10 Architectural Marvels in Vienna + Tips for Your Visit

As the seat of the Austrian Emperor for many years, Vienna has become a showcase of the empire’s wealth and influence. The empire may not exist today, but it’s never a challenge to see the greatness of the Austrian Empire.

All you need to do is wander around Vienna’s Old Town and the answer is right there: The stunning buildings, embellished with sculptures, reliefs, and detailed stonework. When you do that, I bet you’ll also find yourself thinking, ‘Just imagine the amount of money that must have been spent on the beautification of these buildings in Vienna.’

Actually, just by walking along a single street, Ringstrasse, you can see a variety of stunning buildings in different architectural styles and truly appreciate the architectural beauty of Vienna.

However, if you’re interested in more eye-catching and fascinating landmarks, Ringstrasse isn’t the only place to explore. You should also consider discovering the parts of the city outside the historic center. I’d love to share with you 10 architectural gems located in various parts of Vienna, places I’m confident you’ll find visually fascinating when you tour Vienna.

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Should you find yourself in Vienna with an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s breathtaking architectural landmarks, I recommend taking part in a guided tour.

You might want to check out this partner-certified 2-hour historical sightseeing tour or even this stylish sightseeing tour in an electro vintage car. If you’re looking to cover more ground in just 3 hours, the classic bike tour of Vienna could be a great option.

1. Imperial Palace

When it comes to historical significance and architectural beauty that can make visitors snap dozens, if not hundreds, of photos during their visit, the Imperial Palace, or Hofburg, takes the cake.

Dating back to the 13th century, Hofburg is the place where you can behold eye-catching architectural styles from different eras and deeply immerse yourself in the rich history of Austria. It was the residence of the Habsburg family during their reign, which explains why this place is so stunning.

Treated like a god, members of the Habsburgs lived here in splendor!

However, there’s a caveat: if you’ve been to other palaces in Europe like Versailles in France or Alhambra in Spain, you might want to temper your expectations.

Regardless, the history and treasures you can discover inside the palace are unique and incredibly valuable, like the story of Empress Sisi and the crowns of the Austrian Emperor and Holy Roman Emperor.

When you visit Hofburg to see the breathtaking architecture, my recommendation is that you don’t miss the facade of Neue Burg from Heldenplatz, the Austrian National Library, the Swiss Gate, and the facade of St. Michael’s Wing from Michaelerplatz.

My favorite is the Austrian National Library, which is incredibly stunning! It’s like wandering in the Hogwarts Library—an absolutely amazing experience. In addition to its enchanting architecture, you can also find medieval books that seem to contain magical spells and notes from alchemists.

Honestly, there’s a lot to see and experience in Hofburg. It’s a tourist attraction with several points of interest within it. You must discover everything that makes Hofburg a destination worth visiting.

2. Schönbrunn Palace

After a long, cold winter, the Habsburg Family moves from Hofburg to Schönbrunn Palace for their summer retreat. This palace, located on the outskirts of the city, serves as their summer home and is arguably the grandest architectural marvel in Vienna—considering both the palace and its gardens.

The main palace of Schönbrunn is the highlight, with its baroque and rococo splendor designed to impress the empire’s visitors. Today, even everyday people like us can visit and are welcome to marvel at its extravagant gilded halls and rooms painted with scenes of paradise.

During my exploration of the palace, I was surprised to discover influences from other cultures in the design of some of its rooms! For example, the Porcelain Room, Round and Oval Chinese Cabinet, and the Millions Room.

Unfortunately, taking photos inside the palace is not allowed.

However, it’s not just the main palace of Schönbrunn that will catch your eye. Even the garden features and other structures within the palace grounds will inspire you to pull out your camera or phone and take photos.

There’s the Gloriette, a triumphal arch offering an overlooking view of the palace. Then there’s the imposing Neptune Fountain, perfectly placed in the middle of the garden. And there’s the Roman Ruins, a beautiful symbolic and romantic artwork in the Schönbrunn garden.

