10 Picturesque Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss in Vienna, Austria

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Austria’s capital is rich in culture and history. Nicknamed the city of music, Vienna was home to some of the most prolific and talented musicians including Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. The famous, Sigmund Freud, also spent much of his life here. Many excellent museums and historical sites pay homage to those who made Vienna great. Whether visiting the world’s oldest zoo or delving into the human psyche at the Sigmund Freud Museum, Vienna will keep you busy with its many attractions.

Schönbrunn Palace

This elaborate Baroque palace is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. While you won’t be able to tour all 1,441 rooms, you will be able to see the rooms of Empress Maria Theresa and imagine what it might be like to be royalty. The palace’s surrounding grounds are equally impressive. The lovely gardens have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and live up to the hype. Stroll through the manicured gardens and get lost in the intricate garden maze.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn

While zoos seem to be a fixture of every big city, Vienna’s zoo stands out by being the oldest zoo in the world. The zoo is located within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and dates as far back as 1752. With over 700 species, the zoo is a must-see attraction. Be sure to pay a visit to the giant pandas and check out the Amazon rainforest simulation!

Spanish Riding School

This is the school where the famous Lipizzaner Stallions are trained. At the school, guests are able to purchase tickets either to view training sessions or full performances set to live music. The stadium is the opposite of a rugged rodeo with its majestic domed ceilings and elegant crystal chandeliers. Be sure to witness this impressive Austrian tradition.

Krapfenwaldbad Pool

If you are looking for a place to cool off on a warm day, Vienna has you covered with plenty of beautiful public pools. One of the most picturesque is Krapfenwaldbad. Once you see it you’ll understand why this is a popular spot with the locals. The serene pool is surrounded by trees and has excellent views overlooking the city. Keep in mind that it does get quite crowded, so come in the morning for a more peaceful experience.

State Opera House

Music has become such a prominent part of Viennese culture that a trip to Vienna would be remiss without hearing some live music. The Vienna State Opera house is considered one of the great opera houses in the world. An amazing variety of 60 different ballets and operas are performed every season. It is a must-see attraction for the opera or ballet aficionado but is also a fun experience for anyone looking to dabble in the finer things.

Sigmund Freud Museum

This museum is located in Freud’s actual apartment and office. You can learn more about the man who changed psychology forever and see the place where psychoanalysis and the Oedipus complex were developed. The main exhibit includes a look at the original waiting room as well as a film with commentary by his daughter.

Österreichische Galerie Belvedere

This stunning gallery is located within Upper Belvedere Palace; itself, another brilliant representation of Baroque architecture. The gallery is filled with the works of 20th century artists, including Gustav Klimt’s famous masterpiece, “The Kiss.” Be sure to view the Palace gardens as well. You can find more excellent museums in Vienna’s Museumsquartier.

Naschmarkt

Soak up local culture by sampling Viennese food at this enormous open-air market. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by perusing the many food stands, offering diverse selections of cheese, sausages, olives, fruits, and vegetables. The market is also complete with international foods stands, such as Indian, Moroccan, and Vietnamese. If you prefer souvenirs of the non-edible variety, be sure to check out the Saturday flea market.

Prater Amusement Park

For a change of pace after touring Vienna’s museums, be sure to visit one of Vienna’s largest public parks, Prater. While the park has many pleasant walking paths, the real attraction is the amusement park located within Prater. For a lovely view of Vienna, don’t miss a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna’s iconic Ferris wheel.

Shopping on Mariahilfer Straße

The seemingly never-ending street is the go-to spot for shopping. Prices are generally fair and the possibilities are endless. Don’t be deterred by all the big-name stores. Many unique boutiques and shops can be found by exploring the adjoining side streets. When you need a break, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants and cafés where you can recharge.

Of course, this is just the beginning of all the wonderful options that are available in Vienna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this elegant and historically-rich town.

Planning a trip to lovely Vienna? Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and corporate meeting planning in Austria.

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Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.