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THE TOP 10 SIGHTS
IN VIENNA
Do you want to make sure you won’t miss any of the most popular sights during your visit to Vienna? The bad news is that Vienna is full of exciting places, buildings, museums, and events, which can hardly be explored in one single visit. The good news is that we have selected the absolute Top 10 sights for you which you will find below.
Our Vienna Welcome experts in the Vienna Welcome Center on Operngasse are available to answer your questions and to help you plan your stay.
Top 1: St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Landmark of Vienna.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral was built in the 12th century. Today, it is the most famous landmark in Vienna and known the world over for being a cultural artefact. The locals affectionately refer to it as “Steffl”. At the end of the Second World War, St. Stephen’s was heavily damaged by fire. Since its reopening seven years later it became a symbol for the rebuilding of Austria.
A total of 343 steps lead up the South Tower which stands at a height of 137 metres to reveal an impressive view over the rooftops of Vienna. The North Tower on the other side is home to the Pummerin, one of 13 bells in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Weighing 21,383 kg it is the heaviest and largest bell in all of Austria and the second largest free-swinging bell in Europe.
In addition to tours in and around the Cathedral and climbing to the North and South Towers, visitors can also go down to the catacombs. Alongside Viennese cardinals and archbishops this is also the final resting place of numerous prominent ancestors, including Emperor Friedrich III who was buried in the catacombs in an impressive marble sarcophagus, and Prince Eugene of Savoy and Habsburg Duke Rudolph IV., who at one point laid the foundation for the church.
St. Stephan’s Cathedral is a work of art that is significant not only from the standpoint of architecture and art history. Every detail from the altars to the side chapels right up to the monstrances and vestments is steeped in history. The same goes for the roof which is made of colourful bricks, the double eagle, and the coat of arms for the city of Vienna.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours:
| Monday to Saturday | 6:00 am - 10:00 pm |
| Sundays and holidays | 7:00 am - 10:00 pm |
Tours (roughly 30 minutes long):
| Tour of the cathedral (German) |
daily at 3:00 pm |
| Tour of the cathedral (English) |
Monday to Saturday 10:30 am |
| Tour of the catacombs Not barrier-free |
Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 10:30 am and 1:30 – 4:30 pm Sundays and holidays: 1:30 – 4:30 pm Tours start every half hour or 15 minutes |
| Elevator to the Pummerin Not barrier-free |
daily 8:15 am – 4:25 pm (July and August until 6:00 pm) |
|
Climb the South Tower |
daily 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Evening tour with tour of the roof Not barrier-free |
Saturday 7:00 pm (July to September only) |
St. Stephen’s Cathedral was built in the 12th century. Today, it is the most famous landmark in Vienna and known the world over for being a cultural artefact. The locals affectionately refer to it as “Steffl”. At the end of the Second World War, St. Stephen’s was heavily damaged by fire. Since its reopening seven years later it became a symbol for the rebuilding of Austria.
A total of 343 steps lead up the South Tower which stands at a height of 137 metres to reveal an impressive view over the rooftops of Vienna. The North Tower on the other side is home to the Pummerin, one of 13 bells in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Weighing 21,383 kg it is the heaviest and largest bell in all of Austria and the second largest free-swinging bell in Europe.
In addition to tours in and around the Cathedral and climbing to the North and South Towers, visitors can also go down to the catacombs. Alongside Viennese cardinals and archbishops this is also the final resting place of numerous prominent ancestors, including Emperor Friedrich III who was buried in the catacombs in an impressive marble sarcophagus, and Prince Eugene of Savoy and Habsburg Duke Rudolph IV., who at one point laid the foundation for the church.
