Founded in the 14th century, the University of Vienna (Universität Wien is one of the most important universities in the German-speaking world. But for most travelers, the focal point is its spectacular main building complex on Vienna’s Ring, a feast of 19th-century neo-Renaissance and neo-baroque grandeur.
Set along the River Danube in the north of Vienna, the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) offer a respite from the bustle of Austria’s capital city, as well as dramatic views. Originally hunting grounds for Viennese royalty, the region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Today, its lush hills are a haven for wildlife and walkers.
Set in Palais Eskeles, Vienna’s Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum Wien traces the history of Vienna’s Jewish community from the medieval times to the present. Exhibits explore the history and culture of the local Jewish population and showcase a vast collection of donated items.
One of the largest squares in Vienna, Karlsplatz is dominated by the massive Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) overlooking its lake-size central fountain. This striking public space features a pair of landmark 19th-century pavilions, the Secession Building exhibition hall, the bustling Naschmarkt market, and the leafy Resselpark.
With an extensive collection spanning from 17th-century glassware to modern industrial design, themed special exhibits, and a rich program of events, Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (commonly called MAK) is a great place to spend a few hours. Marvel at Baroque, Biedermeier, and Art Nouveau art and design in its Neo-Renaissance halls.
The Danube River is among Europe’s mightiest, stretching from Germany to the Black Sea, and it helped grow Vienna into a major power center. The waterway branches into two as it enters Vienna: The Danube Canal passes through the center, while the river flows across the city’s northeastern edge. Both provide opportunities to relax and take in Vienna’s sights.
The imposing baroque Klosterneuburg Monastery, or Stift Klosterneuburg in German, is a 12th-century Augustinian abbey that dominates the skyline of Klosterneuburg. In addition to its elegant architecture, the monastery houses a number of artistic treasures and is home to Austria’s oldest wine-growing estate.
This striking pavilion in green, gold, and white marble on Vienna’s Karlsplatz was designed by Otto Wagner in 1897 as part of the city’s new train station. Now it houses an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of this groundbreaking Art Nouveau architect. Visit for an in-depth look at Wagner’s architectural legacy in Vienna.
One of the oldest sparkling wine cellars in Austria, the 18th-century Schlumberger Cellars are a must for wine lovers in Vienna. Visit the 300-year-old cellars that wind through several miles of underground tunnels and marvel at the countless bottles of sparkling wine (Sekt in German) aging there.
Modest from the outside but extraordinary inside, St. Anne’s Church (Annakirche) is one of Vienna’s hidden treasures. Sitting discreetly on a downtown side street, the 16th-century church is resplendent with baroque artwork and frescoes painted by artist Daniel Gran adorning the ceiling. Culture lovers can also enjoy classical music concerts here year-round.
From sedan chairs to ceremonial state coaches, the Imperial Carriage Museum showcases the dazzling carriages used by the Viennese court over the centuries. The collection includes 600 vehicles—170 of which are on display—including two lavishly gilded 18th-century imperial carriages, as well as ornate saddlery, courtly robes, and livery.
The Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien (MUMOK is one of the largest museums of modern and postmodern art in Central Europe. Founded in 1962, the museum features 10,000 pieces by 1,600 different artists, including some of the biggest names in 20th- and 21st-century art, like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Yoko Ono.
With its eccentric facade of colorful ceramic and tile; irregular glass, brick, and metal; and greenery cascading from the roof, the Kunst Haus Wien is one of Vienna’s most remarkable buildings. Home to Europe’s only permanent collection of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s work, the museum is a must for modern art and design buffs.
As the world's most famous waxworks museum, Madame Tussauds needs no introduction. And where better to rub shoulders with movie stars, music icons, and historic figures than Vienna? Snap a selfie with everyone from Brad Pitt to Barack Obama, take a walk through Austrian history, and entertain the whole family with fun, interactive exhibitions.
As Vienna's oldest church, it's no wonder that St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche is among the city's top attractions. The structure is nothing if not historic: it dates to the eighth century, and is made of stone taken from a Roman settlement. The evolving architecture here marks history—the building is Gothic, but the tower is Romanesque.
