There is a timelessness about Vienna, as though very little has changed since the days of the Hapsburg Empire. Full of wonderful baroque architecture, its wide streets, elegant shops and cafés are a pleasure for any visitor.
Always associated with the music of Strauss and Mozart, there are many interesting buildings and landmarks which are worth exploring in and around the city centre.
Vienna’s Old City, or Inner Stadt, is now a UNESCO World heritage Site. Here the visitor will find narrow medieval streets and most of the important buildings, all within walking distance of each other.
St Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna
St Stephen’s Cathedral, Stephansdom, is in a prime position in the centre of the old city. Distinctly Gothic looking, much of the cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The steeple is around 137m high, with over 340 steps up to the observation platform. A lift takes visitors to the cupola at the top of the unfinished North Tower for an excellent view over Vienna.
Vienna Opera House
Originally built in 1869, the design of the National Opera House, Staatsoper, was not very popular at the time. Much of it was bombed in 1945 and it was rebuilt to reflect the original style. With sumptuous theatre, staircases and corridors, it is very much a grand place to visit. The programme is often booked well in advance and it may be difficult to buy tickets for certain performances.
Another way to enjoy seeing the opera house is to take a guided tour during day time which is much less expensive. These are available in different languages and, although there are no concerts, visitors are allowed to view most parts of the building.
The Hofburg Palace of the Habsburgs
This imposing building was home to Austria’s Imperial rulers since the 13th century. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Imperial apartments to view the way Franz Joseph and his wife, the Empress Elisabeth (Sissi), lived at home. Part of the building houses the Sissi Museum, devoted to information and displays about Elisabeth’s life since childhood and her adult obsession with beauty and exercise.
Further along is the priceless collection of the Imperial Silver and Tableware Collection, which includes the 140-piece service and Renaissance-style centrepiece which was gifted by Queen Victoria in 1851.
Spanish Riding School and Lipizzaner Horses
A highlight for many visitors, these unique Lipizzaner horses perform their intricate steps in the beautiful 18th century parade hall throughout the year, apart from July and August. As well as being expensive, the shows are normally booked well in advance. A cheaper option is to buy tickets for the morning rehearsal, where many visitors watch the horses training for the evening shows.
Getting Around Vienna
The easiest way to see most of the attractions in the old part of the city is to walk and enjoy the magnificent architecture, cobbled streets and wide, elegant shopping avenues. For a step back in time, the Fiaker, a horse-drawn carriage, is ideal for a more leisurely view of the town and many of the friendly drivers offer invaluable information about their city.
There is a good tram, bus, and U-Bahn (subway) service around the outer ring, and to the outer regions, providing an easy way to get to the magnificent Schloss Schönbrunn, Maria Teresa’s former palace. They also take visitors to Prater Park, the old-fashioned amusement park famous for its giant Ferris Wheel, Riesenrad, which starred in one of the James Bond films and the Third Man.
There are many museums and art galleries around Vienna, including the modern museum complex of the MuseumsQuartier, as well as churches of differing styles. No visit to the city is complete without coffee and a slice of the famous chocolate Sachertorte at one of the elegant cafés, such as the restored Café Central, or Sigmund Freud’s favourite, the Landmann Coffee House.
There is so much to see in and around Vienna that one visit is never enough. With a longer stay, it is worth trying to take a trip to the Vienna Woods or the Danube Valley, to appreciate the beauty of the Austrian countryside.
Rosemary Gemmell - Professional freelance writer of published short stories and articles in the UK, US and online. Author of historical romance and ...
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