When organizing the itinerary in search of the 8 unusual places to visit in Vienna, I also decided to include several viewpoints located across the historic center, and by doing so I was able to explore some lesser-known areas of the Austrian capital.
In this case the Vienna City Card was very useful because it allowed me to travel for free on public transportation and also getting discounts on all the attractions I visited.
I also want to point out that the museums mentioned in the article and the Danube Tower are some of the more than 70 attractions included in the Vienna Pass, which is valid from 1 to 6 days and also allows unlimited travel on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.
Here are the 9 sights you should not miss during your stay in Vienna.
1) Justiz Café Terrace
It is located on the top floor of the Palace of Justice, a building that is an architectural gem little known to tourists and locals as well.
It is in my opinion one of the most beautiful vantage points in Vienna because of its location, near the MuseumQuartier and therefore close to the historic center. It is ideal for admiring and recognizing the city’s iconic buildings, starting with the spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the bell tower of St. Michael’s Church.
On the horizon you spot two other sights that I have included on this list: the famous Prater wheel and the Danube Tower. Looking instead at the surroundings of the Palace of Justice, the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), the Volksgarten, Heldenplatz and the Hofburg stand out.
Justiz Cafe is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in line with the hours of the offices located on the floors below. The terrace is freely accessible.
2) MQ Libelle Terrace
In the cultural area of the MuseumQuartier, one of the largest in the world, there is a belvedere located on the rooftop of the Leopold Museum.
You can easily recognize it by the circular light installations. Access is free.
3) North Tower of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This list must include what is probably the most famous panoramic point in Vienna, directly in the heart of its historic center.
The Stephansdom north tower – also known as the Eagle Tower – is 68 m height but it is not the tallest in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, being surpassed by the south tower “Steffl” with its 136 m (accessible by staircase with 343 steps).
Once at the top, in addition to the splendid 360-degree view over Vienna it is possible to admire the Pummerin, the Austria’s largest bell (and the second largest in Europe), and the exquisite colored roof tiles that make up the eagle, the emblem of the Habsburg Empire, and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria.
The cost of the ascent is €6 per adult and €2.50 for children ages 6 to 14 (rates updated to March 2023). The ticket office is located just before the elevator, along the left aisle. There is also an All-Inclusive ticket that can be purchased online, which for €25 includes:
- tour of the Cathedral Museum with audio guide (voucher must be redeemed here);
- tour of the Cathedral with an audio guide;
- guided tour of the catacombs;
- access to the south and north towers.
4) Belvedere Gardens
The Upper Belvedere houses one of the largest art collections in Austria with masterpieces by Gustav Klimt (including “The Kiss“), Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.
The elegant gardens, divided into three terraces, connect it to the Lower Belvedere and the Orangerie, and at sunset provide a splendid view of the Vienna skyline.
5) Schönbrunn Gloriette
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most popular attraction and offers many things to do and see, also suitable for families with children.
Both the palace and the gardens were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and one of the places not to be missed is the Gloriette. This is a monumental Baroque building erected in 1775 overlooking Schönbrunn Park and giving a fantastic view of the Palace with the city of Vienna stretching behind it.
Today’s visitors who ascend to the upper terrace follow in the footsteps of the monarchs who used to go there, including Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sissi.
There is a charge for access, the cost is €5 (March 2023), and with the Vienna City Card you get a €1 discount. In the off-season it may be closed, as happened to me, so in this case you get a panoramic view from the lower gallery, which is equally impressive anyway.
6) Vienna Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel
It is undoubtedly one of the symbols of the Austrian capital as well as the most popular attraction in the Prater amusement park.
It was built in 1897 and never modified since then, making it one of a kind and known all over the world. It is no coincidence that it has also appeared in several Hollywood films such as Orson Welles’ “The Third Man” (1949) and “007-Danger Zone” (1987) starring Timothy Dalton.
