12 Famous Buildings In Vienna, Austria

famous buildings in vienna
Shayan
Shayan 
Updated
| 4 min read

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is one among the least spoiled European capitals. The city consists of beautiful architectural marvels, baroque style buildings, and imperial traditions. When viewed from the skyline, St. Stephen’s Cathedral takes most of the limelight. Vienna owes most of its architectural fame to Empress Maria Theresia and Emperor Franz Joseph. Under their rule, Vienna flourished in its architecture. Vienna also has many cozy taverns, coffee shops, museums and art galleries, and even quaint Airbnb vacation rentals. For tourists looking for a fun outing, the city can offer some incredible sites and things to do at night. However, you should never miss an opportunity to explore the famous buildings. Find out more about them here and discover the most famous buildings in Vienna, Austria.

1. Burgtheater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Burgtheater, originally known as K.K. Theater an der Burg, is the national theater of Austria in Vienna. It is one of the most historical landmarks to grace the center of Vienna’s boulevard. Second to Comédie Francaise, Burgtheater is Europe’s oldest theater. Today, this Vienna iconic building hosts regular performances of plays written by contemporary playwrights and the classic pillars of world theater like Shakespeare and Goethe.

If you decide to watch a live performance, note that all performances are in German but some of these performances have English subtitles viewable through a local app. For those who just want to marvel at the interiors of the building and view the Klimt frescoes, a guided tour is highly recommended.

Burgtheater

Address: Universitätsring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Burgtheater

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2. Austrian Parliament Building

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There is more to know about the Parliament Building apart from being the venue for the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Austria. It is not only the center of Austria’s political activity, visitors can get a true impression of the workplace of politicians through its wealth of history, art, and noble architecture. It is one of the largest structures on Ring boulevard and houses over one hundred rooms.

The building has been the home of the Austrian parliamentary and democracy for over 130 years. Its architectural features and rich artistic details fascinate its viewers.

Austrian Parliament Building

Address: Dr. Karl Renner-Ring 3, 1017 Wien, Austria

Website: Austrian Parliament Building

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3. Schönbrunn Palace

Austria-00170 - Schönbrunn Palace
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dennis Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Have a look at the private and staterooms of the Franch Joseph and Sisi at the Schönbrunn Palace. The Imperial Palace has been one of the top attractions in Vienna since the 1950s. The palace has a beautiful garden, the Gloriette monument, the Palm House, and the zoo. The palace has 1441 rooms which are all inspired by baroque-style architecture.

Schönbrunn Palace

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

Website: Schönbrunn Palace

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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4. St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Miguel Mendez used under CC BY 2.0

Take a look at Austria’s most loved architectural masterpiece, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The construction of the cathedral began around 1137. However, the structure was not completed as a single assignment. Various factors like fire and war left the building charred and damaged. After WWII, the reconstruction process reinstated the damage. Today, this famous Vienna building has emerged as a World Heritage Site. You will be surprised to know that this is the exact church in which Mozart was married. Enjoy the Roman and Gothic style architecture of the church as you climb the 343 spiral steps and have a look at the beautiful view which awaits you at the top of the tower.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Tip from Content Creator

Stephansdom Stephansdom Stephansdom

Stephansdom or St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna. This huge Gothic Cathedral is located in the main square - Stephansplatz - of the historic center of Vienna and it's undoubtedly its main landmark. Access to the central nave is free during the mass, and you can enter the left nave freely during the regular visiting hours.

Don't miss the chance to climb the Southern Tower - Südturm - for only 5.50 EUR (5.93 USD) to enjoy a superb view over Vienna's rooftops.

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Vienna Tour Guide

Ildiko

Ildiko

5. Belvedere Palace

Upper Belvedere Palace
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kurayba used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Belvedere is one of Vienna’s historic buildings. The palace is set in a gentle gradient and it has a Baroque-style garden. You will also find wrought iron gates that look majestic in their appearance. There is also a tiered fountain and cascade inside the property. Feel enchanted by the architecture and beauty surrounding the palace. This palace has two parts built for Prince Eugene; the Lower(Unteres) Belvedere and the Upper (Oberes) Belvedere. The palace now serves as a museum that showcases important collections of art which belong to the Austrian Baroque period.

Belvedere Palace

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

Website: Belvedere Palace

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 16.87 USD

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6. Vienna City Hall

Austria - Vienna - City Hall ( UNESCO )
Source: Photo by Flickr user Damian Kania used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Vienna City Hall, also called The Rathaus Building, is the seat of the local government of Vienna, Austria. The architecture of the building is influenced by the neo-Gothic design by Friedrich von Schmidt. It was constructed between 1872 and 1883 and has a total of five towers with the central tower being tallest of all. The central tower has a height of 98 meters (322 feet).

