Vienna is a city where you can live in both the past and the present. While half of the city floats majestically along hte 17th and 18th centuries, the other half zooms into the 21st, creating a fusion of time and space that will transoort you from one age to the next in a blink of an eye.
First and foremost, Vienna is a city of the arts. After all, it seems that every classical music genius lived and worked in Vienna: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, and Haydn all came to Vienna at some point in their lives. Walk by an apartment building in the Inner Stadt, and you will probably hear a violin coming from within. Or just walk down a major street and lose track counting theaters with nightly music, theater, and dance performances. Famous thinkers like Sigmund Freud met to proe over contreoversial ideas, while artists like Hundertswasser, Klimt, and Schiele painted so many masterpieces that Vienna has enough meseums to last a lifetime, and in just a few days you can barely scratch the surface.
The cobbled streets of Vienna’s Inner Stadt conjure an Old World romance that is still reflected in the people’s love for tradition – where else in the world do people waltz en masse on New Year’s Eve? Yet, for its upcoming generation, Vienna offer the modern shopping, dining, and nighlife of any cosmopolitan city – clubs cluster under the brick train tracks archways, and small cocktail bars craft drinks as an art form. Walk through Belvedere and see modern art sculptures or to drink wine overlooking vineyards and the Danube – the old and the new, the city and the country – all of it is within reach.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. From the grand architecture of its imperial past to the modern cafes and nightlife, Vienna has something to offer every visitor. For students, Vienna is an excellent destination for both education and fun. Here are some of the best things to see and do on a student travel to Vienna.
- Visit the Museums
Vienna is home to some of the world’s greatest museums, making it a paradise for art and culture enthusiasts. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in the heart of the city, is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses the Habsburgs’ art collection and showcases works by artists such as Rubens, Raphael, and Vermeer.
The Belvedere Museum is another must-see attraction for art lovers. It is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including his famous painting, “The Kiss.” The museum also features a beautiful palace and gardens that are perfect for strolling around on a sunny day.
For those interested in history, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) is a must-see attraction. The palace was the residence of the Habsburgs for centuries and features a range of exhibits that showcase the imperial history of Austria. The Sisi Museum, located inside the palace, is particularly popular and offers a glimpse into the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).
- Explore the Architecture
Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, from the grand buildings of the imperial era to the modernist designs of the 20th century. One of the most iconic buildings in the city is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower for stunning views of the city.
The Hundertwasserhaus, designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a quirky apartment building that is a must-see for lovers of modernist architecture. The building features irregular shapes, bright colors, and plenty of greenery, making it a standout in a city full of grand and ornate buildings.
- Experience the Music
Vienna is known as the City of Music, and for good reason. It is home to the Vienna State Opera, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Visitors can attend a performance or take a guided tour of the building.
The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is another must-see attraction for music lovers. The orchestra performs regularly at the Musikverein, a beautiful concert hall that is considered one of the best in the world. Students can get discounted tickets to performances by the orchestra, making it an affordable way to experience the best of Viennese music.
- Sample the Food
Viennese cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. Students can sample traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte at one of the city’s many restaurants and cafes. One of the most famous cafes in Vienna is Cafe Central, which has been serving coffee and pastries since 1876.
- Visit the Markets
Vienna is home to a range of markets that are perfect for students on a budget. The Naschmarkt is one of the most popular, offering a range of fresh produce, spices, and street food. The flea market at the Naschmarkt is also a must-see, offering a range of vintage and secondhand items at affordable prices.
The Brunnenmarkt is another popular market in Vienna. It is located in the multicultural district of Ottakring and offers a range of international foods and products. Students can sample everything from Turkish kebabs to Vietnamese.