Vienna City Hall-a place where both the municipal government and the legislative assembly get down to business. By no means a dull office block, this neo-Gothic showstopper was built between 1872 and 1883 by architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who, rather humbly, now stands in a statue form just behind the building, keeping an eye on things from his very own square.

Drawing inspiration from the medieval architecture of Flanders and Brabant, the City Hall flaunts five towers like a crown. The tallest of them pierces the skyline at 98 meters, topped with the "City Hall Man"-not a superhero, but close... Clad in armor inspired by Emperor Maximilian I, this statue has been watching over Vienna since 1882 and has become something of a local mascot.

Inside, the building doesn’t just rest on its aesthetic laurels. There's the "City Hall Cellar"-a grand baroque dining hall where you can dig into proper Viennese culinary classics without a hint of modern guilt. “Schnitzel under chandeliers? Yes, please...”

The façade is a sculptural buffet in its own right, brimming with emperors, virtues like Power and Justice, and even good ol’ Vindobona, the Roman forebear of Vienna, lounging surrounded by heraldic flair. Think of it as Vienna’s resume carved in stone.

And on the flanks is a lineup of statues dedicated to trades and professions-because in this city, bakers, builders, and bookbinders all get a standing ovation in stone!

Now, if you're feeling adventurous (and are in good shape), brave the 331 steps up to the central tower that’s worth every groan from your knees. Your reward will be the sweeping views of Vienna in all its baroque-meets-modern glory-plus bragging rights for conquering the city one stair at a time. Trust us-Vienna looks even better from above.

Tip:
For the inside scoop, join the free German-language guided tour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1 pm. Not fluent in German? No problem-audio guides are available in multiple languages. Just be ready to temporarily part ways with your passport. The view-and the tales-are absolutely worth it.

While in Vienna, in case you ever wondered, “Where can I sit, sip, and feel mildly royal without actually being royalty?”, the elegant answer to that would be the People’s Garden.

Tucked into the Inner City and folded neatly into the grand Hofburg Palace complex, this leafy retreat sprouted up in 1821 on the rubble of old city walls flattened by Napoleon in 1809. That’s right: one man’s imperial invasion is another city’s future picnic spot. By 1823, it officially opened to the public, proudly claiming the title of Vienna’s first public park. Democratized fresh air for all!

At its heart stands the Theseus Temple, a small but mighty neoclassical structure originally built to shelter a heroic sculpture of Theseus wrestling a centaur. The sculpture now lives in the Museum of Fine Arts, leaving the temple feeling a little empty but still photogenic-perfect for dramatic poses or mildly philosophical daydreams.

Music lovers, take note: the park once echoed with the melodies of Johann Strauss Sr. and Joseph Lanner, who performed at the garden’s two charming coffee houses-Cortisches and Café Meierei. Yes, your coffee might not come with a waltz today, but the ambiance still hums with history.

Wandering north, you’ll find Empress Elisabeth-immortalized in marble and carved from a block weighing eight tons. She sits amidst the greenery, elegant as ever, embodying royal melancholy like only she could.

Head south, and you’ll bump into Franz Grillparzer, Austria’s literary lion, forever caught mid-thought with a book in hand and that “do not disturb, I’m writing in my mind” look on his face.

And if all that cultural weight feels a bit too much, don’t worry. The rose gardens are here to soothe you. Over 3,000 rose bushes, flaunting around 400 varieties, bloom with the confidence of divas at an opera gala.

So, be it a quiet bench, a literary stare-down, or a caffeine break with ghosts of composers past that you're after, the People’s Garden is Vienna’s green room of history, art, and botanical flair-all ready for your visit.

Hohes Haus ( Parliament Building) in Vienna stands proudly on the Ringstraße boulevard within the first district, known as Innere Stadt. It's situated in close proximity to the Hofburg Palace and the Palace of Justice. The construction of this iconic building began in 1874, with its completion occurring in 1883. The brilliant architect behind its Greek revival style was Theophil Edvard Hansen. Hansen took a holistic approach to design, ensuring architectural elements and interior decorations harmonized. His exceptional work earned him the title of Baron from Emperor Franz Joseph upon project completion.

