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Schonbrunn Palace
The opulent home of the Habsburg Dynasty, this beautiful country residence is incredibly popular day in day out. It contains a historic conservatoire, luxurious state rooms and lovely formal gardens to rival Versailles. Kids will also love a visit to the world's oldest zoo and a performance at the historic marionette puppet theatre.
Spanish Riding School
Whether a horse lover or not, this is an absolutely magical experience that is a must do on a Vienna city break. The majestic Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School will mesmerise all with their graceful movements. Tickets for official performances are like gold dust but morning practice sessions are just as rewarding and are easily accessible to all.
Prater Park
The historic Prater Park is a wonderful day out for all the family. Dominated by the 100 year old wooden ferris wheel, immortalised in the classic film The Third Man, superb city views can be enjoyed. It also features a number of rollercoaster’s and quaint funfair rides for smaller children and boasts extensive woodland walking trails and picnic areas.
St Stephens Cathedral
The gothic splendour of St Stephens Cathedral is a commanding landmark in the heart of the city that is the scene for many major events such as opera, classical concerts and choral performances. Its towering spire can be climbed for panoramic rooftop views of the city and its interior cloister houses a beautifully arranged museum devoted to religious works of art.
Museum of Art History
Housed in an impressive former imperial palace, Vienna's foremost museum contains the vast collection of art amassed by the Habsburg kings which includes notable German, Italian and Flemish masterpieces. It also displays temporary exhibitions from leading modern painters regularly and is an extremely popular attraction.
Hundertwasserhaus
An unusual tourist attraction, this inner city apartment building is a breathtaking vision of unconventional avant garde architecture. Designed by local architect Hundertwasser, it is a riot of colour and features rooftop gardens, uneven floors and surreal archways and windows. It is simply an outstanding and complicated structure that is incredibly popular with curious visitors and locals alike.
Vienna State Opera
There are many opportunities to sample fine opera performances in this most classical of cities, yet nowhere is more evocative than at the spiritual home of Austrian music. Its majestic entrance hall and soaring staircase offer a taste of the opulence inside which will not disappoint, even to those who have enjoyed the concert halls of Milan, Venice or Paris.
Lainz Tiergarten
Relax in the tranquil surroundings of Lainz Tiergarten, a sprawling deer park that is also home to a sizeable population of free roaming wild boar. It is dotted throughout with beautiful renaissance villas and serene fishing ponds and the perfect place to relieve the aches and pains of a busy sightseeing schedule.
Shopping
Vienna city centre is a dream for discerning shoppers with a myriad of classy department stores and fancy boutiques. If money is no object, head to Graben and Kohlmarkt for luxury items. For a little atmosphere browse the stalls at Naschmarkt street bazaar which has a distinct Balkan flavour and bargains galore.
Kindermuseum
The Kindermuseum can be found in the vibrant Museum Quarter and is sure to be a delightful experience for younger children. It has a wonderful range of interactive exhibits and activities for all ages from 3D drawing, a music studio, cartoons, science experiments and much more. Kids will find it enlightening, fun and educational and is a great idea for a family short break in Vienna.
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