Things to do in  Austria

Among the many palaces in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) stands apart due to its location away from the city center and its sheer scale and baroque grandeur. Once a summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, with private imperial apartments used by Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), as well as extensive gardens, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit highlight in Vienna.

Built in the early 17th century, Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn) served as a summer retreat for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Its baroque exterior conceals an exuberant interior made for entertaining, though the real draws are the whimsical trick fountains (Wasserspiele) in the gardens, which spew water from unexpected places.

Formerly the winter residence of the Austrian royal family, the Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien) is now a lasting tribute to the glory of the Habsburg Empire. It’s one of Vienna’s most magnificent baroque palaces, located within Vienna’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Visitors to the Hofburg can explore the Imperial Apartments, visit the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection, or watch a performance at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.

Part of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic center, Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) enjoys a rich royal history, as well as a place in movie legend: it was one of the filming sites forThe Sound of Music. Built by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in 1606, the palace is most famous for its magnificent baroque gardens.

With its dark Gothic spires, intricately tiled roof, and imposing bell tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is one of Vienna’s star attractions. Centrally located on Stephansplatz square in the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center, the cathedral is architecturally stunning both inside and out. It’s also a site of great historical significance—Emperor Friedrich III and numerous other Habsburg dignitaries were buried here.

With its ornate golden-colored facade and grand baroque church towers set against an idyllic backdrop of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River, Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) looks more like a palace than a monastery. Founded in 1089, the Benedictine abbey underwent a dramatic makeover in the 18th century and is now regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque churches.

The Historic Center of Vienna is the beating heart of Austria, and the home of top attractions such as Vienna’s city hall, Parliament, and the lively Museum Quarter. Also known as the First District or Inner City and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is rich with baroque castles and gardens, as well as the 19th-century Ringstrasse, a beltway of grand buildings, monuments, and parks that encircles most of the inner city. There are enough landmark sites here to keep you snapping photos all day long.

For a touch of classic Italian baroque in Austria, head to Salzburg Cathedral, known locally as the Dom. The cathedral’s twin towers and a facade made of Untersberg marble, along with its light-filled interior and huge dome, are sure to impress.

The second oldest church in Vienna, St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is an 18th-century baroque confection with a gilded pulpit and Technicolor frescoes. Considered one of the city’s prettiest churches, St. Peter’s is a highlight of tours through the old town and a magnificent venue for classical music concerts.

Salzburg’s Old Town (Salzburger Altstadt or Altstadt Salzburg) is the historical and navigational heart of the city, a maze of medieval streets stretching along the banks of the Salzach River. The birthplace of Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s atmospheric Altstadt is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site and overlooked by the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Occupying a commanding mountain perch above Berchtesgaden village, Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is today a summertime chalet-restaurant; however, in its former life, it was a power symbol for Hitler’s Nazi regime. There is a small exhibition on-site, but those curious about its World War II history can stop at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg, home to original underground bunkers and exhibits, or join a WWII-themed tour.

The postcard-perfect Mondsee Cathedral (Basilika St. Michael) was the setting for the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music”—and today, it still attracts thousands of fans of the iconic musical. In addition to its film role, the Mondsee Cathedral is a Gothic gem and one of the most important churches in Upper Austria.

A masterpiece of Renaissance revival architecture and one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) adds to the city’s grand scenery and cultural legacy. The building’s facade, lined with statues and topped with pegasus sculptures, is a favorite of photographers, while fans of the arts come for its busy schedule of opera, ballet, and chamber music.

Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the magnificent Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) is among the many treasures of Vienna’s Baroque era and a UNESCO World Heritage–listed monument.

Best-known for being the home of troublesome novice nun Maria in The Sound of Music, Nonnberg Abbey (Stift Nonnberg was founded in the eighth century and is the oldest constantly-inhabited convent in Europe. The complex encompasses Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque styles, and features gorgeous chapels, churches, and cloisters.