Vienna’s Stadtpark, or City Park, is a peaceful green space on the Eastern side of Ringstraße boulevard. Stretching from Ringstraße just outside Innere Stadt to Heumarkt in the Landstraße district, this park is just a little larger than an American football field. At more than 160 years of age, Stadtpark isVienna’s oldest public park.. Designed as an English landscape garden, the Wien river cuts through the park, with bridgesStadtparksteg and Kleine Ungarbrücke connecting its two sides. Most notably,the Kursalon Wien, a grand 19th-century Renaissance-style building now used for classical concerts, and the Stadtpark station, a striking Otto Wagner design in white and apple-green Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style. At the northern end, the park faces the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts), while the southern end blends architecture, culture, and nature beautifully.
One of the park’s most famous features is the gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss, a popular spot for photos. Located near key attractions like the State Opera, Stadtpark offers a quiet escape from the city’s hustle. Below, I’ve shared some highlights and things to do in the park.
1. Kursalon Wien
The Kursalon is one of the park’s standout attractions. Originally built as a spa pavilion between 1865 and 1867, it was designed by Johann Garben in a historicist Italian Renaissance style. Today, it hosts concerts, balls, and events, and has a café-restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Viennese coffee. The Kursalon and the park even appeared in Season 2 of Vienna Blood, adding a touch of cinematic charm to its history.
If you’re interested in music and don’t mind tourist concerts, the Salonorchester Alt Wien performs Viennese classical music here, including works by Johann Strauss and Mozart.
2. Johann Strauss Monument
The gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II, unveiled in 1921, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Vienna. Framed by a marble relief by Edmund Hellmer, it honors the “Waltz King” and reflects the city’s musical legacy. The statue’s gold layer was removed in 1935 but restored in 1991, bringing back its original brilliance. Today, the monument is one of the prime photo spots for travellers visiting the city.
3. Other Celebrity Monuments
Stadtpark feels like an open-air museum, with more monuments than any other park in Vienna. You’ll find statues of composers like Franz Schubert, Franz Lehár, and Robert Stolz, each with its own story. It’s a great place to learn about Vienna’s cultural heritage while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
4. Art Nouveau Wienfluss Portal
One of my favorite features is the Art Nouveau Wienfluss portal (Vienna River Gate), a stunning gateway with elegant pavilions, grand staircases, and intricate stonework. Built in the early 1900s as part of the Wienfluss river regulation project, it showcases the beauty of Jugendstil design.
The Vienna River Gate is an Art Nouveau monument where the Vienna River resurfaces after its underground course at the southern entrance to the Stadtpark, next to the Stadtpark metro station along Johannessgasse.
5. Scavenger Hunt In Stadtpark
A secretive group with powerful members is allegedly coordinating global events to advance their destabilizing agenda. Reports suggest they may be planning a large-scale attack at an undisclosed location. Agent Farrel has been investigating this organization and, growing distrustful of his colleagues, has sought outside assistance. This situation presents an opportunity to join the investigation and potentially help prevent a significant threat... Find out more about this scavenger hunt across Stadtpark and downtown for teens and adults, recommended from age 12+.
6. The Park’s Flora
As the first public park in Vienna, opened in 1862, Stadtpark combines English landscape garden style with formal Viennese elements. The park contains impressive specimens of native and exotic species, including majestic plane trees, chestnuts, maples, and lindens. Some of these trees are quite old, dating back to the park's founding.
Some areas are designated as natural protection zones, featuring unique species like ginkgo, honey locust, and Caucasian wingnut trees. The park is known for its carefully designed seasonal planting schemes with colorful flower beds, particularly impressive during spring with tulips and daffodils, and summer with roses and annual bedding plants. Around the park's pond and along the Wienfluss (Vienna River) that runs through it, you'll find water-loving plants and ornamental grasses.
7. Sports and Play Areas
The park isn’t just for strolling—it’s also a great place for sports and games. In the 3rd district section, there are playgrounds for kids of all ages, with climbing frames, swings, slides, and water features. What I loved most about the park when our kids were smaller was the soft bark chips lining the ground, which made it very safe.
For older kids and adults, there’s a ball court for football and basketball, as well as a skate park where skaters of all levels practice their moves.
8. Where to Eat
After exploring the park, there are a few nice spots to grab a bite: For a truly exceptional dining experience, visit Steirereck im Stadtpark, a world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. Known for its innovative Austrian cuisine and elegant ambiance, Steirereck offers a culinary journey that combines local flavors with modern techniques. Located within the park, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a memorable meal. For more details, check out this guide to Steirereck.
Meierei im Stadtpark
Part of the Steirereck brand, this restaurant offers regional Austrian dishes in a relaxed setting. Originally a milk drinking hall, the building was restored after World War II and now serves breakfast and an all-day menu. Try the Veal Beuscherl with chive dumplings or the Steirereck Goulash.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed
A Bit of History
Stadtpark’s history dates back to the 19th century. Before the park was created, the area was part of the glacis, an open space outside the city walls used for entertainment. After the city walls were demolished and the Ringstraße was built, Mayor Andreas Zelinka envisioned a public park. Designed by landscape painter Joseph Selleny, the park opened in 1862, becoming Vienna’s first public park.
The Wien River divides the park, with the southern side featuring a children’s park and playgrounds, while the northern side is home to most of the cultural monuments. In the early 20th century, the river was regulated, and architects Friedrich Ohmann and Josef Hackhofer transformed the area into the architectural gem it is today.
