Vienna, the capital of Austria, is called the city of dreams because of the abundance of stately palaces and cathedrals, vast green parks, carefully guarded historical heritage, while contrasting with it a desire for modernity. When setting off on a trip, it is important to know in advance what to see in Vienna, especially if you have only 1, 2 or 3 days off. A more or less thorough acquaintance requires 4-5 days and clear planning.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
Previously, Austrian rulers named Habsburg lived in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and today it is the home of the current President Alexander Van der Bellen. Despite this, every traveler can go inside to explore the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection. They are located in those wings of the palace that are open to the public. Their appearance is carefully guarded, as the palace is the historical heritage of the country.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace - the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Today it is also open to guests. The traveler can visit forty rooms out of one and a half thousand, and see the private apartments of Franz Joseph, Elizabeth of Bavaria, known as Sisi, Maria Theresa. The interior decoration is striking in luxury, and the centuries-old history is read from each item.
Of particular note is the Schönbrunn Park, which is adjacent to the palace. Beautiful French gardens and tree-lined avenues invite you to take a leisurely stroll and relax in the fresh air.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
It is hard to believe that the beautiful St. Stephen's Cathedral has been a small parish church for many centuries. During the Second World War, the cathedral burned and, after the fire extinguished, it became clear that saving it would cost a lot of effort. The restoration took seven full years, and today it is the main Catholic church in Vienna, where services never stop.
It's not enough to enjoy the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral from the outside, you need to go inside to wander the halls, explore the works of art and feel the powerful spirit of the place.
Museum quarter
The MuseumsQuartier is organized inside the former stables, and is now a place where cultural life is in full swing around the clock. Museums alternate with modern art galleries, workshops, designer shops, restaurants, bars and coffee houses. Local residents, passionate about creativity, gather on the territory of the complex to work and have fun. Travelers can join them, make new acquaintances, or simply replenish their knowledge and drink delicious coffee.
Museum of art history
The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is a luxurious building both outside and inside. The spacious rooms display an extensive collection of Habsburgs - world-famous paintings and sculptures. The Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel, Summer by Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Madonna in the Meadow by Raphael are worthy of special attention. A visit to the museum takes an average of four hours. It is recommended to choose weekdays to avoid queues.
Imperial Crypt in the Church of the Capuchins
The Church of the Capuchins is known, first of all, for the Imperial Crypt, which anyone can enter today. One hundred and forty-five members of the Habsburg family are buried there, and from the graves and monuments installed, one can trace how the approach to perpetuating the members of the most influential Austrian family has changed. Headstones are full-fledged works of art that will take your breath away. Plots seem to come to life in sculptures.
Schönbrunn Zoo
When deciding what to see in Vienna, you can plan one of the oldest zoos in the world. It was created in 1752, the menagerie was assembled by order of Emperor Francis I. Most of the original Baroque buildings are still in use. Today the zoo has about nine hundred species of animals, including quite rare ones. There is also an aquarium. It is noteworthy that only qualified specialists work at the Schönburnn Zoo and a team of veterinarians is always on duty on the territory.
Ferris wheel
The Riesenrad Ferris Wheel in the Prater Park is considered a symbol of Vienna. It was installed in 1897 and is still in operation. A full turnaround takes about twenty minutes, so visitors to the attraction have the opportunity to enjoy views of the city from above and take memorable pictures.
The Prater also has bicycle and walking paths, playgrounds and sports grounds, a public swimming pool, a golf course and even a racing track. On the territory of the park it is customary to arrange picnics under the chestnuts.
Parliament
The huge parliament building has been respectable at first sight since 1883, so it is worth adding to the list of "What to See in Vienna". The Parliament is decorated with Corinthian columns, marble statues and carvings. The spirit of wealth and prosperity reigns within the building. Tourists are invited to watch presentations and learn the history of the Parliament. Next to the Parliament there is a fountain, in the center of which is the four-meter Pallas Athena in a golden helmet.
Kertnerstrasse
Kertnerstrasse pedestrian street is a favorite of locals and tourists. Every day people flock here to find time for comfortable shopping, meeting friends in a cafe, walking along the passages. Here you can have a tasty meal, arrange a photo session, find gifts for yourself and your loved ones, and just feel how Vienna lives on a most ordinary day. Attractions include the Maltese Church, Esterhazy Palace, Donner's fountain.
Theater Burgtheater
The Burgtheater is an example of Renaissance architecture. It was designed and built in 1888, and in 1945 it would have been seriously damaged by bombing, and the restoration work ended only ten years later. Today it is still a functioning theater, where high-profile premieres and outstanding performances are regularly held. An interesting excursion is provided for tourists, which allows you to learn the history of the place and see its best places with your own eyes.
Vienna House of Arts
The Vienna House of Art stands out noticeably against the background of other city architecture. Bright and crazy in a good way, he evokes an association with the creations of the Spanish architect Gaudí. Who knows, maybe the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the creator of the house, was really inspired by him. The House of Arts ignores all the rules: it is irregularly shaped, decorated with colorful tiles, decorated with ivy, and trees grow on its roof.
Hundertwasser House
The Hundertwasser House, as you might guess, is also the work of the famous Austrian artist. The famous architect Josef Kravina was involved in the project. Bright and in a good way crazy, he instantly attracts the attention of the viewer, and also turns out great in the photo. The house was built in 1985, people live in it, so there is no additional entertainment inside, but it's really nice to look.
Burggarten park
The picturesque Burggarten park was once owned by the Habsburgs. Austrian rulers planted trees, shrubs and flowers here, rested in the shade of pavilions and walked along narrow paths that are now at the disposal of travelers and local residents. This is the reason why Burggarten should be included in the "must see in Vienna" plan. The park features the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Memorial, the Palm House and the Butterfly and Bats Pavilion.
Albertina Gallery
The Albertina Gallery is a repository of masterpieces of graphic art. The huge collection is on display, and every visitor can see the work of Monet and Picasso. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions, in particular, prominent representatives of contemporary art show their works there. It is not enough to examine in detail the beautiful building, which was used by the Habsburgs as a guest house in the past, you must definitely go inside.
Vienna is a vibrant European city that is happy to welcome guests. Decide in advance what you want to see in Vienna and indulge in the atmosphere of these places.
