Things to Do in Vienna

Wiener Staatsoper

Probably the most-beloved symbol of Viennese arts, and one of the first buildings to be rebuilt in the postwar era. It was built from 1861-1869 under the direction of architects Eduard van der Nüll and August von Siccardsburg for then-emperor Franz Josef I. The first performance was ''Don Giovanni'', an opera by Austrian native Mozart, on 25 May 1869. The architecture of the opera was barely tolerated by the picky Viennese when it opened. Van der Nüll did not take these criticisms of his work lightly and committed suicide. A few weeks later, von Siccardsburg died of a heart attack. Doubly cursed, the opera building succumbed to bombs less than 100 years later, during WWII. After ten years of Allied control after the end of the war, many cultural institutions reopened to celebrate the birth of the new Austrian state. This time the opera opened with an adopted son of Vienna's work: Beethoven's ''Fidelio''. The lush curtains and overall elegance contribute to the atmosphere (even the nosebleed seats, so steeply pitched and close to the ceiling a nosebleed becomes a distinct possibility). Inexpensive standing room tickets are made available for every performance and sold the day of the performance. The line forms about two hours prior to the performance. Guided tours in a number of languages are offered. The line at the front side door forms about 1/2 hour before the tour.

Opernring 2

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Football

Has a long and vivid history in Vienna. Until about 40 years ago, Austrian football was dominated by a large number of Viennese clubs. Since then, their strength has faded, reflecting the overall decline of Austrian football compared to other European football. Today, only two Viennese clubs are left in the Austrian top football division, Rapid Vienna and Austria Magna. Rapid has won the Austrian league 31 times, more than any other club. They are known as the people's club, having working class roots and regularly attracting fairly big crowds of around 15,000. Home fixtures are played at the Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion. Season usually starts in late July and ends in May, with a break in winter from early December until late February. Tickets are available at the stadium, at various tobacco shops (''Trafik'') around town and also online. For a schedule of fixtures in English go to [http://www.soccerassociation.com/ '''Soccer Association'''], click "Austria" and "Bundesliga".

Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion, Keißlergasse 6

Ticket prices for league matches are €18-26; discounts for ladies, students, and children

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Wiener Sängerknaben

Founded at the pleasure of the Habsburgs. On 20 July 1498, Emperor Maximilian decided to hire six singing boys, the first permanent boys choir attached to the court. He also made arrangements for their education – fringe benefits that are difficult to get from a modern employer. The choir served the monarchy until its demise at the beginning of the first World War. The last Imperial Chaplain, Monsignor Josef Schnitt reestablished the Boys Choir in 1924 as a private institution. To earn money, the choir began to perform outside the Imperial Chapel. Even though they are a not-for-profit organization, the rising costs of educating the choristers from a very young age as well as providing music required establishing the Verein Wiener Sängerknaben necessary. The choir sings high mass every Sunday morning (Sep-Jun) at the '''Hofburgkapelle''' (''Imperial Chapel'') in the Imperial Palace, and appears regularly at evening concerts in the '''Musikverein'''.

Palais Augarten, Leopoldstadt

Not generally open to the public except on special occasions

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Messe Wien

Run by Reed Exhibitions, who operate fairgrounds throughout Austria, Vienna's fairgrounds are not as known for major events as the ones in Frankfurt, Munich or Hannover, but still play host to many events important to the Austrian, Central European and German-speaking markets. The fairgrounds were completely reconstructed at the turn of the millennium and a new rotunda with a part of the historic Messeturm lattice tower placed on top was built at the main entrance, providing a beacon visible from afar. The fairgrounds are quite large, with four main halls, a congress centre and three entrances, close to U-Bahn stations Messe/Prater and Krieau on the U2. If there is an interesting event there, this may serve as a rainy-day alternative for the Prater amusement park. Most events happen January through May and October/November. Check the [http://www.messe.at/en/kalender/index.html?modus=7 calendar] if the event is of interest and open to the public.

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Strandbad Gänsehäufel

The Gänsehäufel is the biggest open air beach in Vienna, and is operated by the city. One can lay on the grass, swim in the Old Danube or swimming pools including a wave basin and a water slide. There are several other activities available like rope climbing, stand up paddling and miniature golf, but don't expect the level of an upscale waterpark. There is a large nudist section available, too. Besides leisurely activities, the whole bath is noteable for its well preserved functionalist 1950s buildings.