St. Stephan’s Cathedral is a work of art that is significant not only from the standpoint of architecture and art history. Every detail from the altars to the side chapels right up to the monstrances and vestments is steeped in history. The same goes for the roof which is made of colourful bricks, the double eagle, and the coat of arms for the city of Vienna.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday
6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sundays and holidays
7:00 am–10:00 pm
Tours (roughly 30 minutes long):
Tour of the cathedral (German)
Daily at 3:00 pm
Tour of the cathedral (English)
Monday to Saturday 10:30 am
Tour of the catacombs (not barrier-free)
Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 10:30 am and 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Sundays and holidays: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Tours start every half hour or 15 minutes
Elevator to the Pummerin (not barrier-free)
Daily 8:15 am – 4:25 pm
(July and August until 6:00 pm)
Climb the South Tower (not barrier-free)
Daily 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Evening tour with tour of the roof (not barrier-free)
Saturday 7:00 pm
(July to September only)
Top 2: Giant Ferris Wheel
Breath-taking view over Vienna.
The Giant Ferris Wheel is not only a symbol of the world-famous Prater, it is also one of Vienna’s most prominent landmarks. The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1887 to mark the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I and is the world’s oldest Ferris Wheel that is still in operation.
The Giant Ferris Wheel has served as the backdrop for countless movies such as the Hollywood movie The Third Man. In 1914, the most spectacular stunt was filmed on the Ferris Wheel when Madame Solange d’Atalide, a successful circus director, sat on a horse atop a cabin for one round.
You have free admission to the Ferris Wheel with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Giant Ferris Wheel
Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
2018 Opening Hours:
| 17 November to 30 December 2018 | 10:00 am – 9:45 pm |
| 24 December 2018 | 10:00 am – 4:45 pm |
| 31 December 2018 | 10:00 am – 2:00 am |
2019 Opening Hours:
| 14 February 2019 | 10:00 am – 9:45 pm |
| 1 March to 27 April 2019 | 10:00 am – 9:45 pm |
| 28 April to 1 September 2019 | 09:00 am – 11:45 pm |
| 2 September to 6 October 2019 | 10:00 am – 10:45 pm |
| 7 October to 3 November 2019 | 10:00 am – 9:45 pm |
| 4 November to 15 November 2019 | 10:00 am – 7:45 pm |
| 16 November to 30 December 2019 | 10:00 am – 9:45 pm |
| 24. December 2019 | 10:00 am – 4:45 pm |
| 31 December 2019 | 10:00 am – 2:00 am |
The Giant Ferris Wheel is not only a symbol of the world-famous Prater, it is also one of Vienna’s most prominent landmarks. The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in 1887 to mark the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I and is the world’s oldest Ferris Wheel that is still in operation.
The Giant Ferris Wheel has served as the backdrop for countless movies such as the Hollywood movie The Third Man. In 1914, the most spectacular stunt was filmed on the Ferris Wheel when Madame Solange d’Atalide, a successful circus director, sat on a horse atop a cabin for one round.
You have free admission to the Ferris Wheel with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Giant Ferris Wheel
Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Vienna
2018 Opening Hours:
17 November to 30 December 2018
10:00 am – 9:45 pm
24 December 2018
10:00 am – 4:45 pm
31 December 2018
10:00 am – 2:00 am
2019 Opening Hours:
14 February 2019
10:00 am – 9:45 pm
1 March to 27 April 2019
10:00 am – 9:45 pm
28 April to 1 September 2019
09:00 am – 11:45 pm
2 September to 6 October 2019
10:00 am – 10:45 pm
7 October to 3 November 2019
10:00 am – 9:45 pm
4 November to 15 November 2019
10:00 am – 7:45 pm
16 November to 30 December 2019
10:00 am – 9:45 pm
24. December 2019
10:00 am – 4:45 pm
31 December 2019
10:00 am – 2:00 am
Top 3: Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Summer Residence.
Schönbrunn Palace was originally supposed to rival Versailles, but it was never able to outdo it. Schönbrunn Palace with its 1,441 rooms is the largest palace in Austria and served as the imperial summer residence.
Because it is the most beautiful Baroque palace in Europe, Schönbrunn Palace is not without good reason the most popular tourist attraction in Austria. Situated in the heart of Vienna its unique grounds and even more magnificent furnishings are the reason it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site today.
