5 Spectacular Things to Do In Vienna
A sprawling public garden with fountains in Vienna, Austria.
Of course, you’ll walk around the city center, eat some schnitzel, and go to one of the famous coffee houses. But after you’ve hit these basics and are looking for more, it can help to have some inside scoops about fun activities to do in Vienna.
This is a list of some of my favorite parts of a month-long trip to Vienna back in 2022. Going back, I’d make sure to do each one of these again.
So, without further ado, here are five spectacular things to do in Vienna.
1. Enjoy Stunning Views at Rondell Café am Cobenzl
Ok, the reason this recommendation is first on this list is because I’ve never seen it on a single list of things to do in Vienna, and it most definitely deserves a spot. This restaurant is located atop a hill on the outskirts of Vienna.
And, listen to me when I say that from here you’ll be able to see some of the best views the city has to offer. You basically have an aerial view of the alluring metropolitan city and its breathtaking architecture. The outdoor deck in this restaurant has plenty of seating, so chances are you’ll be able to easily grab a table from which you can enjoy the views.
If you’re without a car in Vienna — fear not. This hidden gem can be reached by public transportation (which will probably involve a trolley ride and a bus ride if you’re staying in the city center). So, when you’re ready for a night with unforgettable views, head over to this restaurant and sigh in contentment with a nice bottle of Grüner Veltliner and a smile.
2. Marvel at Klimt and Schiele Masterpieces at Belvedere Museum
Whether you’re interested in art history or not, this museum is worth a visit. With some of the most masterful works of art ever created, you’re sure to have an exciting and enjoyable time pursuing through the halls of this wondrous museum.
At the time of writing this, admission to the Upper Belvedere, where Gustave Klimt’s The Kiss is located, currently costs about 18 euros for admission. While this isn’t exactly the cheapest activity on this list, it’s well worth the cost to go check this museum out.
If I’m being honest, the artworks that have struck me most in life I saw here. The curation is done splendidly, and you walk through a room of Klimt’s earlier works into another room that ultimately crescendos with The Kiss. In addition, this museum has one of Egon Schiele’s most striking portraits called Portrait of the Publisher Eduard Kosmack, which alone is a sight to behold.
3. Picnic at Schonbrunn Palace
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a city more conducive to picnicking than Vienna. With beautiful public spaces in every direction, water-filling stations strewn about the city, and laws allowing people to drink alcohol anywhere they want, this Austrian city is a picnicking wonderland.
While I recommend you picnic as much as you can during your stay, for a truly transcendent experience you have to go do so at Schonbrunn Palace at least once. Featuring a majestic palace, elegantly manicured gardens, and stunning views, it’s a hard destination to beat. I recommend making the trek up the slopping hill behind the palace, where you’ll find benches and a stunning view of the palatial splendor waiting for you.
In terms of food, a fun game I liked to play while in Vienna was to grab bread, salami, and cheese at random. No matter what you pick, your sandwich is probably going to come out delicious (I especially love any sort of pretzel roll). And, of course, if you enjoy imbibing alcohol, make sure to pick up a couple of drinks to make this one of the most affordable and memorable date nights of your life.
4. Grab a Cocktail at Das Glückskind
If you’re staying around Vienna’s city center, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to cocktail bars (with oddly, quite a few of them being American-themed). However, my absolute favorite in the city is one called Das Glückskind, located in the city center.
Located in an underground cellar, which I think has been there for hundreds of years, this spot abounds with chic and stylish vibes. And, while some comparable cocktail bars may have a stuffier atmosphere, this isn’t the case here. The amazing mixology team is extremely chill and their drinks are absolutely lights out.
If you like whisky-based cocktails, I definitely recommend the mint julep, but, to be honest, no matter what you order it’ll be delicious. And, if you find a red-haired Italian mixologist behind the bar, you might just get him to make you his secret off-menu old-fashioned with truffle oil if you ask kindly enough.
5. Take the Schlumberger Wine Cellar Tour
After you’ve hit the traditional coffee houses, had your schnitzel, and are left wanting more, it’s time to dive into Austrian tradition and explore an amazing wine cellar. If you like your bubbles, you’re going to absolutely love the Schlumberger wine cellar tour.
Walking through this underground cellar, you’ll be struck by the balance between modernism and tradition. While the winery of course takes advantage of modern technology, it also shows a deep respect for its roots and the old ways that its wine was made.
Make a day out of this tour that’ll take a couple of hours, and I’d even recommend planning a picnic somewhere after with your Schlumberger bottle of sparkling wine. This will surely be one of your most memorable moments in Vienna if you take the plunge and explore this extraordinary space full of wine-related traditions.
