vienna city center tour

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Visiting Vienna

Walking tour: city centre

The final part of our self-guided walking tour of Vienna moves away from the Ring to go back through the old town to Stephansdom cathedral via a couple of historical squares.

Follow the route outlined below and discover bonus tips on locations, as well as links to detailed information on what you see.

• The entire 4-part walk takes some 1½ hours without too many pauses and breaks
• Book a guided walking tour * of the city
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Down to the cathedral

So Part 3 of the tour ended outside the Burgtheater. You’re going to move back into the old town through one or two locations that feel like they stepped right out of the past.

This article covers the black icons below:

The university

First walk just a little further around the Ring on the Burgtheater side, past Café Landtmann (one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses and a favoured haunt of the well-to-do).

(The University of Vienna building)

This brings you to the 1890 memorial to Johann Andreas von Liebenberg (1627-1683), who was mayor of Vienna during the 1683 siege of the city and played a pivotal role in keeping the invaders at bay until help arrived.

Opposite Johann on the other side of the road you see the main entrance to the University of Vienna. Though built in 1884, the institution within dates back through the centuries to its founding in 1365.

You might recognise the entrance (and reading room inside) from the Sachertorte movie and the building also appears in The Woman in Gold .

The university’s arched Potteresque courtyard offers a home to numerous small busts and similar of famous academics of the past, including recognisable names like Freud, Popper, or Schrödinger.

Into the 1800s

(Beethoven once looked out of those windows)

At the Liebenberg memorial, turn off right down Schreyvogelgasse, keeping the large brick wall on your left.

The house you see perched on top of that wall is the late 18th century Pasqualatihaus , once home to a certain Ludwig van Beethoven and now home to a small museum. The composer spent his time there admiring the view, drinking coffee, and writing bits and pieces like Fidelio or Für Elise .

As you approach the end of the short road go up a small street on your left that slopes up and back toward the Pasqualatihaus.

(Walk up here to enjoy the historical ambience)

If you wish to avoid slopes and some steps, continue down Schreyvogelgasse, turn left onto Teinfaltstraße, and rejoin the tour at the part marked Freyung below.

Most people miss this part of Vienna, which has such a (genuine) 1800s feel to it that you may find your way blocked by film crews using the location as a set.

This is also Third Man territory . You might recognise the doorway at No.8 on the rising road, where a significant character hid in the shadows.

Go up the slope and follow it round to the right and enjoy the dip into the past until you emerge at some steps that takes us back down into more modern times.

Walk down the steps and turn right to continue down Schottengasse until it reaches an open area with a church on your left.

(The Schottenkirche. The exterior relief honours Heinrich II Jasomirgott, abbey founder and first Duke of Austria)

The church you see on your left as you reach the open area is the 13th-century Schottenkirche (much changed since those days, though) and the square in front of it is the Freyung with its Austriabrunnen fountain.

Don’t follow the road to the left through the square. Instead, first walk down the right fork for a small detour into Herrengasse.

Herrengasse

This route takes you past the gorgeous early 18th-century Palais Kinsky ; continue until you reach a junction, where you turn left onto Strauchgasse to return to the Freyung.

(Palais Niederösterreich)

That junction has two particular highlights for you:

• Palais Niederösterreich with 16th century origins and a history that includes hosting concerts by the likes of Beethoven and Liszt
• Café Central , a coffee house with possibly the most impressive café interior in all of Vienna. Trust me on this

(Café Central during the Christmas season and early enough that queues had yet to build)

Strauchgasse takes you back to the bottom of the Freyung and a crossroads where you turn right to reach another historical square: Am Hof.

First, though, wander onto the Freyung to admire the surrounds , which include 18th-century apothecaries (still going at number 7), the abbey museum (notable for its 15th-century altar panels), and various townhouses erected by the nobility to ensure a shorter carriage ride to the Hofburg court.

(The Freyung seen from the junction with Strauchgasse)

For a change of tone, the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien also sits on that crossroads. This is one of Vienna’s most prestigious locations for exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, so do check what’s on.

The likes of Hockney, Kahlo, Man Ray, Chagall, Warhol, Basquiat, and similar have all featured at the Kunstforum in the past.

Leave the Freyung at that crossroads to quickly reach Am Hof square, where Vienna’s history kind of began back in Roman times .

(The Am Hof square with a Marian column in the middle)

The column you see in the centre is the Mariensäule , erected in 1667 to give thanks for Vienna escaping the attentions of rampaging Swedes (different times).

Am Hof has various historical buildings to consider, not least the giant 14th-century Kirche am Hof church with its Baroque façade. But take a peek at the unassuming building to the left of the church.

Back in 1762, guests at Palais Collalto might have been rather irritated at having to sit through a musical performance given by some six-year-old boy from out west.

