Hidden Gems of Vienna

Magnificent Baroque architecture, imperial palaces, and a history that dates back to more than thousands of years, the capital city of Austria, Vienna is a beautiful city rich in culture, character, and history. The streetscapes of Vienna too, are wrapped in old-world magic, thanks to the grandeur and abundance of music and arts. This is a city of all seasons and all times as it flourishes year-round. While the city is full of historical monuments and treasures, the culture of coffeehouses and marvelous cuisine add a contemporary touch. 

 

From modern architecture and wine cellars to concept stores and palaces, there is something on this list that caters to everyone. During your Austria tours, you have probably visited the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna State Opera, and the Belvedere Palace. While you absolutely should not miss these sites when you visit the country, bear in mind that Vienna also has some hidden gems that are waiting to be explored! 

 

There are some “secret places” which you will probably not see during your usual Vienna tours. But if you are looking for a different experience, let us help you discover these extraordinary places. Here’s a list of some hidden gems for you to visit in this enchanting city. 

 

1.     Schlumberger Cellar World

If visiting 300-years old wine cellars interests you, head to Schlumberger Cellar World and visit Austria’s oldest sparkling wine cellars! Here, you would be allowed to take an audio guide tour of these ancient cellars that are preserved there. This self-guided tour could easily navigate you through the entire process of making fermented wine, and the production method that was employed by Schlumberger in the mid-1800s. Do you know that the same method is used to make Champagne in France? What makes this wine unique is that all the grapes are sourced from winegrowers in Austria. Hence, the base wine is made out of blends from Austrian varietals such as Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, and Grüner Veltliner as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

 

 

2.     Setagaya Park

This is a Japanese-style garden in Döbling. As you walk into the garden, you will feel like you have entered into a faraway world – a world far from Vienna. This garden could also help you stay far away from any sorrows or worries you might have in your mind. Following further exploration of the park, you will find a pond, a bridge, a unique array of plants, and a little waterfall. You may even find a tea house where you can sit and have a cup of tea as you relax and enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the beauty of the place. This park can be your perfect escape for an afternoon walk and a place to find your Zen; when you visit this haven, you will find inner peace and restore the lost harmony and balance in your life. 

 

Recommended Tour: Skip-the-line Schonbrunn Palace Rooms & Gardens Private Tour

 

3.   Vienna Peace Pagoda

Did you know that Vienna has a harbor? Yes, that’s true. The long route runs along the harbor area that is known as the Hafenzufahrtsstrasse. A Buddhist structure is visible here which would first seem like it’s out of place. However, there is a curious appeal to it. The Vienna Peace Pagoda is a unique structure where Buddha is encased in a white dome. It is a symbol of an important Buddhist institution in the country. Many events, ceremonies, and festivals are held on the premises. The monument symbolizes the unity of all humans and hope for the common cause of World Peace, no matter the background or religion of human beings.

 

4.     Grinzing 

Attention wine lovers! You are in for a lively wine scene as you would be able to see around 1700 acres of vineyards that dot Vienna’s landscape in this district of Grinzing. We recommend you to try out the Viennese Heuriger (wine tavern) tradition in Grinzing. You can travel to this village and enjoy an evening filled with food, entertainment, and music. This experience is a must-do when in Austria. You can expect delicious local eats paired with wines that are made right under their roof. When in the Heuringer, do try out Weiner Schnitzel or the “Viennese cutlet”! This experience should not be missed out as it can give you a sneak peek into the local tradition and culture of the country.

 

5.     Böhmischer Prater

This is one of Vienna’s recreational areas. This fairground or amusement park is located at the edge of the city and is frozen in time (more than 100 years old). It was created by a man named Franz who owned a small inn. It came into being when he decided to put up a carousel and a swing set. The area, which is a family-friendly tourist destination, turned out to be so popular for Sunday outings that other café and restaurant owners followed his lead. During World War II, this place was damaged to a certain extent but it still operates and is worth a visit.

 

Recommended Tour: Best of Vienna in 1-Day Private Tour by Car with Tickets

 

6.     Lainzer Tiergarten

This is a wildlife park and is one of Vienna’s best-kept secrets. It was the former hunting area for the Habsburg nobility. If you are craving a long walk outdoors, and some relaxation you should visit this place. It is free of cost. Since this wildlife preserve is also a zoo, do not get alarmed if you come across bears freely roaming around. You will also see wild boars, deer, squirrels, and more. Other areas in the park have spacious animal enclosures of fallow deer, red deer, and wild sheep. There are also forest playgrounds here for children.

 

7.     Hermes Villa

The Hermes Villa is a palace located in Lainz Game Reserve. It was earlier the imperial hunting grounds. This romantic mansion was built in the year 1882 and was a gift from Emperor Franz Joseph to his wife, Empress Elizabeth (also known as Sisi). Sisi disliked the court life and preferred to travel. The emperor had hoped that she would spend more time in Vienna after receiving this “gift”. She called this villa her Palace of Dreams (Schloss der Träume). Today, this villa is a museum that allows free admission. You can see the exhibition and tour the interior – ‘Sisi’s Castle of Dreams – The Hermes Villa and its History’. Most of the Habsburg-related historical treasures are located in Vienna, and this villa which is named after the statue of Hermes in the garden of the villa is a true hidden gem!

