Choose from 151 Fun Things to Do in Austria
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Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Vienna explores the history of the Jewish people in Vienna and Austria. The first Jewish museum in the city was established in 1895, but it was closed by the Nazis in 1938. The collections were confiscated, and about half of the items have never been recovered. The present-day Jewish Museum was opened in 1988 and moved to its current location at the Palais Eskeles in 1993.
Many permanent exhibitions are on display at the Jewish Museum. Some explore the history and culture of the Jewish people who lived in Vienna from the early days up through World War II, while others look at how the Jewish community of Vienna recovered after the war, up until the present. Other exhibitions show visitors about Jewish traditions, like what a kosher kitchen looks like and how holidays and milestones are celebrated. The museum also has collections of donated items that tell of the history of Jewish culture.
Practical Info
The Jewish Museum is located at Dorotheergasse 11.
Address: Dorotheergasse 11, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Sun-Fri 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: € 10, Children: Free
From $ 23
Melk Abbey
With its ornate golden-colored façade and grand baroque church towers set against an idyllic backdrop of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River, Melk Abbey looks more like a palace than a monastery. Founded in 1089, the Benedictine abbey underwent a dramatic makeover in the 18th century and is now regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque churches.
The Basics
The town of Melk lies at the western end of Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and full-day tours from Vienna often combine an abbey visit with wine tastings in the valley, a boat cruise along the Danube River, or even a trip to Salzburg or across the Czech border to Cesky Krumlov. The castle is open to visitors with or without a guided tour from April to October.
How to Get There
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Melk Monastery can be reached on foot from the Melk train station (a 10-minute walk) or by a short taxi ride. Most visitors opt to visit on a day trip from Vienna, 50 miles (90 km) east, but it’s equally accessible from Salzburg, 70 miles (115 km) west, or Spitz, 12 miles (20 km) north.
When to Get There
The Melk Abbey is open all year round, but from November through March, visits are only possible by guided tour and must be booked in advance. The abbey can get busy in July and August, so plan an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid the crowds.
The Baroque Gems of Melk Abbey
The abbey is famous for its exquisite baroque architecture, the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its magnificent ceiling frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr; the opulent library, filled with priceless manuscripts; and the Abbey Church, with its dazzling gold altar.
The Basics
The town of Melk lies at the western end of Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and full-day tours from Vienna often combine an abbey visit with wine tastings in the valley, a boat cruise along the Danube River, or even a trip to Salzburg or across the Czech border to Cesky Krumlov. The castle is open to visitors with or without a guided tour from April to October.
- A visit to this monastery is a must for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Guided tours of the abbey last about an hour.
- Melk Abbey tours from Vienna include roundtrip transportation (about a 1.5-hour drive each way).
- A restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms can be found on-site.
- The abbey is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Melk Monastery can be reached on foot from the Melk train station (a 10-minute walk) or by a short taxi ride. Most visitors opt to visit on a day trip from Vienna, 50 miles (90 km) east, but it’s equally accessible from Salzburg, 70 miles (115 km) west, or Spitz, 12 miles (20 km) north.
When to Get There
The Melk Abbey is open all year round, but from November through March, visits are only possible by guided tour and must be booked in advance. The abbey can get busy in July and August, so plan an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid the crowds.
The Baroque Gems of Melk Abbey
The abbey is famous for its exquisite baroque architecture, the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its magnificent ceiling frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr; the opulent library, filled with priceless manuscripts; and the Abbey Church, with its dazzling gold altar.
Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Strasse 1, Melk 3390, Austria
Hours: May–Sep: 9am–5:30pm (last admission at 5pm); Apr & Oct: 9am–4:30pm (last admission at 4pm)
From $ 91
Madame Tussauds Vienna
As the world's most famous waxworks museum, Madame Tussauds needs no introduction. And where better to rub shoulders with movie stars, music icons, and historic figures than Vienna? Snap a selfie with everyone from Brad Pitt to Barack Obama, take a walk through Austrian history, and entertain the whole family with fun, interactive exhibitions.
The Basics
Pre-booking a Madame Tussauds Vienna priority entrance ticket means you can skip the line and head straight inside. If you're sightseeing in the city, most Vienna hop-on hop-off tours stop at the wax museum, while the Vienna Card includes entrance to Madame Tussauds, along with that to top attractions such as the Schönbrunn Palace, Schonbrunn Zoo, and Hofburg Imperial Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don't forget your camera and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the many exhibitions.
