the photo was taken outside the Belvedere Palace during our visit on 25 December 2019

Each neighborhood in Vienna has its own character, from the historic Innere Stadt to the trendy MuseumsQuartier. This diversity provides visitors with a range of experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural exploration.

Places to Visit when in Vienna:

1. Schönbrunn Palace: A stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs.

2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral: An iconic Gothic cathedral located in the city center, known for its impressive spire and stunning mosaics.

3. The Belvedere Palace: Home to an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss."

4. Vienna State Opera: One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, offering guided tours and performances.

5. Museum Quartier: A cultural complex featuring several museums, including the Leopold Museum and the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art).

6. Hofburg Palace: erved as the residence of the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years and is now the official residence of the Austrian President.

7. Maria-Theresien-Platz: A grand square located between the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum), which are two of the most important museums in Vienna. The Kunsthistorisches Museum holds vast collections of European paintings, including works by Titian, Velázquez, and Bruegel, while the Natural History Museum is famed for its prehistoric and zoological exhibits, including the Venus of Willendorf and large dinosaur skeletons.

Our first visit to Vienna was in June 2013. All our flights were booked with Air France, and we thought we had secured the cheapest fare when we purchased our tickets in February. The itinerary included four legs: 1) Singapore to Paris, 2) Paris to Vienna, 3) Geneva to Paris, and 4) Paris back to Singapore.

At the time, our youngest was only 11, so she was served a kiddie meal onboard. However, the flight crew seemed surprised, as she appeared older than her age—so much so that they wondered where the child they were supposed to serve was. Along for the trip were Tweety and Ballsy.

Upon arriving at Vienna Airport, we purchased tickets for the city train. The fare to the city center was €11 per person, and the journey to Wien Mitte/Landstraße took just 16 minutes. From there, we transferred to the U3 subway line and headed to Stubentor, as our hotel was near that station.

Alternatively, you can take the S7 (suburban train) for a cheaper fare of €4, though it takes 26 minutes to reach Wien Mitte/Landstraße.

We weren’t entirely sure if taking the train from the airport to our hotel was the best choice, as it cost us €44 for the four of us. We wondered if taking a taxi would have been more convenient, especially with all our luggage. Cabs cost between €50 and €60, and in hindsight, it might have been worth it. The real challenge came when we discovered that Stubentor station had no lift or escalator—at least none that we could find—forcing us to carry our heavy bags up a long flight of stairs. It was exhausting.

We stayed at the Appartement-Hotel an der Riemergasse. After checking in, we were starving and decided to search for a local place to eat—definitely not a chain. We were eager to experience authentic Viennese cuisine.

Our first proper meal in Europe was at Inigo Restaurant in Vienna. The portions were enormous—much bigger than we expected! Each meal cost around €15, which wasn’t bad at all considering the size. We even packed up the leftovers for dinner later, as we hadn’t anticipated such large servings.

Afterwards, we took a leisurely walk to the Inner City, heading toward the Graben, Vienna’s famous shopping street. While the kids enjoyed some shopping, the parents took the opportunity to purchase a local data and call SIM, ensuring we’d stay connected during our four-day stay in Austria.

Since we had only arrived in Vienna around 11 AM and the city wasn’t originally part of our itinerary, we decided to skip the major attractions like the palaces this time. Our primary reason for visiting Austria was inspired by The Sound of Music—we had fallen in love with the enchanting Alps of Salzburg from the movie. The nearest international airport was Vienna, so we planned to take a morning train to Salzburg the next day at 8 AM.

Given our limited time, we thought the smartest way to spend our half-day in Vienna was simply to explore the city on foot, soaking in the atmosphere instead of queuing for palaces and other tourist spots. It was a relaxing and rewarding way to experience Vienna at our own pace.

Off to Salzburg.

Vienna’s central location in Europe allows easy access to neighboring countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Many tourists use Vienna as a base for exploring the region.

Nearby Cities and Countries to Visit

1. Budapest, Hungary: Approximately 2.5 hours away by train, known for its thermal baths and stunning architecture.

2. Bratislava, Slovakia: Just an hour away by train or boat, this charming city offers a historic old town and vibrant nightlife.

