Choose from 88 Fun Things to Do in Vienna
Hundertwasserhaus
The Hundertwasserhaus was finished in 1986 and features a playful mix of painted mosaics and different sized windows, spread over the 52 apartment buildings. The organic theme even goes one step further, with a grass-covered rooftop sprouting with trees that appear to be grown from within.
Judenplatz
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Imperial Treasury
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Naschmarkt
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.
Maria Theresa Square
Laid out in the 19th century, the square centers around an enormous statue of Maria Theresa by Kaspar Zumbusch, encircled by a series of formal gardens, dotted with monumental fountains and sculptures. Maria Theresa Square is also home to two of the city’s most notable museums – the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Museum of Natural History), whose grand neo-Renaissance facades were created as part of the grand imperial Kaiserforum, the masterwork of German architect Gottfried Semper.
House of Music (Haus der Musik)
The House of Music, or Haus der Musik, rates among the best museums in the city. Spread over four floors, it helps explain sound in an amusing and interactive way, accessible to both children and adults.
The first floor houses special changing exhibitions, as well as the Vienna Philharmonic's historical archives, where a shortened version of the world famous New Year's concert can be heard and you can compose your own waltz with the interactive roll of a die. The second floor's "prenatal listening room" re-creates noises heard by babies in the womb. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Mahler each have a room on the third level, and yet another floor deals with experimental and electronic music. Displays are very interactive.
If you want a break while exploring, head on to the self-catering Café Nicolai on the entrance level.
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Tram 1 & 2 will take you there, as will bus 3A.
Madame Tussauds Vienna
- 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.
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Karlsplatz
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Imperial Furniture Collection
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Leopold Museum
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Jewish Museum
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Musikverein
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Johann Strauss Museum
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Imperial Carriage Museum
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Melk Abbey
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.
Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)
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Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum)
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Imperial Palace (Hofburg)
- Tickets include entrance to the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection. Entrance to the Spanish Riding School is separate.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a courtyard café.
- Filming and photography is prohibited within the Imperial Apartments.
- Large items such as suitcases, backpacks, and strollers are not allowed inside the palace. There is no coat or bag check available.
- The palace and museums are wheelchair accessible and concession rates are available.