V
ienna is a city like no other. It’s rich in history and culture, yet it has all the modern amenities you would expect from a top European destination. The architecture is breathtaking, and there are so many amazing museums to visit. This offers a world of exciting things to do when in Vienna, especially for folks who not only visit a destination but love to experience it as well.
Beyond architecture and museums, Vienna has a lot to offer foodies as well, from its top-notch coffee shops to delicious cakes, and incredible wine. It’s also a good place to visit in the winter because it’s one of the most picturesque cities in Europe during the season. If you’re looking for some inspiration as to why you should travel to Austria and visit its capital, look no further as we explore the top reasons why you should pick Vienna for your next vacation!
Check out 8 exciting reasons to pick Vienna for your next vacation…
#1. The incredible architecture
Vienna is known for its Baroque and Rococo buildings, which are considered some of the most beautiful examples of those styles in Europe. Some other well-known architectural styles include Art Nouveau, Baroque Revivalism, and Neoclassicism.
Vienna’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the vast range of historic buildings, but the stunning architecture extends throughout the city, offering a mix of classic and impressive modern structures.
#2. Awe-inspiring monuments
The Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are just some of the magnificent monuments worth visiting in Vienna. The Vienna State Library, Parliament Building, and Austrian National Library—as well as other architectural landmarks like the Rathaus (Town Hall) and Belvedere Palace—should
also all be part of your sightseeing itinerary when in Vienna.
#3. Amazing art galleries and museums
Vienna is a treasure trove of art. You’ll find museums and art galleries everywhere you go. This is true for both temporary and permanent collections — art lovers will be thrilled by the amount of space devoted to culture in Vienna. The twin Kunsthistorisches and Natural History Museums in Maria-Theresien-Platz are must-visits, as is the Vienna Technical Museum. In addition, the Albertina, Belvedere, and Leopold Museums are also highly recommended.
#4. Glorious gardens and parks
Vienna is positively full of parks and gardens, which are a great place to relax after a hard day’s work of sightseeing! The obvious pick is the Prater, one of Vienna’s largest parks and home to the Wiener Riesenrad, the iconic Ferris wheel. Other notable green spaces include the Stadtpark, the Schlosspark (which contains the Vienna Botanic Gardens), and the gardens of the Schönbrunn place, home to the world’s oldest zoo. Furthermore, the Augarten, situated in the Leopoldstadt district, is also well worth a visit for its elaborate flower gardens and French Baroque style.
#5. Sachertorte, yum!
Sachertorte is a rich chocolate cake with layers of chocolate sponge, apricot jam, and chocolate icing created by Austrian chef Franz Sacher in 1832. Today, the most common variant of the dessert has two layers of chocolate sponge made with ground hazelnuts and is topped off with a rich ganache.
Vienna is the home of Sachertorte and it would be a crime to leave the city without trying this delicious, world-famous dessert! The best place to sample it is in the Sacher café in the 5-star Sacher Hotel. You’ll be in good company as it’s a favorite haunt among locals.
#6. Exquisite coffee culture
Aside from its cakes and candies, Vienna has a rich coffee culture that deserves your attention. The city boasts a huge number of coffee shops (Kaffeehäuser), with many more opening every year. In fact, there’s even an app dedicated to helping you find the shops — Vienna Independent Coffee. There are plenty of great options for both casual stops and cozy hangouts as well as specialty cafes for those looking for something unique.
#7. Fabulous wine tours
You might be surprised to hear that Vienna is one of the top wine destinations in the world, but the city has a long and illustrious history when it comes to wine.
From the wine-growing regions of Burgenland, Niederösterreich, and Wachau, to the world-class wineries located within Vienna itself (Schloss Schönbrunn), there are many ways to taste some of Austria’s finest offerings on a tour while visiting this city.
#8. It’s a fantastic winter destination
While a cold European city might not sound like the ideal place for a winter break, Vienna is the perfect city for a vacation in the lead-up to Christmas. The city is renowned for its Christmas market tradition — the first one was held in 1294 — and the streets are full of glistening lights and stalls where you can pick up charming wares from local artisans.
The Glühwein is flowing, there are endless opportunities to gorge on bratwurst, and you can go ice skating on the Rathausplatz in central Vienna, which is turned into a huge rink during the colder months. Plus, the cobblestone streets and illuminated architecture are the perfect backdrops to show off your winter fashion picks!
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