Vienna Things to Do Tips by William1982

Vienna has its fair share of palaces and royal residence. Schloss Schonbrunn is probably the most impressive of all of these. There are 1500 rooms what reveal some of the styles and tastes of the Royalty who lived here, through the different eras. Different tours are dedicated to different sections of the palace. Then there's the massive garden at the back to explore, including the butterfly house.

Take the U4 to Schonbrunn

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The impressive Schonbrunn gardens

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

Stephansdom is as beautiful outside as it is inside. The cathedral is situated in the very centre of the city so cannot be missed. Its tiled roof depicts the austrian coat of arms, while the massive gothic belltower stands 137metres high. The cathedral was severly damaged during world War II and like many other fine bulidings during this period, it was restored to its former grandeur with the generosity of the people.

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Address: St.Stephens cathedral

The fine arts museum houses many fine art collections, situated in its 91 exhibition rooms. These collections come from all over Austria and other countries (some were collected from parts of the old Habsburg empire). Paintings include Samson and Delilah (van Dyck), the Tower of Babel (Breughel), Diana and Calixtus (Titian) amonst others. There are also fine sculpture collections and other arts. Even if this is not for you the architecture is worth seeing, a trip into the Ringstrasse shows the best that Vienna has to offer.

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This buliding, the kunsthistoriches museum (fine arts) is twinned by the opposite Naturhistoriches museum. . In the centre of the two is a monument to Maria Theresa, Habsburg monarch 1740-1780.

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Another definite must in Vienna is to see the Hofburg (Imperial palace). In fact, you can't really miss the place if you are in the ringstrasse (the ring). It was the winter palace of the Hofburgs until their reign ended in 1918, and is divided into different sections -in der burg (within), alte burg (old fortress), neue burg (new fortress) and Augustinekirche. It's worth spending some time looking around the whole palace and entering from different directions.

The most impressive parts are the front facade of the palace, St Michaels Square (entrance), and the decor inside the palace.

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Address: The winter palace of the emperor

Another great building is the town hall (Rathaus). Its located in the ringstrasse next to the parliament building. It was completed between 1872 and 1883, and the main tower rises to around 100 metres. It serves as the opening and closing ceremony venue for the Austrian holiday week in June. There are also numerous festivals outside, check out the big screen for the film festival and cusine from around the world which happens late July/ early August.

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The church of St Charles is absolutely stunning, and was designed in the Baroque style. The dome measures 72metres, the columns either side rise to 47metres. Inside the church is fantastic artwork on the celings including the fresco Arrival in heaven of Saint Charles.

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Address: Vienna's famous baroque church

The Viennese parliament building is located next to the town hall.

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I have no idea what this little house was doing on top of the Parliament building, maybe some of the MP's don't want to be late for work and decided to live on site.......

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