What to do in Vienna: Top 10 best sights

Art and culture has a long tradition in Vienna, including theatre, opera, classical music and fine arts. The  Burgtheater  is considered one of the best theaters in the German-speaking world. Vienna also boasts one of the greatest medieval Gothic cathedrals:  St. Stephen’s Cathedral  ( Stephansdom ), a great example of medieval architecture from the 11th century.

The city has several palaces such as  Schönbrunn Palace , built by Leopold I in 1696, and perfected by Empress Maria Theresa to its current Rococo style. The city is crossed to the north by the Danube River, one of the greatest symbols of the city. On the Danube River is the  Danube Tower , a 287-metre metal tower that houses a revolving restaurant with a view of the city.

Other important sights in Vienna are Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Palace, Natural History Museum, Art History Museum, St. Charles, the Vienna State Opera, the Jesuit Church and the Vienna Ferris Wheel.

Discover the 10 best sights in Vienna!

1 – Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is a complex made up of two beautiful palaces (Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere), which house unmissable collections, as well as fantastic gardens inspired by Versailles.

2 – Schönbrunn Palace

All the luxury and glamor of the Habsburg dynasty are concentrated in the sumptuous Schönbrunn Palace. A splendid building, with beautiful gardens. When visiting the palace, be sure to visit the empress’s salon, all decorated with beautiful paintings.

3 – Hofburg Palace

The imperial complex located in the heart of Vienna symbolizes all the luxury and wealth of the Habsburg dynasty. The palace is home to government offices and museums that are an obligatory stop for anyone visiting the city.

4 – Museum of Natural History

This building from the end of the 19th century houses the Museum of Natural History of Vienna. Part of the site’s incredible permanent collection are dinosaur bones and fossils, the famous statue of the Venus of Willendorf－with over 20,000 years of existence, and one of the world’s largest collections of meteorites.

5 – St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The Gothic Cathedral of Santo Estevão was built over an existing one, dating from the 12th century. The cathedral draws attention for its grandeur and extreme beauty, both outside and inside. If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the city, climb the 343 steps that lead to the top of the south tower of the church, which is 137 meters high.

6 – Museum of Art History

Built at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph, the sumptuous neoclassical building has a series of luxury architectural elements, with emphasis on the beautiful and striking facade. Access to the art galleries is via a stunning main staircase, all in marble.

7 – Church of St. Charles

Inside the Resselpark in the center of Vienna is the beautiful church dedicated to St. Charles, erected between 1716 and 1739. A sumptuous construction, designed by the baroque architect Johann Fischer, and which inside is completely decorated with frescoes by Johann Rottmayr.

8 – Vienna Opera

Vienna is the music capital of the world. One of the must-sees in the city, the Vienna State Opera is a beautiful neo-Renaissance building that opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1869.

9 – Church of the Jesuits

In Vienna you will find churches that are true works of art. One of the most beautiful and unmissable, without a doubt, is the Jesuit Church. A baroque temple erected in 1627 and which, in 1703, was renovated by the Italian architect and painter, Andrea Pozzo.

10 – Vienna Ferris Wheel

At the top of its 65 meters, the ferris wheel built in 1897 is one of the attractions worth visiting. From the super spacious cabins, where you can move freely, you have beautiful views of the Austrian capital. In addition, spaces can be rented even for romantic dinners.