Top Ten Cultural things to do in Vienna
The once imperial city of Vienna, often described as Europe's cultural capital, is steeped in history and a wealth of experiences for the cultural traveller.
Vienna is city of palaces and gardens, museums, tradition and modernity. For more than 400 years it was the jewel in the glittering imperial crown of the Habsburgs. With an impressive musical legacy - Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Mahler are among the celebrated composers who lived and worked here - the many concert halls, the extravagant architecture and the legendary café culture, a visit to Vienna is a must.
In this article, we take you through our 10 top things to make the time for when visiting Vienna…
1. Visit the Mozart House
The Mozarthaus Vienna was Mozart's residence from 1784 to 1787, located in Vienna's Old Town not far from St. Stephen's Cathedral. It was formerly known as 'The Figaro House' because he composed his great masterpiece there and while Mozart lived in this building for only a few years in the 1780s, it remains the last of his ten Viennese residences still in existence. Now a museum, a pilgrimage to this wonderful building is a must for all lovers of classical music.
2. Attend the Wiener Staatsoper
Without a doubt one of the most spectacular opera houses in the world. As well as the stunning interior, the building claims an incredible lineage of musicians, counting Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Hebert von Karajan among its many acclaimed former Artistic Directors. The famed Wiener Philharmoniker is made up of musicians from the Staatsoper, so you can be assured of high standards at almost any performance.
3. Wander through Zentralfriedhof
In a city teeming with musical history, the Zentralfriedhof (Central cemetery) contains as much as anywhere. As one of the world's largest cemeteries, there's no shortage of famous names buried there including writers Johann Nestroy and Franz Werfel, and composers Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Schoenberg and half a dozen Strausses!
4. Wander through St Marx Cemetery
Much like the above, there is plenty to be discovered at the beguiling St Marx cemetery. The cemetery was only in operation for a few decades and is the site of Mozart's unknown burial plot. Walking through the rows of graves, it's a veritable 'Who's Who' of Mozart's Vienna.
5. Walk around the Ringstraße
In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph decreed the demolition of the ancient city wall, allowing the city to appear more welcoming. In its place, a series of cultural landmarks were built – including the Staatsoper, Burgtheater and University, making the less-than-hour walk on the 'ring road' a pleasant journey around Vienna's city.
6. Visit Schönbrunn Palace
The summer residence of the Habsburg Monarchy, Schönbrunn was intended to rival the size and splendour of Versailles, however fell short because of funds. Nonetheless, the palace showcases Habsburg opulence and is a lasting testament to the power of one of Europe's longest dynasties.
7. Retreat to Baden bei Wien
Technically not in Vienna, but within a short car ride to the very centre of the Wienerwald, this gorgeous spa town has been the favoured summer destination for Viennese for centuries, with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert writing some of their greatest works there. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
8. Compare Stephansdom and Karlskirche
The two towering religious buildings in Vienna are St Stephan's Cathedral and St Charles Church (pictured above), and yet they couldn't be more different. The former is located right in the heart of the old city, and its Gothic style dominates all around it. The latter, however, was designed in the Baroque style – decadent in design and allowing more natural light to resonate. Visit either and you may be fortunate to hear the organist or choir practising.
9. Belvedere – Palace and Museum
This baroque architectural jewel consists of two palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere). The Upper Belvedere, an impressive 18th-century palace, houses one of Austria's most valuable art collections. The extensive collection covers works from the Baroque, through to Biedermeier and Secessionist masterpieces, including landmark pieces such as Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. The permanent exhibition at the Upper Belvedere was completely redesigned at the beginning of 2018: A total of 420 works can be seen, spread over three floors, including a history of the Belvedere. Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736) had Belvedere built by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt as his summer residence, which, at the time, was posistioned outside the gates of the city.
10. Enjoy coffee and cake at Cafe Schwarzenberg
What is a visit to Vienna without indulging in the sweeter things it has to offer! The cafe culture in Vienna is legendary and no place makes you feel like a 19th-century Viennese socialite like Cafe Schwarzenberg. Situated along the Ringstraße, your imagination will roam while sipping your coffee, as you can almost picture Mahler scurrying along to opera rehearsals!
Visit Vienna in 2023…
Our 12-day residential tour scheduled for October 2023, in the company of art historian Christopher Menz, will explore the city in depth, following in the footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven, Otto Wagner and Gustav Klimt, and take us into the surrounding countryside as we cruise the mighty Danube to the beautiful Wachau Valley and down to Bratislava. Of course, in this city of music, our tour also includes best possible seats to four selected performances.