- For security reasons, only small bags or handbags are allowed in the building.
- Madame Tussauds Vienna is wheelchair accessible, and concession tickets are available.
How to Get to Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is located in the Prater Amusement Park on Riesenradplatz in central Vienna. The closest U-Bahn stop is Praterstern, and it's about three minutes' walk from the station.
When to Get There
Madame Tussauds is open all year round, but those hoping to avoid the crowds should visit outside of peak summer season or opt for an early morning visit on a weekday.
Photo Opportunities at Madame Tussauds
There are over 80 wax figures to pose for photos with, so you can cozy up with film stars like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Johnny Depp; "meet" icons such as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Freddie Mercury; or spot global politicians like Nelson Mandela. Don't miss the many notable Austrian personalities, including Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Sisi, Mozart, Maria Theresia, and Gustav Klimt.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds Vienna is on Riesenradplatz in Prater amusement park and is open daily from 10am to 8pm. Take the U Bahn, S Bahn or Bus No 80A to Praterstern.
Address: Im Wiener Prater, Riesenradplatz 5, Vienna 1022, Austria
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Mauthausen
Mauthausen was at the center of a group of German concentration camps, operating from 1938 to the end of World War II in 1945. Starting with a single camp at Mauthausen, the complex eventually expanded to be one of the largest labor camps in the German-controlled part of Europe. Prisoners forced to work in quarries, munitions factories, mines, arms factories and plants assembling aircraft. The last concentration camp to be liberated by the Allies, it is estimated that up to 300,000 people died at Mauthausen.
The main camp at Mauthausen has served as a museum since 1975. While much of the site is still intact, information and photographs provide background about buildings that no longer exist. An audio guide provides information about history of Mauthausen, conditions of prisoners and general structures of the concentration camp. Explanations are supplemented by quotes from former inmates.
Practical Info
Located 20 kilometers from the city of Linz, Austria, Mauthausen is accessible by bus to the Mauthausen Linzerstraße/Hauptschule station or the Mauthausen Linzerstraße/Wasserwerk station, both 1-2 kilometers from the site. Visitors might also take the train to the Mauthausen OO station, from where they can continue by bus or taxi. Mauthausen is open March 1 to July 10, daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m; July 11 to October 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and November 1 to February 28, Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. It is closed December 24-26, December 31 and January 1. Admission is free, but visits are not recommended for those under 14 years of age.
Address: Erinnerungsstraße 1, Mauthausen, Austria
From $ 171
Obersalzberg
The lovely town of Berchtesgaden is in the Bavarian Alps, much visited for its wildly decorative Baroque architecture. High above perches Obersalzberg, an enclave that is world-known as the location of the country retreats of Nazi party leaders Adolf Hitler, Martin Bormann and Hermann Göring. On the site of the former Nazi stronghold is the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a peace center-cum-museum designed to deal with the horrors of National Socialism and examine the history of World War II; it also incorporates sections of a Nazi underground bunker system.
From Obersalzberg transport runs up to Hitler’s infamous guesthouse, the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), which sits even higher at 6,600 feet (2,011 m) above the spectacular Berchtesgaden valley; it has been open since 1952 as a restaurant with views across to the peak of Untersberg.
Practical Info
Eagle’s Nest is only open during summer and is accessible via a complicated combination of tunnel and elevator up the steep rocky sides of Kehlstein or by a switchback road carved out of the hillside. Berchtesgaden is over the Austrian border in Germany but passports are not needed as both countries are members of the EU.
Address: Berchtesgaden, Germany
From $ 52
Museum of Modern Art Monchsberg
Salzburg’s superb museum of modern Austrian art comes as a contemporary change after the city’s relentless Baroque charm. It has two branches: the MDM Rupertinum and the MDM Mönchsberg. The latter perches above the city on the rocky crag of Mönchsberg, one of five steep hills that form part of the city’s skyline; it was designed by Munich architects Friedrich Hoff Zwink following a competition launched in 1998 and has a series of light-filled, airy galleries tucked behind its ultra-modern white-marble façade. The four-floor museum opened in 2004 and holds exhibitions of contemporary painting, installations and temporary exhibitions from contemporary Austrian artists as well as open-air displays on the surrounding terraces. The neo-Gothic 19th-century Amalie Redlich Water Tower that stands next to MDM Mönchsberg has been incorporated into the gallery and hosts workshops and other events. The museum’s award-winning M32 restaurant has a panoramic terrace for views across Salzburg and the River Salzach; it is one of the city’s most popular summer dining spots.
