Vienna’s First District – Recommended Attractions in the Old Town and its Surroundings
1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Domkirche St. Stephan)
The main church of Vienna, also known as St. Stephen’s Church, is located in the heart of the Old Town and is considered one of its most important attractions. The church was founded in the 12th century but has been renovated and modified over the years. The church’s structure is impressively beautiful, featuring tall spires, a colorful tiled roof adorned with Austrian symbols, statues, and magnificent wall decorations. Inside the church, you can admire the grand prayer hall decorated with marble pillars, chandeliers, statues, and stone carvings. You can enter the entrance plaza for free and admire the inner hall; if you wish to explore further inside the church, you’ll need to purchase admission tickets. Read all relevant information in our extended article on St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Church address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien Map
Interesting to know: Opposite the church, there used to be a large shopping mall called Rotberger. This mall, one of the largest in Austria, belonged to a wealthy Jewish family. During the Nazi era, the mall was forcibly taken from the family.
2. Old Town Streets – Graben Street, Kärntner Street, and Kohlmarkt Street
Around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, there are several beautiful old streets bustling with luxury shops, restaurants, and cafes. The recommended streets are Graben, Kärntner, and Kohlmarkt. From the church, you can turn onto Graben Street and walk its length, enjoying the regal atmosphere and ancient buildings. Along the street, there are beautifully designed statues and monuments. The most famous monument on this street is the Plague Column, commemorating the terrible plague that struck the city at the end of the 17th century and caused mass deaths.
The plague was so terrible that Emperor Karl VI, in despair, vowed that if the plague ceased, he would build a magnificent church in the city. This church stands to this day and is called St. Charles Church.
At the end of the street, you’ll reach a junction where it’s worth turning left towards Kohlmarkt Street, which leads to Michaelerplatz and the Hofburg Palace. Another option is to walk along the beautiful Kärntner Street, which eventually leads to the city’s magnificent State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper). This street is also packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re looking for shopping opportunities in Vienna, you should read our article on all the shopping options in the city.
Interesting to know: Many shops on these ancient streets were formerly Jewish-owned. The most well-known shop in the Old Town still owned by members of the community is the Liska fur shop. It’s located right on Graben Street.
3. Hofburg Palace – Quality Museums and a Free Park
It’s hard to describe the beauty of the Hofburg Palace in words. The building is magnificent, radiating power and strength. No wonder it was the winter residence of the Habsburg family, who ruled the entire region. This is where various rulers lived and worked, whose decisions shaped the history of the region and all of Europe. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most important buildings in Vienna and a place not to be missed. You can reach the palace by walking through the streets of the Old Town, via the impressive Michaelerplatz. Alternatively, you can get there from the Ringstrasse via Heldenplatz. The palace complex is full of attractions, gardens, and museums.
Inside the palace itself, you can visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, see the Imperial Silver Collection, or the Imperial Treasury. In its newer section, called the Neue Burg, there are additional museums – the Weltmuseum and the Museum of Knights.
Within the Hofburg Palace grounds, there are several other important places. You can enjoy one of the most beautiful horse shows in the world at the Spanish Riding School, marvel at the ancient book hall in the Austrian National Library, and visit the four museums belonging to the National Library. If you want to see ancient artworks, the Albertina Museum is perfect for you.
If you love nature, you can stroll leisurely through the lawns, plants, and ancient buildings in the Imperial Gardens, the Burggarten, and the Volksgarten. Entry to the palace gardens is free. For butterfly lovers, there’s a lovely butterfly house near the palace complex.
You can read more information about the palace and its attractions in our comprehensive article on Hofburg Palace.
Palace address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien Map
4. Maria-Theresien-Platz – Museum Quarter
Opposite the Hofburg Palace, on the other side of the Ringstrasse, lies Maria-Theresien-Platz, home to two large museums. Even if you don’t enter them, you can admire their impressive buildings, which look strikingly similar (and not by accident).
On the left side of the square (when facing away from the Hofburg Palace) is the Natural History Museum. In this museum, you’ll find many displays of taxidermied animals, dinosaur bones, fossils, meteorites, and gemstones. On the right side of the square is the Art History Museum. This museum showcases art and antique collections that belonged to the Habsburg family.
