A DREAM COME TRUE
Exploring Vienna’s historic centre was an enchanting experience and a most memorable one, characterised by elegant buildings and intricate monuments, resembling a fairytale land that dreams are made of.
I had dreamt of visiting the city of Vienna in Austria for a while, to spend time exploring this grand European city I had heard much about, and my dream came true.
I visited the historic centre in November during Autumn, with a river cruise where we docked for a couple of days. I joined a tour with a local guide, and was shown highlights and some hidden gems. This was a formidable introduction but only made me want more of this beautiful city. I was lucky enough to have more than just a day, thank goodness, to devote to this dream of mine.
Here I’ll share some of my favourite parts of Vienna’s historic centre.
A Bit About Vienna
It is without doubt one of Europe’s most glittering capitals, packed with opulent palaces and gilded monuments, resplendent villas, lavishly decorated with art and sculptures, magnificent architecture, all reflecting the city’s rich heritage. Located on the Danube River, the city has drawn people for many years.
Vienna was once the Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire, which ruled various lands in central and eastern Europe for a few centuries, until WWI.
Vienna is also the home of,
- classical music with Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and Strauss living in this city,
- a plethora of museums, over a dozen of world class in the historic centre alone, packed with artefacts of cultural significance,
- the science of Psychotherapy, thanks to Sigmund Freud who lived and worked here, and
- the Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional Viennese food, popular around the world.
Ringstrasse
The Ringstrasse (Ring Road) encircles the historic city centre where the defensive walls of the old city once stood until the second half of the 19th century. Arguably, one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world, featuring many famous sites and a major tourist attraction for walks and sightseeing. It is 5.5km in length and there is a tram operating on the boulevard.
Inside the Ring Road the Innere Stadt (1st District) houses Vienna’s highlights, and the whole area, including the Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the important monuments along the Ringstrasse are Austrian Parliament Building, Vienna State Opera, City Hall (Rathaus), museums, theatres, University of Vienna, as well as parks, monuments and squares.
Vienna's Historic Centre - 1st District, Innere Stadt
The historic centre is quite compact, flat and easily walkable. Strolling the streets and lanes is a pleasant way to explore Vienna’s historic centre, admiring the beauty of the city and all its glory. A veritable open-air museum.
Every street is adorned with Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Deco architecture and there is a multitude of upmarket stores housed in stunning palatial buildings.
I immediately noticed how pristine and well-kept all the streets are and it is definitely one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever seen.
These are some of my favourite locations in the old town district:
- St Stephen’s Cathedral and Square
- Maria-Theresien Square
- Hofburg Imperial Palace and Helden Square
- Austrian Parliament Building
- Rathaus
- Vienna State Opera
- Graben Street
- Mozarthaus
- Anker Clock Bridge
St Stephens' Cathedral and Square
St Stephen’s, a Gothic church built in 12th century is a major drawcard, with towering spires and underground catacombs. It is considered the symbol of the city and sits in the centre, at St Stephen’s Square, which is always bustling with people. The church is notable for its chevron patterned roof, quite a distinctive feature. A climb to the top of the towers rewards you with a magnificent view of the city.
Open everyday and free to enter the church. Entrance to its towers, museum and catacombs, requires a ticket.
Maria-Theresien Square
Maria-Theresien Square is a huge square on the Ringstrasse road with two almost identical Neo-Renaissance style, dome-topped palaces facing each other. An enormous monument of Empress Maria-Theresa, who reigned for 40 years, is the centrepiece of the square named in her honour.
The twin palaces are home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. Both were purpose built in 1889 and are magnificent attractions with opulent interiors.
Hofburg Imperial Palace
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is like a city of its own, which is located on the edge of Vienna’s historic centre, opposite the afore-mentioned square. The Hofburg was built in the 13th century as the winter residence of the Habsburg family and was the centre of power for approximately 600 years.
Today the palace is used as the offices and residence of the President of Austria, You can visit certain parts of the palace, The Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments where the royal family once lived.
As you walk through the main gates you arrive at the enormous square, Heldenplatz, where many congregate to admire and take photos of the impressive Hofburg Palace.
Austrian Parliament Building
A stunning building of Neoclassical and Greek Revival architecture, this is the seat of government and where important ceremonies are held. The Austrian Parliament building is located on the ring road, also part of the historic centre.
Free guided tours inside this impressive building are available which give details about the stunning architecture.
