Welcome to Vienna
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. Nestled along the banks of the majestic Danube River, Vienna boasts a rich heritage that dates back centuries. From its stunning architecture and imperial palaces to its vibrant arts scene and renowned coffee houses, this city offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors.
Sightseeing
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna’s architectural beauty extends beyond the palace walls. The city is renowned for its stunning buildings, including the Gothic masterpiece St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the grandeur of the Vienna State Opera, and the ornate Hofburg Palace. Walking through the historic center, visitors can marvel at the intricate details of these structures and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Art
For art enthusiasts, Vienna is a treasure trove. The city is home to a myriad of art museums and galleries, showcasing works from renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. The Belvedere Museum, housing Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss,” is a particular highlight, while the MuseumsQuartier offers a vibrant hub of contemporary art and cultural events.
Coffe House Culture
Vienna’s coffee house culture is legendary and an integral part of the city’s identity. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of clinking teaspoons fill the air as locals and visitors gather in these historic establishments. Savor a cup of Viennese coffee accompanied by delectable pastries such as Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of these beloved institutions.
Opera House
The Vienna State Opera (German: Wiener Staatsoper) is an opera house and opera company based in Vienna, Austria. The 1,709-seat Renaissance Revival venue was the first major building on the Vienna Ring Road. It was built from 1861 to 1869 following plans by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll, and designs by Josef Hlávka. The opera house was inaugurated as the “Vienna Court Opera” (Wiener Hofoper) in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It became known by its current name after the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1921. The Vienna State Opera is the successor of the old Vienna Court Opera (built in 1636 inside the Hofburg). The new site was chosen and the construction paid by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1861.
The members of the Vienna Philharmonic are recruited from the Vienna State Opera’s orchestra. The building is also the home of the Vienna State Ballet, and it hosts the annual Vienna Opera Ball during the carnival season.
Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, located in Hietzing, Vienna. The name Schönbrunn (meaning “beautiful spring”) has its roots in an artesian well from which water was consumed by the court.
The 1,441-room Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. It has been a major tourist attraction since the mid-1950s.
Kärntner Straße
Carinthian Street (Kärntner Straße) is the most famous street in central Vienna. It runs from the Stephansplatz out to the Wiener Staatsoper at Karlsplatz on the Ringstraße. The first record of Kärntner Straße is from 1257, as Strata Carintianorum, which refers to its importance as a trade route to the southern province of Carinthia.
A famous promenade set against a backdrop of historic buildings and modern, trendy flagship stores, the pedestrian zone has been around for 40 years. Karntner Strasse offers a successful mix of luxury shops and fashion brands, which has something to offer for both the discerning and those on a budget. At the same time, this street combines Viennese flair with international brands, and its visitors enjoy the atmosphere and variety of brands and shops.
Kärntner Straße Shops:
STEFFL, Burberry, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, Red Valentino, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, Esprit, Desigual, Mango and many others.
However, shops and businesses are by no means the only thing that Kärntner Strasse has to offer. On Annagasse, for example, is the Palais Grundermann Esterházy, which was built in the 17th century and today houses Casino Wien. Special historical and cultural treasures are also hidden in the various side streets, such as the beautiful winter palace of General Prince Eugen in Himmelpfortgasse. With its ornate facade, the Palais is a real eye-catcher and has been home to the Federal Ministry of Finance since October 2017. At the upper end of the street is the monumental St. Stephen’s Cathedral – probably Vienna’s most important landmark – with the Cathedral Museum, Virgil Chapel and the well-known Pummerin, Austria’s largest and heaviest church bell, which only rings on very specific occasions.
Mariahilfer Strasse
Mariahilfer Strasse is one of the longest streets in Vienna and is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. Here you will find shops, pubs and restaurants and tips for your cultural entertainment in the most popular shopping streets in Vienna.
This 1.8 km long section extends in the 15th district (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus) from the Mariahilfer Gurtel to Schlossallee in the west of the city; the last 350 meters of the street are in front of the technical museum in the 14th district, Penzing, southwards next to the street is the Auer-Welsbach-Park in the 15th district. The west extension of the street is Penzinger Strasse. Although there are also numerous shops in the outer Mariahilfer Strasse. The tram also runs in this area, but was replaced by the subway in the inner Mariahilfer Strasse.
Mariahilfer Strasse connects the inner city with the Westbahnhof and the 15th district, Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus.
The street was named in 1897 after the district or the former suburb of Mariahilf. It was originally called Kremser Strasse after its destination, then Bayrische Landstrasse, later (e.g. city map 1856) after the places it crossed, Laimgrubner Hauptstrasse and Mariahilfer Hauptstrasse. In the 15th district it was called Fünfhauser Hauptstrasse, Schönbrunner Strasse and Penzinger Strasse.
In the vernacular, the street is also called Mahü. It was an important exit road to the west, which is why many inns settled here.
Mariahilfer Strasse, Mariahilfer Gurtel, Mariahilfer Kirche and the Mariahilf district take their names from the miraculous image of Mariahilf, a copy of the painting of the same name by Lucas Cranach the Elder, which is located in Mariahilfer Church.
The street consists of the inner and outer Mariahilfer Strasse. These unofficial designations are still used colloquially, but also by the media and in traffic announcements or subway station entrance signs to distinguish between the sections inside and outside the belt. Sometimes, however, Mariahilfer Strasse is used as a synonym for the shopping street within the belt.
Buildings / Constructions:
Rahlstiege, MuseumsQuartier, Stiftskaserne, Stiftskirche, Mariahilfer Kirche, Hofmobiliendepot, Schwendermarkt, Technische Museum, Remise Rudolfsheim.
Mariahilfer Strasse Shops:
Peek & Cloppenburg, Tezenis, Benetton/Sysley, Humanic, Müller, Footlocker, Snipes, Urban Outfitters, TK Maxx, H&M, C&A, ZARA, HalfPrice, Diesel and many others.
Mariahilfer Strasse Restaurants and Bars:
WEIN & CO, Mariahilferbräu, Health Kitchen, Paolo Bortolotti, Stadtallee, Backerei Konditorei Cafe Josef Schrott, Sir Harly’s Tea, Gota Coffee Experts, Brandauer Gerngroß, Starbucks, My Secret Garden Café Restaurant, Ebi 7, Cafe Ritter, Laolao, Konditorei Oberlaa Wien and many others.
Shopping centres in Vienna
There are more then 30 shopping centres in Vienna.
These are some of the many centers where you will enjoy shopping for various famous world brands, numerous restaurants for every taste, playrooms for children, cinemas and other interesting contents.
This is a list of the most popular shopping centers:
- Shopping City Süd ( Einkaufszentrum | WESTFIELD SHOPPING CITY SÜD )
- The Mall – Vienna Mitte ( WIEN MITTE The Mall | Einkaufszentrum WIEN MITTE The Mall (wienmitte-themall.at) )
- Gerngross ( Einkaufen im GERNGROSS : das Shoppingerlebnis )
- Donau Zetrum ( Einkaufszentrum | WESTFIELD DONAU ZENTRUM )
- Central Station – BahnhofCity ( Startseite – Hauptbahnhofcity (oebb.at) )
- Westbahnhof – BahnhofCity ( Startseite – Bahnhofcity Wien West (oebb.at) )
- Parndorf Designer Outlet ( Startseite – Parndorf Fashion Outlet )
- Lugner City ( Lugner: Home )
- Columbus Center ( 1100 COLUMBUS – SHOPS & OFFICES )
- Shopping Center Nord ( Home – Shopping Center Nord (scn.at) )
