Vienna is a classical city in every sense of the word. Grand Hapsburg era buildings flank tree-lined avenues and Gothic cathedrals intertwine seamlessly with modern glass skyscrapers. This is a city that influenced the best of European culture; where opera is an obsession and lingering at a cafe for a few hours over fancified coffee and elegant pastries is a national past time. Beethoven, Klimt and Tolstoy along with countless artists and thinkers have all drawn inspiration from Austria’s capital. The great thing is some of the best things to do in Vienna are free. Vienna wasn’t a city I expected to fall in love with, to be honest I had only planned a few days here as a convenient stop en route from Salzburg to Prague. What I found was a city with a strong sense of itself and an easy-going elegance that’s hard to deny. Here are some of my favorite images from the Imperial City.
Ringstrasse
In 1857 Austrian Emperor Franz Josef ordered Vienna’s city walls torn down,to be replaced by a grand boulevard. The Ringstrasse, a loop just over 3 miles long encircles a historic city center that houses many of Vienna’s top attractions. Largely pedestrianized,this area is perfect for exploring by foot. A quick walk will take you to St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg Complex, the grand Vienna State Opera House and the beloved Spanish Riding School as well numerous museums, shops and cafes.
How to Spend One Day in Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace
The Baroque marvel that is the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens is one of the best things to do in Vienna for good reason. The impressive 1,441 room palace and sprawling garden complex stands as a testament to the power and wealth the Hapsburg Empire had for nearly 300 years. Today you can view the gilded Rococo rooms on a guided tour, stroll through the beautiful gardens or enjoy pastries and one of the best views in Vienna from the Gloriette.
A taste of Vienna
Vienna’s food scene really surprised me. I expected schnitzels and strudels (both of which are well worth seeking out), but I found so much more. Family run heuriger (wine taverns) on the outskirts of Vienna serve their own house-made wine alongside traditional Austrian fare while the city stops in late afternoon to enjoy a signature Viennese style coffee with one the delectable pastries Vienna is so well known for. A handful of forward thinking chefs are using Austria’s bounty for a fresh look at one of Europe’s traditional cuisines to delicious effect.
Vienna at Night
As grand as Vienna is during the day, I think it is even more impressive at night.
I’ve certainly fallen for the charms of Vienna, have you been enchanted by Austria’s capital as well?
More Vienna Inspiration
The Best Schnitzel in Vienna
Prague, Vienna and Budapest; An Epic Central European Itinerary
Stacey Valle says
It looks really beautiful!!! I haven’t been there but hopefully I will soon. These photos – It’s very intriguing!
Brianna says
I had a great time, hopefully you’ll make it there sooner rather than later.
Tim says
Vienna is a gorgeous city but I haven’t been there since the early 90’s. The good thing is that it looks as beautiful in your photos as it does in my memory. The Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens are spectacular but then so is the dessert 🙂
Brianna says
What can I say, I’m easily swayed by a good dessert.
Tim says
You and me both 🙂
Charles McCool says
Gorgeous pictures. I visited there last in, eek, 1993. Highlight for me was the wacky amusement park.
Brianna says
You were what, 10 years old at the time? Sounds like its time to return
Stephen Lioy says
This really is one of my favorite spots in Europe as well. I think I’ve been three or four times now over the past few years, and that feeling of amazement at the beauty and history and architecture never seems to go away.
Were you there recently? There’s meant to be a ton of stuff going on this year to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the Ringstrasse, so it seems like a cool time to be in town!
Tami says
Vienna is still on my bucket list. I loved your photos! It looks as if you had a magical trip!
Sarah Ebner says
I think Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. My father was born there and had to leave in 1939 as a toddler, so I have a complicated relationship with it, but I still think it is utterly gorgeous. By the way, the cinema which my grandparents ran is still there, which is amazing!
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler says
Aw, you wrote this post especially for me, didn’t you? 😉 I thoroughly expect to fall in love with Vienna when we visit this summer. And your pictures confirm my resolve. Thanks for sharing!
Ladyinliguria says
The man with the violin – so sweet!
Dannielle Lily says
Beautiful images! I’m currently planning an interrail trip around Europe, I’ll bookmark this for Vienna planning!
Bente Vold Klausen says
Beautiful pictures! Really loved the night pictures and the warming light you captured. Vienna has to be visited some day.
Tami says
Beautiful photos! I’d love to go there, too. It’s on my list, but it’ll be awhile. Heading to Paris next!
Brianna says
Lucky you!
Arnie says
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The history, the arts, the food all make this a must visit for anyone interested in European culture.
Brianna says
I wholeheartedly agree!