3. Prague, Czech Republic About 4 hours by train, famous for its beautiful old town and the iconic Charles Bridge.

I and my husband revisited Vienna on 11 and 12 May 2018. With only a day and a half to explore, it was hard to decide which sites to prioritize. Initially, we had a long list, but we narrowed it down to three places to ensure we could fully enjoy each one: St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) at Stephansplatz, the Kunsthistorisches Museum on the Ringstrasse, and the Schönbrunn Gardens.

We arrived in Vienna shortly after 9 a.m from Budapest., but couldn't check into our apartment until after noon. Thankfully, I had done my research and knew there was a convenient luggage storage service at Vienna Central Station. Next to it, there’s a clean restroom available for 50 cents. The station itself feels more like a shopping center, aptly named The Mall.

From the station, we took the subway to Stephansplatz, buying single tickets from the machine at 2.40 euros each. If you plan on using public transportation more than four times in a day, I’d recommend the 24-hour pass for just 8 euros, which covers trains, buses, and subways.

We began our day at Stephansplatz, where we found food and souvenir stalls set up near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as a merry-go-round for an ongoing festival. After attending a service inside the cathedral, we made our way up the North Tower to see the Pummerin bell and take in panoramic views of Vienna’s skyline. Lunch was a quick stop at one of the sausage stands in the square.

Our next stop was the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest museum in Vienna, housed in a grand Baroque building along the famous Ringstrasse. We spent about two to three hours there, admiring the extensive collection of art. We had hoped to cycle along the Ringstrasse, where more beautiful buildings and vast gardens stretch toward the Danube River. However, we had to return to our apartment by 7 PM, or risk an extra €10 per hour for checking in late. (Our luggage, by the way, was safely stored at the Central Station for a small fee.)

Reflecting on our stay, we thought booking a hotel with 24-hour service would be more convenient next time. We had stayed at the Grand Central Apartment, just a 5-10 minute walk from the Central Station. It was the cheapest option we found at €61.20 per night, booked early in January. The apartment looked good in the photos and even offered a free washing machine, although it was located outside the room, and we ran out of laundry soap. We decided to postpone laundry until we reached Prague. Despite this, €61.20 was a fair price for what we got.

That evening, we had planned to watch the Opera performance on the outdoor screen and visit the Danube and Prater (another large public square with an amusement park and the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel). However, fatigue got the best of us, and we ended up having dinner at the Central Station before heading back to the apartment for an early night, in preparation for the next day’s adventures.

The following morning at 8 AM, we left the apartment keys and headed back to the Central Station—not to leave Vienna yet, but to store our luggage again before enjoying a fresh breakfast of bread and coffee.

We spent the morning and early afternoon at Schönbrunn Palace until 3 PM. The palace, once the summer residence of the imperial family, was also the childhood home of Queen Marie Antoinette of France. Although photography is not allowed inside the palace, we chose not to go in, opting instead to explore the vast and stunning Baroque gardens. Most of the gardens are free to explore, except for a few areas with small entrance fees. We walked from the Great Parterre to the Neptune Fountain and climbed the steep hill to reach the Gloriette, another attraction with an entrance fee. For just €3.80 each, we went up the Gloriette, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the palace gardens, the palace itself, and the Vienna skyline.

On the same day, we made our way to Bratislava, just a quick hour-long journey by train from Vienna.

Stephansplatz is one of Vienna’s most prominent public squares, and the hub for the city's subway system. Often referred to as the heart of Vienna, it is even considered Kilometer Zero for the capital. This made it the perfect starting point for our exploration.

One of the notable landmarks at Stephansplatz is Haas House, a modern building directly across from the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The reflective facade of Haas House mirrors the image of the cathedral, creating an interesting blend of old and new architecture.

Historically, Stephansplatz was once called Stock im Eisen Square, named after a tree trunk filled with nails hammered in by people for good luck during the Middle Ages. When the Equitable Building was erected on the same site, the trunk was preserved and is now displayed behind glass on the corner of the building. Over time, Stock im Eisen Square merged with Stephansplatz.

