Quick answer: Don’t miss Schönbrunn Palace (€28–38, with the gardens free), the Hofburg and the Sisi Museum, Klimt’s The Kiss at the Upper Belvedere (€23), St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a night at the State Opera (cheap standing room), a classic coffee house, the Naschmarkt, the Prater Giant Ferris Wheel, and a glass of wine at a Heuriger.
Vienna’s imperial grandeur sits alongside a relaxed café and wine culture. Here are the 20 best things to do. Prices are 2026 adult rates where they’re fixed.
Imperial Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace: State Apartments €28, Palace Ticket €38, and free gardens with the Gloriette. See tickets.
- The Hofburg: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection.
- The Spanish Riding School: Lipizzaner performances or morning exercise sessions.
- The Imperial Treasury: crowns and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.
- The Austrian National Library State Hall: one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.
- The Kaisergruft: the Habsburg crypt beneath the Capuchin Church.
Art and music
- The Upper Belvedere: Klimt’s The Kiss, €23, or €32 for both palaces (Art Visit Guide).
- The Kunsthistorisches Museum: Bruegel, Vermeer and a stunning café under the dome.
- The MuseumsQuartier: the Leopold Museum (Schiele) and mumok.
- The Albertina: from Dürer to Monet and Picasso.
- The Vienna State Opera: standing-room tickets on the day are a bargain. Watch the official site for the rules.
- A classical concert at the Musikverein or a Mozart concert in a historic hall.
City life
- St Stephen’s Cathedral: the patterned roof, the catacombs and the tower views.
- Coffee houses: Café Central, Café Sperl, Hawelka, and Demel for cakes.
- The Naschmarkt: food stalls, with a flea market on Saturdays.
- The Hundertwasserhaus: a colourful, wavy apartment block (outside only).
- The Ringstrasse: ride trams 1 and 2 past the parliament, the opera and the city hall.
Green Vienna
- The Prater: the 1897 Giant Ferris Wheel and the Hauptallee for a walk.
- A Heuriger in Grinzing or Nussdorf: new wine in the vineyards.
- The Danube Island and Danube Canal: summer bars and swimming.
Compare Vienna concerts, Spanish Riding School tickets and tours.
Tips
- Book Schönbrunn time slots in advance, especially in summer.
- Many museums are closed on Mondays, so check before you go.
- In season, the Christmas markets are a must. See our guide.
More Vienna guides
- Vienna travel guide
- Vienna itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace tickets
- Vienna Christmas markets 2026
- Vienna Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Vienna
FAQ: Things to do in Vienna
What is Vienna most famous for?
Classical music, the Habsburg palaces, coffee-house culture, Klimt and the Secession, and Sachertorte.
What can you do for free in Vienna?
You can stroll the Schönbrunn gardens, the Ringstrasse, the Naschmarkt and the Prater, and visit St Stephen’s main nave and the Rathaus Christmas market.
Is 2 days enough for Vienna?
It’s enough for the highlights. Three days is better. See our Vienna itinerary.
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