-
Akademie Der Bildenden Künste
The Akademie der bildenden Künste (Academy of Fine Arts) is often passed over in favour of the bigger galleries yet is rewarding all the same. Its gallery concentrates on the classic Flemish, Dutch and German painters and includes Hieronymus Bosch, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Rubens, Titian, Guardi, and Cranach the Elder. It still operates as an art school, famous for rejecting Adolf Hitler twice and accepting Egon Schiele, who left soon after.
-
Albertina
Founded in 1768 by Maria Theresia's son-in-law, Duke Albert von Sachsen-Teschen, the Albertina houses the greatest graphic art collection in the world. It includes an astonishing 1.5 million prints and 50,000 drawings, including 145 Dürer drawings (the largest collection in the world), 43 by Raphael, 70 by Rembrandt and 150 by Schiele. There are loads more by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, Bruegel, Cézanne, Picasso and other masters.
-
Architekturzentrum Wien
The Architekturzentrum Wien (Vienna Architecture Centre) takes up much of the MQ north of MUMOK, encompassing three halls used for temporary exhibitions, a library and the café Una. Exhibitions focus on international architectural developments and change on a regular basis. The centre also organises walking tours through Vienna on Sunday, covering various architectural themes, but they are in German only.
-
Archiv Des Österreichischen Widerstands
The Austrian Resistance Archive documents the little-known anti-fascist resistance force that operated during the Nazi regime; some 2700 fighters were executed and thousands more sent to concentration camps. The in-depth analysis of the Nazi doctrines on homosexuality, 'unworthy' citizens, concentration camps and forced labour is quite disturbing, as are many of the photos and memorabilia detailing the time before and after the Anschluss.
-
Atelier Augarten/Gustinus Ambrosi-Museum
Sculptures by Austrian-born Gustinus Ambrosi (1893-1975) are the highlight of the works displayed at Atelier Augarten, in the western corner of Augarten park. Alongside his works of art are other European sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries. The Atelier also regularly features temporary exhibits from international artists - check the program on the website. Entry is included in the Schloss Belvedere ticket.
-
Augustinerkirche
The Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) is one of the older parts of the Hofburg, dating from the early 14th century. Although Gothic in style, the interior was converted to baroque in the 17th century, and then restored to its original appearance in 1784. It is here that the hearts of the Habsburgs rulers are kept in the Herzgrüftel (Little Heart Crypt); viewings are by appointment only. The church hosts regular classical music concerts.
-
Austria Memphis Franz-Horr-Stadion
The home ground of Austria Magna is currently waiting to be finished, but there are still plenty of seats available to catch a game.
-
Bawag Foundation
Well-located in the very heart of the Innere Stadt, this gallery is financed by the Bawag Bank. It features contemporary artists from both the international and local scene and has a regular influx of temporary exhibitions on display. Works range from sculpture pieces to photo exhibitions and film.
-
Bestattungsmuseum
The Bestattungsmuseum is devoted to the art of undertaking. By no means in the same gruesome league as the Pathologisch-anatomische Bundesmuseum or the Josephinum, it still never fails to intrigue. Displays include photos, documents and paraphernalia retelling the history of undertaking in this often macabre city. Donations are welcome.
-
Burgkapelle
The Burgkapelle (Royal Chapel) dates from the 13th century and received a Gothic make-over from 1447 to 1449, but much of this disappeared during the baroque fad. The vaulted wooden statutory survived and is a testament to those Gothic days. This is where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings at Mass each Sunday at between September and June. Unfortunately, you can only visit the chapel with a tour guide or during choir performances.
-
Advertisement
-
Cinemagic
An initiative of the City of Vienna aimed at entertainment for children, Cinemagic is a cinema totally devoted to the little 'uns. Films come from around the globe and screen every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. In mid-November the cinema, along with three others, hosts a Children's Film Festival (www.kinderfilmfestival.at, in German) showcasing international children's films.
-
Cityrama
Cityrama offers tours lasting anything from an hour to a day, taking in not only Vienna (bus times are the same as on the Hop on Hop off Vienna Line) but attractions within a day's striking distance of the city, including Salzburg, Budapest and Prague. Some tours require an extra fee for admission into sights, such as training at the Spanish Riding School. All details are on the website.
