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Innere Stadt is the most inner district of Vienna. It's historic centre dates back to Roman ages and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is encircled by the Ring Road (Ringstraße), a grand boulevard constructed along the old city walls, which were torn down starting in 1858. Along the Ringstraße are many famous and grand buildings, including the City Hall (Rathaus), the Austrian Parliament, the Hofburg Palace, the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), and the State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper).

The very central point of Innere Stadt is the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Vienna. From there, many of Vienna's most famous streets expand in every direction, including Graben and Kärntner Strasse. The centre is largely pedestrianized, and the remainder of streets open to traffic are mostly reserved for bus and taxi traffic - driving around is an intricate affair and is best avoided.

The Tourist Information point is in the green-domed building behind the Opera and in front of the Albertina

Understand

  • 1 Tourist Info Vienna, Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse (behind the Vienna State Opera, across from the Albertina), ☏ +43-1-24 555, fax: +43-1-24 555-666, . Daily 09:00-19:00. Offers free walking maps and brochures, and can help with hotel reservations. 

Get in

Arriving from the airport by train, change to U-Bahn at Wien Mitte/Landstrasse - or just take a walk to the Ring

From Vienna International Airport

It may come as a surprise, but the Innere Stadt is not directly reachable from the Vienna International Airport.

The shortest way to get there from the airport is to take the City Airport Train or S-Bahn line S7 to Wien Mitte-Landstrasse and then transfer to U-Bahn line U3 directly to Stephansplatz, or alternatively the U4 along the Donaukanal - a convenient stop to alight and start walking into the Innere Stadt is Schwedenplatz, while you can also choose to go south and alight at Karlsplatz by the opera house. Alternatively, you can simply walk as the Wien Mitte-Landstrasse station is only some 250 m from the Ring, separated by the nice Stadtpark.

Alternatively, you can travel on the S7 one station farther to Praterstern in Leopoldstadt, and from there the U1 will take you to the abovementioned Schwedenplatz, Stephansplatz or Karlsplatz. If you want to explore the Innere Stadt starting from the west, you can take the U2 from Praterstern, which stops along the western bend of the Ring, starting at Schottenring and terminates at Karlsplatz.

There are no trams that go directly to the Innere Stadt from either Praterstern or Wien Mitte-Landstrasse.

From major railway stations

Other than the abovementioned Wien-Mitte Landstrasse and Praterstern, the major railway stations of Vienna are the Hauptbahnhof, Westbahnhof and Wien-Meidling.

From the Hauptbahnhof, take U-Bahn line U1 (the station by the Hauptbahnhof is called Südtiroler Platz) to either Karlsplatz, Stephansplatz or Schwedenplatz. From the Westbahnhof, take U3 to Volkstheater, Herrengasse, Stephansplatz or Stubentor. If you end up at Wien-Meidling, which still serves as a terminus for some trains until the Hauptbahnhof is fully operational, your only option is a rather long ride on tram line 62 all the way to its terminus at Wien Oper (Kärntner Ring).

Map
48°12′30″N 16°22′15″E
Map of Vienna/Innere Stadt

Get around

The inner city is easily walkable. For the special flair and tourist guidance one can take a tour in an historic horse carriage.

The underground lines U1, U3 both cross the district, while U2 and U4 border it. The city-bus lines 1A, 2A and 3a cross the district too. The tram lines D, 1 and 2 run on some parts of the Ring.

See

Religious buildings

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Ceiling frescoes in the Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche)
  • 1 St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Stephansplatz 3 (U1/U3 Stephansplatz), ☏ +43 1 51552-3054, fax: +43 1 51552-3526, . Daily M-Sa 06:00-22:00, Su and holidays 07:00-22:00; visitation for tourists: M-Sa 09:00-11:30, 13:00-16:30, Su and holidays 13:00-16:300; tour of cathedral and treasury: M-Sa 10:30 (English), daily 15:00 (German). Yet another patchwork of architectural styles, but predominantly Gothic. None of the original construction remains, the oldest extant sections are the thirteenth century Giant Gate (Riesentor) and Towers of the Heathens (Heidentürme), both of which are Romanesque. In 1511, building in Gothic style ceased due to being out of fashion. The main altar has a Baroque panel showing St. Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. The organized tour is worth it, since some of the finest works of art in the cathedral can only be seen with a guide, such as Emperor Frederick III's red marble sepulchre and the immense Gothic carved Altar of Wiener Neustadt. Cathedral/treasury tour: €5 (adults), €3 (students 14-18), €2 (children under 14). 
    • South Tower (Südturm) (access from the outside). Daily 09:00-17:30 (no registration required). The 137m-high tower, often known by its Viennese diminutive Steffl (also a nickname for the entire cathedral), was finished in 1433. 347 steps lead to the Türmerstube and to a good view. €4.5 (adults), €2 (school parties 15-18 yrs), €1.50 (children 6-14 yrs). 
    • North Tower (Nordturm), . Daily Sep-June 08:15-16:30, Jul-Aug 08:15-18:00,. Steffl's intended twin, this tower was never finished. Over fifty years later, in 1579, a Renaissance spire was added to the Nordturm to make it look less like the builders had stormed off the job. This is where the Pummerin, a huge bell cast from melted-down Turkish cannons, hangs. The aborted tower has an observation deck with an amazing view of downtown Vienna. Lift: €5 (adults), €2 (children 6-14 yrs), €.50 (children under 6). 
    • Catacombs (Katakomben), ☏ +43 1 51552-3054 (for group registrations of 15+ people), . M-Sa 10:00-11:30, 13:30-16:30; Su and holidays 13.30-16:30; tours depart every 15-30 min. Legions of bishops and Habsburg body parts are buried here (the intestines, specifically). €5 (adults), €3 (school parties 14-18 yrs), €2 (children under 14). 
    • Treasury (Domschatz) (in the west gallery). M-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su and holidays 13:00-18:00. Displays the most precious objects from the cathedral's treasury. €4 (adults), €1.50 (children under 14). 
    • Roof Walk (Dachrundgang) (meet at the South Tower). Jun-Sep Sa 19:00. For an unusual perspective of the cathedral, consider taking a 90-minute guided tour of the roof. €10 (adults), €4 (children under 14). 
  • 2 Imperial Crypt (Kaisergruft), Tegetthoffstraße 2, ☏ +43 1 512 68 53/16, fax: +43 1 512 68 53-19. Daily 10:00-18:00, closed 1-2 Nov. Located underneath the Kapuzinerkirche, this mausoleum houses the tombs of generations of Habsburg royalty. €5.50 (adults), €12 (families), €4.50 (seniors/students/groups), €2.50 (children under 14). 
  • 3 Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche), Dr-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz 1, ☏ +43 1 51252320. Daily 07:00-18:30. Has one of the most elaborate Baroque interiors in Europe. 
  • 4 St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche), Ruprechtsplatz 1/2, ☏ +43 1 535 60 03. M-F 10:00-12:00, M W F 15:00-17:00. Believed to be the oldest church in Vienna, although recent excavations around the foundations of two other churches (Stephansdom and Peterskirche) have challenged this view. Earliest mention of the church in historical records is in 1200; the current structure dates from the Romanesque period, while the interior was renovated during the Baroque era. 
  • 5 St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche), Petersplatz, ☏ +43 1 533 64 33. M-F 07:00-20:00, Sa Su and holidays 09:00-21:00. The church is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, and recent excavations suggest that the foundation may be far older than previously believed. The current structure was built during the Baroque period, and most recently restored from 1998-2004. There are regular organ concerts at 15:00 (free). 
  • 6 Maria am Gestade, Passauer Platz 1. This gothic church was used by sailors on the Danube river. Its name refers to the former location near the river. Communion celebrations are held in German, French, and Czech. 

Hofburg

Crown of the Holy Roman Empire dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, in the Imperial Treasury
Collection of Arms and Armour
Austrian National Library
Albertina
Spanish Riding School

This immense palace complex grew into a large, unwieldy series of buildings over the years and was the imperial residence of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. What began as a medieval castle (whose chapel is the only original element of that building to survive) was expanded and redecorated as the Habsburgs' power increased correspondingly. The Palace Stables and Amalia's Wing were added in the 16th century; the Imperial Chancery Wing, Court Library, and Spanish Riding School were added in the 18th; most recently St Michael's Wing (Michaelertrakt) was tacked on and around 1900 the New Palace (Neue Hofburg) was completed. Each separate building contains so many treasures that the time spent moving from one to another is like opening box after box of fabulous jewels. The palace now houses the offices of the Austrian President, a convention center, and the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner stallions, as well as several museums.

