If you only think of Vienna as a city with an imperial past and grand baroque palaces, you're wrong! Of course, there are the great architectural monuments and their sumptuous gardens, but there is also another facet of the city that will seduce the whole family! Discover the art nouveau facades, fall under the charm of the very trendy 7th district, and of course, stroll in one of the many cafés of the city. So, book your stay at the Hotel Campanile Vienna and get ready to visit the capital. Because, believe us, three days are not too much to visit and enjoy all that the Austrian capital has to offer!
As top of your class, dedicate the first day of your visit to the discovery of the must-see attractions in Vienna. Start by visiting the Austrian baroque palaces, among those we suggest you discover. Don't hesitate to choose, according to the age of your children and their desires... Otherwise, beware of indigestion from the first day!
Visit the magnificent Imperial Palace Hofburg
Direction the visit of the Hofburg palace, formerly residence of the emperors (for 700 years!), the palace now houses about ten museums, like the one dedicated to Sissi (yes, the famous empress !) or the Albertina (with its masterpieces of Monet, Degas, Renoir, Chagall..). Note that the pretty alleys of the Volksgarten (people's garden) are filled with the scent of more than 3000 rosebushes.
Romantic Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens
With its 1,441 rooms (45 of which are open to the public), Schönbrunn Palace offers an excellent insight into the summertime life of European royalty from the 17th to the 19th century. The Kinder (children's) program allows the youngest to participate in the setting of the dining room table and to dress up in royal attire. What a class!
Admire Austrian culture in a green setting at the Belvedere
The Belvedere consists of two splendid baroque palaces steeped in history. You can visit the museum (which has the world's largest collection of Klimt paintings), or just stroll through its sublime garden... a painless activity for your wallet, as the entrance ticket is free! A real treat for art history lovers.
The Austrian pearl, the Vienna Opera House
Visiting the Opera House is a must when traveling to this historic capital! Built in the 1860's, the Wiener Staatsoper as we say here, has kept all its splendor! You have to visit the interior to admire the frescoes in the entrance hall, the rooms and all the backstage areas! We recommend a guided tour (to be booked a few days in advance).
Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, a little gem of Gothic architecture
In the heart of the city center, a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral is not an option! With its multicolored tiles and its south tower that rises to 136 meters, the St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world (yes, in the world). Slip a foot inside, the altars and interior chapels are worth a look, and if you feel like it, also enter the treasure room and visit the catacombs.
Karlskirche or the mastery of baroque art
Are you attracted by religious architecture? Explore Vienna and admire the Karlskirche, the church of Saint Charles Borromeo... simply one of the most beautiful Austrian baroque edifices to visit. As you can see, Vienna is also the capital of superlatives!
As you wander around, don't let your stomach cry out! Vienna's coffee and pastry culture is world-renowned, so run to Café Sacher for its Sacher Torte and a delicious Viennese coffee! Or Café Central for its lemon pie. Or Café Frauenhuber for a Strudel. Or at Café Prükel's for a Topfenkuchen (kind of cheesecake). Or... the list is definitely too long for one weekend!
For those with a sweet tooth, try the Schnitzels, thin slices of breaded veal. The best ones can be found at the Gmoakeller, Gasthaus Pöschl, Figlmüller or Die Schöne Perle. Enjoy your meal! Head to the restaurant to enjoy a good schnitzel with friends!
Vienna, capital of music! Known for having seen the birth of Mozart and Strauss, it has welcomed and inspired many composers such as Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Schubert, Liszt... With 15,000 annual events in the city's concert calendar, there is something for every type of music lover. There are concerts everywhere (in the street, churches, parks, gardens...) and all the time. What will you pick to liven up your second day?
What to go and listen to in Vienna?
We recommend you to go and listen to a concert of the famous Vienna Boys Choir in the MuTh (their concert hall) or to a holy mass in the chapel of the Imperial Palace. These are very popular performances, so be sure to book your ticket in advance!