Lydia C Lee says
Those roofs are divine – so pretty! Looks lovely. I’ve not been, alas!
Brianna says
Time for a trip perhaps?
Revati Victor says
I’m currently in the process of shortlisting destinations for our next trip, and Vienna is right at the top. So this post was really timely. I’m pretty surprised about the food scene too, and it’s only fuelled my decision to go even further!
Stephen Lioy says
Revati, if you guys drink beer, this place was fantastic: https://www.facebook.com/pages/1516-Brewing-Company/
City center, lots of options, cool atmosphere, inexpensive. Local rec that turned out to be well worth following for us.
Brianna says
Revati, you and Charles would love Vienna, I’m sure of it. Make time for a day trip to Melk and the Wachau Valley as well
Gemma Two Scots Abroad says
I had never considered Vienna before you that night image is just gorgeous!
Brianna says
Vienna really surprised me, I’d love to go back
Tanj from A Travelogue says
I always love Vienna and the desserts. Oh my my. I was lucky to visit this beautiful city more than three times.
Brianna says
Seriously, is there any better city to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Carol Colborn says
I have not been to Vienna but Salzburg and Vienna are on my list for 2017. Thanks for the awesome pictures!
Brianna says
I loved both cities Carol. Happy travels!
Amanda Zeisset says
Wow, beautiful shots! Thanks for transporting me to Vienna!
Brianna says
Thanks Amanda!
Dana says
I can’t wait to visit Vienna! I hoping hoping to squeeze it in later this year.
Brianna says
Here’s hoping you can squeeze it in!
Sue Reddel says
Thanks for taking me back to one of my favorite cities on earth. It’s one of a very few destinations that I’ve visited that I would move to in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity.
Brianna says
Me too! I rarely make return trips but I would definitely head back to Vienna
Meg Jerrard says
I absolutely loved Vienna – really is just such a magical city. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!!
jess says
I love Vienna! Your pictures are fantastic. I have always wanted to go back with my camera and get shots like yours. Stephansdom was my favorite 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks so much Jess, I absolutely loved getting the night shots
Jenna says
I’ve been wanting to visit Vienna for quite some time now–it looks like such a beautiful city! Gorgeous photos!
Brianna says
Thanks Jenna, I really fell in love with Vienna.
Mags says
This is so cool. I’ve never been to Vienna, but it’s one of my favorite Billy Joel songs!
Andi says
This is a spot I missed while living in Europe, but I definitely want to get back one day. Everything I see photos it looks so lovely and I have not had the opportunity to eat very much Austrian food, which I would like to explore more.
Valerie says
Vienna is certainly charming! The wine bars definitely sound like something I could get on board with as well 😉 seriously though, I had never really thought much of visiting Vienna but these pictures have swayed me.
Brianna says
Vienna really surprised me, it was quite easy to fall in love with.
Jessica @ Green Global Travel says
Wow, your photos are absolutely beautiful! It’s amazing how sometimes we fall in love with places we never expected to enjoy so much. I can definitely see why Vienna won you over; the architecture and culture here looks amazing!
Brianna says
Vienna is a city that is definitely sure of itself , the culture here is fantastic!
Christa says
That looks so beautiful! I do wish we had visited Vienna instead of Paris but if we get the chance to move to Germany next year then we’ll make a weekend trip there.
Brianna says
Paris is never a bad idea, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Vienna as well
Dawn Kealing says
This post is truly like heaven on earth for me! Your photos are exceptionally stunning & one of my favorite things in the world is historical art and architecture. I have yet to visit Vienna but honestly, after your post I feel as if I just did. Thank you so much for sharing! <3
Brianna says
Vienna was an easy place to fall in love with, I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures 🙂
Dannielle Lily says
Some really great shots here, I hope to squeeze Vienna in to an Interrail trip
Brianna says
Vienna surprised me, I’ll definitely be back.
Milosz Zak says
I see you’ve had a piece of the famous Sacher Tort. How posh! 😀 did it taste as good for its price?
Pawel says
Lovely pics 🙂 I (still) remember Vienna when I was a small boy, around 15 years ago! What stuck in my mind is Schonbrunn palace and gardens, amazing place with fancy atmosphere. Of course I remember Prater though. I had there lots of fun 🙂
Brianna says
It would have been great to experience Vienna as a child. Thanks for stopping by!
Tim says
Your post got me all wrapped up in thinking about a European vacation. The photos are gorgeous as usual but the way you write makes the reader want to visit; a little history, a little activity, a little opinion. Really nice.
Brianna says
Thanks Tim, that means a lot coming from you. Your stories are always so evocative and give a great sense of place.