1. Vienna is the capital of Austria (Europe)
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. It has around 2 million inhabitants (almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is the largest city on the Danube rivers and by population the largest city in European Union. International organizations in Vienna
2. Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage in Danger
Vienna was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. By 2017, it was moved to the list of World Heritage in Danger due to high-rise projects in the middle of the capital.
3. Sisi
Empress Elisabeth of Austria, which was also known as Queen Elisabeth of Hungary, Sisi, or Sissi has left a stamp on Vienna’s cultural memory. She inspired many poems and movies.
Sisi married the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph at 16 in 1854. Over her lifetime, she became an icon and after her assassination/death, she became a legend. The many movies made about her life, especially the trilogy by Ernst Marischka.
4. Vienna is sometimes called the City of Music or City of Dreams
Famous composers including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Johannes Brahms have worked in Vienna.
5. Famous Landmarks
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Vienna is the imperial palaces Hofburg and Schönbrunn. Schönbrunn is also home to the oldest zoo in the world (Tiergarten). Another interesting place is the Prater (amusement park) with its merry-go-round (Riesenrad). The merry-go-round was built in 1897 and famous landmark of Vienna. Another well-known landmark is the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)
6. Wiener Opernball
The Vienna Opera Ball is an annual event of the Austrian society. It takes place in the building of the Vienna State Opera on the Thursday prior to Ash Wednesday. The Opera Ball dates back to 1814.
7. Over 100 Museums
Vienna has over 100 museums. Some of the most famous ones are the Albertina, Belvedere, Leopold Museum, the Museum of Art History, and the Natural History Museum.
Check out the list.
8. Viennese cuisine
Viennese cuisine is well known for Wiener schnitzel, a cutlet of veal (Kalbsschnitzel) or pork (Schweinsschnitzel). The meat is pounded flat, coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried in butter. Another example is the Tafelspitz (very lean boiled beef),
Vienna is known for its cakes and desserts. The most well-known ones are Apfelstrudel (hot apple strudel), Palatschinken (sweet pancakes), Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake with raisins or dried cranberries often served with apple sauce), and the Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam created by the Sacher Hotel.
Sausages are very popular in Vienna. Wiener (German word for Vienna) is called Frankfurter in Vienna. You can buy different sausages Käsekrainer, Bratwurst, or Frankfurter all throughout the city. Often served with sweet or spicy mustard and some bread.
In regards to drinks, Austria produces wine and Vienna has the Ottakringer brewery for beer. There are also many microbreweries. Try some local beer or wine.
The Almdudler is a local soft drink. You can also give Spezi a try. Spezi is a mix of Coca-Cola and the original formula of Orange Fanta.
9. Celebrities & Royals
Many celebrities & famous royals were born in Vienna
- Niki Lauda (1949-2019)
- Romy Schneider (1939 – 1982)
- Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939)
- Friedrich Hundertwasser (1928 – 2000)
- Christoph Waltz (1956 –
- Marie Antoinette (Queen of France)
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria (His death triggered the 1st World War)
Here is a list of people from Vienna. Many more called Vienna their home.
Q&A
What do German-speaking locals call Vienna? German-speaking local call Vienna Wien (pronounced “Veen”)
What is Vienna famous for? Vienna is famous for being the capital of Austria, the City of Music, the City of Dreams, the home of many celebrities including the famous Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), and great food like Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, and Schnitzel.
Is Vienna cheap or expensive? Vienna is expensive, but not as expensive as other Western European capitals like Paris, London, or Rome.
What is the best time of year to go to Vienna? The best time to visit Vienna is from mid-April to mid-June or in September to mid-October.
Is Vienna tap water safe to drink? Tap water is safe to drink in Vienna and all over Austria.
How did Sisi die? Sisi was assassinated and died of internal bleeding.
What is Sisi in Vienna? Sisi was the Empress Elisabeth of Austria until 1898.
Why was Sisi of Austria so popular? Sisi was so popular because she was the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. Movies like the trilogy by Ernst Marischka made her a legend. She was known for her beauty. Sisi was obsessed with fitness and an incredibly good rider. She loved Hungary and was known for her extensive travels
Who are the Habsburgs today? Karl von Habsburg is the current head of the Habsburg family
Is Schönbrunn worth a visit? Schönbrunn is a must-see destination when visiting Vienna. Schönbrunn is always worth a visit.
Is Schloss Schönbrunn free? The access to the park of Schönbrunn is free?
How much time do you need at Schönbrunn Palace? To visit Schönbrunn, you need around 1 hour, but you can spend a whole day in the garden if you also want to visit the Tiergarten (zoo)
Can you go inside the Hofburg? You can go inside the Hofburg and take a guided tour. He is the grandson of the last Emperor Charles I of Austria
How long is the Hofburg visit? It takes around 1 hour to visit the inside of the Hofburg
How do you become a debutante at the Vienna Opera Ball? You need to apply to the Vienna Opera House and fulfill their requirements.
