Experiences

Known for its beautiful architecture, Vienna is home to so many grand buildings. From magnificent palaces where Austrian emperors have been born, to cathedrals that have stood tall for almost 1000 years, Vienna is truly one of a kind.

And while its architecture isn’t something to be missed, Vienna has so much more to offer. Its food markets, history, opera and nature are just a few of the city’s standout attractions for any visitor to explore.

Discover just some of the places you can visit when sailing on a boutique Saga river cruise.

Hofburg Palace

Serving as the main winter palace for the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for hundreds of years, the palace is now the home and workplace of the Austrian President.

A massive complex consisting of various wings, the palace is widely known for its beauty and green dome roofs. Along with its vast history and critical importance today, all of these factors come together to make the Hofburg one of Vienna’s major tourist attractions.

Schönbrunn Palace

This 1141-room Rococo palace is arguably the main tourist attraction in Austria. It was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, and it’s been around for over 300 years.

The huge palace is one of the best-preserved baroque entities in Europe, along with its famous gardens. A square mile of pure beauty, its gardens feature perfectly trimmed lawns and an array of colourful flowers to admire. It’s one of those places you simply have to go to if you’re visiting Vienna.

St Stephen’s Cathedral

A true icon of the city, St. Stephens Cathedral is almost 1,000 years old and features an awe-inspiring interior design. From its 18 altars to the tombs and high-rise ceilings, there’s so much to appreciate about this church.

It’s instantly recognisable from the outside too, with its Romanesque and Gothic design. Standing at almost 450 feet high and being covered in a multicoloured tile roof adds further to its originality.

Naschmarkt

Onto tasty food – Vienna’s Nashmarkt serves up almost everything you can eat, from fresh fruit and vegetables, to cheeses, meats and seafood. You can also get hold of snacks like hotdogs, sandwiches and sushi. And to experience the local culture in full, there’s a selection of Austrian cheeses to try out.

Stretching to almost a mile long, it’s difficult not to find something here that takes your fancy.

Vienna Zoo

As the oldest zoo in the world, Vienna Zoo is a record-breaking place that’s been around since 1752. Home to thousands of animals and hundreds of different species, a few taking residence here include giant pandas, orangutans, sloths, giraffes, koalas, African elephants and even Siberian tigers.

Zookeepers regularly give talks throughout the day, while there’s even a simulated Amazon rainforest that you can experience.

Wiener Riesenrad

Last but certainly not least, taking a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad is a must-do for anyone visiting Vienna. Much like the London Eye, this giant Ferris wheel allows you to capture some of the capital’s most iconic views.

It features amongst a fun location as well, since it sits at the entrance to The Prater, Vienna’s popular amusement park. While here, you can explore the arcades, or grab a traditional Austrian snack or beverage.

Visiting Vienna with Saga

If you’re looking to see Vienna, then why not try out one of our river cruises visiting the city? On our Across the Continent cruise, you’ll be able to visit the Austrian capital in spring or summer, alongside other iconic cities like Amsterdam and Budapest.

And that’s without even mentioning the many sights of the Danube River, including its delta, which is full of diverse wildlife and rich in greenery.

Written by Ryan Robinson