Practical Info
Located at Mönchsberg 32, the museum is open on Tuesdays and from Thursday to Sunday. Hours are 10am to 6pm regularly, and until 8pm on Wednesdays. Admission combined with the MDM Rupertinum costs adults €12, and seniors and students €8. Single tickets cost adults €8, and seniors and students €6. The Mönchsberg funicular goes up the hill to the museum from Anton-Neumayr-Platz and runs daily between 8am and 7pm (later in summer); return fares are €3.50 for adults and €1.80 for those under 14.
Address: Mönchsberg 32, Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum)
Located in the middle of the Arsenal and designed by Ludwig Foerster and Theophil Hansen in the 1850s, the Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum) is the oldest museum in Vienna and one of the most important military history museums in the world. The museum’s five sections take visitors through the history of the Habsburg empire and Austria, beginning in the late 16th century and continuing through the dissolution of the Austrian monarchy in 1945.
Much of the gallery space features pre-Turkish conquest weaponry, but various medals, military uniforms, flags and artwork depicting battles are also on display. A “tank garden” behind the museum exhibits several armored battle vehicles from Austria and around the world. Rotating special exhibitions focus on more recent international conflicts.
Practical Info
The Museum of Military History is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free for visitors under the age of 19 and for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Arsenal Objekt 1, Wien 1030, Austria
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: € 6, Visitors 19 years & younger: Free
From $ 139
Klosterneuburg Monastery
The Klosterneuburg Monastery, or Stift Klosterneuburg in Austrian, is an Augustinian abbey founded in 1114. The baroque structure, notable for housing men’s and women’s religious orders until 1568, has undergone several facelifts over the years, most recently in 1892.
The historic abbey dominates the skyline of Klosterneuburg, and the treasures housed within are just as impressive as the structure that contains them. Among the most valuable and impressive pieces is the enameled altar of Nikolaus of Verdun, one of the most exquisite examples of medieval enamel work. The altar, made in 1181, depicts a variety of biblical scenes on its 51 panels. Other highlights include a seventeenth century organ, a twelfth century Romanesque candelabra and fourteenth century stained-glass windows.
Throughout its history, the monastery has been involved in winemaking. Today visitors can tour Austria’s oldest wine-growing estate, visiting the baroque cellar complex and witnessing the production using traditional and modern methods.
Practical Info
Monastery tours are usually in German, so call ahead to find out when English tours might be available.
Address: Stiftsplatz 1, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
From $ 68
Naschmarkt
If you’re looking to sample authentic Viennese cuisine or soak up some local culture, pay a visit to the Naschmarkt, the oldest and most beloved of Vienna’s many markets. Dating back to the 16th century, the Naschmarkt has occupied its present location since 1793, stretching for more than a kilometer along the Wienzeile, just south of Vienna’s historic center. Over 170 stalls take over the vibrant market hall each day between 6am and 6.30pm, selling an array of food produce from around the world.
Visiting foodies will be in heaven here, with stalls heaped with fresh meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables, international wines and artisan cheeses. Most notable is the variety of ethnic cuisines, from an Indian and Middle Eastern section dotted with kebab and falafel huts, to a spread of stalls devoted to Oriental cuisine and a colorful array of exotic spices. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh goods, head to one of the many surrounding cafés, where you can tuck into local pastries or sip some traditional Viennese coffee.
The Naschmarkt is also renowned for its weekly flea market, held every Saturday and selling everything from vintage clothing, books and records, to antique jewelry and Eastern European curiosities.
Visiting foodies will be in heaven here, with stalls heaped with fresh meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables, international wines and artisan cheeses. Most notable is the variety of ethnic cuisines, from an Indian and Middle Eastern section dotted with kebab and falafel huts, to a spread of stalls devoted to Oriental cuisine and a colorful array of exotic spices. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh goods, head to one of the many surrounding cafés, where you can tuck into local pastries or sip some traditional Viennese coffee.
The Naschmarkt is also renowned for its weekly flea market, held every Saturday and selling everything from vintage clothing, books and records, to antique jewelry and Eastern European curiosities.
Address: Naschmarkt, Vienna, Austria
From $ 35
Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum)
With a history dating back to 1889 and a permanent collection made up of over 20 million objects, the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) is one of the largest and most renowned natural history museums in the world. The counterpart to the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), both museums are located on Maria Theresien Platz in central Vienna and rank among the city’s top attractions.