Except that kid was a certain Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart giving his first public performance in Vienna. Imagine!

Continue walking with the Am Hof square on your left to enter Bognergasse and the final pedestrianised part of our walking tour.

(The Graben street)

Bognergasse takes you past a couple of lovely Jugendstil buildings (look for the Engel Apotheke and the Zum Schwarzen Kameel café and restaurant). At the end, do a quick right and left to enter the Graben.

This long broad avenue represents the very heart of the city and is lined with (luxury) stores and nice-looking buildings such as the Grabenhof . Not so much a place to walk as to gently stroll.

Plague column & Peterskirche

(The Peterskirche dome, modelled on the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica)

The main feature on the Graben itself is the plague column , another 17th-century monument put up out of gratitude, this time for the end of a bout of bubonic plague.

Just before the plague column, though, look left to see the early 18th century Peterskirche church set back a little from the road.

This working church gives new meaning to the phrase “decorative interior.”

At the end of the Graben turn left to enter Stephansplatz square and its rather obvious highlight: Stephansdom cathedral.

(If you reach the end of the Graben and turn right, you find yourself on Kärntner Straße. Walk up to eventually reach the Staatsoper and thus go full circle back to the start of the tour route .)

Stephansdom

(The cathedral with the south tower on the right)

Vienna’s main landmark dates back seven or eight centuries, though the coloured mosaic roof is new thanks to WWII damage.

Stephansdom has free public access to the first part of the interior, but you need a ticket for more. That includes a tour of the catacombs with a few sights that have an Indiana Jones feel to them.

(The Mozarthaus: Mozart composed The Marriage of Figaro inside)

I’ll leave you to enjoy the cathedral as the final stop on our 4-part walking tour . But pop behind the building for three other immediate highlights:

• The Mozarthaus , where Mozart once lived and now an excellent museum to the musical genius.
• The Dom Museum with its mix of art and ecclesiastical treasures
• The Haas&Haas tea rooms , fighting a leafy fight against the all-powerful coffee houses.

Vienna Walking Tour Maps City Center

The city center is a perfect place for a walk and the easiest way is to simply follow one of the routes from the free city-walks Vienna walking tour maps . Many historic buildings and monuments offer an impressive contrast to a few new buildings in the old town of Vienna . Discover the most beautiful places and admire the marvelous facades of lovingly restored houses with history .

Walking Routes for Download & Printing

During a walking tour from city-walks you can not only admire numerous buildings and impressing monuments , but also relax at a stroll through one of the well-kept parks in the city center.

Rathaus and Rathauspark on the Route

Vienna Walking Tour City Center

This route through the city center leads you to the most important sights in the old town which are also marked in the free tour map . The course will take you through some romantic alleys as well as through large pedestrian zones . Additionally, beautiful parks with wonderful green spaces invite you for a relaxing stay during your stroll .

This is the ideal route for those who want to explore the city on foot . If you also like to spend some time with shopping , even this is possible as this route leads through the Graben and the Kärntner Strasse where you can find a lot of different shops .

Ringstrasse Sightseeing Walk

The Viennese Ringstrasse runs around the center with its historic inner city . In the 19th century the city wall was demolished and in this free area the Ringstrasse evolved. Many magnificent buildings and squares were built around this new boulevard .

During this sightseeing walk you will come upon the highlights of the ring road in the eastern section from the opera house up to the Urania . See the Konzerthaus where the famous New Year's Concert takes place, make a selfie with the golden Johann Strauss monument or find out which building in Vienna is called the Asparagus Castle . This and much more is all part of the walk , which takes about 2,5 hours .

Urania on the Route

Song Contest Walk

The route for the tour starts at the town hall and leads you across the inner city until the Prater. During the walk you will pass different stations which have a connection to the two Austrian Song Contest winners Conchita Wurst and Udo Jürgens .

Perfect suitable for those who like to stroll through the city and discover some of the favorite places of the Song Contest stars . Fans have even the opportunity to make a Selfie with the "stars" at the end of the route.

Kärntnerstraße on the Route

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Hello, my name is Wilhelm Balint . I am the author of this web page and the face behind city-walks.info . I love to experience the unique atmosphere of a city during a walk . Whether crowded tourist attractions or hidden sights , every place can look beautiful with the right viewpoint! city-walks.info should help you with tips and useful information to discover these beautiful views of the city. Read more ...

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FREE TOURS VIENNA Free Walking Tour Vienna Historical City Center

Planning your first day in Vienna? For many travelers, the go-to choice is a Free Walking Tour! And in Vienna city, when you hear ‘Free Walking Tour,’ you know it means Prime Tours 😉 – the first Free Walking Tour Operator founded, financed and led locally.

