We made a visit to the ahistorical center of Vienna with a Viking cruise. It is a very busy place with lots of upscale shopping as well as cafes, restaurants and lots of activity. St Stephen’s Cathedral is a focal point. Most all the other buildings are the same height and architecture so it was a little disorienting to us but we weren’t there long enough to get acclimated. There were horse and buggy rides, plenty of taxis as well as the subway to get in and out of the area. It seems to be one of the can’t miss places when visiting Vienna

Our trip took in the last couple of days in November and the first couple in December. It felt like perfect timing. The city was decorated to the hilt with a Christmas market around very corner it seemed. There were beautiful historic buildings and churches to visit, coffee shops and fabulous cafes to warm up in, and an amazing atmosphere. It's not always well signposted but there's a great free tourist guide that can be picked up at the airport, stations and hotels. Although it's walkable, there's a great Metro service too.

The Historic Centre of Vienna is mainly includes Innere Stadt and the areas immediately outside of Ringstrasse. Historically, this area has been the site of human civilisation dating back to early Celtic and Roman settlements. Modern day Austrian which we know today began to take shape and form during the Medieval period while the city saw its peak during the height of the Hapsburg Dynasty when Vienna become leading centres of power, influence and culture in all of Europe and the World. Today the Historic Centre of Vienna is filled with Baroque palaces and churches, streets lined with museums, theatre and opera houses, historic cafes and coffee houses along with a fine collection of city parks. There are monuments, fountains, small squares and charming pedestrian lanes filled with retail and souvenir shopping, historic and modern hotels along with an endless choice of old, chic, fine and new age bars and restaurants. We have spent quite a few holidays in Vienna, usually staying between 4-7 nights. It is truly one of the great capital cities of Europe and excellent holiday destination for anyone who loves history, art, architecture and food.

Vienna is charming and a bit old-fashioned. Prepare to dive into beautiful architecture, world of art and sacher cakes. Most landmarks are located in the inner city, except for the Schonbrunn palace. People here like to speak German, not English :) All the food is very tasty, both in restaurants and in the streets. Tip: metro works during the night on the weekends.

Lovely pleasant city to walk around, plenty of shops and historic buildings. The burggarten area is home to many historical buildings and Mozarts statue, a great place to sit on a sunny day. Walk down from here to St Stephens cathedral and on to Stadepark where you will find statues of Strauss and Schubert.

Our visit to the Historic Center of Vienna was a captivating journey through centuries of rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural heritage. From grand palaces to charming cobblestone streets, every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage site offered a glimpse into Vienna's illustrious past, making it an unforgettable experience for our family. We began our exploration at the iconic Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Stepping into its opulent halls and lavish chambers, we were transported back to the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, marveling at the intricate details of the architecture and the treasures housed within its walls. Next, we strolled along the elegant Ringstrasse, admiring the magnificent buildings that line this historic boulevard. From the neo-Gothic splendor of the Rathaus (City Hall) to the majestic Vienna State Opera, each structure told a story of Vienna's cultural richness and architectural diversity. As we wandered through the narrow lanes of the Inner Stadt (Inner City), we were charmed by the quaint cafes, bustling market squares, and hidden courtyards that punctuated the cityscape. The sound of horse-drawn carriages clattering over cobblestones added to the timeless atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. One of the highlights of our visit was exploring St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has stood as a symbol of Vienna for over 700 years. Climbing to the top of its towering spire, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the city, offering a breathtaking perspective of Vienna's beauty and grandeur. Throughout our journey, we were struck by the sense of history that permeates every corner of the Historic Center. From the medieval alleyways of the Judenplatz to the Baroque splendor of the Belvedere Palace, Vienna's rich tapestry of architecture and culture captivated our imaginations and left us in awe of its enduring legacy. As we bid farewell to the Historic Center of Vienna, we carried with us memories of a truly unforgettable experience shared with family. Our journey through this storied city had deepened our appreciation for its heritage and left us longing to return, eager to uncover more of its hidden treasures and timeless wonders.

The hype about the beauty of the buildings and and architecture is verifiable by this writer. The old town is elegant. easily walkable, and yes, the pastries and coffee is delicious around the historical area. Walk and drink up the history. Include Vienna on you list.

A beautiful city and May is the right time to visit. We stayed in the centre so we were in easy reach of most attractions. The food in one particular restaurant was outstanding, a Vietnamese restaurant called Miss Saigon which I would strongly recommend. The only downside is Vienna is a bit pricey.

Whether it’s hopping the cafes and Christmas markets or living through history in the palaces and museums, you can’t go wrong in Vienna, probably the best city in Central Europe (each entitled to their own opinion, of course). I always felt safe and comfortable in this pedestrian-friendly, clean, welcoming place. The city center is larger than your Bruges or Salzburg, but that’s because Vienna really packs a punch for its size. Yet even while feeling sprawling, you still get this small-town charm that is missing in the likes of Lisbon or Amsterdam. I don’t know how to describe it.

Spent almost a week in Vienna specifically to tour the many holiday markets found throughout the city while also attending several Christmas concerts in St Peterkirche and St Stephens Cathedral. The best way to tour the old center of Vienna is by horse and carriage which we did starting at the Hofburg and ending at Stephensplatz. We passed by the many beautiful centuries old palaces, churches, spectacular lighted streets and parks as well as world class restaurants and shopping venues all the while listening to joyous Christmas tunes! It doesn't get any better than that!!!