Even in a city packed with great museums, the Kunsthalle stands apart with globe-spanning contemporary art designed to spark conversations. Locations in both the Museumsquartier and Karlsplatz mean there’s a lot to see, and wide-ranging exhibitions ensure the experience varies from one visit to the next.
Vienna's Theatermuseum holds an unrivaled collection of stage sets, props, and costumes spanning three centuries of theater production in Austria—plus thousands of theatrical images dating back to the early 20th century. Step into the baroque confines of Lobkowicz Palace to explore this theatrical wonderland.
Music lovers inspired to hear Mozart performed in Vienna find few venues that compare to the intimate Sala Terrena, at the House of the Teutonic Order (Deutschordenshaus). The ornate room has Venetian-style frescoes and seats only about 50 guests, making it a truly special place to hear the Austrian composer's works.
This unassuming apartment in Vienna’s Heiligenstadt suburb holds special meaning for many musicians. Here, Ludwig van Beethoven composed a handful of his famous works and the Heiligenstädter Testament, a letter in which he despaired over his advancing deafness.
The Augarten Porcelain Manufactory (Porzellanmanufaktur Augarten was founded in 1718 and is the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe. This factory that has been turning out fine porcelain for nearly three centuries today is also home to the Augarten Porcelain Museum, dedicated to the history of Augarten and Viennese porcelain.
Trace the history of European furniture design over three centuries at the Imperial Furniture Collection (Hofmobiliendepot), one of the largest collections of furniture in the world. Part of Hofburg Palace’s complex of museums, this treasure trove holds pieces ranging from imperial thrones to Biedermeier chairs in its galleries.
Delve into Vienna’s 150-year-old public transport history at the Remise Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Remise), stuffed with vintage transport vehicles such as a steam train and double-decker bus. Located in a former tram depot, the museum includes themed exhibits highlighting everything from horse-drawn trams to the modern metro.
Joseph Haydn spent the last 12 years of his life in Gumpendorf, now a suburb of Vienna, where he composed the majority of his late work—including The Seasons. Today the house he lived in has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and music, which displays treasures such as his piano and first-editions scores.
This striking Art Deco building in central Vienna is home to one of the best private art collections in Europe, focused on avant-garde 20th-century artists. Marvel at 10,000 masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Kandinsky, and Magritte and browse photography galleries to spot iconic shots by Diane Arbus, Man Ray, and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
The Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is the oldest museum in Vienna and one of the most important military history museums in the world. Its five sections trace the history of the Habsburg empire and Austria with a collection of weaponry, medals, military uniforms, flags, and artwork depicting battles.
Vienna's Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier ranks among the world's largest cultural complexes, housing over 70 facilities. Visit the Leopold Museum, with its sizable collection of Austrian art; the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK); and the Kunsthalle Wien, which holds international contemporary photography, video, and film exhibitions.
One of Vienna’s most spectacular public parks, the Baroque-style Augarten is home to a former imperial palace and several excellent museums, including the Augarten Porcelain Museum. The park’s sweeping grounds cover about 10 acres (52.2 hectares), with formal flowerbeds, tree-lined walking paths, vast meadows, and restaurants.
Located where Vienna’s most famous composer lived for seven years, and composed the iconic Blue Danube waltz, the Johann Strauss Museum (Johann Strauss Wohnung) showcases Strauss’ instruments—most notably an Amati violin—plus memorabilia and personal effects related to his career as a conductor and composer.
The pastel-hued façade of Vienna’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) may pale in comparison to the dramatic neo-gothic towers of the modern City Hall, but it remains a charming reminder of medieval Vienna. Today the building is home to the intriguing Museum of the Austrian Resistance Movement documenting the resistance against the Nazis.
Set adjacent to Vienna’s historic Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten, the Desert House (Wüstenhaus is a habitat showcasing cacti and other succulents from arid regions across the world and populated by a number of animals and birds native to desert regions. Spot lizards, tortoises, hummingbirds, snakes, desert mole rats, and other species.
