Here’s a fun trivia! Which city has the world’s oldest still-operating Ferris wheel? Vienna, Austria! What has an old anti-aircraft defense tower been turned into in Vienna? A giant aquarium! And where can you learn to tell the difference between schnitzel and strudel using just your taste buds? Of course, in Vienna, Austria!
Intrigued? Then let’s embark on a short (1.5-day) virtual trip to find out what to see in Vienna—a city where magnificent architecture awaits at every corner.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Location: Vienna, Austria
Cost: Mix of paid and free attractions
Length: 1.5 days
How to get there: Public transport or driving to Vienna city center. We walked between the attractions on foot / used tram.
Visit at Least One of Vienna’s Famous Palaces: This Time Belvedere
Decisions, decisions. With more than one iconic palace in the city, choosing just one can be tough.
Schönbrunn Palace seems to be the most popular choice in Vienna. And yes, 1,441 rooms do sound truly impressive. But since the imperial family’s summer residence is farther from the Vienna city center and doesn’t quite fit within our time constraints, we’ll have to leave it for our next trip to Vienna—unfortunately.
That leaves us with the palace that seems to be a close runner-up in many reviews of Vienna’s palaces: Belvedere. It’s said to have a royal garden, a stunning exterior, and a fantastic location. Sounds like a plan—let’s go, check out what to see in Belvedere palace!
When we arrive, we quickly realize that back in the day, building just one palace to impress Vienna simply wasn’t enough. There are actually two Belvederes—the Upper and the Lower.
I’d say both of these buildings are majestic, but they are more like cousins than sisters. The Upper Belvedere, with its green roof, countless windows, columns, and statues, exudes grandeur. Meanwhile, the Lower Belvedere, with its red roof, slightly more angular shapes, and a breathtaking city view in the background, has its own distinct charm. The two are connected by a sprawling garden, where neatly trimmed hedges and colorful flower beds create intricate patterns.
The fountains, however, are… peculiar. As in “a goat-legged creature spewing water while a knife is held to its throat” peculiar.I suppose back in the day people had a different sense of entertainment?
Nowadays, the main attraction here is the art displayed inside the Belvedere buildings. Fun fact: this palace was originally built as a summer residence for a prominent figure but was later transformed into one of the first museums open to the public.
And this is where we learned a hard lesson…
Lesson of the trip to Vienna
During peak season in Vienna, you have to book tickets in advance—otherwise, you’ll miss out. We learned this the hard way when we couldn’t get tickets to the Belvedere Museum on the same day we tried to buy them.
What Architecture Marvels to See in Vienna?
I bet you haven’t taken as many pictures of buildings anywhere else as you will in Vienna!
You could spend hours wandering through the city, moving from one grand building to the next.
That said, I’ll be honest—most of this beauty is concentrated in the city center. Venture into the outskirts, and you’ll find unkempt streets and graffiti, which somewhat break the magic of Vienna’s old-world charm.
But as tourists, let’s focus on the highlights! We’ll take a long stroll through the heart of Vienna—the area where, if you zoom in on Google Maps, you’ll see the most iconic landmarks.
Our first stop in Vienna city center? A stunning church with a large, green dome.
St. Charles Church in Vienna and Its Iconic Columns
The church’s dome is visible from afar, its striking green hue reminiscent of Belvedere Palace’s roof. Before long, you’ll start noticing that green rooftops are a signature feature of Vienna’s historic buildings. Soon enough, every time you spot that familiar shade, you’ll instinctively reach for your map, eager to uncover which famous landmark of Vienna stands before you.
But as you draw closer, it’s the towering columns that truly command your attention. Adorned with intricate reliefs depicting various scenes and crowned with majestic golden eagles, they are nothing short of breathtaking.
For a small fee, you can step inside and admire the church’s magnificent interior. But today, we’ll skip this opportunity—there’s so much to see in Vienna, and time is short!
Riders on the Roof of Vienna State Opera House
As you continue your walk, another famous building of Vienna comes into view—once again, with a distinctive green roof. But what truly catches your eye are the two towering statues of riders on winged horses on top of the roof. These figures, as it turns out, represent Harmony and the Muse of Poetry.
Take a moment to admire the building’s grand columns and intricate sculptures. In fact, why not turn it into a little game—how many sculpted heads can you spot?
Here’s an interesting fact: did you know that part of the Vienna State Opera was destroyed during World War II bombings? Looking at its beautifully restored façade today, you’d never guess. Quite remarkable, isn’t it?
As much as I appreciate the Opera’s history, classical music isn’t exactly my cup of tea, so I won’t be leading you inside this time. But for those who are interested, the Vienna State Opera offers not only breathtaking performances but also guided tours, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes. You can find more details on their official website.
And now, speaking of historic buildings in Vienna that were nearly lost during the war—let’s continue our journey to Austria’s tallest church.
Engrave Vienna’s Skyline and the Vibrant Tiles of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Your Memory
Has an entrance fee.
Some sights are beautiful, but others are truly unforgettable—St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of them. Its most striking feature? A breathtaking, multicolored tile roof where vivid shades of green, gold, and black form intricate patterns. Look closely, and you’ll even spot the imperial eagle woven into the design. Once you see it, you’ll never forget it.
But the beauty of the cathedral isn’t just above you—it’s all around. Every inch of the façade is adorned with intricate stonework and delicate carvings. As you ascend, you’ll discover that even the most distant details, far from the public eye, have been crafted with meticulous precision and care.