  • 7 Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements), Michaelerplatz (U3 Herrengasse; tram 1, 2, D, J, alight at Burgring; bus 2A or 3A, alight at Hofburg), ☏ +43-1-533 75 70, fax: +43-1-533 75 70-33, . Sep-Jun daily 09:00-17:30, Jul-Aug daily 09:00-18:00. This trio of museums includes the Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements), Sisi Museum, and Imperial Silver Collection (Silberkammer). The Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum include 22 state rooms of the residential and state apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (popularly known as Sisi) and show 19th-century imperial life. The Imperial Silver Collection displays unique items of the glittering world of imperial dining. Combined ticket: €11.50 (adults), €10.50 (students/disabled/Vienna Card), €7 (children 6-18). 
  • 8 Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer; aka the Secular and Ecclesiastical Treasures), Hofburg Schweizerhof (Neue Hofburg), ☏ +43 1 52524-0, . M, W-Su 09:00–17:30. The best part of the Hofburg and an absolute must. It contains the Habsburgs' collection of jewels, crowns, and other valuables, perhaps the best on the Continent. Second only to a tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum itself, of which the Schatzkammer is officially a part. There are 20 rooms of priceless treasures that give a fairly accurate representation of the ceremonial Habsburg court life over the centuries. €6 (as a combined ticket with the Museum of Fine Arts). 
  • 9 New Palace (Neue Hofburg), Heldenplatz. The newest and largest section of the Imperial Palace. It contains the Welt Museum Wien, the Papyrus Museum, and three branches of the Museum of Fine Arts. 
    • Ephesos Museum, ☏ +43 1 525 24-4902, . W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:30. Contains classical art from Ephesus, in Asia Minor. Admission included with ticket for Museum of Fine Arts. 
    • Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente), ☏ +43 1 525 24-4602, . W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:30. Admission included with ticket for Museum of Fine Arts. 
    • Collection of Arms and Armour (Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer), ☏ +43 1 525 24-4502, . W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:30. The jewel of the New Palace is the Collection of Arms. This collection, second largest in the world, houses an immense and exhaustive representation of weaponry from past centuries. Admission included with ticket for Museum of Fine Arts. 
    • Papyrus Museum (Papyrusmuseum), Heldenplatz, ☏ +43 1 534 10-420, fax: +43 1 534 10-395, . T-W 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-21:00, F-Su 10:00-18:00. One of the largest collections of its kind in the world, it includes nearly 180,000 manuscripts spanning 3,000 years of Egyptian history. 200 items are on permanent display. €4 (adults), €3.60 (Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), €3.50 (seniors), €3 (students/military/disabled); includes admission to the Globe and Esperanto Museums (listed below with the Austrian National Library). 
    • Weltmuseum Wien (formerly the Ethnological Museum / Museum für Völkerkunde), ☏ +43 1 534 30-5052/5053, . W-M 10:00-18:00. This collection encompasses many thousands of artifacts from across the globe. The most famous piece in its collection however is a headdress believed to have belonged to the last Aztec emperor Moctezuma. €8 (adults), €7 (Vienna Card), €6 (concessions), free (under 19 yrs). 
  • Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek), Josefsplatz 1, ☏ +43 1 53410-348. Card catalogs may be an anachronism in today’s digitized world, but this library had the first one in existence, invented by the Habsburg court librarian. Unlike the printed library catalogs of the past, bound into book form, the card catalog could be rapidly updated and the library kept up-to-date. This well-ordered reader's paradise has a collection that outshines many museums, thanks to its long association with the Habsburg imperial family. It gained an impressive collection when Emperor Josef II dissolved all the empire's monasteries – 300 manuscripts, 3,000 printed books, and 5000 diplomata. The library's collection is approximately six million items strong and is the largest in Austria. It is a pioneer in digitalizing and placing its collection online. The oldest book in the collection is a fifteenth century Holy Gospels manuscript with scenes representing the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) containing the coats of arms of the House of Austria, Styria, Tirol, and Carinthia, then ruled by Albrecht III, the book's owner. 
    • 10 State Hall (Prunksaal), Josefsplatz 1, 1st Floor, ☏ +43 1 534 10-394, fax: +43 1 534 10-257, . T-W 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-21:00, F-Su 10:00-18:00. This magnificent historic library was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and built in 1726. €7 (adults), €6.30 (Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), €5.50 (seniors), €4.50 (students/military/disabled). 
    • 11 Globe Museum (Globenmuseum), Herrengasse 9, Palais Mollard-Clary, 1st Floor, ☏ +43 1 534 10-710, fax: +43 1 534 10-319, . T-W 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-21:00, F-Su 10:00-18:00. The only museum of its type in the world, this museum contains a collection of 650 globes of all types, as well as a collection of nearly 300,000 historic maps. €4 (adults), €3.60 (Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), €3.50 (seniors), €3 (students/military/disabled); includes admission to the Esperanto and Papyrus Museums. 
    • 12 Esperanto Museum (Esperantomuseum), Herrengasse 9, Palais Mollard-Clary, Ground Floor, ☏ +43 1 534 10-730, fax: +43 1 534 10-733, . T-W 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-21:00, F-Su 10:00-18:00. Founded in 1927, this museum houses a library and museum with displays illustrating the development and grammar of the modern invented language Esperanto. €4 (adults), €3.60 (Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), €3.50 (seniors), €3 (students/military/disabled); includes admission to the Globe and Papyrus Museums. 
  • 13 Albertina, Albertinaplatz 1, ☏ +43 1 534 83-0. Th-T 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-21:00. Once a palace, it is now the most popular exhibition space in Vienna, mainly for traditional modern art. The building itself is an experience as well. It is home to a valuable drawing collection, including many works of the German Renaissance painter, Dürer. €11.90 (adults), €9.90 (seniors 60+), €9.70 (Vienna Card), €8.50 (students under 26), €7 (unemployed/military/disabled), free (children/youth under 19). 
  • 14 Hearts Crypt, Augustinian Church (Herzgruft, Augustinerkirche), Josefsplatz 1 (facing the sculpture in the center of the square, the entrance is small and easy to miss, on the left hand wall of the square), ☏ +43 1 533 09 47 0, fax: +43 1 533 09 47 150, . Tours M-F 11:00, 15:00. Yet another example of the gruesome divide-and-conquer burial strategy of the Habsburg dynasty. It is said that other dynasties waged countless wars to acquire new lands, but you, happy Austria, marry. Even in death, the Habsburgs placated three different churches with the honor of caring for their remains. The best known, the Kapuzinergruft, contains their actual bodies. St Stephens holds their innards (intestines and other parts taken out during the preservation process). But the Augustinerkirche holds, in the Herzgruft (Heart Crypt), all the Habsburgs' hearts. The tradition began in 1627 with Emperor Ferdinand IV, who wanted to lay his heart at the feet of the Mother of God, literally. His heart, and those of his descendants, are preserved in silver jars which are carefully cared for by the Augustinian friars who run the church. When the renovation was underway it was found that the preservative in some of the caskets had evaporated over the years, leaving nothing but a dried-out, mummified heart. 
  • 15 Chapel of the Imperial Palace (Hofburgkapelle), Hofburg - Schweizer Hof, ☏ +43 1 533 99 27, fax: +43 1 533 99 27-75, . Visiting: M T 10:00-14:00, F 11:00-13:00; Sunday Mass: 09:15, seating no later than 09:00. The original chapel of the Palace, built in Gothic style 1447-1449, was made over in Baroque style. On Sundays and Catholic holidays (of which the Austrians celebrate many), the Court Musicians perform here. This group is made up of members from the Vienna Boys Choir, as well as performers from the orchestra and choir of the Vienna State Opera. 
  • 16 Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule), Michaelerplatz 1 (visitor center), ☏ +43 1 533 90 31. Visitor center: T-Su 09:00-16:00, F 09:00-19:00 during performance days; box office (Josefsplatz): T-F 09:00-12:00. Was first mentioned in a document dated 1572 and is the only equestrian institute in the world which follows a Renaissance model of classical schooling. Eleves, or students, begin their training immediately after completion of Austrian primary education (age 15 or 16), and are expected to be both sporty and clever. The school takes its name from a Spanish breed of horse first mentioned in Roman writings. In 1562, Emperor Maximilian II brought some of these Spanish horses to Austria to found a royal stud farm in Kladrub (Bohemia), housing them for a time in the "Stallburg" (oldest section of the Imperial Palace). The present school location was built in 1572. In 1580, Maximilian's brother, Archduke Karl, founded the stud farm in Lipizza near Trieste (now Slovenia). Interest in elegant riding had been growing for about fifty years at that point. During Renaissance times, powerful gentlemen who had already conquered the worlds of finance and politics looked to the writings of antiquity for new learning and an educated lifestyle to which they could aspire. Horsemanship which followed the ancient models described by Socrates and others became the fashion. Xenophon (430 – 354 BC) wrote "Men who understand the art of horsemanship, in truth, look magnificent." Who wouldn't want that? In the new Winter Riding School (built 1729-35), tournaments, masked balls, and other entertainment was held, but this would soon draw to a close – the royal stud farms at Lipizza were threatened by Napoleon several times and twice the precious stud horses were evacuated to Hungary. No photos or video taping allowed. 
  • 17 Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus), Burggarten Hofburg, Hanuschgasse, ☏ +43 1 533 857 0, fax: +43 1 532 287 2, . Apr-Oct M-F 10:00-16:45, Sa-Su 10:00-18:15; Nov-Mar 10:00-15:45. A tropical greenhouse with an amazing collection of live butterflies, will delight both children and adults. €6 (adults), €4.50 (seniors/Vienna Card), €4.50 (children/students), €3 (children 3-16). 

