What comes to your mind when you think of Vienna? Aristocratic elegance, probably. And incredible art and architecture. If that's the case, then you'll certainly enjoy this tour through the most beautiful squares of the Austrian capital!
Looking for the squares in this post will naturally take you around the Inner City - the historic core of the city - and beyond it. This way, you'll be sure to explore and enjoy all the major wonders Vienna has to offer. An explosion of Baroque majesty, Neoclassic elegance, and a touch of medieval charm here and there.
Find here a curated list of the best squares to visit in Vienna, each with information, best things to see, suggestions for your trip, and a bit of history!
In this article:
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Overview
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Best Three
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Must-Sees
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: More to Explore
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Overview
OVERVIEW AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Vienna today is famous for its imperial vibes - if you close your eyes, sometimes it feels like you can still see the aristocrats of the city's golden age walking past the streets and hear their voices.
In fact, today's Vienna is the fruit of an intense, extensive renovation that profoundly changed it and that took place right at the turn of the 20th century - right when the Viennese golden era was reaching its peak. It was strongly wanted by the monarchs, the imperial house of the Habsburg. They will soon fall from power and never regain it, but around the year 1900, this seemed still far away from reality.
So what to expect from this tour through Vienna's most beautiful squares? Lots of magnificent architecture! Baroque and Historicist/Neoclassic with a hint of medieval. Then the Jugendstil, of course (Jugendstil being the Austrian version of Art Noveau - that of Otto Wagner, Klimt, and the others), and traces of more or less pleasant events. And churches, many churches.
Going through this list and visiting at least half of these squares would give you a fair idea of what Vienna has been and of its soul. Visiting them all would surely leave you with a more-than-decent awareness of the city's history and its potent past!
INTERACTIVE MAP AND SUGGESTIONS
Vienna's most beautiful squares are all gathered within a rather small area. Many of them are located in the Inner City, some others just slightly. Anyway, when you walk around a city you don't know well, it's easy to lose track of where you are.
For each square you'll find the Google Maps location and information about the closest metro station, however, this interactive map hopefully will also help!
Use it to locate your next stop according to where you are and to plan your day. You can check more details by tapping/clicking on the bottom in the top left corner:
Vienna's Squares: Guided Tour Suggestions
In case you wish to check some of these squares by yourself and some with the help of a guide, here are some suggestions for guided tours through the city. I selected those that touch as many of these squares as possible:
Vienna: The Making of a Weltstadt - Guided Citytour (2 hours)
Vienna: Romantic Old Town Discovery Tour (2 hours)
Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights & Hidden Gems (2 hours)
Historic Center of Vienna Walking Tour (2:30 hours)
Highlights of Vienna in a Historical and Cultural Walking Tour (3 hours)
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Best Three
STEPHANSPLATZ
● Location: Stephansplatz
● Metro Station: Stephansplatz (lines U1, U3)
● Closest to: Franziskanerplatz
● Named After: St. Stephen
● Not to Miss: Stephansdom
● Christmas Market Location: yes, more information here
Stephansplatz is the first square on this list and one of my personal suggestions for the best three squares in Vienna. Why? Because it is not only the geographical center of the Austrian capital but also a rare survivor of a past that Vienna and its monarchs seemed to have wished to erase: the Middle Ages. Come to Stephansplatz for a unique taste of it: the Gothic-looking Stephansdom, the capital's cathedral, awaits you.
The square saw the light back in the 12th century when Stephansdom was first built. Back then, it stood outside the small city walls, but as the church grew in importance, so the square expanded and became Vienna's vital core. Being so central, the square was often restored and revised, and thus nothing remains of the original design except for the cathedral. The whole square with its cathedral was then severely damaged in 1945, at the end of WWII, and that's why there are so many modern-looking buildings here. And yet, Stephansplatz may well be your first stop in Vienna - from here you can begin your exploration through the city's rich history and outstanding heritage!
➊ Stephansplatz looks dense and is entirely dominated by the cathedral. Make sure to circumnavigate it to get the best views of Stephansdom from all angles and of all major residential buildings. From here, you can access a few narrow streets: Domgasse, Blutgasse, and Grunangergasse, or simply begin a spontaneous tour of the Inner City.
What to see in Stephansplatz
Stephansdom: the city's symbol and main cathedral, it was first built in the 1100s, only to be destroyed and rebuilt in the 1200s. Today, despite the WWII damages and reconstructions, it's the Gothic beating heart of Vienna. Don't skip a full visit, it's worth it! Buy tickets here
Haas-Haus: a controversial, post-modern building designed by architect Hans Hollein and built between 1985-1990. When inaugurated, it was believed to be in too much a contrast with the medieval vibes of the square. Today, it's an example of evolving architecture styles. Find its glassy structure on your right if facing the main entrance of Staphansdom.
Dom Museum: A visit to Stephansdom can tell you a lot about Vienna's past, but a place with such a long history cannot hold it all in one place. The Dom Museum is where you can dive deeper into the square and its symbol's path to our times. Buy tickets here
Erzbischöflisches Palais: or Archbishop's Palace, this place used to be the residence of the city's archbishops, whose seat was Stephansdom itself. Today, you can admire its architecture and impressive courtyard, or you can visit it to discover rich interiors and a gem, the Andreaskapelle, a Gothic-turned-Baroque chapel.