1220, Moissigasse 21

May - mid-Sep daily 09:00-20:00

€5, wide range of reductions available

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Wiener Hofburg Orchester

Performs live. The program features the most famous waltz and operetta melodies by ''the King of the Waltz'', Johann Strauss, Franz Léhar and opera aries by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is led by conductor Gert Hofbauer, is composed of 36 musicians and six international vocal soloists from Vienna’s largest orchestral societies. On 31 Dec and 1 Jan the orchestra also performs the traditional New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Concerts in the flower decorated halls at the Vienna Hofburg.

Three times a week May - mid Oct

Casino Vienna

The casino is located at Palais Esterhàzy, on the famous Kärtner Strasse near the Opera and is operated by state-owned Casinos Austria. In addition there are several poker casinos (e.g. Montesino) and many, many tiny slot-machine and betting places. The latter often occur in groups of three (because there is a legal limit on the number of slot machines per venue). They do not offer any glamor or flair and are best avoided by tourists.

Kärntner Straße 41

Su-Th 15:00-03:00, F-Sa 15:00-04:00

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Lainzer Tiergarten

A beautiful nature reserve which was once the Emperor's private hunting wood; on the grounds is the ''Hermesvilla'', the favorite mansion of Empress Elisabeth. It has several 2-10 km hiking trails. Nowadays the major part of the park is closed in the winter time, but in summer you can see wild pigs, deer, and many Viennese families. You can watch the animals being fed at 14:00 every day. Ask any park attendant for the exact location.

Visitor Centre: 13 Hermesstrasse

Various, but usually mid Feb-mid Nov 08:00-17:00

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Konzerthaus

Built between 1911 and 1913, the Konzerthaus is the homebase for the [http://www.wienersymphoniker.at/en '''Vienna Symphony'''] (''Wiener Symphoniker''), the [http://www.kammerorchester.com/en/ '''Vienna Chamber Orchestra'''] (''Wiener Kammerorchester''), the [http://www.wienersingakademie.at/index.php?nav=1&lang=en '''Wiener Singakademie'''] and the [http://www.klangforum.at/index.php?idcatside=1153&lang=2 '''Klangforum Wien'''].

Lothringerstraße 20

Box office: M-F 09:00-19:45, Sa 09:00-13:00; Sa Su holidays: 45 min prior to performance

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Kletterzentrum Flakturm

On one side of the 2nd Worldwar bunker there are routes to climb high up until its roof with great views into the roofs of Vienna. The routes are usually hard and require some endurance. The alpine club organises courses for beginners and intermediate. On the other side there are boulder problems set. The outdoor climbing in middle of a historic city makes this a favorite choice for many climbers during the hot season.

Esterhazypark

May-Sept M W F-Su 14:00-darkness; Tu Th 12:00-darkness

€12

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Musikverein

Home to the Vienna Philharmonic, and venue for a wide range of other classical music performances. Its largest hall, the ''Großer Musikvereinssaal'' (''Goldener Saal'') is considered to be one of the world's finest concert halls. For visitors wanting a closer look, daily 45-min [http://www.musikverein.at/fuehrungen/fuehrungen.php guided tours] are offered (entrance at Bösendorferstraße 12, €6/€4 adults/youth 12-16).

Musikvereinplatz 1

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Theater in der Josefstadt

First opened in 1776, this is the oldest continually-operating theater in Vienna. At its reopening following a remodeling in 1822 Beethoven directed his commissioned piece ''Die Weihe des Hauses'' (The Consecration of the House). Since 1858 music is no longer performed here, with the focus exclusively on theater. Famous cast members have included Johann Nestroy, Otto Schenk, and Klaus Maria Brandenauer.

Josefstädter Straße 26

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Donauinsel

This island was built for flood protection and separates the artificial Neue Donau (New Danube) canal from the Donau (Danube). It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including canoeing, waterskiing, cycling, and swimming. There are a number of free beaches on both the northern and southern ends of the island, and toward the center are a number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Donaustadt

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Mountainbike Tours

The hills in the west of Vienna have many tracks and offer a variety of technical challenges suitable for beginners up to experienced off track mountain bikers. Once coming out of the woods one gets usually great views of Vienna. Of course fair play demands to have respect for other riders and walkers. It also asks to keep the nature in good state and not to leave waste behind.

May-Aug 07:00-19:00, Apr Sep 08:00-18:00, Mar Oct 09:00-17:00

Kletterzentrum ÖGV

A small climbing gym inside Vienna has walls in an indoor court, in the cellar, and more upstairs. The gym offers courses for various ages and climbing experience, with highly-motivated trainers and climbers. The boulders are known to be very demanding on endurance, and there are some special circuits set up upstairs. Every autumn they organise a friendly boulder competition.