Here are all the picturesque spots in Schönbrunn Palace. The good news is, you are allowed to take as many photos as you like in the gardens!

And there’s more! Just like Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace isn’t just a palace—it’s a destination with a multitude of attractions. There’s an abundance of activities at Schönbrunn Palace that could easily fill an entire day. You’ll find a maze, a zoo, an extraordinary greenhouse, and so much more!

Check out the must-see places in Schönbrunn Palace now.

3. Belvedere Palace

Interested in beautiful architecture and famous artworks? That’s what visiting the Belvedere Palace is all about. Well… actually, it offers so much more, though!

This stunning baroque palace, constructed in the 18th century, was once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. A successful military leader in Vienna and an art collector, he was able to establish the Belvedere Palace, which now serves as an art museum.

Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s artworks, including his renowned painting, ‘The Kiss.’ To me, this is one of the two highlights of the Belvedere Palace. What is the other highlight? It is the palace’s architecture, which is undeniably picturesque, both inside and in the gardens.

Belvedere Palace actually comprises two palaces: the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, with a garden nestled between them. I believe this garden is the most beautiful design in all of Vienna, thanks to the intricate baroque flower beds.

If you’re a photographer, you won’t want to miss exploring the garden due to the fantastic photo opportunities, such as the view of the Upper Belvedere next to the fountain near the Lower Belvedere.

After exploring the garden, step inside the palaces to marvel at the splendor of their architecture.

In the Lower Belvedere, don’t miss the Gold Cabinet and Hall of Grotesques, which are lavishly decorated with gold, mirrors, and captivating wall and ceiling art. You’ll be thrilled to visit the Upper Belvedere because of its Marble Hall, Carlone Hall, and the staircase, all filled with mesmerizing colorful frescoes and or elaborate stucco works.

It’s also in the Upper Belvedere Palace where you’ll find other unique and famous artworks in Vienna, like the Character Heads and another version of the painting of Napoleon Crossing the Alps. For more information and photos, please check my post about the Must-See Parts and Artworks in Belvedere Palace.

4. Austrian Parliament Building

What’s so great about exploring Vienna is that there are places that offer free guided tours. For instance, the Austrian Parliament Building.

It is another architectural wonder in Vienna you wouldn’t want to miss, especially if you’re visiting other notable landmarks along Ringstrasse like Hofburg, Rathaus, and the University of Vienna. These landmarks are practically neighbors in this part of the city.

The Austrian Parliament Building, in a nutshell, aside from being the place where legislation in Austria takes place, is undoubtedly Vienna’s most beautiful building with Greek Revival architecture.

The Pallas Athena fountain in front, its triangular pediment adorned with sculptures, and statues standing across the top part of its facade had me admiring the building for a few minutes. I’m betting that’s what’s going to happen to you as well! LOL.

You can also find a gilded mosaic running through the upper portion of the walls of the Pronaos (or front porch) which should extend the time you’re admiring the building. And after taking in the artworks you can see all over the building, you can truly say that Vienna is indeed a pillar of Western civilization; a descendant of Greek and Roman civilizations.

Since the tour inside the Austrian Parliament Building is free, I highly recommend it. You can see even more stunning scenes, particularly the Debating Chamber of the former House of Deputies of Austria. The statues that serve as the columns of the hall are amazing when seen from afar.

What’s great about the tour is that it’s not only about the architecture and history of the building. The tour guide will also discuss the democratic processes that occur inside the building. Overall, the tour lasts for 55 minutes and is conducted in German and English. Booking your tour ahead of time is a must.

After the tour, you’ll be allowed to freely explore two other parts of the parliament building like the library and the Visitor Center Demokratikum. The latter is where you can further discover parliamentarism and explore the rich history of the Austrian Parliament. There are more than 20 interactive media stations, letting you understand the topics easily.

I linked the official website of the Austrian Parliament Building in the resources section of this post for more visiting information.