-
Ddsg Blue Danube
The DDSG Blue Danube circumnavigates Leopoldstadt and Brigittenau districts using the Danube Canal and the Danube as its thoroughfare. It's more of a relaxing break than a huge sightseeing tour. The half tour (two hours) ends at Reichsbrücke, the full tour (3.25 hours) back at Schwedenbrücke.
-
Dom- & Diözesanmuseum
The Cathedral and Diocesan Museum of Vienna is a treasure-trove of religious art pieces spanning a period of over 1000 years. While the collection is blessed with extraordinary articles - such as the earliest European portrait, that of Duke Rudolph IV (1360), and two Syrian glass vessels (1280-1310) thought to be among the oldest glass bottles in the world - after a while it all seems to blend into one.
-
Dominikanerkirche
Dominikanerkirche (Dominican Church) was built on the site of an earlier church and completed in 1634. The expansive interior is incredibly baroque, with white stucco, frescoes and even the imperial double-headed eagle on the ceiling. A visit to the Dominikanerkirche offers the chance to appreciate a sumptuous baroque church without the crowds. The Dominicans first came to Vienna in 1226 under the invitation of Leopold VI of Babenberg.
-
Donau Schiffahrt Pyringer- Zopper
Pyringer-Zopper offers almost identical Danube circuits to DDSG Blue Danube and departs from either Schwedenplatz or Reichsbrücke.
-
Donauturm
This is the tallest structure in Vienna. You can bungy-jump from it at heights of 150m, 170m and 160m. Two (expensive) revolving restaurants allow the more sedentary to enjoy a fine panorama; consider ascending (by lift) to watch the sunset behind the Wienerwald. The tower stands in the Donaupark.
-
Ernst Fuchs Privat Museum
About 2km north of the U4 Hütteldorf stop is this small museum devoted to Ernst Fuchs' fantastical paintings, etchings and sculptures. The works have a, shall we say, drug-induced look visitors may find the villa housing the collection more interesting. Built by Otto Wagner in 1888, it was saved from ruin by Fuchs and restored to its former glory in 1972. The gardens have interesting statues, ceramics and the ornate Brunnenhaus created by Fuchs.
-
Ernst-Happel-Stadion
With a seating capacity nearing 50,000, the Ernst-Happel stadium is the largest sporting venue in Vienna and preferred venue for international games.
-
Eroica Haus
For the brief time Beethoven spent at Eroica Haus (the summer of 1803), his work production was grandiose: it was here that he wrote Symphony No 3, Eroica . The house is rather empty, however, and no personal effects of the great composer are present, but you can listen to Eroica and gaze at a few watercolours and maps. The Eroica Haus is a municipal museum.
-
Advertisement
-
Franziskanerkirche
It's quite a surprise to walk through the front doors of this early 17th-century Franciscan church after eyeing up the plain Renaissance façade to find a baroque interior strewn with gold and marble and heavy, glittering chandeliers. The high altar is a particularly impressive piece in the form of a triumphal arch. The archaeological findings of a recent dig at the church can be viewed by appointment. Choir recitals are a regular feature here.
-
Freudenau
In the southern extremes of the Prater is Freudenau, Vienna's premiere horse-racing track and one of the oldest in Europe. Bus 77A doesn't always go as far as the track so you might have to walk from the Lusthaus.
-
Gardens
The beautiful French-style formal gardens of the palace, opened to the public by Joseph II in 1779, hide a number of attractions in their tree-lined avenues: fake Roman ruins in 1778, the Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain), a riotous ensemble from Greek mythology, in 1781, and the crowning Gloriette, which offers a breathtaking view. There's also a 630m-long hedge Maze and a playground.
-
Generali Foundation
The Generali Foundation gallery picks and chooses exhibition pieces from its vast collection - numbering around 1400 - with the utmost care. The majority of its ensemble covers conceptual and performance art from the latter half of the 20th century, with names like Dan Graham and Gordon Matta-Clark popping up on a regular basis. Guided tours, which take place at on Thursdays, cost around €2 .
-
Geymüllerschlössel
The Geymüllerschlössel is arguably the finest example of Biedermeier architecture in Austria. Built around 1808 by an unknown architect, it is a mixture of Gothic, Indian and Arabic styles from that time. The interior, embellished with floral designs and graceful lines, is perfectly preserved. It houses MAK's collection of around 160 Viennese clocks made from 1760 to the second half of the 19th century, and furniture from the period 1800 to 1840.