Lerchenfelder Str. 28

Sep-Jun M-F 10:00-23:00, Sa Su holidays 14:00-20:00; Jul Aug: M-F 10:00-17:00

€11 (>= 2hours)

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Wiener Eistraum

Every year from late January until the beginning of March a section of the park is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink, with music. Ice skates can be rented directly onsite, and a baggage check is available. There are also a number of food and drink booths offering warm drinks including punch, mulled wine, and tea, as well as traditional Austrian food.

Rathauspark, Rathausplatz

Daily 09:00-22:00

€6.50 (adults), €5 (seniors/children)

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Burgtheater

The building was completed in 1888 and is home to one of the most respected German-language theaters, as well as the second-oldest theater in Europe. Non-German speaking visitors will find the building itself worth visiting, as the foyer contains paintings by Viennese artists Gustav and Ernst Klimt, and Franz Matsch, which can be viewed with a tour.

Universitätsring 2

Guided tour ''Burgtheater – Behind the Scenes'': Sep-Jun M-Th 15:00 (German w/English summary), F-Su 15:00 (German and English); guided tour ''Gustav Klimt – Main Staircases and Angelika Prokopp Foyer'': Sep-Jun F-Su 14:00 (German w/English summary)

Tours: €5.50 (adults), €4.50 (seniors), €2 (students/children); performances €5-51, standing room €2.50

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Wiener Philharmoniker

Considered one of the world's best orchestras, subscription tickets are notoriously difficult to get with a waiting list lasting up to 13 years. Individual tickets however are available in limited numbers online from the [http://www.musikverein.at/ '''Musikverein'''] (where performances take place) as well as at the ticket office.

Kärntner Ring 12 (ticket office)

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Theater an der Wien

This historic theater was founded by Emanuel Schikaneder (best known as Mozart's librettist for The Magic Flute). The building was designed by Franz Jäger, and completed in 1801. Since opening it has been the venue for many historic premieres of opera, theatre, and symphonies; since 2006 it has functioned mostly as an opera house.

Linke Wienzeile 6

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WUK

WUK is a 12000-square-metre space of culture, workshops, and social gathering. The cultural center regularly hosts concerts. The place was occupied by squatters in the early 70s; these days it offers room for different cultural initiatives including rehearsal rooms, photographer black rooms, and a bike repair center.

Währinger Straße 59

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Donauinselfest

An open-air free music festival that takes place every June, and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The festival is spread over an area of 6.5km with a number of music stages, hosting mostly Austrian and European pop musicians. Food and drink stands offer a range of dishes, including Austrian and vegetarian.

End of May

Free

Opera Film Festival

Each day, weather permitting, you can watch an opera on a huge open-air screen. On another part of the square, there are plenty of food stalls (maybe a little overpriced) which offer Viennese, as well as international food. On pleasant summer evenings, the atmosphere can be quite relaxing.

Rathausplatz

Jul-Aug

Free

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Ernst-Happel-Stadion

Austria's biggest stadium (capacity 50.000) is frequently hosting major sports events like soccer (Austrian National Squad; Rapid Wien; Euro League and Champions League), track-and-fields, as well as the occasional concert (e.g. Bon Jovi, Helene Fischer). Vast training compound adjacient.

2., Meiereistraße 7

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Bohemian Prater

A small historic amusement park dating back to the second half of the 19th century. Some of the rides are more than 100 years old. There is also a 21m-high ferris wheel. It is a lovely place to go for a longer walk. There is a BMX dirt circular track, plus a running checkpoint meet.

Laaer Wald 30c, Simmering

Apr-Oct Sa-Su and holidays 08:00-21:00; May-Sep also on weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-19:00

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Arena

The arena is one of the biggest concert and alternative culture places. The slaughterhouse got squatted in 1976 and operates since as culture center. FM4 hosts here it's annual birthday party. The programme lists the performing artists. The open air arena can host 3000 peoples.

Baumgasse 80

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Volkstheater Vienna

Designed by Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, the theatre was built in 1889. With 970 seats it is the largest theatre in Vienna (larger than even the Burgtheater) and is one of the largest German-language theatres. It is located next to the Museumsquartier.

Neustiftgasse 1

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Kino wie noch nie

An open-air film festival held annually from the beginning of July until mid-August, this festival hosted by the Filmarchiv Austria screens independent international films. Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up at the concerge at 19:30 before the screening.