Based on the collected works of Emperor Franz Stefan, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, Rudolph II and Prince Eugène of Savoy, exhibits include a vast assemblage of minerals, rocks, fossils, meteors and flora specimens; a zoological display featuring a series of rare stuffed animals and extinct species; and a Dinosaur Hall, which houses the skeleton of a Diplodocus.
Additional highlights include the world’s biggest collection of human skulls; the largest single topaz, weighting in at 110kg; the 25,000-year old Venus of Willendorf; and the oldest human sculpture, dating back to 32,000 BC.
Based on the collected works of Emperor Franz Stefan, husband of Empress Maria Theresia, Rudolph II and Prince Eugène of Savoy, exhibits include a vast assemblage of minerals, rocks, fossils, meteors and flora specimens; a zoological display featuring a series of rare stuffed animals and extinct species; and a Dinosaur Hall, which houses the skeleton of a Diplodocus.
Additional highlights include the world’s biggest collection of human skulls; the largest single topaz, weighting in at 110kg; the 25,000-year old Venus of Willendorf; and the oldest human sculpture, dating back to 32,000 BC.
Address: Burgring 7, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Thu-Mon 9am-6:30pm; Wed 9am-9pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Admission: Adult: €10; Child/Youth: Free; Senior: €8; Student: €5
From $ 10
Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell und Mirabellgarten)
Part of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic center, Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) enjoys a rich royal history, as well as a place in movie legend: it was one of the filming sites for The Sound of Music. Built by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in 1606, the palace is most famous for its magnificent baroque gardens.
The Basics
Both Salzburg city tours and The Sound of Music tours often include a stop at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where visitors can explore the lavish palace interiors, stroll the landscaped gardens, and admire the grand marble Donnerstiege stairway. The palace’s ornate Marble Hall hosts regular concerts of music by Salzburg’s favorite son, Mozart.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the palace and gardens is free.
- The Dwarf Garden (Zwergelgarten) is a must-see for families with kids.
- The palace and its gardens are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Mirabell Palace is located on the northern bank of the River Salzach in central Salzburg. The easiest way to reach the palace is on foot—it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, across the State Bridge (Staatsbrücke).
When to Get There
The palace and gardens are open daily year-round, but the gardens are at their most impressive during spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom. During peak summer months, an early morning visit is best to avoid the crowds. In the winter, the Dwarf Garden and Hedge Theater are closed.
Exploring the Mirabell Gardens
Originally designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in the 17th century, the Mirabell Garden is among the most impressive baroque gardens in Europe. The grand centerpiece is the Pegasus Fountain, around which the Von Trapp children danced during their rendition of “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music. Other highlights include the Rose Garden, the Grand Fountain, the Hedge Theater, and the unique Dwarf Garden filled with knee-high marble garden gnomes.
Address: Mirabellplatz, Salzburg 5020, Austria
Admission: Free
From $ 22
Museum of Technology (Technisches Museum)
The Vienna Museum of Technology is a place to play with science. The museum prides itself on being a showplace for technological developments past, present, and future. By regional, and even international, standards the museum boasts unique collections. The collections include exhibits from the fields of transportation, energy, heavy industry, everyday life, mobility, media worlds, and musical instruments. In addition to the collections, interactive demonstrations and live laboratories enriched with graphics, experiments, films and texts provide educational entertainment for adults, kids, families, and groups. The museum’s unique multimedia presentations show the influence of Austria’s technological achievements on its modern society, economy, and culture.
A highlight is the high voltage demonstration in which a ‘singing’ Tesla coil creates extremely high voltage that forms lightning bolts – and they play music! The electricity from the coil’s discharge gets channelled in such a way that the lightning itself becomes a speaker, playing a musical repertoire ranging from ‘The Blue Danube’ to ‘Smoke on the Water’. Several other technological innovations and regular special exhibits make a visit to this museum a worthwhile experience for visitors of all ages.
Practical Info
The museum is easily accessible by public transit, and is free to visit on the first Sunday of each month.
