All about Vienna

Discover the capital of Austria from the best side

Vienna, the wonderful capital of Austria, as well as capital of music (Beethoven and Mozart) is the second largest german-speaking city in the world - and it is well worth visiting, because of its gorgeous buildings and variety of culture.

Places of interest

The marvellous Schönbrunn Palace is very famous. You can visit the rooms of Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi"), enjoy the view from Gloriette and go for a stroll through the extensive zoo.

In the downtown area (first district, 1. Bezirk) you can marvel at St. Stephen's Cathedral, State opera, Hofburg and the surrounding ring road.

Worth seeing is also the art museum in Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, the art museum Albertina, Museumsquartier and Hundertwasserhaus.

Enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage (Fiaker) or on the famous giant wheel in the entertainment park "Prater"!

Nightlife

The city offers not only a variety of culture - Vienna at night is just as diverse. Apart from the world-famous annual "Opernball", there are a lot of clubs, pubs, bars, discos and "Beisln".

In the popular Club Flex you can dance to electronic music. Further key venues for nightlife are Chelsea, B72 and Rhiz. Close to Prater you can find Pratersauna and Fluc and near to Museumsquartier there are cafes and bars with outdoor service.

Around Mariahilfer Straße there are a lot of cafes, bars and small clubs: Café Europa, Blue Box, Pulse and Luftbad.

In December it is especially beautiful at the christmas markets (e.g. at Rathausplatz) with cookies and hot punch and glühwein, in summer in green courtyards called "Schanigarten".

Shopping

One highlight of Vienna is shopping. The exclusive brands and luxury shops are located near to Kärtner Straße, Graben and Kohlmarkt. However the best shopping district for clothing and accessoires is Mariahilfer Straße and its small side streets. Here you find something for everyone!

Food and beverages

After an extensive shopping spree, treat yourself to a little break! Vienna is known for its multitude of coffee and traditional sweets like apple strudel, Germknödel (yeast dumpling filled with plum jam), Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancake-style mixture with sugar), Palatschinken (stuffed pancake) und Sachertorte (rich chocolate gateau).

The famous Viennese cuisine offers Goulash, Schweinsbraten (joint of pork) and Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese escalope). At the numerous sausage stands ("Würstelstände") in the lively streets you can find Leberkäse (pork, beef and veal meatloaf), Frankfurter (sausage) and Bosner (hot dog).

In Vienna there are a lot of traditional cafes with a local flavor: Café Central, Café Hawelka, Café Hofburg, Café Mozart and Café Sacher, to name but a few.

Naschmarkt is very recommendable with fresh fruits, vegetable, spices, fish and meat, as well as souvenirs.

In small pubs called "Heuriger" you can taste wine, often served as "Gespritzter" (wine mixed with mineral water).

Experience the so called "Wiener Schmäh" (Viennese charm) very closely and let this city enchant you!