Other museums and galleries

Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
Scottish Monastery (Schottenstift)
Interior of the Postsparkasse by Otto Wagner
  • 18 Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum), Maria-Theresien-Platz (U2/U3 Volkstheater, tram D, 1, 2, 46, 49, bus 2A, 57A Burgring Maria-Theresien-Platz Stop), ☏ +43 1 52524-0, . Tu-W, F-Su 10:00–18:00, Th 10:00–21:00. One of the world's greatest art museums and in a palace that is a work of art itself. Serious art fans may wish to devote more than a day to its treasures. There is no other word to describe the Kunst other than mind boggling. It contains a world-class exhibit of the Habsburgs' art collection, including Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bosch, and Brueghel. The Museum has an excellent collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. The coin & medals collection is also exhaustive in its scope. The Museum cafe is a bit pricey, but good, and in a beautiful setting. Hand-held photography is permitted. €14 (adults), €11 (concessions); admission includes entry to the Ephesos Museum, Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, and Collection of Arms and Armour (see listing below under New Palace). 
  • 19 Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), Burgring 7 (entrance at Maria-Theresien-Platz), ☏ +43 1 521 77-0, fax: +43 1 523 52 54, . W 09:00-21:00, Th-M 09:00-18:30, closed T. This museum was erected as a mirror to its twin museum, the Museum of Fine Arts. It exhibits various minerals, meteorites, fossils, stuffed animals, and skeleton reconstructions of dinosaurs and other. It also includes an anthropological section, where you can see the beautiful Venus of Willendorf which is 25,000 years old. Most signs and explanations in the museum are only in German, and you will likely receive little sympathy for this from museum staff. Expect museum guards to rush you out at least 15 minutes before closing time. €10 (adults), €8 (seniors/Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), €5 (students/apprentices/military), free (disabled/children/youth under 19). 
  • 20 Winter Palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy (Winterpalais des Prinzen Eugen von Savoyen), Himmelpfortgasse 8, ☏ +43 1 795 57 134, . Daily 10:00-18:00. This Baroque palace was originally built as a residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, and later used for the Court Treasury and Ministry of Finance. It now houses period furnishings and exhibits detailing the biography of the prince and the history of the palace. €9 (adults), €8 (Vienna Card), €7 (seniors/students), free (children/youth under 19). 
  • 21 MAK (Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Museum für angewandte Kunst), Stubenring 5 (Subway U3, tram 1, 2, bus 1A, 74A to Stubentor, and U4 to Landstrasser Hauptstrasse, City Airport Train from the airport to Bahnhof Wien Mitte), ☏ +43 1 711 36-0, fax: +43 1 713 10 26, . T 10:00-22:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00. The museum has the MAK Design Shop and a study collection. The museum exhibits contemporary art, design, and architecture. €7.90 (adults), €5.50 (seniors/students/military), €6.30 (Ö1 Club/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free on T from 18:00-22:00. 
  • 22 House of Music (Haus der Musik), Seilerstätte 30 (U1/U2/U4, trams 1/2/62/65/J/D, stop Karlsplatz/Opernring), ☏ +43-1-513 48 50, fax: +43-1-512 03 15, . Daily 10:00-22:00, last admission 21:30. This is a relatively new and special museum devoted to an interactive learning experience. It covers the history of the Vienne Philharmonic Orchestra, the history of Vienna as a centre of music making (Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Mahler, Schubert and others are documented). In addition there are the more experimental sections of futuristic composition (The Brain Opera) and sound experiences. €12 (adults), €9 (seniors/students/disabled), €5.50 (children 3-12), free (children under 3). 
  • 23 Museum at the Scottish Monastery (Museum am Schottenstift), Freyung 6A (U2, trams 1,2,37-38,40-44, D, stop Schottentor), ☏ +43 1 534 98-600, fax: +43 1 534 98-265, . T-Sa 11:00-17:00. A nice, small picture gallery mainly of Baroque Austrian painting. €8 (adults), €6 (seniors/students), €4 (Vienna Card/NÖ Card), €2 (children 6-15). 
  • 24 Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts (Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste), Schillerplatz 3, 1st floor, ☏ +43 1 58816-2222, fax: +43 1 586 33 46, . T-Su and holidays 10:00-18:00. A gallery owned by the Academy of Fine Arts, to which Hitler applied to before he decided to change to politics. It offers some paintings by Rubens and Bosch. Most interesting are the Renaissance and medieval exponents. €8 (adults), €7 (Vienna Card), €5 (seniors/students/disabled), free (children/youth under 19). 
  • 25 Museum Postsparkasse (Otto Wagner Museum), Georg Coch-Platz 2 (near the Schwedenplatz U1 stop, trams 1,2, 21, N), ☏ +43 599 05-33825, fax: +43 599 05-33087, . M-F 10:00-17:00. At the post office of his original design. At this museum you can see the more serious aspect of his artistic enterprise, that of public life. At the museum you can see some of the original furniture as well as his plans. €6 (adults), €4 (seniors/students), free (children under 10). 
  • 27 Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum), Schulhof 2 (near Judenplatz), ☏ +43 1 533 22 65, fax: +43 1 533 22 65, . T-Su and holidays 10:00-18:00. A collection of 3000 clocks of all types, including a prized 18th-century astronomical clock. €6 (adults), €4 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
  • 28 Bank Austria Kunstforum, Freyung 8, ☏ +43 1 537 33 26, fax: +43 1 537 33 27, . Sa-W 10:00-19:00, F 10:00-21:00. This venue hosts special exhibits of internationally-renowned artists; past exhibits have displayed work by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, Cézanne, Picasso, and Van Gogh. €10 (adults), €8.50 (seniors), €6 (youth 17-27), €4 (children 6-16). 
  • 29 Fantastic Realism Museum (Phantastenmuseum), Palais Palffy, Josefplatz 6, ☏ +43 1 512 56 81-0, . Daily 10:00-18:00. An unusual museum dedicated to the work of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism (Wiener Schule des Phantastischen Realismus), highlighting works by artists Ernst Fuchs, Arik Brauer, Rudolf Hausner, Wolfgang Hutter and Fritz Janschka. An extra section of the museum displays paintings by international artists, and the first floor is devoted to rotating special exhibits. €9 (adults), €7 (concessions), free (children under 6). 
  • 31 Austrian Theater Museum (Österreichisches Theatermuseum), Lobkowitzplatz 2, ☏ +43 1 525 24 3460, . W-M 10:00-18:00. Housed in the Baroque Lobkowitz Palace, this museum displays stage models, costumes, and props, with special temporary exhibits. €8 (adults), €7 (Vienna Card), €6 (concessions), free (children/youth under 19). 

Historic sites

Beethoven Pasqualatihaus
Vergilius Chapel (Virgilkapelle)
  • 33 Beethoven Pasqualatihaus, Mölker Bastei 8, ☏ +43 1 535 89 05, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . T-Su and holidays 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. This 18th-century building is located atop the Mölker Bastei, one of the only remaining sections of the old city wall. For 8 years Beethoven lived in a 4th-floor apartment in this building, where he composed his 4th-8th symphonies as well as his opera Fidelio. The museum preserves many of the composer's personal effects, and displays documents illustrating his life and work. €4 (adults), €3 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
  • 34 Jewish Museum Vienna (Jüdisches Museum Wien), Dorotheergasse 11. Su-F 10:00-18:00; closed on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. A museum documenting the history of Vienna's substantial Jewish community which included Zweig, Freud, Herzl, Mahler, and Schoenberg. Three sites are available for one combined ticket: two museum sites and the main synagogue. Attached to the museum at Judenplatz are the archaeological remains of a medieval synagogue. The Stadttempel, the only historical synagogue in Vienna to have survived World War II, is accessible on through the guided tour. €10 (adults), €8 (concessions), €5 (students), free (children under 15); includes admission to the branch on Judenplatz. 
    • 35 Jewish Museum Judenplatz (Jüdisches Museum Judenplatz), Judenplatz 8. S-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-14:00; closed on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. A second branch of the Jewish Museum on Dorotheergasse. Underneath the Judenplatz (The Jewish Square) is an underground medieval synagogue excavation. Amazingly, the synagogue was destroyed centuries ago, but its existence was remembered by the area's inhabitants up to the 20th Century. €10 (adults), €8 (concessions), €5 (students), free (children under 15); includes admission to the branch on Dorotheergasse. 
    • 36 Stadttempel, Seitenstettengasse 4, ☏ +43 1 535 04-31 311. Guided tours M-Th 11:30, 14:00; photo ID required. A well preserved 19th-century synagogue, which is being used as the main city's synagogue by the current growing Viennese Jewish community. Visitation with guided tour only, arranged through the Jewish Museum. 
  • 37 Michaelerplatz Excavations (Ausgrabungen Michaelerplatz), Michaelerplatz, ☏ +43 1 505 87 47 0, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . Daily 24 hrs. Archeological excavations carried out between 1989 and 1991 revealed not only the foundations of medieval buildings but also remains of the Roman canabae (civilian support settlement) of Vindobona, as Vienna was then known. The viewing area was designed by Viennese architect Hans Hollein. Free. 
  • 38 Mozart House (Mozarthaus Vienna), Domgasse 5 (U1/U3 Stephansplatz, east of the cathedral), ☏ +43 1 512 17 91, fax: +43 1 512 17 91 91, . Daily 10:00-19:00, last admission 18:30. This is the Viennese residence of Austria's most famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and a branch of the Vienna Museum. €10 (adults), €8 (concessions), €3 (children under 14). 
  • 39 Neidhart Frescoes (Neidhart Fresken), Tuchlauben 19, ☏ +43 1 535 90 65, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . T-Su and holidays 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. The oldest secular wall paintings known in Vienna, in a 14th-century building. The frescoes were commissioned in 1398 and illustrate scenes from the life and poetry of the Viennese minnesinger Neidhart von Reuental. €4 (adults), €3 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
  • 40 Roman Museum (Römermuseum), Hoher Markt 3, ☏ +43 1 535 56 06, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . T-Su and holidays 09:00-18:00. This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement of Vindobona, as Vienna was then known. There are Roman ruins in the cellar of the museum itself, first discovered during construction work in 1948, and for many years only accessible to the public via a narrow staircase, before the building was transformed into a full-fledged museum 2008. €6 (adults), €4 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
  • 41 Roman Ruins Am Hof (Römische Baureste Am Hof), Am Hof, ☏ +43 1 505 87 47 0, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . Currently closed for restoration. Early Roman ruins from Vienna's earliest days as a Roman fort, located in the basement of the Fire Brigade Building. 
  • 42 Vergilius Chapel (Virgilkapelle), Stephansplatz (access in the subway station Stephansplatz (U1/U3), directly by the cathedral), ☏ +43 1 513 58 42, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, . Currently closed for restoration. A 13th-century subterranean chapel located beneath the former Chapel of St Mary Magdalene (no longer standing, but outlines have been traced on the pavement directly south of Stephansdom). This chapel served as the tomb for a wealthy Viennese family and was completely forgotten until construction of the underground in 1975. €4 (adults), €3 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), free (children/youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
  • 43 Heroes' Square (Heldenplatz). A public space in front of the Neue Hofburg, setting to a number of important historic events, most notably of Adolf Hitler's 1938 announcement of the Austrian Anschluß. Two 19th-century equestrian statues portray Archduke Charles of Austria-Teschen and Prince Eugene of Savoy. 
  • 44 Stock im Eisen (literally: staff in iron), Stock-im-Eisen-Platz (corner of Palais Equitable). The remaining midsection of a medieval nail tree (Nagelbaum). Over the centuries hundreds of nails have been hammered in both in thanksgiving and for good luck. The tree figures in a number of local legends. 