Address: Mariahilfer Str. 212, Vienna 1140, Austria
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; weekends and bank holidays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 12 €
From $ 15
Museum of Natural History (Haus der Natur)
Located in two buildings on Museumsplatz near the River Salzach, Salzburg’s natural history museum was founded in 1924. It is an offshoot of the Salzburg Museum, which incorporates seven branches including the Toy Museum (Spielzeug Museum) and the Monatsschlössl ethnology museum at Schloss Hellbrunn as well as its main branch at the Neue Residenz. Along with a series of exhibitions focusing on dinosaurs, geology, the natural world and space travel, there’s an aquarium and reptile zoo featuring alligators and poisonous lizards.
The separate and largely interactive science center is wonderfully child friendly and displays across its three floors of hands-on exhibits examine energy, the human body and noise – this being Salzburg, the Audio Lab features the music of Mozart; it also has a science lab where junior experiments can be safely conducted under supervision.
Practical Info
Museumsplatz 5. Open daily 9am–5pm. Admission adults €8, children over 4 €5.50, under 4 go free. Bus number 1 or 10 to Mönchsbergaufzug.
Address: Museumsplatz 5, Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Adults: €8
From $ 11
Museum of Modern Art Rupertinum
Salzburg’s modern art museum consists of two parts; the MDM Rupertinum is housed in an elegant medieval palace in the Altstadt (Old Town) while the MDM Mönchsberg sits on a rocky crag above the city. Together the MdM Salzburg buildings offer over 3,000 meters of exhibition space for 20th- and 21st-century Austrian art and began life in 1983, when local art collector Friedrich Welz donated his entire collection of works by Oskar Kokoschka to the city. Displays include temporary exhibits along with paintings drawn from the museums’ core collection, including Austrian favorites Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, a scattering of French Impressionists and an 18,000-strong collection of contemporary Austrian photography.
Practical Info
Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse 9. Open Tue, Thur–Sun 10am–6pm; Wed 10am–8pm. Admission combined with the MDM Mönchsberg: adults €12, seniors & students €8. Single ticket: adults €8, seniors & students €6. Buses 8, 10, 20 and 25 can be taken to the Rathaus (Town Hall).
Address: Mönchsberg 32, Salzburg, Austria
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Musikverein
With a capacity of 2,854 between two concert halls, the Musikverein is home to the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It was constructed on the Vienna Ringstrasse, in elegant Neo-Classical style, by Danish architect Theophil Hansen, and as well as having some of the best acoustics in the world, it is considered one of the loveliest concert halls in Europe. Inaugurated in 1870 by the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph, the Musikverein is famous for its elaborate Golden Hall, the ornate, gilt-clad auditorium with a frescoed ceiling, dripping chandeliers and luxurious balconied stalls. The Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year concert has been broadcast all around the world from here since 1959. A chamber-music hall is used for smaller events.
A night out at the Musikverein is a dressy affair, so don’t turn up in jeans and sneakers, even if you’ve bought a last-minute standing ticket. Concerts are held most evenings and the packed repertoire includes a mixed bag of works by the likes of Brahms, Mozart, Dvořák and Tchaikovsky played by guest orchestras from all over the musical world.
Practical Info
Musikverein is located at Musikvereinsplatz 1. Concerts usually start around 7:30 or 8 p.m., and the box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday until 1 p.m. Tickets range from €45 to €250, according to seating. The U-bahn lines U1, U2 and U4 can be taken to Karlsplatz.
Address: Musikvereinsplatz 1, Wien 1010, Austria
Admission: €45-€250
From $ 58
Karlsplatz
One of the largest squares in Vienna, Karlsplatz is dominated by the huge, baroque Karlskirche church, which was built between 1716 and 1737 with designs influenced by the architect's visit to Rome. The square is also well known for a pair of pavilions that were created in 1898 and 1899 by Otto Wagner and contain marble slabs and green-painted, wrought-iron frames that are decorated with gold-colored sunflowers and gilded trim.
The western side of the square contains the Secession Building, which is an art museum, and the Naschmarkt, which is Vienna's most popular market. The eastern side of the park is bordered by a park called Resselpark where you can find several statues of famous Austrians. Also near the square are several cultural institutions including the Musikverein, a concert hall that is home to the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Kunstlerhaus, an art gallery and exposition hall. The History Museum of Vienna is located on the eastern side of the square as well.
Practical Info
Karlsplatz can be reached from the Karlsplatz Ubahn station. Karlskirche is located at Kreuzherrengasse 1.
