Hofburg Palace is a large historical complex in central Vienna that once served as the Habsburg dynasty's imperial residence. People have lived here since the 13th century, and it grew into quite an impressive symbol of Habsburg power with a mix of different architectural styles.
Today it's still an active cultural and political center, housing Austria's president and several museums. It's become one of Vienna's main tourist attractions.

History and Development
The palace started as a medieval castle built by the Babenbergs in the 13th century, later expanded by King Ottokar II of Bohemia.
Under the Habsburgs, Hofburg became a massive complex that served as the imperial residence for Holy Roman Emperors and later Austrian Emperors until 1918.
With its many expansions over the centuries, the palace shows a nice blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and historicist styles - you can really see its long history in the architecture.

What You'll Find Today

Imperial Apartments: Visitors can explore the impressive imperial apartments that were part of the original palace.

Museums: The palace houses several museums, including ones dedicated to the emperors and their history, like the popular Sisi Museum.

Government Offices: It still functions as a government building and serves as home to Austria's federal president.

The Plague Column (German: die Wiener Pestsäule), also known as the Trinity Column (German: Dreifaltigkeitssäule), is a Holy Trinity column that stands on the Graben, a busy street in Vienna's inner city. Built after the Great Plague epidemic in 1679, this Baroque memorial has become one of Vienna's best-known sculptural works.
It's quite an impressive piece of art that catches your eye as you walk down the Graben. According to Christine M. Boeckl, author of Images of Plague and Pestilence, it's "one of the most ambitious and innovative sculptural ensembles created anywhere in Europe in the post-Bernini era" - which is saying something given the competition from that period. The column serves as both a historical reminder of Vienna's plague years and a nice example of Baroque artistry that's worth a look when you're exploring the city center.
More than meets the eye
The Wiener Pestsäule stands as more than just a monument to surviving the plague - it's a clever piece of political propaganda wrapped in religious devotion. Built to thank God for ending the pestilence, the column weaves together religious imagery with Habsburg dynasty motifs, placing Emperor Leopold I at the center of the narrative.
History
Origins: The Pestsäule, or Plague Column, was erected as a promise to God by Emperor Leopold I following the devastating plague outbreak that hit Vienna in 1679.
Temporary solution: A temporary wooden column was quickly put up in 1679 while the plague was still raging through the city.
Current column: The present stone column we see today was completed and dedicated in 1694.
Who "owns" it
The Pestsäule belongs to Emperor Leopold I in spirit, as he made the original vow to build it. While monuments don't technically have owners in the usual sense, this column exists because of a promise made by the late emperor - making him the driving force behind its construction.
Why it's special
Public gratitude: The column was built to celebrate the city's survival after the plague devastated Vienna, as Secret Vienna Tours explains.
Political messaging: The monument cleverly doubles as political propaganda, blending religious iconography with Habsburg dynasty symbols in quite a sophisticated way.
Imperial imagery: A bust of Emperor Leopold I sits prominently in the column, presenting him as Vienna's savior - though he actually fled the city during the plague outbreak, according to Visiting Vienna. Not exactly the heroic image the column suggests.

This image shows part of a building along the Ringstrasse in Vienna, Austria. The Ringstrasse is a famous boulevard that circles Vienna's historic center and serves as home to many significant buildings, including the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and City Hall.
The building in the picture is decorated with a rooftop sculpture depicting a rider on horseback - quite typical of the grand architectural style you'll find along this impressive stretch of the city. It's one of those details that makes walking the Ringstrasse worth the effort, even if you're just passing through the usual tourist spots.

Stephansdom on Stephansplatz serves as Vienna's Roman Catholic cathedral. The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, known as "the first martyr." The building measures 107 meters long and 34 meters wide, predominantly Gothic in style with some Romanesque features. The Pummerin bell, Austria's largest church bell, hangs in the cathedral's northern tower.

History
The cathedral was built in 1147 as a main church and has been rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. The most significant renovations took place in 1511.
Despite bombing raids and street fighting between German and Soviet troops in the city during World War II, the cathedral escaped major damage. On April 10, 1945, a white flag was raised in the bell tower. The city's German commander Sepp Dietrich nevertheless ordered to "throw a hundred shells and engulf it in flames and ash." German Captain Gerhard Klinkicht disobeyed this order. The Germans were preparing to leave the city due to the advancing Soviet troops. A memorial plaque for the captain now hangs in the cathedral.
On the evening of April 11, 1945, some Austrian civilians looted the stalls on Stephansplatz. They set fire to the stalls, and sparks from these fires ignited the cathedral. The roof and bell tower burned completely. Due to the military situation, it was impossible to extinguish the fire. The Pummerin bell crashed to the ground. The valuable Walcker organ from 1886 was destroyed by the burning roof over the western gallery.

The roof
The cathedral's roof is a majolica roof laid in a spectacular pattern. The roof tiles are glazed ceramic tiles that are highly weather-resistant, maintenance-free, and easy to clean. This type of glazed tiles or ceramics is also known from places like the Majolikahaus in Vienna - quite a practical choice for a building that's been through what this one has.

