Vienna |
|
| |
| Schloss Schönbrunn
Schönbrunner Schloss-strasse, A-1130 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 811 13
The biggest attraction in the Western part of Vienna is the summer palace. Sometimes called the "Versailles of Vienna", this huge Baroque residence has more then 1400 rooms and grand formal gardens. Two tours that guide visitors through 100+ rooms are available. However, the palace itself is a minor attraction compared to the entire property. The palace grounds also include a terrific zoo, marvelous tree-covered paths, and Roman ruin Follies.
Open from Nov - Mar, daily 08:30 - 16:30 and from Apr - Oct, daily 08:30 - 17:00.
St Stephen's Cathedral (Building, view map)
Stephanspl., A-1010 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 515 52526
St. Stephan's gothic structure seems a little out of place among the modern glass and steel buildings lining the Stephansplatz. However, it's the things that stand out that make it such an attraction. For one, the 390-foot tower can see seen from all over the city. Climb to the top of the spire to see the tiled roof. The colorful tiles are laid out in such a way as to create pictures. Take the tour through the catacombs and see neat stacks of skulls and bones, open Monday through Saturday, 9-11:30a.m., and 12:30-4:30p.m. Sunday 1-4:30p.m. Tours begin every 30 minutes and cost 40 ATS.
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
A-1015 Vienna, Austria
Many Austrian rulers have made their own input on the shape and style of this palace since Rudolf I took control of it in 1278. It now principally contains several museums and points of interest, some of which are listed below. Open everyday 9a.m. through 5p.m., 60 ATS)
Schatzkammer
A-1015 Vienna, Austria
The impressive museum contains the Royal treasury, which includes the 10th centuryn crown of the Holy Roman Emperor and a lance, which legend says is the one that pierced Jesus' side (actually only 1000 years old).
Burgkapelle (Palace Chapel)
This small room is where the World Famous Vienna Boys' Choir sings for Mass. Obtian free tickets for standing room only from 8:30a.m. September through June. Sundays at 9:15a.m.
Spanish Riding School
Michaelpl. 1, Hofburg, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 533 9032
This is where the famous Lippizaner horses train and perform dressage. While the school is closed in July and August, make an effort to see their shows and training sessions. Tickets are 240-800 ATS for a seat, and 190 for standing room only. Training sessions are Tuesday through Saturday, 10a.m. to noon. Tickets are 100 ATS. Be sure to reserve in advance.
Donau Insel
This 8 mile long island is located in the middle of the Danube. Originally built for flood control, it is currently dedicated to leisure activities. Nom motor traffic is allowed on the island, but it is easy to reach on foot or bicycle. The U1 subway also serves the island. From here, you can see the third headquarters of the United Nations. During the summer, Viennese escape the city and head to the island for some sun and fresh air.
Karlskirche (St Charles' Church)
Karlspl., Vienna
This famous Baroque landmark dominates Karlsplatz. Emperor Karl IV commissioned Austria's best architect, Fischer von Erlach, to build this monument to the eradication of the plague in 1713.
Schloss Belvedere (Building)
3 Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, A-1037 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 795 570
Lukas von Hildebrandt built this palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy between 1714 and 1723. The structure is actually two baroque buildings separated by 500 meters of gardens. It now stands as a museum displaying the royal apartments, gardens, and art galleries. Many people flock to these buildings, since Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka all had a room here. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10a.m. through 5p.m. Admission to the buildings are 60 ATS.
Hundertwasserhaus
Tram N to Hetzgasse from Schwedenplatz U-Bahn
This building is by far Vienna's most unusual apartment building, and a popular tourist destination. Architect Friendensreich Hundertwasser built this childlike house, keeping in mind that "the straight line is godless." Hundertwasser also designed the garbage-burning tower in the ninth district. Look for the golden onion pierced on the blue tower.
Freud's Apartment
Berggasse 19, A-1090 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 319 1596
Sigmund Freud moved to this apartment with his family in 1891, and lived here until 1938, when he felt to London. Freud took most of his possessions with him, but the building is still a major point of pilgrimage. Open July through September, 9a.m. to 6p.m. October through June, 9a.m. to 4p.m. Admission is 60 ATS.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Maria-Theresien Pl., Vienna
Tel: +43 1 525 240
With impressive exhibits of Egyptian, Greek, Roman collections, German renaissance, and paintings by Rubens, Velázquez, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio, this museum stands as one of the best in the world. The real crowds, however, come of the collection of Bruegel the Elder. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 6p.m., and Thursday 10a.m. to 9p.m. Admission is 100 ATS.
Prater
U-Bahn Praterstern
This large segment of parkland offers a glince at a slightly seedly but nevertheless interesting side of Vienna. There you can visit the Riesenrad and ride one of the oldest Ferris Wheels in the world. Operating hours vary throughout the year, but the park generally opens at 9a.m. and closes between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Staatsoper, 1
Opernring 2, Vienna
Tel: +43 1 514 442969
Catch High-class opera and ballet here in what people consider to be one of the best opera houses in the world. Other venues include Musikverein "Elizabeth"1, Karlsplatz, home of the Vienna Hilharmonic, and Konzerthaus, 3, Lothringerstrasse 50. Volksoper, 9, Währingerstrasse 78, is good for slightly-kitschy operetta. Check schedules and buy tickets at Bundestheaterkassen 1, and Hanuschgasse 3. | |
