Is Vienna worth visiting?
Are you wondering if Vienna is worth visiting?
If you have yet to go to Vienna, this travel guide gives you the top 10 reasons to visit the Austrian capital.
Vienna is a beautiful mixture of history, a contemporary international city, and the old world. It’s unparalleled to us, which is why we love it. It is beautiful and clean; it has wonderful architecture and a lively cultural scene. The city has everything you could wish for, making it impossible ever to get bored.
And we are not the only ones in awe of the central European metropolis.
For the third time in the last five years, Vienna has come top of the EIU’s ranking. The city offers plenty of opportunities for culture and entertainment, good infrastructure, and overall stability. The annual survey considers 30 factors, from culture and environment to stability and infrastructure, to determine the best places to settle down. Vienna also came first in the Mercer Quality of Living Ranking for ten years in a row in 2019.
Why visit Vienna?
There is so much to do in Vienna, Austria.
The city center has many historical landmarks, museums, and other sightseeing attractions like the Christmas Markets in Vienna.
You can explore the Hofburg Complex, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the Belvedere Palace.
Other famous sights include the Albertina Museum, the Vienna State Opera House, and the Stephansdom Cathedral.
There are also many great restaurants and cafes to enjoy in Vienna.
Top 10 reasons to visit Vienna
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it’s a fantastic city for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
The Austrian capital offers an incredible mix of culture, food, and history.
Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Vienna in case you’re wondering is Vienna worth visiting.
Vienna's rich history and culture
Life in Vienna is rich in culture and arts and has a strong heritage for producing exceptional classical music and theatre.
From the baroque buildings and palaces that once housed monarchs to famous residents, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud, who once called the capital of Austria their home, Vienna has a rich history.
And beyond intellectuals and monarchs, the city has unique cultural events, coffee houses, and wine taverns that add to its Viennese charm.
It’s a must-see destination for any music or history lover!
The city's architecture
Vienna has a rich history dating back to the days of the Habsburg Austrian Empire. The imperial past is reflected in the city’s architecture, including some of Europe’s most impressive buildings. Vienna’s imperial architecture is a must-see in Vienna.
The Hofburg is one of the most famous places in all of Vienna. The Palace is a former imperial residence, now the office of the president of Austria. Originally built in the 13th century, the Palace was the winter home of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. The Palace has seen its share of renovations over the centuries, making it a visual treat with various styles.
Vienna’s State Opera House is an 18th-century building and one of the oldest opera houses in the German-speaking world. Built during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef, it’s one of the world’s leading opera houses, known primarily for performances of works by Wagner, Mozart, and Strauss.
The baroque Belvedere Palace is another magnificent palace built for Prinz Eugen, the famous Austrian conqueror.
The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is another Gothic architectural masterpiece. It is one of the city’s most important and beloved buildings and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and has been extensively restored. It is a popular tourist destination and one of Austria’s most visited buildings.
Vienna's classical music scene
Vienna is the world capital of music, and classical music is the heart of the Viennese’s music history.
The work of great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss is still played throughout the city.
The city's collection of art
Vienna has over 100 museums, significant collections of global caliber, and bizarre little ones.
An essential part of the culture is the historic inner city, with some of its imperial buildings that you can explore.
Among these are many museums with collections of world-famous artists, such as the Albertina Museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Viennese imperial flare
Explore Vienna’s most beautiful palaces.
Visit the Schönbrunn Palace.
Stroll through the parks where Emperor Franz and his Empress Sisi once resided. The Palace itself impresses with magnificent staterooms and offers an insight into the former imperial living rooms.
Behind the castle on a small hill lies the Gloriette, which can be reached by a short walk. The little effort uphill will be rewarded once you reach the top and have a stunning view over the city. It’s a perfect Instagramable spot!
Viennese cuisine
Vienna offers a mixture of local and international tastes, from the typical Beisl (Viennese bistro) with hearty cuisine to luxurious gourmet restaurants.
The city’s wine taverns offer a wide variety of local wines and are a great place to enjoy traditional food and hang out with friends.
