The most beautiful sights in Vienna

March 27, 2025

Vienna has been voted the city with the highest quality of life for nine years in a row. So it should come as no surprise that you can really have a good time here. The city also offers so much history and culture that a weekend will hardly be enough to admire the city in its entirety. That’s why we’ve picked out a few sights for you that should be included in a short city trip. Whether it’s castles, churches or a trip to the food stalls at the Naschmarkt – there’s something for everyone to discover here.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

In Vienna’s city center, you can’t miss the city’s landmark: St. Stephen’s Church, which has been a cathedral church since 1365 and is often referred to as Austria’s national shrine. Its origins go back to the year 1137. In the lovingly named “Steffl”, you can see and visit all sorts of things in addition to the daily church services. The catacombs, the towers and even the “Pummerin”, the largest and most famous bell in Austria, are open to visitors. Admission to the cathedral is free, but tours and guided tours cost a fee.

We have researched the prices and opening hours for you:

The cathedral tour takes place daily at 3 pm and starts at the pulpit; English-language tours are available at 10:30 am. The tour lasts 30 minutes, adults pay €5.50 and children up to the age of 14 pay €2.
The same prices apply for the catacombs, the tour also lasts 30 minutes. Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 16:30 Sunday and public holidays 13:30 – 16:30.
From the North Tower you can take the elevator to the “Pummerin”, the prices for adults and children remain as described above. Visits are possible daily from 9:00 to 17:30.
Since 2012, St. Stephen’s Cathedral has once again housed the cathedral treasury, which can be admired in the west gallery from Monday to Friday from 10:00 – 18:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 13:00 – 18:00.
The south tower is over 136 m high and can be visited up to the 72nd meter, where the Türmerstube is located. From 1534 to 1955, the Türmerstube served as a lookout post for the watchmen. Adults pay €4.50 and children up to the age of 14 pay €1.50.

If you are traveling as a group, it is advisable to make arrangements by telephone and register here in advance: +43 1 51552 – 3054 All-inclusive guided tours are available for adults for €17.90 and for children up to the age of 14 for €2.90. Tickets are available directly at the cathedral.

St. Stephen’s is 136 m high.

Vienna Prater

The Prater is located in the 2nd district and is a popular excursion and recreation destination with several sports facilities for soccer, basketball, horse riding, swimming and bowling, among others. The amusement park with nostalgic rides, which is open all year round, also bears the name Prater. This is where the famous Ferris wheel from 1897 is located. The entire area covers over 6 square kilometers and is definitely worth a visit as there is so much to discover here. Where else can you find so many meadows and bodies of water – and a nostalgic amusement park right in the middle of it all?

The Prater is a popular excursion destination.

The Hundertwasser House

Who would have thought it, we are also interested in residential buildings in our free time. That’s why sightseeing in Vienna without the Hundertwasserhaus is possible for us, but also pointless. But what exactly is there to see?

From the very beginning: The Austrian artist Friendensreich Hundertwasser was interested in architecture throughout his life and was commissioned by the City of Vienna at the end of 1977 to design a residential building according to his ideas. He was assigned an architect and the great project took its course. The result is impressive: Inspired by other artists such as Gaudì and Cheval, the Hundertwasser house is colorful, unique and full of life! The trees and shrubs planted in 1985 are now large and form their own park on the roof of the house. The building houses 52 apartments, 4 commercial premises, 16 private and 3 communal terraces. We think so: You have to see it.

The colorful house is lush with greenery.

Naschmarkt

Since the 16th century, the 6th district has been home to the Naschmarkt, which covers an area of over 2 hectares and offers visitors plenty to see and taste. Since 2000, the market has been supplemented by various catering establishments. Just the right destination for all day-trippers who have already worked up an appetite. Here you will find fruit, vegetables, baked goods, fish and meat from various countries. Asian stores adjoin Turkish, Greek and former Yugoslavian stalls. Most of them are open daily from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, on Saturday until 6:00 pm. The catering establishments are allowed to stay open until 11:00 pm, which is why there is a lot of activity in the evenings, especially in the summer months.

The Naschmarkt is 2,315 hectares in size.

Schönbrunn Palace

When visiting Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see. Built in the 18th century as a summer residence for Empress Maria Theresa, it is now one of Austria’s most visited cultural assets. The largest palace in the country and its 160-hectare park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The palace, or rather the park, is also home to the oldest zoo in the world, which still exists today. Schönbrunn Zoo covers an area of 16 hectares.

And how did the name Schönbrunn come about? There is a story about this that we don’t want to withhold from you. It happened in 1612 during a hunt that Emperor Maximilian came across a spring and literally said: “What a beautiful fountain!” Since then, the area on which the palace was later built has been known as Schönbrunn.

Built in the 18th century for Empress Maria Theresa.

The most beautiful sights in Vienna