Things to do in Vienna

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Vienna Travel Guide

A grand palace with symmetrical gardens, a large fountain, and a distant church spire.

A cityscape with red-tiled roofs, historic buildings, and a prominent church tower.

A historic building with ornate architecture and a horse-drawn carriage in front.

A cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, ornate statues, and a checkered floor.

A tram line with trams, trees with autumn leaves, and a historic building in the background.

Vienna Attractions

Are you a fan of "The Sound of Music?" Did it make you want to pack up and journey to Vienna, Austria? It's time to stop dreaming and make your travel plans a reality. Plot your trip now with Expedia as your do-it-yourself travel guide. There's no need to hire an agent when everything you need to know about attractions in Vienna has been centralized at one convenient location.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vienna that you won’t run out of things to do. Start thinking about your Vienna excursions and soon you'll be on your way to one of the top tourist destinations in the world!

Make sure your Vienna tours include a glimpse of some of the most incredible architecture in the world. The Schonbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen's Cathedral list only a few of the best spots in Austria. Burgtheater and Belvedere are two more must see places when you choose your top Vienna activities. Don't soley rely on a map. As you wander through this great city, be sure to turn to local experts for their recommendation, if you prefer an insight to local life over the tourist-version of a trip to Vienna. For a really unique experience, visit Hundertwasserhaus, built as a tribute to Expressionist artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This interesting building of several stories resembles a collage of colors. It is sure to make you wonder what else could be hiding around the corner of this old, European city.

Your journey will not be complete until you sample the local wares and wine and dine at Vienna’s top restairants. When it is time to turn in for the night, Expedia.com can help you choose the hotel of your dreams. Let Expedia help you to access great discounts on plane tickets, too. Do you need a rental car? We can help you with all of your arrangements. Don't put off your fantasies any longer. Make them reality and commit yourself to a great adventure in Vienna!

Things to do

Vienna: Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift

Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with Boat Ride Option

$83

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Classical concert Vivaldi 4 seasons in Karlskirche Vienna

$44

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School

$47

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Vienna: Upper Belvedere & Permanent Collection Entry Ticket

$27

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Vienna City Card: Your Tourist Ticket incl. Discounts and Metro

$22

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

Vienna Hallstatt and Salzburg One Day Trip

$127

per adult

Vienna: Classical Concert in St. Anne's Church (Annakirche)

$18

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Vienna: Hallstatt and Salzburg Day Tour

$117

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Vienna: Classical Concert at Mozart's First House

$69

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

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Vienna must see attractions

1. St. Stephen's Cathedral

A prominent feature in the Vienna skyline is the needle-like South Tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As you approach it, the cathedral’s glazed-tiled roof reveals its many colors. Inside you’ll find a fabulous array of religious artworks.

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A panoramic view of a city at dusk with illuminated buildings and a prominent dome structure.

2. Vienna State Opera

Enjoy an evening performance in the Vienna State Opera, one of the most respected opera houses in the world, or come here during the day to tour the grand building. Admire the Renaissance-style facade and the gilded interior with symbolic statues and mesmerizing tapestries.

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An ornate staircase with green carpet, gold chandeliers, and statues.

3. Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s largest Rococo buildings; each year millions of people visit the internationally recognized world heritage site. Admire the luxurious decor of the apartments belonging to Franz Jozeph, Maria Theresa and other Austrian aristocracy. Then take a stroll in the vast Baroque park behind the palace. Children will love the 18th-century maze and zoo.

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A grand palace with symmetrical gardens and manicured lawns.

4. Hofburg Imperial Palace

From the impressive showroom in the National Library to the shining objects in its treasury, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is full of ornaments, architectural and artistic masterpieces and history. Visit to see the luxury in which Austria’s Habsburg family lived for 600 years and learn more about these powerful rulers.

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A historic building with ornate sculptures and a horse-drawn carriage in front.

5. Stephansplatz

Visit Stephansplatz in the center of Vienna and enjoy a square that buzzes with activity day and night. Choose a café and spend an hour or so watching the world go by or visit two of the city’s most prominent buildings; St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Haas-Haus.

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A city street with historic buildings, a cathedral spire, and storefronts including a pharmacy.

6. Prater

Visit the Weiner Prater and enjoy spectacular views across Vienna from the top of its iconic Riesenrad (Giant Wheel). Back on the ground you can choose between nostalgic merry-go-rounds, high-adrenaline roller coasters and over 250 more attractions in the Wurstelprater. This amusement park lies within the larger Wiener Prater park, which also contains a planetarium and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

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A red cable car on a bridge with a cityscape in the background.