Vienna Zoo
In 1452, a zoo was established for the first time in the city moat. The world’s oldest zoo still in operation was founded in 1752. Its birthday is 31 July when records show Emperor Franz I. Stephan first visited the Palace gardens.
The name Schönbrunn was mentioned for the first time in documents in 1642. In 1770, the first elephant moved into the zoo, and thereupon many more animal species followed. In 1781, the first predators like bears and wolves were brought in. Today, 8,955 animals from 700 different animal species are at home on 17 hectares. In the Vienna Zoo visitors can view not only the different species, but also attend live feedings. Many of the species here are nocturnal and so visitors don’t often get to come face to face with them. To see these animals there are evening tours.
Tickets for tours of Schönbrunn Palace are available at the Vienna Welcome Center and elsewhere.
Admission for the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace is included in the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunner Schlossstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
Opening Hours:
Please note that dogs are not permitted in the palace or in the gardens.
| 1 April to 30 June | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| 1 July to 31 August | 8:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| 1 September to 31 October | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| 1 November to 31 March | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Vienna Zoo
Schönbrunner Gardens, 1130 Vienna
Entrance via Hietzinger Gate/Hietzinger Hauptstraße
Opening Hours:
| January | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm |
| February | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| March | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| April to September | 9:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| October (to the end of daylight savings time) | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| November to December | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm |
Schönbrunn Palace was originally supposed to rival Versailles, but it was never able to outdo it. Schönbrunn Palace with its 1,441 rooms is the largest palace in Austria and served as the imperial summer residence.
Because it is the most beautiful Baroque palace in Europe, Schönbrunn Palace is not without good reason the most popular tourist attraction in Austria. Situated in the heart of Vienna its unique grounds and even more magnificent furnishings are the reason it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site today.
Vienna Zoo
In 1452, a zoo was established for the first time in the city moat. The world’s oldest zoo still in operation was founded in 1752. Its birthday is 31 July when records show Emperor Franz I. Stephan first visited the Palace gardens.
The name Schönbrunn was mentioned for the first time in documents in 1642. In 1770, the first elephant moved into the zoo, and thereupon many more animal species followed. In 1781, the first predators like bears and wolves were brought in. Today, 8,955 animals from 700 different animal species are at home on 17 hectares. In the Vienna Zoo visitors can view not only the different species, but also attend live feedings. Many of the species here are nocturnal and so visitors don’t often get to come face to face with them. To see these animals there are evening tours.
Tickets for tours of Schönbrunn Palace are available at the Vienna Welcome Center and elsewhere
Admission for the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace is included in the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Schloss Schönbrunn
Schönbrunner Schlossstraße 47, 1130 Vienna
Opening Hours:
Please note that dogs are not permitted in the palace or in the gardens.
1 April to 30 June
8:00 am – 5:30 pm
1 July to 31 August
8:00 am – 6:30 pm
1 September to 31 October
8:00 am – 5:30 pm
1 November to 31 March
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Vienna Zoo
Schönbrunner Gardens, 1130 Vienna
Entrance via Hietzinger Gate/Hietzinger Hauptstraße
Opening Hours:
January
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
February
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
March
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
April to September
9:00 am – 6:30 pm
October (to the end of daylight savings time)
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
November to December
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Top 4: Imperial Palace
The Glamour of the Imperial Era.
In the heart of Vienna right on Heldenplatz is the world’s largest palace complex. Construction started on Vienna’s impressive Imperial Palace in the 13th century and lasted right into the 20th century. Up until 1918 it was the home of the Habsburg family and the imperial family. Since 1945, the Imperial Palace has been the official residence of the Austrian Federal President. It is also home to numerous museums. Visitors wander through the Vienna Imperial Palace in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph.
Vienna’s Imperial Palace is the perfect starting point for every tourist in Vienna. Through the Great Hall, the Austrian National Library, situated in the Imperial Palace, is among the most beautiful libraries in the world. Admission to the Great Hall is included with the Vienna PASS. In the Sisi Museum you can be enchanted by the many portraits and objects from Empress Elisabeth. From the Sisi Museum it is only a few steps to the display rooms of the Imperial Apartments, where the private and official chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth are located.
