Vienna is the capital of Austria with a population of more than 1.7 million. Centuries of incredible architecture, art, music and culture can all be found in this great European city. It is a city that charms you from the moment you set foot in this culturally rich city. The collection of cafés, bars, shops and markets will fill your fill all of your senses during your weekend. The key to making the most of your short trip is a little planning and a some local knowledge. Let this be your weekend guide to Vienna, Austria.
Visit the Palaces
Vienna is home to beautiful palaces and they are a must-see while visiting. Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, was built in 1642. Explore the gardens and enjoy the complex but don’t miss the Room of Millions. Next head to the The Imperial Palace, which was built in the 13th century. It remained the home of the imperial family until 1918. Now it is home to the Gothic Imperial Chapel, where you can hear Vienna Boys’ Choir perform during Sunday Mass.
Hofburg Palace is one last palace to add to your must-see list. It is massive and may require an entire morning or afternoon. It is worth a visit but if you are short on time stick to Schönbrunn Palace and The Imperial Palace.
Explore the Museums
Located near the Imperial Palace is the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) and the MuseumsQuartier. Here you will find a number of museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy and explore. The Kunsthistorisches Museum houses collections from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque eras. In the MuseumsQuartier you will find the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. After enjoying the famous works of art grab a afternoon drink or bite to eat at the nearby restaurants in the MuseumsQuartier.
Walk the Vienna’s Ringstrasse
The Vienna’s Ringstrasse is a roughly 3 mile walk built from the 1860s to 1890s. These buildings now include the Vienna State Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Natural History is also located here if you choose not to visit inside, walking by is a must. These buildings are home to incredible pieces but they are also architectural works of art.
Visit Naschmarkt Market
Monday through Saturday Naschmarkt is packed with vendors and shoppers exploring this area of the Wieden District. The market is open-air and offers a nice glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals. This is also a great spot to grab lunch or drinks after a long day exploring Vienna. This lively spot shouldn’t be missed. After Naschmarkt head to Brunnenmarkt. It is the longest street market in Europe. It is located in the 16th district of Vienna and offers a nice area to find a place for dinner.
A Weekend in Vienna
Vienna is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe when it comes to music, the arts, architecture, and cafe culture. You could spend days visiting all of the wonderful museums and site but the with only a weekend to see the city be sure to select your favorites from the list. And there are no shortage of centrally located Vienna hotels to call home base for the weekend.
Photos by Crystal Provencher via Trover, Trover, Trover