Rathaus
The Rathaus is City Hall and looms over the skyline with its tall middle tower. A Neo-Gothic design, the building was built in the 1800’s around the same time as others on the Ringstrasse.
The Rathausplatz, the front square is also a place of activity with various events throughout the year such as Christmas market and festivals.
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is a prominent historic building lining the famous ring road and the first major monument built on the boulevard. One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, showcasing opera and ballet, it opened 1869 and is Renaissance Revival style. Guided tours inside the Vienna State Opera building are available.
Graben Street
Near Hofburg Palace lies Graben Street, a beautiful upmarket shopping strip of exclusive retailers, delightful cafes and the famous Plague Monument of angels and anguish. Built by Emperor Leopold I after the Great Plague of 1679, it is a huge baroque statue with gold detailing, celebrating those who survived.
Graben Street has always been an exclusive shopping venue since nobles with powdered wigs frequented the area. Together with Kohlmarkt and Kärntner Streets they form the Golden U, around St Stephen’s Church, the pumping heart of the historic district. I spent much time in these streets and visited many of the establishments. If you love Swarovski, the main store is located in Kärntner Street.
Anker Clock Bridge
Ankeruhr is a large clock forming a bridge that spans 10 metres between two buildings at Hoher Markt Square.
A popular spot for people to gather and gaze up, every hour when different historical figures parade across. Then at 12 noon a full parade of all 12 characters march across with music, a veritable journey through Vienna’s history, with appearances by Marcus Aurelius, the Hapsburgs and other notable Viennese identities.
This quirky attraction was built in 1911, in Art Nouveau design. I happened to stumble across it while strolling the area.
Snazzy Tips For Exploring Vienna's Historic Centre
- Allow at least 3 hours to explore Vienna’s historic centre.
- Crowds are commonplace in the middle of the day.
- A large part of the inner centre is pedestrianised making it pleasant to stroll around.
- I noticed daily life is a little slower than in some other European capitals, so enjoy the easy pace without rushing.
- I suggest purchasing a Vienna City Card for entry to tourist attractions such as museums and discounts for certain restaurants and shops.
- Travel around other parts of Vienna is easy with public transport from the Inner Stadt, also using the Vienna City Card.
- Vienna Big Bus sightseeing tours provides a hop on / hop off service around the city.
More of Vienna's Historic Centre
Music
Whilst wandering the heart of Vienna, discovering other magnificent sights in the historic district I witnessed some marvellous outdoor musical performances popping up in random places. Apparently, it is an annual festival called Voice Mania where a cappella singers appear in balcony concerts around the city centre. We saw a soprano and groups singing in the street and from balconies.
Classical music enthusiasts may wish to visit the Mozarthaus, Mozart’s home from 1784 to 1787, located not far from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is now a museum.
Cafes / Restaurants
The most famous cafe for sweets is Demel at Kohlmarkt. Originally pastry chefs here made cakes for the royals and today is still very popular.
Am Graben a timeless classic, cafe/restaurant on Graben St is where I indulged in a delicious strudel.
Lugeck Tavern is a popular restaurant for Viennese cuisine in a stunning building.
Cafe Central / Patisserie / Restaurant seemed a very popular venue, with a line of people waiting to get in, located on Herrengasse St.
Verde Italian Restaurant is a lovely and very friendly place I went to for lunch, found in a little lane Wallner St.
Accommodation
Staying in Vienna’s historic centre means you’ll be in close proximity to major highlights and within walking distance to many museums, historic sights, restaurants and shops. However, it is the most expensive area.
The cheapest hotels would be Hotel Wandl near St Stephen’s Church, and Pension Neuer Markt in Kärntner St.
Probably the most luxurious hotel is the Park Hyatt Vienna where celebrities have stayed, on Am Hof Square within the 1st district. Or, Rosewood Vienna on Petersplatz also in the centre of town is another equally beautiful luxury hotel.
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4 Comments
Exploring Vienna’s historic centre would be a highlight and truly wonderful experience. Wandering its historic streets, taking in the stunning architecture, and soaking up the rich history would make for a memorable visit.
Vienna is one of my husband’s favourite cities, but I have yet to visit. It looks beautiful!
I LOVE your cover picture on this post. There is so much beautiful architecture. This looks fantastic. I have been to Vienna many years ago, but I have to add this to my list of places to revisit. Beautiful pictures
We love wandering through Vienna’s historic center. Making a note of your restaurant recommendations for our next visit.