The best things to do in Vienna
They used to call Vienna the “Capital of the World”, so you’d be right in assuming there is plenty to get going with here. The Austrian capital might not have its lofty standing in international relations but remains a titan on the cultural scene, with some stunning museums to go with its elite roster of galleries and undeniable sense of grandeur. The fact that the entire centre of the city resembles the film set of a period drama only adds to the atmosphere.
Putting together a list of the best things to do in Vienna is not a million miles away from a list of the best things to do in Europe, such is the majesty of this place. Vienna’s restaurants are almost as legendary as its cafes, while the annual calendar of festivals means something is always going on. It might no longer be the capital of the world, but Vienna is still pretty darn awesome.
What is it? The MuseumsQuartier, or MQ as it’s more commonly known, offers everything from the world’s finest Egon Schiele collection, to an array of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants to a sculpture park-cum-mini golf course.
Why go? The Leopold Museum, home to 44 Schiele paintings and various works by Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and members of the Wien Werkstätte movement, is one of Vienna’s finest art museums, while the MUMOK boasts the city’s premier contemporary art collection, including works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Even if art’s not your thing, it’s worth heading to the courtyard to hang out with locals on one of the eye-catching geometric blocks.
What is it? Vienna’s most venerable café commands a queue to rival any London hotspot. Opened in 1876, this typical Viennese Kaffeehaus has always been a favourite with brainy locals; Freud, Trotsky and Stefan Zweig are all known to have taken their coffee here. Its cathedral-like domed ceilings and accomplished patisserie selection are just as much of a draw now as they were then.
Why go? Waiting in line may be a bore, but once you’re inside, the glittering décor and world-class cakes and pastries make it all worthwhile. Feeling peckish? Tuck into fluffy pancakes or warm Apfelstrudel dusted with icing sugar and pick up some custard-filled Cremeschnitte slices to take away.
3. Go for an outdoor dip
What is it? Vienna is impressively equipped with pools – the Art Deco Amalienbad is definitely worth a visit – but nothing beats an open-air dip in the river. Just seven stops from central Stephansplatz, the lakeside Alte Donau (Old Danube) area is home to a host of idyllic bathing beaches, seafood restaurants and boats for hire.
Why go? There’s plenty of choices. Don’t fancy going chlorine-free? The open-air Schönbrunner Pool is a gorgeously restored 1920s number set in the heart of a peaceful park, while the hillside Krapfenwaldlbad offers stunning views over Vienna. Alternatively, try Badeschiff Vienna, a super-cool pool on a boat with a DJ (imagine a floating Shoreditch House).
What is it? It’s never been more important to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. The world’s oldest Jewish museum was founded in Vienna in 1895 but was closed and plundered by the Nazis in 1938; many valuable objects are still missing. The present-day Jewish Museum was founded in 1988 and moved to Dorotheergasse in 1993. A second site, above the remains of the medieval synagogue in Judenplatz, was opened in 2000. The two locations tell the story of the city’s Jews from the Middle Ages through to the present day.
Why go? As well as preserving the memory of the 50,000 Austrian Jews killed in the Holocaust, the museum showcases the extraordinary contributions made to every aspect of Viennese life by Jewish citizens throughout the ages. A must-visit.
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