10 Unmissable Things to Do in Vienna
Vienna is one of those cities that manages to feel both grand and liveable at the same time. Baroque palaces, manicured gardens and a skyline marked by church spires and domes give it a storybook look, while the city’s museums, concert halls and café culture keep it very much alive rather than frozen in the past. It’s frequently celebrated for the way it balances imperial-era beauty with a world-leading arts scene and an everyday warmth that makes it easy to settle into. Vienna is a city where Mozart and Klimt sit comfortably in the same frame as rooftop bars and contemporary galleries.
It’s also a city that really changes with the seasons. In winter, Vienna leans into its reputation as a “Christmas capital”, with more than 20 Advent and Christmas markets dotted around the city, including the big Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathaus, plus smaller markets at Schönbrunn and Belvedere. There, you can find mulled wine, lights and an array of handmade decorations. Come spring and summer, the palace gardens, riverside paths and outdoor café terraces come into their own, and a three-day city break easily fills up with walks, museum visits and long coffee stops.
If you’re getting ready for a Vienna city break and searching for the best things to do in Vienna, this article walks you through 10 must-do experiences, from grand palaces and world-class museums to food markets and coffee houses. We'll also suggest a few great places to stay in the city, whether you’re after luxury hotels and spa hideaways or aparthotels with pools and central boutique boltholes.
1. Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Its Gardens
If you see just one big sight in Vienna, make it Schönbrunn. This 1,441-room Baroque palace was the Habsburgs’ main summer residence and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its lavish state rooms and elegant imperial apartments.
Inside, you can follow a set route through the grandest halls and private rooms with an audio guide, getting a feel for court life under Maria Theresa and later emperors. Step back outside and you’ve got 160 hectares of formal gardens to wander for free, with fountains, statues and long, tree-lined avenues leading up to the Gloriette hilltop viewpoint for sweeping views over Vienna.
It’s an easy hop from the centre on the U4 metro line to Schönbrunn station, and you’ll want at least a couple of hours here – longer if you add in the world’s oldest zoo or the huge Palm House tucked away in the park.
2. Indulge in Viennese Chocolate and a Slice of Sachertorte
Vienna takes its cakes seriously, and Sachertorte is the city’s superstar: a dense chocolate sponge with a layer of apricot jam and a smooth dark chocolate glaze, traditionally served with a big dollop of unsweetened whipped cream. It was created by Franz Sacher in the 19th century and later became the signature dessert of Hotel Sacher, which still guards the “Original Sacher-Torte” recipe today.
For the full coffeehouse experience (and easily one of the sweetest things to do in Vienna) sit down at Café Sacher, Café Central or Demel, all grand, old-school spots where you can linger over a Wiener Melange and that all-important slice of cake. Hotel Sacher and Demel even fought a famous legal battle over whose Sachertorte could claim authenticity – so if you are keen, you can try both and decide which side you are on.
3. Wander Through Belvedere Palace and See The Kiss
Belvedere is actually a complex of two Baroque palaces, Upper and Lower Belvedere, linked by formal terraced gardens, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today, it’s one of Vienna’s major art museums, best known for housing Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, probably Austria’s most famous painting, along with the world’s largest collection of his works.
Start at the Upper Belvedere to see The Kiss and other highlights of Austrian art, then take a slow stroll through the symmetrical gardens for classic Vienna views and photos of the palace facades. It’s an easy tram or short walk from the city centre, and you can comfortably fit Belvedere into a half-day – perfect to pair with a relaxed lunch or coffee stop nearby.
4. Use Travelmyth to Find Your Ideal Place to Stay
Vienna is packed with hotels and apartments, so instead of scrolling endlessly, it’s worth getting really specific about what you want. On Travelmyth you can filter by categories like indoor pool, spa, romantic, family-friendly, dog-friendly, or historic hotel, and the site will only show stays that actually tick those boxes.
➛ Planning a couples’ escape? Combine filters such as Romantic + Spa (and add Heated Pool / Indoor Pool if that’s on your wishlist) to surface stays that feel perfect after a day of sightseeing.
➛ Travelling as a family or with friends? Start with Family Friendly + Swimming Pool, then refine with practical add-ons like Indoor Pool or Heated Pool to keep it city-break friendly year-round.
