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Austria is located in the eastern and central part of Europe, with an area of about 83,871 square kilometers; it is also landlocked, bordering different countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, among others. Its capital and largest city are Vienna, with 1.8 million inhabitants.
Located on the banks of the Danube River and is the cradle of classical music of significant figures such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss. It has a pervasive architectural and cultural heritage, from castles, museums, gardens, parks, and theaters. For example, it has 280 parks, more than 100 museums, 200 historic buildings, and more than 27 castles.
In addition, it is also famous for its vineyards, which are cultivated within this urban city; and for the cafes, which tell stories from centuries ago and are known for their casual friendliness; it is a city with an excellent quality of life. We invite you to come and enjoy all that this beautiful European city offers.
What can we see in the center and old town of Vienna?
The center of this city is home to many tourist attractions, such as the Parliament, the City Hall, the Museum Quarter, churches, and several baroque castles. Also, the circular avenue of Ringstrasse, from the 19th century, where monuments, buildings, and parks are located surrounding the center of this city. It is considered the first World Heritage City.
Among the most popular places to visit in the center of Vienna, we have, for example, the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History, the Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Palace, the Austrian National Library, the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, the Belvedere Palace, among others.
Schönbrunn Palace: this palace is dated from the 17th century and was the residence of the imperial family, including Empress Sisi, during the summers. It has 1441 different rooms, including halls such as the Circular Chinese Hall, Great Gallery, and Breakfast Room. In addition to its gardens, of a significant extension. It is located about 8 km from the center of Vienna.
The gardens also have beautiful architecture, such as the Palm House and the best and oldest zoo in Europe. It is dated from 1752 and was built by Emperor Franz Joseph I. In his time, it was famous for breeding pandas and elephants in captivity.
Today the animals live together in very modern spaces. This visit can be concluded at the Museum of the Carriages of the Monarchs, which is located next to the palace.
The Hofburg Palace: the palace was the residence of the Habsburg royal family for about six centuries until 1918. When you visit it, you can see the Imperial Chapel, the Treasure Chamber, the Empress Sissi Museum, the Church, among other spaces, where a significant part of the history of Austria is concentrated.
The Austrian National Library in Vienna: was built in the XVIII century in a baroque style and is also part of the Hofburg Palace. Its content is awe-inspiring, with more than 8 million different documents distributed among books, papyrus, ancient maps, and others.
In the Imperial Hall, there are marble statues and two globes in addition to books. But if this is not enough, it also has the Papyrus and Globe Museums, which are also part of the Hofburg Palace.
The Vienna State Opera Theater: Ringstrasse avenue is located in this Renaissance-style building. The presentations and classical works are performed in its spectacular auditorium or stage, with space for 2800 people. Inside there are other beauties such as the marble staircases, the Tea Room, the foyer, and other areas.
The building dates from 1861 to 1869, where opera and ballet performances are shown for about 300 days between September and June. One night a year, it is transformed into a large dance floor, celebrating the Vienna Opera Ball, a meeting of artists, businessmen, and politicians worldwide.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: considered one of the most important buildings, it is also the site of Mozart’s wedding and funeral. This Church dates back to the 12th century and is located on the square in the center of Vienna, called St. Stephen’s. It was built on the ruins of a former castle. It was built on the ruins of 2 churches. Internally, the baroque and gothic styles can be observed.
In addition to the Catacombs, the Pilgram Pulpit, the Pummerin Bell, and various royal tombs, such as that of Emperor Frederick III, among others.
The famous circular avenue of Ringstrasse: this avenue was built on the walls that surrounded the old city, with an extension of about 5 km; which can be traveled in a streetcar made for tourists, with the advantage of having an audio guide in Spanish; or you can also do it on foot.
Interesting tour passing by the historical and main buildings of the city center. Among them are the Hofburg Palace and the Öpera Theater, the facade of the City Hall, the Parliament, and the Votive Church.
Some Parks in the city center of Vienna:
Once the beautiful buildings of the historic center have been visited, we can see any of the parks and gardens with which this incredible city counts. Among them, we have:
The Stadtpark: this park was inaugurated in 1862, after the disappearance of the old wall and on which the circular street Ringstrasse was built, being this the first park for the public in the city of Vienna.
Today, it is said to have the most sculptures and monuments, such as Johann Strauss, Robert Stolz, and Franz Schubert. In addition, it has exotic trees, meadows, and spectacular flower beds, making this park a green oasis in the heart of the city of Vienna.
The Burggarten and the Volksgarten: these English-style gardens were privately enjoyed by Emperor Franz I, husband of Empress Sisi. Sometime after the monarch’s death, the Burggarten is opened for the public to enjoy these spaces.
You can also see the statue of Mozart, the figure of the Emperor, the House of Palm Trees, the House of Butterflies, and a café-restaurant. The Volksgarten is a tranquil park where the famous statue of the Empress Sissi is located, the sculptures of the different fountains, among others.
The Rathauspark: when visiting the Parliament and the building containing the Burgtheater theater in the center, it is worthwhile to approach this park, with symmetrical shape throughout the tour and located between the Parliament and the University Campus.
The park is divided into two parts by the Rathausplatz, where events such as the Festival of Musicals in summer and Dream on Ice in winter are held annually.
Other places to visit in Vienna:
It is also interesting to know something about Vienna’s gastronomy. For example, in the Neubau district, established in 1850 and within walking distance of the center, you can stop at a café, bakery, or restaurant to try a strudel or enjoy a coffee, lunch, or a glass of locally produced wine.
You can also visit the Naschmarkt market in the Mariahilf district, the St. Ulrich church, or the famous Museumquartier, the eighth most prominent cultural center globally.
You can also make an excursion to the Wachau Valley for wine tasting. You will find beautiful scenery and picturesque villages such as the medieval-style Dürnstein, a World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a meal in a local tavern and taste the wines of these regions. Cruises on the Danube are also sometimes offered, especially between May and September.
