Vienna friends

The vast former imperial palace complex served as the center of the Habsburg empire for centuries. Explore its opulent courtyards, imperial apartments, and the Sisi Museum.

• Consider the Imperial Tour for a comprehensive experience.
• Book tickets online in advance to save time.

A historic and elegant coffee house, once a meeting place for intellectuals like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky. Enjoy traditional Viennese coffee and pastries in a grand setting.

• Expect a queue during peak hours, especially for lunch.
• Try their famous Apfelstrudel or Sachertorte.

Vienna's iconic Gothic cathedral, with its striking tiled roof and towering spire. Climb the South Tower for panoramic city views or explore the catacombs below.

• The South Tower climb is strenuous but rewarding.
• Audio guides are available for deeper historical context.

These elegant pedestrian streets are Vienna's premier shopping districts, lined with high-end boutiques and historic buildings like the Plague Column on Graben.

• Admire the architecture even if not shopping.
• Look for the historic pharmacies and smaller artisan shops.

Renowned for its traditional Viennese cuisine, particularly its Tafelspitz (boiled beef). This mid-range restaurant offers a classic dining experience.

• Tafelspitz is served with various accompaniments and is meant for sharing.
• Reservations are highly recommended.

This stunning Baroque complex houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, most famously Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'. Explore both the Upper and Lower Belvedere.

• The gardens between the palaces are free to access and beautiful.
• Visit early to avoid crowds, especially for the Klimt collection.

Vienna's most famous market offers a vibrant mix of food stalls, international cuisine, and specialty shops. It's a great spot for lunch and browsing.

• Many stalls offer samples.
• Best visited on a Saturday for the flea market section.

This city history museum, fully reopened in December 2023 after extensive renovations, offers fascinating insights into Vienna's past. Admission to the permanent collection is now free.

• Check for special exhibition ticket prices and availability.
• The building itself is a notable example of modern architecture.

One of the world's leading opera houses, known for its stunning architecture and high-quality performances. You can take a guided tour to see its interiors.

• Tours are available daily and offer a glimpse behind the scenes.
• Standing room tickets for performances are a budget-friendly option for opera lovers.

Famous for serving arguably Vienna's best Schnitzel, this traditional restaurant is a must-visit for classic Austrian fare. The portions are generous.

• Book well in advance, especially for dinner.
• The original location is very popular; consider their second nearby restaurant.

The magnificent former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, featuring stunning Baroque architecture, vast gardens, a zoo, and the Gloriette. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Allow ample time for the extensive gardens.
• The Gloriette offers fantastic views back towards the palace and city.

A beautifully preserved traditional Viennese coffee house with a relaxed atmosphere, billiard tables, and excellent coffee. It retains much of its original charm from the early 20th century.

• Enjoy the classic 'Melange' coffee.
• A quieter alternative to some of the more crowded central cafes.

Admire the unique, colorful architecture of Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Adjacent is the Kunst Haus Wien, a museum dedicated to his work.

• You can only view the Hundertwasserhaus from the outside as it's residential.
• The museum shop offers unique souvenirs.

Vienna's famous amusement park, home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad). Enjoy the lively atmosphere, rides, and classic Viennese snacks.

• The Ferris Wheel offers great evening views.
• Consider trying some traditional Austrian fairground food.