When kicking off your sightseeing at Vienna's First District, also known as Innere Stadt, expect to embrace landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.
Vienna’s First District Innere Stadt: Top Places to Experience
Enclosed by the grand Ringstrasse boulevard Vienna's Innere Stadt, or First District, collects the historical sights any first time visitor would wish for.., Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site the Wiener Innenstadt hosts the Hofburg Palace, the Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera.
What to Do at Innere Stadt?
1. Visit the Landmarks of Innere Stadt, Vienna’s First District
The Innere Stadt, is packed with grand churches, impressive buildings, and world-renowned museums. To explore the area comprehensively, consider this smart walking route which covers 80% of the key sights of Innere Stadt.
Gothic, Baroque And Plain Old Churches
At Stephansplatz, you can explore St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)from the inside, take an elevator, or brave the 343-step climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of Vienna. Stephansdom stands as the jewel of Vienna’s Gothic architecture. Located in the city center, it dates back to the 12th century, with its iconic tower and colourful patterned tiled roof being key features. The church has witnessed numerous historical events, and its 20-ton bell, made from captured Turkish cannons, is one of its most famous elements.
Other notable Gothic churches include the Church of the Augustinians, the Church of Maria am Gestade, and the Church of the Friars Minor (Minoritenkirche), each of which adds to the district's religious and architectural legacy. Additionally, St. Ruprecht’s Church, Vienna's oldest church, dates back to the 13th century, while the Church of St. Peter offers an exquisite example of Baroque design. If you are interested in Vienna’s sacred sites, the Long Night of the Churches, an annual event in May, allows you to visit these historic landmarks after dark.
Historical Buildings
Vienna's architectural heritage is on full display in the numerous grand buildings throughout the Innere Stadt. For a more historical experience, take a stroll along Graben to see landmarks like the Plague Column, and from there, venture toward the Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School before moving on to the Vienna State Opera. In Vienna City Centre I roll out what to see in the Innenstadt in more detail.
Famous Museums
The Innere Stadt is home to a wealth of cultural institutions, including the Sissi Museum at Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Austrian National Library next door, the Albertina, and the Vienna Clock Museum (Wiener Uhrenmuseum). Beyond these renowned museums, the district boasts numerous historic inner courtyards and passageways, known as Pawlatschen. These historic spaces, characterized by narrow, open wooden balconies connecting apartments, offer a glimpse into Vienna's residential architectural heritage.
2. Where To Eat at Innere Stadt
The Innere Stadt is home to some of Vienna’s best-known eateries, including tourist magnet Figlmüller, famed for its Wiener Schnitzel, Plachutta, known for its Tafelspitz, Zum Schwarzen Kameel, and Feinkosterei. The culinary scene here offers more than traditional dishes. Moreover, Motto am Fluss, located along the Danube Canal, offers both great food and beautiful views, while Il Melograno serves some of the city’s finest Italian cuisine. For a taste of Japan, head to Shiki, offering exquisite sushi and fusion dishes.
Vienna’s café culture is legendary, and the Innere Stadt is the place to experience it. Café Diglas, Café Landtmann, and Kleines Kaffee are traditional spots, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry. For something special, fork up one of Gerstner’s exquisite cakes in what feels like a sophisticated Viennese living room just opposite the Vienna State Opera.
3. Go Shopping
All around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, shoppers can wander through Kärntner Strasse or Rotenturm Strasse, lined with high-end stores and boutiques. The traditional departmental store Gerngross offers a range of items, from vintage bags to Heurigen wine glasses and enameled cake tins.
Besides that, shopping in the First District ranges from the high street to luxury boutiques. Kärntner Strasse is home to international brands, while Graben is where you’ll find exclusive shops and designer stores. If you're looking for something unique, wander through Wollzeile, where small independent retailers sell everything from antiques to handmade souvenirs.
4. Enjoy Burgtheater
The Burgtheater, established in 1741, stands as one of Vienna's most esteemed cultural landmarks. Located along the Ringstrasse, its grand neo-Gothic architecture captivates visitors. Inside, the theater boasts opulent interiors adorned with intricate frescoes by renowned artists Gustav Klimt and Franz Matsch. As Austria's National Theater, the Burgtheater has been a cornerstone of German-language drama, premiering works by illustrious playwrights such as Johann Nestroy, Ferdinand Raimund, and Thomas Bernhard.
If your German is not up to speed to watch a theater performance, peak into the foyer in the early evenings when the theater opens.
5. Walk in the Streets of Innere Stadt
The streets of Innere Stadt are mostly pedestrianized, making it ideal for walking and discovering the city at a leisurely pace. Traffic is mainly restricted to buses and taxis, so it’s best to explore on foot or take tramways 1 and 2 to discover Ringstrasse.
Follow four smart routes: either see imperial sights at Hofburg Palace, wander medieval alleys near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, enjoy art at the Albertina, or admire grand buildings on the Ringstrasse.