Whoever visits the Imperial Palace will feel like a member of the imperial family at the latest after a visit to the Silver Collection. Don’t forget to end with a visit to the Imperial Court Chapel as well as to St. Augustine’s Church, where Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi and others were married. The tour of the Imperial Palace ends perfectly with a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the oldest and last remaining riding school for classical equitation.
Currently the Vienna Imperial Palace is the alternate seat of Parliament which is being renovated until 2020.
The Vienna PASS, which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center, includes a combined ticket for the Sisi Museum, the Emperor Apartments, and the Silver Collection.
Vienna's Imperial Palace
Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours:
| September to June | daily 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| July and August | daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Important information:
- A reservation is required for groups of 10 or more (maximum of 35 people per group).
- Bulky objects and luggage pieces (suitcases, bags, etc.) are not permitted; there is no possibility to store belongings on site.
In the heart of Vienna right on Heldenplatz is the world’s largest palace complex. Construction started on Vienna’s impressive Imperial Palace in the 13th century and lasted right into the 20th century. Up until 1918 it was the home of the Habsburg family and the imperial family. Since 1945, the Imperial Palace has been the official residence of the Austrian Federal President. It is also home to numerous museums. Visitors wander through the Vienna Imperial Palace in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph.
Vienna’s Imperial Palace is the perfect starting point for every tourist in Vienna. Through the Great Hall, the Austrian National Library, situated in the Imperial Palace, is among the most beautiful libraries in the world. Admission to the Great Hall is included with the Vienna PASS. In the Sisi Museum you can be enchanted by the many portraits and objects from Empress Elisabeth. From the Sisi Museum it is only a few steps to the display rooms of the Imperial Apartments, where the private and official chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth are located.
Whoever visits the Imperial Palace will feel like a member of the imperial family at the latest after a visit to the Silver Collection. Don’t forget to end with a visit to the Imperial Court Chapel as well as to St. Augustine’s Church, where Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi and others were married. The tour of the Imperial Palace ends perfectly with a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the oldest and last remaining riding school for classical equitation.
Currently the Vienna Imperial Palace is the alternate seat of Parliament which is being renovated until 2020.
The Vienna PASS, which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center, includes a combined ticket for the Sisi Museum, the Emperor Apartments, and the Silver Collection.
Vienna's Imperial Palace
Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours:
September to June
daily 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
July and August
daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Important Information:
- A reservation is required for groups of 10 or more (maximum of 35 people per group).
- Bulky objects and luggage pieces (suitcases, bags, etc.) are not permitted; there is no possibility to store belongings on site.
Top 5: Spanish Riding School
The oldest and last remaining riding school for classical equitation.
The Imperial Palace is home to the oldest and last remaining riding school for classical equitation which is the Spanish Riding School. It was founded in 1572 and to this day still fascinates people young and old.
Emperor Karl VI built the riding hall of the winter riding school in Vienna Imperial Palace from 1729 to 1735. Back then there were only horses of Spanish origin hence the name. In the Spanish Riding School there are only Lipizzaner, the oldest pure-bred horses in Europe which are named after the imperial and royal stud farm near Lipica. In 1920, these elegant animals were moved to the Piber Federal Stud. Visitors can admire the Lipizzaner during training exercises, called Morning Exercises, but they can also let themselves be whisked away to a dream world in the Ballet of the White Stallions. At every show, visitors feel the perfection of the haute école of classical equitation and see first-hand how European culture is being fostered.
Admission to the Morning Exercises of the Lipizzaner is included in the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Spanish Riding School
Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Visitor Centre:
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Fridays (if a show takes place) | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Entrance and Box Office on Josefsplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Box Office:
| Tuesday to Friday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| 7 August to 1 November 2018 | |
| 27 December to 30 December 2018 |
Important information:
- There is no opportunity on site to store your coats and luggage.
- Children under the age of three are unfortunately not permitted in the Spanish Riding School.
- Dogs are not allowed.
