Vienna Travelers Recommend

Home to the Habsburg dynasty since the 15th century and once the de facto capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Vienna is one of the finest and most historic cities in Europe. In addition to its vast imperial history, Vienna’s impressive musical legacy is evident in the city’s many theaters, opera houses and concert venues. Day One: The Heart of Vienna Kick off your visit by picking up the Vienna Card at your hotel or the tourist information center. Then, get a feel for the city by circling the Ringstrasse via the Vienna Ring Tram. Day Two: Museum-Hopping Today, dig a little deeper by visiting some of the city’s top museums. Day Three: Vienna’s Imperial Past Start your third morning with a visit to the Naschmarket, an open air market on the edge of town that has been around since the Middle Ages. Then, explore more of Vienna’s imperial past at the enchanting Schoenbrunn Palace and Park.

Vienna, the home of classical music, was famously home to Mozart and many other composers. With opera houses and concert halls all over the city, Vienna has continued to be the first-port of call for music lovers and classical musicians alike. Every night the Viennese concert halls are alive with Mozart and Strauss’ compositions, brought to life by some of the best orchestras in the world. If it’s Mozart that you’re looking for then there are several venues that you can check out. Expect to be taken on a journey back in time as the performers dress in traditional 18th century clothing and wigs to make your night all the more authentic and magical. There are three main halls which host the Mozart music nights. The Musikverein was inaugurated in 1870 by the Emperor Franz Joseph and the Golden Hall is the permanent home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

There is so much to see in romantic Vienna, from Baroque palaces to world-class museums and classical concerts. And if that is not enough, any of the suggestions below make a diverting day trip from the city of Strauss and white horses. Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Take day trips from Vienna on the Danube River to learn about Austrian wines in the Wachau Valley, and enjoy lunch at a typical Austrian heurige (inn) before exploring the medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dürnstein, where English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned on his way back from the Crusades in 1192. Salzburg Explore the birthplace of Mozart, a beautiful city mad on music with splendid castles, great museums, and the Baroque Schloss Mirabell with its extraordinary gardens full of trick fountains. The journey is half the fun here as the road winds past lakes Fuschl and Wolfgang and the snowy peaks of the Alps, providing panoramic mountain views.

Warmer months mean longer days and more time to explore. The city of Vienna offers travelers plenty of ways to capitalize on sunshine with numerous cultural, historical and sightseeing options. The gilded city of Vienna is the perfect place for travelers who want to experience the royal treatment. Visitors can float along the picturesque Danube River and stop at the incredible Schonbrunn Palace, where breathtaking interiors and historic artifacts tell the story of kings and queens. While city highlight tours prove a popular choice for first-time visitors, Vienna offers up several options that cater to specific interests. Whether it’s a wine-tasting bike tour, walking tour of the historic district or guided journey that ends with a Mozart concert, there’s a tour in Vienna for almost anyone. The city’s close proximity to other popular destinations also makes it an ideal place for day tours to places such as Viena Woods, Bratislava or Melk Abbey.

Vienna is a city awash with history, culture and music, ornate palaces, fabulous museums and galleries and it’s impossible to catch everything in one visit. Taking a tour guarantees that you’ll see all the amazing sights, and as all these walks are led by history buffs who are expert in their chosen fields, you’ll have the added benefit of all their knowledge. Historical Tour of Vienna If you’re short on time in Vienna, the best way to see the significant landmarks is by taking a three-hour guided walking tour. The route passes the Viennese Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the University, a clutch of museums and the Hofburg Palace. On arriving at the majestic Schonbrunn Palace, you get to skip the line and take a guided tour of the former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy.

Running all the way from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea on the eastern coast of Romania, the mighty Danube River is the longest river in the European Union and has long been known as one of Europe’s great rivers to cruise. It’s possible to cruise the entire length of the Danube, but the most scenic section is the romantic "Blue Danube" route between the Hungarian capital of Budapest and the medieval town of Passau on the German border, winding through the vineyards of the Wachau Valley and passing through the Slovakian capital of Bratislava and the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Of course, you don’t have to embark on the journey of a lifetime to take in the highlights of the Danube–a short sightseeing cruise is also a great way to enjoy the scenic waterfront, and with its opulent palaces and regal parks, Vienna offers a striking backdrop.