The city of Vienna has been one of the cultural hearts of Europe for many centuries. For over 600 years the city was home to the Habsburg Dynasty, one of the most powerful monarchies in European history. Vienna is also known as the City of Music, and is where some of the most famous composers in history created their masterpieces, including both Mozart and Beethoven. Visiting Vienna is truly a treat for the eyes, ears and taste buds and below I’ve listed 10 of my favourite historical things to do while visiting the Austrian capital.
1. See where Mozart lived at the Mozarthaus museum.
Mozarthaus is the only apartment where Mozart lived that still exists in Vienna today. Mozart lived in this beautiful building between the years of 1784 and 1787 and was where he composed a number of famous works. The museum provides an extensive insight into the composer’s life, particularly in Vienna, and there are three fascinating floors to explore. The first floor of the museum consists of Mozart’s apartment where guests are free to wander through the rooms. The second floor takes a more in-depth look at his music while the third floor explores Mozart’s life in Vienna. It’s amazing to be standing where Mozart once lived and worked and the museum is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in both music and culture.
2. Explore the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty at the Hofburg.
With over 600 years of rule, the Hapsburg Dynasty was one of Europe’s most famous and powerful ruling families and the Hofburg was their primary residence. From the 13th to 20th century, the family’s rule extended over Austria, Hungary and Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Empire. Near the end of the empire in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated resulting in the beginning of World War I. Today, the Hofburg remains connected to politics as the Leopoldine Wing is still the primary workplace and residence of the Austrian President.
The Hofburg is open to the public and offers visitors an insight into the lives of Vienna’s historic royal family. My favourite part of the Hofburg was the Sisi Museum, which covers the tragic life of Austria’s beloved Empress Elisabeth (also known as Sisi). You can also visit the Imperial Apartments, which belonged to Empress Elisabeth and her Husband Emperor Franz Joseph I. Visitors can also explore the Silver Collection which displays a large collection of palace dining ware.
Visit here to learn more about visiting the Hofburg in Vienna.
3. Experience Viennese Coffee House Culture.
Coffee House (or Kaffehaus) culture has existed in Vienna for over 300 years, with the first coffee house opening in the city in 1683. Through the years, coffee houses played a central role in Viennese life as a place where people could gather to socialize, read the news, listen to music, discuss ideas of the day and of course, enjoy a cup of coffee. The significance of Viennese coffee house culture is actually so important that it is recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Today there are over 2,000 coffee houses across Vienna with historic ones including Café Central (c. 1867), or Café Frauenhuber (c.1824) which claims to be the oldest remaining coffee house in Vienna.
One of my favourite little places (where I spent quite a bit of time!) was Kleines Café, located only a 5-minute walk from Stephansplatz. While it’s not the most historic in the city (I believe it dates back approximately 50 years), it has a great atmosphere both during the day and in the evening!
4. Experience the history of sound at the Haus der Musik (House of Music).
Haus der Musik is another staple on the list of things to do as it’s a unique museum that takes visitors through the history of sound. With a number of interactive experiences, the museum provides a great insight into how sound and music has evolved throughout the years. You can dance on the piano steps, play with different sounds throughout the exhibits and even try your hand at being a virtual conductor for the Vienna Philharmonic! The building itself even has historical significance as the museum is located in the former palace of Archduke Karl and was also home to famous composer Otto Nicolai in the early 19th century. I didn’t know much about the museum before visiting, but absolutely loved it. With Vienna being such an important city for music, it’s definitely a must-see!
Visit here to learn more about visiting the Haus der Musik in Vienna.
5. Taste the world-famous Sacher-Torte, where the dessert originated at the Hotel Sacher.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve likely heard of a Sacher-Torte. This delicious, chocolate treat can be tried at many of Vienna’s popular coffee houses but the Hotel Sacher is home to the original recipe. The story goes that in 1832, 16-year old apprentice chef, Franz Sacher (upon filling in for an ill chef) created the cake for the court of Prince Metternich of Austria. His dessert went over so well that it went on to become a favourite of the imperial court. Franz Sacher’s son, Eduard Sacher, went on to found the Hotel Sacher in 1876. To this day, the Sacher-Torte is still hand-made using Franz’s original recipe.
