and September to October, for mild weather. December brings Christmas markets but cold temperatures.