THE 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL
SIGHTS IN VIENNA
Vienna in 20 facets – as diverse as the city itself.
Perfect for first-time visitors – and for anyone ready to discover Vienna with fresh eyes.
On your first trip to Vienna, you’ll quickly wonder: Where should I start? St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, the Prater – the list is long and the impressions overwhelming.
This guide brings you the 20 most beautiful sights in Vienna. Not a ranking, but an invitation: famous landmarks and hidden gems that together show what Vienna is really about.
📌 Planning your trip? These guides will help you get started:
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👉 Vienna Travel Guide 2025 – all the essentials for your trip
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👉 24 Hours in Vienna – the perfect day full of highlights
#1 St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s most iconic landmark – right in the heart of the city center. From afar, you’ll spot its colorful tiled roof and the 136-meter-high South Tower.
Inside, you’ll find Gothic vaults, ornate altars, and impressive statues. Many visitors just take a quick look inside – but if you have more time, don’t miss the towers or the catacombs.
💡 Tip:
Climbing the South Tower means 343 narrow steps – but the panoramic view over Vienna at the top is worth it. If you prefer something easier, take the lift up the North Tower, where you’ll also see the famous Pummerin bell.
#2 Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace was once the summer residence of the Habsburgs – and today it’s one of Vienna’s most popular attractions. The baroque complex features lavish state rooms, expansive gardens, the Gloriette viewpoint, and even the world’s oldest zoo.
You can visit the palace with or without a guided tour – there are several options depending on how much time you have. The most popular is the Imperial Tour, which offers a compact look into imperial life.
💡 Tip: Don’t feel like taking a tour? A walk through the palace gardens is free and especially lovely in spring. For the best panoramic view of the grounds: head up to the Gloriette!
#3 The Hofburg
The Hofburg sits right in the city center and is a vast complex of palaces and courtyards. Once the residence of the Austrian emperors, today it houses the Sisi Museum, the Spanish Riding School, and the office of the Austrian president.
Most visitors pass by automatically while exploring the 1st district – but it’s worth taking a closer look: behind the grand facades you’ll find impressive courtyards, baroque state rooms, and historic collections that are easy to miss if you only admire it from outside.
💡 Tip: Just behind the Hofburg you’ll find the Burggarten – a green oasis with the Palmenhaus and a Mozart monument. A perfect spot to take a break before moving on to the next highlights.
#4 St. Charles Church (Karlskirche)
St. Charles Church is one of Vienna’s most striking churches. Located on Karlsplatz, it’s hard to miss: the massive dome, the two Roman-inspired columns, and the baroque facade make it truly stand out.
Inside, you’ll find magnificent frescoes, a splendid altar, and a panoramic lift that takes you right up into the dome – offering a unique view of the ceiling paintings.
💡 Tip:
In front of the church is a small reflecting pool – especially beautiful at sunset, when the Karlskirche is mirrored in the water. A perfect photo spot!
#5 Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s most impressive baroque landmarks. It consists of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, with a spacious garden filled with fountains and sculptures stretching between them.
Inside the Upper Belvedere you’ll find Klimt’s “The Kiss” – one of Austria’s most famous artworks. The collection also includes pieces by Schiele, Monet, Makart, and many others. Here, historic grandeur meets modern museum spaces – a fascinating combination.
💡 Tip: The gardens are open to the public and worth visiting even without a ticket. For the best view, head to the terrace of the Upper Belvedere – a peaceful stop with panoramic views.
#6 Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses – and a true Viennese landmark. Even if you don’t attend a performance, it’s worth a stop: this magnificent building on the Ringstrasse impresses with its historic architecture and elegant facade.
During the day, you can join a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes – from the auditorium to the stage. In the evening, there are often affordable standing tickets, giving you the chance to enjoy world-class culture spontaneously.
💡 Tip:
For the best view of the Opera House, head to the Albertina ramp. Especially at night, when the building is illuminated, you’ll capture magical photos from here.