➛ Going with a group and want evenings out? Try Hotels near Nightlife Spots to stay close to the action.
➛ Bringing your pup? Flip on Dog Friendly to instantly cut the list down.
➛ Fancy a round outside the city? Use Hotels near Golf Courses (and combine with pool/spa filters if you want).
Once you’ve set your filters, you’re left with a shortlist that actually matches your wishlist and budget, rather than a random wall of options.
5. Marvel at European Art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is Vienna’s grand temple to art history and one of the most rewarding things to do in Vienna, famous for its world-class collection of Old Masters built up by the Habsburgs. Inside its lavish marble halls, you’ll find works by Bruegel, Velázquez, Titian, Rubens and many more, with the picture gallery alone filling two wings of the first floor.
If you’re short on time, make a beeline for the Bruegel room, where the museum shows an unrivalled group of his paintings, then wander through the Italian and Flemish galleries to get a feel for the highlights. A couple of hours here works well on a rainy morning or a hot afternoon, and there’s a café on site if you fancy a break mid-gallery.
6. Step Inside St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
St Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s defining landmark: a vast Gothic church with a striking patterned roof made from around 230,000 colourful tiles, showing the double-headed eagle of the former empire and the city’s coat of arms. Inside, you’ll find soaring stone columns, side chapels and Baroque altars, with the option to join a guided tour or simply wander at your own pace.
For views, you can climb the narrow staircase of the south tower or take the lift up the north tower, both offering sweeping panoramas over Vienna and an excellent look at that famous roof up close. It’s right in the historic centre, so you’ll almost certainly pass it more than once. It’s worth going in at least once by day, and circling back at night when the façade is beautifully lit.
7. Spend an Evening at the Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s great opera houses, and even if you’re not a huge opera fan, an evening here feels like stepping into a very glamorous postcard. The 19th-century building dominates the Ringstrasse, and inside it’s all grand staircases, chandeliers and red velvet – very “dress up a bit and pretend you’re Viennese high society” vibes.
If you’re on a budget, look out for standing tickets (“Stehplätze”). There are more than 400 of these per performance and they usually cost under €20, sometimes as low as about €13–18, making world-class opera cheaper than a London cinema trip. They’re sold on the day, so you just turn up early, queue, and enjoy the show from the gallery with your own little rail to lean on. For a splurge night, you can of course book seated tickets online a couple of months ahead via the official website.
8. Graze Your Way Around Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous food market and an absolute must if you like to eat your way around a city and are hunting for delicious things to do in Vienna. Stretching along the Wienzeile, it has around 100–120 stalls and small eateries, mixing classic Viennese bits (sausages, schnitzel, pastries) with Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean flavours such as olives, baklava, curries, mezze, seafood and more.
The best way to do it is simply to wander down one side and back up the other, snacking as you go and then settling in at a stall or casual restaurant once something really grabs you. Saturdays are livelier, with an attached flea market, but also much busier. Midweek visits are more relaxed and you can actually see what’s on offer without weaving through a crowd every two seconds.
9. Follow in the Footsteps of Empress Sisi
If you’re intrigued by royal drama, carve out a couple of hours for the Sisi Museum in the Hofburg, Vienna’s former imperial palace. The museum sits inside part of the Imperial Apartments and uses more than 300 of Empress Elisabeth’s personal belongings – dresses, parasols, beauty tools and travel items – to tell the story of her life and the myth that grew around her.
A visit usually combines the Sisi Museum with a self-guided walk through the richly decorated apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Sisi herself, giving a glimpse of how the Habsburgs actually lived day to day. It’s an easy addition to any day in the city centre, and a nice contrast to the grand, public spaces you’ll see at places like Schönbrunn and Belvedere.
10. Stroll Through Vienna’s Historic Centre
Vienna’s Innere Stadt, the historic centre, is compact, walkable and officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mix of medieval streets, Baroque palaces and the 19th-century Ringstrasse. This is where you’ll find many of the big hitters: St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg complex, grand boulevards, ornate churches and elegant old shopfronts.