The Wiener Schnitzel is perhaps the most famous dish of Vienna and is made with veal that is pounded thin, breaded, and fried.
The Sacher Torte is another popular dessert, a chocolate cake filled with apricot jam.
Traditional Viennese coffee
Vienna is known for its coffee house culture, and there are many iconic coffee places throughout the city. These traditional Viennese coffee houses have been a part of Viennese life for centuries, offering a unique atmosphere perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation.
Many of the city’s most famous writers, artists, and musicians have frequented these coffee houses, and they continue to be popular places to this day.
Parks, lakes, woods, and even vineyards
Aside from the urban capital flair, Vienna offers plenty of green spaces. There are many parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy nature. Two hundred eighty imperial parks and gardens enrich the cityscape.
You can also go on walks, day trips, hikes, and bicycle tours at the nearby recreation areas of Prater, Vienna Woods, and Lobau. Vienna has a total of 2,000 parks.
Vienna Christmas Markets
The Vienna Christmas Markets are one of Austria’s most popular tourist attractions. Every year, millions of people visit the markets to drink mulled wine, eat traditional food and shop for gifts. The markets are open from late November to Christmas Eve and are spread throughout the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna during the holiday season, check out our guide on the Best Christmas markets in Vienna!
Highest quality of living in the world
Vienna was again ranked as the world’s most liveable city in 2022. With charming architecture, an abundance of green space, and a vibrant art scene, it’s no wonder this city has ranked first for several years.
The city is known for being green and clean, with fantastic water and air quality. As the world struggles with climate change, the city’s residents have committed to maintaining Vienna’s green reputation. Vienna’s also a very safe city with excellent public transport, making it perfect for solo travelers.
Coffee, culture, and art are the hallmarks of the lifestyle in Vienna. The city’s full of concert halls, theatres, other music venues, and exceptional museums, galleries, and cafes also abound. Coffee lovers will relish Vienna’s unique coffee culture; coffee shops can be found on every corner, providing residents with quaint and peaceful spaces to reflect on the day’s events.
So, if you have yet to go to Vienna, start planning your trip to the Austrian capital because Vienna is really worth visiting.
How to get from the airport to city center
The Vienna International Airport is about 35 minutes away from Vienna when there is no traffic. There are several ways you can reach the city.
Take the train: The City Airport train is the fastest way to reach the city, with a journey of 16 minutes and the cheapest option.
The City Airport Train operates daily from 05:37 am to 11:38 pm, 365 days a year. The City Air Terminal is a 10-minute distance from St. Stephan’s Cathedral at Wien Mitte station and can be easily reached by tram, underground, bus, or taxi.
Take the bus shuttle: Vienna Airport Lines connects Vienna Airport with the main Vienna transport hubs. Every 30 minutes, there are connections to the airport from Wien Westbahnhof and Wien Hauptbahnhof. Buses to the city center (Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz) run 24 hours a day, journey time of just 20 minutes.
Private transfer: This is the most comfortable and expensive option, and it takes about 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €40-50, depending on the taxi meter. A better option will be to book a transfer in advance that offers fixed rates, and it’s a little bit cheaper, €30-35.
How to get around in Vienna
Vienna is a very walkable city. However, you can still get around quickly by using public transport, which includes buses, trains, trams, and subways. Most of the attractions in Vienna are located in the city center. If you need to take the metro, you can buy tickets from the on-site machines using cash or credit cards. You can also choose between a single ticket and a full day.
The Vienna City Card is a good option if you frequently use public transport. It allows unlimited use of all public transport in Vienna, and you can choose from 24, 48, or 72-hour cards depending on your stay.
How many days you need in Vienna
Vienna is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. You can easily spend a whole week here.
However, three days is enough the see the entire city. You will have enough time to see the top attractions at a reasonable pace and experience some of the many cultural activities, like going to a concert.
Here is The ultimate 3 days in Vienna itinerary to help you plan your trip. Also, Vienna is a sprawling city; choosing the best area to stay can take time and effort. This guide will go through 7 best areas to stay in Vienna and the best accommodations they offer.
Did we convince you that Vienna is worth visiting? Have you visited the Austrian capital?
