Vienna Things to Do Tips by Inguuna

It says there’s almost no gothic style in Vienna, but there are few examples, like Stephansdom in the heart of the city. From all the beginning here was sacred place, but only in the 12th century building works had started. And the new cathedral was named after first Christian martyr. As the works in that times took very long, the cathedral was finished in the 15th century.
The cathedral is very closely connected with history and people who ruled in the state. It keeps several sarcophagus from Habsburg dynasty. Also during special events here you can hear the famous bell called Pummerin which is 21 tones heavy.
There are ornaments on the cathedral’s roof which show coat of arms and the year. It’s special gift after World War II, when the cathedral was damaged a lot.
You can climb up there, but be sure there are no works going. Because when I was there nowhere was mentioned that there are restoration works going up there and the ‘excellent’ view from there I didn’t see. This is my cons. And yes - you have to pay for that.
But what I suggest – visit the inside of the cathedral, it’s worth! The interior with vaults is impressive.

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Address: St.Stephens cathedral

The prince Eugene of Savoy who was also military commander had very big power and influence in the 17th and 18th century. He also had very good taste in art. Setting up these two things he could by the big art collection and also good place where to build new palace for him. From this place he could see almost all the city. Also nowadays from the upper palace you can catch good view to the city’s roofs and spires.
There are two palaces: the upper and lower. Why so? Because they are built on the hillside, one higher than other. And they are separated by huge French gardens. Their author have planed the gardens for Versailles, too. The gardens are dedicated to different symbols from antique world. And here you will also see many figures with lion’s body and people’s head. The upper palace was built for celebrations and presentations, but lower for living during summer. Nowadays they houses museums. If you’re Klimt lover than worth to see and go inside in the upper Belvedere!

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Address: Prinz-Eugen-str. 27
Website: www.belvedere.at

The palace was built as a summer residence for emperor family on the place of older which was destroyed. The emperor Leopold I who ordered to build new palace for his son, wanted to have it more impressive than it was Versailles in France. Shame but he hadn’t so much money as Louis XIV. Only after couple years when Maria Theresa ruled the building works were finished. It was also necessary for her 16 children. Their sizes are impressive, as also the count of rooms which are there – 1441 rooms. In that times here were more than thousand employees. Also want to mention this was place where empress Elisabeth lived and as guest here was Napoleon.
Behind the palace is located huge French style garden with fountain. And on the hill the building which was also planned as palace, but due to lack of money it was not finished. Nowadays it houses café and from here you can see good view to the city.
Here in the palace territory are located park, labyrinth and even zoo. And if you just sit on the park to take rest from walking you may see squirrel!
In 1918, in the palace’s Blue Chinese salon negotiations were held which led to emperor Karl I resigning and Austria’s proclamation.
Palace and their gardens are really grandiose in their size, so take in mind that you’ll need possibly more time than you think. And take with you water and good shoes :)

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Address: Schonbrunner Schlossstr. 147
Website: www.schoenbrunn.at

More than 600 years Hofburg was official residence for Habsburg dynasty which ruled here from the 13th century till the end of monarchy. Only for that time here stood not so large building complex like it is nowadays. During many years the building was enlarged. There are many architectural styles mixed together, but anyway the complex is very impressive.
You can reach the oldest part of the building which is also called Alte Burg going by Swiss gateway. In that times you could see there only fortress with few towers.
In front of Neue Burg are located two monuments, one for archduke Charles and other for prince Eugen of Savoy. At the beginning it was planned to make many of monuments here, but due to lack of money here stand only two.
Nowadays here are located museum, the president office, Spanish riding school, official and private apartments. Here is located also National library where are more than million books and photos.

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Address: The winter palace of the emperor
Directions: Michaelerplatz 1

That interesting building which now houses a museum many years ago bought an artist Hundertwasser. But for that time here was an old factory which he renewed in very specific style. There are different shapes of windows, wall which is covered with colorful tiles, also you can see bushes growing from windows and walk by irregular floor.
On this museum you can see the art works by Hundertwasser.

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Address: Untere Weissgerberstrasse 13
Website: http://www.hundertwasser.com

Like the other building this one is also very interesting and they are located not far from each other. This public building is very colorful, also with different shape of windows, trees on roof, and you can only enjoy this artists greatness.

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Directions: From KustHausWien walk along Untere Weissgerberstrasse to Kegelgasse, than turn to right.
Website: http://www.hundertwasser.com

Pestsaule – the monument which was built after demand of imperator Leopold, is located in one of the busiest parts of the city. He asked to build it after the big plague epidemic at the end of 17th century. At the top of the monument one can see the imperator who prays, in the middle part there are many figures which show that praying can win the plague.
The street is also very popular with its’ many shops.

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Address: Graben str., very close to Stephansplatz

Ankeruhr – which is the name of this clock – was build at the past century's beginning and is classified as typical art-nouveau figure. The clock is richly decorated with very nice symbols and figures. There are 12 figures which one can see every hour by one, only at midday they can be seen all together. The figures are closely connected with history, there are Marcus Aurelius, Joseph Haydn and many other.

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Address: Hoher markt

Don't miss the red old phone booth which is located near Hunderwasserhaus.

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Address: Kegelgasse