One of the most famous features of the building is the Pallas Athena fountain positioned in front of the main entrance. This fountain, crafted by Hansen from 1898 to 1902, remains a prominent attraction for visitors to Vienna.

The parliament building sprawls across an impressive 13,500 square meters, ranking it as one of the largest structures along the Ringstraße. Inside, it houses more than one hundred rooms, with the Chambers of the National Council, the Federal Council, and the former Imperial House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus) being among the most significant.

In addition, the building accommodates various committee rooms, libraries, lobbies, dining areas, bars, and even gymnasiums. It serves as a site of great importance for state ceremonies, notably hosting the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Austria and the annual state speech on National Day, which takes place every October 26th. The building is inextricably linked to the two parliamentary bodies, exemplified by the use of the term "Hohes Haus" as a metonym for the "Parliament."

Fuel up with a cup of coffee or tea and head to one of the world-class museums along the Ring. The Kunsthistorisches Museum's galleries house vast collections of fine art and antiquities, based largely on those accumulated over the centuries by generations of Habsburg monarchs. Lavishly decorated interiors, ornate cupolas and sweeping Neo-Classical stairways create a fitting setting for the treasures housed here, with many of the works on display – particularly the Old Masters (Bruegel, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Titian, etc.) – being considered among the most spectacular in the world. Not only that, but the museum is among the most visitor-friendly you're likely to visit, with comfortable sofas available in most exhibition rooms and long closing hours on Thursdays.

The galleries occupy the top three floors (although the uppermost is not nearly as extensive), with an entrance hall, shop and cloakroom below. The ground floor contains ancient objects on one side – starting with the age of the Pharaohs in Egypt, then proceeding through ancient Greece and Rome while touching on other cultures along the way – which are joined by rare Renaissance and Baroque treasures collected by and/or made for the Hapsburg monarchs on the other side. The quality and quantity of the material presented is simply astounding, but items are generally labeled simply in German, so you'll want to spring for the audio guide (available in English) to get a more detailed commentary on highlighted objects. The second gallery floor (or "1" level) houses the Picture Gallery, which is again a huge collection of just plain amazing works by every famous artist from the 17th through the 19th centuries. The top floor (or "2" level) only houses a coin and medal gallery along with what are listed as the "Vermeyen Cartoons" – a series of impressive life-sized tapestries that portray Charles V's Tunis campaign of 1535.

The museum's grand central staircase is adorned with murals by the Klimt brothers and others, which depict the history of art from ancient Egypt to Florence. Gustav Klimt's especially ornate gilded frescoes are probably his best works, although they are illustrative, which in the critical art world loses you points (indeed, they were criticized for being "too erotic"). Diagrams point out which mural was painted by which artist, and sometimes a viewing scope is provided for visitors to see them up close.

Tip:
An adult ticket entitles you to a one-time pass to the museum, as well as, the Neue Burg located at Heldenplatz, which has amazing collections of imperial armoury, historic musical instruments, etc. – well worth a visit.

The Burggarten can be found in the first district of Vienna. Initially, it served as a garden within the grounds of the Hofburg Palace. This area was originally partially enclosed by a wall, which served as a protective barrier for the palace and the city against potential invaders. However, when Napoleon approached the city, the wall proved ineffective, and parts of it were damaged as he departed.

Subsequently, a splendid formal garden, following the English style, was established in the palace's former walled area. Following the decline of the Habsburg dynasty, this garden was made accessible to the public.

Within the garden, you'll come across several statues, with the most renowned being the Mozart Denkmal, relocated there in the early 1950s. Additionally, don't miss the fountain statue of Hercules, which was placed in the pond during the 1940s.

Another notable attraction is the butterfly garden, known as the "Schmetterlinghaus," introduced in 1901. This tropical paradise is home to tropical butterflies and bats. It offers an educational experience alongside its scenic beauty, as visitors can observe butterfly eggs, caterpillars, cocoons, and butterflies all within a single building. The sight of free-flying butterflies is particularly captivating and is sure to delight everyone.