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien Map
5. The Austrian Parliament (das Parlament)
The Austrian Parliament is housed in a magnificent building on the Ringstrasse, not far from the City Hall (Rathaus) and the Volksgarten. This impressively beautiful structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many visitors. It’s worth coming to the building’s plaza, located right on the Ringstrasse, to admire its beauty. There is no charge for entering the Parliament building’s plaza, and it is open to the public. For a 360-degree view of the Parliament building inside and out and for more information, read our extended article.
Address: Parliament House address: Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring Map
6. City Hall (Rathaus)
Vienna’s City Hall building is magnificently beautiful and is considered the most important Viennese building in the Neo-Gothic style (that is not a church). It is located between the University of Vienna and the Parliament building, and opposite the National Theatre of Austria (Burgtheater). The area of the City Hall is about 40,000 square meters! It is a massive structure filled with splendid rooms and royal design. The impeccable precision in the design of its exterior walls and the grandeur of the ancient building’s rooms make it one of the most beautiful city halls in the world!
In winter, the City Hall plaza hosts Vienna’s largest Christmas market, and at the beginning of the civil year, a spectacular and enjoyable ice skating rink opens. Read more information about the City Hall in our extended article.
City Hall address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien Map
7. National Theater (Burgtheater)
The impressive theater building, called “Castle Theater” (Burgtheater) in German, is located right on the Ringstrasse, opposite the old City Hall (Rathaus). This 19th-century structure is one of the last buildings built on this street. The theater is considered one of the most important theater houses in the German-speaking theater world, presenting classical German-style performances. Its stage is one of the largest in the world, and its auditorium can seat up to 1200 spectators! Read extended information about the National Theater of Austria.
National Theater address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien Map
8. Danube Canal (Donaukanal) – Restaurants, Bars, and Boat Trips
The Danube River Canal (Donaukanal in German) flows leisurely through Vienna, right next to the Old Town center. The canal stretches for 17 kilometers, and along its banks, there are a variety of restaurants, bars, and interesting buildings. On warm summer days, the canal is bustling with visitors; many sit in restaurants enjoying the sun, while others cycle, run, or walk happily along its length.
Most of the canal is surrounded by the city’s ancient buildings, but in certain sections, you can enjoy wonderful nature and plenty of greenery. If you love street art, there are many graffiti paintings along the canal, some of them truly impressive! Additionally, there’s an option to take a relaxing boat trip and even reach the neighboring city of Bratislava. Read more information about the Danube Canal, boat trips, and restaurants in this area.
9. University of Vienna (Universität Wien)
The central University of Vienna is the largest academic institution in Austria, with about 100,000 students enrolled in approximately 190 different courses. The university has been in operation for about 650 years and is considered the oldest among German-speaking countries. The main campus is located near the Ringstrasse, right next to the City Hall, and the Votive Church. You can enter the campus free of charge and wander among the ancient and well-maintained buildings, but there are also guided tours available throughout the university. Read extended information about the University of Vienna.
University Campus address: Universitätsring 1, 1010 Wien Map
Interesting to know: In the past, the section of the Ringstrasse opposite the university was named Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring. This individual was known for his support and actions for the Nazis. A few years ago, the name of the section of the Ringstrasse opposite the university was changed to Universitätsring 1. This name change happened thanks to one person, Eric Kandel. Kandel is a Jewish man of Austrian descent who lives in America and, among other things, is also a Nobel Prize laureate in psychology and medicine. After winning the prize, Austria wanted to grant him an honorary degree at the University of Vienna, but he refused as long as the street was named Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring. After pressure from his side, the name was changed to Universitätsring.
10. Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper)
The Vienna State Opera is one of the leading opera houses, and the variety of works and plays performed there is the largest in the world. The magnificent building is located on the Ringstrasse at the end of the ancient Kärntner Street. The original building was constructed in the mid-19th century, but bombings in World War II caused extensive damage to large parts of it. After extensive reconstruction and restoration work, the building was returned to its former glory. The opera house hosts about 350 performances each season, and approximately 600,000 spectators come to enjoy Viennese culture at its best.
If you feel like soaking up some local culture, there’s no doubt that the Opera House is the perfect place. You can even buy a ticket for an opera performance for 2 to 4 Euros (standing room only). Another option is to watch performances live through the opera house’s broadcasting system. Also, during the summer months, the famous Mozart concert is mainly held at the opera house.
Besides all this, there are daily guided tours for visitors. Read more information in our extended article on the Opera House.
