Are you visiting Vienna and want to get off the beaten track to discover the beauties of the Austrian capital? The city has a lot to offer.
So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, we’ve put together a list of some of the things to do that are off the beaten track. What better way to enjoy an exceptional and, above all, unexpected stay?
Discover Vienna off the beaten track
Vienna is famous for its magnificent buildings. Here’s our selection of must-see attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
However, with a little research, it’s possible to discover a little-known part of the city. That’s why we’ve put together our list of off-the-beaten-track activities.
Visit the University of Vienna
The University of Vienna is one of Vienna’s most hidden spots. Its old library and Klimt-painted presentation room are well worth a visit.
Inside, you’ll also find tributes to several Nobel laureates: Freud, Mendel, Frankl and Doppler. Nearby, you’ll find some of Vienna’s best bars.
Enjoy the Prater
Next to Vienna’s Ferris wheel, you’ll find the Prater. This is the oldest amusement park in the world. A truly off-the-beaten-track destination. You’ll find roller coasters, thrill rides and candy stores galore. The Vienna Prater is just 3 kilometers from the Stephansplatz (city center).
The Türkenschanzpark
This is a magnificent park. It was built exactly where the Turkish army entrenchments were constructed in 1683. To get there, take streetcars 40 and 41. You’ll find a superb belvedere, sports facilities, a pond and a beautiful waterfall. The oriental-style fountain in the middle of the park pays tribute to the friendship between Turkey and Vienna.
Kurpark Oberlaa
One of Vienna’s most interesting off-the-beaten-track monuments. Getting there is easy. Take the U1 subway line to Oberlaa. Get off in front of the Therme Wien (Vienna thermal baths). Unusually, this is Europe’s largest urban spa. Nearby is the Kurkonditorei Oberlaa, a famous producer of Viennese pastries.
The Danube Tower
The highest point in Austria. This magnificent tower stands in the heart of Danube Park. It was built in the 1960s to celebrate the Vienna International Horticultural Show. If you’re feeling brave, you can climb all the steps to the top.
You can also choose to take the express elevator. You can also enjoy brunch at the Tower Café, some 150 metres up. The restaurant rotates. So you have an exceptional view of the whole city. You’ll also find some of Vienna’s best hotels nearby.
Stroll through the local markets
In Vienna, you’ll find many local markets. Each district has its own unique style. These unique neighborhood markets are clearly on Vienna’s list of off-the-beaten-track activities.
In addition to the famous Naschmarkt, you can visit the Karmelitermarkt (across the canal from the city center – Schwedenplatz) and the Brunnenmarkt (Josefstädter Straße station).
The Austrian Film Museum
The Austrian Film Museum is a very modern museum. Each year, the museum selects a film director. They then screen some of these works from September to June/July.
An opportunity for visitors to discover more about this personality. It’s well worth a visit, and clearly on our list of off-the-beaten-track things to do in Vienna.
Grab a bite to eat at the Chocolate Museum
Among the many off-the-beaten-track activities in Vienna, we invite you to discover the Chocolate Museum. The Vienna Chocolate Museum offers free tastings and chocolate-making workshops in the Prater, every day from 10am to 6pm. There’s a second museum, the Schokomuseum. This is associated with the Confiserie Heindl chocolate factory. By choosing this one, you’ll discover some of the company’s manufacturing secrets and new products.
Stroll through Vienna’s Jewish Museum
For centuries, Vienna has been home to a large Jewish population. The Vienna Jewish Museum tells the story of this people, from the 11th century to the present day.
You can also pay your respects at the Holocaust memorial on Judenplatz. This memorial was built on the site of the medieval synagogue. One of Vienna’s most moving off-the-beaten-track activities.
Discover the National Library
Admittedly, it’s debatable whether the Austrian National Library should be considered an off-the-beaten-track attraction. To be honest, it’s probably one of the best-known libraries in the world.
The Baroque style, the large number of books and the 30-metre-high central dome are all highly appreciated. In short, a breathtaking journey through Austrian history.
Vienna off the beaten track: what you need to know
There are countless things to see and do in Vienna. While some are more classic than others, there are some lesser-known parts of the city that deserve a closer look. With this content specially dedicated to Vienna off the beaten track, we wanted to show you that by getting off the tourist track, you could well discover a whole new version of the Austrian capital. An unexpected version, in fact.