Why You Should Visit:
Cool, cozy little place to park off and enjoy the sun after a long walk in the Old City.

Tip:
Combine with a refreshment stop at the fabulous Palmenhaus café overlooking the garden!

The State Opera House stands as an impressive architectural marvel, complemented by an equally remarkable ensemble of performing artists. Its historical roots trace back to approximately the 1860s when it was initially known as the Vienna Court Opera. However, the name underwent a transformation in 1920, orchestrated by the Habsburgs, during the early stages of the formation of the first Austrian Republic.

Numerous members of the Opera company eventually find themselves on stage with the renowned Vienna Philharmonic, showcasing a vast repertoire of celebrated compositions, including but not limited to, La Traviata, La Clemenza di Tito, and Verdi's Don Carlo. This venue frequently hosts performances by world-famous vocalists, and it has served as the launching pad for the careers of illustrious directors, ranging from Gustav Mahler to Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado.

Beyond the captivating performances of singers and orchestra, the Opera House itself boasts architectural splendor that merits exploration. The State Opera offers guided tours of this remarkable edifice, conducted in 12 different languages. These tours are available daily and typically span approximately 40 minutes, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this cultural gem.

Tip:
Do not buy opera tickets from the dressed up people outside on the street – they don't sell real tickets!

Nestled between the Lower and Upper Belvedere Palaces, the Belvedere Gardens serve as a connecting thread, often humorously likened to the "extra crunchy peanut butter layer between two grand palatial slices," or a vibrant splash of color amidst the austere Baroque white-walled architecture.

While these gardens are situated in Vienna, they exude a distinct Versailles ambiance, spanning three expansive terraces, albeit on a more modest scale compared to their French counterpart. The gardens were designed in the classic French style by Dominique Girard, who had received formal training at Versailles. Their construction commenced in 1700, shortly after Prince Eugene acquired the land. Due to an unexpected setback, the gardens weren't finished until the 1720s. The delay was caused by the person in charge of the main fountain's foundations, who left early one Friday and never returned as promised.

Initially, the gardens boasted intricate geometric designs delineated by flower beds and meticulously pruned ornamental conifers, alongside exquisite statuary. At a later point, the prince introduced a zoo to the premises. While much of the statuary has endured the passage of centuries, the meticulously designed flower beds, sadly, did not. Over time, the gardens underwent a renaissance and now boast well-maintained grounds, though not fully recreating their original formal look.

Nonetheless, they are meticulously kept and offer much to appreciate, even in winter. Within less than one acre of space, one can find thousands of plants, while the pools and elegant fountains evoke echoes of the original grandeur. The sculpted hedges and cherubic statues all appear immaculate. Additionally, the area houses the Alpine garden and a garden affiliated with the University of Vienna. Open to the public without charge, this area is an absolute must-visit for garden enthusiasts.

Tip:
Particularly good in warmer seasons, in part because of the operating fountains.
There are plenty of hidden spaces to sit down and rest for a while – shaded, quiet and just what you need after a walk around the garden.
Most people focus on the terraced area between the two palaces, but go round the Upper Belvedere to find a small lake – the southernmost point is the place to take an iconic photo. The water reflects the front of the palace and looks particularly spectacular at night, even more so when the Christmas market occupies the palace forecourt.

Originally designed as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, who apparently felt a standard palace simply wouldn't cut it, this lavish complex was built after Vienna stopped fending off Ottoman invasions and started flexing its imperial muscles in stone, stucco, and cascading fountains.

The Belvedere isn’t just one palace-it’s a full-on ensemble performance: Upper and Lower Belvedere, an Orangery for your fancy citrus needs, and palace stables fit for horses with noble bloodlines. All of it is wrapped in a park so meticulously designed, you’d think every hedge was hand-trimmed by a powdered wig.

Construction kicked off in 1712 with the Lower Belvedere, but things really got dramatic in 1717 when the Upper Belvedere was added-basically a Baroque ballroom with serious diplomatic swagger. Frescoes, gilded ceilings, and artwork by the who’s who of 18th-century painters helped Eugene throw parties that whispered, “empire” with every flute of champagne.