Other attractions

Parliament
Secession
Looshaus
  • 45 Parliament (Parlament), Doktor-Karl-Renner-Ring 3, ☏ +43 1 401 10-2400, fax: +43 1 401 10-2664, . Visitor Center: M-Sa 09:30-16:30; tours only when not in use by Parliament. Guided tours are offered in German or English. Tours: €5 (adults), €2.50 (seniors/students/disabled), free (children/youth under 19); Visitor Center: free. 
  • 46 Secession Building (Wiener Secession), Friedrichstraße 12 (U-Bahn U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz), ☏ +43-1-587 53 07, fax: +43-1-587 53 07-34, . T-Su 10:00-18:00; guided tours Sa 15:00, Su 11:00 and by appt. Architect Josef Maria Olbrich built this Jugendstil (German-style Art Nouveau) building 1897-98 as a display space for artists working in the new Secession artistic movement. It is topped by a giant, frothy golden ball, lovingly called Krauthappel by the Viennese, but the building was definitely not loved when it first opened. Notice a reactionary Viennese pattern here? The opera building too was hated at first, but at least it was not called a temple for bullfrogs or a bastard begot of temple and warehouse as the this building was. The entryway features the motto of the Secessionist movement: Der Zeit ihre Kunst, der Kunst ihre Freiheit (to the time, its art, to the art, its freedom). Olbrich's mentor Otto Wagner, and also Gustav Klimt, whose astounding Beethoven Frieze is partially preserved in the basement, inspired the building's design. The ceremonial front entrance is separate from the functional glass and steel exhibit hall in back. Beethoven Frieze + special exhibits: €8.50 (adults), €5 (seniors/students); special exhibits: €5 (adults), €4 (seniors/students); guided tours: €3. 
  • 47 Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus), Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, ☏ +43 1 525 50, . Tours (in German) M W F 13:00, no registration required. Designed by Friedrich von Schmidt (the architect of the Cologne Cathedral) and completed in 1883, this is the most significant neo-Gothic building in Vienna, with a 103m-high clock tower. There is a very pleasant park with two fountains in front of the building facing the Ring. Free; audioguides in English/French/Italian/Spanish available with ID. 
  • 48 Ankeruhr, Hoher Markt 10-12. A large 4m-diameter musical clock on a pedestrian bridge connecting two neighboring buildings. The clock was designed between 1911 and 1914 by the Judgenstil painter Franz Matsch, and features prominent figures from Viennese history, each with a Roman character. At noon all figures parade across the clock face, accompanied by music. During the Advent season, Christmas songs are played daily at 17:00 and 18:00. Free. 
  • 49 Looshaus, Michaelerplatz 3, ☏ +43 1 21136-5000, . M-W, F 09:00-15:00; Th 09:00-17:30 (exhibit). Designed by Adolf Loos and completed in 1909, this is considered to be one of the most significant buildings of the Wiener Moderne era from 1890-1910, although initially it was fiercely criticised. Today the building is occupied by the Wiener Raiffeisenbank, but a permanent exhibit in the building has photographs and documents illustrating the building's history. 
  • 50 University of Vienna (Universität Wien), Universitätsring 1, ☏ +43 1 4277-176 76, fax: +43 1 4277-176 99. Sa 11:30 (English). The university was founded in 1365, and is the oldest university in the German-speaking area, as well as one of the largest in Europe with more than 90.000 students. It consists of 15 faculties amongst them are Law, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Translational Studies. The main building (Hauptgebaeude) on the Ringstraße was designed by Heinrich von Ferstel, and formally inaugurated in 1884 by the Emperor Franz Joseph I. Guided tours are offered in German and English, featuring such highlights as the Main Ceremonial Chamber with copies of the ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt, and the library's Great Reading Room. Tours: €5 (adults), free (children under 6). 
  • The Ring. The Ringstrasse, or Ring Street, circles the very heart of Vienna. Built on the location of the original city walls, its size is a good indication of how much the city has expanded since medieval times, but more importantly it is the most posh area of downtown. Elegant individuals stroll down the street (there really is no other way to move when walking along the Ring) and play the fashion-do/fashion don’t game under their breath before pausing at one of the innumerable cafes lining the way. A traditional Jause (morning coffee break, around 10AM) and then back to the business at hand, seeing and being seen: Vienna’s favorite pastime.

Parks

The Innere Stadt has next to the Ring four bigger parks:

  • 51 Stadtpark (U4 Stadtpark), ☏ +43 1 4000-8042. Court painter Joseph Selleny and garden director Rudolf Siebeck designed this kind of artificial park with several small landscapes. It opened on the 21st of August 1862. One can finds in it the golden statue of Johann Strauss, which is most frequently photographed monuments in Vienna. You can also find the monuments of Franz Schubert, Franz Lehár, Robert Stolz and Hans Makart. The park is very frequently visited by locals and tourists. 
  • 52 Rathauspark, ☏ +43 1 4000-8042. The park is symmectric with a big square in the middle in front of the city hall. The park has on each grassy side a varied selection of woody plants a Japanese pagoda tree or umbrella tree and an old ginkgo. 
  • 53 Volksgarten. The park is famous for the big variation of beautiful roses and features old platanes. There is a monument for Empress Elizabeth and in the middle a neoclassical Theseus temple. 
  • 54 Burggarten, Josefsplatz 1. It has the form of an English garden, and located directly adjacent to the Hofburg. One finds a statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the summertime students like to hang out in middle of the trees. 

Do

Cultural events

Opera House
Großer Musikvereinssaal (Großer Saal/Goldener Saal) at the Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic
Burgtheater

Vienna is of course famous for its classical music. Both the Musikverein or the Konzerthaus feature excellent concerts at their famous halls. The Opera plays classical master pieces. As student one can get reduced tickets, where one has to stand together with other aficionados.

  • 1 Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper), Opernring 2, ☏ +43 1 514 44/2250, 7880, . Probably the most-beloved symbol of Viennese arts, and one of the first buildings to be rebuilt in the postwar era. It was built from 1861-1869 under the direction of architects Eduard van der Nüll and August von Siccardsburg for then-emperor Franz Josef I. The first performance was Don Giovanni, an opera by Austrian native Mozart, on 25 May 1869. The architecture of the opera was barely tolerated by the picky Viennese when it opened. Van der Nüll did not take these criticisms of his work lightly and committed suicide. A few weeks later, von Siccardsburg died of a heart attack. Doubly cursed, the opera building succumbed to bombs less than 100 years later, during WWII. After ten years of Allied control after the end of the war, many cultural institutions reopened to celebrate the birth of the new Austrian state. This time the opera opened with an adopted son of Vienna's work: Beethoven's Fidelio. The lush curtains and overall elegance contribute to the atmosphere (even the nosebleed seats, so steeply pitched and close to the ceiling a nosebleed becomes a distinct possibility). Inexpensive standing room tickets are made available for every performance and sold the day of the performance. The line forms about two hours prior to the performance. Guided tours in a number of languages are offered. The line at the front side door forms about 1/2 hour before the tour. 
  • 2 Vienna Philharmonic (Wiener Philharmoniker), Kärntner Ring 12 (ticket office), ☏ +43 1 505 65 25, fax: +43 1 505 65 25-270, . Considered one of the world's best orchestras, subscription tickets are notoriously difficult to get with a waiting list lasting up to 13 years. Individual tickets however are available in limited numbers online from the Musikverein (where performances take place) as well as at the ticket office. 
  • 3 Musikverein (Viennese Music Association), Musikvereinplatz 1, . Home to the Vienna Philharmonic, and venue for a wide range of other classical music performances. Its largest hall, the Großer Musikvereinssaal (Goldener Saal) is considered to be one of the world's finest concert halls. For visitors wanting a closer look, daily 45-min guided tours are offered (entrance at Bösendorferstraße 12, €6/€4 adults/youth 12-16). 
  • 4 Burgtheater, Universitätsring 2, ☏ +43 1 514 44-4140, fax: +43 1 514 44-4143, . Guided tour Burgtheater – Behind the Scenes: Sep-Jun M-Th 15:00 (German w/English summary), F-Su 15:00 (German and English); guided tour Gustav Klimt – Main Staircases and Angelika Prokopp Foyer: Sep-Jun F-Su 14:00 (German w/English summary). The building was completed in 1888 and is home to one of the most respected German-language theaters, as well as the second-oldest theater in Europe. Non-German speaking visitors will find the building itself worth visiting, as the foyer contains paintings by Viennese artists Gustav and Ernst Klimt, and Franz Matsch, which can be viewed with a tour. Tours: €5.50 (adults), €4.50 (seniors), €2 (students/children); performances €5-51, standing room €2.50. 
  • Vienna Hofburg Orchestra (Wiener Hofburg Orchester) (at the Hofburg's historic halls, Redoutensaal and Festsaal), ☏ +43 1 587 25 52, fax: +43 1 587 43 97, . Three times a week May - mid Oct. Performs live. The program features the most famous waltz and operetta melodies by the King of the Waltz, Johann Strauss, Franz Léhar and opera aries by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is led by conductor Gert Hofbauer, is composed of 36 musicians and six international vocal soloists from Vienna’s largest orchestral societies. On 31 Dec and 1 Jan the orchestra also performs the traditional New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Concerts in the flower decorated halls at the Vienna Hofburg. 
  • 5 Opera Film Festival (Sommerkino Rathausplatz), Rathausplatz, ☏ +43 1 4000-8100, . Jul-Aug. Each day, weather permitting, you can watch an opera on a huge open-air screen. On another part of the square, there are plenty of food stalls (maybe a little overpriced) which offer Viennese, as well as international food. On pleasant summer evenings, the atmosphere can be quite relaxing. Free. 
  • 6 Porgy & Bess (Porgy), Riemergasse 11, ☏ +43 1 512 88 11, . The Jazzclub features international Jazz artists. One can reserve seats in advance, which is recommended for special events. The bar offers good wine and some food too. ~ €15-30. 
  • 7 Jazzland (Wiens ältester Jazzkeller), Franz Josefs-Kai 29, ☏ +43 1 533 25 75. M-Sa 19:00. The Jazzclub plays kind of old-men Jazz in a relaxed ambiance operating since 1972. 
  • 8 Gartenbaukino, Parkring 12, ☏ +43 1 5122354. The biggest Viennese one projection theater cinema opened in 1960 is screening artsy production and has electronic music events. The cinema hosts Viennese premieres and can screen 70mm films too. 
  • 9 Burg Kino, Opernring 19 (U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz, in front of Burggarten), ☏ +43 1 5878406. A classic 70's theatre which hosts international films. They regularly play "The Third man" movie. 