Another popular musical outing for the younger crowd (but for everyone) is the Haus der Musik. Literally, the "House of Music" introduces classical music with interactive and playful musical experiences. We particularly appreciate the workshop that allows you to transform your name into a Mozart composition, the one that offers you the possibility to conduct a multimedia opera, or to write a score by throwing dice! The perfect activity to entertain your little ones.
But it's time to get out of the baroque Viennese and discover other facets of the Austrian capital, right?
Break the codes in Vienna and enter the world of Hundertwasser
Visiting the Hundertwasser Museum, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a genius architect and precursor of sustainable development, is a former factory rehabilitated into a cheerful and warm place. Here, everything is askew: the floors crinkle, trees grow out of the windows, and the facades are a mix of materials and shapes. And you are not at the end of your surprises... a little further on, discover the Hundertwasser House: a colorful, completely unconventional low-income building!
Stroll through the streets of Vienna in search of the Jugendstil
Are you interested in architecture? Let yourself be tempted by the Jugendstil, the art nouveau of Vienna. Among the illustrious buildings that dot the city, look for the facades of the Secession, the Otto Wagner Pavilion, the Majolica House, the Austrian Post Office Savings Bank, the Artaria House, etc. Follow this circuit, or that circuit. The advantage of these short tours? Discover another Vienna while enjoying the first rays of spring sunshine! Something for everyone to agree on.
The most famous market of the Austrian capital, the Naschmarkt
If you want to experience the typical atmosphere of Viennese life, go to the Naschmarkt! It is a real institution in Vienna, nicknamed the "belly of the city". This district vibrates every day from morning to evening, and as a bonus, on Saturdays before noon, it has a flea market that has become a cult. You can find everything here, including restaurants and cafés, which allow you to try many gastronomic specialties from around the world. Don't forget to go there at night to stroll through the streets in search of a good restaurant.
The 7th district, immersion in the trendy Vienne
And where do we find the local trendy and creative youth? They have taken up residence in the 7th district of Vienna where you can find stores, bistros, workshops, associations and cultural centers and many other things! Stroll along the Burggasse, on the St-Ulrich square and above all, open your eyes wide, you won't be disappointed! Don't hesitate to stop in one of the small traditional restaurants.
You thought you had seen the Austrian capital? Think again! Vienna is still full of little secrets to discover...
Equestrian art at its best in Vienna: the Spanische Hofreitschule
You don't have to be a horseback riding enthusiast to be captivated by the Spanische Hofreitschule (literally: Spanish Riding School) in Vienna. It is truly fascinating! Unique in its kind, it stages incredible equestrian ballets. It is possible to attend the training sessions in the "theater" (beautifully decorated with chandeliers and large curtains, but... unheated!) and take a guided tour of the stables. A must to visit!
Vineyards and countryside of Vienna: good air and good wine !
Did you know that Vienna is the only metropolis with large vineyards on its outskirts? Grinzing is one of the city districts with vineyards.
If you are not afraid of the miles, don't hesitate to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The countryside is easily accessible by public transportation (e.g. from the center by streetcar no. 38, "heurigen express" for Viennese, or by subway). In addition to picturesque, colorful houses from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, there are wine taverns, a kind of guinguette, called "Heurigen". You can taste new wine and discover Viennese culinary specialties, all with live music and good mood! Once there, don't miss the view of Vienna, the Danube and the plains beyond... One word: magical!
What if Vienna hadn't revealed all its secrets?
A stay in Vienna would not be complete without a cruise on the Danube? Or without a tour of the city in a fiaker (a traditional horse-drawn carriage, with drivers dressed in period costumes, please!)? Or without a 360° view of Vienna from the 64 meters high Riesenrad Ferris wheel located in the second district of the city?
And why not also a waltz class? For amateurs, book an hour of lessons at the Elmayer dance school (the most prestigious in the city) or at Waltz in Vienna. On weekends, lessons are given for beginners to get acquainted with this famous ballroom dance.
So, are you ready to create your own Viennese program and let yourself be carried away by the romantic atmosphere of the Austrian capital?
Book in our Campanile Hotel in Vienna and take advantage of our offers: