Vienna, the capital city of Austria houses various beautiful and artistic attractions which showcase its rich culture and heritage. Moreover, it stands out among other European destinations for being a “new old city”, a city in transition from an old “picture city” to a complete global city.
So, here we present you the list of Top 10 tourist attractions and sites in Vienna, Austria
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10. Hundertwasserhaus
It is one of the rarest and most weird apartment houses around the globe. Situated in the 3rd district of Vienna this apartment has a roof covered with the earth, grass, bushes with the large trees on the balcony, corridors and even inside the rooms. It is a blend of both natural and concrete world and can be described as the architecture of future and inspiration for the future living designs which works along with the nature.
9. Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
Kunsthistorisches is one the oldest museums of the fine arts and decorative arts in the world. It houses to world’s finest art collection and mainly the Bruegel picture collection. It is the Mecca for all the art lovers where they can easily found the masterpieces from world renowned artists like Lucas Cranach, Guido Reni, Tiepolo, Hans Holbein, Titian, Fetti, Canaletto and many more.
8. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Standing on the ruins of two earlier churches which were destroyed from the attacks during the wars, St. Stephen’s Cathedral church was completed in the year 1160. It houses to the Archbishop and this cathedral has become city’s one of the most important symbol and place for important events and happenings in the nation’s history. Its current Romanesque and Gothic form was initiated later by Rudolf IV. The beautiful facades with magnificent wall pictures and art make this place one of its kind showering the signs of rich artistic culture and history of Austria.
7. Vienna State Opera
In middle of Vienna city, there lies a beautiful and phenomenal architectural structure with one of the world’s most renowned orchestra. The initial structure was destroyed during Second World War, but was restored in 1955 with little bit of modernization in the interiors. This building is designed in Renaissance style and beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Mozart’s ‘magic Flute’. The architecture also houses various structures, sculptures and pictures depicting the heroism, drama, imagination, love and comedy like Winged Horse, Lorelei fountain etc.
6. Karlsplatz Charles Square
Dominated by a magnificent Baroque church and several institutions, it is one of Vienna’s largest squares. Its western half is of interest for Naschmarkt and Secession building whereas eastern half is occupied by Resselpark and a leafy park leading to the underground station. The main attractions in the park are the pavilions which used entrance to Vienna’s former metro network and now serve as a café and for expositions. The main attraction for this place lies due to the Karlskirche church of ancient architecture and style influenced by Roman style. Moreover, the work of many famous artists can be easily found out in Secession Building, History Museum, Musikverein and Kunstlerhaus structures decorated with large sculptures, fountain and beautiful roof work.
5. The Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus)
Just 200m from the Opera House, there stands the beautiful and unique Butterfly House. Built during the Art Nouveu period, it is housed with stunning palm house where you can admire around 400 live, free flying butterflies. These vivid and colorful creatures floating through air, exotic plants and waterfalls enjoy this atmosphere to be as true to nature as possible. It is part of Hofburg royal Palace and is situated at the edge of the Burggarten palace gardens. It is its uniqueness and scenic beauty that being even a part of Hofburg palace, still it requires a separate place among Vienna’s attraction.
4. Belvedere Palace
It is also Vienna’s one of the most magnificent palace constituting two palaces facing each other on a sloping hill with French gardens, fountains, statues and cascades between the two. This complex was designed by Johann Lukas Von Hildebrandt as the summer palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy. It was Maria Theresia who decided to use this palace as Royal Art Collection house and in 1779, she opened the palace and gardens to the public. But in 1918, the both palaces became home to state museums. Now it is divided in two parts – Unteres Belvedere and the Oberes Belvedere. And between these palaces there lies the Belvedere garden in formal French style with statues and a small waterfall.
3. Vienna’s Prater with Riesenrad
Vienna is famous not only for its rich historic structures and architectural buildings but it has flair for all the modern tourist attractions as well. Vienna’s Prater is house to almost 250 different attractions and activities ranging from Giant Ferris Wheel, merry-go-rounds, ghost trains, go-cart-links, long slides to arcade for games as well. Whenever you want a break from overwhelming historic culture and sculptures, just come here and it will make you relaxed with a modern adventure world and plenty of cafes, restaurants, planetariums and bars.
2. Hofburg Imperial Palace
It is the official residence of the President of Austria. It was the Habsburg’s principal winter residence. The construction of today’s palace started after 1533 when Ferdinand decided to move his residence to Vienna. Now, this palace is a great tourist destination in Vienna with churches, chapels, museums, royal apartments housed within its complex. Due to its vast size, it is not possible to visit this palace in one day. Some of the major highlights of this palace which definitely need a visit are: The Kaiserappartements, The Schatzkammer, The Prunksaal, The Winterreitschule, The Albertina Museum and the Neue Burg Museums.
1. Schonbrunn Palace
Built between 1696 and 1712, this 1441 room palace spread over 435 acres is one the major tourist attraction in Vienna with highest number of footfall among any Vienna attraction or site. It was built at the request of Emperor Leopold I but turned into an imperial palace by Maria Theresa. On the top of 60 meter high hill, it offers various attractions e.g. the oldest zoo in the world, parks with fountains, a marble summerhouse, a maze and labyrinth and the Privy Garden. The major highlights of this place include Neptune fountain, Najadenbrunnen, Gloriette, The Palm House, The Dairy farm, a Hothouse and many more. It will not be wrong to say that this palace is itself a huge collection of various sites and attractions to visits. And it is the reason that it sees the highest number of tourists in entire Austria.