Just as essential to Vienna as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the fiakers are an absolute must-see. For many visitors, a trip in one of these two-horse carriages is a key highlight, offering a far more charming and relaxed way to take in the city's sights than a typical walking tour.

The word "fiaker" itself comes from French, named after a hackney carriage stand on Paris's Rue de Saint Fiacre. Before 1720, these carriages in Vienna were known as "Janschky" coaches, but they were soon renamed and given official numbers, kicking off a major boom for the trade.

Between 1860 and 1900, over 1,000 fiakers roamed the city streets. The drivers were often well-known local personalities, some of whom even moonlighted as singers. They were also celebrated for their discretion, a trait particularly valued by gentlemen looking to spend some private time with their paramours.

One of the most famous drivers was Josef Bratfisch, the royal coachman for Crown Prince Rudolf. In 1889, he drove the prince's lover, Mary Vetsera, to Mayerling, where their lives tragically came to an end. It's not the story you'd expect from a simple carriage ride, but it's a perfect example of Vienna's flair for the dramatic.

On our trip to Vienna, we booked a guide to tell us about the sights and show us some of the city's hidden spots. One of these was a lovely courtyard that showed how people access the apartments in the old buildings.

There were many of these small courtyards, and most were nicely adorned with flowers, just like the one we visited. The advantage of a local guide is that you often get to see something different from the usual tourist spots and can truly discover small, charming gems. Since that trip, we have often used guided tours when visiting new cities.

Café Central in Vienna is known for its fantastic and highly detailed architecture, and the ceiling is one of its most impressive elements. The building where the café is located is called Palais Ferstel and was built in the 1860s. The architect, Heinrich von Ferstel, who also designed the Votivkirche and the MAK Museum, created the building in a style inspired by the Venetian Renaissance.

Inside Café Central, you can see a beautiful vaulted ceiling with decorated arches and columns that create a distinguished and historic atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of the grand architecture that characterizes many of Vienna's old cafés. The details in the ceiling and the rest of the interior—with chandeliers, statues, and portraits—truly contribute to the feeling of stepping into a different era.

The Josefsbrunnen is a fountain on the west side of the Plague Column on the Graben in Vienna's first district, Innere Stadt. On the east side of the Plague Column is the Leopoldsbrunnen, which has very similar architecture and construction history. Both are often referred to in literature as the Graben Fountains.

In an octagonal fountain basin, a classical square plinth stands centrally. In the southeast axis are two metal relief panels with the scenes 'Flight from Egypt' and 'Angel Appears to Joseph in a Dream', and in the east-west axis are two water-spouting metal lion heads. On the plinth is a lead figure depicting Saint Joseph in ancient robes and with a staff, leaning down towards a boy holding a scroll, the family tree of Joseph.

The Ankeruhr is a rather unique clock and bridge located at Hoher Markt in the heart of Vienna. More precisely, you can find it in the eastern corner of the square. This Art Nouveau clock is considered one of Vienna's most beautiful timepieces.

Created in 1915 from the designs of artist Franz von Matsch, who often collaborated with Gustav Klimt, the clock was initially tested in 1915 and 1916. It was decided that it would only be officially activated after the end of World War I, as a symbol of peace. However, during the war, the tones of Haydn's Oratorio were played every day at noon instead of the Kaiserhymne.

The Ankeruhr is actually a bridge that connects two buildings, number 10 and 11. Its name comes from the Anker insurance company that was located in these buildings. The clock itself is a curious piece made of glass, metal, and marble, featuring a parade of twelve copper figures that tell the history of Vienna.

The figures include Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, Duke Leopold VI, Walther von der Vogelweide, King Rudolf I, Master Builder Puchsbaum, Maximilian I, Mayor Andreas Liebenberg, Count Rüdiger von Starhemberg, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Empress Maria Theresia, and Joseph Haydn. Throughout the day, you can see these historical figures pass by the clock face while a fitting organ melody plays. On the wall below the clock, there is a plaque that indicates which figures you can see at different times.

One of Vienna’s more beautiful churches is the St. Francis of Assisi Church, located in the second district. This impressive church definitely stands out, even in a city full of great churches.

Constructed between 1898 and 1913 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign, the church is a four-bay brick basilica with a nave featuring cross vaults. It has a richly articulated choir with galleries, an apse with an ambulatory, and a cross-ribbed vault. It also features two facade towers and a crossing tower.

Additionally, the Empress Elisabeth Chapel was integrated into the church as a memorial following the assassination of Empress Sisi in Geneva. The chapel is located to the left of the presbytery and is a truly striking part of this very impressive building.

Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) in Vienna is one of Austria's most important cultural treasures and a popular tourist attraction. This magnificent Baroque palace served as the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and is a prime example of imperial grandeur from the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace is known for its lavish Rococo-style interiors, the grand gardens, the world's oldest zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn), and a famous Gloriette with views over Vienna.

Historical Background The palace was renovated and expanded by Nikolaus Pacassi between 1744 and 1749 for Empress Maria Theresa, making it a wonderful example of late Baroque architecture. It was originally a hunting lodge before becoming the summer residence for the Austrian emperors.

