Few cities in the world glide so effortlessly between the present and the past like Vienna. Its splendid historical face is easily recognised: grand imperial palaces and bombastic baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares and, above all, the Hofburg – where the Habsburg rulers lived, loved and married into empires

SIGHTS

• the Hapsburg Palace was the home to the royal family and has extravagant grounds. The famously controversial Adolf Loos’ Goldman and Salatsch building is located on Michaelerplatz across from one of the entrances to the palace
• Belvedere Castle (upper and lower) has a beautiful park and houses some of the best Austrian paintings (don’t miss Klimt’s The Kiss!)
• The Viennese Opera is famous throughout the world and located right by the famous Sacher Hotel that has the delicious Sacher torte (see Food below)
• Rathaus is the city hall where they have the yearly Christmas market
• Stefansdom is the main church in the center of the city (across from the Haas Haus designed by Hans Hollein) with the pedestrian shopping streets next to it
• The Secession building is a gorgeous example of Art Nouveau/Jungenstiel in Vienna and houses the famous Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze. It is also worth visiting the many Art Nouveau Wagner buildings throughout Vienna
• Karlskirche is a very nice church near the Secession building
• The Hundertwasser House and the Kunst Haus were both designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and worth checking out for their fantastic and colorful architectural style
• The Prater is the huge ferris wheel in Stadtpark you can ride to get a great view from high up!

FOOD

• Sacher Torte is one of Sophie and Dora’s main reasons for going to Vienna (not kidding!). This is where the original was made and no one in the world makes it like they do. This is also a great souvenir to take home and enjoy!
• Wienerschnitzel is a must when in Vienna. We know of a few places that we like: der Schnitzelwirt (located near the Myrthengasse Hostel listed below), Figlmueller (located near Stefansdom, most famous and pricey), Steirereck (located in the Stadtpark)

ACCOMMODATION

• Wombats Hostel is quite possibly the best hostel you will find anywhere. At least it’s one of Jason’s favorites. There are three locations in Vienna so pick the most convenient location
• Myrthengasse Hostel is located near the city center (an easy bus ride in) and is always nice

EXCURSIONS

• Schönbrunn is an easy day/half day trip from Vienna. It was the summer palace for the royal family and has a beautiful park surrounding it

MORE INFORMATION

• Vienna
• Lonely Planet
• Eyewitness Guidebooks

Have a question or a recommendation of your own?