The Ultimate Vienna Bucket List

Thinking back on what to write about Vienna, Austria, I remembered a lot of food and drink. But let’s be real…how many people want to read a post titled “How to Get Fat and Drunk in Vienna?” So I tried to include some cool photo ops and top attractions in Vienna for you too. Have fun, and don’t worry, I won’t judge if you opt to go the eating and drinking route on your trip! Without further ado, here are the 9 things you should not miss in Vienna.

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Photo tour

This Polaroid tour was what really set the eating and drinking in motion. In addition to showing me around the city, pointing out all of the major sites, and teaching me how to not completely fail with my Polaroid camera, they also told me about all of the food to try. I’ll be honest, it was downhill from there.

The tour was incredibly interesting though, and a unique way to see Vienna. If you do something similar, make sure you save time for afterward so you can make all of your friends jealous with artsy Insta shots. You know the ones I’m talking about–the picture of the Polaroid in front of the location it was taken? You’ll see some further down this post.

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Rathaus

Before we get to the food, I want to tell you about some of the awesome places to see and cool photo spots throughout the city, so prepare yourself. First up is Rathaus, Vienna’s city hall. I don’t know about you, but this was definitely the fanciest city hall I’ve ever seen.

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church)

You can’t miss this beautiful aqua colored dome. Not only is it stunning to photograph, but the church has some seriously cool history too. It ended up being one of my top attractions in Vienna.

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Hundertwasserhaus

Take a break from imperial this and historical that to check out this apartment building. An apartment building, you ask? What can be so special about an old apartment building? Here, I think I’ll let the photo speak for itself, but I promise: Hundertwasserhaus is 1000% worth a visit if you enjoy photography (or cool buildings).

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Volksgarten

If you’re still tired of looking at buildings, Volksgarten is a lovely place to kick back and chill. Or do a garden photo shoot, whatever you prefer. The flowers here are seriously gorgeous, and make for a nice stop in the middle of the city.

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Vienna State Opera

To me, the opera house felt quintessentially Viennese. With the bright red street cars racing by, the Viennese dodging silly tourists (me), and the impressive design, mark this on your list of places to visit in Vienna. Located in the Ringstrasse (Ring Road), it’s easy to work into your sightseeing.

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Naschmarkt

At the beginning of the article, I promised Vienna had lots of food and drink, so here the story really begins. Naschmarkt was dangerously/ conveniently located across the street from my hostel, which is probably the root of this. This market has existed since the 16th century(!!!) and is about a mile long. Filled with vintage food stalls and restaurants, the market offers just about every type of food you can imagine. Stroll through, pick up a snack, or plan to have dinner here. This is definitely one of the top attractions in Vienna (because there’s food, duh!)

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Wiener schnitzel

One of the best known specialties in Viennese cuisine, you pretty much have to try wiener schnitzel when you’re in Austria. Turns out I’m not actually a huge fan of it, but I LOVE the potato salad frequently served as a side. Plus a glass of wine never hurt anybody, am I right?

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

Sachertorte

Ok friends, I’m going to let you in on a secret here. You cannot visit Vienna and not eat sachertorte. Note that you do not say the word as it’s written, you will totally butcher it, and people will look at you like a silly American. I’m still totally unsure how to say it, but if you describe what you’re looking for, you can find this delicious chocolate cake!

Vienna, Austria bucket list: Discover top attractions and what first-time visitors absolutely must do!

I know these aren’t nearly all of the top attractions in Vienna, but these activities will give you a good taste of the city in 24 hours. If you have a little longer, definitely check out Schonbrunn palace, Hofburg, Prater, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the list goes on. With an extra day, I’d recommend a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia; I opted to do this, and absolutely loved it.

Logistics

Cheap flights: I’d recommend searching through eDreams.net. They scan tons of different travel discount sites and feature special flight deals.

Hotel Deals: My top choice is probably Expedia. I’ve found some insanely cheap (beautiful hotels) through the site. If you’re looking to avoid hotels and go the hostel route, I recommend checking out Hostelworld.

Pin for Later!

41 Comments

  1. I have a trip to Vienna planned on October, so thank you for the tips. I have been some years ago and saw quite a lot of the attractions then, so I guess I will be following your footsteps for food and drinks… 😉 The market is a sure pick!

  2. I’ve never been to Austria so this makes me want to visit now. I love that you highlighted all the wonderful things to do and eat in a short time as there’s just so many places to explore outside Vienna, too.

    PS. Sachertorte looks delicious!

  3. Haha, I would totally read “How to Get Fat and Drunk in Vienna?”. My travel partner swears she’s had the best Carbonara pasta in Vienna. I thinking trying the local dishes and drinks is just as important as seeing the sights.

  4. I love seeing these kinds of places when I go to a new city! I always wanted to see Vienna too, maybe hopefully one day I will 🙂 That market outside your hostel would have been my downfall too lol…I’m a food junkie as much as a photo taking junkie ;p Open air markets are the best with all the fresh foods to look at…and eat…and take pictures of lol….

  5. The big question I have is: Did you have your nails painted knowing you would do the Polaroid tour or was this just a lucky accident because I think it looks simply rad in the Polaroid/reality shots!

    Happy continued travels!
    C

  6. This is a city I need to go back to – we didn’t particularly like it but more because it rained non stop and my daughter was ill so we were a little stressed. My mother goes often to visit and friend and keeps telling me how lovely it is! I love the look of that apartment building so would def look for that! #feetdotravel

  7. Absolutely love the idea of a Polaroid scavenger hunt! It makes great pictures! I was in Vienna last year but didn’t get a chance to try the chocolate cake – looks delicious!

  8. I loved Vienna! So many wonderful things to so and see there! I am a museum lover – so many museums were on my list. And I loved Prater as well 🙂

    1. I bet, Vienna has a ton of good museum options! I didn’t spend much time inside when I was there since it was beautiful weather, but maybe next time. I’ll have to get your recommendations!

  9. I only spent a short period of time in Vienna so would love to go back and explore it properly. It also looks awesome in the summer! Definitely one to visit in the warmer months. You seem like you had a great time – love the architecture and all the yummy food!

  10. I love Wiener schnitzel!! Never been to Vienna, not yet anyway, thanks for all the tips, will pin for later, your photos are great 🙂

  11. I missed the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna and I’m so disappointed! I would love to photograph this building and you photographed it wonderfully! I did try the Sachertorte and wasn’t over impressed, a bar of Milka chocolate would have been more satisfying! The Wiener schnitzels were delicious though and the one you photographed looks exceptional.

    1. If you’re ever back, the apartment building is definitely worth a stop! And maybe the sachertorte depends on where you get it? I liked mine a lot, and it wasn’t dry, which was nice

  12. Vienna looks so majestic and beautiful. It is on our bucket list. Thanks for sharing. Bookmarked this post.

  13. Vienna looks so beautiful, it has been on my list since a long time now so I need to cross it off. The apartment building is just gorgeous although I cannot pronounce the name. I always eat and drink when I am in a new place. Thanks for sharing.

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