5. Rathaus

A short walk from the Austrian Parliament Building along Ringstrasse will lead you to the center of Rathausplatz. It is the spot offers the best views of Rathaus—the current seat of Vienna’s local government and undoubtedly one of Vienna’s most impressive landmarks.

You’ll get that impression with just one look at its 102-meter-tall clock tower and facade, which resembles an intricate gallery of symbolic sculptures. And let’s not forget the eye-catching lace stonework that adds to the magic!

Fun fact: if you’ve already been to Brussels or Leuven in Belgium, you might find the appearance of Rathaus quite familiar. This 19th-century Rathaus is modeled after the Gothic architecture of Brabant and Flemish secular buildings.

If you plan to visit Rathaus, here’s my tip for you: Bring a powerful camera or phone that can optically zoom more than ten times. This will allow you to see the beautiful details of Rathaus up close, like the statue of Vindobona, which is the central figure of the central tower. Vindobona is the Roman name for Vienna. You can also get a closer look at the twelve figures carrying heraldic crests, which represent various crown lands belonging to Austria-Hungary.

The most interesting is the Rathausmann, the iconic statue on top of Rathaus. It’s a statue of a medieval man made of copper that symbolizes steadfast determination against corruption.

More beautiful scenes await you inside Rathaus. What’s even better? You can also explore the interiors of Rathaus on a FREE guided tour. You’ll be brought to more beautiful architectural sights like Stadtsitzungsaal, which has colorful frescoes and a gigantic chandelier.

However, there’s no online reservation and it’s first come, first served. Tickets are limited. Also, there’s no tour when there are official government meetings inside. It’s best to arrive early in the morning to ask if there’s a guided tour for the day and you may be able to secure a ticket.

I’ve linked the official website of Rathaus in the resources section of this post for more information about the tour.

6. University of Vienna

It’s quite an adventure sightseeing along Ringstrasse. Once you’ve seen the three architectural gems of Vienna we’ve discussed, another marvel is ready to greet you: the University of Vienna.

It’s one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world, nestled in a beautiful historicist building that’s sure to inspire you to explore its surroundings once your gaze lands on any of its facades.

Designed in Greek revival architecture, its windows are adorned with cherubic sculptures/reliefs and parts of its walls are designed with narrative artworks. Here’s a tip: The artworks worth pointing out are seen along Reichsratstrasse, on the back side of the building.

Similar to the Austrian Parliament building, the facade of the University of Vienna along Ringstrasse is also beautifully designed like a Greek temple, complete with intricate stonework on its triangular pediment and the arches of the balcony.

The most distinctive architectural feature of the University of Vienna, in my opinion, however, is its arcaded courtyard, which they call Arkadenhof in German. 70 meters in length and 45 meters in width, this Italian Renaissance-style arcaded courtyard is a remarkable one of its kind.

Visiting the arcaded court, you can see sculptures and reliefs of some famous scientists and academics, placed there to commemorate their contributions. On regular days, you can see students happily reviewing their studies or just relaxing in the courtyard. There, you might also realize the positive effect of beautiful architecture on a place of learning.

Speaking of learning, you can learn more about the main building of the University of Vienna from the guided tours offered by the university. Good to know: the guided tour costs only a few Euros. Five, the last time I checked.

The tour lasts an hour and covers a brief overview of the 600+ years of the university’s history. You’ll visit the Arcaded courtyard, the main reading room of the library, and the Main Ceremonial Hall of the university.

You can find the link to the University of Vienna’s official website in the resources section of this post for details on the guided tour.

7. Stephansdom

In addition to the palaces, universities, and government offices, the churches in Vienna are also spectacular. In fact, they dominate the city skyline, especially in the historic center. In particular, Stephansdom, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is the tallest building in Old Town Vienna.

This structure is a breathtaking view from Stephansplatz, the square where Stephansdom is located in the very heart of the city.

What’s so interesting about Stephansdom is that its architectural details are as rich as its history. Dating back to the mid-12th-century, this cathedral is a mix of multiple architectural styles from different eras, both inside and out.

