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VIENNA
SOMMAIRE
The capital of Austria, Vienna enchants with its grand palaces, elegant streets lined with historic cafés, and an atmosphere steeped in the spirit of great composers. The city shines through its musical treasures, imperial heritage, majestic architecture, and fascinating history.
Formerly the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was a crossroads of cultures and political power. A true hub of classical music, it was here that figures like Mozart and Beethoven left an indelible mark on the musical world. Vienna was also the birthplace of major intellectual movements, such as Freud’s psychoanalysis.
It’s no surprise that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Mozart to Freud, through Imperial Vienna, the city has given rise to many iconic figures who shaped European history.
Before you go ...
Language : German
Currency: Euro
Flight time (from Paris) : approx. 2h
Time difference (from Paris) : none
Documents (from France) : An ID card is sufficient / outside the EU, a valid passport is required.
Basic Vocabulary :
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Hello ................ Guten morgen
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Thank you ....... Danke
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Yes ................... Ja
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No .................... Nein
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Good bye ........ Auf wiedersehen
HISTORIC CITY CENTER
Like many Eastern European cities, the historic center is almost entirely pedestrianized, including the main street, Graben Strasse. This maze of cobbled alleys invites you to stroll, weaving through the city’s many treasures. Along the way, you’ll come across the Wiener Pestsäule (Plague Column), St. Peter’s Church, the Ankeruhr Clock, and countless baroque facades of luxury boutiques.
ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL
In the charming Stephansplatz square stands both Europe’s most elegant McDonald’s and Vienna’s cathedral, whose tiled roof recalls that of Dijon. The roof itself is both impressive and one-of-a-kind. Between these two monuments, a parade of horse-drawn carriages passes by. The cathedral is a neo-Gothic gem, built between 1137 and 1263. Entry is free. Inside, the stained glass windows, statues, and religious objects add to the grandeur.
VIENNESE CAFÉS – SPERL
Viennese cafés are a true European institution. Their barista know-how is so renowned that it's recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. These cafés are appreciated for their beauty, reminiscent of Belle Époque Parisian cafés. Café Sperl, opened in 1880, is one of the most iconic in Vienna. Located in the 6th district, it serves as a living witness to the city’s cultural and social history. With its art deco interior and warm woodwork, it has long attracted intellectuals, artists, and writers, playing a key role in the city’s literary scene. It's the perfect place for leisurely reading a newspaper while billiard balls clack softly in the background.
KARLSKIRCHE CHURCH
This magnificent, perfectly symmetrical monument rises majestically in front of a reflecting pool that mirrors its image. The church is as beautiful inside as out, offering a peaceful setting ideal for contemplation (entry €9.50). Sit by the pool, or for the lucky ones, on a deck chair, enjoying both admiration and refreshment.
Take the metro and admire the old art nouveau Karlsplatz station, built in 1898 by Otto Wagner
HOFBURG PALACE
What astonishing building houses a Spanish riding school, imperial crown jewels, and a museum dedicated to Empress Sisi ? On Michaelerplatz square, Hofburg Palace offers numerous attractions for history buffs, jewelry lovers, and Sisi admirers. The Spanish Riding School’s dressage show is particularly graceful and poetic (ticket €23).
Nearby, make a detour to Burggarten Park and its lovely Schmetterlinghaus butterfly house.
BELVEDERE PALACE
Even if you’re not a museum lover, it’s hard not to be charmed by this scenic promenade among flowers, fountains, and marble statues. A vast esplanade links two magnificent palaces, iconic examples of Austrian architecture, now turned into museums. The first, the Upper Belvedere, houses major works, including those of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt’s famous The Kiss. Its "twin," the Lower Belvedere, also features beautiful, albeit lesser-known, paintings.
SCHÖNNBRUNN PALACE
The imperial palace deserves an article of its own. This majestic yellow-and-green building hides a vast park, freely accessible even without entering the palace. Even if you’re not drawn to castle interiors, the park and the architecture of the surrounding buildings make it well worth the visit. The palace’s interiors are stunning but can only be visited with a guide (ticket €27), unlike other buildings such as the Palm House, Carriage Museum, or Orangery. The Gloriette, another impressive structure atop a small hill, offers a breathtaking view of the entire estate.
NASCHMARKT MARKET
A string of small stalls, side by side, offers a wide variety of bars, shops, chocolatiers, greengrocers, and food stands. Come in the morning, especially during the flea market (Saturdays from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm), or at the end of the day to relax in one of the bars. Whether it’s a violet spritz or a chilled beer, there’s something for everyone in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
HUNDERTWASSER HOUSES
This eclectic, free-form complex stands in a residential neighborhood at 34–38 Kegelgasse. The artist left traces of his work throughout the city, but this is the largest concentration. Though very touristy, the mosaic-covered facade combined with wild greenery creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that’s truly worth seeing. Architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser strongly believed in the importance of nature and organic forms in architecture.
From the village, continue on to discover another of his creations, the Kunst Haus Wien, which is the artist's museum.
To go further ...
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Prater Park : for its fairground and giant Ferris wheel.
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Albertina Museum : for its beautiful art collection.
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BRATISLAVA City : visit the Slovak capital, just 1 hour away by train
1. Sperl Gumpendorfer Str. 11, 1060 Wien
This iconic café, rich in the capital’s history, is famous for its pastries, Viennese coffees and hot chocolates, as well as its traditional dishes (wiener schnitzel, goulash, sausages, etc.). The seasonal pumpkin soup deserves a special mention, it’s simply excellent.
TO EAT & DRINK
2. Lamée Rooftop, Rotenturmstraße 15, 1010 Wien
This rooftop bar offers a stunning view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a cocktail at the end of the day.
3. Demel, Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien
Like all great Austrian cafés, Demel is a true institution in the city. This elegant tea room opened in 1888. The local pastries (Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, etc.) are delicious, and the setting is absolutely charming.
The apartment is well located for exploring the city, even though it’s in the lesser-known and not particularly interesting Fünfhaus district. Just steps away from the Margaretengürtel metro station, it’s well connected to the rest of the city, only 5 minutes to Karlsplatz. The flat is well equipped and very cute.