Sights and Attractions The palace park is a large Baroque garden featuring the famous Gloriette, which offers a great view of Vienna. The Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world's oldest zoo, is also located in the park and was founded in 1752.

Inside the palace, there are many historical rooms, such as the Napoleon Room, where Napoleon stayed. The grounds also contain artificially created Roman ruins.

Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which highlights its importance as one of Austria's most significant cultural treasures.

The gardens at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna are a large, Baroque-style landscape with several impressive sights, such as the Gloriette, the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruins, and the exotic Palm House. The gardens cover a vast area and feature other wonderful attractions, like the world’s oldest zoo, Schönbrunn Zoo.

The garden is a vast and impressive work of art laid out in the Baroque style. One of the highlights is the Gloriette, a wonderful structure crowning a hilltop within the gardens. The gardens also include the grand Neptune Fountain and some decorative Roman Ruins. The Palm House is an architecturally impressive building that is home to a variety of exotic plants from all over the world. The Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest, was founded in 1752 and combines Baroque charm with modern animal enclosures.

When visiting the gardens, you can join guided tours to learn more about the history and sights. You can also simply enjoy a walk and the peaceful atmosphere of the well-maintained surroundings. If you'd like, you can combine a visit to the gardens with a tour of Schönbrunn Palace itself, where you can see the richly decorated rooms.

The fountain is a large, Egyptian-style fountain built in 1777. It serves as a prominent visual centerpiece in the palace gardens at the end of the eastern diagonal alley. The fountain features an impressive stone structure shaped like an obelisk, though the hieroglyphs depicted on it are imaginative rather than authentic.

The fountain is situated in the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, at the base of Schönbrunn Hill. It was constructed in 1777 and is designed as a large Egyptian obelisk, making it a central feature of the palace park. Along with the Gloriette and the zoo, the Obelisk Fountain is one of the most important focal points in the Schönbrunn Gardens. Nearby, you can also find the Neptune Fountain, which was started in 1776 and features figures of sea deities.

A river cruise on the Danube in Vienna offers beautiful views of the city's architectural gems from a unique perspective. You'll sail past the impressive Parliament building, the Burgtheater, and the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral rising above the mists. Along the river, you'll also see modern buildings like the UNO City and the colorful Hundertwasserhaus.

The trip provides some great photo opportunities of Vienna's mix of Baroque palaces, Gothic churches, and modern architecture, all reflected in the waters of the Danube. It's a very relaxing way to experience the Imperial City, especially at sunset when the buildings glow a golden colour in the evening light.

The Burgtheater is a very important national theater in Vienna. It was founded in 1741 by Empress Maria Theresia and is known for being one of the largest and most significant theaters in Europe. It has a long history that began in the Hofburg Palace before moving to its new building in 1888. Today, it's known for presenting works by acclaimed playwrights and directors.

The theater was founded in 1741 by Empress Maria Theresia. It’s now the Austrian national theater and one of Europe’s most important. The Burgtheater started out in a banquet hall in the Hofburg Palace before moving to its current building in 1888. It was previously also called "k.k. Theater nächst der Burg" and "k.k. Hof-Burgtheater." In Vienna, it’s often simply shortened to "Die Burg," and the members of its ensemble are referred to as "borgskuespillerne," or "castle actors."

The Mayerling castle, a former hunting lodge southwest of Vienna, is now the Carmel of St. Joseph. It was acquired by Crown Prince Rudolf in 1886 and became the site of a tragic event on January 30, 1889. The Austro-Hungarian heir, Rudolf, died here along with his beloved Mary Vetsera.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths were officially kept secret, but it's now widely believed that a depressed Rudolf shot Mary Vetsera before killing himself. His father, Emperor Franz Joseph I, had the lodge rebuilt as a monastery for the Carmelite nuns to pray for his son's salvation. The neo-Gothic church was built so that the high altar stands on the exact spot of Crown Prince Rudolf's deathbed, serving as a solemn memorial to the tragic event.

Heiligenkreuz Abbey sits beautifully in the Vienna Woods and stands as the world's oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery, dating back to 1133. Founded by Margrave St. Leopold III of Austria at his son Otto's request, the monastery welcomed its first twelve monks from Morimond in Burgundy, led by Abbot Gottschalk. The abbey was consecrated on September 11, 1133, taking its name "Heiligenkreuz" (Holy Cross) to reflect the monks' devotion to the Cross.

The monastery's rich history includes receiving a precious relic of the True Cross in 1188 from Leopold V of Austria—a gift originally from Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem. This sacred relic remains on display in the Holy Cross chapel today. With generous support from the founding Babenberg dynasty, Heiligenkreuz flourished and went on to establish numerous daughter monasteries throughout the region.

Adding to its architectural splendor, the abbey's large inner courtyard features an impressive baroque masterpiece: the Trinity Column. This majestic monument was designed by Italian-Austrian sculptor Giovanni Giuliani and completed in 1739. Standing prominently in the monastery's central courtyard, the Trinity Column represents a beautiful example of Austrian baroque art and serves as a lasting symbol of the abbey's spiritual mission and artistic heritage.