10 Vienna Must See Sights - by Viennese Local Guide Grete - Vienna travel guide

Summary

Viennese guide Grete shares her 10 favorite sights in Vienna:

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral — Admire its architecture, detailed interior, and spiritual atmosphere. Grete notes that there are free ways to visit, while paid options cost only a few euros.
2. Historic city center and Hofburg Palace — The city center features historic buildings and churches. At the former imperial residence, visitors can explore the Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum.
3. Schönbrunn Palace — The former summer residence of the Austrian royal family offers a glimpse of 18th- and 19th-century royal life. Its grounds include a large park, flower beds, and Schönbrunn Zoo.
4. Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) — See works by artists including Rubens, Raphael, and Rembrandt, along with unusual objects such as golden table automata. Grete also recommends the museum for its beautiful interiors and café.
5. Ringstraße — This circular boulevard around the city center passes landmarks including City Hall, Parliament, and the Opera House. Grete recommends exploring all or part of it.
6. MuseumsQuartier — Formerly imperial stables, this large complex is now a cultural district with museums, shops, restaurants, and public spaces where locals gather and relax.
7. Upper Belvedere — Set in a park, this palace houses Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, works by Egon Schiele, and character heads by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt.
8. Naschmarkt — A lively market offering Austrian and international food and drink, as well as examples of Vienna’s Art Nouveau architecture.
9. Vienna State Opera — A major classical music venue and a natural stop on a city walk. Visitors can attend a performance or take a guided tour.
10. Giant Ferris Wheel — Built in 1897, this Vienna landmark stands 65 meters high and offers views over the city center.

Practical Tips and Planning

• For Schönbrunn, plan ahead: decide which attractions to prioritize and what to skip, as it can get crowded.
• Explore the Ringstraße on foot, by tram, by bike, or on a hop-on hop-off bus.
• Grete says the Vienna Pass includes access to many attractions, as well as hop-on hop-off buses and the Giant Ferris Wheel. She recommends checking which sights suit your plans.
• Grete’s travel guide includes a step-by-step sightseeing plan, information on attractions with free or lower-cost options, restaurant and evening suggestions, and a Google Map.

Notable Locations, Products, and Speaker

• Locations: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Ringstraße, MuseumsQuartier, Upper Belvedere, Naschmarkt, Vienna State Opera, and Giant Ferris Wheel.
• Products: Vienna Pass and Grete’s Vienna travel guide.
• Speaker: Grete, a Viennese local and tour guide.