13 Best Views of Vienna for an Unforgettable Trip
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Are you wondering what the best views of Vienna are?
There is evidence of civilization in Vienna dating back to 25,000 BCE during the Neolithic period. With that much history, you can only imagine what there is to see. Over time, the citizens have used it to create one of the most picturesque cities on the earth.
I was lucky enough to visit and spend some time in Vienna while I was studying abroad in Ireland. Of course, I was on the hunt for some best views!
The best views of Vienna contain the rooftop gardens of cream-colored neoclassical buildings and the spires of museums, cathedrals, and palaces. Below is a list of where you can find them.
Best Views of Vienna
St Stephen’s Cathedral
St Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most incredible Vienna attractions. Lucky for us, it also has some of the best views of the city.
The central nave of the cathedral is free to visitors, but for a spectacular view, you’re going to want to summit the South Tower, which requires an additional ticket.
Since the cathedral was built during medieval times, the builders didn’t think to include elevators. Instead, a 343-step staircase winds up the tower to take visitors to the observation deck, which was in service from the 1400s to the 1900s.
The climb is long, but it is worth it to see the views of Vienna expand all around you. The view from here is one of my favorite views in all of Europe.
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Kaerntner Strasse
Maybe heights are your thing, but you still want to see some incredible Vienna viewpoints. Kaerntner Strasse is one of those places.
Made for pedestrians, the busy walkway is full of picturesque storefronts and signs framed by the most striking of Vienna’s buildings.
Grab a window seat in a cafe and take in the view with a warm cup of coffee and some delicious Austrian cake.
Gloriette
The Gloriette is an addition to the already incredible Schönbrunn Palace. It was included in the original design of the palace and its grounds but was not actually built until Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg remodeled it.
It is a breathtaking structure, with a central hall that was once used for dining and two arcaded wings with fairytale-like arches. The sunset from here is beautiful.
It has been altered a few times over the years, the most recent remodeling being done in 1994-95. The central section was reglazed at this time.
Now, you can find Cafe Gloriette in the central hall. This structure has a secure spot in our list of best views in Vienna.
Riesenrad Ferris Wheel
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Vienna a beautiful city?” then take a ride on the Riesenread Ferris Wheel. You’ll never question it again.
Located near the center of the city, the Ferris Wheel takes you high above all the surrounding buildings. You can see the spires of multiple churches as well as skyscrapers on the skyline, showing both the new and old in Vienna.
You can even rent out one of the cars and hold an event inside.
It’s an unforgettable rotation over the famous amusement park and one of the best ways to see the views of Vienna.
Danube Tower
In a city full of 18th-century and older buildings and architecture, the Danube Tower sticks out with shining 60s glory.
Built in 1964, the Danube Tower still holds the title of the tallest building in Austria. It overlooks Danube Park, which was transformed from empty, neglected land into a lively park at the same time the tower was built.
Not only does it have the best Vienna viewpoints, but it is also a hub for all kinds of activities and events. There are three gastronomic experiences: one on the ground floor, the tower cafe at 160 meters, and the rotating Turm Restaurant at 170 meters.
The Danube Tower also keeps the hopes of its visitors as high as the towers, resulting in an average of 6 marriage proposals per week.
Kahlenberg
Kahlenberg has views of Vienna that are consistently enjoyed by locals as well as tourists.
The mountain has been a staple in Austrian history, first given as a gift to the Camaldolese Order by Emperor Ferdinand II in 1628.
It was also one of the final hurdles the Polish King Sobiesky had to jump before freeing Vienna from Turkish occupation.
Now, it is a popular hiking destination. Following the City Hiking Trail 1a, adventurers will see not only incredible Vienna viewpoints but also views of the Danube, Leopoldsberg, where a castle still stands, and more.
Those who aren’t a fan of hiking but still want to experience the Kahlenberg can take a bus to the top.
Prater Turm
The Prater Turm not only has some of the best views in Vienna but also has one of the best sources of adrenaline in the city.
This carousel ride is not like the ones you see at fairs with kids riding on brightly painted horses. Prater Turm spins thrill seekers over the city of Vienna at almost 400 feet in the air.
Going over 35 miles an hour, the ride revolves, sending its riders out in a radius of 118 feet.
The view is dizzying, probably both from the beauty and the spinning. It is especially notable at sunset.
The ticket is 5 euros per ride, and you must be over seven years old.
360° Ocean Sky
Looking for dinner and views of Vienna?
Look no further than 360° Ocean Sky, situated on top of the famous Haus des Meeres.
You’ll take the panoramic elevator straight up to the 11th floor, where you can enjoy a unique drink from the 360° Ocean Sky bar to start your meal.
The menu is full of delicious, modern, and classic dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a side of the Viennese cityscape.
The restaurant also has an immersive outdoor terrace that you will definitely want to take advantage of. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic night out.
Nussberg
Just outside of the city, on sloping green hills, the vineyards of Nussberg grow.
This is an enchanting spot for any lover of wine, nature, or Vienna. Here, you can get the best of all three.
At one time, Nussberg was even nicknamed “wine mountain.” If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about it, I’m not sure what will.
Climb into the higher altitude for an escape from the bustle of the city, a relaxing glass of wine, and a view that extends in every direction, showing off mountains, rivers, and architecture.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a place that has made history itself. Its collection was started and put together by the Habsburgs and still brings visitors to its doors today.
Inside, you can see dinosaur bones, the oldest and largest collection of minerals in the world, and the famous “Venus von Willendorf,” a sculpture from the Stone Age.
If you book a tour with the museum, you will not only be able to see each one of their fabulous exhibits, but they will also take you up to the top of the building to get a Vienna rooftop view.
The Natural History Museum looks out over the Ringstrasse and the Old City.
Haus des Meeres
Haus de Meeres is a view in Vienna in and of itself. The Aqua Terra Zoo is a jungle clothed in an anti-aircraft tower from World War II.
Now, it is home to over 10,000 animals, ranging from the fiercest sea creatures (sharks, rays, and more) to the tiniest of land animals (insects, lizards, and birds). Even monkeys!
It’s a zoological experience I can guarantee you’ve never had before. You can also enjoy views of Vienna from the restaurant at the top of the Haus des Meeres, the 360° Ocean Sky.
Das LOFT
DAS Loft has views of Vienna and a menu that is unforgettable. You can dine here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner beside a Viennese sky and beneath a ceiling reminiscent of an art installation.
To ensure you get a table window side, you need to make a reservation in advance. If you’re okay with the view from the bar and are just looking for snacks and some one-of-a-kind drinks, then no reservation is needed.
Whatever option you choose, an experience at DAS Loft is always one of luxury.
Leopoldsberg
Leopoldsberg is one of the highest hills in Vienna, peaking at almost 1400 feet. It’s a long climb to the top, with a list of historical events associated with it that may be just as long.
The ruins of Leopold IV’s first castle still stand, built around 1130 CE, but there is evidence that there had once been a Roman structure there at one time. Over the centuries, it has been a place of war, prosperity, and religion.
Today, a small baroque church stands on the hill against the backdrop of a city. It is one of those Vienna viewpoints you need to see.
Final Thoughts: Best Vienna Viewpoints
The views of Vienna aren’t just beautiful. They are saturated in rich cultural and historical contexts that make seeing them all the more enjoyable.
If you want to leave the city feeling awestruck with a camera roll stock full of unbelievable images, I suggest you check out a few of these spots.
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