Sports and other activities

Wiener Eistraum at the Rathaus
  • 10 Casino Vienna (Casino Wien), Kärntner Straße 41, ☏ +43 1 512 48 36, fax: +43 1 512 48 36-21222, . Su-Th 15:00-03:00, F-Sa 15:00-04:00. The casino is located at Palais Esterhàzy, on the famous Kärtner Strasse near the Opera and is operated by state-owned Casinos Austria. In addition there are several poker casinos (e.g. Montesino) and many, many tiny slot-machine and betting places. The latter often occur in groups of three (because there is a legal limit on the number of slot machines per venue). They do not offer any glamor or flair and are best avoided by tourists. 
  • 11 Edelweiss Center, Karlsplatz (Walfischgasse 12), ☏ +43 1 5138500-21, . M-F 09:00-22:00, Sa,So 11:00-22:00. Austria's biggest boulder hall is located in the town center. One finds tons of boulder problems to solve. They offer courses for beginners and advanced. Can get crowded on after business hours. 
  • 12 Kletterzentrum Austria, Rotenturmstraße 14 (Stephansplatz / Schwedenplatz), ☏ +43 1 5131003-21. Mo-Fr 18:00-, Sa, Su. It has a small boulder place and some interesting structures to lead climb on. €5.50. 
  • 13 Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream), Rathauspark, Rathausplatz, ☏ +43 1 4090040, . Daily 09:00-22:00. Every year from late January until the beginning of March a section of the park is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink, with music. Ice skates can be rented directly onsite, and a baggage check is available. There are also a number of food and drink booths offering warm drinks including punch, mulled wine, and tea, as well as traditional Austrian food. €6.50 (adults), €5 (seniors/children). 
  • 14 Kaiserbründl Herrensauna (Zentralbad Wien), Weihburggasse 18-20, ☏ +43 1 5133293. Su-F 14:00-24:00, Sa 14:00-02:00. This historic men's sauna was opened in 1889 and since then has been considered to be the premiere bathing spots of Vienna. Visitors have included Habsburg royalty as well as modern day celebrities. 

Buy

The inner centre has both old traditional Viennese, international luxury stores as Hermes or branches of cheaper shops like H&M.

Shopping Streets

Kärntner Straße during the holiday season
Plague Column (Pestsäule), Am Graben

The shops are mostly concentrated at those 3 bigger, popular and pieton streets:

  • Kärntner Straße (runs south from the Oprea (Karlsplatz U1/U2/U4) to Stephansplatz). A major shopping artierial with mostly international chains. 
  • 1 Am Graben (continuing from Stephansplatz (U1) to the going to west). An up-scale shopping promenade, with many local specialties such as Wien Porzellan. A notable landmark is the Plague Column (Pestsäule), a memorial erected in 1693 commemorating one of the last major plague epidemics which swept through Vienna in 1679. 
  • Kohlmarkt. Perhaps the fanciest shopping area picking up from the end of the Graben jogging over to Michaelerplatz with almost exclusively high-end luxury shops and designer stores. 

Shops

  • 2 Altmann & Kühne (Confisserie), Graben 30 (U1,U3 Stephansplatz), ☏ +43 1 533 09 27, . M-F 09:00-18:30, Sa 10:00-17:00. The chocolate confectioner sells for more than 100 years exquisite hand made miniature choclate. Their boxes are beautifully designed. 
  • 3 Xocolat, Freyung 2, ☏ +43 1 535 43 63, . Inside the Palais Ferstel is sold excellent handmade chocolate. 
  • 4 Augarten Porzellan, Spiegelgasse 3 (U1 Stephansplatz), ☏ +43 1 512 14 94, fax: +43 1 512 94 92-75, . M-Sa 10:00-18:00. The finest porcelain in Europe. You can also visit their factory at the main entry to the Augarten. They are currently prepairing a limited street-art themed line as an artistic project, now that is Viennese. 
  • 5 Julius Meinl am Graben, Graben 19, ☏ +43 1 1 532 33 34, fax: +43 1 1 532 33 34 2090, . M-F 08:00-19:30, Sa 09:00-18:00. A legendary store. Its two floors hold many exotic as well as local wares. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, it is worth a look as there are likely things you have never heard of. The store holds just about every kind of wine you can think of, and has a great selection of pastas, chocolate, and cheese. Also has a wide selection of coffee, their own is one of the most recognized in Austria. 
  • 6 Billa, Neuer Markt 17, ☏ +43 1 5130481. M-F 08:00-20:00, Sa 08:00-18:00. Its range is not as wide as that of Julius Meinl, but still better than that of a typical supermarket. 
  • 7 Dorotheum, Dorotheergasse 17, ☏ +43 1 515 60-0, fax: +43 1 515 60-443. Viewing times: M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-17:00; Su immediately prior to auction 10:00-17:00. The main auction site in Austria. Exhibits all sorts of furniture, art, jewelry, and much more. Highly recommended. There are several locations throughout the city, the main one being at Dorotheergasse 17 in the city center. The surrounding streets in this area offer a great many antique shops, where quality and prices tend both to be very high. 
  • 8 A. E. Köchert, Neuer Markt 15, ☏ +43 1 5125828, fax: +43 1 513 40 22, . M—F 10:00—18:00, Sa 10:00—17:00. Jakob Heinrich Köchert founded the jewellery in 1814 in collaboration with the artistic French goldsmith Emanuel Pioté. The high end jewellery is dedicated to the fine art of goldsmithing and gemstone. €150-. 
  • 9 Knize, Graben 13, ☏ +43 1 512 21 19, . M-F 08:30-18:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. The famous Viennese tailor's house provides the finest bespoke suits since 1858. If you're looking for traditional apparel like a smoking jacket, this is the place to have it custom tailored. It also sells various gentleman accessories like cologne. Parts of the interior like the Dodekaeder lamps were designed by Adolf Loos. It has a saddle seat to fit elegant ridding clothing. 
  • 10 Mühlbauer Manufaktur, Seilergasse 5, ☏ +43 1 512 22 41, . M–F 10:00–18:30, Sa 10:00–18:00. Producing hats since 1903 they are carefully manufacted in Vienna and worn worldwide by artists or anyone that fancies beautiful hats. 
  • 11 L. Bösendorfer Piano Showroom (L. Bösendorfer Klavierfabrik), Bösendorferstraße 12, entrance on Canovagasse 4 (in the Musikverein building), ☏ +43 1 505 35 18-0. M-F 09:00-18:00. Pianists may want to visit the Bösendorfer showroom. All pianos are built by hand in nearby Wiener Neustadt. 
  • 12 Musikhaus Doblinger, Dorotheergasse 10, ☏ +43 1 515 03. M-F 09:30-18:30, Sa 10:00-13:00. Has sold sheet music in Vienna since 1817 and is internationally renowned. 
  • 13 Morawa, Wollzeile 11, ☏ +43 1 513 7 513-450, fax: +43 1 513 7 513-138, . M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-18:00. Probably the largest bookstore in Vienna, with a large travel section (some books in English) and a broad range of international magazines. A good selection of English-language books is located on the top floor. 
  • 14 Schwanda, Bäckerstrasse 7, ☏ +43 1 512 53 20, . M-F 09:00-18.00, Sa 10:00-17:00. One of the larger mountaineering shops of Vienna sells various outdoor gear including climbing shoes and tents. 
  • 15 Taste it, Wollzeile 27, ☏ +43 1 5129423. M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-15:00. The place sells classy high end Italian espresso machines and self-imported coffee from small Italian roasteries. €100-€5000. 

