Things to do in Vienna

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Belvedere showing a park, a castle and a square or plaza
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, a city and religious elements
Hofburg Imperial Palace which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and land animals
St. Stephen\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and heritage elements
Innere Stadt featuring railway items

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!



Vienna must see attractions

1. 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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Schoenbrunn Palace which includes heritage architecture, a city and a castle

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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Vienna State Opera featuring interior views and heritage architecture as well as an individual femail

3. 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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St. Stephen\'s Cathedral featuring landscape views, night scenes and a city

4. 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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Belvedere which includes a pond and heritage architecture

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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Stephansplatz showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

6. 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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Hofburg Imperial Palace showing chateau or palace, heritage architecture and a city

7. 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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Wiener Prater which includes a city and rides as well as a family

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!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Vienna

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Vienna

St. Stephen\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, a city and religious elements

Innere Stadt

5/5(1,255 area reviews)

Discover the heart of Vienna in the 1st district, where historic quarters meet corporate headquarters. Explore iconic sights like Hofburg Imperial Palace, Stephansdom, and Vienna State Opera for a memorable experience.

Innere Stadt
Wiener Prater which includes landscape views, a city and a square or plaza

Leopoldstadt

4.5/5(363 area reviews)

Surrounded by the Danube Canal and the Danube, this central district boasts the Wiener Prater amusement park, Schweizerhaus beer garden, and Augarten park. Explore cultural institutions like the Leopoldstadt Museum. Move around easily via the U2 metro line

Leopoldstadt
Viennese City Park featuring a garden, flowers and signage

Landstraße

4.5/5(200 area reviews)

Heavily populated and near Vienna's center, Landstraße boasts the 18th-century Belvedere Castle and gardens, Hundertwasserhaus flats, KunstHausWien, and Mozart's grave at St. Marx Cemetery.

Landstraße
Belvedere showing a park, a castle and a square or plaza

Wieden

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Near the city centre, Wieden boasts the largest market of Vienna, Naschmarkt, and the famous baroque Karlskirche. Explore local bars, restaurants, and independent retailers in the vibrant Freihaus area.

Wieden
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Favoriten

4/5(183 area reviews)

Heavily populated with residential buildings, Favoriten boasts large recreational areas like Kurpark Laaer Berg and the Bohemian Prater theme park. Explore the Gothic Spinnerin am Kreuz tower and Wasserturm, and move around from Vienna Main Station.

Favoriten
Naschmarkt showing food, markets and interior views

Mariahilf

4.5/5(142 area reviews)

Mainly residential, Mariahilf boasts Vienna's bustling shopping street, Mariahilfer Straße, and attractions like Haus des Meeres aquarium and Raimundtheater. Diverse shops and restaurants await exploration.

Mariahilf

 

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

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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