• Guided tour by a licensed tour guide
• Must see and Must Do when in Vienna
• Vienna Highlights
• Tips & Tricks "How To Vienna"
• Most beautiful Vienna Monuments

When you arrive at the meeting point, watch out for a 🟡 yellow 🟡 PRIME TOURS umbrella. The guide will wait for you next to the Memorial against war and fascism

• Instant booking confirmation
• Secured spot with reservation
• Things to do in Vienna list online - get it after the tour from your guide!
• Tips for the guide (Recommended 15-20€)
• Entrance to the museums & concerts after the tour
• Food and drink

What to do in our on your first day? – a Free Walking Tour Vienna!

.. This would be the answer of many travellers. And we know, you know everyone knows in this city, they mean the Free Walking Tour Vienna by Prime Tours 😉

What to expect during this Vienna Walking Tour:

Our local, licensed guide will show you the historical center of Vienna and its most important sights. On this free tour, you will hear about the history of the city, and on the way check out the most important highlights of the city center.

So YES! it’s just perfect for your first day in Vienna. You will get a basic orientation about the city, tips on where to go next to explore Vienna, and have the opportunity to ask you questions at the end of the tour. What are you waiting for? Book your spot now! 😉

To all those, who want to know more before booking:

• On the Free Walking Tour Vienna City Center, You Will:
• Start at Albertina Square: Your adventure begins at Albertina Square, right next to the Monument Against War & Fascism, which tells stories about Vienna’s past.
• Explore Vienna’s Long History: Our friendly guides will show you how Vienna’s history goes way, way back.
• See Ancient Roman Walls: You’ll even get to check out really old Roman walls, like 2,000 years old! They’re super close to where we start the tour.
• Visit the Imperial Palace: We’ll take you to the Imperial Palace, where Emperor Franz and the famous Princess Sissi lived. It’s a place full of history.
• Stroll Down “Kärtner Straße”: We’ll wander along “Kärtner Straße,” a street where fancy people in Vienna like to shop, eat, and have fun.
• Enjoy the State Opera House: Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful State Opera House.
• Check Out Hotel Sacher: We’ll also pass by Hotel Sacher, known for the famous Sacher cake.
• Spot St. Stephen’s Cathedral: You can’t miss St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s famous symbol. It’s huge and looks amazing!
• Learn About History: During our tour, you’ll hear stories about Vienna during World War I, World War II, and the time when the Nazis were in charge.

Where does the Tour End?

We will end our free tour of Vienna in front of the oldest church in the town, ST. Ruprecht’s Church is located in the famous “Bermuda triangle” which is a popular area for bars and clubs. Yes, our founders spent many many nights here during their teeny years – 100% recommendation for a fun nightout!

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED ON TOUR?

Our Free Walking Tour is for solo travelers, couples or small group of friends – max. 4 persons. If you are a bigger group, please contact us via our contact form and we will give you a wonderful individual experience.

VIENNA IS AMAZING. MAKE YOUR LIFE AND TRIP EASY AND START WITH OUR FREE WALKING TOUR. NO EXCUSE ACCEPTED 😉

The tour is offered without a fixed price. If you valued the quality of the experience, you are welcome to tip the guide with the amount that you consider appropriate.

You can book the tour by going to our booking page and entering your details in the form. Afterwards you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time of your booked tour. Thats it! If you want to book the tour for groups larger than 5 people, please contact us via our contact form.

It always depends on your happiness after the tour. We recommend around 20€, but there is no limit to the top! 😉

No absolutely not. Guides depend 100% on your generous tip after the tour. So please always talk to the guide if you were not happy with the quality of the tour, otherwise the guide can’t improve the tour and if you were satisfied feel free to tip accordingly!

Our daily tours are provided in English, Spanish and German. If you like you get guided in any other language you are free to book a private tour through our contact page.

We do not have any break during this tour due to short duration of only 2h. Please make sure you go before the tour starts to the toilet. In case of emergency there are always public toilets or coffee houses on our way. Please let the guide know that you need to use a toilet.

Please check your booking confirmation for the cancellation policy.

We recommend always booking the tour in advance. Due to the high volume of tourists, it could happen that we need to exclude customers without a confirmed reservation.

**Save your spot today and book a tour now!**

During the tour you cannot call the guide. If you need help, please send an email to the Prime Tours service team ( [email protected] ) or call us +43 1 3911122.

Yes, in emergencies we may have to cancel the tour up to 4 hours before the start. In such a case, you will be notified in good time by email. Therefore, please check your emails 4 hours before the start of the tour. Unfortunately, it can also happen that not all registered participants appear. If there are fewer than 10 guests, the local guide can decide whether the tour is canceled spontaneously. It is therefore essential that you let us know in the event of a possible cancellation. Only then can we also inform the other guests in good time.