 

8.     Justice Palace

The palace of justice (Justizpalast) is an amazing Neo-renaissance building in Vienna. It serves as the seat of the Supreme Court of Austria. The stunning interior features a glass ceiling, melting staircase, symmetrical arches, and a statue of Lady Justice. Even though the building is open to the public, you will have to pass the security check. Hence, most people avoid venturing inside this gem of a place. You can opt for guided tours of Justizpalast which are conducted three days a week. In case you do visit this place, and after you admire the interior, move on to the top floor of the Justizcafé for refreshments. The cafeteria-style Justizcafé offers a great view of the city.

 

Recommended Tour: Melk Abbey and Schonbrunn Palace Private Tour from Vienna

 

9.     Weinstube Josefstadt

This well-concealed establishment is tucked away from the street. There is just one indication that the wine tavern is open and that would be when you see the illuminated lantern hanging above the entrance. Though most restaurants have outdoor seating and the dining spaces are located along the street, in this wine tavern, there is a beautiful outdoor seating area with an urban garden setup. You can hang out here and have wine or beer accompanied by heuriger-style food. Visit Weinstube Josefstadt if you are looking for good food, good wine, and a beautiful garden!

 

10. Ernst Fuchs Museum (Otto Wagner Villa)

Otto Wagner was a visionary architect in the late 1800s and his designs have left a permanent mark on Vienna. If you are in the city, you would encounter his work at the railway stations, postal savings bank, and the residential buildings that are located next to Naschmarkt. Otto Wagner Villa is one of his buildings that is rarely visited. This place houses a display of the Viennese art nouveau movement. There is a collection of paintings and drawings by Ernst Fuchs’ (1930-2015). His art is grotesque and beautiful, and if you are an art lover, you will not want to miss this place. It is also a place worth a visit if you are interested in exploring the least explored places in Vienna.

 

11. Kurpark Oberlaa

This park has a relaxing environment and is located near the Oberlaa metro station. It is an idyllic park that was originally built for the Vienna International Garden Show and hence the grounds overflow with great scents of flowers that are fully bloomed and delightfully colorful. You can walk around and see the thermal baths and maybe eat an Austrian Sachertorte! This park is ideal for a picnic and to spend the entire day. It is especially fun for children – there are several playgrounds, a skateboard area, a climbing wall, giant swings, and a café that sells ice cream.

 

Recommended Tour: Vienna Friendly History for Family Walking Tour

 

12. Prater Hauptallee

If you’ve seen the pictures of Vienna, you may have seen an Iconic Ferris Wheel that spins on the skyline. It is a major attraction here in one of the oldest amusement parks in the world! Most visitors come here just to ride on the Ferris Wheel! However, there is more to this park. Prater Hauptallee is a 2.5-mile-long tree-lined street that helps you escape from the bustling city. Cars are prohibited here. The inline skaters and local joggers come here for their daily endorphin rush. It is an important entertainment ground for the locals but was earlier used as a venue for horse races. Presently, this place is characterized by rows of chestnut trees that have a very calming effect.

 

13. Porgy and Bess

Vienna is well known for its connection to some of the World’s famous musicians – Schubert, Mozart, Haydn, and more. There is a musical tradition in Vienna that extends even beyond the classics. Jazz and blues thrive here as well. Porgy and Bess are one of the best places in the city, maybe even in Europe to steal away a night of blues and jazz. Visit this place if you are looking for a comfortable and pleasurable evening while listening to not just jazz but blues and also some interesting music as well.

 

14. Brunnenmarkt

If you would like to taste the delicious food of Vienna, walk right into the city’s vibrant Brunnenmarkt. This place is located in Yppenplatz Square, known to be one of the trendier neighborhoods in the city. This is the largest street market in Vienna that features more than 170 stalls that buzz with various activities, residents, local vendors, and tourists alike. Here, you can get all kinds of products such as fish, spices, cheese and so on. The market houses authentic, fresh, and affordable items. You can also have many meals for less than 4 euros! Don’t forget to explore the various restaurants and wine bars here too.

 

15. Hofburg Imperial Palace

Constructed originally during the middle ages, the Hofburg Imperial Palace has 2600 rooms. This palace remains one of the largest palace complexes in the world! The Habsburg monarchs had chosen this palace as their seat of power. It is now the official residence and workplace of the Austrian President as well as the home of multiple museums. Hofburg is the symbol of the capital’s political history. Plan Your Hofburg tour

During your vienna tours, you would be taken to the popular and most visited destinations, but if you have some spare time you can plan an itinerary and explore all of these places all by yourself!