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Vienna Historical Center:
The historical center of the city is considered a world Heritage site by the UNESCO due to its urban and architectural qualities. With a medieval core, based on a roman settlement this city center is a catalogue of European architectonical styles from the 12th and 15th centuries to the Gründerzeit period of the 19th century. Architecture flourished as Vienna became a major cultural and economic center of Europe, the primary capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a strategic spot for trade and commerce between Western and Eastern Europe, as well as point in the road of goods that arrived from the Middle East. Walking in the streets of Vienna’s old town is like walking through a History book, were every corner reveals another piece of history.
Schonbrunn Palace:
This famous palace was once the residence of one of Austria’s most famous historical characters: the empress Sisi, immortalized in both history books and the cinema. Schonbrunn was the summer residence of the imperial family for many years and is one of the most well-known examples of European Baroque architecture. The palace and gardens are considered a historical site of interest by the UNESCO, and there is so much to see: from Roccoco style showrooms to the famous labyrinth maze.
Tiergarten Schoenbrunn - Vienna Zoo:
Inside Schonbrunn Palace you will find the world’s oldest zoo: the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn. The Tiergarten Schoenbrunn was created in the year of 1752 by Emperor Franz I. This is one of the most prized and modern zoos in the world, having been named Europe's best zoo five times in a row. Today this is the home of more than 700 animal species including some endangered of extinction ones like the Siberian Tiger, the African Elephant and the Giant Panda.
Belvedere Palace and Museum:
One of the most famous palaces of Vienna, the Belvedere was the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a successful general and art lover. The building is considered “a baroque architectural jewel” and is divided in two parts: the Upper and the Lower Belvedere.
The Upper Belvedere is home to the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt, including the famous golden paintings "The Kiss" and "Judith". Other masterworks by Znaim Alta, Michael Pacher, Rueland Frueauf the Elder and Conrad Laib can also be found on display here.
The Lower Belvedere is a showroom of Prince Eugene’s private apartments and staterooms, marked by the splendor of the aristocracy of the 18th century. In here you will be able to find the magnificent Marble Galery of the palace, the famous Golden Room and the Hall of the Grotesques.
St. Stephen's Cathedral: St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. The construction began in the 12th century, and it is 107.2 meters long and 34.2 meters wide, being composed of four towers. The building has undergone several changes throughout the years in order to maintain and restore it. The most recent intervention began in 2017 with the dismantling of the giant organ, which shall be rebuilt during this year and consecrated at Easter 2020.
Music:
Vienna is known as the music capital of the world. The city prides itself having been home to famous composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert. There are several guided tours available if you wish to follow the path of this famous composers. But Vienna's musical offer is not limited to classical music only: The city offers a large range of choices from Musicals to Operas, Choirs, Jazz, Electronic and Rock music. The House of Music also known as the “Museum of Sound” invites the visitor not only to listen to the music but also to see, feel it and even interact with it promising to be a “musical journey in a singular way” according to the official website. You will find that the 19th century waltz and balls tradition is also well kept alive in Vienna up to this date alongside with the Opera, the Musikvereinit concert hall holds a special place in the heart of Viennese people.
Museums Quarter:
The museums quarter is a large area in Vienna’s 7th distric spreaded over 60.000 m². The Museum Quarter is the place where both small modern Art Galleries and large Art Museums are located: Some of the must famous art museums in this area are the Kunsthistorisches Museum
(dedicated to Art History), the Leopold Museum (and its collection with works of art from artists such as Josef Hofmann and Gustav Klimt) and the MUMOK, the Museum of Modern Art that houses a contemporary collection by artists such as Yoko Ono, Andy Warol or Pablo Picasso.
For more information on what to see and do in Vienna please visit:
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