Vienna
Travel Guide > Europe > Austria > Vienna
Introduction
Vienna is Austria's largest city, by a stretch. With a population around the 2 million mark, Vienna is the nation's central hub, as well as capital city. But it is also a culturally significant landmark in the heart of Europe, celebrating a rich tradition in theatre, opera and classical music. Two of Europe's best known composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, left an indelible mark on Vienna.
Given its historical significance, it is little surprise that Vienna's city centre has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its Baroque and Medieval architecture.[1]
Neighbourhoods
1. Innere Stadt
2. Leopoldstadt
3. Landstrasse
4. Wieden
5. Margareten
6. Mariahilf
7. Neubau
8. Josefstadt
9. Alsergrund
10. Favoriten
11. Simmering
12. Meidling
13. Hietzing
14. Penzing
15. Rudolfsheim – Fünfhaus
16. Ottakring
17. Hernals
18. Währing
19. Döbling
20. Brigittenau
21. Floridsdorf
22. Donaustadt
23. Leising
Sights and Activities
Schloss Schönbrunn
Schloss Schönbrunn may be Vienna's most visited tourist attraction. Situated outside of the city, it used to be the summer palace of the Austrian Imperial Family. These days, it lies in the suburb of Hietzing, and it can be easily reached by Metro (U4, metrostation: Schönbrunn).
There are tours in several languages taking you to a few of the rooms. Behind the palace lies a huge park in which you can spend a lot of time. From the Gloriette you have a great view over the gardens, towards the palace and the city. In the park you will also find the Zoo.
Hofburg
The Hofburg was the actual residence of the Imperial family. Constructed started ages ago, and the building combines different architectural styles. The last addition to the Hofburg is the New Burg (Neue Burg), which was completed in 1916, two years before the end of the monarchy. In the original plans there was a second building planned, which should be identical to the Neue Burg. This building was never built.
Inside the Hofburg it is possible to visit a number of rooms that are still decorated in the way they were in the old days. It is also possible to take a tour at the treasury rooms.
Schloss Belvedere
Schloss Belvedere is in fact made up of two palaces and the garden located between them. The Lower Belvedere is the smaller palace of the two and can be easily accessed from the Rennweg. The Upper Belverdere is a big white palace, and is much more interesting than the Schonbrunn from an architectural point of view. This palace was built by Prinz Eugen, who also lived here. Inside the Palaces you will find museums, where you can find works by Gustav Klimt and Dali.
Stephansdom
The Stephansdom is the most important landmark of Vienna's inner city. The first part of the church was completed in 1147, and extended during the centuries that followed.
Karlskirche
The Karlskirche lies near the Schloss Belverdere, outside of the former city walls.
Other sights
- Opera
- VotivKirche
- Rathaus
- Burgtheater
- MuseumQuartier (MQ)
- Parlament
- University
- Hundertwasserhaus
- Stadtpark
- Secession
- Maria am Gestade
- Donauturm
- Prater
- Kahlenberg
Events and Festivals
Weather
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Drink
Work
Learn
References
This is version 9. Last edited at 6:10 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+37). 16 articles link to this page.
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