From its 65 m height there is a stunning view of Vienna, an experience to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace since the wheel turns at a speed of just over 2 km/h anyway.
There is a fee to ride the Riesenrad (€13.50 for adults and €6.50 for children – March 2023) and unless you have a Vienna Pass I suggest buying online tickets to avoid the queue at the entrance.
7) Danube Tower
It is considered the best viewpoint in Vienna and from up there you can also admire the Danube. Nevertheless, due perhaps to its off-center location, it is not a well-known attraction.
The Donauturm, 252 m high in total, rises on the other side of the river, in the modern area called VIC (Vienna International Centre) that houses one of the four official UN headquarters, which can be visited on guided tours (free for Vienna Pass holders).
It can be reached by subway, Donauinsel or Kaisermühlen VIC stops, both on the U1 line.
The Danube Tower was built in 1964 in Donaupark Park and at its top there are a bar and a restaurant, this one equipped with a platform rotating around its own axis that allows customers to eat while admiring an ever-changing landscape.
There are panels on the observation deck pointing out the most interesting monuments and sights visible from various angles. On windy days, one can admire the city from the windows along the inner gallery.
Fares for the elevator ride are respectively 18 € for adults; 14.40 € for over 65s, students up to 27 years old, and 15 to 19 year olds; 10.80 € for children 6 to 14 years old; 5.40 € for children 3 to 5 years old; and free for children under 3 years old.
With the Vienna City Card there is a 20% discount while admission is free for Vienna Pass holders.
8) Wien Museum roof terrace
After major restoration and expansion works this cultural space reopened at the end of 2023. Overlooking the Karlsplatz the museum comprises two distinct areas: three floors are dedicated to the exhibition “My Story of Vienna” while the remaining space is allocated for temporary exhibitions.
The first area is accessible free of charge and tells the history of Austria’s capital spanning from the Neolithic era to nowadays. The collection features numerous artworks including Gustav Klimt‘s painting “Emilie Flöge“.
On the fourth floor there is a cafeteria and a viewing terrace facing directly onto the Karlskirche.
9) Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg Hills.
Vienna boasts a well-developed urban trail network that makes it possible to start from the center and explore the nearby Wienerwald. This is an immense green “belt” that in 2005 it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
One of the most popular routes is No. 1, which climbs from Nußdorf through vineyards and gentle slopes to the summit of the Kahlenberg, at 484 m above sea level. From the panoramic terrace of the restaurant there is a full view of the town and surrounding area.
A similar “twin” hill is the nearby Leopoldsberg, which can be reached in about a 10-15 minute walk. It is another splendid natural viewpoint over the Danube Valley, and from here the trail 1A leads to the promenade and to the center as well.
Both mountains are easily accessible even to non-walkers. In fact, local 38A buses depart from Heiligenstadt train station.
The top activities to do in Vienna
BeIow you find the list of some of the most popular attractions and activities not to be missed in the Austrian capital:
- Upper Belvedere and Klimt’s Permanent Collection, including the famous masterpiece “The Kiss” with priority admission guaranteed by choosing the desired time slot;
- Ride on the Prater Giant Ferris wheel, with skip-the-line entrance;
- Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” concert in the Karlskirche;
- All-Inclusive ticket for St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with full visit and access to catacombs, museum, north and south towers and audioguide included;
- CAT train transfer, the fastest way to reach the center of Vienna from the airport in just 16 minutes;
- Panoramic view from the Danube Tower, offering the best sight of Vienna;
- Entrance ticket to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History);
- Albertina Museum, permanent collection of modern art with works by Monet, Picasso, Degas, Renoir and Chagall;
- Mozarthaus, with audioguide included;
- Vienna City Card (24, 48, 72 hours or 7 days), free public transport and discounted tickets to museums and attractions;
- Vienna Pass (1, 2, 3 or 6 days), free admission to all attractions and unlimited travels on Hop-on Hop-off tourist buses.