The Imperial Palace is home to the oldest and last remaining riding school for classical equitation which is the Spanish Riding School. It was founded in 1572 and to this day still fascinates people young and old.
Emperor Karl VI built the riding hall of the winter riding school in Vienna Imperial Palace from 1729 to 1735. Back then there were only horses of Spanish origin hence the name. In the Spanish Riding School there are only Lipizzaner, the oldest pure-bred horses in Europe which are named after the imperial and royal stud farm near Lipica. In 1920, these elegant animals were moved to the Piber Federal Stud. Visitors can admire the Lipizzaner during training exercises, called Morning Exercises, but they can also let themselves be whisked away to a dream world in the Ballet of the White Stallions. At every show, visitors feel the perfection of the haute école of classical equitation and see first-hand how European culture is being fostered.
Admission to the Morning Exercises of the Lipizzaner is included in the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Spanish Rinding School
Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Visitor Centre:
Monday to Sunday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays (if a show takes place)
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entrance and Box Office on Josefsplatz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Box Office:
Tuesday to Friday
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
7 August to 1 November 2018
27 December to 30 December 2018
Important Information:
- There is no opportunity on site to store your coats and luggage.
- Children under the age of three are unfortunately not permitted in the Spanish Riding School.
- Dogs are not allowed.
Top 6: Belvedere Palace
Art Collection in the Baroque Palace.
A glance from the Upper Belvedere over the amazing gardens to the Lower Belvedere will take your breath away. Not for nothing does the Belvedere Palace rank among the most beautiful palaces in Europe.
The Baroque Belvedere was built at the start of the 18th century on behalf of Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence. With its expansive garden which separates both buildings from each other, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site and is one of the most stunning Baroque buildings in Europe. Today, the magnificent Baroque palace (consisting of the Upper and Lower Belvedere) houses the most important Austrian art collection from the Middle Ages to the present, which is complemented by pieces from international artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
Upper Belvedere
The Upper Belvedere is steeped in history. It is here that the Austria State Treaty was signed in 1955, which re-established Austria as a sovereign and democratic republic. Today, the rooms are used for a permanent exhibition which art lovers the world over have come to appreciate. In the exhibit there are well-known works of art from Impressionists as well as the most important collection of Viennese Biedermeier. Local highlights of the collection include the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings (including The Kiss) and various works by Egon Schiele (including Death and the Maiden). Belvedere Palace is a gorgeous backdrop for civil and church wedding ceremonies.
Lower Belvedere
Prince Eugene of Savoy used the Lower Belvedere as a residential palace, and even today the splendid rooms hint at bygone glamour. Today, (special) exhibits and exhibits from various art periods are displayed here. One highlight is the Marble Hall, where visitors can admire impressive wall reliefs and ceiling paintings. The Golden Cabinet, characterised by countless mirrors and golden wall panelling, lives up to its name.
You have free admission to Belvedere with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Upper Belvedere
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
Lower Belvedere
Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna
Opening Hours:
| Monday to Thursday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Fridays | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm |
A glance from the Upper Belvedere over the amazing gardens to the Lower Belvedere will take your breath away. Not for nothing does the Belvedere Palace rank among the most beautiful palaces in Europe.
The Baroque Belvedere was built at the start of the 18th century on behalf of Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence. With its expansive garden which separates both buildings from each other, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site and is one of the most stunning Baroque buildings in Europe. Today, the magnificent Baroque palace (consisting of the Upper and Lower Belvedere) houses the most important Austrian art collection from the Middle Ages to the present, which is complemented by pieces from international artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
Upper Belvedere
The Upper Belvedere is steeped in history. It is here that the Austria State Treaty was signed in 1955, which re-established Austria as a sovereign and democratic republic. Today, the rooms are used for a permanent exhibition which art lovers the world over have come to appreciate. In the exhibit there are well-known works of art from Impressionists as well as the most important collection of Viennese Biedermeier. Local highlights of the collection include the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings (including The Kiss) and various works by Egon Schiele (including Death and the Maiden). Belvedere Palace is a gorgeous backdrop for civil and church wedding ceremonies.