After Prince Eugene passed in 1736, the place got a second act as a Habsburg hangout, hosting royal refugees escaping the French Revolution and later transforming into one of Europe’s earliest public museums, thanks to Maria Theresa and Joseph II.

Fast forward to the 20th century: the Belvedere went national after World War I, becoming the proud home of Austria’s classical and modern art collections. World War II wasn’t kind to it-bombings left their mark-but meticulous restoration from 1945 through the '90s brought the glory back, detail by plastered detail.

Today, the Belvedere is a major world-class museum. Its galleries span centuries, from medieval devotionals to cutting-edge modernism. And yes, Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss" lives here too, alongside his equally iconic "Judith." You’ll also find a respectable crowd of French Impressionists and Biedermeier charmers holding court on the walls.

It's in equal measure for those who appreciate architecture, arts, or just seek to pretend they’re 18th-century nobility strolling through your summer garden... The Belvedere delivers all of this with a flourish. So go ahead-wander, gaze, and maybe channel your inner prince or princess.

Tip:
If you don’t enjoy queuing in the sun, grab your tickets online. And for the love of Baroque opulence, don’t skip the gardens-those cascading fountains and smug statues have been waiting centuries for your admiration...

The gilded bronze tribute to the Waltz King is easily one of the most known and most frequently photographed monuments in Vienna – including after dark when beautifully illuminated. Compared to the many traditional 19th-century-style statues at Stadtpark, this certainly is a more playful, elegant and interesting composition to view. Framed by a marble relief made by founding member of the Vienna Secession, Edmund Hellmer, it was unveiled to the public on 26 June 1921.

The statue is located right behind the opulent Kursalon concert hall where Strauss Jr. gave his first concert on 15 October 1868, turning it into a popular place for concerts and for dancing ever since. After undergoing some renovation, the Kursalon is still used for balls and waltz concerts where one can hear the composer's music.

Tip:
Scattered throughout the park are other statues of famous Viennese artists, writers, and composers: Hans Canon, E. J. Schindler, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner.

Out of the eleven places Mozart once called home in Vienna, only one is still standing-and lucky for us, it’s the Mozarthaus at Domgasse 5. Restored in 2006 to mark what would’ve been his 250th birthday, this is where the maestro supposedly had his happiest-and most productive-years. Think: Haydn-dedicated string quartets, a sprinkling of piano concertos, and, of course, The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Not a bad output for one address...

Sadly, like many good things in life, the golden days didn’t last. Financial woes eventually pushed Mozart out to the suburbs-a polite way of saying, “the rent was too damn high.”

Now, before you get too excited: no original furniture here, folks. But that’s actually a plus-because instead of staring at dusty chairs, you’ll dive straight into the brain of a genius. The museum lets you imagine the space as it once was: spacious, elegant, and echoing with arpeggios. And yes, they do host concerts and even a few activities to keep the little ones from turning feral.

Here’s a pro tip: start at the top. Take the lift to the third floor and work your way down. Begin with Mozart the wonder-child, dazzling 18th-century Europe. Then descend into the delightful chaos of his Vienna years, peppered with gambling, womanizing, and a jaw-dropping knack for draining bank accounts. The second floor gets theatrical, literally, as you explore his operas-some in surround sound. And the first floor is the main event: the very rooms where musical magic once happened.

And in case you wonder, why go? Because nowhere else did Mozart compose more music, more joy, or more drama. It’s your chance to walk the parquet path of a legend, right in the heart of Vienna.

Bonus tip: Want to save a few Euros? Combine your ticket with a visit to Haus der Musik or the Dom Museum Wien. Mozart would approve-he loved a good deal...

In a city where “stunning architecture” is practically the dress code, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral still manages to steal the spotlight-and possibly your neck muscles too, as you crane to admire that towering spire. Known locally as Stephansdom, this Gothic-Romanesque powerhouse has stood at the heart of Vienna’s skyline and soul since 1147, rising on the bones of two earlier churches like the overachiever it is.