#7 Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
Vienna’s City Hall on the Ringstrasse is an architectural highlight of historicism. It serves as the seat of the mayor and the city council, but is also the stage for major events – from the Christmas market in winter to the summer film festival.
The Rathausplatz and the arcaded courtyard are open to the public and make a lovely spot to pause. For more, you can join a free guided tour – the highlight is the grand ceremonial hall, if it happens to be open.
💡 Tip: Whether in summer or winter, the Rathausplatz often hosts events where you can experience Viennese city life up close.
#8 Museum of Art History & Museum of Natural History
On Maria-Theresien-Platz, two almost identical palaces face each other – with the grand Maria Theresa monument in between. On the left, the Museum of Art History; on the right, the Museum of Natural History – both architectural masterpieces with impressive domes and ornate facades.
Inside the Museum of Art History, you’ll find works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Bruegel, and many more, along with Egyptian, Greek, and Roman collections. The Natural History Museum features dinosaurs, meteorites, and fascinating exhibitions on Earth, humanity, and the cosmos.
💡 Tip:
The Art History Museum is home to one of Vienna’s most beautiful cafés – the perfect spot for a stylish break among old masters and marble columns.
#9 Votive Church (Votivkirche)
The Votive Church sits slightly off the classic tourist route, near the University of Vienna – a true insider tip for architecture lovers. With its slender towers, intricate facade, and colorful stained-glass windows, it’s one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Vienna.
Inside, you’ll find a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere – perfect for a short escape from the city buzz. Just in front lies the Votivpark, a lovely green space to relax.
💡 Tip:
Visit in spring, when the cherry trees around the church are in bloom, bathing the building in soft pink. A beautiful photo spot and a peaceful haven right in the city.
#10 Stadtpark
The Stadtpark is a green oasis on the edge of the city center – famous for its walking paths, ponds, wrought-iron bridges, and of course the golden Johann Strauss monument, one of Vienna’s most popular photo spots.
Despite its central location, the park feels peaceful and relaxing. If you want to escape the city buzz for a while, you’ll find plenty of benches, shady corners, and a touch of imperial garden design.
💡 Tip:
The park is at its best in spring and early summer, when it turns into a colorful sea of blossoms.
#11 The Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)
The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater is one of the city’s most famous landmarks – and a true piece of history. Since 1897, it has been slowly turning above the treetops, offering a unique view over Vienna.
The ride lasts about 10–15 minutes, moving at a gentle pace – perfect for experiencing the city from a different perspective. It’s especially magical in the evening, when the city lights come on. The Ferris wheel also makes a great start or finish to a visit to the Prater.
💡 Tip:
Besides the classic gondolas, there’s also Platform 9 – an open-air cabin without walls or a roof. Perfect if you love the unobstructed view or want a spectacular photo.
#12 The Prater
The Prater is much more than just an amusement park – it’s a piece of Viennese lifestyle. In the Wurstelprater, you’ll find roller coasters, haunted house rides, cotton candy – and of course, the Giant Ferris Wheel. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on, the Prater reveals its special charm.
Right next to it begins the Green Prater – a vast park landscape with old tree-lined avenues, meadows, and plenty of space to walk, cycle, or simply breathe out. The contrast between fairground flair and nature is what makes the Prater so special – a place where everyone can find something to enjoy.
💡 Tip: Want to experience Vienna in a sporty way? The Green Prater is perfect for running, skating, or cycling – all without traffic noise, right in the middle of the city.
#13 Palace of Justice
The Palace of Justice isn’t a typical tourist hotspot, but a real hidden gem. From the outside it looks rather unassuming, but inside you’ll find a magnificent hall filled with marble, columns, and glass.
The building is open to the public – just walk through the security check, like in any government building. It’s worth a visit for the monumental architecture alone and the stunning perspective across the grand hall.
💡 Tip:
On the rooftop, the Justizcafé with terrace offers a great view of the Parliament and City Hall. Access is via the security check on the ground floor, then simply take the elevator to the 5th floor.