Lower Belvedere
Prince Eugene of Savoy used the Lower Belvedere as a residential palace, and even today the splendid rooms hint at bygone glamour. Today, (special) exhibits and exhibits from various art periods are displayed here. One highlight is the Marble Hall, where visitors can admire impressive wall reliefs and ceiling paintings. The Golden Cabinet, characterised by countless mirrors and golden wall panelling, lives up to its name.
You have free admission to Belvedere with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Upper Belvedere
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
Lower Belvedere
Rennweg 6, 1030 Vienna
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fridays
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Top 7: Vienna State Opera
One of the most important opera houses in the world.
The Vienna State Opera was the first building on the Ring. The grand opening was in May 1869 in the presence of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph and featured a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan. Today, the Vienna State Opera is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
On 12 March 1945, the opera house was heavily damage by a bomb. Ten years later on 5 November 1955 it was reopened to the music of Beethoven’s Fidelio. Probably the most famous event held at the Vienna State Opera is the internationally renowned Vienna Opera Ball where every year international VIPS, heads of state, and ball lovers are photographed on the red carpet.
Vienna State Opera
Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Vienna State Opera Tours
Goethegasse 1, 1010 Vienna
Tours (in German, English, and Spanish and last roughly 40 minutes):
Registration is not required for individuals. Please be at the entrance (corner of Opernring/Operngasse) 15 minutes before the tour starts.
The Vienna State Opera was the first building on the Ring. The grand opening was in May 1869 in the presence of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph and featured a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan. Today, the Vienna State Opera is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
On 12 March 1945, the opera house was heavily damage by a bomb. Ten years later on 5 November 1955 it was reopened to the music of Beethoven’s Fidelio. Probably the most famous event held at the Vienna State Opera is the internationally renowned Vienna Opera Ball where every year international VIPS, heads of state, and ball lovers are photographed on the red carpet.
Vienna State Opera
Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Vienna State Opera Tours
Goethegasse 1, 1010 Vienna
Tours (in German, English, and Spanish and last roughly 40 minutes):
Registration is not required for individuals. Please be at the entrance (corner of Opernring/Operngasse) 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Top 8: The Twin Museums
The Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum.
Around the Maria-Theresia monument are two twin buildings that face each other. The Museum of Art History with its sister building the Natural History Museum are two of the most important large historical buildings from the Ringstraße Period.
The Museum of Art History
The Museum of Art History grew out of the collections of the Habsburgs, was built by Emperor Franz Joseph, and officially opened in 1891.
The Museum of Art History features not only Raphael’s Madonna in the Green, but also various masterpieces by Rembrandt, Dürer, and Tizian. In addition to the masterpieces of international artists, this unique Baroque building encourages visitors to take in its architecture as well.
The Natural History Museum
The idea for the Natural History Museum was born when Emperor Franz II purchased a private bird collection in 1793. Today, the Natural History Museum is home to the oldest collection of meteorites in the world.
An amazing 1,664 birds from a total of 804 species were on file in the 19th century at the Natural History Museum. Today, there are around 30 million items including the world-famous Venus of Willendorf which is 29,500 years old and was found in the beautiful Wachau valley. Whoever wants to be fascinated by state-of-the-art full-dome technology, should by all means have a look at the museum’s digital planetarium and prepare to be awed by the life-size dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Hall.
You receive free admission to the Museum of Art History with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Museum of Art History
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Museum of Art History:
| September to May |
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Coin Collection until 6:00 pm) |
| June to August |
daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Coin Collection until 6:00 pm) |
Opening Hours of the Natural History Museum:
| Thursday to Monday | 9:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | closed |
Around the Maria-Theresia monument are two twin buildings that face each other. The Museum of Art History with its sister building the Natural History Museum are two of the most important large historical buildings from the Ringstraße Period.
The Museum of Art History
The Museum of Art History grew out of the collections of the Habsburgs, was built by Emperor Franz Joseph, and officially opened in 1891.