Opera House address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien Map
11. Vienna City Park (Stadtpark)
The Vienna City Park (Stadtpark) is a wonderful recreational spot for both residents and visitors. It’s an expansive urban park that begins in the Ringstraße area and extends to the Third District and Landstraße area. The park spans approximately 65,000 square meters. The Vienna River (Wienfluss) flows through the heart of the park, effectively dividing it into two parts. Throughout the park, you’ll find interesting statues of famous Viennese artists, composers, and writers such as Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, Hans Canon, and more. The Kursalon building in the park is a popular venue for wonderful classical concerts. Read more information about the park.
Park address: Parkring Wien Map
12. Great Synagogue (Stadttempel)
When arriving in the Old Town from Schwedenplatz train station, you can reach the Great Synagogue of Vienna within about a 5-minute walk. This synagogue is the only one that remained standing after World War II. The synagogue building is somewhat hidden and is located in an area full of clubs and bars known locally as the Bermuda Triangle. From the outside, the building looks completely ordinary, but inside there is a large and beautiful prayer hall. Above the entrance door to the synagogue, there is a Hebrew inscription: “Come into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise,” and this is how you can identify its location. The synagogue is active, with Shabbat and holiday prayers, and of course, there are guided tours during the week. Read more about the synagogue in our extended article on Vienna’s 20 Jewish places.
Synagogue address: Seitenstettengasse 4, 1010 Wien Map.
13. Judenplatz (Jewish Square)
Judenplatz is not far from the Great Synagogue. In the Middle Ages, this place was a center of Jewish life. Archaeological excavations at the site found remains of an ancient synagogue, which are displayed in a museum located in one of the buildings surrounding the square – the Misrachi House. In the center of the square, there is a Holocaust memorial. Today, Austria’s Supreme Court is located in one of the buildings on the square. Read more about the Jewish Museum in the square.
Judenplatz address: Judenplatz, 1010 Wien Map
14. The Jewish Museum Vienna on Dorotheergasse Street
In the heart of the Old Town, a 5-minute walk from the city’s central cathedral, you’ll find the Jewish Museum Vienna. This is the second branch of the museum, with another branch located in Judenplatz, mentioned above.
This museum features permanent exhibitions showcasing the lives of Jews in the city throughout history and, of course, during the Holocaust. Additionally, there are rotating exhibitions presenting interesting aspects of the Jewish community’s life in Vienna in particular and Austria in general.
You can admire artworks, documents, and everyday tools that were used by the Jews who lived in the city and learn about the glorious Jewish past of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s home.
Read more information about the Jewish Museum Vienna.
15. Coffee and Cake in a Classical Atmosphere
If you’re craving a Sacher Torte or an apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce, you should head to Demel patisserie or the ancient Café Central. These are very touristy places, so the prices reflect that, but they definitely provide an authentic Austrian experience from the days of emperors and nobles. Both are located in the heart of the Old Town, so you can reach them with a short walk through the ancient streets.
Demel patisserie address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien Map
Café Central address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien Map
You can read about more great Viennese coffee houses throughout the city. We’ve compiled a detailed article on 21 excellent coffee houses that will give you a true Viennese experience with the best coffee and desserts.
16. Wiener Schnitzel – The City’s Famous Dish
Viennese veal schnitzel is a beloved attraction for visitors. Of course, it’s worth tasting the city’s flagship dish. In the Old Town area and its surroundings, there are several popular restaurants for quality schnitzel. The most famous restaurant is undoubtedly Figlmüller, which has two branches in the heart of the city. Of course, if you want to eat there, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance or wait in a long queue.
To be honest, you don’t have to go to this restaurant and wait in line for a long time (and pay a high price) because there are many other excellent Austrian restaurants with superb schnitzels. Don’t forget, schnitzel is the national dish in Austria, so almost every self-respecting restaurant will serve schnitzel, and in most cases, it will be excellent. We’ve prepared a list of recommended schnitzel restaurants so you can choose the most suitable one for you.
17. Nightlife and Entertainment
The Old Town area of Vienna also offers entertainment options for the evening and night hours, of course. For lovers of pubs, bars, and clubs, there will definitely be something to do in this area.
The main activity area is around Schwedenplatz and the Bermuda Triangle, which extends towards the heart of the Old Town. Additionally, on warm summer days, there are restaurants and bars open along the Danube Canal, in the area near Schwedenplatz and Taborstrasse (the Jewish street).
For those who want to venture a bit out of the center, there are several other entertainment areas throughout the city. Read more about nightlife areas in Vienna.
We’ve compiled a variety of recommendations for bars worth visiting, as well as cool clubs throughout the city.