Take a look at our dedicated FAQs page. Of course you can also contact us. We are happy to help 😊

First glimpse into Vienna. Me and my friends did a Free Tour with Jan. It really was a great experience. The guide was always very welcoming and nice. Had a great speech, calm and understandable, in a great english. The explanations were clear, interesting, presented on a nice, easy (sometimes even funny) way and Jan managed to envolve the whole group with some questions. We got some great tips for other things to see and do in Vienna. It was a great first impression of this amazing city! Highly recommended!

Elizabeth was amazing! Very interesting tour which kept our interest the whole time despite the freezing cold on that day! Elizabeth explained the history of Vienna focusing on key landmarks with humor. Would definitely recommend. Thank you for the wonderful experience Elizabeth!

We had an interesting walking tour on Saturday with Katerina. She told us much about historic places and dates, showed most of the city centre. She was helpful and professional)

Stephan was a fantastic guide! I've done 3 different guided tours this week, and Stephan's was by far my favourite. He was funny and very enthusiastic. It was a cold day but I had such a good time on thr tour regardless of the weather. Highly recommended!

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Free Walking Tour in Vienna City Center

Overview of the tour in Vienna

Join us for a walk-through of Vienna’s City center. Together we will explore and discover the stories, and tales of Vienna’s history and present. The tour begins at Minoriten square near the metro station U3 Herrengasse. We’ll talk about life in the metropolis that was the center of the Holy Roman Empire for more than 600 years. Nowadays with almost 2 million inhabitants is one of the biggest in East Europe. A walk-in Vienna is impossible without visiting Mozart’s statue in Burggarden and talking about his legacy that moves Vienna’s concert scene to today. We will discover how coffee has become an everyday ritual and since when bakers in Vienna have been baking the popular Sacher Cake, Kaiserschmarrn. (Pancakes) After two and a half hours, our journey ends at the Cathedral of St. Stephan in the city center. Some of the stops included in the tour: Hofburg Burggarden Joseph Square Saint Stephan's Cathedral I look forward to seeing You! Your Mirko!

This activity includes:

• Vienna Operahouse
• The Hofburg
• Heldenplatz
• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• People's Garden
• Mozart Monument

Meeting point

Minoriten square

The tour begins at Minoriten Square near the metro station U3 Herrengasse. I’ll be waiting for you at the Minoritenplatz near the metro station U3 Herrengasse (Exit Minoritenplatz) by the monument of Leopold Figl.

Things to note

What Should you know during your Visit in Austria? Greetings from Vienna, Austria! From the money in Austria, and typical Austrian food to tipping in Austria, these are the facts about Austria that you need to know! Language in Austria German is the official language of Austria. A lot of people in Austria also speak English, so you won’t have any trouble getting around if you don’t know German. A few basic German phrases to know before you visit Austria: Please = Bitte Thank You = Danke Yes = Ja No = Nein I Want = Ich Will Where is? = Wo ist? Toilet = WC Money in Austria In Austria, the currency is the Euro, which comes in several bills from 100 Euros to 5 Euros. You can use your credit card in most places in Austria, but cash is still king, so you want to make sure you’re always carrying some Euros in Austria. When you withdraw cash in Austria at the ATM, try to get some smaller bills that are easier to spend. Transportation in Austria Austria has great public transportation. The buses and trains go everywhere, even in the smaller towns. Eating Out in Austria Dinner time in Austria is from 6:00 pm until 8.00 pm. Traditional Austrian food includes Wienerschnitzel, lots of pork, streudels, and cakes. Austria once owned part of Italy, so you’ll find great Italian food in Austria. Same with Hungary, so there’s good goulash in Austria. Tipping in Austria should be around 10-15 % of your bill. Service in Austria Service isn’t that great in Austria. The service in Austria is professional, but if you are looking for extra help, or expecting someone to stop by every once in a while, it doesn’t happen. The service is efficient, but not very friendly. Bathrooms in Austria The bathrooms in Austria are usually free, unless you are at a train station, where you’ll need some coins to enter the toilet. The public toilets in Austria are also very private. The opening times of Vienna’s shops, museums, Tourist Info Vienna, etc Museums Most of Vienna's museums open their doors daily. Some are closed once a week, often either on Monday or Tuesday. The daily opening times vary from museum to museum, but you can generally assume that a museum will be open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Some of the large museums offer art lovers one late evening per week and stay open until 8.00 pm or 9.00 pm. Shops Shops are usually open Mon - Fri from 9.00 am - 6.30 pm, Sat until 5.00 pm or 6.00 pm. Shopping is available on Sundays and holidays only at the large railway stations, at the airport and in the museum shops. Restaurants and hot food Most restaurants in the city center are open daily. Hot food is generally offered from 11.00 am - 2.00 pm and from 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm. Some restaurants, often outside the city center, are closed one day each week, sometimes on Sundays as well. Night owls can silence late or even early hunger pangs at a typical Viennese sausage stand. Banks Most banks in Vienna are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm and until 5.30 pm on Thursdays. Drugstores Drugstores are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am - 6.00 pm, usually without a lunch break, and on Saturday from 8.00 am - 12.00 noon. Outside of these times, a 24-hour drugstore standby service is available throughout the city. For telephone, information call tel. 1455. P.S. Please check the website of the respective institution/shop etc. for the current opening hours! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to seeing you in Vienna!

