Start here for a deep dive and full breakdown of the best travel cameras at every budget!
1. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is one of the world’s finest baroque palaces, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see place for picturesque shots. The palace was once a summer residence to a prince so you'll find only the most sculptured gardens and lavish architecture. Today, the palace is divided into two buildings- the Upper and the Lower Belvedere House as well as a huge garden area joining the two. The Belvedere houses are home to a large collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as notable works by renowned international artists. Start at the Upper Belvedere House and make your way downhill, stopping at the reflecting pool in the garden, and onto the Lower Belvedere House. Just visiting the gardens is free!
This place is beautiful for photos. The kind of setting that feels pulled straight from a Jane Austen novel - dramatic backdrops, ornate architecture, and the kind of charm that doesn’t need a filter.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hyatt Regency Vienna - Stay near Belvedere Palace at the hotel that houses Aurora, with a rooftop bar for sunset views.
What To Do Nearby: Belvedere Palace guided tour - Go inside the Upper Belvedere with a guide to explore its art collection, including works by Klimt.
2. Fenster Café
Coffee addicts unite! Tucked down a narrow cobbled street, in the old district part of Vienna, this hole-in-the-wall joint serves some of the best coffee. If you're lucky enough to get to Fenster Café when there is no line, place your order through a window and sip your drink outside while enjoying the view. This little gem of a coffee shop has everything. Whether you're looking for a classic espresso or a specialty drink, locals and tourists will tell you this is the place to go for your coffee fix. Check out a customer favorite Marshmallowccino - cappuccino made with marshmallow fluff or a cappuccino served in an ice cream cone called the Cornettooccino. It's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up during your packed day of sightseeing.
Where To Stay Nearby: Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna - Stay on Fleischmarkt, close to Schwedenplatz and the old town’s lanes and cafés.
What To Do Nearby: Viennese coffee-house tour - Continue exploring Vienna’s coffee culture with guided tastings of coffee and traditional cake.
3. Fleischmarkt
Stroll through the narrow streets of Fleischmarkt and you will find well-preserved buildings and houses full of history. The Fleischmarkt District gets its name from the medieval times when butchers worked along the streets and its historic buildings reflect that trading history. You'll get a glimpse of Vienna's oldest church, the tiny Romanesque Ruprechtskirche as well as the Stadttempel Synagogue which survived Kristallnacht. Today the district is filled with lively cafés and shops, busy with locals who live close by. After dark, bar-hoppers fill the surrounding lanes. That's where it gets its nickname Bermudadreieck, the Bermuda Triangle.
Where To Stay Nearby: Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna - Stay on Fleischmarkt, close to Schwedenplatz and the old town’s lanes and cafés.
What To Do Nearby: Vienna highlights and hidden gems walking tour - Explore the historic center with a local guide for context behind its architecture and tucked-away corners.
4. Bitzinger Würstelstand
There are sausage stands all over Austria but only a couple that are worth waiting in long lines for. Don't get thrown off by the bunny on top - the people at Bitzinger Würstelstand know what they're doing! The large wursts are served in a hollowed out French roll with your choice of condiments. This stand is known for its Käsekrainer Austrian Cheese Sausage (our favorite!) and a slice of bread topped with some mustard of your choice. Their mustard flavors come in süss (sweet) or scharf (hot) for the more adventurous! Bitzinger also has beer on tap so grab a brew and sausage and walk down to the nearby park to enjoy people watching - and the fountain directly behind the stand is a stunning photo spot all on its own.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Vienna food walking tour - Follow your sausage-stand stop with a guided tasting walk through Viennese specialties.
5. Albertina Museum
The Albertina terrace offers a beautiful view of the Vienna State Opera, and its decorated staircase makes another great photo stop. Inside, the museum combines an extensive collection of drawings and prints with exhibitions of painting, photography, and sculpture. The Batliner Collection includes works by Monet, Matisse, and Picasso. Check the museum’s current exhibitions and admission options before visiting.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Albertina museum admission - Step inside the Albertina to see its art exhibitions and historic Habsburg state rooms.
6. Vienna Opera House
The Vienna State Opera is widely considered to be one of the most reputable opera houses in the world. After all, Vienna was home to one of the world’s best-known opera composers - Mozart! Each year, the opera house puts on 350 performances of operas and ballets. If you're lucky enough to book a show, come early to take exterior building shots. The opera house’s Neo-Renaissance exterior makes a beautiful photo subject; much of the building was reconstructed after damage during World War II.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Vienna State Opera guided tour - Go beyond the exterior photos with a guided visit inside the State Opera.
