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GAY VIENNA
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in VIENNA ?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in VIENNA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in VIENNA
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer residence of the famous Empress Sissi and today one of the most amazing places to see in Austria. Huge gardens, precious interiors and a splendid palace. The visit inside is carried out with an audio guide and winds through large, luxuriously furnished halls and rooms with objects from the ancient imperial family. Schönbrunn Palace is located just outside the historic center of Vienna, but can be easily reached by metro, tram or bus.
Belvedere Palace
Another of Vienna's great imperial palaces. In perfect Baroque style, the palace is made up of two buildings, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. It was the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and is characterized by its beautiful three-level gardens with large fountains. In addition to the gardens, it is worth visiting the Upper Belvedere, which has been transformed into a museum, which houses masterpieces such as 'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt. The building, half an hour's walk from the historic center, is easily accessible by subway.
MuseumsQuartier
The Museum Quarter, also called simply MQ by the Viennese, is located in the "Neubau" district, very close to the Ringstraße and close to the two museums, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum. With its 50 contemporary art and culture centres, it is one of the ten largest cultural districts in the world, visited by over three million people each year. Demonstrations and performances are often held inside the large courtyards. Among the main and most important museums located within the architectural complex, we find: Architekturzentrum Wien - Architecture Museum; Leopold Museum - where the Rudolf Leopold collection is exhibited; Kunsthalle Wien - Art Gallery; Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien (MUMOK) - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art; ZOOM Kindermuseum - Museum for Children.
Ringstrasse (Parliament, Rathaus, Votivkirche & Opera House)
Here we are in the circular avenue of over 5 kilometers that unites some of the most important and historic buildings in Vienna. This street was built in place of an old wall that protected the city. Notable buildings include the Parliament, the Flemish Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall), the Burgtheater, the University of Vienna, the Museum of Applied Art, the Stock Exchange building and the neo-Gothic Votivkirche, all built in the second mid 19th century. Finally, the Vienna Opera House, one of the most iconic opera temples in the world.
Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School & Austrian National Library
The Hofburg Palace is the largest and oldest in Vienna. The complex is huge and includes, in addition to the imperial halls, the Sissi Museum, a stupendous church, the Austrian National Library and the Spanish Riding School. The palace has long been the official residence of the Habsburgs and is now that of the President of Austria. The Spanish Riding School is famous not only for its beautiful white horses, but also for a series of elegant Viennese dances. The Austrian National Library is one of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world. It was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI in the 18th century. The most important area of the Austrian National Library is the Imperial Hall (Prunksaal), an imposing room with a length of more than 70 meters. Don't miss out on this architectural jewel.
Hundertwasserhaus & Kunst Haus Wien
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Vienna is undoubtedly the Hundertwasser House of the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Colored facades with irregular shapes and trees that emerge from the rooms make this place a real enchantment. On the ground floor, you can visit a shopping mall with wavy shapes of the same style. In addition to these houses you will find the Kunst Haus Wien, a permanent exhibition of Hundertwasser's work and temporary exhibitions of exciting contemporary art.
Wiener Prater & Ferris Wheel
The oldest amusement park in the world and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vienna. Opened in 1895, this wonderful urban park retains some of the perfectly preserved attractions of that time. The Giant Ferris Wheel is its symbol and one of the main attractions of Vienna, among the largest in Europe. The park, set in a large green space, has other typical attractions such as roller coasters, a ghost train and a carousel, as well as a range of restaurants. The Wiener Prater is located east of the historic center, and is easily accessible by subway.
Stephansdom
The most important religious building in Vienna and also the place where the wedding and funeral of the genius Mozart took place. The Vienna Cathedral is located in the central Piazza Santo Stefano and was built on the remains of two churches. It is distinguished by its tall spire-shaped tower from which you can see its characteristic tiled roof and a fantastic view over the center of Vienna.
Naschmarkt
Vienna's most famous market with around 120 stalls and restaurants for a colorful culinary offer ranging from Viennese to Indian, Vietnamese to Italian. The whole world in a truly unique market. The Naschmarkt has become a meeting point for everyone and the Saturday flea market is already a cult event.
Karlskirche
One of the most beautiful churches in Vienna. It is a magnificent religious building with a large dome. For music enthusiasts, church concerts (Mozart's Requiem, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons) are regularly performed here.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Schönbrunn Palace, MuseumsQuartier, Burgring & Rathaus - Google Maps
Day 2 - Belvedere Palace, Innere Stadt, HundertwasserHaus & Prater - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
10 BEST EXCURSIONS from VIENNA
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey
Bratislava
Salzburg
Hallstatt & Salzkammergut
Budapest
Prague
Vienna Woods & Mayerling
Kahlenberg, Nussdorf & Heiligenstadt
Haydn's Birthplace & Rohrau Castle
Ljubljana & Lake Bled
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in VIENNA?