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Vienna City Walks – 11 Sightseeing Routes (Free Video Tour Guides)

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by gregor

Walking in Vienna. Fortunately, Vienna offers numerous opportunities to spend a few nice hours outdoors and not only enjoy nature but also Viennese architecture.  The good news is these are all Free Walking tours in Vienna;-) Below I will tell you what are the most beautiful Vienna City walks and sightseeing routes in Vienna.

These places are best for  walking  tours in  Vienna

Old City Center Walks, 1010 Vienna

Vienna’s city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The most important sights, which you can easily reach on foot, are located in an area of approx. 3km². This is definitely one of the most beautiful places to walk in Vienna.

• Historic facades, churches, fountains, and monuments. 
• eat in excellent restaurants
• Many traditional Viennese coffee houses (Cafe Central Demel, Sacher, Hawelka, Sluka,..)

Top Tip: Enjoy Vienna by night. Sunset to Midnight is the best time for a night walk 

How do I get to the Old City Center in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the old inner city of Vienna without a tourist guide is from Schwedenplatz. Simply get off at the Schwedenplatz underground station (lines U1 or U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Stephansplatz!

Here is a BLOG ARTICLE  with the full Old City Center walking Tour in Vienna and a YouTube VIDEO featuring the whole tour!

VIENNA’S OLD HISTORIC STREETS IN THE CITY CENTER, AUSTRIA

Vienna Government District Walk, 1010 Vienna

Vienna Government District is near the Hofburg Palace in the City Center. A great Vienna City Walk which features a lot of Historic Buildings and Palais, and the famous Minoriten Square and Minoriten Church

Highlights:

• 00:00 Presidential office (Ballhausplatz)
• 01:13 Federal Chancellery (left side)
• 02:20   Ministry of Interior
• 02:24   Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• 02:27   Minoriten Church
• 02:35   Minoriten Square
• 05:22   Palais Dietrichstein
• 05:27   Palais Liechtenstein
• 05:30   Ministry of Education & Science
• 07:04   Palais Niederösterreich (left side)
• 07:52   Minoriten Square

How do I get to the Government District in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the Government District of Vienna is from Karlsplatz. Simply get off at the Karlsplatz underground station (lines U1 or U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Hofburg!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Vienna Government Center walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

Vienna Luxury City Center Walk, 1010 Vienna

A luxury Street Walk from the St. Stephens Cathedral via the Graben, Kohlmarkt, and Herrengasse.  If you love (window) shopping this is definitely the perfect walking tour in Vienna for you.

The shopping area of Top Luxury Brands

• 00:00 Intro and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• 03:00 The Graben Luxury Shopping Street
• 07:15 Kohlmarkt Luxury Shopping Mile (Gucci, Dior, Tiffany’s,….)
• 09:29 Hofburg Palace + Michaeler Tor
• 12:29 Herrengasse 
• 17:13 Cafe Central – World Famous Viennese Coffee House, let’s have a look at the delicious pastry and taste a Truffle Cake + Melange (Viennese Cafe) Yummy,…

How do I get to the Luxury Streets in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the Luxury Streets in the city center of Vienna without a tourist guide is from Stephansplatz. Simply get off at the Stephansplatz underground station (lines U1 or U3) and walk up from there in the direction of Stephansplatz!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Luxury Streets City Center walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Ringstrasse Walk, 1010 Vienna

Walking the Ringstrasse Vienna can take you about 1-3 hours. (The Ringstrasse is 5.3 kilometers long). A city walk to accommodate numerous monumental buildings built during Historicism in the 1860s to 1890s. The buildings erected there – from the State Opera to the Art History Museum – are among the most important sights in Vienna today. 

