9 Must Do Experiences in Vienna

Exploring Vienna? Here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary, like have you ever visited the Palmenhaus or taken in the stunning view from the sun terrace of a church? Check out these 9 essential sights for your Vienna adventure.

Published:April 23, 2024
Last updated:April 23, 2024
Observatory Park in Vienna: The red brick building of the university with the rampant nature

Explore the top 9 must-do activities of Vienna! From relaxation to discovery and indulging in culinary delights, there’s something for everyone!

Palmenhouse

Regardless of the season and weather, you will surely get into the vacation mood in the Palm House. It is an impressive glass construction in Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna, which houses diverse exotic plants. 

Here you can stroll among palm trees, ferns, and other exotic plants and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The glass palm house in Schönbrunn Park in Vienna -Palmenhaus: goran.zidak Instagram
The glass palm house in Schönbrunn Park in Vienna -Palmenhaus: goran.zidak Instagram

Franziskanerplace in the heart of Vienna

Franziskanerplatz hiddes in the heart of Vienna’s old town. It is a picturesque place with historic buildings and charming little cafés. This little square has even made it to Hollywood, as it has been the backdrop for several romantic films. 

A special highlight: The eponymous Franciscan church is home to the oldest organ in the city that can still be played.

A view of Franzikanerplatz in Vienna, with one of the famous cafés in the background
A view of Franzikanerplatz in Vienna, with one of the famous cafés in the background – Franziskanerplatz (Wien) gregideris Instagram

Karlskirche with sun terrace

The Karlskirche stands out as a remarkable example of Baroque architecture from the 18th century. It acclaimed as a masterpiece of its era. And the dome is particularly striking, yet the façade also merits close examination with its intricate statues, reliefs, and embellishments.

Visiting the Karlskirche is more than admiring its exterior! Stepping inside offers the chance to explore the sun terrace and numerous stucco decorations. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the dome and a splendid panorama of Vienna’s city center from above.

Karlskirche, front view.
Karlskriche: Pexels_Nico

Take a floating experience on the Danube Island

Experience ultimate relaxation on the old Danube with a floating experience on our floating oases. Glide gently over the calm water while sitting on comfortable sofa boat constructions and enjoying the breathtaking view of Vienna from the river. Escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy a unique, relaxing experience that offers you rest and plenty of fun, all without harming the environment.

Private family ride on Danube before sunset

Kahlenberg and Krapfenwaldbad

Would you like to swim above the roofs of Vienna? Above all this is possible at the Krapfenwaldbad on the Kahlenberg. There is an idyllic outdoor pool surrounded by greenery on the slope of the Kahlenberg. In addition to refreshment and sporting activity. It also offers a fantastic panoramic view over the whole of Vienna and the surrounding area. While you relax on the spacious sunbathing lawn, enjoy the sun, and experience the unique view of Vienna.

Swimming pool of the Krapfenwaldbad on a sunny day with a view over Vienna
Swimming pool of the Krapfenwaldbad on a sunny day with a view over Vienna -Krapfenwaldbad: stadtwien_Instagram

Vienna’s Observatory Park

The observatory park differs from the other green spaces in Vienna in that it is not maintained by landscape gardeners or equipped with playgrounds and sports fields like the other parks. Quite the opposite: Nature is largely allowed to grow as it pleases. Only one official main path leads through the overgrown park. 

In the middle of the park stands the university observatory, a red brick building whose color contrasts beautifully with the overgrown greenery. Astronomical and astrophysical research has been carried out here for 135 years and continues to this day, but the observatory is also open to the public.

Observatory Park in Vienna: The red brick building of the university with the rampant nature
Observatory Park in Vienna: The red brick building of the university with the rampant nature – Sternwartepark: verenvie Instagram

Spend an Afternoon in a ‘heuriger’

One of Vienna’s unique characteristics, despite its big city atmosphere, is its surrounding nature. Vines stretch as far as the eye can see in the hills surrounding the city. Take a stroll to the outskirts of Vienna and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle. Try a regional wine or two, and in late summer you can even taste very fresh young wine – here we call it “Sturm”. This grape juice, which has just started fermenting, has only about 5% alcohol and tastes still very sweet. A perfect place to experience this is the Villa Weinhandwerk.

Relaxed atmosphere at a winery in the Vienna area
Relaxed atmosphere at a winery in the Vienna area -Heuriger: pulkers_heuriger Instagram

Naschmarkt Vienna’s most famous maket

Vienna’s most famous market really offers something for everyone, with 120 stalls lined up in a row selling all kinds of delicacies. Individual traders with cheese from the Austrian Alps or tea and spices from all over the world are represented as well as restaurants and small cafés. Every Saturday, there’s a flea market where you can score awesome stuff like jewelry, clothes, and vintage finds. It’s like a treasure hunt every time you go!

A vegetable stand on the naschmarkt in Vienna
A vegetable stand on the naschmarkt in Vienna -Naschmarkt: naschmarkt_vie Instagram

Prater

Last but not least, the Prater. Have you even been to Vienna if you haven’t been to the Prater? A visit to the Prater is always worthwhile. However, check out the famous Ferris wheel, it’s been spinning since 1897 – a real city icon. Plus, there’s loads of other rides and snacks to try.  In addition to the so-called Würselprater, the Prater also offers the Prater Park, where you can retreat if the colorful lights and many noises of the amusement park become too much for you.

Vienna Ferris Wheel with a group of people in traditional costume.
Vienna Ferris Wheel with a group of people in traditional costume. – Riesenrad Wien: mign.on111 auf Instagram
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