7. Saint Charles Apothecary
Take a peek inside the Saint Charles Apothecary and you'll want to step inside to explore all the goods inside. You'll immediately be met with the sight of dark wood cabinets and the smell of local herbs. This pharmacy has been around since the late 1800s and is famous for selling products based on traditional European medicine as well as developing high-quality natural remedies. A lot of their products are based on herbs and roots occurring in nature. It's a perfect spot to shop for some souvenirs. Check out one of their most popular products: the pharmacist's cloves and thyme scented soap. For make-up lovers, they also sell natural cosmetics that are made with natural ingredients and made of the highest quality.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Vivaldi concert at Karlskirche - Walk over to nearby Karlskirche for a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in its ornate interior.
8. Butterfly Garden
Located a five minute walk from the Vienna State Opera, the Schmetterlinghaus is a tropical oasis right in the heart of the city. Also known as the Imperial Butterfly House, this beautiful building is home to 400 unique butterflies as well as exotic plants from tropical worlds away. The glass greenhouse located at the corner of the palace court garden is a place to enjoy some quiet right in the heart of the city. The building is an example of Vienna's ornate and stunning architecture. To get a photo with fewer people - visit on a weekday and early in the morning.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Sisi Museum and Hofburg tour - Continue from the Burggarten to the nearby Hofburg for a guided look at imperial Vienna and Empress Sisi.
9. Danube Canal
For those interested in seeing great views of the city, the paved pathways along the Danube Canal are a great place for an afternoon stroll. The Danube canal is lined with tons of beach bars and trendy places to grab a bite to eat. Check out our favorite gelato shop, Eissalon Am Schwedenplatz, located just outside the U-Bahn station. They carry a wide assortment of authentic Italian gelato flavors - a nice treat especially in the summer! For those in a time crunch, rent a bicycle and hop off when convenient to see the sights at your own pace.
If you're not in the mood to walk or bike, there are a couple of companies that offer an hour long boat tour along the banks of the canal. On your tour you'll see beautiful scenery as well as historic landmarks and castles. The area is also home to Vienna's biggest legal graffiti zone so you'll be sure to come across all sorts of interesting street art.
Where To Stay Nearby: Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna - Stay on Fleischmarkt, close to Schwedenplatz and the old town’s lanes and cafés.
What To Do Nearby: Danube Canal sightseeing cruise - See the canal’s waterfront architecture from a sightseeing boat departing in central Vienna.
10. Giant Ferris Wheel
Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel has been offering some of the best views over the city since 1897. The ferris wheel is an iconic part of the city, located near the entrance of the Wurstelprater amusement park in Leopoldstadt. Standing at more than 200 feet tall, the huge ferris wheel is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and draws tons of tourists each year. For stunning nighttime views of the city lights, head over after sunset. If you're looking to make your time there extra special, you can arrange a dinner, coffee, wedding, or other special event in one of the 15 cabins! Tip: the Vienna Pass gets you free entry into Vienna Giant Ferris wheel.
Where To Stay Nearby: Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna - Stay on Fleischmarkt, close to Schwedenplatz and the old town’s lanes and cafés.
What To Do Nearby: Giant Ferris Wheel admission - Ride the historic Wiener Riesenrad for elevated views over the Prater and Vienna.
11. Aurora Rooftop Bar
Located on the 16th floor of the Hyatt Regency Vienna (formerly Andaz Vienna), Aurora Rooftop Bar has stunning views of the city, gorgeous decor, and a large outdoor roofdeck in the summer time - not to mention beautifully crafted unique cocktails, topped with edible flowers and smoke chambers. Inspired by the word "Aurora," the bar follows a Northern Lights theme, featuring a Scandinavian menu. Photo tip: come a little before sunset to get panoramic views of the city in that golden light.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hyatt Regency Vienna - Stay near Belvedere Palace at the hotel that houses Aurora, with a rooftop bar for sunset views.