Step inside, and you’ll be enveloped by a quiet grandeur. Unlike other churches that dazzle with gold, St. Stephen’s captivates through its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass, and finely carved details, all creating an overwhelming sense of majesty.
For those looking to take their adventure to the next level, the cathedral’s towers offer panoramic views of Vienna. I’d suggest visiting the North Tower, as it has an open-air viewing platform for unobstructed views. I’ve heard that from the South Tower (though I haven’t climbed it myself), you can only view the panorama through windows.
We step into the small elevator, and the operator whisks us up above Vienna’s rooftops. From here, the entire city unfurls before you— you can spot the Belvedere Palace we just visited, the distant television tower, and even the imposing wartime defense towers.
It’s a view that stays with you long after you’ve left.
The Dark Pages of History – Vienna’s Anti-Aircraft Defense Towers
Vienna’s history, like any city, has its darker chapters. You probably sensed this when we discussed buildings that were damaged during the bombings. But another stark reminder of the horrors of war lies in Vienna’s anti-aircraft defense towers.
This is definitely a niche attraction—not quite my cup of tea. But I think it’s important to mention them so you can fully appreciate the next stop on our journey. These towers are notoriously hard to demolish. In fact, when they tried to bring one down in Berlin 25 tons of dynamite weren’t enough.
So, what do you do when you can’t destroy the tower? You transform it into a gigant aquarium!
Vienna’s Aquarium
From the outside, Haus des Meeres still retains its iconic anti aircraft tower shape, but one wall has been transformed into a vertical garden with flower boxes full of lush greenery, while another features a rock climbing wall. And through a small window, you can catch a glimpse of the water gently swaying inside. Truly impressive!
I would have loved to go inside, but unfortunately, due to our lack of foresight, all the tickets are sold out, and we are left empty-handed. Don’t be like me—if you’re interested in something, book your tickets in advance!
But no worries, there’s still plenty to explore—let’s move to the next stop in our Vienna itinerary.
The Delicate Lacework of Vienna’s City Hall
The Vienna City Hall stands out with its intricately decorated tower and soft, ivory-colored lacework. In the summer, the romantic window arches are further enhanced by vibrant flower boxes, creating a truly picturesque scene. This is definitely a spot where you’ll want to snap a photo!
Not far from here, two pale towers beckon. Naturally, we have to check out what they are. Perhaps they are part of a church?
Admire Vienna’s Votive Church
If you also guessed that the two striking, light towers belong to a church, you’re right. Up close, these towers have a sharp, almost imposing presence. I feel like I’ve been repeating myself on this trip, but I have to say it again—the building itself is truly stunning, adorned with intricate details.
And of course, here’s an interesting fact: Did you know this church was built on the very site where an assassination attempt was made on Emperor Franz Joseph? The church was constructed as a thank-you to God for sparing his life.
But now, it’s time to take a break to relax—perhaps over a cup of coffee?
The Taste of Vienna: Coffee, Schnitzel, and Strudel
Am I the only one who constantly mixes up the names for schnitzel and strudel?
Apple strudel is a delicious pastry, often drenched in vanilla sauce—at least, that’s how they served it to me. And it’s best enjoyed alongside a cup of Vienna’s signature coffee. I tried the Wiener Melange—a smooth coffee with creamy milk and frothy foam, similar to a cappuccino, but not quite the same.
As for the famous Wiener Schnitzel, it’s a delicate slice of veal, coated in breadcrumbs and fried in either butter or bacon fat until the outside is perfectly crispy. It’s like a cross between a breaded cutlet and a giant chicken nugget. And I mean giant—the one I got was about the size of both of my palms!
You look out the window and realise it is getting dark. Is there something to do in Vienna when the sun goes down?
Neon Lights Neon Lights in Vienna’s Prater and the Oldest Operating Ferris Wheel
Entrance is free but you need to pay for the rides.
How about a thrilling carousel ride or a trip on the world’s oldest still-functioning Ferris wheel?
Prater Amusement Park has an atmosphere that feels like a scene from a vintage movie. As night falls, neon lights flicker to life, casting a nostalgic glow. The sweet, sugary crunch of candied apples tempts you, while the irresistible aroma of sizzling Vienna sausages fills the air. There are carnival games where you can win prizes by tossing balls, and of course, an exciting mix of exhilarating rides waiting to get your heart racing.
You’ll find a freefall ride, haunted houses with skeletons, a moving gorilla, and a variety of other spooky surprises. Then, there are roller coasters with loops that will give you goosebumps just by looking at them! One of the oddest sights is a carousel featuring a group of teddy bears (?). Did you notice the bear reaching for a drink while his wife chases him with a rolling pin?
Of course, the true icon of Prater is the legendary Vienna Ferris Wheel. Look closely – you’ll notice it’s missing half of its original carriages. After sustaining serious damage during wartime, the wheel was lovingly restored, now with every other carriage absent as a poignant reminder of the past.
Even if you’re not quite ready to face your fear of gravity (I’ll admit, I skipped every single spin while my friends went wild!), Prater is still an absolute must-see as the sun sets. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the electric energy of the park, watching the bright lights, feeling the excitement in the air, and watching your friends getting tossed around in a giant swing.
Probably, because Vienna has so much more to offer in terms of rich history and culture. But honestly, these are the things that have stuck with me the most from my visit. How about you? Which places in Vienna would you like to see the most?
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