Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich history in art, music and culture from the days of the Hapsburg Empire in the 17th century till modern times when it consistently ranks among the best livable cities in the world. The beautiful city is easily navigable on foot or via public transportation. The Ringstrasse is the grand boulevard encircles Vienna’s historic center. The Ring Tram is a great way to get an overview. You’ll see the Opera House, the Parliament Building, grand museums and beautiful parks. But the best way to experience it is on foot, hopping off when something piques your interest.
One of Vienna’s main attraction is the large collection of art and sculpture celebrating the city’s music. Music is everywhere. From buskers and the bustling Stéphane’s plots to world-class concerts at the Musikverein, you’re never far from music in Vienna. Even if it’s not opera season, check local listings for smaller performances, maybe a choir singing in one of those stunning historic churches.
Art is evident everywhere in Vienna from trendy cafes to museums and public displays. Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving a lasting impact on the development of modern art. In the realm of psychology, Vienna made significant strides. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, called this city home for many years.
Vienna boasts one of the largest number of museums of any Eastern European cities and many are located around the Hofburg Palace, one of the largest royal palace in the world. The Hofburg isn’t a single palace, it’s a sprawling complex that was the imperial family’s home for centuries.
The Sisi Museum in the Hofburg offers a fascinating glimpse into life and times of Empress Elizabeth, affectionately known as Sisi. Empress Elizabeth was a fascinating woman, beautiful, independent, and ahead of her time. But her life was also filled with loss and heartbreak. As you walk through the rooms where she lived, you get a sense of her complex personality and maybe why she’s still a figure of fascination for many Austrians.
The beauty of the Hofburg is that when you exit, you’re surrounded by more reminders of Vienna’s past. The Borkgarten and the Volksgarten are filled with statues of famous composers, artists and rulers.
Check out the podcast video below for a full audio guide about exploring Vienna’s chram and wonders!
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