The historic center of Vienna has some amazing architecture. There are, in my opinion, 5 main sights one should not miss:
(1) The Hofburg [Former residence of the Habsburg Dynasty and currently used as the official residence and office of the President of Austria]
(2) Schonbrunn [Summer residence of the Habsburg Dynasty]
(3) Belvedere Palace [Summer residence of Prince Eugene]
(4) St. Stephan’s Cathedral [Seat of the Archbishop of Vienna]
(5) Vienna State Opera
Of course, Vienna has many other attractions as well, but if you are pressed for time, I would strongly recommend not to miss these 5. Also, it is more convenient to buy the tickets in advance online and thus avoid queues (especially at Schonbrunn).
Inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral … The 14th Century Cathedral is built in Gothic style.The 6 Euro lift ride to the top offers some decent view of Vienna, but I felt it is not entirely worth it. The tile-work on the Cathedral looks nice.St. Stephan’s Cathedral … I just wish it was a sunny day 🙂Liked this building near Hofburg Palace … Right next to the Herrengasse Subway Station.Statue of Prince Eugene in front of the Hofburg Palace … When we arrived at around 9AM, the entire area was pretty deserted. Looks like the crowds start arriving around noon.Interesting statue outside Hofburg Palace … Interesting statue outside Hofburg Palace … Interesting statue outside Hofburg Palace … Interesting statue outside Hofburg Palace … Hofburg Palace is a huge complex … It will take hours to explore. Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection is the typical tour they offer. Hofburg Palace was the Imperial Residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, including Emperor Franz Joseph I, Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) Etc.Another interesting statue …Hofburg Palace is a huge complex … It will take hours to explore. Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection is the typical tour they offer. Hofburg Palace was the Imperial Residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, including Emperor Franz Joseph I, Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) Etc.Another interesting statue …Inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral …The Gothic interiors of St. Stephan’s Cathedral …View of Vienna from the top of St. Stephan’s Cathedral … As I said above, not sure it is worth the 6 Euro elevator ride.Another view of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral … St. Stephan’s Cathedral is right next to the Stephansplatz Subway Station.The damn cloudy day 🙂 Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg Dynasty. Among the palaces, in my experience, this was the most crowded one.When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around …When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around … This is near the Karlsplatz Subway Station.The beautiful Belvedere Palace … Belvedere Palace … Snap from the gardens between the Upper and Lower Belvedere.View of the Lower Belvedere … From Upper Belvedere Palace.Vienna State Opera … There are conducted tours at fixed times. There will be huge crowds and the tours are conducted in various languages. Obviously, English tours are the most in demand.When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around …When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around …When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around …Vienna State Opera … There are conducted tours at fixed times. There will be huge crowds and the tours are conducted in various languages. Obviously, English tours are the most in demand.When you roam around central Vienna (Innere Stadt), you can notice the beautiful buildings all around …Vienna City Hall … (Rathaus) …St. Stephan’s Cathedral at night …