The Museum of Art History features not only Raphael’s Madonna in the Green, but also various masterpieces by Rembrandt, Dürer, and Tizian. In addition to the masterpieces of international artists, this unique Baroque building encourages visitors to take in its architecture as well.
The Natural History Museum
The idea for the Natural History Museum was born when Emperor Franz II purchased a private bird collection in 1793. Today, the Natural History Museum is home to the oldest collection of meteorites in the world.
An amazing 1,664 birds from a total of 804 species were on file in the 19th century at the Natural History Museum. Today, there are around 30 million items including the world-famous Venus of Willendorf which is 29,500 years old and was found in the beautiful Wachau valley. Whoever wants to be fascinated by state-of-the-art full-dome technology, should by all means have a look at the museum’s digital planetarium and prepare to be awed by the life-size dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Hall.
You receive free admission to the Museum of Art History with the Vienna PASS which is available at the Vienna Welcome Center.
Museum of Art History
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours of the Museum of Art History:
September to May
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Coin Collection until 6:00 pm)
June to August
daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursdays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Coin Collection until 6:00 pm)
Opening Hours of the Natural History Museum:
Thursday to Monday
9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday
closed
Top 9: Parliament
Where politics happens.
Where politics happensGreece is regarded as the cradle of democracy, and so it is no coincidence that Parliament resembles a Greek temple in the heart of Vienna. Ground was broken for the Austrian Parliament Building on 2 September 1874. Today, the Austrian Parliament Building is home to the National Assembly and the Federal Assembly.
The Austrian Parliament Building was heavily damaged in the Second World War. On 7 February 1945, a bomb destroyed not only two of the 24 monolithic columns in the central hall, but also the assembly hall of the House of Lords. Reconstruction took many years.
The most famous statue here is situated in the fountain in front of the main entrance and depicts Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, strategy, and struggle, and the art of craftmanship and of manual work. She embodies the wisdom of the state and is accompanied by two figures for legislation and the enforcement of laws.
Note: The Austrian Parliament Building is currently undergoing renovations that are expected to last until 2020. For this reason, it is not accessible. Until then, public tours and visits of the plenary assembly hall are taking place at the nearby Imperial Palace, the alternate location. Tours of Epstein Palace (the former residence and office of the Epstein banking family) take place throughout the year.
Parliament
Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Vienna
Top 10: City Hall
The most important secular building in Vienna.
The monumental, free-standing City Hall was built in the 1800s in Neo-Gothic style. Today, it is probably the most important secular building in Vienna.
The grounds around City Hall feature green spaces, monuments, and fountains. The park at City Hall was designed between 1872 and 1873. After 10 years of construction, the administrative building in Vienna was completed in 1883. Today, City Hall serves not only as the location for municipal offices, but also many (cultural) celebrations take place here. In the summer the Vienna Film Festival offers a varied programme. Recordings of operas and concerts are shown on a huge screen erected right in front of City Hall. Whoever visits Vienna in the winter can take in the most famous and largest Christmas market in Vienna and go skating between the trees in the park.
Vienna City Hall
Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna
Tours:
No registration is required, free audio guide (English, French, Italian, and Spanish)
| Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | 1:00 pm |
| Meeting days, holidays, Good Friday, 24 and 31 December |
no tours |
The monumental, free-standing City Hall was built in the 1800s in Neo-Gothic style. Today, it is probably the most important secular building in Vienna.
The grounds around City Hall feature green spaces, monuments, and fountains. The park at City Hall was designed between 1872 and 1873. After 10 years of construction, the administrative building in Vienna was completed in 1883. Today, City Hall serves not only as the location for municipal offices, but also many (cultural) celebrations take place here. In the summer the Vienna Film Festival offers a varied programme. Recordings of operas and concerts are shown on a huge screen erected right in front of City Hall. Whoever visits Vienna in the winter can take in the most famous and largest Christmas market in Vienna and go skating between the trees in the park.
Vienna City Hall
Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna
Tours:
No registration is required, free audio guide (English, French, Italian, and Spanish)
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
1:00 pm
Meeting days, holidays, Good Friday,24 and 31 December
no tours