Vienna Things to Do Tips by rcsparty

This church was built as a result of the Black Plague by Emperor Karl VI. Construction began in 1714, and two copies of Trajan Column frame the impressive copper dome. It was set outside the city center to provide better viewing of the church. It is well worth the fee to go inside, if you are not afraid of heights.

I went into the church with my wife and another couple, where we boarded what seemed like a temporary elevator taking us to a wood platform across the base of the dome. You then walk across a wood platform to a series of stairs going to the cupola. At that point, one of the group got nervous and returned to the elevator. When you get to the stairs, there is a sign that says 'no more then 15 people', but you can't see how many are already on them. So we lost another of our group. About half-way up, the scaffolding feels like it is swaying, and person number 3 headed for the elevator. I was rewarded with fantastic views from the cupola, but admittedly was looking for something to hold, if the whole thing came tumbling down.

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Address: Vienna's famous baroque church

Schonbrunn was the summer palace for Austrian Royalty. The palace was built by the Hapsburgs between 1696 and 1712, and has over 1400 rooms. In 1772, a 6 year old Mozart gave a concert in the palace. We took the tour through the 40 rooms, which is well worth your time. It was around 10 euros, and the audioguide lets you set your own pace. The palace itself is a beautiful backdrop for pictures, although for us the back was covered with scaffolding and the front was being prepared for the following weeks opening of the Christmas market.

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

Even without the flowers, the garden was a must see. The area was originally woods, but the woods were destroyed during the Turkish seige of 1683. Walking through the gardens is really an impressive experience, especially if you stop at the zoo and the labryinth. You can almost picture yourself strolling through the gardens in the 1700's, other then the 1000 other tourist who are with you. There doesn't look to be much shade in the summer, so on hot days, I suppose morning or evening would be best. You can easily spend an afternoon walking through the garden.

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

The colonnade was built on the crest of the hill in 1775. The central section is topped by an imperial eagle perched atop a globe. The flat roof has been used as a viewing platform since the 1800's and the views of the palace from here are stunning. Make sure to have walking shoes to venture here, as it is further then it looks and uphill.

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

It seems every big European city has a fountain with Neptune, and Vienna is no exception, but the setting for this one is stunning. It was completed in 1780 and has Neptune standing at the center of the rocky grotto, in his shell shaped chariot. On his right is Thetis, trying to secure a favorable voyage for he son, Achilles.

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Address: the summer-residence of the emperor

This was the residence of the Hapsburgs from the 1200's until 1918. It is located in the center of the city, and currently houses the offices of the Austrian president, among other things. The Vienna Boys Choir sings mass on Sundays and holidays. The palace was originally a castle, of which only the chapel remains. The treasury is worth a visit to see the crown jewels. The complex can be somewhat confusing, so make sure to get a map of the complex first.

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Address: The winter palace of the emperor

This gothic church was built between the 12th and 14th century, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to wars. The south tower of the church can be seen from throughout the city. There are about 250,000 ceramic tiles, which make up the roof. The interior of the church is very impressive, with a beautiful altar.

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Address: St.Stephens cathedral

Kartnerstrasse is the main pedestrian zone within Vienna. It is a great place to wander the city and hit the shops. It is always bustling with people and has many good restaurants on some of the side streets.

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This Baroque palace was built between 1721- 1722, and was the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It is located in the center of the city and is well worth a visit. It consists of two buildings, one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom. The upper palace houses a 19th/20th century Viennese art, while the lower has a baroque museum and middle ages Austrian art.

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Address: the baroque castle of Prinz Eugen

The garden is designed with three teraces going up the slope of the hill. Each one has its own fountain. The garden is lined with statues and provides fantastic photo opportunities of the palace.

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Address: the baroque castle of Prinz Eugen