|3 mins reading time
Climate friendly

Sightseeing in Vienna - discover secret highlights

Guided Tour Stephen's Cathedral

Vienna is always worth a trip. It doesn't matter whether it's summer or winter, in the second largest city in the German-speaking region there is a lot to discover not only for tourists but also for locals. The cultural capital of Austria offers material for discoveries that will probably last for years: there are unique vantage points, atmospheric cemeteries, numerous coffee houses, markets, parks, beach bars and many more places off the usual tourist paths. And it is precisely such places, some of which are unknown, that we would like to present in this article about the top sightseeing spots in Vienna.

One of the top insider tips in Vienna: the Brunnenmarkt

An absolute sightseeing - "must see" is the fountain market in Ottakring. With around 170 market stalls and a length of 948 meters, the market is the longest street market in Europe. It is the largest, cheapest and at the same time most versatile street retail market in Vienna and is also called "Orient around the corner" due to its colorful and multicultural ambience. From cafes, bars and Middle Eastern cuisine to regional groceries, souvenirs and designer products, this Viennese attraction has a wide range to offer.

Brunnenmarkt Wien
@Peter Gugerell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Our tip: For everyone who is looking for an even more exclusive sight in the form of a market, we recommend the indoor market "Meiselmarkt" in the 15th district. It is the only market in Vienna that is located entirely in one building. The Meiselmarkt offers everything from fruit and vegetables to baked goods, meat and fish to cosmetics.

Insider tips in Vienna: Prater can be done differently

The “Böhmischer Prater” is an amusement park and is located in the Laaer Forest, in the 10th district and is definitely one of the highlights in the terms of unknown places.

The amusement park is less known to tourists and is therefore suitable for all those who want to experience Vienna off the beaten track. This Viennese attraction is ideal for a weekend trip with the family or simply to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. In addition to complete deceleration, you will also find a children's autodrome, a giant slide and the oldest carousel in Europe.

Böhmischer Prater Wien

Our tip: Vienna's best Langos is right next to the Werklmann in a small, inconspicuous stand. If you want to get your money's worth in culinary terms, you should definitely try this.

Best Langos Vienna

An insider tip in Vienna where you wouldn't expect it

How could it be different, the landmark of Austria is of course one of the hotspots when it comes to sightseeing in Vienna. But what is different here and why is it off the beaten tourist track?

Guided Tour Stephen's Cathedral

Very simple - we have created an experience that first takes you down to the catacombs and then up to the attic.

In small groups you have the unique opportunity to explore the impressive Viennese sight far away from the crowds from a completely new perspective. This tour is a true "Vienna with a difference" experience for both young and old. You can find more information and booking details here.

Guided Tour Stephen's Cathedral

A green insider tip in Vienna

Especially in the summer months, a top Viennese sightseeing spot is a city hiking trail through the beautiful vineyards. There are 12 hiking trails in total, whereby we will go into more detail about the city hiking trail 1 here.

The city hiking trail 1 extends over a distance of eleven kilometers and you should plan a walking time of about four hours for this.

The hike starts at the Nußdorf tram terminus. A big advantage: if you travel by tram, you also have the opportunity to visit Vienna's top sights along the Ringstrasse.

Arriving in Nussdorf, the route follows the rack railway road, the Beethovengang to Wildgrubgasse. It continues here through the Wildgrube past the Heiligenstadt cemetery to the Sulzwiese.

Stadtwanderweg 1
© @Doronenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Once there, the path leads to the Höhenstraße to an absolute top sight - the famous Kahlenberg. In summer, wonderful taverns and wine taverns lure along the way, which are perfect for a little refreshment in between.

Our tip: If you buy a stamp card for all city hiking trails, you will receive the one for completing city hiking trail 1 in the Josefinenhütte (approx. 10 minutes' walk from the Kahlenberg car park).

An unknown place with a spooky factor

The Sankt Marxer Friedhof is a well-preserved Biedermeier cemetery in the 3rd district of Vienna. It was built in 1874 and is now a listed building.

Tourists rarely get lost here and so this burial place is rather unknown. The Viennese sight is visited twice a year, above all by locals: for the lilac blossom, which has also become an unofficial trademark, and for All Saints' Day because of the cemetery romance and autumn feeling.

St. Marxer Friedhof Wien
© @Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A special highlight: the most well-known gravesite is located in the cemetery, namely that of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Unfortunately, nobody knows where the grave is exactly, because everyone who was involved in Mozart's burial took their knowledge with them to the grave. However, there is a memorial so fans have a place where he is most likely to be found.

Insider tips in Vienna off the beaten track

Regardless of whether you have lived in Vienna for a long time or are just visiting for a short time, these 5 sights in Vienna will undoubtedly allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Vienna's special features off the usual tourist path. We hope you have fun discovering Vienna in a different way!