15 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in VIENNA
25hours Hotel Wien beim Museumsquartier **** ® Tested by World Mappers
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Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna **** ® Tested by World Mappers
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WHERE TO EAT in VIENNA?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in VIENNA Quality / Price
€€€ - Wiener Rathauskeller
€€ - Gasthaus Pöschl ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße (delicious Wiener Schnitzel)
€€ - Gasthaus Kopp
€€ - Zum Bettelstudent
€€ - Puerstner
€€ - Restaurant Ofenloch
€€ - Zwölf Apostelkeller
€€ - Huth Gastwirschaft
BEST ROOFTOP BARS in VIENNA
Lamée Rooftop ® Tested by World Mappers
GAY NIGHTLIFE in VIENNA
10 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in VIENNA
Felixx (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Why Not Club Diskothek (Gay Night Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
Eagle Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Village Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
HARD ON (Gay Night Club)
Café Savoy (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Mango Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
City Bar (Gay Bar)
Peters Operncafé Hartauer (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about VIENNA by World Mappers
The best way to explore the city? The Vienna City Card! There are different types, depending on what is included:
VIENNA CITY CARD (Free travel on public transport in Vienna, Discounts in museums and tourist attractions)
VIENNA CITY CARD TRANSFER (Optionally bookable with the Vienna City Card, includes: Transfer with all means of transport to and from Vienna Airport)
VIENNA CITY CARD TOUR (Optionally bookable with the Vienna City Card, includes: 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off)
VIENNA CITY CARD TRANSFER + TOUR (Optionally bookable with the Vienna City Card, includes: Transfer with all means of transport from and to Vienna Airport + 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off)
The Most BEAUTIFUL STREET ART WORKS in VIENNA
Although Vienna has many fine galleries of classical and modern art, many of Vienna's Street Art can be seen simply by taking a stroll through the city's streets. Marvel at the murals and graffiti created by some of the best urban artists. Here are some points that if you are a lover of Street Art you cannot miss.
Street Art Passage - This tunnel is one of the passageways leading into the MuseumsQuartier, used to display art for free. the street art Passage, as the name implies, is dedicated to street art. French artist 'Invader', whose work is a fixture in the passageway, brings vitality to the gray walls with his blue and black space invader tiles, giving a dizzying effect to passers-by. The Street Art Passage can be accessed from Breite G and is open at all hours.
Along the banks of the Donaukanal - The concrete walls along the banks of the Danube are like a long blank canvas inviting artists to leave their mark. There are many authorized works but also many illegal ones. If you want to walk in this area, we recommend starting from the Spittelau stop. For some of the best and most interesting works, try heading along the stretch between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring.
Mariahilf / The 6th District of Vienna - This neighborhood has recently seen a major redevelopment and is considered a very trendy neighborhood. In its streets you will find the Naschmarkt, vintage furniture shops, fine Art Nouveau buildings, a weekly flea market, independent art galleries, and lots of murals!
The Most BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINTS in VIENNA
Enjoy the city from above from the best viewpoints in Vienna that we recommend:
Donau Tower - In Donaupark, north of the city. From the 150-metre-high viewing platform you can admire the Viennese hills. If you are brave, you can experience bungee jumping!
Café Gloriette a Schönbrunn - The Schönbrunn is one of the most famous attractions in Vienna. From atop the palace's rear gardens (open access) one can see as far north as Kahlenberg to the north of the city. If you want to go even higher, go up to the terrace of the Café Gloriette.
Stephansdom North & South Tower - These are the towers of St Stephen's Cathedral. You can climb both, but the South Tower is much taller and offers a better 360-degree view, although there's no lift and it takes 343 steps to get to the top.
Justifcafé a Palace of Justice - The Palace of Justice is located near the Austrian Parliament and the Ringstrasse in Vienna. Upon entering you are greeted by a stunning foyer, and from the top floor Cafe you can enjoy the view of the city.
Rooftop of Natural History Museum - From the terrace of the Natural History Museum you have a beautiful view over the roofs of the city.
Roof Terrace of Haus des Meeres - The Haus des Meeres is an aquarium that is home to a multitude of tropical fish and exotic animals from around the world, but the 9th and 11th floors have been transformed into a viewing platform offering stunning views of the city. Also on the 11th floor is Ocean's Sky Cafe, where you can drink and dine while admiring the panoramic view.
Kaufhaus Gerngross in Mariahilferstrasse - Gerngross is a shopping center along Vienna's Mariahilferstrasse, with shops on the lower floors and restaurants above. On Sunday many shops are closed but the restaurants are still accessible with the lift in front of the building.