Its exterior is Gothic with a Romanesque facade, while the interior is Gothic with a layer of Baroque. And yes, the beauty of Stephansdom can’t be captured on paper. Of course, you have to manage your expectations, especially if you’ve already been to other churches located south of the Alps, in Italy or Spain.

Is it your first time in Europe? When you see the view of the nave from the narthex, all you can feel is pure awe. No words can describe it. You can also see the awe in the eyes of other tourists as they start taking photos when they enter the church.

One of the eye-catching features of Stephansdom’s nave is the 16th-century pulpit, which is incredibly detailed. Its intricate stone lacework, looking like frozen flowers and vines arranged in a beautiful pattern, can leave you speechless.

There’s also something special about the exterior of Stephansdom. Its colorful roof. When you check it out, don’t forget to see the back part of the roof. They’re impressively designed to show the coat of arms of Vienna and Austria, as well as the emblem of the Habsburg empire—the two-headed eagle.

There’s more to discover about Stephansdom! Should you decide to visit, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your sightseeing inside and outside Stephansdom.

When you visit Stephansdom, also make sure to check out Peterskirche. It’s a magnificent Baroque church, just a short distance away from Stephansdom.

8. Karlskirche

If you’re looking for the most unique church in Vienna, Karlskirche is the place to go. This architectural wonder is a blend of many styles. You can find elements of Rococo, Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman, and Byzantine!

Interestingly, some of its parts were even inspired by Far Eastern culture. Notice that two of its towers have roofs shaped similarly to a pagoda in China. It is beauty everywhere in Karlskirche and I bet you’ll take more than a dozen photos in Karlskirche when you visit. However, don’t forget to show respect inside the church.

In a way, Karlskirche is very important to the locals as it is dedicated to the saint who saved them from a plague, Saint Charles Borromeo. Since it was completed in the 18th century, Karlskirche has become a symbol of protection for locals, providing them with a sense of safety from any plagues.

Karlskirche is a special church. So locals also made its architectural features just as unique. Like this: one of the things that makes Karlskirche a must-see are its two Hellenistic columns, Boaz and Jachim, which resemble the Trajan Column in Rome. They are an impressive work of art, with eye-catching spiral relief depicting scenes from the life of St. Charles Borromeo.

Artworks also cover the interiors of Karlskirche. With frescoes and gilded stucco work everywhere, it’s mostly Baroque magnificence inside this church.

The highlight of Karlskirche’s interiors is the high altar, which is adorned with a sculpture of Saint Charles Borromeo ascending to heaven. Above the saint’s statue is the most divine depiction of God inside Karlskirche — the Hebrew Tetragrammaton/Yahweh. Bursting with rays like the sun, this image of God symbolizes his omnipotence and guiding love.

There’s more I want to show you about the beauty of Karlskirche and the special experiences you can have there. So, here’s a guide to visiting Karlskirche to make the most of your time.

9. Votivkirche

Even the newer churches in Vienna are architectural wonders, with Votivkirche being a prime example. Its elaborate twin towers pierce the sky, standing tall at 99 meters. This 19th-century Neo-Gothic church is sure to catch the eye of any traveler exploring Ringstrasse.

While I personally find Stephansdom to be the most impressive Gothic church in Vienna, Votivkirche is certainly a strong contender with its intricately decorated facade and captivating flying buttresses outside the choir.

The lace-like stonework across its facade and portals, along with its massive rose window, are truly awe-inspiring.

Interestingly, like Karlskirche, Votivkirche has a fascinating backstory. Did you know that Votivkirche serves as a symbol of the empire’s gratitude for a life saved? The story of Votivkirche began in 1853 when Vienna was shaken by an assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph by a Hungarian nationalist. Saved by a sturdy golden collar and a quick-thinking bystander, the Emperor’s life was spared.

In gratitude, the Emperor’s brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, commissioned the construction of Votivkirche. This stunning Neo-Gothic structure was a votive offering to God for the Emperor’s miraculous survival.

