Have you ever imagined being in a city that looks like a museum? Get ready to immerse yourself in a mix of history, art and music while you are walking about the beautiful streets of the Austrian capital, the ideal mix of everything you want from a European city break. Vienna (or Wien in German) is one of the most Instagrammable cities in Europe. Surrounded by stunning castles, parks and churches that will put a smile on your face while walking around.
If you are visiting for some days, get your camera or phone ready and don’t miss the opportunity to take incredible pictures of these seriously Instagrammable spots in Vienna. Whether you want new content for your blog or you want to share a memory with your loved ones, be sure that Vienna will play along.
But first, the question you may ask yourself before visiting the city. Is Vienna cheap to visit? I would say it’s affordable, although the city has a great reputation which also comes with pricey living costs. However, it is possible to visit Vienna on a budget and enjoy the city like a local.
Read on to discover the most beautiful places in Vienna to visit with your camera. From magnificent palaces to quirky amusement parks, these are the spots you don't want to miss.
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1. Belvedere Palace
Located in the southeast of Vienna, 17 minutes by foot from the city centre and 12 minutes by tram, Belvedere Palace was the summer residency of the Austrian princes in the 1600s. This enormous palatial complex is split into two parts: upper and lower Belvedere. The Palace is not only famous for its stunning Baroque architecture but also for its marvellous gardens.
Do you want to feel like a Royal? Immerse yourself in the gardens, take a walk and appreciate the beautiful views around. It will motivate you to keep walking around the city and inspire you to take the best pictures you ever thought about taking.
2. Hundertwasser House
Are you looking to see more of Vienna's most photogenic spots? If your path leads you to the centre, you will find the famous and colourful Hundertwasser House. No, I am not writing in German. The house was designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who didn't want conventional architecture, but something closer to nature followed by bright colours and whimsical shapes.
Backpacker tip: walk some more metres, and you’ll find Hundertwasser village, a place where you will find more about the story of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the place has also a cosy café where you can relax and get more energy to continue with your journey.
3. Prater
Some say we are never too old to feel young and you can agree with this saying once you put your feet in Prater, a huge park located in the heart of Vienna. The park is open 24 hours and offers many attractions such as carousels, halls of mirrors, ghost trains, rollercoasters and the huge, famous Big Wheel where your inner child will feel more than alive.
INNsider tip: Go before the sun goes down, climb aboard the oldie but Goldie wooden Gondola of the 19th century Risenrad, take a deep breath and enjoy the timeless view over the city. As you are ready, take a walk through this colourful park.
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4. Hofburg Palace
A little further along the ring is The Hofburg, a huge and stunning palace complex and one of the most beautiful photo spots in Vienna. It's been home to many members of the Austrian Royalty, the most famous dynasty being The Hapsburg which ruled the area for centuries. Now, it's the official residence of the president of Austria. If you are a literature fan, you can find great literary works inside the palace.
INNsider tip: Take your time and step by St. Michael’s Gate at Michelerplatz, the most Instagrammable spot in the castle.
5. Saint Charles church
Located in Vienna Karlsplatz, St Charles Church is widely considered one of the city's greatest buildings. The Austrian Taj Mahal as it's also known was built during the reign of Charles VI in 1737. If you are looking for a time to rest during your journey without missing the opportunity to take killer photos, sitting in front of this beautiful example of Baroque art is the best idea to charge your recharge your batteries before continuing with your next step.
6. Vienna State Opera
Next is a spot that's well worth visiting while in Vienna, the world-famous State Opera House. The Austrian capital is known as the world's capital of music, and names like Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Johann Strauss may sound familiar to you. Between 1750 and 1825, Vienna was the home of the world's top ten classical composers. Let your heart be serenaded by this most lyrical of cities, walk around the State Opera and take a picture of this breathtaking Neo-Renaissance building.
INNsider Tip: Are you into Opera? Tickets are known for being expensive, but here comes the trick! You can buy a “standing room only” ticket at a budget price for only 4 euros. Moreover, on a selected date throughout April, May, June and September some opera performances are screened live outside the Opera House. And you can enjoy them for free.
7. St Stephen's Cathedral
A must-see attraction in Vienna is St Stephen’s Cathedral. Both a symbol of Vienna and one of Austria’s most popular sites, this Cathedral not only looks amazing but is also representative of architectural history spanning over eight centuries. Its spire towers over 100 metres in height but its most eye-catching feature is the decorative and colourful mosaic that makes up the south side of the roof. It's impossible to miss!
