Vienna Things to Do Tips by codrutz

Gasometer Gasometer Review

The gasometer are four former gas tanks build in 1896, which were revitalised in an extensive manner from 1999 to 2001. The Gasometer left the function to store gas - it changed to a new great building with appartements, students dormitories, bureaus and a large entertainmentcenter with cinema and music-hall.

Rathauspark Ringstrasse Review

Coming from the Opera on Ringstrasse (actually Opernring then Burgring then Doktor-Karl-Lueger-Ring), left side before reaching Rathaus there is the Rathaus park, on both sides of the city hall.

During Advent, Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays this park is beautiful designed, trees are decorated with lights and it is the joy of children.

Address: the buildings of the famous boulevard

The Austrian Parliament Ringstrasse Review

They say that democracy is born in Greece, so the Austrian Parliament building is modeled on Greek temples. In front of the Parliament there is a statue of Pallas Athena (Athenebrunnen) - the greek godess of wisdom. This building (1874-1884) was originally designed as the parliament building for the Habsburg Empire.

Half of the building was destroyed by World War II. Some of the artwork damaged during the war is only now starting to be restored.

Address: Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3 1010 Wien, Austria

Phone: +43(1)401102211

Mariahilferstrasse Mariahilferstrasse Review

Mariahilfer Strasse is the main commercial street in Vienna. It stretches from Westbahnhof (West trainstation) to Ringstrasse (to the Wien Opera).

Packed with shopping galleries, designer clothes, perfumeries, all things you ever want is here, on both sides of the street. Can get crowded past 5pm and in weekends, but it's not the full standoff like on Oxford Street in London (Mariahilfe is nicer to walk on).

Website: http://www.mariahilferstrasse.at/

UNO City UNO-City Review

The buildings complex north-east of Vienna, over the Danube and adjacent to Donaupark (the one with the Donauturm tower) is known as UNO City because here is the headquarter of the United Nation organization in Vienna, Austria.

The highest tower is 120 meters tall, which was remarcable for 1979 when the complex was built.

Address: Vienna International Centre & UNO-City

Vienna butterfly house - Schmetterlinghaus

Named Schmetterlinghaus this is a big greenhouse right near the opera. Inside there is one of the biggest butterfly house - numerous butterflies you can see, feel and take pictures with.

Affordable price for entry, only EUR 5.5 the full price, EUR 2.50 for children under 16.

Address: The old part of Vienna inside the Ringstrasse

Hofburg Hofburg Review

Hofburg was the residence of the Austrian monarchy, the heard of old Vienna. Today the large complex of buildings helds also the offices of the Federal President, the ministers of the chancellor's office and the secretaries of state.

But a large part of Hofburg is now a museum, you can visit the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and Imperial Silver Collection.

PS: Sisi is the short name for Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898) wife of the Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Address: The winter palace of the emperor

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) Stephansdom Review

St.Stephen's cathedral is the largest religious building and Vienna's main place of worship. The 137m high south tower, named "The Steffl", is the city's symbol. It is really a very high tower. I always wonder how did they manage back then to built such a tall structure. Really amazing to look at and think about it.

You can have a closer look at all the Stephansdom's characteristics. You can climb the 343 steps up to The Steffl and enjoy a marvellous view over the city and the tiled roof. You can also take a lift up the north tower and see the great "Pummerin" (see explanations below).

Address: Stephansplatz 1010 Wien, Austria

Directions: Metro: U1, U3: Stephansplatz

Phone: +43(1)515523526

Website: http://www.stephansdom.at

Belvedere Palace Belvedere Review

Belvedere was the Baroque residence of Prince General Eugen of Savoy. He was also an art lover and today the Belvedere is an art gallery.

Admission is normally 10am to 6pm and the full ticket is EUR 12.50

Address: the baroque castle of Prinz Eugen

Website: http://www.belvedere.at/

24 surprizes for Advent Ringstrasse Review

I have learn a new thing. During Advent, from December 1st to December 24th, in each of the 24 days there is a tradition to open a bag or window. The bags contains presents and the windows reveals images or chocolate. When you open the last window Christmas has arrived :) There are boxes of chocolate with 24 little windows, and all sorts of Advent calendars. Look at the picture, the whole Rathaus in Vienna turns into a calendar, there are 24 windows, each day from December 1st one window is opened to reveal a painting. After Christmas the paintings will be sold at auction. Very interesting isn't it?