In the 14th century, Duke Rudolf IV decided the cathedral needed a serious makeover. The idea worked. As a result, today we have the building stretching 107 meters long, 40 meters wide, and topped by the South Tower-or “Steffl,” if you're on nickname terms-a 136-meter-high feat of medieval determination that took 65 years to complete. It even moonlighted as a lookout post during Vienna’s sieges, complete with a live-in watchman until 1955. One heck of a long shift...

Meanwhile, the North Tower never quite hit its growth spurt. It stalled at 68 meters and got a Renaissance hat in 1578-basically the architectural equivalent of saying “this is fine” and walking away.

But the real showstopper here is the roof. A kaleidoscope of 230,000 glazed tiles arranged into imperial emblems like the double-headed eagle of the Habsburgs and the crests of Vienna and Austria. After being torched in World War II, it was rebuilt with steel instead of wood-600 metric tons of it-making the new roof not just durable, but also self-cleaning. Because even cathedrals love low-maintenance routines...

Inside, things get just as grand. There’s Pummerin, Europe’s second-largest swinging bell, forged from Turkish cannons in 1711 and recast in 1951-because nothing says peace like a bell made from wartime leftovers. Oh, and she lives in the North Tower, ringing out for special moments and daily rituals.

Musical legends haunt these hallowed halls too: Beethoven figured out he was deaf here (tragic), Haydn sang here as a kid (sweet), Strauss got married here-twice (bold), and Mozart? He got married and buried here. Yes, Saint Stephen's is basically the VIP lounge of Viennese music history.

Inside, you’ll find 18 altars, miraculous icons, bone relics-including those of Saint Valentine-and a maze of crypts holding 11,000 souls, including Habsburg royalty.

Tip:
Do a lap around the outside. Gargoyles, engravings, medieval graffiti-you never know what stories the stones will whisper...

Tucked snugly among Vienna’s Baroque showpieces like a pearl in a pastry, Saint Peter’s Church has a front-row seat to history, and not much else, thanks to the buildings crowding around it. You’ll mostly catch it head-on, which, honestly, is its best angle.

This spot has seen churches come and go like emperors with changing tastes. Some say the very first church here dates back to the early 4th century AD, making it one of the oldest in Vienna-yes, back when sandals were in and Rome was still a big deal. In 792, none other than King Charlemagne is said to have popped by and said, “Let’s build.” There’s even a plaque on the façade bragging about it. Historical records, ever the skeptics, first mention the church in 1137, but who’s counting?

By the late 1100s, the church cozied up to the newly founded Schottenstift monastery. Then came fire, plague, and drama. After the 1661 fire, it got a bit of a patch job… until the plague of 1679 cleared the streets and cleared the way for Emperor Leopold I, who swore a divine vow to rebuild. And he did...

Construction began around 1701, drawing heavy inspiration from Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome-because if you’re going to imitate, imitate the best. By 1733, Vienna had its first domed Baroque beauty, cleverly built with a compact, oval layout to fit the tight space.

Outside, it sports a neat combo of white and barely-there yellow, flanked by two towers that curve ever so slightly inward-apparently a cheeky nod to Turkish tent poles from the 1683 siege.

Step inside, and there you have it: gold stucco, opulent frescoes, and Johann Michael Rottmayr’s artistic fireworks overhead, including the Coronation of Our Lady. The high altar gets dramatic with a healing scene, starring Saint Peter and Saint John, and around the edges, you'll spot relics of Roman martyrs, reclining in crystal coffins like glittering saints on display.

The church was polished up in a major 1998–2004 renovation, and today it’s still a Baroque gem in Vienna’s crown.

Hot tip:
Drop in any day from 3 to 3:30 pm for a free organ concert-divine music, no ticket required (but donations are saintly). And if you're lucky, catch a choir in the crypts. Now that’s a holy experience...

The Palais Lobkowitz, also known as Palais Dietrichstein-Lobkowitz, is a Baroque palace located in the first district of Vienna, which is the inner city. Situated on Lobkowitzplatz, a square named after the palace (formerly known as the "pig market"), it holds historical significance as one of the oldest palace structures in Vienna. This palace signaled a major shift in architectural focus after the Battle of Vienna, being the first prominent Baroque city palace built as the aristocracy shifted resources away from military pursuits.

