18 Best Things to Do for Your Vienna Bucket List
Vienna knows how to keep things interesting with grand palaces and street art that pops with color.
If you’re planning a trip to Austria’s capital, these bucket list activities will help you see the city in a whole new way!
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1. Visit the MAK
The MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) is a treasure trove for anyone who loves cool design and creative ideas.
This museum mixes old-school craftsmanship with modern art, so you’ll see everything from fancy furniture to wild contemporary pieces.
The building itself is a work of art, and special exhibitions keep things fresh. It’s the perfect spot to get inspired and see how design has changed over the years.
2. Enjoy Sacher Torte at Hotel Sacher
Trying Sacher Torte at Hotel Sacher is a Vienna rite of passage. This famous chocolate cake, with its smooth glaze and sweet apricot jam, has been a city favorite since 1832.
The hotel’s fancy café is the only place to taste the original recipe. Sitting in the plush dining room, you’ll get a taste of Vienna’s sweet side and a slice of history all at once.
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3. Create Street Art at Donaukanal
Donaukanal is Vienna’s unofficial outdoor art gallery, covered in bold graffiti and colorful murals.
You can join a workshop and try your hand at spray painting, or just wander along the canal and check out the ever-changing art.
It’s a fun way to see Vienna’s creative side and maybe leave your own mark on the city–no art skills required.
4. Take in Rooftop Views at Das Loft
Das Loft is the place to go if you want to see Vienna from above. This trendy rooftop bar and restaurant sits on top of the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom and gives you a front-row seat to the city’s skyline.
The floor-to-ceiling windows make everything look epic, especially at sunset. Grab a drink, chill out, and watch Vienna light up below you.
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5. Explore the Spittelau Incinerator
The Spittelau Incinerator isn’t your average power plant. Its funky, colorful design by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser makes it one of Vienna’s coolest buildings.
The mix of wild shapes and bright tiles turns recycling into art. It’s a must-see for anyone who likes quirky architecture and wants to see how Vienna mixes green energy with creativity.
6. Snap Photos at Volksgarten Rose Garden
Volksgarten Rose Garden is a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city. Hundreds of rose bushes bloom in every color you can think of, making it a dream spot for photos.
The neat paths and pretty fountains give you plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.
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7. Attend a Concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is more than just Vienna’s most famous church–it’s also one of the coolest places to hear live music.
The soaring ceilings and colorful stained glass make every concert feel extra special.
Locals and travelers agree: hearing music in this ancient cathedral is a must when you’re in Vienna.
8. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s answer to a fairy tale castle, complete with golden halls and endless gardens.
You can wander through rooms where emperors and empresses once lived, then head outside to see fountains, statues, and even a maze.
The gardens stretch for miles and are perfect for exploring on a sunny day. This palace is a top spot for anyone who wants to see Vienna’s royal side.
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9. Ride the Wiener Riesenrad at Prater
The Wiener Riesenrad is Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel, spinning above the city since 1897.
Each red cabin gives you a bird’s-eye view of the rooftops, the Danube, and the lively Prater park below.
The ride is slow, so you can soak up the sights and snap plenty of photos. It’s a fun, old-school way to see Vienna from way up high.
10. Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM)
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is packed with treasures from all over the world. Inside, you’ll find Egyptian mummies, sparkling jewels, and paintings by famous artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
The building itself is a masterpiece, with a grand staircase and marble columns. Art fans and history buffs both rave about this museum–it’s one of Vienna’s top cultural stops.
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11. Hundertwasserhaus and Hundertwasser Village
Hundertwasserhaus is Vienna’s wildest apartment building, covered in bright colors, wavy lines, and even trees growing out of the walls.
It was designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who believed that houses should be fun and full of life.
Next door, Hundertwasser Village has quirky shops and a funky café. Both spots are magnets for anyone who loves bold art and something different.
12. Experience Vienna’s Nightlife with a Pub Crawl
Vienna’s nightlife is buzzing, and a pub crawl is the best way to check it out. Friendly guides lead you to cool bars, hidden clubs, and local hangouts where you can dance or just chill.
You’ll meet people from all over the world and see a side of Vienna that’s full of energy and fun.
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13. See Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” at Belvedere Palace
Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is one of Vienna’s most famous paintings, and the Belvedere Palace is the only place you can see it up close.
The golden details and dreamy colors make this masterpiece totally unique. The palace galleries are packed with other amazing art, but most people head straight for “The Kiss.”
14. Explore the MuseumsQuartier
MuseumsQuartier is Vienna’s artsy hotspot, where old buildings and modern museums sit side by side.
You can check out cool exhibitions, chill on quirky outdoor benches, or grab a snack at a trendy café.
There’s always something happening here, from street performances to open-air movies.
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15. Stroll the Ringstrasse
The Ringstrasse is Vienna’s grand boulevard, circling the city center and lined with some of the city’s most famous buildings.
Walking here feels like flipping through a history book, with sights like the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall all in a row.
The wide sidewalks and shady trees make it easy to explore at your own pace. Every step shows off Vienna’s rich history and stunning architecture.
16. Experience Vienna’s Oldest Zoo at Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world, and it’s still one of the best places to see rare animals up close.
The zoo is set inside the beautiful gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, so you get amazing views while you explore.
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17. Sip Coffee at Café Central
Café Central is Vienna’s most legendary coffee house, where famous writers and thinkers used to hang out.
The marble columns, fancy cakes, and old-school vibe make it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Order a creamy Melange and a slice of cake, and watch the world go by. This café is the perfect spot to relax and soak up Vienna’s café culture.
18. Visit the Austrian National Library State Hall
The Austrian National Library State Hall looks straight out of a fairy tale, with towering bookshelves, golden statues, and a painted ceiling that will make you look up in awe.
This huge library holds thousands of rare books and historic manuscripts. Walking through the hall feels like stepping back in time, and even people who don’t usually love libraries are wowed by the atmosphere.