Obera Augartenstraße 1, Leopoldstadt

€8 (adults), €6 (seniors/students), €55 (block of 10 tickets)

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Hiking

The city trails 1-8 are going into the Wienerwald. The paths are sign posted and accessible by public transport. They are not cleared in winter, use at your own risks. Fair play demands to refrain from smoking (fire danger) and not to leave litter behind.

Hermannskogel

With 542m above sea level, it is the highest point of Vienna. The Habsburgerwarte, a 27m tall tower from 1888, on top of the Hermanskogel is open on weekends in the summer. It used to be km 0 for cartographic measurements in the Austria-Hungarian empire.

Döbling

Apr-Oct Sa 13:00-18:00, Su 10:00-17:00

€1 entry

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Amalienbad

The big swimming pool was built between 1923 and 1926 with an interior decoration in Art-Déco style. Expect the pool to be crowded and hence it is hard to swim in straight lines. There are also different kinds of saunas (Finish, vapour, etc.)

Reumannplatz 23, Favoriten

Complicated entry times that vary also according to season, check website

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Kahlenberg

The hill has a beautiful view over the Viennese vineyards and down the Danube. On clear days one clearly sees the Viennese historic center including the cathedral. Many bike or hike trails into the Wienerwald start from here.

Am Kahlenberg 1, Döbling

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Wiener Stadthalle

The Stadthalle is a multi-functional event venue which hosts everything from a variety of music concerts to horse dressage shows. It has a busy schedule all year round, and it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

Roland Rainer Platz

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MuTh

A concert hall and multi-purpose auditorium for the Vienna Boys Choir, opened in 2012. A calendar of upcoming events is published [http://www.muth.at/en/programm/ here]; tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

Obere Augartenstrasse 1E, Leopoldstadt

Box office: M-F 16:00-18:00, and 1hr before the start of a performance

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Zentralbad Wien

This historic men's sauna was opened in 1889 and since then has been considered to be the premiere bathing spots of Vienna. Visitors have included Habsburg royalty as well as modern day celebrities.

Weihburggasse 18-20

Su-F 14:00-24:00, Sa 14:00-02:00

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Pier9

The outdoor lead wall is 21.5m high. There are 6 security lines with 13 routes. The boulder wall is downstairs next to the stream and has the same texture concrete wall with different inclinations.

Spittelauer Lände 12

Spring, summer, autumn

€6 lead, free boulder wall

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Trabrennbahn Krieau

In use since 1878, this race track is used for harness racing, hosting regional, national, and international races. The track schedule is available [http://www.krieau.at/besucher/termine/ online].

Nordportalstraße 247, Leopoldstadt

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Gartenbaukino

The biggest Viennese one projection theater cinema opened in 1960 is screening artsy production and has electronic music events. The cinema hosts Viennese premieres and can screen 70mm films too.

Parkring 12

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Edelweiss Center

Austria's biggest boulder hall is located in the town center. One finds tons of boulder problems to solve. They offer courses for beginners and advanced. Can get crowded on after business hours.

Karlsplatz

M-F 09:00-22:00, Sa So 11:00-22:00

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Kletterhalle Wien

This is one of the biggest climbing gym in Vienna with 1200 m^2 lead walls and 400 m^2 boulder walls. It is operated by the Viennese Naturfreunde. It hosted several IFSC Boulder Worldcups.

Erzherzog-Karl-Straße 108, Donaustadt

09:00-23:00

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Votiv Kino

The cinema screens international movies including many French ones. The annual Vienna Film Festival is hosted here. On Sunday morning there is a film breakfast. The cinema opened in 1912.

Währinger Strasse 12

€7-8.50; film and breakfast €13.50

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Motorikpark

Huge playground for kids and grown-ups with focus on physical exercising and enhancing coordination. Unfortunately, there are no trees around that provide some shade in the hot season.

22., Süßenbrunner Straße 101

Nov-Feb daily 08:00-16:30, Mar daily 08:00-18:00, Apr-Aug daily 08:00-20:00, Sep-Oct daily 08:00-19:00

Free

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Akademietheater

The Akademietheater is the smaller of two performance halls of the Burgtheater ensemble. It was built between 1911 and 1913 by the architects Fellner und Hellmer and Ludwig Baumann.

Lisztstraße 1

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Raimund Theater

Constructed in 1893 as a venue for German folk dramas and plays, the building was later used for operettas. Since 1985 it has hosted German-language and international musicals.