7. Belvedere

Make your way up the gentle slope through the manicured gardens of the Belvedere historic complex to be rewarded with some of the best views across Vienna. Within the walls of its two impressive Baroque palaces you can see opulent rooms and famous works by Gustav Klimt and other European masters.

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A large, ornate building with green domes and a central entrance, reflecting in a calm body of water.

Recommended things to do in Vienna

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Vienna

Free Things to Do in Vienna

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's a snap to have fun in Vienna without surrendering a penny.

Circus and Clown Museum

- Filled with exhibits and objects, this gallery is a wonderland for hungry minds.

Nouvel Tower

- Architecture fan or not, prepare to be impressed by this landmark's modern design.

University of Vienna

- Wander around this historic place and find out a couple of secrets from times past.

Judenplatz

- Mingle with some locals and seek out the true character and soul of this wonderful place.

Gaensehaeufel

- Take a deep breath — nothing tops being beside the water for some peace and relaxation.

Vienna Christmas Market

- Allow some time to check out this site of local significance.

Schottenkirche

- Throw a little spirituality into your getaway by visiting this sacred place.

Leopoldsberg

- Bring along your camera and let Mother Nature spark a sense of wonder in you.

Volksgarten

- Cultivate your green thumb and enjoy admiring the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Vienna with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Vienna. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that are bound to make your getaway unforgettable:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Vienna? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Stay near popular Vienna attractions

A bustling Christmas market with stalls and people, a prominent church with a tall spire, and festive lights.

Vienna Christmas Market

9.0/10 (1,985 reviews)

Vienna's Christkindlmarkt fills Rathausplatz with wooden stalls selling artisanal crafts against the illuminated City Hall. Warm yourself with mulled wine while exploring the ice skating rink and enjoying carolers.

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Where to stay in Vienna

Find the best Vienna areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Vienna

Innere Stadt

Known for its fascinating museums and stunning cathedral, there's plenty to explore in Innere Stadt. Check out top attractions like Vienna Christmas Market and Graben, and jump on the metro at Stephansplatz U-Bahn or Herrengasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

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A cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent red-roofed structure, and a modern skyscraper in the background.

Leopoldstadt

Spend some time visiting places like Giant Ferris Wheel while getting to know Leopoldstadt, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Praterstern U-Bahn or Franzensbrücke Tram Stop to see more of the area.

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A public square with blue seating areas, people sitting and walking, and a building in the background.

Neubau

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Neubau. Top attractions like MuseumsQuartier and Leopold Museum are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Zieglergasse-Westbahnstraße Tram Stop or Neubaugasse-Westbahnstraße Tram Stop to see more of the city.

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A grand building with ornate architecture, a large dome, and a statue of a horse.

Landstraße

Travelers choose Landstraße for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Rochusgasse U-Bahn or Sechskrügelgasse Tram Stop and check out top sights like University of Music and Performing Arts.

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A cityscape with historic architecture, including a prominent church with green spires and a large cathedral with twin towers.

Mariahilf

Travelers love Mariahilf for its popular shops, and you can see more of Vienna by jumping on the metro at Neubaugasse U-Bahn or Mariahilfer Gürtel Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Haus des Meeres and Naschmarkt.

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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Popular day trips from Vienna

A castle with multiple towers and a moat reflecting the structure.

Voesendorf

A tall, cylindrical tower with a spiral staircase against a backdrop of dramatic, stormy clouds.

Schwechat

A historic building with a stone wall and a red-tiled roof.

Mauerbach

A historic building with a tiled roof, arched windows, and a stone facade.

Brunn am Gebirge

A night view of a town with a prominent clock tower adorned with lights, a street sign, and a green building.

Fischamend

A historic yellow building with a green dome and a clock tower.

Klosterneuburg

A frosty landscape with a dirt path leading through a field, surrounded by trees covered in frost.

Perchtoldsdorf

A church with a red roof and a stone tower.

Himberg

Frequently asked questions

Is Vienna worth visiting?

Providing a mix of nature and history, there are many things to do in Vienna. When you're here, head to Schönbrunn Palace, a top attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Vienna?

After you've checked off major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Imperial Palace, spend some time experiencing the retail and food options in Vienna.

What is the top tourist attraction in Vienna?

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the top tourist attractions in Vienna and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Vienna?

Three days in Vienna is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests stay for three days on average. Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Imperial Palace are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Schwechat.

Is Vienna a walkable city?

That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Vienna. Several attractions, like St. Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Imperial Palace, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Vienna's neighborhoods, Innere Stadt is 0.4 miles away from downtown, while Landstraße is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Vienna with kids?

Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Vienna with kids.

What to do in Vienna for adults?

There are plenty of things to do in Vienna, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Ottakringer Brewery or Wiener Stadthalle.

Are there free things to do in Vienna?

From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Vienna. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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