Vienna, Austria — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Vienna
Sightseeing in Vienna is dominated by beautiful historic attractions and cultural treasures. With everything from palaces to 'flying horses', this splendid city has hundreds of interesting sites and attractions to explore. With lovely summers for sightseeing and snowy winters for skiing, Vienna's seasons are just as accommodating.
The Imperial Palace is home to the Schatzkammer, which is the greatest treasury in the world and holds treasure from as far back as the Holy Roman Empire. The Fine Arts Museum across from the palace houses many of the art collections gathered by the Habsburgs and is sumptuously decorated with marble, gold leaf and stucco ornaments. See the world famous Lipizzaner stallions, which appear to 'fly' in their superb performances. Another of Vienna's most recognizable attractions is the Giant Wheel, located in a large wooded park. And for those with song and dance in their hearts, the Vienna State Opera performs a vast repertoire of operas, operettas and ballets.
Most of the city's attractions are encompassed by the Ringstrasse, which makes them easily accessible, especially on foot or by bike. The Vienna Card is handy for reduced fares when using public transport in the city, visit www.wienkarte.at. With such beautiful sites, cultural attractions and historic virtues, Vienna is definitely a city to spend some time in.
Shopping in Vienna
Vienna's most trendy shopping strip is the Mariahilfer Strasse, where hundreds of stores offer fashion, jewelry and accessories. In the city center there are a variety of jewelry stores and boutiques. Local specialties include Augarten porcelain, ceramics, handmade dolls, wrought-iron work and leather goods.
Agent Provocateur is located at 14 Tuchlauben, the first outlet of the cult London underwear label in central Europe. Kiehl's started out 150 years ago in a small apothecary and is now a chic cosmetics brand; its flagship store is on Tuchlauben in Vienna. For arty T-shirts and sweaters by leading designers, visit Firis on Bauernmarkt.
On Freisingergasse, Schokoladekönig makes handmade chocolate treats, while Boehle stocks superior wines and traditional specialties (deli snacks) in Wollzeile. For spices and cookery books, visit Babette's on Schleifmühlgasse. Karlsplatz holds the Naschmarkt food market during the week and a flea market on Saturdays. Go to City Hall Square in December for the Christmas Market.
The Kaufhaus Schiepek department store at Teinfaltstraße is definitely worth visiting for its variety of outlets, and for the more eccentric, Carnaby sells vintage fashion and accessories on Neubaugasse, while magicians' accessories and gimmicks can be found at Zauberklingl on Führichgasse.
Austria's VAT, as much as 34% on some luxury goods, is refundable with a valid receipt; tourists can also take advantage of tax-free shopping where advertised. With something for everyone in store, Vienna is the place to break in those shopping shoes!
Vienna Nightlife
Laid-back Vienna does have a nightlife, its just not as frantic as other European capitals. The city's best bars tend to be in the Innere Stadt(inner city), with a range of venues spanning Irish pubs to designer bars, as well as time-capsule spots from before World War I - Adolf Loos's American Bar is a prime example. The Copa Cagrana's beach-styled bars serve beautiful fruit cocktails.
As far as nightclubs go, the Gurtel area is home to the Rhiz which attracts electronica fans and there are a couple of clubs near Nussdorfer Strasse which offer house music. Inner City clubs include Volksgarten, Passage and Flex. For the more culturally inclined, many Viennese museums stay open late, the Albertina and the House of Music are classic choices.
Attractions for Kids
Boasting wonderful scenery and amazing outdoors activities, Vienna is a great place for children on vacation and the family to enjoy. From walks, to bike rides and hikes, there is plenty to see and do in Vienna that will keep active children entertained for hours on end. Take a walk through the breathtaking Vienna Woods, or pack a picnic and head out for the day to the Wiener Prater where the kids will have ample space to run around and let off some steam, and when the novelty wears off, head to the Planetarium, which is also located here. Kids will love watching the world famous Lipizzaner stallions as the 'fly' through the air, or for superb views over the city of Vienna, take a ride on the Giant Wheel. When the weather is cold and wet, why not explore BOGI Park, Austria's largest indoor playground. Children will be beside themselves with the choices here and the opportunity to meet other kids. And if the children aren't scared of clowns, the Circus and Clown Museum is also worth a visit.
