Historic Center of Vienna
The Basics
Visitors can shop along Karntnerstrasse or Kohlmarkt, sip coffee in one of Vienna’s famed coffeehouses, and peruse the area’s rich architecture and numerous museums. For a closer look into the storied history of attractions such as Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the maze-like alleyways of Vienna’s First District on a small-group walking tour with an expert guide. Alternately, a 3.5-hour coach tour can give you an overview of city highlights, plus skip-the-line access to Schönbrunn Palace and discounted entry to Belvedere Palace, home of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting,The Kiss.
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Things to Know Before You Go
The streets of Vienna’s First District are narrow and mostly one-way, making car travel difficult. Luckily, the city’s excellent public transport system can take you within a few minutes walk of most attractions.
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the area on foot.
Credit cards aren’t as common here as in Northern Europe, especially in restaurants, so you may want to carry cash.
How to Get There
Vienna International Airport is located just outside the city limits of Vienna, roughly 12 miles (20 kilometers) or 20 minutes by road from the Historic Center. If you’re arriving by train, the Vienna Central Train Station is just a 10-minute subway ride from the First District. A slew of international bus services arrive at the Vienna International Bus Terminal, also a 10-minute subway ride from the city center.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit, so if you’re visiting between June and August, make sure to book accommodations ahead of time. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Although winter can be cold, with temperatures around 32°F (0°C), Christmas markets abound in Vienna’s holiday season (think cheerful lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted goods).
Architectural Marvels in Vienna
The Historic Center of Vienna is characterized by its intricate architecture, from medieval remnants like St. Stephen's Cathedral to the grand Imperial Palace, which represents the golden age of the Habsburg Empire. The 19th-century Ringstrasse is also lined with iconic buildings, including City Hall’s Gothic towers, the neoclassical columns of Vienna’s Parliament, and the Renaissance-inspired Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper).
- Time Travel Vienna
- St. Peter's Church
- Jewish Museum
- St. Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche)
- Vienna Museum of Illusions (Museum der Illusionen)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
- Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule)
- Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien)
- Imperial Treasury of Vienna (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer)
- Sisi Museum
- Sala Terrena at the House of the Teutonic Order (Deutschordenshaus)
- Vienna Boys Choir (Wiener Sängerknaben)
- Vienna Theatermuseum
- Vienna Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
- Rathaus