Vienna Leisure

There is no shortage of things to do in Vienna.  In fact, you would need more than a month to even come close to covering half the sights to see or things to do in this fascinating city that makes history come alive.  You can start with the following few suggestions.

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Stephansplatz - website

This cathedral is composed of fabulous architecture and a history that begins in the year 1304.  It is a beacon to the city and it is exquisite.

2. St. Michael’s Church, Michaelerplatz - website

This church is where Mozart’s last musical composition was first played, a week after his death.  It has a beautiful gothic interior with a touch of rococo.

3. Votivkirche, Rooseveltplatz 8 - website

This magnificent church is one of the most famous sites along the Ringstrasse.  Its design was inspired by the gothic cathedrals at Chartres and Cologne.

4. Schönbrunn, Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse - website

This grand palace was a summer home for the Habsburgs.  It has almost 1,500 spectacular and ornate rooms.  In its Mirror Hall, Mozart performed when he was 7 years old.

5. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Burgring 5 - website

This museum contains a huge and breathtaking collection of paintings by some of the greatest and most renowned painters of all time.  If you can visit only one museum, make this one your choice.

6. Natural History Museum, Burgring 7 - website

Gigantic dinosaurs and rare fossils can be found here, as well as the skeleton of a Diplodocus.  This is a premier facility that also includes the 25,000-year-old “Venus of Willendorf.”

7. Schatzkammer, Hofburg - website

This museum contains valuable relics from the Holy Roman Empire as well as a piece that is alleged to be of the True Cross.

8. State Opera House, Opernring 2 - website

Guided tours are offered of the Opera House.  Tickets can also be purchased inexpensively for performances each day that are standing-room-only.

9. Hofburgkapelle, Hofburg-Schweizerhof, 1010 Wien - website

The Vienna Boys Choir and the Spanish Riding School (of Lippizaner Stallion fame) are housed at this remarkable site.

10. Prater (Park), Prater 9 - website

This amusement park boasts the famous Ferris Wheel that dates back to 1898.  It is located in Leopoldstadt near the Danube River.