• 00:00 Intro – Schwarzenbergplatz
• 00:14 Hotel Imperial – 5* luxury Hotel
• 01:30 Vienna State Opera
• 05:16 Heldentor
• 05:31 Hofburg – Heldenplatz – Emperor Palace
• 07:00 Michaelertor – Michaeler Square
• 11:19 Heldentor 
• 11:39 The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Art History Museum) left
• 11:45 The Naturhistorisches Museum Wien  (Nature History Museum) right
• 13:21 Austrian Parliament
• 14:06 Burgtheater 
• 14:52 Rathaus (Vienna Town House)
• 16:03 University  of Vienna
• 17:30 Votiv Church – Votivkirche
• 19:06 Wiener Börsengebäude (Vienna Stock Exchange)
• 21:02 Franz Josefs Kai
• 24:55 IBM Building
• 25:05 Schwedenplatz 
• 27:54 Urania Wien 
• 30:24 MAK Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts)
• 31:13 Stubentor
• 32:04 Stadtpark
• 32:28 OPEC Vienna
• 33:12 Palais Coburg (in the back white Building)
• 33:19   Marriott Hotel Vienna
• 33:42 Almanac Hotel (planned opening Mid of 2022)
• 33:47 Weihburggasse

How do I get to the Ringstrasse in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the Ringstrasse in the city center of Vienna without a tourist guide is from Vienna State Opera. Simply get off at the Karlsplatz underground station (lines U1 or U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Vienna State Opera!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Ringstrasse walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Stadtpark Walk, 1010 Vienna

In the city park, there are picturesque meadows, large water areas, and ornamental shrubs. Large avenue trees shield the park from the ring road. Some rare trees are protected, for example, ginkgo, Christ’s thorn, a pyramidal poplar, and a Caucasian wingnut.

• The Stadtpark has the most monuments and sculptures of all parks in Vienna.
• The most famous is the Strauss monument.
• Top Restaurant: Steirereck and Meierei

How do I get to the Stadtpark in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the Stadtpark in the city center of Vienna is from Karlsplatz. Simply get off at the Stadtpark underground station ( U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Stadtpark!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Stadtpark Walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Burggarten Walk, 1010 Vienna

The Burggarten is located on the Ringstrasse and is laid out in the English style. The Palmenhaus is also located here, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau glass houses designed by Friedrich Ohmann.

• Mozart Statue
• Emperor Franz Joseph Statue
• Nice places to sit and relax
• Take a PicNic with your friends
• Palmenhouse

How do I get to the Burggarten?

The easiest way to explore Burggarten Park in the city center of Vienna is from Karlsplatz. Simply get off at the Karlsplatz underground station ( U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Opera/Burggarten!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Burggarten walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Naschmarkt Walk, 1040 Vienna

The Naschmarkt in Vienna is the most famous food market in Vienna, with around 120 market stalls and restaurants.

• It offers a wide range of culinary delights, from Viennese to Indian, from Vietnamese to Italian. 
• The Naschmarkt Wien has become a meeting place for young and old. 
• The flea market on Saturday is already a cult.

How do I get to the Naschmarkt?

The easiest way to explore the Naschmarkt in the city center of Vienna is from Karlsplatz. Simply get off at the Karlsplatz underground station ( U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Naschmarkt!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Naschmarkt walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

Belvedere Palace Gardens, 1040 Vienna

Belvedere Gardens Vienna is one of Europe’s most significant historical gardens, a fine example of late Baroque garden design.

• the pools that mirror the building’s façade 
• the Palace Gardens 
• the privy Gardens
• the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is the oldest of its kind in Europe with a valuable historical collection of Alpine plants. Wonderful attractions include the rhododendrons, the variety of Sempervivum, and the Japanese Bonsai.

How do I get to the Belvedere Palace?

The easiest way to explore the Belvedere Gardens in the city center of Vienna is from the Hauptbahnhof. Simply get off at the Hauptbahnhof underground station ( U1) and walk up from there in the direction of Belvedere!

Schönbrunn Palace Park Walk, 1130 Vienna

A walk through the park of Schönbrunn Palace is always a good idea! The sprawling grounds are particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves are shimmering in rich, bright colors. 

• The Gloriette
• Roman Ruins
• Beautiful Fountains
• Numerous squirrels

How do I get to Schönbrunn Castle?

The easiest way to explore the Schönbrunn Castle in Vienna is with the U4 Underground. Simply get off at the Schönbrunn underground station ( U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Schönbrunn!

You can find out more about Schönbrunn Palace Park (Quick Guide) here.

Here is a VIDEO with the full Schönbrunn walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Green Prater, 1020 Vienna

The Vienna Prater is a perfect walking destination because the possibilities here are endless. 

• Prater Hauptalle – The main avenue is 4km long perfect for joggers
• Meadows and forests
• the Heustadelwasser 
• the Sulzwiese
• Famous Ferries Wheel

Rent a Bike! The Green Prater is huge (= Duble the size of the Central Park in New York! ) More about Bike Rental in Vienna read here: 

BIKE RENTAL IN VIENNA – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW – WIENMOBIL RAD (VIDEO TOUR)

How do I get to the Prater in Vienna?

