Vienna Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Vienna / Wien, Austria)

The city of Vienna has long been a city of culture, and this is reflected within its plentiful tourist attractions and endless sightseeing opportunities. Tourists will find that the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one such example of Viennese culture at its very finest, along with many other attractions, such as the glorious University Botanical Gardens.

The royal summer palace of the Schloss Schönbrunn is one of the most visited of all the tourist attractions in Vienna and this breathtaking building is simply enormous. You have to literally stand outside of the Schönbrunn Palace to fully appreciate the sheer scale of this colossal architecture, which actually comprises a staggering 1,440 different rooms and even features its very own zoo.

Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace) / Tiergarten (Vienna Zoo)

Address: Schönbrunner Schlosspark, Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse, Vienna, AT-1130, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 877 92940
It will easily take you at least half a day to simply tour the 40 rooms open to the public at this grand palace, which includes luxury apartments and the grand Audience Rooms. Many find the gardens at the Schloss Schönbrunn to be more enjoyable and these feature formal landscaping, a large maze, a tropical greenhouse (Palmenhaus), and the Gloriette Monument, which affords spectacular views across the palace itself. Children will enjoy a trip to the onsite zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) which was found in the mid-18th century and has become the world's oldest zoo. The Vienna Tiergarten is bursting with animal attractions and is proud to boast many firsts, such as the first elephant ever born in captivity (1906) and Europe's very first natural giant panda pregnancy and birth (2007).
Open hours: daily, April to October - 08:30 to 17:00; November to March - 08:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children and students

Botanische Gärten der Universität Wien (University Botanical Gardens)

Address: Mechelgasse 2, Landstrasser Gürtel 1, Vienna, AT-1030, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 427 754 190
The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna is a truly tranquil spot and encompasses approximately 20 acres / 8 hectares. Created in the middle of the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresia, as a rather grand herb garden, today the University Botanical Gardens has become a leading attraction in its own right, being home to almost 10,000 different plant species and many important collections. Various exotic plants are grown within tropical greenhouses and grand Victorian-style palm houses. The neighbouring Belvedere Gardens are also often of interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) / Staatsoper (Opera House)

Address: 2 Opernring, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 514 442 250
One of Europe's most accomplished opera companies, a performance by the Vienna State Opera is something not to miss. The city's opera house itself is an imposing building dating from the late 1860s and features a palatial, Neo-Romantic facade, which is at its most impressive at night, when it is completely illuminated. Following damage sustained during WWII, the original opera house (Opernhaus) was rebuilt and became the Staatsoper, capable of accommodating audiences of over 2,000 people. The famous Vienna Opera Ball takes place here, along with many other events, such as its popular New Year Concert.
Open hours: daily, hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge, discounts available

Watersports on the Old Danube

The long stretch of water known as the 'Old Danube' lies on the north-easterly side of the Donaustradt Island and during the summer months, affords itself to endless recreational attractions and watersports. Both locals and tourists come to the Old Danube to swim, sail or even windsurf, weather permitting. The river banks have virtually unrestricted access and on a bright day attracts crowds of sun worshippers.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Prater Amusement Park / Riesenrad (Giant Wheel)

Address: Prater 9, Wiener Praterverband, Vienna, AT-1020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 728 0516
Tourists of all ages will enjoy a day out at the Prater Amusement Park, which is filled with family friendly attractions and more than 60 different eateries, and is located close to Vienna city centre, in the 2nd District of Leopoldstadt and close to the River Danube. Highlights range from nostalgic merry-go-rounds and ghost trains, to go-karts and speedy roller coasters, perfect for those looking for a quick adrenaline rush. However, it is the Riesenrad (Giant Wheel) that has long been the number one attraction at the Vienna Prater Amusement Park. Built more than 100 years ago, at the end of the 19th century, the Riesenrad transports passengers to a height of more than 65 metres / 213 feet, where the views are just awesome. Close by is the spreading 'Green Prater' forest, which comes complete with contrasting nature trails and meadows.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to midnight
Admission: charge

Skiing, Snowboarding and other Winter Sports

Blessed by some of Austria's finest mountainous scenery, the Vienna area becomes a haven for both skiers and snowboarders during the snowy, winter months. Regular buses connect all of the neighbouring ski resorts and winter sports attractions close by, on the slopes of Mount Semmering. Particular favourites include the resorts of Doll-Wiese, Freestyle Zentrum Donauinsel and Hohe-Wand-Wiese, the latter of which is home to a 400-metre / 1,312-foot ski lift and views that will almost take your breath away.
Open hours: seasonal
Admission: charge