Visitors can enjoy a Sacher-Torte in the Café Sacher (though note there is usually a lineup!) as well as in other areas of the hotel. I enjoyed mine in the beautiful Sacher Eck Wien area of the hotel and no matter where you end up enjoying your dessert, the entire hotel makes for a stunning atmosphere.
Visit here to learn more about visiting the Hotel Sacher and trying the Original Sacher-Torte.
6. Enjoy a snack that is over 100 years old at Trzesniewski.
Trzesniewski is famous for their delicious little open sandwiches… and wow, are they a treat! The Viennese snack has been popular for over 100 years, after the first store was opened by Polish immigrant Franciszek Trzesniewski in 1902. Today visitors can choose from 22 different types of sandwiches and you can also order a mini Pfiff beer to go with them! The restaurant is located in the central area of Stephansplatz and is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat while out exploring the city.
7. Explore the art museum, the Belvedere, home of Marie Antoinette’s mother.
The Belvedere is another impressive building complex and beautiful example of Baroque architecture in Vienna. The site consists of not one, but two palaces (the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere) and was initially built as a summer home by the Austrian General, Prince Eugene of Savoy. After his death, the Belvedere was later inhabited by Empress Maria Theresa, ruler of the Habsburg Dynasty, but more commonly known as the mother of Marie Antoinette. It was she who turned the Upper Belvedere into a public museum to showcase the imperial collections.
Today, the areas of the Belvedere open to the public consist of the Lower Belvedere (that displays a variety of art from different time periods), the Upper Belvedere (that contains over 800 years of famous artworks) and Belvedere 21 (which displays contemporary art that is both by Austrian and international artists). My favourite part of the museum is the Upper Belvedere, where artworks by Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch are on display. The standout has to be Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (Der Kuss), located in the Austrian Gallery. As one of Vienna’s most famous paintings, it was impressive to see up close.
8. Take in a show at the Vienna State Opera.
The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It first opened its doors in 1869 and continues to dazzle audiences up to this day. In the 19th century, the opera was the hub of life in Vienna, where theatre-goers could take in performances of famous works of their favourite composers. However, in the 20th century, the building underwent a tumultuous time during the Nazi Occupation of Austria during World War II. Much of the building was destroyed after a bomb attack in 1945 and only a few original features survive. Reconstruction began shortly after the bombing and resulted in the building as we know it today.
Tourists planning to visit the Vienna State Opera have a few options. Tickets can be booked for performances, for some shows for as little as €15.00. You can also purchase a standing room ticket (which go on sale 2 hours before the performance) for only €10.00! If you’re looking to learn more about the Vienna State Opera, you can also book a guided tour.
Visit here to learn more about visiting the Vienna State Opera.
9. Enjoy a meal at Salm Bräu Brewery and Distillery.
If you haven’t noticed already, I spent a lot of time eating in Vienna because the food and drink is just too good! Salm Bräu is one of my favourite places to go for a traditional Viennese meal. The restaurant is located in a heritage building that over 300 years ago housed a wine cellar belonging to the Mayor of Vienna at the time. In 1717, the site was sold to the Imperial Court and a monastery was built on site by Empress Amalia Wilhelmina. In 1994, the restaurant opened in an old part of the monastery.
Salm Bräu is well known for its traditional Austrian beer, still brewed according to historic recipes and techniques. The restaurant also offers a number of traditional dishes including Viennese Schnitzel, Schinkenfleckerl (an Austrian pasta), a Bohenmian Brown Beer Soup or their famous Beer Spread of which the recipe is still secret! Overall, Salm Bräu provides a fantastic historical, yet laid back atmosphere and the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a day of sight-seeing.
10. Take time to wander around and explore the historic city centre.
You’ve probably seen this recommendation on a few of my “Historical Things to do” lists, but I do genuinely believe there is no better way to take in a history than by exploring it’s historic area. Vienna is well-known for being a beautiful European city and it’s historic city centre does not disappoint. I would recommend starting in Stephansplatz, which is the main square in the centre of Vienna. Here you can marvel at the many beautiful buildings, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This is also a great place to start sightseeing because you’re within walking distance to a number of attractions including The Hofburg, Haus der Musik, the Vienna State Opera and more.
Looking to explore other parts of Austria? Check out 10 Historical Things to do in Salzburg.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.