Vienna Landmarks and Monuments

(Vienna / Wien, Austria)

The sights and sounds of Vienna are quite memorable and the city possesses some truly outstanding European landmarks and important monuments, often serving as a reminder of the city's past, when it was the capital of the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. With sophisticated palaces and breathtaking architecture, the landmarks of Vienna are easily explored by foot, by tram or by using the underground U-Bahn train network.

Landmarks in Austria rarely come more impressive than those in Vienna, which include iconic structures such as the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), St. Stephen's Cathedral (St. Stephansdom), the Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere) and the Austrian Parliament Building (Parlament). The Hofburg is always a particular favourite of many and visitors will be able to learn more about the lifestyle of Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Sissi), and even visit her very own 19th-century gymnasium.

Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace)

Address: Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, Vienna, AT-1030, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 795 570
The Schloss Belvedere is located within the 3rd District of Landstrasse and consists of two actual buildings, the Oberes Belvedere and Österreichische Galerie (Upper Belvedere and Austrian Gallery), and the Unteres Belvedere (Lower Belvedere). These two grand mansions stand at either end of a beautifully landscaped garden and each has much to offer, including museums and Austrian art works, including the world-famous painting 'The Kiss' by local Austrian Symbolist painter, Gustav Klimt.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Hofburg (Imperial Palace)

Address: Michaelerplatz, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 533 7570
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is a powerful landmark and for many, synonymous with Vienna. Known all over Austria, the Hofburg was once part of the wealthy and powerful Habsburg family and has been used as a seat of the Austrian government for more than 700 years. Over the years, the Hofburg has been added to and updated, and this has resulted in a mixture of different architectural styles, which all seem to blend fairly successfully. The Austrian President is based here, along with many important local museums, the treasury (Schatzkammer) and the Imperial Library (Prunksaal).
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Address: Wipplinger Strasse 8, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
The Altes Rathaus can be found within the very heart of Vienna, presiding over the Wipplinger Strasse. This prominent landmark came into existence just over 500 years ago and exudes an unmistakable medieval grandeur. Situated directly opposite the Bohemian Chancery, the Old Town Hall contains a wealth of fascinating local artefacts and a well-known Baroque wall fountain (Andromeda Fountain), which splashes gently in the courtyard.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

St. Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)

Address: Stephansplatz 1, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 515 523 526
St. Stephen's Cathedral has long been one of Vienna's most important and impressive landmarks and stands proudly within the Inner City, serving as a monument to the past. The Stephansdom is nothing short of a Gothic masterpiece and dates from the middle of the 12th century. Highlights include ornate, patterned roofs and a tall, latticework spire, which towers some 136 metres / 446 feet in height and plays an important part of the city's skyline.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 22:00
Admission: charge for tower and catacombs

Heldenplatz (Heroes Square)

Address: Heldenplatz, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
When you stand on the Heldenplatz and try to picture the crowds of literally thousands who once gathered here in 1938 to listen as Adolf Hitler addressed them, it is quite likely that you will experience a chill down your spine. Heldenplatz has become a famous local landmark for this reason alone and is conveniently close to the spreading parks of the Burggarten and the Volksgarten.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Judenplatz

Address: Judenplatz, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT
The Judenplatz ranks highly amongst the most attractive of Vienna's many public plazas and marks the spot of a Jewish ghetto, which was based here around 700 years ago. Today, the square is home to a number of Jewish-themed attractions, including the modern Holocaust Memorial (Holocaust Mahnmal), along with the Jewish cultural centre and the Museum Judenplatz, which contains artefacts and information about a medieval synagogue which once stood on this very spot.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Parlament (Austrian Parliament Building)

Address: Doktor-Karl-Renner Ring 3, Vienna, AT-1017, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 01 401 100
One of Vienna's most magnificent landmarks, the palatial Parlament building is the official residence of the Austrian Parliament and is located on the southern side of the Rathausplatz, on Dr. Karl Renner's Avenue and close to the many other grand buildings. Construction of the Parlament commenced in 1874 and lasted just under ten years, with the facade clearly being inspired by classical Greek temples. The Austrian Parliament Building comprises no less than 100 rooms and these include both the rooms of the Federal Council and the Chambers of the National Council.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Friday, July to September - 09:00, 10:00 and 14:00; October to June - 11:00 and 15:00
Admission: charge

Kaisergruft / Kapunzinergruft (Imperial Crypt / Vault)

Address: Tegetthofstrasse, Neuer Markt, Vienna, Austria, AT
The Kaisergruft is located on the Neue Markt and close to the Hofburg. This somewhat exclusive and ornate crypt has become a bizarre attraction and the bodies of almost 150 Austrian aristocrats remain here, including 30 past emperors and empresses. The Kaisergruft is visited by literally thousands each year, who come to marvel at the freestanding tombs and beautiful sarcophagi.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, concessions available