Where to Find the Best Views in Vienna
The Austrian capital, known for its architecture and beautiful parks, is also full of beautiful vistas. Historic buildings offer city views, while mountain overlooks and castles offer myriad ways of enjoying the rural areas just outside town. Here's where to find the best Vienna views.
St. Stephen's Cathedral North Tower
A Vienna staple.
A stop on many city walks, sightseeing tours, and even Segway tours, the North Tower at St. Stephen's Cathedral offers some of the best views in all of Vienna. On a clear day, pay a small fee and take the elevator up to the viewing platform, where you can enjoy stunning city panoramas.
The Danube River
Views from the water.
To admire the numerous sights in Vienna's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, book a cruise along the Danube River and through the Danube Canal. Whether you opt for a daytime tour or choose to admire the city lights at night, you can relax and enjoy views of notable attractions like the Uniqa Tower and the Ring Tower.
Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey
Wine and wow-worthy views.
One of the most popular wine regions in Austria, the Wachau Valley is known for its rolling hills and Danube River views—and Vienna is the perfect home-base for a day trip. Active travelers may enjoy biking through the vineyards or taking a tour to Melk Abbey, where the gardens offer some of the best views in the region. For a luxury experience, take a Danube cruise.
Wiener Riesenrad ferris wheel
Views and fun combine.
For a fun twist on the typical city overlook, don't miss a ride on the giant ferris wheel (Riesenrad) in the Prater Amusement Park. You can prebook tickets to the ferris wheel to enjoy skip-the-line access, and when you reach the top, you’ll have excellent views of must-see Vienna sights, such as the Ringstrasse and the ancient city center.
Kahlenberg in Vienna Woods
Woodland vistas and vineyards.
The verdant Vienna Woods are just a short drive from the city center. This wooded area offers great countryside views as well as walking trails, vineyards, and historic towns. The Kahlenberg hill—and the 72-foot (22-meter) Stefaniewarte tower at the top—offers stunning vistas of the Vienna Woods and Danube Valley.
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Peter Neely is a Brooklyn-based writer and poet who's been bounding between cities for a decade, with stops in San Francisco, Budapest, Montreal, and Lyon. Changing NYC apartments like socks, Peter has lived in Harlem, Greenpoint, Sunnyside, and Crown Heights, though Coney Island is his spiritual homeland. Spot him reading on the subway, or complaining about the slice at your favorite pizzeria.