As we wandered through the square, we noticed a festival was taking place—Steffl Kirtag. The area was filled with balloons, children on a merry-go-round, and food stalls selling sausages and souvenirs. It was lively, but we pressed through the crowd toward our main destination: St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and one of the most important landmarks in Austria. The original church on this site dates back to the mid-1100s, but it was destroyed by fire. In the 1350s, Duke Rudolf IV spearheaded the reconstruction of the cathedral in Romanesque and Gothic styles, incorporating elements of the two previous churches. Remarkably, the cathedral survived WWII bombings, but a fire set by civilians during the Russian invasion caused severe damage. Following the war, the entire nation rallied to rebuild the cathedral, restoring it to its former glory with added towers and ornate decorations.

The interior has been reconstructed for several times over the centuries until the Baroque period. The High Altar was part of the Cathedral's transition to the Baroque style in the 17th century. The columns supporting the roof remained in the Gothic style.

The High Altar depicts the stoning of St. Stephen, the patron of the Cathedral. Try to look closely at the three stained glasses which shows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the stoning of St. Stephen. At the very top is the statue of the Virgin Mary showing us up as in the Lord was waiting for Stephen to ascend into heaven as the first martyr.

The gothic style Pulpit at St. Stephen's Cathedral is located along the nave. It was designed with the relief portraits of the four original Four Doctors of the Church: St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, St. Augustine of Hippo and St Gregory the Great. Check out the peeping tommy self-portrait sculpture beneath the stairs believed to be the sculptor of the pulpit.

During the time there was no microphone and megaphone, the sermon was held at the pulpit so it could be heard by the worshipers.

Today, St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of Vienna and Austria, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its history, grandeur, and resilience make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Why was there a merry-go-round at Stephansplatz? This lively scene was part of a major event in Vienna celebrated before summer: the Steffl Kirtag (Steffl Fair). This fair has been held annually since the 50th anniversary of the reopening of St. Stephen's Cathedral in 2002. In 2018, it took place from May 10 to May 21, and we were fortunate enough to be there on May 11.

We were eager to try the famous Viennese sausage (Wiener Würstel) from one of the Kirtag sausage stands near the cathedral. Joining the long queue at a food stand in Stephansplatz, we hoped to enjoy the best Vienna sausage for lunch. Yummylicious!!!

Choosing which museum to visit during our short stay in Vienna in 2018 proved to be a challenge. We narrowed it down to three: Kunsthistorisches, Belvedere, and Albertina. Although we initially considered visiting all three, we quickly realized that would not be practical. Our primary interest was in exploring the Renaissance and Baroque periods, making Kunsthistorisches the obvious choice.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Museum of Art History, is housed in one of two nearly identical palatial buildings located at Maria Theresian Platz on Ringstrasse. The opposite building is home to the Natural History Museum. Both structures were commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary and built between 1871 and 1891 to showcase the Habsburg family's extensive art collections, which were later opened to the public.

The stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens in this area are impressive enough to warrant spending over an hour there, even for those who may not be museum enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the Kunsthistorisches Museum is the magnificent artwork by Gustav Klimt (1862–1918), displayed 12 meters above the ground. These paintings, commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph, vividly depict significant periods in art history.

Maria-Theresian-Platz is a grand public square along Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse, situated between two renowned museums: the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum). At the heart of the square stands a monumental bronze statue of Maria Theresa (1717–1780), the only female and last sovereign of the Habsburg Dynasty, who ruled for 40 years.

The 6-meter statue of Maria Theresa shows her greeting the people with her right hand, while in her left, she holds the Pragmatic Sanction—a decree that allowed her to ascend to the throne. Surrounding her are four statues of her generals on horseback, symbolizing her military leadership.

The monument is surrounded by four beautiful lawns, each with exquisite fountains made from white marble. These fountains, the Triton and Naiad fountains, are inspired by Greek mythology. Triton, the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, is the god of the sea, while the Naiads are nymphs associated with freshwater bodies. The fountains were designed by three different sculptors, adding a touch of artistry to the square’s elegance.

