St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna, located in the center and known as the "heart of Vienna". It is a famous building on the Vienna Ring, renowned worldwide. The cathedral, built in the late 12th century, has a towering spire reaching 137 meters, second only to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The architectural style of the entire cathedral is a unique combination, with the western main entrance in Roman style, the spires in Gothic style, and the high altar in Baroque style. These different architectural styles blend together, reflecting the result of over four centuries of construction and renovation, as well as the Viennese ability to compromise and harmonize.
2. Beautiful Spring Palace
Belvedere Palace and Museum is one of Austria's most important cultural heritage sites and one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. The palace is the second largest in Europe, after the Palace of Versailles in France, and it is known as the winter and summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, along with the Hofburg Palace. The name "Belvedere" comes from a spring inside the palace, and this green area was once a hunting ground for Emperor Matthias. The emperor found the water refreshing and named it the "Beautiful Spring." The palace has 1,400 rooms, with the most notable being the portrait of Marie Antoinette, who later became the queen of France as Louis XVI's wife.
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is the palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria, showcasing the former luxury of this prominent family that ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Located in the city center of Vienna, it was the residence of the monarchy until 1918. Originally a castle in the 13th century, it was expanded into a magnificent palace as the Habsburgs' power and territorial rule grew. The palace is divided into the Upper Residence and Lower Residence, each with its own gardens. The Upper Residence served as the place for imperial offices, receptions, and grand events, while the Lower Residence was used for living and hosting guests.
4. Beautiful scenery palace
Belvedere Palace and Museum is one of the most famous Baroque palaces in Vienna, and it is also home to the Austrian National Gallery. The palace consists of the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. They are connected by a beautiful garden called the Alpine Garden. This garden features symmetrical terraces and fountain pools, surrounded by lawns and trees. The statues of sea gods and Baroque sphinxes in the fountains lead visitors into a magical world. From the Upper Belvedere, one can enjoy a unique and stunning view of the Inner City, Vienna's cityscape, and Vienna Woods.
Vienna City Hall
City Hall is one of the iconic landmarks in Vienna, built in 1873, it is a typical neo-Gothic architecture. Its arches, loggias, balconies, pointed windows, and intricate carvings embody the typical style of neo-Gothic. The 98-meter high tower in front of City Hall is considered a symbol of Vienna. Legend has it that non-religious buildings at that time were not allowed to exceed 100 meters, and the construction plan of the City Hall tower was opposed by the church. The designer, Friedrich von Schmidt, limited the tower itself to 98 meters but added a statue of the "Rathausmann" (City Hall Iron Man), which is 3.4 meters tall, on the top of the tower, challenging the old authority. The church had no choice but to accept it. In the summer concert, various performances are held on the City Hall Square.
6. Karl's Church
St Charles' Church is the most notable Baroque church building in Vienna. The facade of the church is in the style of ancient Greek temples, while the two side wings are in the style of Italian Renaissance. The dome and the columns with shallow reliefs on the sides are particularly attractive. The interior of the church is ornate and solemn, with realistic religious murals on the dome. You can take an elevator to the top of the dome to admire the beautiful murals up close. There is a huge fountain pool at the entrance of St Charles' Church, next to which is a park with many small cafes where people can chat, read, and relax.
Art History Museum
Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
Vienna Museum Quarter
Museumsquartier, Vienna
9. Votivkirche
Votive Church
Recommendation: The Votive Church is one of the most important Roman Catholic churches in Vienna.
The Votive Church (Votivkirche) is a Roman Catholic church in Vienna, located in the Alsergrund district, next to the University of Vienna, on the outside of the Ring Road. It is said that Emperor Franz Joseph was assassinated here but miraculously survived and recovered. In gratitude for God's blessing on Franz Joseph's life, this new Gothic Roman Catholic church was built, and it is called the "Twin Tower Church" because of its two prominent spires. The existence of the Votive Church is a commemoration of this historical event and has become one of the most important Roman Catholic churches in Vienna.
Vienna Central Cemetery
Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Reason for recommendation: Vienna's Central Cemetery is the final resting place of famous musicians and composers, including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and the Strauss family, among more than 20 world-renowned musical masters.
The Vienna Central Cemetery (Wiener Zentralfriedhof), located in the Simmering district of Vienna, is the largest cemetery in Vienna and the second largest in Europe, with 330,000 graves. It is famous for being the burial site of more than 20 world-famous musicians and composers, including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and the Strauss family (including Johann Strauss Jr., Johann Strauss Sr., and Joseph Strauss). Their graves have become important places for people to pay homage and commemorate these musical giants.
