Things to do in Wienerwald

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The locals call the popular Naschmarkt “Vienna’s stomach,” because this traditional market is all about food. Stroll past the food stalls and pick from locally produced bread, fruits and vegetables, organic meats or cheeses or satisfy your hunger on the spot at one of the many food outlets. Take your pick from Austrian or international cuisines with a simple fried snack or more refined delicatessen.