Vienna Landmarks You Can’t Miss: A First-Timer’s Guide

Vienna is a city where grandeur and grace go hand in hand and nowhere is that more evident than in its landmarks. From imperial palaces to art-filled museums and an incredible gothic cathedral, these iconic sites aren't just beautiful, they tell the story of a city shaped by emperors, artists, and centuries of history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning for another dose of Viennese elegance, this guide to Vienna landmarks will help you navigate the city’s most unforgettable sights.

Planning your trip? Don’t miss our full Vienna Travel Blog for the top things to do in Vienna, insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and our favorite hidden gems.

Schönbrunn Palace: Imperial Grandeur at Its Finest

Arguably the crown jewel of Vienna landmarks, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see for any visitor. This sprawling Baroque estate, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, boasts over 1,400 rooms, manicured gardens, and panoramic views from the garden's Gloriette. Inside, don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, where a young Mozart performed for Empress Maria Theresa in 1762. 

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Tickets for Schönbrunn Palace should be purchased online, in advance of your visit. Tickets often sell out, especially in peak season (June through August). We recommend booking the “Palace Ticket”, which grants access to the most lavish rooms in Schönbrunn Palace, including those of Empress Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, and Empress Sisi. It is more comprehensive than the shorter “State Apartments” tour, and well worth it!  

If you are looking for more information regarding Schönbrunn Palace, as well as the other palaces in Vienna, be sure to check out our blog: Palaces in Vienna You Must Visit: Hofburg, Schönbrunn, & More.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna: The Gothic Center of the City

Right in the heart of Vienna's Old Town (Innere Stadt) stands St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna, a soaring Gothic masterpiece and symbol of Vienna itself. With its patterned tile roof and towering south spire, it’s hard to miss. What's inside is even more incredible than the elaborate exterior. See impressive stonework, head to the top of the tower for city views, and soak in centuries of sacred history.

Tickets for St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna must be purchased on-site and are cash-only. You can visit the narthex for free, but to see anything further requires a ticket.

If you’re curious to go deeper, we’ve written a full piece on the St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna’s resilience and grandeur.

The Hofburg: Where Empire Meets Modern Vienna

A living museum of Austria’s imperial past, The Hofburg Palace was once the epicenter of Habsburg power. Today, it houses the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Treasury, and the Austrian National Library which is easily one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The palace is also home to the Spanish Riding School, where Lipizzaner horses perform classical dressage in an elaborate arena.

You could spend an entire afternoon at The Hofburg Palace and still only scratch the surface, so plan ahead and pick your must-sees. We highly recommend visiting at least the Imperial Treasury. The crown jewels and artifacts on display are incredible! 👑 

Tickets for all of the attractions and museums at The Hofburg can be booked online, in advance of your visit. To learn more about The Hofburg Palace complex, check out our blog: Palaces in Vienna You Must Visit: Hofburg, Schönbrunn, & More.

Belvedere Palace: Where Art & Architecture Converge

Split between Upper and Lower Belvedere, this Baroque palace complex is as famous for its art collection as it is for its architecture. The Upper Belvedere is home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, along with masterworks from Schiele, Monet, and Van Gogh. Outside, symmetrical gardens and fountains create a postcard-perfect backdrop.

For more art inspiration, check out our roundup of Lauren's favorite Vienna museums.

Vienna State Opera: An Icon of Elegance

Even if you’re not attending a performance, a tour of the Vienna State Opera is well worth your time. This Renaissance Revival building is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, hosting more than 300 performances annually. Step inside to admire the grand staircase, marble interiors, and ornate auditorium.

Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Want to catch a show? You can often find standing-room tickets for just a few euros. (Seriously, tickets can be as low as €4.50!) It's one of Vienna’s best-kept luxury-for-less secrets. Standing room-only tickets are available beginning at 10:00 AM on the morning of the performance online and on-site, at the Vienna State Opera, 80-minutes before the performance is scheduled to begin. Standing room-only tickets are first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, check out the Vienna State Opera website.

Vienna’s Coffeehouses: Landmarks in Their Own Right

Not all landmarks are made of stone and marble. Vienna’s historic coffeehouses are an essential part of the city’s culture. At places like Café Central, Café Sperl, or Café Sacher, you’ll find velvet banquettes, ornate architecture, and waiters in tuxedos.

Start your day with a classic Viennese breakfast, and don’t skip a mid-afternoon pastry break, preferably with a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. Looking to learn more about Vienna's coffeehouses? Check out my blog on Vienna Coffeehouse Culture.

Other Vienna Landmarks Worth a Visit

• Albertina Museum & Palace: Famous for its extensive print collection and rotating art exhibitions. Plus, the former State Rooms are rarely crowded. The Albertina was my favorite art museum in Vienna! 
• Hundertwasserhaus: A quirky architectural gem that breaks every rule and makes its own. 
• Austrian Parliament Building: A Neoclassical icon where Austria's modern democracy meets ancient Greek design on the Ringstraße. Don’t miss the grand Pallas Athena fountain out front.
• Maria-Theresien-Platz: A photogenic plaza flanked by two grand museums, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum, anchored by a striking statue of Empress Maria Theresa.
• Heldenplatz: A historically significant square adjoining the Hofburg, known for a rather dark history. It was here in 1938 that Adolf Hitler addressed a cheering crowd to announce the Anschluss, Austria’s annexation into Nazi Germany. A huge equestrian statue of Archduke Karl dominates the square.

• St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche): A Baroque gem tucked behind the Graben shopping street, with one of the most ornate interiors in the city and regular classical music concerts.
• Naschmarkt: While not a Vienna landmark in the traditional sense, this iconic market is a cultural touchstone. Plus, it's a great spot for grabbing lunch and people-watching.

Final Thoughts on Vienna Landmarks

Vienna is a city that rewards those who take their time. Whether you’re marveling at top Vienna attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna or sipping an Einspänner in a storied café, the landmarks here do more than fill your itinerary...they shape your entire experience of the city. 

If you’re looking for insider tips on how to navigate Vienna like a pro, think when to visit, what to do, and where to find the best Apfelstrudel, don’t miss our Travel Tips for Vienna and our Vienna Travel Blog for practical advice and curated favorites. 

Which Vienna landmarks left the biggest impression on you? Share your favorites in the comments, or better yet, tag your travel photos with @jetsetseeker so we can follow along on your journey! Happy travels!