1. Imperial Splendor at Hofburg Palace
- Where it takes visitors: This route immerses visitors in Vienna's imperial history, showcasing the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty.
- Duration: 2–3 hours (depending on how much time you spend exploring the museums and interiors).
- Start: Michaelerplatz (main entrance to Hofburg Palace).
- Finish: Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square), with views of the Neue Burg wing.
- Key sights in between:
- Imperial Apartments: Explore the lavish living quarters of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi.
- Sisi Museum: Learn about the life of Empress Elisabeth.
- Silver Collection: Discover the opulent tableware and imperial dining traditions.
- Spanish Riding School: Watch the Lipizzaner horses train (if timed correctly).
- Heldenplatz: End with a stroll through this historic square, offering views of the Neue Burg and the statue of Archduke Charles.
2. Medieval Charm near St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Where it takes visitors: This route takes you through Vienna's historic heart, with narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and Gothic architecture.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
- Start: Stephansplatz (at the base of St. Stephen’s Cathedral).
- Finish: Blutgasse (a picturesque medieval street).
- Key sights in between:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Climb the South Tower for panoramic views of Vienna.
- Graben: Walk along this elegant shopping street, home to the iconic Plague Column.
- Stock-im-Eisen: A historic tree trunk encased in glass, symbolizing Vienna’s medieval past.
- Domgasse: Visit Mozart’s former residence at Mozarthaus Vienna.
- Blutgasse: End in this charming, narrow alley with a rich history.
3. Artistic Delights at the Albertina
- Where it takes visitors: This route is perfect for art lovers, combining world-class museums with stunning architecture.
- Duration: 2–3 hours (depending on how much time you spend in the museums).
- Start: Albertina Museum entrance (near the State Opera).
- Finish: Kärntner Strasse (a bustling shopping street).
- Key sights in between:
- Albertina Museum: Admire masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, and Dürer.
- Albertina Terrace: Enjoy views of the State Opera and the Burggarten.
- Burggarten: Stroll through this tranquil park, home to the Mozart Monument.
- State Opera: Marvel at one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
- Kärntner Strasse: End with some shopping or a coffee at a traditional Viennese café.
4. Grandeur on the Ringstrasse
- Where it takes visitors: This route showcases Vienna’s architectural splendor, with grand buildings and landmarks along the Ringstrasse boulevard.
- Duration: 2–3 hours (or longer if you enter the museums).
- Start: Vienna State Opera (Opernring).
- Finish: Votivkirche (near Schottenring).
- Key sights in between:
- Vienna State Opera: Begin at this iconic cultural landmark.
- Kunsthistorisches Museum: Explore one of the world’s finest art museums.
- Natural History Museum: Located opposite the Kunsthistorisches Museum, it’s a treasure trove of scientific wonders.
- Parliament and City Hall: Admire the neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture.
- Burgtheater: One of the most important theaters in the German-speaking world.
- Votivkirche: End at this stunning neo-Gothic church, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture.
Each route gives you a different way to see Vienna, depending on what you're into—whether it's imperial history, medieval vibes, art, or impressive architecture. You can pick one that suits your mood or mix and match a few if you want to spend the whole day exploring.
6. Experience the Nightlife of Innere Stadt
When the sun sets, nightlife in the First District starts gently. The Modernist American Loos Bar, with its mirrored ceiling, is a tiny yet stylish spot for a drink, while the Bockshorn Irish Pub offers a lively atmosphere and quirky decor. For a true Viennese night out, head to the Bermuda Triangle around Schwedenplatz, a popular area for bars and clubs. To find out concrete tips and addresses head to Best Bars In Vienna.
7. Best Hotels to Stay at Innere Stadt
The Innere Stadt boasts the largest number of luxury hotels and four-star hotels, such as Hotel Sacher, Hotel Bristol, and Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser.
These hotels offer a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, providing guests with world-class amenities, exquisite dining options, and exceptional service. Hotel Sacher, famous for its legendary Sachertorte, exudes old-world elegance, while Hotel Bristol, located near the Vienna State Opera, combines classic decor with contemporary comfort. Schlosshotel Römischer Kaiser, a boutique hotel set in a Baroque palace, offers an intimate and sophisticated stay. Whether you're looking for a grand experience or a charming retreat, Innere Stadt's hotels ensure a memorable visit in the heart of Vienna.
8. Weather in Innere Stadt
he First District in Vienna experiences a Marine west coast, warm summer climate (Cfb). With an average yearly temperature of 12.2ºC (53.96ºF), it is slightly warmer than Austria’s national average. Rain is moderate, with approximately 32.56 mm (1.28 inches) of precipitation annually. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella if visiting in winter.
For up-to-date weather information, check the Wien Weather Widget for live updates.