The facade of the Vienna City Hall resembles that of the Brussels Town Hall. A Rathausmann statue sits on top of the central tower, which is a prominent symbol in Vienna.

Vienna City Hall

Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Vienna City Hall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat and Sun)

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7. Vienna State Opera

Austria-03415 - Vienna State Opera House (32121994723)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dennis Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Vienna State Opera Is a prominent building in Vienna, Austria. This building was constructed between 1861 and 1869 based on the designs by architects August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll. The architecture of this building is influenced by the neo-Renaissance style of the Czech architect Josef Hlávka. The Vienna State Opera hosts a large repertory of shows. Before you make your visit here, make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the venue.

Vienna State Opera

Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Vienna State Opera

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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8. Hofburg

Hofburg Vienna
Source: Photo by Flickr user Twang_Dunga used under CC BY 2.0

The Hofburg is an important building in Vienna because it serves as the residence of the president of Vienna. The Hofburg was once an imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty rulers. The Hofburg Palace is the same place where king Joseph II drafted revolutionary decisions for Vienna. The palace in itself is a lavish display of power and tradition. Inside the complex, you can visit the royal apartments, museums, chapel, library, and the Winterreitschule. You can also watch the Wiener Sängerknaben, which is a boys choir performance. If you’re looking to enhance your knowledge of the culture and history of Vienna, this place is definitely worth the visit.

Hofburg

Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Hofburg

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 13.46 USD

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9. Kunsthistorisches Museum

Maria-Theresien-Platz Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tsui used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Learn about the art and the history of old Vienna at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The Kunsthistorisches Museum hols the title of the largest art museum in the country. The building has a sandstone facade and an octagonal dome. The building was established between 1871 and 1891 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The museum has an array of portraits and armor collections of Ferdinand of Tirol. it also houses paintings of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm. Here, you can explore the paintings and other artifacts in a peaceful environment free from chatters and cacophonous noises of other tourists.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Kunsthistorisches Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 13.46 USD

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10. Karlskirche

Karlskirche (Vienna)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ivo Jansch used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Standing at a height of 52 meters (170.60 feet), the Karlskirche church is an important part of Viennese architecture. This sixteenth-century building consists of a Baroque style architecture. The courtyard of the church has several statues that represent different elements of the Viennese culture. The church is dedicated to St Charles Borromeo, who was a great counter-reformer of the 16th century. Charles Borromeo contribution during the plague in Italy was widely recognized in Vienna. Take a tour to the top of the dome and have a close look at the fresco style painting done by renaissance painter Johann Michael Rottmayr.

Karlskirche

Address:Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien, Austria

Website: Karlskirche

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 74 USD

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Karlskirche

Photo of Karlskirche shared by content creator from Austria, Natalie.

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11. Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum, Vienna
Source: Photo by Flickr user Sandor Somkuti used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Natural History Museum is a gold mine for people interested in Science and Research. The building follows a Baux Arts architecture and largely makes up for the beautiful facade of the building. The complex has a total of 39 rooms with each room dedicated to showcasing different aspects of evolution, prehistoric species and a sperate dinosaur themed room to help kids and adults understand the creatures that once roamed this blue planet. Taking a tour to the National History Museum should be well worth your time and energy.

Natural History Museum

Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Natural History Museum

Opening hours: Wed: 9am - 9pm; Thurs - Mon: 9am - 6:30pm

Price: 13.46 USD

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12. Franciscan Church

Franciscan Church
Source: Photo by Flickr user Reading Tom used under CC BY 2.0

This Roman Catholic parish church dedicated to St Jerome is located in the central part of Vienna, Austria. The Franciscan Church has a very distinct style of architecture and attracts people from all walks of life. F. Bonaventura Daum was responsible for the architectural beauty of this church. The outside facade of the church appears to be a Renaissance style while the interiors resonate a Baroque style architecture. The church was erected in the year 1611. The Franciscan Church is another prominent place of Vienna.

Franciscan Church

Address: Franziskanerpl. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria

Website: Franciscan Church

Opening hours: 9am - 12:30pm (daily)

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Visit Vienna to enjoy its architechtural beauty

Truly, it is very hard to deny the fact that Vienna holds many buildings, churches, and palaces that depict great works of architecture and beauty. The structures attract a large horde of tourists to Vienna. What is your excuse? Pack your bags and take the next flight to this enchanted capital city called Vienna.

Frequently asked questions the famous buildings in Vienna, Austria


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Shayan is a hard working individual currently pursuing his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has a broad perspective about things around him and loves to offer his skills to the world. This has...Read more

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