A simple loop makes a brilliant introduction: start at Stephansplatz, wander along Graben and Kohlmarkt, cut through to the Hofburg, then drift out towards the Ringstrasse before circling back via a side street café for coffee and cake. The whole area is only a few square kilometres, so you can cover a lot on foot. Just bring comfy shoes and be ready to stop often, because almost every corner begs for a photo.
Where to Stay in Vienna
Vienna’s accommodation scene is just as varied as its sightseeing, with everything from grande-dame luxury hotels and cosy boutique boltholes to modern aparthotels with pools and kitchens. Whatever things to do in Vienna end up on your list, you’ll find somewhere to stay that matches the way you like to travel, whether that’s classic, contemporary, family-friendly or full-on spa.
Hotel Sacher Wien – Classic Viennese Glamour
If you want the full “old Vienna” fantasy, Hotel Sacher Wien is hard to beat. This independent five-star historic hotel in Vienna sits right in the city centre on Philharmonikerstraße, directly opposite the Vienna State Opera and next to Kärntner Straße, with the Hofburg and St Stephen’s Cathedral just a short walk away. Inside, it’s all jewel-toned fabrics, chandeliers and polished wood, plus the added bonus of being home to the Original Sacher-Torte, its own spa and the famously cosy Blaue Bar.
Many people choose Sacher for a luxury city-centre stay when they’re celebrating something big (an anniversary weekend, a “once-in-a-while” trip) and want to walk straight out into the historic streets, then retreat to somewhere with proper old-school service, fine dining and a slice of cake on call.
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna – Spa Hotel with Indoor Pool on the Ring
For a more contemporary take on grandeur, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna brings together four historic palaces on the Ringstrasse and turns them into a polished five-star hotel with spa and an indoor pool. Guests have access to what’s billed as the longest indoor pool in Vienna’s inner city, a full spa with sauna and steam room, a smart fitness centre and the Atmosphere rooftop bar for city views.
This works brilliantly for a romantic spa break in the city, especially if you like the idea of sightseeing by day and unwinding with a swim and sauna before dinner. The mix of Ringstrasse location, club-style lounges and modern rooms means it suits couples and small groups who want a slightly “resort” feel without giving up the ability to walk to the historic centre in minutes.
Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere – Aparthotel with Pool & Kitchen
If you prefer more space and your own kitchen, the Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere is a modern aparthotel with an indoor pool and sauna, just by Belvedere Palace and close to tram and rail links into the centre. Studios and apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, washer–dryers and espresso makers, while the building itself has a gym, bar/lounge and 24-hour reception.
Families and longer-stay guests tend to gravitate here for a more family-friendly stay in Vienna, where you can stock the fridge, cook when you feel like it and throw a quick wash on, but still head downstairs for a swim or drink at the bar after a day of museums and sightseeing.
The Guesthouse Vienna – Boutique-style Hotel in the Cultural Heart
Tucked just behind the Opera House and right next to the Albertina, The Guesthouse Vienna is a stylish boutique-style hotel in the city centre, with bright, contemporary rooms that feel more like chic city flats than traditional hotel rooms. You can expect huge lounge-style windows, window seats, an in-house Brasserie & Bakery and thoughtful extras like wine fridges and espresso machines in many rooms.
It’s a natural choice for a central boutique stay if you’re into museums, galleries and concerts – you can be at the Albertina in seconds, at the Hofburg or St Stephen’s in a few minutes on foot, and then back in your room with a glass of wine by the window, people-watching the city’s cultural heart below.
Conclusion
Vienna is one of those cities where it’s very easy to fill a few days without feeling rushed: a palace or museum in the morning, coffee and cake in the afternoon, a concert, opera or market in the evening. With these 10 ideas, you’ve got a ready-made shortlist of things to do in Vienna to build your trip around – you don’t need to tick everything off, just choose the experiences that feel most “you” and leave a bit of room for getting pleasantly lost in the side streets.
When you’re ready to book, think about the kind of stay that suits you best – a grande-dame luxury hotel, a spa-style base with a pool, a practical aparthotel or a central stylish bolthole – and then explore our 60 different hotel categories to match your Vienna base exactly to the way you like to travel.
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