Attractions Nearby Vienna, Day Trips and Excursions

(Vienna / Wien, Austria)

The Danube Valley is close to Vienna and filled with quality attractions, which range from terraced vineyards, ancient remains of castles, and some truly charming medieval towns. Tourists from Vienna also choose to visit the various attractions and museums within Austria's second-biggest city of Graz, or one of the acclaimed art galleries in nearby Linz.

However, Vienna is also close to both Hungary and Slovakia, and so some quite different attractions are within reach of Austria's capital city. Therefore, do consider day trips to either Bratislava (Slovakia) or Gyor (Hungary) if you have the time.

Graz

The many attractions of Graz can be reached in just over two hours and lie some 200 km / 124 miles to the south-west of Vienna. Graz is known for being home to no less than six different universities and boasts a historical Old Town district, which is now deemed to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Town Graz contains many wonderful sights and sounds, such as the Rathaus (City Hall) and the famous Schlossberg hill, which dominates the city and is topped by an eye-catching castle.

Bratislava

Slovakia's proud capital and located around 87 km / 54 miles from Vienna, Bratislava is a large city and home to roughly 450,000 residents. Bratislava has become well known for its glorious 20th-century landmarks and historical buildings, which are clustered within is Old Town district. The main square in Bratislava is the Hlavné Námestie and attractions here include both the Old Town Hall (Stará Radnica) and the Roland Fountain (Rolandova Fontána). Bratislava is easy to reach by either car, train or rather scenic but pricey ferries, the latter of which depart from the Donaukanal.

Gyor

An important gateway city close to both Vienna and Budapest, Gyor is one of Hungary's most visited tourist destinations. Gyor contains a surprising concentration of historical monuments and attractions, a number of which are based around the public plaza, Bésci Kapu Tér, such as the Carmellite Church. Close by is the Káptalan Domb (Chapter Hill), where you will be able to explore the city's basilica, which dates as far back as the 11th century. If you have the time, the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola is worth a look as resides on the Széchenyi Tér.

Linz

Although Linz may be fairly industrial by nature and can hardly compete with Vienna when it comes to attractions, it does actually warrant investigation, for its plentiful museums alone. The Lentos Kunstmuseum is a relatively new addition to the attractions scene in Linz and this acclaimed art gallery is known as much for its eye-catching architecture as it is its wealth of art works, which include works by Klimt, Picasso and Warhol, amongst many others. Linz is just over two hours from Vienna and can be found around 186 km / 116 miles to the west.

Melk

The city of Melk is located approximately 88 km / 55 miles west of Vienna, alongside the Wachau Valley and next to the River Danube. Attractions here are varied and the city is home to the beautiful golden, Baroque-style Stift Melk, a historical Benedictine monastery complete with Abbey Museum, along with the Forsthaus and the Rathausplatz, a grand public square presided over by its 16th-century town hall. Also of interest and on the very outskirts of Melk is the Schallaburg, a breathtaking Renaissance castle rated as one of Austria's very best.