Wallgasse 18-20

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Jubiläumswarte

A tower got first erected on the 50th regency anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The newly built one is 31m high, reopened in 1956 and got renovated in 2012.

Pelzer Rennweg, Ottakring

all day

free entry

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Vienna's English Theatre

The oldest English-language theatre in continental Europe. Tickets can be purchased [http://www.englishtheatre.at/english/tickets-infos/order-tickets-online.html online].

Josefsgasse 12

On performance days: M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa and holidays 17:00-19:00; non-performance days: M-F 10:00-17:00

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Porgy & Bess

The Jazzclub features international Jazz artists. One can reserve seats in advance, which is recommended for special events. The bar offers good wine and some food too.

Riemergasse 11

~€15-30

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Topkino

During football championships they show the games in one of the cinema theatres. It is screening international artistic productions. For the bar see the drink section.

Rahlgasse 1

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Apollo Kino

A Cineplexx theater with plenty of choices including original versions. The cinema opened here in 1905. According to seat numbers it is one of the biggest in Vienna.

Gumpendorfer Straße 63

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Döblinger Bad

The indoor pool is 25m long, and in summer the outdoor area offers a nice view over Vienna. The temperature of the pool varies according the week.

Geweygasse 6

times listed on website

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Jörgerbad

The swimming pool is 25m long and has a retractable glass roof. It was built between 1912 and 1914. The bath offers a sauna and massage too.

Jörgerstraße 42-44, Hernals

listed on website

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Filmhaus am Spittelberg

With a single hall, this small and modern theatre screens documentary and arthouse films. Reservations are recommended.

Spittelberggasse 3

€8.50

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Bellaria Kino

Charming and beautiful old-school cinema screening both old classic and original versions of contemporary films.

Museumstraße 3

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Theater Am Spittelberg

Historicaly one of the Pawlatschentheater, it has been renovated and is a venue for concerts and comedies.

Spittelberggasse 10

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Theater Akzent

It has three different play stages: ''Theater Akzent'', ''Podium im Akzent'' and ''Studio im Akzent''.

Theresianumg 18, Wieden

Tickets sold at Argentinierstraße 37, M-F 13:00-18:00, Sa 14:00-18:00, closed Jul and Aug

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Burg Kino

A classic 70's theatre which hosts international films. They regularly play "The Third man" movie.

Opernring 19

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Schikaneder Kino

The cinema features art and non mainstream films. It also participates to smaller film festivals.

Margaretenstraße 24, Wieden

18:00-04:00

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Kletterhalle Marswiese

The climbing hall is part of the sport center Marswiese. It offers various climbing courses.

Neuwaldegger Straße 57A, Hernals

08:00-22:00

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Wiener Wortstätten

Founded in 2005 by Hans Escher and Bernhard Studlar, and features intercultural theatre.

Schönbrunner Straße 9, Wieden

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Jazzland

The Jazzclub plays kind of old-men Jazz in a relaxed ambiance operating since 1972.

Franz Josefs-Kai 29

M-Sa 19:00

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Ice skating

At the Wiener Eislaufverein in winter time one can skate on a big 6000 m² square.

Lothringerstraße 22

19 Oct 2013 - 2 Mar 2014 15:00-21:00

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Kletterzentrum Austria

It has a small boulder place and some interesting structures to lead climb on.

Rotenturmstraße 14

Mo-Fr 18:00-, Sa Su

€5.50 (adults), €3.90 (youth under 25), €2.80 (children under 18)

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Volksoper

A venue for operettas, classical musicals, and ballet productions.

Währinger Straße 78

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Bikepath Vienna river

A short ride of 7km is available without any traffic crossings.

on day light

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Haydn Kino

The theatre projects mostly English films in original version.

Mariahilfer Straße 57

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Wiener Metropol

A beautiful little theatre, mostly frequented by Viennese.

Hernalser Hauptstraße 55, Hernals

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Filmcasino

This very stylish cinema screens carefully chosen films.

Margaretenstraße 78, Margareten

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Freie Bühne Wieden

The place opened in 1976 and has first releases.

Wiedner Hauptstrasse 60b, Wieden

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Hietzinger Bad

There is both an indoor and outdoor pool.

Atzgersdorfer Straße 14

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Moki Mobiles Kindertheater

A theatre with plays for kids.

Blechturmg 14, Wieden

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Schauspielhaus

A small theatre.

Porzellangasse 19

€18, students €9, seniors €12

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