Discovering the centre of Vienna on foot.
The majority of the most important tourist attractions in Vienna are located in the first district of the capital. The historical centre of the city can best be discovered on foot due to the many pedestrian areas. We have compiled a possible route for you to best discover the city centre of Vienna.
One of the most famous opera houses of the world – the Vienna State Opera
Begin your sightseeing tour at the Viennese State Opera. This is not only easy to reach – the U1, U2 and U4 (Karlsplatz) underground stations as well as numerous trams stop there – but also a must see for any visit to Vienna. Viennese State Opera is one of the most famous opera houses worldwide and is referred to as “the first house on the Ring” by the Viennese.
The Viennese State Opera has come up with a special idea for those new to the opera and tourists. In April, May, June and September it broadcasts many operas and ballets live on a large video wall directly in front of the Opera House. And the best part is that this is free of charge. A perfect opportunity to get a taste of the world of opera.
Wiener Staatsoper
Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Website: www.wiener-staatsoper.at
Albertina – Where those with a passion for art and music meet
Within sight of the Opera, directly behind it, you will find one of the most important museums in Vienna – the Albertina. The exhibition “From Monet to Picasso” is definitely worth a visit. You can find further information on the museum here.
It is not only art lovers who meet on the terrace of the Albertina Museum – in summer (mid-June until the end of August) the bastion terrace of the Albertina is transformed into an open air location for ALBERT&TINA every Wednesday. Drinks are served and from 6pm until 8pm you have the possibility to have a free tour of the museum.
Albertina Museum
Address: Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 am – 06:00 pm, Wednesday until 09:00 pm
Website: www.albertina.at
Albert & Tina
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/albert&tina
Burggarten – Vienna’s first public park
Only a few minutes’ walk away from the Albertina Museum you will find the Burggarten. You can find out more information on this here.
If you are already in need of a little break and some refreshments after these first two stops of your tour, we recommend the Palmenhaus Restaurant. You will have a wonderful view of the Burggarten from its terrace and the breakfasts as well as the cakes and sweet dishes which they offer are excellent. Continuing on your route, you can make a stop at the Mozart memorial while you stroll through the park.
Palmenhaus: www.palmenhaus.at
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Heldenplatz – The main seat of the Austrian President
The next stop is Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square), which can best be accessed from its main entrance – the Burgtor. This is situated opposite the Maria-Theresien-Platz (Maria-Theresa Square) with its twin buildings – the Art History Museum and the Natural History Museum.
The Viennese Heldenplatz is a historical square and here the home of the Austrian President since 1945 is situated in the Hofburg (the Imperial Palace). Also at Heldenplatz or nearby you will find other points of interest, such as the National Library, the Imperial Treasury, the Sisi Museum as well as the Spanish Riding School.
At the moment Heldenplatz looks a little different due to the presence of a temporary building. As the Austrian Parliament is currently being renovated, the National Council was in need of new premises and Heldenplatz was chosen as a suitable location. Upon completion of the renovation work in the Parliament, work will commence to renovate Heldenplatz.
Vienna’s prettiest park – the Volksgarten
Right next to Heldenplatz you will find the Volksgarten (the People’s Garden) which is the prettiest garden in the centre of Vienna. You can discover more about the park. From here, you only have to walk through the large gate and you are directly in front of Vienna’s Burgtheater (the Imperial Court Theatre).
A meeting place in the centre of the city – the Rathausplatz
The Burgtheater lies directly on the Ringstraße and is opposite the Vienna City Hall. Throughout the year, the square in front of the City Hall serves as the location for diverse events in the heart of the city. From July until the beginning of September the square hosts the Vienna Film Festival. Operas and concerts are broadcast on a huge screen in front of the City Hall and the square is temporarily home to a wide variety of stands offering culinary delights from all over the world.
But the City Hall Square is also well worth a visit in winter as the most well-known of Vienna’s Christmas markets is held here. Other events which are regularly held here are the Vienna Eistraum (Ice Dream) with possibilities to ice-skate throughout the City Hall park and the famous Life Ball which is broadcast all over the world and is held here every year.
Programm Filmfestival Wien: www.filmfestival-rathausplatz.at/en/
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The heart of the historical old city – the Graben and Stephanplatz
After a short walk from the City Hall through the small charming side streets of the inner city, you will arrive at one of the most noble addresses of Vienna, the Graben. Enjoy the splendour of this street while walking towards the most significant landmark, Vienna’s S. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is the most important Gothic building in Austria and is located in the centre of the city. You can visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral anytime free of charge and those who are particularly brave can walk up the 343 steps in its tower in order to have a breath-taking view over Vienna.
Now that you have arrived in the centre of Vienna, you can simply walk around and discover the beauty of the city yourself. Enjoy!
Here you can find the link to the route: Google Maps