Vienna narrates a vast part of its romantic history through its architecture. Its fairy tale qualities touch everything from its magnificent architecture to its rich cultural history that includes music, opera, theatre, food and even 19^th century Viennese balls.

Trying to figure out things to do in Vienna will result in a very, very long answer. Attractions range from the very touristy to the more cultured options, but just to get you oriented, here is a nice selection of what to do in the Austrian capital – one of the most magical cities in the world.

• Schonbrunn Palace is a top place to see in Vienna
• Spanish Riding School
• Spend the day on a river cruise – Vienna looks so different from the water
• There are so many art museums in Vienna.

What to see in Vienna

After you’ve covered the essential city centre, which has been deemed a UNESCO world heritage site in 2001 be sure to explore the more quietly captivating nuances of Vienna. A great way to start your day is to visit a few of the art museums in Vienna. There are over 100 art museums in Vienna but some of the most visited include the Albertina located in the Innere Stadt. Within the Albertina art museum resides one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world, including about one million old master prints. For the more modern art museums in Vienna, try the Museumsquartier, where the Leopold Museum features one of the largest collections of modern Austrian art.

For something a bit more unique, visit the Spanish Riding School. Founded in 1572, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the oldest and is the last riding school in the world to practice classic dressage. The Spanish Riding School has offered presentations of its classic dressage to the public since 1920. There are some amazing 360 degree photos of the Spanish Riding School here.

What to do in Vienna

Regarded as the world capital of music from the late 19^th to mid 20^th century, it has been home to the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms among many others. Experience a real Vienna concert at the Wiener Musikverein, home to the Philharmonic Orchestra, or at the Wiener Konzerthaus. Many Vienna concerts offer tourist oriented musical highlights from the city’s history.  This website has some good information on concerts.

Take in some more theatrical performances at a Vienna opera house particularly at the Vienna State Opera from which members of the Philharmonic are recruited from its orchestra. Regarded as the most important Vienna opera house, the opera house was built in the Neo-Renaissance style and has a colourful history. Damaged in World War II, the State Opera house has since been restored and this Vienna opera house is now one of the most prolific in the world, producing 50 to 60 operas across roughly 200 performances.

Events Wien

Get used to saying it, Wien. As your cultural immersion experience sinks you in a bit deeper say goodbye to the English “Vienna” and hallo to the German “Wien.” There are many interesting things to do in Vienna, ahem, sorry, Wien, but perhaps one of the most impressive activities is to take part in a 19^th century Viennese ball.

Among events Wien, the ball is certainly the most elaborate. With over 200 significant balls per year, and some with up to nine live orchestras, the balls are held in majestic locations such as the Hofburg Palace. If you had truly enjoyed the State Opera house, then you would be glad to know that it is also the host to the most well known Austrian ball, the Opera Ball. It’s a night of charming and dancing, true to the fairy tale nature of the Austrian capital.

Schonbrunn Palace

As captivating as this romantic metropolis is, her surroundings are also just as beautiful. On the outskirts of the urban centre, the Schonbrunn Palace is one of the highlights that visitors come to see. One of the most important cultural monuments in the country, the Rococo former summer residence holds an imperial 1,441 rooms. The Schonbrunn Palace grounds are just as impressive, particularly the Tiergarten which is the oldest zoo in the world.  See here for the opening hours.

If you get the opportunity, take a river cruise in Vienna along the Danube. It offers spectacular views unique from any other perspective that you will get on land. Many companies that offer a river cruise make it part of a larger package that tours several cities along the Danube including destinations like Prague and Budapest.