The Best Tourist Sites Around Vienna, Austria

Going to a foreign land definitely involves a bit of sightseeing. The city of Vienna certainly has a lot to offer in that aspect. The old-world charm that is sometimes missing in most modern cities is evident in the best tourist sites around Vienna. Here are some of the best spots you can check out.

Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
Stephansplatz 3, Vienna

This is perhaps one of the most enchanting Gothic churches in the world. It was originally built in the 12th century and had undergone several restorations. The cathedral's northern tower was in fact renovated in 1579 to give it a more Renaissance look. The famous bell - the 'Pummerin' - was also repaired after being badly damage during the World War II. At present, the sound of the bell is used to mark special Austrian occasions in Vienna.

Schönbrunner Schloßpark
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, Vienna

There are plenty of things you can do inside this tourist site. For that reason, you may need to allocate an entire day for it. For starters, you can opt to take a lengthy yet enjoyable walk around the beautiful park. You can also visit Europe's largest palm house, or drop by at the world's oldest zoo - all inside this amazing complex. The elegant castle is also a site to behold. If you wish to take a break from all the walking, you can dine at the park's highest point - Café in der Gloriette - for a stunning view of Vienna.

Belvedere
Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, Vienna

This tourist site is composed of two elegant baroque mansions and a beautiful garden. Prince Eugene of Savoy purchased the land in 1693 and commissioned the construction of a picturesque complex, beginning with an elaborate garden. The lower mansion was built in 1714 for his personal use. It has a beautiful marble hall, a marvelous mirror hall, and the Prunkgalerie. The upper mansion was apparently built to be the venue of the prince's lavish masquerade balls and firework displays. Today, the Belvedere is home to one of Austria's most admired galleries - Galerie im Oberen Belvedere. It showcases a vast collection of paintings by Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, and Gustav Klimt.