Eat

The inner district has many restaurant options of which the more prominent are listed. Some restaurants may be touristy, others are very upper class and pricy due to their location in the historical center of Vienna. High rated restaurants include the Bauer, Dombeisl and Palais Coburg. The Trzesniewski is a very Viennese "Austrichbrote" place to meet and have a quick lunch.

Budget

  • 1 Esterházykeller, Haarhof 1, ☏ +43 1 533 34 82, . M-F 16:00-23:00; Sa-Su, holidays 11:00-23:00. Atmospheric old (since 1683) cellar restaurant serving good, cheap, wine, beer, and simple traditional food. Prices budget to moderate. A good place to go if you just want a drink and some grub, but still want to enjoy some local color. 
  • 2 Katze die Café Bar, Laurenzerberg 1/18 (Schwedenplatz), ☏ +43 650 693 03 39, . M-F 10:00-17:00. The place started with original crepes and now mostly serves good Curry. The owner previously founded the Salon Wichtig next the Technical University. Home-made pastry and coffee is sold too. €5. 
  • 3 Maschu Maschu (Maschu Rabensteig), Rabensteig 8 (Schwedenplatz U1/U4), ☏ +43 1 5332904. Su-W 11:30-24:00, Th-Sa 11:30-04:00. Good for veggies and meat eaters alike. Maschu Maschu is an Israeli fast food joint that serves some of the best falafel in the world. A healthy and gut busting falafel and beer should cost around €7 and leave you set up for the day (they also serve a wide range of other Middle Eastern meals). 
  • 4 Mensa in the NIG (Mensa im NIG), Universitätsstrasse 7, 7th floor (near the University of Vienna (Dr. Karl Lueger Ring 1)), ☏ +43 1 40645940. NIG is the Neues Institutsgebäude - a University of Vienna building. During the summer you can sit outside and enjoy the sun. You have a nice view over the roofs of Vienna. €4.50. 
  • 6 Trzesniewski, Dorotheergasse 1, ☏ +43 1 512 32 91. M-F 08:30-19:30, Sa 09:00-17:00. The snack bar sells small breads (Brötchen) with specific spread (Aufstrich). One has many choices including vegetarian. The place is very full at lunch time, but the queue advances quickly. They only use organic eggs. The smallest possible beer (Pfiff) is available, otherwise they sell excellent fruit juices too. One eats either standing next to a table or on the go. €1.10 per Brötchen. 

Mid-range

Traditional schnitzel at Fieglmüller
  • 7 Akakiko, Singerstrasse 4 (just off the Graben), ☏ +43 57 333 140. Daily 10:30-23:30, kitchen closes at 23:00. Part of a local chain. Non-smoking. Informal and popular place serving generic but reasonably priced Japanese and Korean dishes. The menu has a vegetarian section. Quick service by efficient waiters. 


  • 8 Brezl-Gwölb, Ledererhof 9 (close to Am Hof and Judenplatz, between Färbergasse and Drahtgasse, a bit hidden), ☏ +43/1/533 88 11, . Daily 11:30-01:00, kitchen closes at 24:00. A very nice restaurant with a cellar dating back to the 17th century. The furniture consists of parts from three centuries. A place that deserves the label gemütlich. They play classical music and serve some really unique dishes. 
  • 9 Bio Bar von Antun, Drahtgasse 3 (between Platz am Hof and Judenplatz), ☏ +43/1/968 93 51, . T-F 11:30-14:30, 17:00-23:00; Sa Su and holidays 12:00-23:00. Really nice organic vegetarian and vegan restaurant and bar with colourful decor. A great place for those who want to sample traditional Viennese food like Wiener Schnitzel but in meat free versions. Has a good range of organic beers and wines. Lunch mains €5.90-10.90, dinner mains €8.50-15.90. 
  • 11 Figlmüller, Wollzeile 5, ☏ +43 1 512 61 77. Daily 11:00-21:30, kitchen closes at 22:30. Famous for Wienerschnitzel. They claim to have the biggest schnitzel in the world. If you are not really hungry, one may easily be enough for two people (just ask for a second plate). Traditionally, you would want a potato salad with that. 
  • 12 Inigo, Bäckerstraße 18, ☏ +43 1 512 74 51, fax: 01-512 74 51 00, . M-Sa 09:30-24:00, closed Su and holidays. Modern and diverse cuisine, not crowded but most visitors are local. Charming modern interior instead of imperial chic. Overall, a rare combination of features. Menu has equal parts for vegetarians and carnivores. Friendly to families with toddlers. Almost non-smoking. Staff speaks only basic English. Great bulghur here. Mains around €10, average dinner with a glass of wine €20. 


  • 13 Le Bol, Neuer Markt 14, ☏ +43 699 1030 1899. M-F from 08:00, Sa Su and holidays from 10:00. Fine French Provencal-style fare with a communal table at the center and a smoking section only at the back, goat cheese salad is highly recommended (€6,90). 
  • 14 Levante, Wallnerstrasse 2, ☏ +43 1 533 23 26. Daily 11:00-23:00. Part of a world-wide but small chain which has several branches in Vienna. The one on Wallnerstrasse is full service. Authentic Middle-Eastern restaurant serving mostly Turkish and Greek dishes with some Viennese daily specials. Good place for both meat-eaters, for the kebabs, and vegetarians, for the many Middle Eastern salads. 
  • 15 Palmenhaus (Brasserie Palmenhaus), Burggarten 1, ☏ +43 1 533 10 33, . Nov-Feb W-Th 11:30-24:00, F-Sa 10:00-01:00, Su 10:00-23:00; Mar-Oct 10:00-02:00. Good value for money, great ambience with imperial decor. Large mains served with a bowl of salad included. Very high ceilings, full of air and palms. Friendly staff speaks fluent English. Children-safe wide couches. Consider seating at elevated Mezzanine (reservation recommended) which has a special view over park. On warm days one can sit outside. Full lunch €18. 
  • 16 Pat's Brainfood, Plankengasse 4 (tucked away on a little side street of Neuer Markt), ☏ +43 664/2038303, . M-Th 11:30-15:30, F 11:30-15:00, closed Sa Su and holidays. A wonderfully creative and fresh soup and salad joint with a weekly rotating menu and take-away. Standing room only. 
  • 17 Reinthaler Gasthaus, Gluckgasse 5 (just south of the Kapuzinerkirche), ☏ +43 1 512 33 66, . M-F 09:00-23:00, kitchen 11:30-22:00; closed Sa Su and holidays. One of the better traditional Beisl restaurants, with old fashioned food priced below comparable places. Daily specials usually include a couple of vegetarian options. Good non-smoking section. 
  • 18 Reisinger's am Salzgries, Salzgries 15, ☏ +43 676 648 17 48, . Mo 12:00-16:00, Tu-Th 12:00-16:00 and 17:00-22:00, Fr 12:00-16:00. Small excellent restaurant/Beisl. The lunch menu changes daily and offers Viennese and Mediterranean food. After work and during dinner time Pastrami, Pulled Pork and other sandwiches are served. Fabulous home made desserts. Beer on tap, wines by the glass, home made lemonade. 25 seats indoor, 12 seats outdoor. English spoken. 
  • 19 Ristorante Rossini, Schönlaterngasse 11, ☏ +43 1 512 62 14. M–Sa 12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:30. An Italian place serving good mostly authentic Italian food. 
  • 20 Vietthao, Friedrichstraße 2 (U1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz), ☏ +43 1 5852031. M–Th 11:30–15:00, 17:00–22.30, F, Sa 11:30–22:30. The Vietnamese restaurant offers lots of vegetarian choices. Their vegetables are well prepared using good herbs combinations. €8-€18. 
  • 21 Zum Leupold (Das Wiener Restaurant), Schottengasse 7 (U2 Schottentor), ☏ +43 1 533 93 81 12, . 10:00-24:00. A bourgeois Viennese restaurant offering good seasonal local food. In summertime one can nicely sit outdoor. 

