There was a time when Vienna was a fortified city.  One section was directly on the Danube River and  the other part was surrounded by a green, treeless, fairly wide flat space to better see enemies coming. When the wall protecting the Inner City was removed in 1858, the Ringstrasse Boulevard was created.

The empty space was quickly claimed and beautiful buildings were constructed, green space kept, trees planted and the area looks impressive.  Today,  when moving on the circular boulevard (ring boulevard) many historical buildings are displayed on each side of the street and the combination is splendid.  There is something to see at almost every corner. It is centralized and using the public transportation is a wise and easy option when visiting the city center.

Just walking on this street allows you to discover  many landmarks:
– Stadpark (Park)
– Museum of Applied Art
– Straatsoper (Opera)
– Maria-Theresa-Platz
– Rathaus (City hall)
– Parliament
– Volksgarten (Garden)
– Burgtheater
– Neue Burg

Stadtpark

I wish I had more time!

The large well-maintained park is divided into two sections on each side of the Vienna River.

Quiet stroll with statues and benches to relax. You can spend hours here. Even the gardener’s building stands out.

If it happens to rain, just across the street is the Applied Art Museum (MAK). Consider a visit.

Maria-Theresien-Platz

As you stroll around in Vienna you will see a multitude of squares and public art.  One of them is the Maria-Theresa Square and it is one that you should not miss.  Situated between the Hofburg Palace and the access to the Museum Quarter, it is surrounded by two very similar buildings, the Museum of Fine Arts or Art History (Kunthistorisches Museum) and the Nature Museum (Naturhistorishes), both commissioned by the Emperor to present his collections.  While it is surrounded by impressive buildings, the central monument dedicated to the Empress Maria Theresa is remarkable.

Rathaus

Rathaus translates to the City Hall.

In August 2017, it was busy on the grounds in front of the building. A large screen for night concert presentations was installed and food stands were also in the front square. We did not get bored in Vienna. There are many things to do.

If you are visiting with kids, you can find a playground in the square. Kids happy, happy parents.

When we visited, the free tours only occurred on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1PM. We were not there on the correct day so I recommend that you review the schedule if you want to visit.

Looking for more romance… across the street you can find the Volksgarten. Beautiful garden to smell the roses.

Parliament – Osterreichisches

This imposing, impressive construction certainly has a Greek style to it especially with Pallas Athena’s statue right in front.
While we could not visit the interior due to renovations, we recommend taking the time to see this impressive building and fountain. The latter is an attraction in itself.

Volksgarten

This garden is part of the Hofburg palace. It is located between the Palace and the Burgtheater. This park welcomes you to relax for a moment.  Benches along the edge invite you to sit and admire the flowers. You may find some shade too.  Even in the middle of the city, it smells lively and refreshing. It might help you to re-energized during your visit or give you inspiration in this serene area. 

Do not hesitate to walk through it, look for monuments, sit and smell the roses. It is worth it. We were pleased with the rose garden. You will see a sculpture of an Austrian writer Mr. Franz Grillparzer sitting and holding a book in a beautifully framed background, a small replica of a Greek temple in Ancient agora, as well a sculpture of Empress Elizabeth.

Across Ringstrasse Boulevard is the Rathaus.

For an overview of Vienna click here.

For all posts on Vienna click here.