Vienna is the capital of Austria and is home to several international organisations, such as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Vienna International Centre (UNRISD) houses one of the four headquarters of the United Nations (UN). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also based in the city, in the same complex of buildings as the Vienna International Centre. Because of its international political importance, Vienna is among the world's global cities.
For centuries, Vienna was the imperial capital of the House of Habsburg and, as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, it also served as the capital of the Austrian Empire,
Vienna's Old Town, which is characterised as the site of the Habsburg reign, as well as Schönbrunn Palace, are recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as World Heritage Sites. St Stephen's Cathedral, alongside the Riesenrad and other attractions, are recognised as one of the tallest buildings in the city and the centre of the metropolitan church. Vienna is a city with a high quality of life.
10 Places to visit in Wien
1. Schönbrunn Palace
Built to rival the opulence of Versailles, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) was once the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs. Today, this baroque palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Austria's most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments.
2. Hofburg Imperial Palace
Formerly the winter residence of the Austrian royal family, the Hofburg Imperial Palace (Hofburg Wien) is now a lasting tribute to the glory of the Habsburg Empire. It is one of Vienna's most magnificent baroque palaces, located in the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Vienna. Visitors to the Hofburg can explore the Imperial Apartments, visit the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection, or watch a performance at the world-famous Spanish Riding School.
3. St Stephen's Cathedral
With its dark Gothic towers, complex tiled roof and imposing bell tower, St Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is one of Vienna's main attractions. Centrally located on Stephansplatz in the UNESCO-listed historic city centre, the cathedral has impressive architecture inside and out. It is also a site of great historical significance - Emperor Friedrich III and several other Habsburg dignitaries were buried here.
4. Vienna's Old Town
Vienna's Old Town is the beating heart of Austria and home to major attractions such as Vienna City Hall, the Parliament and the lively Museum Quarter. Also known as the first district or inner city and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is rich in baroque castles and gardens, as well as the 19th-century Ringstrasse, a ring road of grand buildings, monuments and parks that encircles most of the city centre. There are enough landmarks here to keep you taking photos all day.
5. Vienna State Opera
A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is a sacred place for opera fans. Every year, the auditorium hosts 350 performances by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna State Ballet (Wiener Staatsballett), as well as the Vienna Opera Ball.
6. St Peter's Church
This is the second oldest church in the city. It is said that the original church was built by Charlemagne, but was burnt down in 1661. The new church, inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, was consecrated in 1733 and a relief plaque on the outside of the church tells the legend of Charlemagne. St Peter's Church was Vienna's first domed structure and features an ornate interior with colourful frescoes and gilded stucco.
7. Belvedere Palace
Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the magnificent Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) is among Vienna's many Baroque-era treasures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Rathaus
For sheer grandeur, the Neo-Gothic Rathaus, or Vienna City Hall, steals the Ringstrasse show. Completed in 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt, it was inspired by Flemish town halls. Its main spire rises to 335 feet (102 m). You are free to wander around the seven inner courtyards, but you must join a guided tour to see the interior, with its red carpets, giant mirrors and frescoes.
9. Burgtheater
Founded in 1741 by Empress Maria Theresia, the resplendent Burgtheater is not only the Austrian National Theatre, but one of the largest and most important theatres in Europe. Designed by the German architect Gottfried Sempre, the ornamental façade takes on a high Italian Renaissance style, flanked by Corinthian pillars and adorned with elaborate sculptures and friezes.
10. Melk Abbey (Stift Melk)
With its ornate gold-coloured façade and large baroque church towers in an idyllic setting of the Wachau Valley and the River Danube, Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) looks more like a palace than a monastery. Founded in 1089, the Benedictine abbey underwent a dramatic renovation in the 18th century and is now considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Europe.
How to get There?
✈️ Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located around 24 kilometers southeast of the city center. Here are your options for getting to the heart of Vienna:
🚈 Train: The quickest and most convenient option is the CAT (City Airport Train). It departs directly from the airport terminal and takes just 16 minutes to reach Wien Mitte station, in the heart of the city. Tickets cost around €12 (euros).
🚉 Train (Budget-friendly): For a more economical option, you can take the S-Bahn (commuter train) lines S7 or S1 from the Wien-Flughafen station (located beneath the airport) to Wien Floridsdorf station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and tickets are priced around €4.
🚍 Bus: Several bus companies offer connections between Vienna Airport and the city center. Flixbus and RegioJet are popular choices, with journeys lasting approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Ticket prices start from around €8.
🚖 Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The ride to central Vienna takes roughly 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. However, taxis are the most expensive option, with fares typically starting around €40.