#14 State Hall of the National Library
The State Hall is one of Europe’s most beautiful historic libraries. With its tall wooden shelves, baroque ceiling frescoes, and antique globes, it feels like stepping into another world – almost like a movie set, only real.
Built in the 18th century under Emperor Charles VI, it was once the heart of the imperial library. Today it’s open to visitors and impresses not only book lovers. A visit usually takes no more than 30 minutes – but the memory lasts.
💡 Tip: Visit at the right time of day, when soft daylight filters through the skylights – perfect for atmospheric photos.
#15 Hundertwasser House
The Hundertwasser House is one of Vienna’s most unusual buildings – a true splash of color in a city known for its elegant architecture. Designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, it combines nature, art, and architecture in its own way: wavy lines, bright facades, irregular windows, and green roofs make it a unique eye-catcher.
The building can only be visited from the outside – but it’s well worth it. Right across the street you’ll find the KunstHausWien with its museum, café, and courtyard – perfect for a short break.
💡 Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s quieter – perfect for photos without the crowds.
#16 Schönbrunn Zoo
Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world – and today one of the most modern of its kind. Located in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, it’s home to over 700 species: from big cats and penguins to giant pandas. The enclosures are spacious, well-kept, and designed to feel natural.
Whether you head straight to highlights like the panda pavilion, the aquarium, or the giraffe park, or simply stroll through the grounds – a visit is always an experience for both kids and adults.
💡 Tip:
The seal feeding is especially popular – with good timing you can grab a spot right at the glass.
#17 Albertina Museum
The Albertina, right behind the State Opera, is one of Vienna’s most prestigious museums. Its collection includes drawings, prints, and paintings – featuring works by Dürer, Monet, Picasso, and many others.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Albertina hosts regular temporary exhibitions, often showcasing modern and contemporary art. For art lovers, it’s practically a must.
💡 Tip: Every Wednesday evening in summer, the Albertina hosts the afterwork event “Albert & Tina” – an open-air gathering with DJ sets, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the city. Perfect if you want to combine art and nightlife in style.
#18 Austrian Parliament
The Austrian Parliament on the Ringstrasse stands out immediately with its ancient-inspired design. The facade with its columns, sculpted pediments, and the striking Pallas Athena statue makes it a popular photo spot. After a major renovation, the interior now appears bright, modern, and open to visitors.
The visitor center offers interactive insights into Austria’s political system. For a deeper dive, you can join a free guided tour – exciting, informative, and architecturally rewarding.
💡 Tip: The tours are free, but require an online reservation. Especially during the peak season, it’s best to book early.
#19 Café Central
Café Central is one of Vienna’s most famous coffee houses – with its grand architecture, high vaulted ceilings, and a history full of famous names like Freud, Trotsky, and Klimt. Today it’s especially popular with tourists, but still worth a visit for its classic atmosphere and excellent pastries.
Expect some waiting time – especially around lunchtime and on weekends. Still, the impressive interior and the special flair usually make it worthwhile.
💡 Tip:
Visit in the late afternoon on a weekday, when the chances are better. It’s rarely without a line, so plan for it – and just enjoy the experience.
#20 Danube Tower
The Danube Tower, located in the Danube Park, is Vienna’s tallest structure at 252 meters. From the observation deck at 150 meters, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city, the Danube River, and, on clear days, even the Alps. It only takes 35 seconds by elevator to reach the top.
One of the newest attractions is a 40-meter slide on the outside of the tower, connecting two viewing decks. For those looking for an extra thrill, it’s a fun alternative to the stairs – and of course, completely optional.
💡 Tip:
The best time to visit is just before sunset, when you can take in Vienna bathed in the evening light.
Whether it’s your first time in Vienna or you already know the city well – these 20 sights show just how diverse Vienna is: from imperial splendor to green escapes, from world-famous highlights to quiet discoveries.
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