The easiest way to explore the Green Prater in Vienna is with the U1 Underground. Simply get off at the Praterstern underground station ( U1) and walk up from there in the direction of the Prater!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Donauinstel walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

The Danube Canal, 1020 Vienna

In summer, many people cannot imagine life without the Danube Canal with its pubs and the associated holiday feeling. A perfect evening walking tour in Vienna.

• There is a lot going on here when the weather is nice 
• especially between Schwedenplatz and Schottentor a lot of restaurants and bars. 
• the sometimes narrower, sometimes wider paths 
• you almost forget that you are in the middle of the city. 

How do I get to the Danube Canal?

The easiest way to explore the Danube Canal in Vienna is the Underground. Simply get off at the Schwedenplatz underground station (U1 or U4) and walk up from there in the direction of Donaukanal!

Here is a VIDEO with the full Donaukanal walking Tour in Vienna featuring all the sightseeing highlights!

Vienna by Night walk

During your stay in Vienna, I will really enjoy Vienna at night.  For me, the most spectacular city night walks are in the city center and the view is from Kahlenberg.

Is Vienna a walkable city?

Vienna is very walkable. There are a lot of Public Parks and gardens along the Ringstrasse. Especially in the City Center, there are a lot of pedestrian zones

How to get around Vienna?

There are 4 Ways to get around Vienna.

By Public Transport, Vienna City Card

• Taking public transportation is the most convenient method to get around Vienna (Euro 8.- for a 24-hour ticket).
• A Vienna City Card , which permits unlimited use of the city’s metro, tram, and bus lines, can be purchased in advance.
• Vienna City Cards are available for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days, and prices range from 24 hours for Euro 17, to 3 days of use + airport transfer for Euro 46.-.

The  Vienna City Card  also offers discounts at over 210 major attractions, making it an excellent value.

By Bicycle Rent a Bike in Vienna

• The city center of Vienna, and the majority of tourist attractions, are reachable by bicycle.
• WienMobil Rad is the most popular bike-sharing service in Vienna.
• Simply register online, find a terminal and scan the QRCode to unlock a bike.
• Detailed Information on How to Rent a bike in Vienna on my Blog:

There is also the very popular Classic Vienna:  3-Hour Guided Bike Tour  available to book in advance.

By Hop On Hop Off Bus

The City Card provides access to standard buses throughout Vienna. There is, of course, the well-known Vienna  Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus .

This  Hop On Hop Off bus  allows you to hop on and off at many locations throughout the city, including the Museums of the Hofburg, the House of Music, and the Schönbrunn Palace.

This choice is always popular amongst travelers, and it is a great way to see many of Vienna’s famous attractions.

By Guided Tour

There are some amazing tours available to book in advance on  Get Your Guide  for people who are short on time or prefer everything to be organized for them.

There’s much to do in the Austrian capital, from food tours to river cruises and bar crawls!

Hope you enjoy my selection of the most beautiful walking and sightseeing tours in Vienna.

BLEIB BERG Health Retreat Hotel – A complete guide including the F.X. Mayr Cure

Best things to do in vienna with kids – family holidays in vienna.

Taylor Swift Fans Sing in Vienna Streets After Canceled Eras Tour Concert: ‘Swifties Are Resilient’

Earlier this week, Kristi Hovington and her family made the trip from their current home of Barcelona to celebrate their daughter’s 14th birthday with what promised to be an unforgettable night at one of Taylor Swift ‘s “ Eras Tour ” shows in Vienna. Only, after a planned terrorist attack resulted in the arrest of two local teenagers and the subsequent cancellation of Swift’s three Austrian concerts, it ended in wasted airfare, sunk hotel costs and, of course, crushed dreams.

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Hovington, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, was one of the tens of thousands of attendees who descended upon the European city to witness the Eras tour , which has just five more dates slated for London next week before completing its overseas run. After news struck yesterday that the terrorist attack was thwarted and local promoter Barracuda Music canceled the performances, the streets of Vienna became something of a vigil for the Swifties who came together to mourn the loss — not just of the shows, but also the time and money spent to get there.

My friend is in Vienna and sent me this video of swifties coming together this morning and I’m fully sobbing 😭🫶🏻 @taylornation13 @taylorswift13 #WeLoveYouTaylor #ViennaTStheErasTour pic.twitter.com/B4ZAXy5AvD — elizabeth 🪩 (student at ttpd) (@cateyeswift13) August 8, 2024

But the cancellations also had an unexpected effect, unifying those Swifties in a time of danger and uncertainty. Fans filled the streets in photos and videos posted on social media, and local churches and business came out in support of the Vienna Swifties. 

On social media, attendees documented chalk drawings on the pavement outside of the stadium where Swift was slated to perform that referenced Swift lyrics: “Fuck the patriarchy (and terrorists),” “This is why we can’t have nice things.” 