Splurge

Hollmann Salon
Tafelspitz at Plachutta
Assorted tempura at Unkai
  • 22 Artner am Franziskanerplatz, Franziskanerplatz 5 (opposite Kleines Cafe), ☏ +43 1 503 50 34, . M-Sa 12:00-00:00. Belongs to a famous winery Artner. It offers creative, fresh fare that tends to be on the lighter side than most Austrian cuisine. Excellent wine cellar, reservations recommended. 
  • 23 Bauer, Sonnenfelsgasse 17A, ☏ +43 1 5129871. The restaurant since 25 years serves excellent food with Viennese charme and a big wine choice. It has one Michelin star. menu 79€. 
  • 24 Bristol Lounge (Restaurant Bristol - Das Restaurant bei der Oper), Kärntner Ring 1, ☏ +43 1 515 160-553. 12:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00. The big lunch room in the Hotel Bristol reopened with the original art déco chandeliers and decorated ceiling. The restaurant may serve as elegant after Opera dinner. €18,50-34, menu €49-74. 
  • 25 Daihachi, Schottenring 3 (in Hotel de France), ☏ +43 1 31 368-0. M-F 12:00-14:30, Sa 18:00-23:30, closed Su. Sushi bar popular with business travellers. Serves fresh and tasty fish that comes at a high price. 
  • 26 Fabios, Tuchlauben 6, ☏ +43 1 532 2222, . M-Sa 09:00-01:00, breakfast 09:00-14:00, kitchen 12:00-23:00. Italian fish restaurant combined with bar/lounge for Vienna's glitterati. Quality is excellent. Entrées €9-20. 
  • 27 Hollmann Salon, Grashofgasse 3 (Heiligenkreuzerhof), ☏ +43 1 961196040, . M-F 08:00-23:00, Sa 09:00-23:00, closed Su and holidays. Modern Austrian cuisine in one of Vienna's most beautiful courtyards from the baroque period. Reservations can be made online. 
  • 28 Palais Coburg, Coburgbastei 4, ☏ +43 1 518 18 800, . Tu-Sa 18:00-21:30. The gourmet restaurant is handled by 2 Michelin starred Silvio Nickol. It offers 5, 7 or 9 courses menu. The seasonal wine card is exquisite. €148. 
  • 29 Plachutta, Wollzeile 38, ☏ +43 1 512 15 77, fax: +43 1 512 15 77-20, . 11:30AM-24:00, kitchen closes at 23:15. A very nice restaurant that specializes in beef (claimed to be only local and from trusted farmers) and has some flavour of traditional Austrian cuisine. Try the Tafelspitz, it comes in a copper pan and still is in the soup it was cooked (the soup alone is worth a trip to Vienna). Alternatively, try the Backhendl. The chef claims that they prepare more than 100 kg of beef each day. Probably three to five waiters will be at your disposal. Reservations recommended. Mains €18-€26. 
  • 30 Procacci, Göttweihergasse 2, ☏ +43 1 512 22 11, fax: +43 1 512 22 11 11, . Bar: daily 11:30-01:00, restaurant: daily 11:30-24:00. Excellent northern Italian fare with a range of fine specialties. Slightly small portions but an extensive wine list to drown this particular sorrow in. Reservations recommended. 
  • 31 Weinbotschaft, Annagasse 12, ☏ +43 1 5128510, . T-Sa 11:00-24:00. The restaurant offers a menu with freshly cooked organic ingredients – from the classic Wiener Schnitzel to Chocolate-Almond-Cake without flour and Bio-Fruit-Ice-Cream. 
  • 32 Unkai (Wolkenmeer), Kärntner Ring 9 (Top floor Grand Hotel Vienna), ☏ +43 1 515 80-9110, . Tu-Su 12:00-14:30 M-Su 18:00-22:45. The Japanese cook Hiroshi Sakai once governed this place that serves authentic Japanese food. One dines on the top floor of a splendid Viennese palace, that is nowadays the Grand Hotel. It has an excellent choice of special wines. The restaurant is awarded with Gault-Millau caps. 
  • 33 Vestibül, Universitätsring 2 (Burgtheater), ☏ +43 1 532 49 99, . M-F 11:00-24:00, Sa 18:00-24:00. Viennese bourgeois restaurant cooked by Christian Domschitz. 
  • 34 Zimolo, Ballgasse 5, ☏ +43 1 512 99 82, . Mo-Sa 12:00-15:00, 18:00-24:00. This hidden gem features Italian food. One may sit outside in the small pedestrian street. 

Ice cream

You can buy excellent ice cream (Eis) at a number of places in central Vienna.

  • 35 Eissalon am Schwedenplatz, Schwedenplatz 2 (U1/U4), ☏ +43 1 53 31 996. Daily 10:00-23:15; streetside sale after 09:30. Maybe the most popular place. You can choose from a lot of different flavors, but it's always crowded and you often have to stand in a queue for a few minutes. 
  • 37 Eis-Greissler, Rotenturmstraße 14. Daily 12:00-21:00. A small new ice parlour, that is being overrun by customers since its opening in 2011. They sell excellent organic ice cream, made from milk of their own organic milk farm and without artificial flavours. It is worth the wait in the queue. 
  • 38 Ferrari Gelato, Krugerstr. 9, ☏ +43 1 5122445, . M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Su 11:00-22:00. The Italian ice cream shop produces on the spot their own with exquisite ingredients like piemontese hazelnuts, caramelised pine nuts or fresh fruits. 
  • 39 Zanoni & Zanoni Gelateria, Am Lugeck 7 (just down Rotenturmstrasse from Schwedenplatz towards the Stephansdom), ☏ +43 1 512 79 79. 07:00-24:00. In the same district as Eissalon. Popular with Viennese and tourists for its huge €2 cones to go. 

Drink

Cafés

Café Central
Café Museum, designed by Adolf Loos
Coffee and torte at Café Schwarzenberg
Café Frauenhuber, open since the days of Mozart

In the inner town one finds the most historic Viennese Cafés, many like Demel, Café Central or Gerstner dating from imperial times. For a complete description on how and what to order read the Vienna overview article entry about Viennese Cafés.

  • 1 Café Bräunerhof, Stallburggasse 2 (Stephansplatz), ☏ +43 1 5123893. M-F 08:00-20:30, Sa 09:00-18:30, Su 10:00-18:30. Thomas Bernhard used to come here daily as do many other Viennese literate. It exists since more than 35 years. Happily expect Viennese grumpy senior waiters. 
  • 2 Café Central, Herrengasse 14 (corner of Strauchgasse), ☏ +43 1 533 37 63, . M-Sa 07:30-22:00, Su 10:00-22:00, live pianist daily 17:00-22:00. One of most famous Vienna coffee houses, which opened in 1876, recently authentically restored. Beautiful premises inside the Palais Ferstel, it is too touristy and a bit more expensive for having a meal, but can be worth it for a cup of coffee. There is an occasional pianist that is delightful to hear, and a good non-smoking section. 
  • 3 Café Diglas, Wollzeile 10 (U1 Stephansplatz), ☏ +43 1 51257650, . 08:00-22:30. Famous traditional coffeehouse, and equally good place for having a meal. They opened a second branch on Fleischmarkt. Soups €3.70, mains €10-16, cappuccino €4.10. 
  • 4 Café Frauenhuber, Himmelpfortgasse 6, ☏ +43 1 5125353, . M-Sa 08:00-24:00, Su and holidays 10:00-22:00. This traditional café existed already at the times of Mozart and Beethoven. One can eat Viennese food. 
  • 5 Café Griensteidl, Michaelerplatz 2 (near the Hofburg and the Michaelerkirche), ☏ +43-1-535 26 92-0, . Daily 08:00-23:30. An elegant café/restaurant where you also get warm food for lunch. Smoking is banned from this traditional coffee house. 
  • 6 Café Hawelka, Dorotheergasse 6 (just 100m from the Stephansdom, hidden on a side street), ☏ +43 (1) 512 82 30, fax: +43 (1) 32 815 31, . M-Sa 08:00-01:00, Su and holidays 10:00-01:00. One of the most famous intellectual cafes in Vienna. Established in 1939. Surprisingly cheap for its location and its fame and can get quite cozy. Josephine Hawelka (former owner, deceased 2005) was proud of the marriages she caused by placing random people together at tables. Try the Buchteln. Usually quite smoky. 
  • 7 Café Landtmann, Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring 4 (near the Rathaus, right beside Burgtheater), ☏ +43 1 24100-0, . 07:30-24:00; all menus until 11:30, except Franz Landtmann served until 15:00. Old café, cozy and romantic. Used to be frequented by Sigmund Freud. Delicious food and desserts. Breakfast sets €7-12.50, menu of the day around €11, starters €8-14, soup €4-8, schnitzel €20, coffee €4. 
  • 8 Café Museum, Operngasse 7, ☏ +43 1 586 52 02, . 08:00-24:00. This cafe was designed by famous architect Adolf Loos, however the interior has been entirely refitted (most recently from 2010, its 80s atmosphere is now gone). Serves food as well as coffee, teas, and other drinks. Casual, quiet atmosphere, good non-smoking section. 
  • 9 Café Prückel, Stubenring 24, Luegerplatz, ☏ +43 1 512 61 15, . Daily 08:00-22:00; live music M W F 19:00-22:00; closed 24-26 Dec. Established in 1903. Quite the hang-out in the evening, during the day this cafe is a bit more laissez-faire. 
  • 10 Café Sacher Wien, Philharmonikerstraße 4. 08:00-24:00. The Café Sacher, directly in front of the Opera House, of course serves the famous cake "Sacher-Torte". 
  • 11 Sacher Eck, Kärntner Straße 38 (U1, U2, U4 Oper), ☏ +43 1 51 456 699. 09:00-01:00. The Sacher bar next to their shop is on the Corner of Kärtner Strasse and is a bit less formal than the traditional café. Still on rush hours expect some waiting time to get seated in order to be able to order the "Sacher Torte". 
  • 12 Cafe Schwarzenberg, Kärntner Ring 17 (Schwarzenbergplatz D/1/2/71), ☏ +43 1 5128998, . M-F,Su 07:00-24:00, Sa 09:00-24:00. Beautiful traditional Viennese café with view on the Schwarzenbergplatz and the Ring avenue. It has fine pastries and coffee choices. 
  • 13 Café Tirolerhof, Führichgasse 8 (just behind the opera and near the Albertina), ☏ +43 1 5127833. M-Sa 07:00-22:00, Su 09:30-21:00. Quaint, traditional café with art deco accents. Established in 1900. 
  • 14 Conditorei Sluka, Rathausplatz 8 (behind the Rathaus), ☏ +43 1 4057172. M-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-17:30. A very traditional small Viennese café, opened at the end of the 19th century by Josef and Josefine Sluka, serves excellent pastries and bread. To the breakfast one can order oeuf poché. The choice on the menu is adjusted according season. Free Wi-Fi is available. The place is non smoking and in summer time one can sit outside. 
  • 15 Demel (K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker), Kohlmarkt 14 (walk 5 min from St. Stephan along Graben pedestrian street, Kohlmarkt is on your left hand), ☏ +43 1 535 17 17-0, fax: +43 1 535 17 17-26, . 10:00–19:00. Café and confectionary shop. Good pastries are ubiquitous in Vienna, but Demel is considered by many to have the best of all and indeed was once the pastry caterer to the Imperial household. As a result of this it is usually jammed with tourists, though their amusing marzipan display window can be admired even from the street. Outdoor seating in warm weather, but the inside is more atmospheric. Partly smoke-free. 
  • 16 Gerstner (K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker), Kärntner Straße 13-15, ☏ +43 1 512 49 63, . M-Sa 08:30-20:00, Su and holidays 10:00-18:00. A very traditional Viennese café, hence visitors take their time to enjoy the lovely cakes. 
  • 17 Kleines Café (lit. small cafe), Franziskanerplatz 3. As the name suggests, this café is rather small. It was created by architect Hermann Czech during the 1970s for notable Austrian actor Hanno Pöschl, who still owns it. It is a popular meeting place for artists and actors (or would-be variants) and enjoys an excellent location in a quiet square inside the city. The few seats are often occupied but hang around and they are vacated regularly. Seating on the square in fine weather, a bit smoky at peak times. 