Address: Vienna, Austria
From $ 58
Johann Strauss Museum
Found in the apartment where he wrote the world-famous ‘Blue Danube’ waltz, the Johann Strauss Museum was home to Austria’s best-loved composer for seven years between 1863 and 1870. Born in Vienna in 1825, the be-whiskered ‘Waltz King’ was part of a musical dynasty that included his father Johann the Elder and brothers Josef and Eduard; although they all enjoyed comparative success in their careers, Johann’s talent eclipsed them all. The museum showcases his pianos and violins and his work as a conductor and composer but also highlights Strauss the (much-married) family man, who played billiards and drew cartoons of his contemporaries.
Practical Info
Praterstrasse 54. Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm. Admission adults €4, seniors & students €3 (also for ticket holders to Haus der Musik and the Mozarthaus Vienna), free aged 18 or under, free first Sun of month. Metro U1 to Nestroyplatz.
Address: Praterstrasse 54, Vienna, Austria
Hours: Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
Admission: Adults €4
From $ 139
Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)
The Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) is one of the largest museums of modern and post-modern art in Central Europe. Founded in 1962, the museum features 10,000 pieces by 1,600 different artists, including some of the biggest names in 20th- and 21st-century art, like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Gergard Richter and Yoko Ono. Classical modernism, nouveau realism, Vienna Actionism, photorealism and pop art are all represented.
The museum’s Wednesday evening film program screens thematic film series and films related to the works of art on display. Visitors inspired by the art on display have the chance to participate in hands-on workshops to experiment with various artistic techniques. Once per month, Art on Thursdays invites guests to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before taking a gallery tour.
Practical Info
Free tours of the Museum of Modern Art collection are included in the cost of admission. Visitors up to the age of 19 get in for free.
Address: Museumsplatz 1, Wien 1070, Austria
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-7pm
Admission: Adults € 10, Students & Military € 7, Visitors Age 19 & Younger Free
From $ 24
Nonnberg Abbey
Nonnberg Abbey is a Benedictine nunnery with a landmark spire in the center of Salzburg and is perhaps best known throughout the world as the home of the troublesome novice nun Maria in The Sound of Music, the magical movie that celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015. The nunnery sits tucked under the Hohensalzburg Fortress and was founded somewhere around 715 AD; it is the oldest constantly inhabited convent in Europe and its complex of buildings consists of the abbey, convent, chapels, church, cloisters and refectory, all built in a charming jumble of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.
Nonnberg’s main church of Maria Himmelfahrt is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is Gothic in style, adorned with gleaming stained-glass windows and a series of biblically themed paintings. Largely rebuilt after a fire in 1423, the church nevertheless retains fragments of its original Byzantine and Romanesque frescoes in the choir.
Practical Info
Nonnberggasse 2. Open daily from 7am to dusk. Take 50-cent coins to operate the lights on the paintings in the church. The nunnery is within walking distance of all central Salzburg sights.
Address: Nonnberggasse 2, Salzburg, Austria
Hours: Open daily from 7am to dusk
From $ 52
Judenplatz
A Jewish community existed in Vienna from medieval times, centered around Judenplatz where the city’s first synagogue was built. That was burnt down during an uprising in 1420, by which time the Jews controlled much of the city’s wealth. A second Jewish enclave grew up in Leopoldstadt in the 15th century and flourished until the 1930s; there were synagogues all over the city and the Jews were part of wealthy Viennese society. All that came to an abrupt end in 1938 with the Nazis marching in to the city, and many thousands of Jews fled Austria following the burning of their businesses and houses on Kristallnacht, November 9, 1938.
Altogether 65,000 Viennese Jews died during World War II and the city’s Holocaust Memorial stands in Judenplatz, a controversial and austere white marble box that contrasts sharply with the ornate Baroque architecture that surrounds it. Designed in 2000 by British artist Rachel Whiteread, it is made of concrete and steel and recounts the names of the concentrations camps where Austrian Jews were murdered. The Museum Judenplatz is found alongside the memorial and provides a virtual tour through 900 years of Jewish history in Vienna. Coming full circle historically, it is built over the site of the synagogue that was destroyed back in 1420; its excavations form part of the exhibition.
Practical Info
Judenplatz, 1010 Wien. Museum Judenplatz: Judenplatz 8, open Sun–Thur 10am–6pm, Fri 10am–5pm; admission is adults €10, seniors and students €8, children under 18 free (also includes admission to the Jewish Museum Vienna at Dorotheergasse 11). Metro lines U1 and U3 to Stephansplatz.
Address: Vienna, Austria
Admission: Museum - Adults: €10
From $ 23