In front of the stadium 🫶🏻💔 #ViennaTStheErasTour pic.twitter.com/SCnhFxkFX0 — Alina 🤍🔜 eras vienna (@alinalovestay) August 8, 2024

“This [is] happening right now in Cornelia Street,” wrote one on X . “We create our own safe spaces you stupid spider boys can’t destroy.” 

Local establishments came out in support of Swifties. “My daughter heard a Taylor Swift song playing in the street, and she just stopped,” says Hovington. “There was this sign outside of this building. We didn’t realize it was a church, but there was a sign that said, ‘Dear Swifties, we sympathize with you. You’re welcome to come and sing your sadness away.'”

thank you lovely church in #vienna that played Taylor swift songs the day of the first cancelled concert and gave lots of sad swifties a place to gather. Thanks to the police for keeping us all safe! #ViennaTStheErasTour pic.twitter.com/p9eZeIJaeT — kristi hovington (@kristihov) August 8, 2024

She said they walked in “not knowing what to expect” and saw that the “pews were filled with people crying and singing.” The Eras tour song list was blasting out on the speakers in the church.

“Everybody had their arms around each other,” she continued. “It was just this really beautiful communal moment, just recognizing that we were all obviously sad that we can’t see Taylor and so sad that this horrific thing happened, targeting mostly women and girls at a concert. But the Swifties are very resilient, and people just got on about their day and were kind and swapping friendship bracelets and singing songs anyway.”

Another attendee, Josie Martin, shared her own experience with Variety about her trip to Vienna. A 28-year-old elementary school teacher from Grand Rapids, Mich., she made plans over a year ago to attend the concert with her family. Her brother, who lives in Madagascar, miraculously secured a VIP ticket code off of Reddit last year, and they coordinated a European family vacation, complete with a stop at the Eras Tour.

After hearing news of the cancellations while in Vienna, she and her family found fans singing together in the streets. “Walking around was kind of adorable,” she says. “I’m an elementary teacher, so it was kind of adorable seeing all these young girls, but then also the juxtaposition of their parents figuring out accommodations is so sad. They’re trying to pivot and be positive and take them around town. They’re all exchanging bracelets on the street, which is adorable. When we heard all the singing, my mom was like, ‘Do you think people are protesting?’ I was like, ‘No, they’re literally singing “You Belong With Me.'”

Despite the canceled concert and thwarted terrorist plot, people were “trying to stay positive.”

“When we were walking around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, there were people in their outfits. Like, you know they picked that out for tonight because they’re wearing poofy, sparkly dresses. This is their one outfit they probably brought, or they just wanted to wear it so they could wear it. That was cute but kind of sad.”

“We may not have gotten to hear ‘August’ live in August like we thought, but we still got to sing it together,” one fan wrote on X. “This healed something in me. Swifties are so beautiful. I will never forget this.”

we may not have gotten to hear August live IN August like we thought, but we still got to sing it together. this healed something in me. swifties are so beautiful. i will never forget this. #ViennaTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/4UbbGbGnel — tay | vienna n2❤️‍🩹 (@taysdelicatepov) August 8, 2024

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Massive crowds of 'Swifties' gather, sing together in Vienna after Taylor Swift concerts canceled

P olice kept a watchful eye as crowds of Taylor Swift fans gathered and sang her songs in the Austrian capital Thursday, their dreams of watching her perform live abruptly dashed.

Three sold-out concerts in Vienna, part of Swift's Eras Tours show, were canceled by organizers after officials announced arrests over an apparent plot to attack her shows, saying they appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.

The Ernst Happel Stadium, where up to 65,000 fans had been expected, sat empty Thursday aside from media filming outside. Later in the day on Corneliusgasse — a small street just 3 miles from the stadium — fans flocked to trade friendship bracelets and commiserate about the cancelations. The beaded bracelets, typically bearing Swift's song titles or popular phrases, are usually swapped at concerts with strangers.

The fans gathered on Corneliusgasse because the street name echoes "Cornelia Street," the name of a contemplative synth-pop track from Swift's 2019 album, "Lover."

The title refers to a street in New York City's Greenwich Village, where Swift rented a luxury apartment in 2016 and fans now visit to take selfies. "And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends," she sings in the song's chorus. "I'd never walk Cornelia Street again."

Fans clapped, danced and cheered as they belted out some of her songs and took selfies with each other. Some were upbeat, while others overcome by emotions as they hugged and cried, saying they were heartbroken.

Swifties fixed bracelets on trees in the city center. One police officer had his uniform decorated with bracelets.

As it started to rain, some of the fans dispersed, perhaps to be reunited another day.

READ MORE: Massive crowds of 'Swifties' gather, sing together in Vienna after Taylor Swift concerts canceled

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