Perfect for those who enjoy all things historical, but also for those who want a stunning photo backdrop.
8. Palemnhaus Schönbrunn
If we could create our dream greenhouse, the Palmenhaus Schonbrunn would be it. The ‘Palm House’ is home to over 4,500 plant species and is one of the largest botanical exhibits in the world. The structure is divided into three pavilions and three climate zones, which are connected to each other by corridors. Outstanding tropical treasures include a 350-year old Spanish olive tree and a Coco de Mer plant from the Seychelles.
This vibrant paradise of tropical plant life is so instagrammable and a perfect way to spend a hot or rainy afternoon in Vienna.
INNsider tip: You may need your smartphone to help you identify the plants as only their Latin names appear labelled
9. Michaelerplatz
Want to feel like you’ve travelled back in time? We have the perfect place for you, Michaelerplatz. This city centre square is home to many different historical buildings and archeological sites. Stood in this square you will be surrounded by gateways from the 1200’s through to the 1900’s, why not go on a horse drawn carriage to feel fully immersed in this setting?
On one side of the square you can find the entrance to the Hofburg palace complex, in the middle open Roman excavations and to the other sides the Michaelerkirche church, the Loos House and the Palais Herberstein.
10. Albrechtsbrunnen
What’s better than an ordinary fountain? A river themed monumental fountain, and that’s exactly what the Albrechtsbrunnen is. Located on the lower level of the Albertina museum, this fountain is unique as water only plays a small part of its structure, its principal focus are its sculptures that represent the main rivers of the historical Austro-Hungarian empire. The perfect photo pitstop before visiting the museum or other sites in central Vienna.
11. St Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
Stationed right in the heart of Vienna, this baroque building is inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Not only is it a church but it is also a venue for operas, concerts and recitals. We recommend you try and view the church when the sun is shining. The central dome has a small tower at the centre, with a dove as the representation of the Holy Trinity at the very top. When the light enters this tower, it creates the effect of light shining out from the symbol which is a really impressive feature.
12. Schönbrunn Palace
One of the most visited and popular tourist attractions in Vienna, this Baroque palace has also earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only is this palace stunning but it is also full of hidden treasures including gorgeous paintings, statues and magnificent gardens. With free access all year round to the park, this historical beauty is a MUST when visiting Vienna.
INNsider tip: As this Palace is such a popular tourist attraction we recommend you book your tickets online in advance to avoid queuing.
13. Franziskanerplatz
Next stop is the Franziskanerplatz, this idyllic square is at the heart of the city BUT it has managed to keep its tranquillity and provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Vienna. This square is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants or to treat yourself with some retail therapy.
14. St. Francis of Assisi Church
A real life fairytale, this church is spectacularly similar to a mediaeval castle and in one of the most magical locations! One of the most beautiful churches in Vienna, this Basilica style monument is set right next to the Danube River where you can get amazing views and pictures of the church from the Reichsbrücke, in other words the Empire bridge. Very well connected by metro links into the city centre, this church is the PERFECT spot for breathtaking photos!
15. Austrian National Library
You don’t need to be a book worm to enjoy the spectacular views at the National Library. If you only visit one thing in the library it MUST be the baroque state hall. The scenery is breathtaking with marble columns and an ornately painted ceiling. Although there is a small fee for this room, you are allowed to get some incredible photos. As one of the most beautifully renowned libraries in the world this is well worth a visit and with its central location it’s an unmissable site in Vienna.
16. Austrian Supreme Court - Palace of Justice
Not an obvious candidate for a tourist attraction, but definitely worth a visit. The Palace of Justice has remarkable architecture and a richly decorated interior. Aside from its beauty this court has a lovely rooftop terrace with a café, providing stunning views across Vienna’s old town.
17. Karlskirche
Last but not least… is one of Vienna’s most significant and interesting churches. Almost temple-like, this church is architecturally impressive with a central domed roof flanked by two enormous decorated columns but also decorated inside with frescos showing an immense attention to detail. What’s special about this church is that there is a lift which takes you up into the dome, revealing amazing views over the city but also bringing you closer to the intricately painted walls and ceilings, SO Instagrammable!
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