Kahlenberg - This is for us the most beautiful viewpoint in Vienna. The 480-metre-high mountain is located northeast of the city and offers a great view of Vienna. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Carpathian Mountains in neighboring Slovakia. To get there, take the U4 to the terminus in Heiligenstadt. From there, continue with bus number 38A, which first stops at the Cobenzl and then continues to the Kahlenberg.
Really funny and particular is the Museum of Illusions (Museum der Illusionen) to live an alternative and out of the ordinary experience.
"SECRET VIENNA"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Vienna
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Vienna" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 7 Things and Places to See in Secret Vienna:
Museum Ernst Fuchs (Villa Otto Wagner) - The Ernst Fuchs Museum occupies the fanciful Otto Wagner Villa in the Penzing district of Vienna. Otto Wagner was a visionary architect in the late 1800s. His designs left an indelible mark on Vienna. If you are in the city centre, you will probably come across his work in the city's railway stations (Wiener Stadtbahn), at the Postal Savings Bank (Postsparkasse) and in the residential buildings of Linke Wienzeile, which are located next to the Naschmarkt. Today the Villa houses a collection of paintings and drawings by Ernst Fuchs.
Republic of Kugelmugel - A sphere-shaped "micro-nation" in the heart of Vienna. The Republic of Kugelmugel (literally, "spherical hill"), located in the Prater Park, was conceived as a painter's studio and today is mainly a space open to the public for exhibitions and performances.
WU - Vienna University of Economics and Business - A building of modern architecture and design that makes the Vienna University of Economics and Business a unique place.
Wien Museum Hermesvilla - This villa was a gift from Emperor Franz Joseph to his wife, Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) with the hope of allowing her to spend more time in Vienna. The interior is decorated with works by many famous artists, including Gustav Klimt. Today, Hermes Villa is a museum.
krypt. Bar - Krypt is a secret speakeasy-style bar in the 9th district. The bar is so well hidden that you might have a hard time spotting it. To find it go to Berggasse, Wasagasse.
Wotruba Church - A feast for the eyes. This Cubist church in Vienna almost looks like an alien Stonehenge. Known in German as Kirche Zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit (Holy Trinity Church), it is an asymmetrical set of interlocking concrete slabs. The modernist chapel is named after the architect who designed it, Fritz Wotruba.
Gasometers of Vienna - An example of urban redevelopment. State-of-the-art apartments have been created from huge natural gas tanks. They have even been used as the setting for one of the James Bond films.
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Vienna's Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
Vienna • Classic Tour
Start your special tour with our Gay/Lesbian Guide in the center of the city at the worldwide famous Vienna State Opera, built by the couple of men architects Eduard van der Nüll and August Sicard von Sicardsburg, partners in business and in life. Walk through small and winding streets to the winter palace of Prince Eugen, the French baroque prince who preferred men to women, and see where the brother of emperor Franz Joseph I., archduke Ludwig Victor, named Luziwuzi, took his bath and looked for company. Then walk along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard, over to the Imperial Palace (“Hofburg”), one of the biggest palace complexes in the world and residence and seat of government of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Finally the tour ends in the MQ – Museumsquarter, the former horse stables of the court and today the home of numerous museums including the Leopold Museum with its world famous collection of fin-de-siècle furniture and design and paintings of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele or the gay artist Anton Kolig. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee – Leopold Museum
Vienna • Gay Tour & Queer Secrets
Let’s start you amazing Gay tour of Vienna together with our Gay/Lesbian Friendly Guide. With its almost 2000 years of history since Roman times, the city holds many queer secrets. The general Prince Eugene of Savoy, the archduchesses Marie Christine & Isabella of Parma or the brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, Archduke Ludwig Viktor, who could often be found in bathhouses, are among the most famous queer personalities. But also the composer Franz Schubert is said to have preferred male acquaintances. Over the centuries, Vienna had a rich gay life, which will be presented on the walk. From the imperial buildings of the city center, the path leads through the former court stables, today's Museumsquartier (MQ), to the Naschmarkt. This has been the hotspot of the gay bar and nightlife scene for decades and with its restaurants also a hot tip for culinary delights. In addition to admire the Hofburg, important buildings on the magnificent boulevard of the Ringstrasse as tourist highlights, our tour guide also provides insights into today's queer life in Vienna, which has much to offer from dignified restaurants to casual clubs and intimate bars.
Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee – State Hall / Prunksaal
Vienna by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Vienna and an amazing walking tour through Vienna’s gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night ! Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours) * Drink in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
What to See near Vienna ?
© Photographs in Vienna by Modern Light
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