Vienna, one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, combines a rich history with an impeccable baking tradition, well-kept historic buildings, museums filled with fine art and a rich music scene. Vienna was home to many classical composers in the 18th century and still retains the strong heritage of being the capital of music today. To help you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to Vienna, here’s a list of the most important sights not to miss in the Austrian capital. And don’t forget to book your Citadines Vienna City room in advance.
Strolling the streets of Vienna’s historic center
The pleasure is to lose yourself in the pedestrian boulevards, explore the parks, visit the churches, marvel at the perfection of the historic buildings, stop in a café for something tasty and start the walk all over again. With each new stroll through the streets of central Vienna, you’ll discover some incredible sights
Graben Street, near the cathedral, is an exclusive pedestrian street full of charming little houses, famous boutiques and superb cafés.
Halfway between Vienna Cathedral and the end of the street, you’ll find a beautiful statue called Pestsaule. It represents a holy trinity and was erected to protect the city from the plague that ravaged the Austrian capital in 1679. You have a wide choice of Citadines Vienna City in the center.
Visit the Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace, located in Vienna’s historic center, is an opportunity to see up close, and in a way relive, the life and glory of the Viennese monarchy. The palace is divided into several museums: the Royal Quarters, the Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, the Library, the National Treasure and the Spanish Cavalry.
The Sisi Museum and the Royal Quarters are magnificent and steeped in history in the form of works of art and furniture. It’s well worth taking your time (each tour lasts around an hour) to discover all the details.
Take in an opera or ballet at the Vienna State Opera
If you love opera or ballet, this is a great excuse to visit the countryside and take in a performance in one of the world’s most traditional concert halls, and in a historic building that survived the Second World War.
The Vienna State Opera has a wonderful and varied calendar of performances. Check out the program and buy your tickets online.
And on your way out of the opera, do as the Viennese do. Stop off at the Bitzinger Würstelstand (Albertinaplatz 1 – just opposite the Vienna State Opera) and order a sausage accompanied by beer and Manner cookies. Making a reservation with the Citadines Vienna City on site will make getting around much easier.
Marvel at the beauty of the Spanish cavalry
Another very Viennese program is to attend a Spanish cavalry show, a choreographed spectacle featuring magnificent, well-trained horses. If you love horses, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of the show and the delicacy with which the horses walk, parade and gallop. If the show doesn’t fit in with your dates in the city, attending a training session and seeing the horses in action will give you a taste of the experience. At the end of the training session, it’s worth taking part in a guided tour of the royal stables and learning a little more about the horses, the gentlemen and the tradition. Training sessions start at 15 euros per person.