12. Cyclist Cafe
Head downstairs from Aurora to the Cyclist Cafe on the street level of Hyatt Regency Vienna (formerly Andaz Vienna) for coffee or lunch in a beautiful little cafe with a bicycle theme - and don't miss the bright pink Beet Lattes.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hyatt Regency Vienna - Stay near Belvedere Palace at the hotel that houses Aurora, with a rooftop bar for sunset views.
What To Do Nearby: Vienna guided bike tour - Continue the cycling theme with a guided ride through Vienna’s streets and landmarks.
13. Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site with lavish imperial interiors and expansive gardens. Choose your palace ticket according to the rooms you want to see, since routes and inclusions vary. The main park is free to enter, while attractions such as the Palm House and several special gardens have separate admission charges.
Photo note: Interior photography rules vary by palace area and ticket route. Check the current house rules and follow staff instructions; the gardens and exterior remain wonderful photo subjects.
Where To Stay Nearby: Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn - Stay in Hietzing near the palace grounds for an easy start to your Schönbrunn photo walk.
What To Do Nearby: Schönbrunn Palace and gardens tour - Pair your exterior photos with a guided visit through the palace and its gardens.
14. Wieninger am Nussberg
Vienna is a wine lover's paradise with vineyards within the city limits! The city is one of the wine-growing capitals of the world with the tradition dating back hundreds of years ago. Today you can enjoy Viennese wine in many bars and restaurants throughout the city or make a trip to the lively wine scene. Here are some of our favorites.
Just a 30 minute drive from the city center is the Wieninger am Nussberg, a local vineyard with outdoor seating right among the vines. A popular place on weekend summer days, Nussberg is a great way to experience the city like a local, in a beautiful and photogenic space.
What To Do Nearby: Hidden wine cellars tasting experience - Continue your wine exploration back in central Vienna with guided tastings in hidden cellars.
15. Grinzing Village
If you have an extra day during your trip to Vienna, plan for a day trip to Grinzing Village, an old Viennese wine town with quaint streets and brightly colored homes, set in the middle of traditional vineyards - not to mention every corner looks straight out of a fairytale! The local wine taverns in Grinzing are a great starting point for a wine excursion day trip and frequented by wine lovers. Along with the latest wines, these taverns sell traditional Austrian foods. But the real fun begins in the evening when this town comes to life. If you're not into wine, there are plenty of hiking opportunities as well as gardens and souvenir shopping to enjoy.
What To Do Nearby: Viennese vineyard walk and wine tasting - Explore the vineyard hills around Kahlenberg and Nussberg with a guide and stops for local wine.
16. Flea Markets
Austria is also known for their many flea markets but only one has gained cult status. Naschmarkt is the most popular flea market in town, bringing shoppers as early as sunrise who are on the hunt for a great souvenir. The flea market opens on Saturdays from 6:30 AM to 3 PM. They sell everything from souvenirs, to jewelry, and even rare antiques. There are also plenty of stalls selling delicious food so grab a hot dog to fuel up on while you shop. The early bird catches the worm so be sure to come early for the best finds!
Riesenflohmarkt Wienerberg is another popular flea market. Located on the outskirts of town, this flea market has a slightly less touristy vibe than Naschmarkt . The market takes place every Sunday from 8AM-1PM with vendors selling everything from discounted furniture to clothes and toys. If you're patient enough to dig around, you'll surprise yourself with some sweet deals! Tip: haggling is allowed and expected.
For those interested in vintage shopping, there are plenty of thrift stores that sell vintage gems sprawled throughout the city. Some of our favorites include Kingpin, a retro shop that sells American 1950s fashion and Burggasse 24, a slightly more upscale shop that sells the trendiest vintage pieces. Located in a trendy neighborhood of Vienna, the shop even has a cafe attached to refuel.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sacher Wien - This historic hotel opposite the State Opera makes a convenient base for the Albertina and central Vienna.
What To Do Nearby: Naschmarkt food tour - Sample foods from the market’s stalls while learning about Vienna’s market culture.
Get Inspired:
Cruising around the city on the Andaz motorbikes!
Gardens at Belvedere Palace.
The amazing and perfectly European fountain behind Bitzinger Würstelstand.
Fairytale scenes in Grinzing Village.
Wine and summer sun at Wieninger am Nussberg.
Endless fairytale feels at Schönbrunn Palace
Endless photo options at the Andaz Vienna!
The decorated staircase of the Albertina Museum.
START PLANNING:
And find the best hotel prices below.