Bars

There are several bars in the first disctrict of which most attract formal public. In contrast to that the Flex is highly popular amongst students.

Loos American Bar, designed by Adolf Loos
  • 18 1516 Brewing Company, Schwarzenbergstraße 2 (Schwarzenbergplatz), ☏ +43 1 961 1516, . M-Th 10:00-02:00, F 10:00-03:00, Sa 11:00-03:00, Su 11:00-02:00. A brewery and a bar with quality beers. The food menu includes Viennese classics and burgers. A non-smoking area upstairs (which hence doesn't fully stop smoke). 
  • 19 Alt Wien, Bäckerstraße 9, ☏ +43 1 5125222. This cafe/restaurant/bar is on a very medieval-looking lane in the central district and is a time warp of another kind: its folky-bohemian atmosphere could convince you you're in North Beach or Greenwich Village, circa 1967. Liveliest late. 
  • 20 Bonbonniere Tagesbar, Spiegelgasse 15, ☏ +43 1 512 68 86. M-Sa 18:00-02:00. Special establishment where the time stood still. 
  • 21 Dino's (DINO´s American Bar), Salzgries 19, ☏ +43 1 535 72 30, . M-Th 18:00-03:00, F-Sa 18:00-04:00, Su 19:00-02:00. The bar serves classical cocktails. 
  • 22 Flex, Augartenbrücke 1, Donaukanal (U2/U4 Schottenring, exit Augartenbrücke), ☏ +43 1 533 75 25, fax: +43 1 533 75 89, . You have not been to Vienna if you have not been to the Flex, particularly if you are younger than thirty. The meeting point of the off-mainstream, bohemian, artsy people. During the summer nights when it is warm, there are always a lot of people sitting on benches outside the club. It's easy to socialise and make new friends. Inside the club you can enjoy bands and DJs. At the bar you can ask for free soda water. 
  • 23 Loos American Bar (Loos Bar, Kärntner Bar, American Bar), Kärntner Durchgang 10, ☏ +43 1 5123283, . Th-Sa 12:00-05:00, Su-W 12:00-04:00. Built in 1908, this small bar was designed by Adolf Loos and inspired by his stay in the US from 1893-1896, and will delight fans of Art Deco. Famous for its architecture and interior decoration, it is a time warp of Vienna from 1908 when it opened. Drinks are expensive, but very good and the price is worth the experience. This is a quiet, sophisticated bar, where boisterous behavior or very casual dress will not be appropriate. Usually smoky due to small size. There is outdoor seating in warm weather but there is not much point in using it since what justifies the prices is the interior. Groups and sight-seers are not admitted. 
  • 24 Roberto (Roberto American Bar), Bauernmarkt 11–13, ☏ +43 676 942 90 01, . 16:00-04:00, closed on holidays. The former chief bar keeper of the Loos Bar, Roberto Pavlovic opened a new American bar. It serves between 16–18 aperitifs and between 16–20 Champagne price is reduced. 200 cocktails to choose from. Beware smoking is permitted. 
  • 25 Schrittesser (Speck & Bar), Reichsratsstraße 11, Innere Stadt, ☏ +43 650 33 20 213, . M-F 11:00-24:00, Sa 18:00-24:00. The place is specialised on Carinthian drinks and food. Speck in all kinds is served. Carinthian noodles and Schnaps are recommended too. The bar is just hidden behind the Viennese university. 

Nightlife

  • Bermuda Triangle (next to Schwedenplatz (U1/U4)). A night-life area popular for young people as the alcoholic beverages are cheap. 
  • 27 Clubschiff Wien, Franz-Josefs-Kai 27-29 (floating in the canal). Alternative clubs. 
  • 29 Badeschiff, Donaukanallände (in the Danube Canal just south of Schwedenplatz (U1/U4)), ☏ +43 699 1513075. An orange boat. All sorts of events and parties go on here, in the summer you can take a dip in the outdoor pool-barge during the day. There is a lower level that is the main club at big parties and a more comfortable lounge upstairs. 

Sleep

Several high profile Hotels like Sacher, Grand Hotel, Imperial or others are located in historical palais on the historical grand boulevard the Ringstraße. As one can imagine sleeping in the Innere Stadt is not recommended for tight budgets.

Budget

Mid-range


  • 3 Pension Aviano, Marco-d'Aviano-Gasse 1, ☏ +43 1 512 83 30, fax: +43 1-512 83 30-6, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Small pension. Good breakfast, very friendly to families with toddler (except a small staircase prior to elevator). Free grog for guests in the afternoon. Free excellent wifi in all rooms. Helpful reception most of the time, also in finding a right place to eat. Comfortable for non-smokers. Doubles €124-169 depending on season. 
  • 4 Residenz Hotel Pension, Ebendorferstraße 10 (next to Rathaus and the Wiener Ringstraße), ☏ +43-1-40647860, fax: +43 1 406478650, . Check-in: 12:00, check-out: until 06:30. Three star hotel, pets permitted, free wi-fi, non-smoking. 

Splurge

Hotel Imperial (Palais Württemberg)
  • 6 Hotel Imperial, Kärntner Ring 16 (directly on the Ring), ☏ +43 1 501 100, fax: +43 1 501 10 410, . Built in 1863 as a Viennese residence for the German Prince of Württemberg in neo-Renaissance style. In total imperial style and impeccable service. €300+. 
  • 8 Hotel Sacher, Philharmonikerstraße 4 (next to the Opera and at the end of the pedestrianized Kärtner Strasse shopping area), ☏ +43 1 514 56 0, fax: +43 1 514 56 810, . This hotel is best known as the place where Sachertorte (cake) was invented. The elegant drawing room is a popular place to gather after a performance at the opera. The food is pricey but definitely worth the money. The rooms offer old style luxury with heavy carpets. €286+. 
  • 9 Le Méridien Vienna, Opernring 13, ☏ +43 1 588 90 0, fax: +43 1 588 90 9090, . Opened in late 2003 and is done in a very modern, artsy Art + Tech design. All rooms have flat screen TVs and massage showers. Features a breakfast buffet and bar. €163+. 
  • 10 Park Hyatt Vienna, Am Hof 2 (U3 Herrengasse), ☏ +43 1 22740 1234, . In June 2014 opens this Hotel in the more than 100 years old bank headquarter building in the very center of Vienna. It has 143 guestrooms including 35 suites. It hosts an extensive fitness centre and guests can swim in the 15m pool located in the former vault of the bank. 
  • 11 The Ring Hotel, Kärntner Ring 8 (opposite Vienna State Opera), ☏ +43 1 22 1 22, fax: +43 1 22 1 22-900, . Casual luxury five star boutique hotel. Has an unexpected interior, which mixes the traditional with the modern. Many of the building's historic details have been preserved to ensure the hotel remains all of its historic charm. 

Connect

Several cafés will either hand you over their Wi-Fi key or have free access anyway. Beyond that there are several access points in the Inner city:

  • Tourist Info Vienna, Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse. Daily 09:00-19:00. Free Wi-Fi is available at the tourist information office. (See listing above under Understand.) 

Public Wi-Fi Hotspots from the local Viennese government are being deployed, currently active at Stephansplatz and Rathausplatz. Local information is displayed on connection. For Internet connection (filtered) one needs to register via mobile phone number, which will receive access code in SMS.

Go next

One can continue outside the ring to the inner districts:

  • Landstraße is the inner district containing the Belvedere.
  • Wieden offers the Karlskirche next to the Karlsplatz.
  • Mariahilf borders the Naschmarkt and has nice bohemian areas.
  • Neubau contains the Museumsquartier and is a pedestrian next step from Heldenplatz or the surrounding museums.
  • Josefstadt is a classy residential area with little shops.
  • Alsergrund features the University.

Or outside the Ring is attractive:

  • Hietzing is an outer district including the Schönbrunn Palais.
Routes through Innere Stadt
Vienna/Outer East ← Vienna/Inner East ←  NE  S  → Vienna/Wieden → Vienna/Outer South
Vienna/Outer East ← Vienna/Inner East ←  N  S  → END
Vienna/Outer West ← Vienna/Neubau ←  W  E  → Vienna/Landstraße
Vienna/Outer West ← Vienna/Alsergrund ←  N  W  → Vienna/Wieden → Vienna/Hietzing


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