Top 10 Must Do Experiences in Vienna

Grand, captivating, irresistible: that’s Vienna. Here you can tour regal palaces, peruse art in world-class museums and linger over cake in a 19th-century coffee house – all in one day. Don’t want to miss a thing? With Top 10 Vienna, you’ll enjoy the very best the city has to offer.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making a return trip, there are some things you simply shouldn’t miss out on. To make the most of your time – and to enjoy the very best this wonderfully varied city has to offer – be sure to add these experiences to your list.

  1. Culture-crawl around the MuseumsQuartier

The MuseumsQuartier is one of the largest spaces for contemporary art and culture in the world. Cutting-edge modern design dazzles alongside Baroque architecture. Spend a day soaking up everything from fine art and fashion to theatre.

  1. Enjoy the fun of the fair 

Prater is home to Vienna’s iconic ferris wheel, made famous by the film The Third Man. The amusement park features nostalgic rides alongside modern roller coasters. Afterwards, escape the hubbub and take a stroll through the surrounding park with its open meadows and shady trees. 

  1. Attend a classical music concert 

Strauss, Mahler and Mozart provide the soundtrack to many people’s expectations of Vienna. A concert at one of the country’s oldest musical institutions, such as the Musikverein’s Golden Hall, is an essential experience in the “City of Music”. 

  1. Treat yourself to a Sachertorte 

Ever wanted to try a dessert fit for royalty? The Sachertorte is a delicious cake invented for Prince Metternich at the Café Sacher in 1832. Head here to indulge in this chocolatey delight, layered with apricot jam, best served with a Viennese coffee.

  1. Sip wine in a countryside tavern 

Make the most of the vineyards surrounding Vienna by visiting a wine tavern in the city’s wooded outskirts. Known as Heurigen, these rural retreats specialize in homegrown wine and traditional foods. 

  1. Shop at Vienna’s largest market 

The Naschmarkt is the city’s most popular market, with over 100 stalls brimming with fresh produce, piles of dried fruit and an assortment of street food. Its Saturday flea market has become a cult event. 

  1. Marvel at the Hundertwasserhaus 

A mosaic of colours and shapes, with undulating floors and plants spilling out from the rooftops, Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s weird-and-wonderful apartment complex is one of Vienna’s most famous façades. 

  1. Admire the U-Bahn’s art 

Not only is the U-Bahn the most efficient way to get around the city, it’s also decorated with artwork. Lines U1, U2 and U3 include murals, sculptures and installations, while stations like Stadtpark flaunt Otto Wagner’s mastery of Art Nouveau. 

  1. Explore the city by bike 

Vienna is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, so taking a bike for a spin should be at the top of your list. Cycle round the old city, taking in landmarks such as the Hofburg, or venture further out onto the Danube Cycle Path. 

  1. Dine at a Beisl 

Homely and inviting, the traditional Viennese tavern, or Beisl, is the Austrian equivalent of a gastropub, offering hearty meals like schnitzel and strudel. Relax in the historic ambience of Griechenbeisl, one of the oldest restaurants in the city