Attractions of Vienna: Imperial grandeur and Ringstraße architecture

Magnificent palaces, baroque gardens, art in all its forms, museums for every interest, delightful cuisine, and a unique atmosphere: The range of attractions and excursion destinations in Vienna are worth a visit!

Plan to spend at least half a day exploring Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens. Schloss Schönbrunn is just a short ten-minute walk away from the H2 Hotel Wien Schönbrunn. The largest palace in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace boasts 1,441 rooms and exudes a majestic imperial splendour. The 160-hectare park also includes the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world dating back to 1752. As you wander through the gardens, make sure to climb up to the Gloriette, a prominent structure that serves as a focal point and lookout, allowing you to admire a panoramic view of Vienna.

Take a leisurely two-kilometer walk along the iconic Wiener Ringstraße, named after the architectural style that defined Vienna's urban landscape in the late 19th century, known as the "Ringstrassenstil". The Ringstrasse, originally built as a grand boulevard replacing the old city fortifications, stretches over a total of six and a half kilometres, lined with monumental buildings and beautifully landscaped green spaces.

To start your tour, hop on the U4 underground line from the H2 Hotel Wien Schönbrunn to Karlsplatz. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church) and the Wiener Secessionsgebäude (Vienna Secession Building). Begin your walking tour at the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) built in 1896 and the venue for the annual Opera Ball. As you follow the Ring clockwise, set slightly back on the left-hand side, you will come across the Akademie der bildenden Künste (Academy of Fine Arts), where works by world-renowned artists such as Bosch, Cranach, Rembrandt, and Rubens are exhibited. 

After the Burggarten Park, on the right-hand side, you will come across the Hofburg with its numerous museums and the Hofreitschule (Spanish Riding School), while on the left-hand side, you will first come across the Kunsthistorische (Art History) Museum and then the Naturhistorische (Natural History) Museum. The two sister museums form an architectural ensemble around the Maria-Theresien-Platz. Both museums are renowned for their exceptional collections. Just across from them, you will find the Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) followed by the Volksgarten (People's Garden) with its rose garden and the Sisi monument. 

After passing the Austrian Parliament, designed in the Hellenistic style, you will come across the Rathausgarten (City Hall Park) and the Vienna Town Hall, featuring a 105-metre-high tower. On the right-hand side, you will find the Burgtheater, considered the largest German-speaking theatre stage. Continuing along, you will pass by the famous Café Landtmann and reach the University of Vienna. Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is the oldest and largest university in the German-speaking world. The Votivkirche (Votive Church) stands just behind it. It is one of the most important neo-Gothic religious buildings in the world.

If you want to continue walking in Vienna's city centre, don't miss the Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), the Café Central, the shopping street called "Graben" and many other attractions. Should you feel your legs getting weary and your appetite growing, treat yourself to some authentic Viennese culinary delights. Don't miss out on the popular classics like Buchteln (sweet yeast dumplings), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), and Sacher Torte, paired with original Viennese coffee variations such as the Melange. 

By the way, the Viennese coffee house culture belongs to the world's intangible cultural heritage! If you're in the mood for something heartier, opt for classic Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), or Krautfleckerl (cabbaage and noodles). At the Naschmarkt, you'll find the city's largest market. At Naschmarkt, colourful stands mingle with various bars, snack stalls, and restaurants.

A trip to the Prater 

The Prater is a popular destination and arguably the most famous attraction in Vienna. In fact, the name refers to a vast recreational area with green spaces, offering opportunities for jogging, skating, cycling, disc golf, and much more. But it's the amusement park within the Prater that truly steals the show, with its fairground rides, haunted houses, roller coasters, and carousels. The 65-meter-high Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) in the Prater dates back to 1896 and is one of the iconic landmarks of Vienna.

If you have a little more time in Vienna, there are also various excursion destinations in the green surroundings of the capital city that are worth exploring. The municipality of Mödling, for example, about 15 kilometres southwest of Vienna, offers a plethora of exciting options. If you park at Meiereiwiese, you can take a delightful hike up to the Husarentempel, a charming temple. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Vienna from up here. Head the other way from the car park and find the medieval Mödling Castle Ruins. 

It's a favourite spot for day trips with a well-marked trail. The Hinterbrühl Seegrotte (underground lake) is just a few hundred metres from the Meiereiwiese car park. Take a boat tour and explore the largest underground lake in Europe, nestled within the caves of the former gypsum mine.

The Peilstein is a popular destination for hiking and climbing, offering stunning views of the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods). The 716-meter-high limestone hill is situated 30 kilometers southwest of Vienna. You can hike from Schwarzensee or via the Peilstein adventure trail from Nöstach. Another must-visit attraction is the Schlosspark Laxenburg (Palace Park), a sprawling park featuring the magnificent Laxenburg Palace, the Franzensburg and numerous pavilions, ponds and bridges. A visit to the Blumengärten Hirschstetten (Flower Gardens) is also well worth it. Discover a garden paradise with a water lily pond, animal enclosures, a playground and much more.

Discover a city teeming with exciting attractions and excursions that cater to all tastes, and unwind in the pleasant comfort of the H2 Hotel Wien Schönbrunn!