Vienna offers many vantage points where you can see the city from very different angles than down on the ground. We have been up and down in Vienna to find the best viewing points.
The view of Vienna from above is something you simply must experience when visiting Austria’s capital. The mixture of historic and modern buildings gives the city a unique skyline. There are several opportunities to enjoy panoramic views of Vienna. We have visited some of Vienna’s best viewing points and are going to add more as we get around to visiting them.
Donauturm
The 252-meter-high communications tower is the highest viewing point in Vienna. You take the lift up to a viewing platform at 150 meters, which probably is one of the best viewing points in Vienna. Two rotating restaurants (at 161 and 165 meters) also offer fabulous views and are recommended to enjoy the view in the evening. If you do not want to take the lift back down, you can bungee jump down from the tower.
For more info:
How to get there:
Metro: U1 VIC (Vienna International Center) / Kaisermühlen
Bus: 20A Donauturm
Wiener Riesenrad
Those who have been to the Prater amusement park or nearby, may not avoid seeing the big Ferris wheel. It has been a well-known and popular part of Vienna’s skyline ever since it was constructed in 1897. Furthermore, the red gondolas have always been one of Vienna’s most popular tourist destinations. You can see the history of Wiener Riesenrad in a small museum, before boarding the legendary red gondolas. Then get on board for a trip that takes about 12-15 minutes, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of central Vienna.
For more info:
Wiener Riesenrad
How to get there:
Numerous bus-, metro- and train lines stop at the Praterstern Station.
Haus des Meeres
The World War II bunker and flak tower is home to thousands of marine and terrestrial animals. Haus des Meeres is a combined aquarium and zoo (read the full article here). Notwithstanding, from the terrace of the Ocean´sky Café on the 11th floor, you have a fabulous 360° view of Vienna. You do not need to need a ticket to the aquarium to take the lift up to the 11th floor and access the terrace.
For more info:
How to get there:
Metro: U3 Neubaugasse
Bus: 13A, 57A Haus des Meeres
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Stephansdom
Vienna’s cathedral has towered over the 1st District since it was erected in the 12th century and is one of the city’s most important sights. The 136-meter-high south tower is a well-known and loved part of Vienna’s skyline. You can climb the 343 stairs to a viewing platform in the tower. A similar tower twin tower was planned. However, the north tower which was built between 1467 and 1511, was never completed and only reached 66 meters. Nonetheless, this tower has a built-in elevator that takes you up to an outdoor viewing platform at a height of 50 meters. Whichever tower you chose, you get a pretty nice view of central Vienna.
For more info:
How to get there:
Metro: U3, U1 Stephansplatz
Bus: 1A, 2A Graben / Peterplatz or 1A, 2A, 3A Brandstätte
Gloriette
On the roof of the magnificent Baroque building on the hill above Schloss Schönbrunn, you get a fantastic view of the park and the castle as well as parts of Vienna. The Gloriette was built as a “temple of glory,” and probably also as a panoramic terrace in 1775, and was used by the monarchs as both a place of excursion and a ballroom. Today the building houses a great café.
For more info:
How to get there:
Metro: U4 Schönbrunn – Tram: 10, 52, 60 Schloss Schönbrunn
Bus: 8A, 63A Stranitzkygasse (entrance to Gloriette via Hohenbergstrasse).
Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg
You can also find some of the best viewpoints in Vienna just outside the city. In the hills northeast of the city, on the south side of the Danube. The wooded hills are popular excursions and hiking areas for Vienna’s residents. You find both old castles, such as Leopoldsberg and the hotel and restaurant complex Kahlenberg. Both places offer fabulous views of not least the wine regions below and Vienna itself.
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