Vienna City Centre is a hive of activity at any time of year. Its striking architecture, green parklands and exclusive shopping streets attract visitors from all over the world. Whether visiting the city to enjoy the famous Viennese Opera or to explore the myriad museums or festive markets, there is something to suit all adventurers in Vienna.
On the doorstep of Vienna Central Station is Belvedere, a historic building in Vienna city centre which comprises two Baroque palaces set in pretty landscaped gardens. Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces are home to the Belvedere Museum, the Museum of Medieval Austrian Art, the Marble Gallery, Golden Room and the Hall of Grotesques. The world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt artworks is displayed, in addition to many French Impressionist works. Leaving the palace, walk to Museums Quartier via Naschmarkt, the most popular produce market in Vienna. Here, visitors will discover a wide range of eateries and have the ability to browse rare, luxurious Austrian food items. Museumsquartier is the ideal area in which to become acquainted with Austrian history and culture. It’s home to Leopold Museum and MUMOK, a district with a vibrant nightlife that hosts entertainment events throughout the year. Continuing through the city centre, take in the beauty of Volksgarten, learn about the history of music in the Haus der Musik or walk to iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. St. Stephen’s Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is an important Gothic structure in Austria. Climb the 343 steps to the tower room to admire spectacular views of the city. A little further afield lies the famous Schönbrunn Palace, the 1,441 room Baroque palace is a Unesco World Heritage Site and the most important architectural and cultural monument in the country.
Vienna City Centre is easy to navigate, as the city has a comprehensive and efficient transport network with buses, trains, trams, the U-Bahn underground and S-Bahn which covers regional train routes. The centre is served mainly by U-Bahn stations and local bus services. It’s easy to walk to a variety of attractions from the historic centre in 30 minutes to an hour.
The historic centre of Vienna dates back to the early Roman and Celtic settlements and was also the capital city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It developed into a prominent Medieval and Baroque city and became a cultural centre for European classical music. Today, Vienna city centre attracts travellers who come to visit beautiful Baroque castles and palaces, stunning parks and museums, and to indulge in some luxury shopping.