Museums

Austrian Gallery Belvedere

This gallery in the Belvedere Palace houses the most important collection of art in the whole of Austria. The focal point is the world’s largest collection of work by Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt, with the highlight being his decorative masterpiece The Kiss, which is a universally recognisable painting. There are many other works that make the Belvedere worthy of a trip – various exhibitions featuring art from around the world are open all year round.

Albertina

The Albertina has been a treasure trove of the finest art collections since 1805. This noble neo-classical Viennese palace was taken over from the Habsburg dynasty in 1919 by the Austrian Republic, and named Albertina Graphic Art Collection. The range of artworks is extensive, featuring paintings by Monet, Degas and Picasso, among others.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The art history museum is located directly across from the Museum of Natural History, and the buildings mirror each other exactly. Inside, you’ll find a huge collection of historical Austrian pieces from the Habsburg era, as well as a range of new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. One of the museum’s most appealing characteristics is perhaps its picturesque café, which is beautiful from a bird’s eye view.

Leopold Gallery

Classic Austrian artistic works are the highlight of the Leopold, with pieces from the likes of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. Part of the famous Museumsquartier, this is one of the best to visit within the piazza. The exterior of the building may also be of interest to architecture fans – it stands bright and domineering, built using white shell limestone from the Danube River.

Technology Museum

Situated conveniently near another tourist favourite, Schönbrunn Park, the Vienna Museum of Technology is a fascinating place for tech enthusiasts. The histories of planes, trains, and automobiles are all featured, as well as the opportunity for guided tours on the history of mining and a demonstration in high-voltage electricity.

Globe Museum

Located inside the impressively grand Austrian National Library, this one-of-a-kind museum celebrates the history of astronomy. Miniature versions of the Earth, the moon, and Mars all feature inside this alluring space and you can also admire the glittering golden orbs and astronomical instruments.

Sigmund Freud Museum

Austria is the home of psychoanalysis and was also the country of the godfather of the subject, Sigmund Freud, who conducted much of his most important theoretical work in Vienna. Based on the site of his former residence and office, this museum explores Freud’s incredible life and work. The interior of the museum was primarily designed by his daughter and the exhibitions offer a glimpse into his fascinating life.

Museum of Applied Arts

Commonly referred to as the MAK, this museum houses a variety of curiosities related to the arts that will delight and intrigue. A variety of exhibitions run throughout the year on subjects such as architecture, design, and fashion. A good time to visit is Tuesday evening, when all exhibitions are open to the public free of charge.

Schnapps Museum

Available to visit by appointment only, the Old Vienna Schnapps Museum pays tribute to the fruity liqueur. And it isn’t just a history lesson – there is also the chance to sample various types of schnapps, including many made using historic recipes, making this a boozy and educational day out!

Parks

City Park

The Vienna City Park was built in the years between 1860 and 1862, and opened in August 1862 as the city’s first public park. It is constructed in the style of an English landscape garden and was designed by Josef Selleny and Rudolf Siebeck. Originally, the park was just a part of the city’s first district, and therefore on the left side of the River Wien. But one year later the park was extended, and another part was built the other side of the river. Today, this park is the one with the most memorials and sculptures in Vienna. Certainly, the most photographed memorial is the one of the Viennese musician and composer Johann Strauss.

Danube Park

For about 70 years this park was a pistol shooting center, and then it became derelict. In the 1960s this area was renovated and transformed into a local recreation area. Along with its architectural landmark, the 252 meter-high Danube Tower, it was opened at the Vienna International Gardening Show in 1964. Today, there are a lot of playgrounds, skateparks and public tennis courts. It is the perfect place for seeing sculptures by international popular artists, making sports and relaxing in the meadow.

Lainzer Tiergarten

As long ago as Roman times this area was inhabited, and during Austria’s imperial era it was transformed into a hunting ground. Today, the Lainzer Tiergarten is a public nature reserve and part of the Vienna Woods. In this park there is a big wildlife stock, and animals like deers roe deers and wild boars live there. Besides, it is a popular attraction for hikers, runners families and day-trippers. And people interested in culture can visit the Hermesvilla, which is a culture and exhibition center.