While the exterior of the palace has largely retained its original design since its construction, the interior has seen various changes over the years. During the era of the Lobkowitz family, the palace went through a series of renovations. In the early 18th century, Johann and Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach were tasked with a significant project that became a highlight in the palace's history.

In the early 19th century, Ludwig van Beethoven was a frequent visitor to a grand palace. This was because the palace's owner at that time, Joseph Franz Maximilian von Lobkowitz, played a significant role in supporting the composer. Beethoven's Third Symphony was actually dedicated to this nobleman, and that's why they named one of the palace rooms the "Eroica Hall." In 1804, Beethoven conducted the premiere of his Third Symphony in this palace hall in Vienna.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the palace served as the headquarters for the Institut Français de Vienne. In 1980, it came under government ownership, and by 1991, following an extensive restoration, it was repurposed as the Theater Museum of the Austrian National Library.

The Hofburg-or as it’s known in more regal circles, the “Castle of the Court”-is a sprawling architectural beast of a palace, a centuries-old flex of Habsburg power, pageantry, and perfectly symmetrical courtyards.

It all began back in 1279, when the Dukes of Austria needed a nice little place to call home. Fast forward a few empires and renovations later, and you've got the winter playground of the Holy Roman Emperors (until 1806) and the Emperors of Austria (until 1918). Today, the palace has swapped imperial intrigue for political paperwork-it’s now the official residence of the Austrian President and hosts the headquarters of the OSCE. Less crown, more conference...

Now, brace yourself: the Hofburg covers more than 240,000 square meters of space, comprising 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and a whopping 2,600 rooms. That’s not really a palace-it’s a small city. It houses everything from the elegant Amalienburg and Albertina museum, to the Imperial Chapel, the Court Library, the Treasure Chamber, and even the Spanish Riding School, where horses have more training than most people’s resumes.

The Swiss Wing is one of the oldest parts of the palace, dating back to the 13th century-yes, it’s older than your great-great-anything. Emperor Ferdinand I added the Swiss Gate in the 1550s, with his personal insignia on full display, just in case anyone forgot who was in charge.

The 17th-century Leopoldine Wing, built and later re-styled in Late Renaissance flair, adds even more imperial swagger, while the Court Library is basically a Baroque fever dream-with its majestic Prunksaal hall, frescoed ceilings, and emperors carved in stone, looking as dramatic as ever.

And it doesn’t stop there: the Winter Riding School, the Imperial Chancellery Wing (once home to Napoleon himself), and the elegant Redoute Wing-a former opera house-round out the complex. Even the Imperial Mews got a glow-up and now host those classy Lipizzaner horses.

Tip:
On Sundays, pop into the Imperial Chapel for Mass and catch the Vienna Boys Choir-angelic voices echoing through centuries of history. Because when in Vienna, you don’t just visit a palace… you enter a whole imperial universe.

The Pasqualati House is no different in appearance from any of the other houses along the quiet street of Mölker Bastei (built on a former bastion of the city walls), but it is the most famous of more than 30 places where Ludwig van Beethoven resided during his 35 years in Vienna.

Named after its original owner, Baron von Pasqualati, it was twice Beethoven's home from 1804 to 1815 – the mid-life period. He composed many of his best-loved works here, including Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 8, Piano Concerto No. 4, numerous string quartets, as well as the magnificent – and solitary – opera "Fidelio".

Today, the two rooms on the 4th floor, which the composer occupied (plus another two from a neighbouring apartment), have been converted into a small museum with various intriguing memorabilia on display, such as a lock of Beethoven's hair, his salt and pepper pots, a photo of his grave at the Jewish cemetery in Währing, a rather gruesome death bed engraving, and early editions of his scores. The museum also contains busts and paintings of the great composer, including a famous portrait by J.W. Mähler, and a fine painting of his patron Prince Razumovsky, the Russian ambassador to Vienna.

Tip:
Note particularly the prints showing what the window view out over the Mölker bastion was like when Beethoven lived here, and the current view too – a fantastic 4th-floor look out onto the famous Ringstrasse.