Downtown Vienna: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Heldenplatz

Vienna, 1010, Austria

You'll stand before the impressive bronze statue of Prince Eugene on horseback in this grand imperial square. Marvel at how this military hero who defeated the Ottoman Empire still commands respect in the heart of Habsburg Vienna.

You'll walk through the sprawling complex that served as the imperial palace for over 600 years. Explore the courtyards and facades where Habsburg emperors once ruled an empire stretching across Central Europe.

Spanish Riding School

Michaelerplatz 1, Vienna, 1010, Austria

You'll pass the elegant baroque building where white Lipizzaner stallions have performed for centuries. Stroll by this living tradition that continues to showcase the refined equestrian arts of imperial Vienna.

You'll see the bronze statue of Emperor Joseph II, the enlightened ruler who shocked his subjects by abolishing serfdom. Walk through this peaceful square while learning about the Habsburg emperor who believed in equality and faced revolution for it.

You'll gaze up at the stunning baroque facade of one of the world's most beautiful libraries. Pass this intellectual treasure house that holds centuries of Austrian and European knowledge within its ornate walls.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Stephansplatz 3, Vienna, 1010, Austria

You'll stand before Vienna's towering Gothic masterpiece with its distinctive diamond-patterned roof tiles. Marvel at this medieval church that has witnessed 700 years of Vienna's triumphs and tragedies from its position at the city's heart.

Memorial Against War & Fascism

Augustinerstrasse 8, Vienna, 1010, Austria

You'll encounter Vienna's powerful memorial dedicated to the victims of war and fascism. Stroll past this modern sculpture while reflecting on the city's darker chapters and commitment to remembrance.

Imperial Crypt

Tegetthoffstrasse 2, Vienna, 1010, Austria

You'll walk by the modest entrance to the Habsburg family's final resting place beneath the Capuchin Church. Pass this underground vault where 150 members of Austria's imperial dynasty lie in elaborate bronze coffins.

Neuer Markt

Vienna, Austria

You'll stroll through this charming square where Viennese nobility once gathered for markets and celebrations. Walk across these cobblestones where you might still spot members of Vienna's aristocratic families going about their daily lives.

You'll stand before this dramatic baroque monument that spirals toward heaven with golden figures and cherubs. Marvel at this ornate column that commemorates Vienna's survival of the plague while serving as bold Habsburg propaganda.

You'll walk down Vienna's most elegant pedestrian shopping street lined with baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Stroll past luxury boutiques and historic facades while soaking up the atmosphere of imperial Vienna's main thoroughfare.

Looshaus

Michaelerpl. 3, Vienna, Austria

You'll end your tour at this controversial modernist building that shocked Vienna in 1909 with its stark, undecorated facade. Pass this architectural rebel that caused such outrage Emperor Franz Joseph reportedly had his palace curtains drawn to avoid seeing it.