Volksgarten

The Volksgarten is a public park located on the Ringstrasse in the first district of Vienna. It was built from 1819 to 1823, and there are two different styles that constitute the park. The side of the Hofburg was created in an English style, with a relaxed tree population. In contrast, on the Ringstrasse side the park was constructed in a French baroque style, with a highly detailed and precise planned garden. As every park has its sculptures, this one has them too. For example, visitors will find there the memorial of Empress Elisabeth and Franz Grillparzer, but also the Theseustemple, which is the smaller version of the Temple of Hephaistos in Athens. And also rose lovers will find there their favourite flower.

Nationalpark Donau Auen

Until the 19th century the Danube was an unregulated river. Today, it is kept under control, and part of this was the establishment of a national park, which is about 9,300 hectares and reaches from Vienna to the neighboring province Lower Austria and the boarder of Slovakia. It is a popular place for wanderers and day-trippers, who start their excursion at the Schloss Orth. There will be some boat trips with the canoe or zodiac offered. But also guided tours with the national park rangers are possible.

Schönbrunn Palace Garden

The palace garden in Schönbrunn is inseparable connected with the Schönbrunn Palace and the Gloriette. The Gloriette is up on the hill, directly opposite the palace. Initially, this area was a hunting lodge. Under the reign of Empress Maria Theresia in the 18th century, the castle and its park were renovated into the form we know them today. These days, the Schönbrunn Palace Garden serves as a local holiday area for natives and is a tourist attraction too.

Burggarten

The Burggarten is a park which is the perfect starting point to visit some of the most important attractions in Vienna. This park is located at the Ringstrasse, at the back of the National Library, very close to the Vienna State Opera. In the park itself, visitors will find the Palmenhaus, with its restaurant and butterfly house. It is a small and relaxed place, with a small pond and some sculptures of famous Austrians.

Markets

The Easter markets

It is a very special thing in Vienna to go to the Easter markets. Once a year some places change into a small Easter village. There you find typical decorations, like hand-painted eggs or Easter bunnies made of wood. But also, food and drinks are offered, which is ideal to get in to the full Easter mood. One of the oldest Easter markets is located at the Freyung in Vienna and is in the city center. It is in between of some houses, on a small plaza, and perfect for a longer and relaxed stay, and for finding the right things for everybody’s home.

Mondscheinbazar

About 200 exhibitors present their art, fashion and antiques at the Mondscheinbazar in the Marx Halle. The repertoire of the offered things ranges from books, clothes to vinyl and antiques. For a small entry fee, guests can stay the whole night, rummage around, and enjoy the special market aura. Welcome changes for everyone are the – mostly – local and talented bands, who perform their music.

Artisan market at Spittelberg

One of the loveliest alleys in Vienna is the Spittelberggasse. And on one weekend a month you will find an artisan market exhibiting the arts and crafts of local artists. You will find at the Spittelberg Market paintings, as well as jewelry. They offer specialties made of wood, glass, textile, clay and every material, which could be used to create beautiful jewelry, decorations and utilities for home use.

Neubaugasse Flea Market

The first market here took place in 1983, and nobody could foresee that it would be such a success. Twice a year this market in the Neubaugasse is a fixed point to visit for young and old people. As it is located very close to Vienna’s longest shopping street, it’s quite impossible to pass over this market. The secret behind the popularity of this market is that family-owned enterprises offer their produce besides young businessmen.

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is located very centrally, and lies at the overbuilt part of the Wien Fluss, which is the city’s river. It is a fixed market, which can be visited throughout the whole year. Everybody who needs foods for daily use, specialties from other countries, fish or extraordinary fruits will find them there. It is also ideal to have a tasty lunch or dinner. From time to time, there are different events, like readings, and additional markets, like a flea market, and every Saturday there is the farmers market. In any case, this is an eventful place of residence and multiculturalism.

Christmas markets

Every year both young and old are looking forward to the annual Christmas markets in Vienna. There are a lot. Some are situated more centrally, like the Christmas market at the Maria-Theresien-Platz, and some more outside of the city, like the Christmas market in front of the castle of Schönbrunn. The Christmas market shown in the picture above is located at Karlsplatz. It is close to the city center and offers a very unique ambiance with its church surrounds. This one offers only artisan craft work from Austrian artists. This market is perfect for having a hot punch, and offers a petting zoo for children too.