If you have some free time, I recommend going inside Votivkirche to see its main altar. The gilded retable and elaborate ciborium on the altar are simply breathtaking.

For the visiting hours of Votivkirche, please check the official website of the church, which is linked in the resources section of this post.

10. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Even artwork and artifacts have their own magnificent buildings in Vienna. They’re housed in impressive palatial structures that make travelers marvel even before they enter. Upon entering, their jaws drop as the sight of stunning interiors welcomes them.

There are several museums in Vienna that offer this experience. For example, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of Military History, and the Naturhistorisches Museum. However, if there’s one museum I’d recommend to everyone, it’s the Kunsthistorisches Museum, or the Museum of Art and History, also located on Ringstrasse.

It was built by Emperor Franz Joseph with the aim of housing the most formidable art collections of the Habsburgs. And yes, today, I believe it truly stands as such.

In fact, the building of the Kunsthistorisches Museum itself is a work of art; an architectural marvel! From the main lobby to the exhibition halls, their ceilings and walls are covered with eye-catching details inspired by both local and foreign cultures. Don’t miss the hall where you can find the collections from Egypt!

Of course, the collections in the Kunsthistorisches Museum are as notable as its architecture. There’s the painting of Marie Antoinette, the Tower of Babel, a map of the Habsburg Hereditary Lands that includes a compass, Egyptian Steles and intricate sarcophagi, mechanical globes, and more!

There’s so much to see here and it’s nice to know that you can find many couches in the exhibition rooms, which are very useful for resting after wandering in the museum for hours.

If you’re also a curious traveler like me, the exhibits at Kunstkammer Wien section should excite you. Thousands of rare and unusual objects collected by Habsburg monarchs are displayed here. From automatons to the Krumau Madonna, it’s a very intriguing place.

Check out my blog post about the most interesting and beautiful things you can see in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

More Beautiful Landmarks Near Vienna

If you find yourself with some extra time in Vienna, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful castles just outside the city. These picture-perfect locations are a dream come true for romantics and explorers. They’re so enchanting that they’ve even served as the backdrop for some films.

Conveniently, they’re only a 30-minute to 1-hour bus or train ride from Vienna, making them hard to pass up. Allow me to introduce them to you.

1. Kreuzenstein Castle — is charming medieval castle in Leobendorf, Austria. It’s kinda like Germany’s Hohenzollern Castle and is a real hidden gem. Iit’s got a ton of history and was even in the 2011 movie, Season of The Witch. Definitely worth checking out: Kreuzenstein Castle (A Hidden Gem Day Trip From Vienna)
2. Liechtenstein Castle — is another castle near Vienna which has been around since the early twelfth century. The House of Liechtenstein call this castle as their ancestral home; a home that’s straight out of a fantasy novel, thanks to its mix of Romanesque and Historicism architecture. It is the castle featured in the 1993 version of ‘The Three Musketeers’. Learn more: Liechtenstein Castle Near Vienna: Is It Worth Visiting?
3. Laxenburg Castle Park — is lovely trip from Vienna for nature and history lovers. It’s Austria’s largest landscaped garden, offering a blend of fairytale-like scenery and historical significance. Here, you can find the picturesque Franzensburg, a replica of a medieval knight’s castle, which you can behold from a boat. Get a glimpse: Laxenburg Castle Park (An Easy Day Trip From Vienna)

Resources: Architectural Marvels in Vienna

So, that’s the end of my rundown of Vienna’s architectural wonders. I hope it’s sparked some wanderlust for this stunning city! As promised, here are some handy links to help you get your visits to these landmarks sorted.

• Guided Tours in Rathaus
• Guided Tours in Austrian Parliament Building
• Guided Tours in the main building of the University of Vienna
• Official Website of Votivkirche

You might also want to explore the lesser-known architectural wonders in Old Town Vienna. I regard them as unique attractions and hidden treasures of Vienna.

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