Vienna

You should start your first visit to Vienna right in the city center, where a touch of imperial grandeur still lingers in the air. From Stephansplatz, home to Stephen's Cathedral, it’s easy to set out on a long walk to explore Vienna’s historic heart. Just a short distance away, you’ll find the Vienna Hofburg and Heldenplatz, offering a glimpse into the city’s magnificent past.

Vienna’s city center is encircled by the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard designed in the mid-19th century. Along this route, some of the city's most beautiful buildings line up in close succession. Must-see stops include the impressive Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art History , as well as architectural landmarks like City Hall, the Votive Church, and the University of Vienna—all just a few minutes’ walk from one another. The best way to take it all in is on foot, soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere. For a more traditional experience, hop into a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic loop around town—your coach driver, or Fiaker, is sure to have a few entertaining stories to share.

After exploring the city center, most visitors continue their classic Vienna itinerary with a trip to Schönbrunn Palace—and for good reason. The expansive palace grounds are perfect for stretching your legs or finding a shady spot to relax. While walking is ideal for the downtown area, Vienna’s excellent public transportation system is the best way to reach sights like Schönbrunn, the Danube Island, or the Prater amusement park.

Beyond its grand city center and famous landmarks, the Danube is an inseparable part of Vienna’s identity. While the river flows more along the city’s edge, that’s exactly what makes it such a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The Danube Island, built between 1972 and 1988 as part of the city’s flood protection system, has become Vienna’s go-to leisure paradise. Stretching nearly 20 kilometers, it’s the perfect place for biking, jogging, and all kinds of outdoor activities—offering a relaxed vibe that rivals even a visit to a traditional wine tavern in the Vienna Woods.

Just north of the Danube Island lies the Old Danube, a former branch of the river that’s now another favorite local escape, right next to the UNO City and its cluster of high-rise buildings. The area around the Old Danube is dotted with public beaches, including the iconic Gänsehäufel, as well as places to rent boats. It’s the perfect spot to cool off and unwind on a hot summer day!

For locals and visitors who love to hike, the Wienerwald is the perfect nearby escape. Marking the eastern edge of the Alps, this hilly region stretches from the edge of the city deep into Lower Austria, offering an incredible variety of scenic trails. To get out of the city fast, all it takes is a quick ride on the tram—and before long, you're at the starting point of a beautiful hike. Among the most popular routes are the 14 official Vienna City Hiking Trails.

Along the way, you’ll breathe in fresh air beneath beech trees and enjoy stunning views over Vienna on almost every route. One popular hike, for example, takes you from the Steinhof Grounds up to the Jubilee Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city.

But the most famous viewpoint is undoubtedly the Kahlenberg. To take in the sweeping views from this historic hill, you can either hike up or ride the bus to the top. There are various hiking and biking routes that let you earn the view through your own effort.

Vienna has a lot to offer for cycling enthusiasts. A well-developed network of bike paths makes it easy to explore the city’s sights on two wheels. One great destination is the Danube Island, where you can enjoy a relaxed, traffic-free ride. If you’re looking to venture beyond the city limits, there are plenty of scenic options. A recommended route takes you into the Lobau, part of the Donau-Auen National Park. This area features beautiful trails through riverside forests and alongside peaceful waterways—an especially refreshing experience on hot summer days.

Vienna is also a great destination for more athletic cyclists. Whether you're into mountain biking, gravel riding, or road cycling, the area around the city offers something for every style. A real highlight is the Trail Center at Hohe Wand Wiese, where a variety of exciting singletrack trails are waiting to be explored.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet after an exhausting sightseeing tour through Vienna’s city center, take the U1 subway to Praterstern and enjoy a stroll through the Prater Park. The Prater is a vast park in the heart of the city and a popular recreational spot for locals. On sunny days, you’ll see picnic blankets spread out on the spacious lawns, people playing games, and everyone enjoying life. The main avenue, the Prater Hauptallee, is also the most popular running route in Vienna. In addition to the peaceful, green areas of the park, you'll find the historic Wurstelprater amusement park, where numerous attractions and rides provide hours of fun. It’s also home to the famous Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the city’s iconic landmarks.