In this Vienna city guide, we’ll provide an overview of this beautifully-charming city’s activities, sights and pastimes. We’ll also highlight our Gems of the Danube itinerary, which combines a stay in Vienna with an extended 8-day trip to Nuremburg, Regensburg, Salzburg, Budapest and more destinations. 

On our Scenic river cruises, guests can indulge on board Scenic Amber, a premium cruise ship with a river view terrace,sun deck, walking track wellness area, fitness center and much more.

Vienna is often associated with its prestigious architecture, breath-taking opulence and its long, interwoven history. What many travellers are pleasantly surprised to find out, is that the Austrian capital also has a delicious and varied selection of local and traditional cuisine.

We recommend opting for the local traditional dish, the Weiner Schnitzel. The Wiener Schnitzel is one of Austria’s national dishes, and consists of a thin slice of veal, breaded for extra flavour and then pan-fried to crispy perfection.

Of course no meal is complete without dessert, and so after you’ve finished, try a slice of the local delicacy Sachertorte, the classic chocolate cake combined with apricot jam. Like all things in Vienna, the Sachertorte has a rich history, created in 1832 by Franz Sacher. It has been a staple of the city ever since. 

One of the first things people think about when they envision Vienna, is the way the city looks. Vienna’s cityscape is a combination of the old and new. This juxtaposition of traditional and modern creates a unique visual image made up of both classic opulence and angular skyscrapers.

So where should you visit when looking for architecture in Vienna? We recommend first stopping by at the Vienna State Opera house, a 2,276 capacity venue opened in 1869. Designed by architects Eduard van der Nüll and August Sicard von Sicardsburg, the Vienna State Opera was crafted in the then-popular Neo-Renaissance style by the Czech architect Josef Hlávka. A morning’s stroll inside this building will transport you through time, to a period of unlimited elegance and sheer opulence. From its marble staircases, emperor’s private room and regal chandeliers, the Vienna State Opera simply cannot be missed.

Although visually stunning, Vienna isn’t all about its cityscape and architectural skyline, there’s plenty of culture along its streets and inside its establishments too.

Take, for example, the Sigmund Freud Museum, which allows travellers to soak up a piece of scientific history through the pioneering psychoanalytical work of the late Austrian neurologist. The museum, usually located at Berggasse 19, is temporarily located at Berggasse 13 until May 2020.

Next up, try taking a visit to the city’s Jewish Museum, founded in 1896 in its original location. Today, Vienna’s Jewish Museum is split across two sites, one at Judenplatz, and the other at Palais Eskeles. Containing a broad selection of artefacts and exhibition, the museum shows visitors an insight into Jewish life, religion and history in Austria.

And if after walking around museums and taking in plenty of different cultures, you fancy something different, then Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens is the perfect remedy. An impressive landmark in itself, Schönbrunn Palace displays opulence of the highest level, but take a gentle stroll through its gardens and you’ll discover a whole new world of natural beauty. 

We think the best way to experience a Vienna river cruise, is by combing it with a variety of other cities, towns and destinations in Central Europe. We recommend our 8-day Gems of the Danube river cruise, which takes travellers on a beautiful and scenic journey from Budapest to Nuremberg, via Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Salzburg, and Regensburg.