Top 5 things to do in Vienna

It hardly seems fair to narrow down a trip to Vienna into only five activities, but we're on this page for a good time not a long time. Which is exactly what my Top 5 things to do in Vienna below are; a guaranteed good time. Vienna is a city so rich in history and cross-genre culture, that across all aspects of the visit there's no lull of being impressed.

From Gothic churches, to Baroque palaces. A city that is 2,000 years old shows some of it's early days of histories pages in the form of stone ruins from the Roman Empire. Though it’s the origin name Vindobona that indicates the area was first used by the Celtics before being conquered by the Romans, who built military bases in the area.

It's the era's from the Medieval time and beyond that dominate the landscape.

Written in the walls of some of the buildings housing old cafe's (among other things), are the secrets of some of histories most iconic characters. Mozart, Strauss, Freud - the list goes on. Names we know from what we've been taught or read, who created or conceptualised their influence on today's society, right from the heart of Vienna.

With so much to take advantage of when in the Austrian capital, make sure you don't miss these Top 5 things to do in Vienna.

Strauss Dinner show

This night one activity blew us away. The musical talent of all who participate in this showcase is enthralling. I've personally not experienced a lot of live classical music, but this show had me captured throughout it's entirety.

It goes without saying that if you're visiting Vienna, you must experience its musical history. To be captivated and entertained listening to some of the most original pieces, performed in their native land by some of today's most talented musicians.

A visit to Strauss Dinner Show provide a tantalising, local fare, three course dinner to accompany the performance too. It’s an immersive experience from entry to exit.

There is nothing that can be faulted from this experience, it was the most perfect way to kick off our time in Vienna.

Breakfast at Café Central

Is there a more inspiring way to start the day, than to sip coffee within the same walls that the likes of Trotsky, Freud, and Polgar did? Some of history's most notable revolutionaries, psychoanalysts, writers and poets would gather in this very café to perhaps evolve their works, exchange ideas (the exact topics of conversations remain unknown of course). Established in 1876, you might start to think I have a thing for historic cafe's used as a creative space for some of histories most well known. But a visit to Café Central ignites your day, transporting you through time from that first step through the mahogany double doors, to laying eyes on the domed roof interior, that's complimented by the very-European bistro chairs and tables. The smell of coffee, accompanied by the calm yet exciting sound of the other guests who have chosen to start their day here too.

An iconic visit, Café Central is a must while in Vienna.

If you're organised enough to plan well in advance you you can reserve a table ahead. Otherwise do as we did, and make the most of your day by arriving close to open (8am) for a walk-in table.

Schönbrunn Palace

You had me at palace. If it's not European cafes, it's palaces. The grandeur , the opulence; I’m a moth to a flame. Mesmerised by the detail, the design. While being immersed and present in the experience of being able to walk the halls of a palace from the 1800s, I can’t help but allow my imagination to attempt to replicate what life might have been like to witness or wander the halls when it was a live-in palace. Choosing my very own reading spot in the vast gardens, a soiree in the main ballroom or simply retiring to my quarters of gold trimmed walls and baroque velvet textile. A tour of Schöbrunn Palace allows you to visit 45 of the 1,441 rooms (an indication of the sheer size of it) all uniquely designed and purposely decorated for a different family member or occasion. And if you’re a fan of traditional desserts, why not visit the old palace kitchen for a live Strudel demonstration (and tasting!!) while you’re there.

The tour and the Strudel demonstration are separate tickets but worth aligning on your visit.

A Mozart performance as his old apartment

It goes without saying that a venture into the world of classical music is of course in the Top 5 things to do in Vienna. If you're not typically a classical music gal or guy, stay with me here it'll be worth it. While actually born in Salzburg, it was 1781 Mozart visited Vienna and decided to stay. He started to achieve fame, penning in this very city, some of his most notable works. It's at his old apartment where you can be among an intimate crowd witnessing a string quartet playing some of his works. It's one thing to be able to hear the music of a historically famed composer, it's another to hear it within the same walls, with the same acoustics, Mozart himself spent endless hours practicing with too.

An immersive and beautiful experience not to be missed.

Enjoy Austrian wine

Vienna’s rich history on offer doesn’t just stop at architectural and musical ensembles, wine production has been traced back to the Celts and Roman rules of the land. Different methods of production in the years since of course. But when you consider the grape seeds that come from those nurtured in the early centuries, you can trust that the Austrians know what they’re doing when it comes to wine production.

A Riesling rich region in Europe (neighbouring Germany), sitting in a quaint Austrian café with a pianist composing the afternoons sound track. A lovely glass of Austrian wine on the white clothed bistro table setting; a unique European atmosphere is fostered. It's hard not to smile, feeling connected to, and reminded of, the opportunity you have to be visiting this gorgeous city.

So there it is, the Top 5 things to do in Vienna.

Be sure to connect with me in the commented below, I'd love to hear if you've been, planning to go or nothing at all related to Vienna and you just want to say hi in this community.

Thanks again for stopping by, it's a pleasure as always to have you visit the blog.

Much love always,

Dani xx

Want more travel ideas? Check out my other Travel pieces to inspire your next trip or weekend away.