Did you know that Vienna is one of the most visited cities in Europe? And for good reason. Vienna is a city full of charm and contrasts – modern yet historic, lively yet cozy.
Whether it’s architecture, art, music or cuisine, Vienna has something to offer for everyone and at a consistently high level.
So why not simply extend your stay in Vienna by the weekend before the conference? Immerse yourself in the typical Viennese lifestyle and let yourself be enchanted by this unique and diverse city.
We have put together a few suggestions for your visit below.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The city’s landmark stands in the heart of Vienna and impresses with its Gothic architecture. The south tower offers a breathtaking view over the city, and the interior of the cathedral with its richly decorated high altar is also worth a visit.
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, the baroque palace is now one of the most visited sights in Vienna. Here you can stroll through magnificent state rooms, enjoy the impressive palace gardens and visit the oldest zoo in the world.
Hofburg
The Hofburg, once the center of the Habsburg monarchy, is now an impressive complex of buildings that houses the Austrian National Library, the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. The Spanish Riding School with its famous Lipizzaners is also part of the Hofburg and a special experience.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world and boasts an invaluable collection, including works by Bruegel, Vermeer and Velázquez. The impressive architecture of the building is a work of art in itself.
Belvedere Palace
The baroque palace is home to one of the most valuable art collections in Austria, including Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss”. The palace park also provides a wonderful backdrop for walks.
MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier is a cultural complex that combines modern art and architecture. It is home to the Leopold Museum, the mumok (Museum of Modern Art) and the Architekturzentrum Wien. It is also a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.
Prater and Giant Ferris Wheel
The Vienna Prater is an extensive amusement park and recreation area. The historic Giant Ferris Wheel, from which you have a wonderful view over Vienna, is particularly famous. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon or a little adrenaline rush!
Naschmarkt
This historic market is a paradise for gourmets. Here you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, exotic spices and culinary delicacies from all over the world. There is also a popular flea market on Saturdays.
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is a must for music lovers. It is one of the most important opera houses in the world. Even if you are not attending a performance, a tour of the magnificent building is worthwhile.
Hundertwasser House
This extraordinary building by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser is a highlight of modern architecture. It impresses with its bright colors, irregular shapes and the greenery on the façade.
Danube Canal and Danube Island
If you want to enjoy nature, you should take a walk along the Danube Canal or a trip to Danube Island. In summer, the area is transformed into a leisure oasis with bars, restaurants and events.
Coffee houses
Vienna’s coffee house culture is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site and an experience in itself. A visit to Café Central, Café Sacher or Café Demel is the perfect way to experience this tradition. Here you can relax with a Viennese Melange and a sweet pastry.
St. Charles Church
The imposing baroque church is one of the most magnificent churches in Vienna. A highlight is the panoramic lift that takes you up to the dome to admire the impressive frescoes up close.
Albertina
This museum houses one of the largest and most important collections of graphic art in the world, including works by Dürer, Michelangelo and Monet. The changing exhibitions and elegant architecture make the Albertina a cultural highlight.
Grinzing and the Viennese wine taverns
A visit to the Viennese district of Grinzing or the surrounding vineyards offers the opportunity to taste the regional wine in a traditional Heurigen restaurant and enjoy the Viennese Gemütlichkeit. This area is particularly picturesque in the fall.
And in case you want to get away from the tourist mainstream a little:
ALTERNATIVE
MQ – MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier is not only a must for art lovers, but also a modern meeting place for creatives and hipsters. In addition to museums such as the mumok (Museum of Modern Art) and the Leopold Museum, there are numerous cool bars, restaurants and concept stores here. The colorful seating furniture in the inner courtyard is perfect for relaxing or for a spontaneous picnic.
Street art on the Danube Canal
The Danube Canal is a hotspot for urban culture and street art. Here you will find numerous graffiti and murals by local and international artists. There are also hip bars and beach bars along the canal, such as Tel Aviv Beach and Strandbar Herrmann, which offer a relaxed atmosphere in summer.
Supersense
This creative concept store café on Praterstrasse offers a fascinating mix of analog art, design and coffee house culture. Here you can discover unique vintage products such as vinyl records or Polaroid photos and even record your own analog soundtrack. A place for lovers of retro chic and extraordinary experiences.
Brunnenmarkt and Yppenplatz
The Brunnenmarkt, one of Vienna’s liveliest and most colorful markets, is located in the 16th district (Ottakring). Here you can discover multicultural delicacies and buy fresh produce from all over the world. The adjacent Yppenplatz is a popular meeting place for young people, with trendy cafés such as Café An-Do or Wirr, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Seventh district – Neubau
The 7th district is Vienna’s epicenter for alternative and young culture. In addition to cool second-hand stores, concept stores and independent boutiques, there are many trendy bars and restaurants. Kirchengasse and Zieglergasse in particular invite you to browse and discover. Tip: Veganista offers fantastic vegan ice cream variations!
Cinema like never before – open-air cinema
From June to August, the open-air cinema “Kino wie noch nie” in Augarten offers a great selection of independent films, classics and current movies in a unique open-air atmosphere. The program is carefully curated and attracts a cinephile audience. Perfect for balmy summer evenings in the open air.
Grelle Forelle
For lovers of electronic music, Grelle Forelle is the place to be. This trendy nightclub on the Danube Canal offers the best DJs and an extraordinary light show. A must for anyone who wants to experience Viennese nightlife away from the mainstream.
The Loft
The modern sky bar Das Loft on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Vienna not only offers a breathtaking view over the city, but also a stylish ambience with creative cocktails and fine cuisine. Ideal for an elegant evening in a modern atmosphere.
Westlicht
The Westlicht Gallery is a center for photography and presents innovative exhibitions of international photographers and photojournalism, including the World Press Photo exhibition. An inspiring place for anyone who appreciates contemporary photography.
Summer in the Volksgarten Pavilion
In the summer months, the Volksgarten Pavillon is transformed into a hip outdoor location with DJ sets, drinks and a relaxed vibe. A perfect mix of club, garden party and chill-out area in the heart of the city.
Urban sauna on the Danube Canal – Badeschiff
For a special experience, you can book a mobile sauna directly on the Danube Canal. This private sauna with a view of the river offers you and your friends an unusual, relaxing afternoon – ideal for cold days.
Urbanek on the Karmelitermarkt
This tiny delicatessen on Karmelitermarkt is an insider tip for gourmets. Urbanek not only offers fantastic wines and cheese specialties, but also cozy tastings in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a short, enjoyable break from a stroll through the city.
MUSA – Museum Startgalerie Artothek
This museum offers an extraordinary collection of modern art and often has exciting exhibitions by local artists. Here you can get your hands on art – you can even borrow some of the works!
Vienna water tower and water tank
The water tower in Favoriten is a real architectural highlight and a landmark of the 10th district. You can even take a guided tour of the water tank, which shows a piece of Viennese history in an unusual location
Setagaya Park – A Japanese garden
Somewhat hidden away in the 19th district is Setagaya Park, a beautiful little Japanese garden. Perfect for a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Spittelberg and surroundings
The area around Spittelberg is full of hidden cobblestone alleyways, small galleries, individual stores and cozy cafés. A stroll through the narrow streets feels like exploring a small, hidden city within Vienna. In the evening, the bars and pubs turn into real insider tips – many without a big sign, but with plenty of Viennese charm.