Directly across from Maria-Theresian-Platz is the Museum Quarter at Museumsplatz, just across Museumstrasse. This cultural complex is home to several significant museums. Hofburg Palace, located at Heldenplatz along Burgring, is also nearby. The area is rich in architectural beauty, blending Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

We passed through the historic Burgtor Gate to reach Heldenplatz. Once part of the city’s fortifications, the Burgtor was the outer gate of the Hofburg Palace when the Ringstrasse was a fortified moat.

Along the way, we saw the Weltmuseum Wien, located in a wing of the Hofburg Palace. The museum houses valuable treasures from around the world, offering an enriching glimpse into global cultures.

This area, filled with extravagant architecture and history, is perfect for a half-day exploration on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in Vienna's rich cultural legacy.

Heldenplatz, or Heroes' Square, in Vienna is a historic and iconic public square located in front of the Hofburg Palace wings. It holds significant historical importance as the site where Adolf Hitler announced the Austrian Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, in 1938. That infamous speech made Heldenplatz a focal point in Austrian history and has inspired several works of literature, including plays and poems, which reflect on the events that transpired there.

The square is home to two monumental equestrian statues. One depicts Archduke Charles of Austria, symbolizing the military prowess of the Habsburg Dynasty. The other statue is of Prince Eugene of Savoy, regarded as one of Austria's greatest military leaders. Though born in Paris and of Italian descent, Eugene was initially rejected by King Louis XIV of France, who doubted his military potential due to family scandals. This rejection became France’s loss and Austria's gain, as Eugene went on to serve the Habsburgs and secure his legacy as one of history’s finest military commanders.

From the statue of Prince Eugene at Heldenplatz, an exit leads towards Lowelstrasse and Michaelerplatz, connecting visitors to Hofburg Palace and Vienna's Old Town.

Heldenplatz is beautifully situated between two elegant garden parks. To the back of the Hofburg Palace along Burgring is the Burggarten, which was once the private garden of the Emperor. On the other side of the square, near the statue of Archduke Charles, is the Volksgarten. Continuing along the Ringstrasse, you'll encounter two more grand buildings: the Neo-Greek style Parliament and the Gothic masterpiece, the Rathaus (City Hall), with its five striking towers.

This entire area is a photographer’s paradise, with stunning architecture and lush gardens everywhere you look. From here, you can easily catch the subway to other popular spots in Vienna, such as the Prater or the Danube.

The Burgtor, or Outer Castle Gate, is a key historical landmark in Vienna along the Ringstrasse near Heldenplatz. Built between 1821 and 1824 after Napoleon’s invasion, it was commissioned by Emperor Francis I as a symbol of Austria’s resilience. Designed by Peter von Nobile in neoclassical style, the gate features five grand arches and bronze reliefs commemorating Austria's military victories. The inscription honors the country’s defenders. Today, the Burgtor serves as a pedestrian gateway to the Hofburg Palace complex and hosts ceremonies honoring fallen soldiers.

The inscription above the central arch, translates to: “To the steadfast defenders of the fatherland”, a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the wars against Napoleon.
Ceremonial Significance:

There were more to visit, but we had to adjust our plans to collect the apartment key. Earlier, after visiting Stephansdom, we were concerned about not having enough time to fully explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum), so we decided to delay picking up the key until later in the day.

To get back to the Central Station, we used Vienna’s City Bike service, which was incredibly convenient. After registering online with our credit cards, we were each charged one euro. The city has numerous bike stations, often near subway stops, and the first thirty minutes of bike rental is free. If you need more time, you can simply return the bike to a nearby docking station and rent another for an additional free thirty minutes. Our ride to the Central Station took less than half an hour.

Once there, we collected our luggage and walked about ten minutes to our apartment. Initially, we had planned to visit the Prater after dinner, but we were really exchausted. After a long day that began with a 6 a.m. departure from Budapest and didn’t end until we reached the apartment at 7:30 p.m., we decided to call it a night. The following day was just as busy, with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace until 2 p.m. before heading off by train to Bratislava.

Our third visit to Vienna was on Christmas Day in 2019.