Schonbrunn in Winter and other Vienna, Austria Things to Do Tips

The Schonbrunn Palace or Schloss Schonbrunn was in the possession of the Habsburg rulers since Maximilian II but the palace was passed at the end of the monarchy to the ownership of the Republic of Austria.

There are many beautiful rooms with their original furnitures & art plus Emperor Franz Joseph's personal effects for you to see. The Mirrors room & Chinese cabinet rooms are my personal favorite

I'd have to say that Schonbrunn has more to offer than Versailles in Paris because the original interior furnishings and furniture have remained. In winter, I decided to visit the interior via its Imperial Tour.

Grand Tour with audio guide for 11,50 Euro

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Phone: 811 13-239
Address: 13., Schönbrunner, Schlossstrasse
Directions: Take the underground U4 train and stop at Schönbrunn. You can't miss it
Website: www.schoenbrunn.at

The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect. Both palaces house museums featuring Austrian painting. In the lower palace the "Osterreichisches Barockmuseum" (Austrian Museum of Baroque Art) displays Austrian Art of the 18th century. In the upper palace you can visit the Austrian gallery with a collection of 19th- and 20th-century Austrian paintings

My favourite experience in these beautiful palaces was not only the architecture but the extensive artwork available by many artists especially works from Gustav Klimt. The best in my opinion is "The Kiss" which is an amazing sight to behold. I normally see the prints on souvenirs & such but when I saw the real thing, it was breathtaking. You have to see it for yourself

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Address: the baroque castle of Prinz Eugen
Website: http://www.belvedere.at/

Vienna, along with New York, Geneva and Nairobi, is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations. Opened on 23 August 1979, the Vienna International Centre is the seat of a number of United Nations organizations and entities.

Multilingual guides from different countries inform about the United Nations and the work of the Vienna-based organizations in the field of drugs and crime, the peaceful uses of outer space, and refugees. Specialized agencies deal with industrial development, the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the banning of nuclear weapon testing.

You will visit exhibitions and a conference room and get to know the fascinating world of the United Nations. Tours are available in German, English and ten other languages. Admission fees start from 2 euro for children to 5 euro for adults

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Address: Vienna International Centre & UNO-City
Directions: Take the U1 line to Kaisermullen station

Ice skating is really fun especially when done outdoors. I started ice skating on one of my trips to Vienna in wintertime. It's inexpensive and lots of fun, even the times I fell on the ice. Evening tickets are less expensive, around Euro 3 for adults. Outdoor ice skating is only available in winter, between Oct & Mar

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Address: Sports Complex Windtenstrasse and Rathaus

I love going to the parks in Vienna, especially in spring because of the beautiful roses blooming all over. One in particular is Volksgarten or "People's Garden" which is easily accessible by foot or tram or U-bahn.

The garden was opened way back in 1820 and it's easy to see why they call it the "People's Garden". There are plenty of park benches for people to sit, read, fall in love and basically enjoy the day.

Entrance is free

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Address: The old part of Vienna inside the Ringstrasse

The Museum of Natural History or Naturhistorisches Museum is situated at Maria-Theresien-Platz, which is part of the museum quarters. The building itself is a mirror image of the Kunsthistoriches Museum or the Art History Museum

You can find many stuffed animals in their zoology department, depicting many species of mammals, reptiles, etc. The Gem Hall has a huge topaz weighing over 100kg, and a pretty bouquet of Maria Theresia jewels.

One highlight is the Venus of Willendorf, sculptured over 20,000 years ago and probably a symbol of fertility

Admission if 8 euros for adults
Open daily except Tuesday

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Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz

Behind the Schönbrunn Palace lies the infamous Schönbrunn park. Designed in Baroque style, this park is together with the palace is also on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1996.

I wouldn't elaborate much on this park apart from the fact that it is beautiful in all seasons. Among the attractions are the Roman Ruins, Neptune fountain and the Gloriette on Schönbrunn Hill with a fantastic view of the palace.

Many locals & visitors come here to relax, take pictures, jog and enjoy the park. There are many wild squirrels in the nearby forest. I think they're rogue squirrels because they come down from the trees, stop at my feet as if to expect me to give them nuts or something

Admission is free

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Address: 13., Schönbrunner, Schlossstrasse
Directions: Take the U4 (green line) and stop at Schonbrunn. The park is behind Schobrunn Palace
Website: http://www.schoenbrunn.at