KARLSPLATZ
● Location: Karlsplatz
● Metro Station: Karlsplatz (lines U1, U4)
● Closest to: Schwarzenbergplatz
● Named After: St. Charles Borromeo, protagonist of the Counter-Reformation
● Not to Miss: Karlskirche, Secession Building, Stadtbahn Pavillion
● Christmas Market Location: yes, Art Advent
Karlsplatz, just outside the Ring that defines the borders of the Inner City, is one of the largest squares in Vienna. The main protagonist is the Baroque-splendent Karlkirche, but the historical garden of Resselpark also stands out and gives a good chance to relax and enjoy a brief stroll. The square is a perfect beauty and the water pool located right in front of the Catholic temple makes it spark no matter the season.
Karlsplatz's current design is relatively new, like many others in Vienna. The area once stood outside the city walls, and the first attempt to make it more handy came with the construction of the Elisabeth Bridge in 1854, named after Sisi. It only lasted a few years (1897), and in 1901 a competition for redesigning the city was open. Initially, ground-breaking Secessionist architect Otto Wagner came out as the winner, unfortunately, his ideas were too innovative for the time, and his project was never pursued. In the end, the square had to wait until the post-war years to take its current form, the last changes having been completed in the early 2000s.
➊ Karlsplatz is dominated by Karlskirche and Resselpark, but if you came all the way here, you just can't move forward without checking the nearby Secession Building and the Stadtbahn Pavilion - these places defined Vienna's golden age (end of the 19th-early 20th centuries) and can't be missed if you really wish to discover the city's soul. Karlsplatz area is a place for modern art and architecture, so make sure to explore it thoroughly!
What to see in Karlsplatz
Karlskirche: In 1713, Emperor Charles VI felt lucky: Vienna had just come out of a terrible plague. The monarch thought it good to thank God for his mercy and soon began the construction of Karlskirche, a Baroque building dedicated to the then-most popular saint bearing his name: Charles Borromeo. Today, this bright church is one of the city's symbols, but I recommend purchasing the pricey ticket only if you have enough time to spend in Vienna (4+ days). Buy your tickets here
Resselpark: this historical garden is named after Austrian inventor Josef Ressel and if you stroll inside it, you spot several memorials and sculptures dedicated to the figures that made Vienna or Austria great. Do not miss Henry Moore's ambiguous bronze sculpture Hill Arches 1973.
Stadtbahn (Otto Wagner Pavilion): This metro station is a veritable ode to Jugendstil, or the Viennese Art Nouveau style, embodied by the Secession. Otto Wagner designed this masterpiece between 1894 and 1901. Through it, we can have a glance at how Karlsplatz could have been if only his project for it was approved. You can visit the Pavilion or you can just admire it from the outside, just make sure not to miss it! Buy your tickets here
Musikverein: We all know that, back in the time, Vienna was a haven for composers and musicians. This left behind a whole legacy, including the Musikverein (Music Society), a majestic Neoclassical setting where to attend concerts. Check concert tickets here
Wien Museum: Vienna has a rich and complex history, and to discover it all, a museum explicitly dedicated to it comes in handy. Even more so if the museum has multiple locations - one of them is right in Karlplatz, and it's a place I definitely suggest visiting if traveling with kids or if you have 4+ days to spend in Vienna. Buy your tickets here
Künstlerhaus (Albertina Modern): The Albertina Museum is an institution in Vienna, and its mind-blowing collections are so extended that one location just can't do them justice. You can visit the Albertina Modern to delve into post-war Austrian art while enjoying the view of the Künstlerhaus, an impressive Neoclassical building erected in the mid-1800s. Buy your tickets here
JUDENPLATZ
● Location: Judenplatz
● Metro Station: Herrengasse (line U3 - 10 min walk), Schwedenplatz (lines U1, U4 - 10 min walk)
● Closest to: Am Hof
● Not to Miss: Holocaust Memorial
● Christmas Market Location: no
Some places are more than just historical sights, they are vehicles for deeper reflection. This is often true for former Jewish quarters around Europe, and Vienna is no exception. If you are in Judenplatz (literally Jews' Square), you are in what had been the core of the Viennese Jewish community since the Middle Ages. Their ghetto was right here and in the streets around it.
A small Jewish community began settling here around 1150. It quickly expanded and so did its business, until in 1420-21 a violent pogrom (a riot addressed towards a specific ethnic group) decimated the population and disrupted its social life. Before the pogrom, Judenplatz burst with life: it hosted a hospital, a synagogue, a bathhouse, the Rabbi's residence, and a Jewish school with its courtyard. After 1420, many of these buildings were turned into ruins, and you can still visit some today. The community later found new life and the square was lately elegantly rebuilt, but something had changed forever. Judenplatz nevertheless remained the vital meeting point of the Viennese Jews, and today it hosts the Holocaust Memorial right for this reason.
➊ Judenplatz is a rare beauty - it shows off a concentration of Neoclassical buildings and it looks like the quintessential example of Viennese architectural mastery. Take your time to wander around it - the area is small and it won't take long. Notice the rectangular concrete building placed opposite the statue dedicated to Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, an 18th-century German poet and dramatist: its structure contrasts with the elegant surroundings - it's meant to remember the Austrian Jewish victims of the Shoah.
What to see in Judenplatz
Holocaust Memorial: Some 65000 Austrian Jews were murdered during the Shoah. This Memorial was built to remember them. The structure recalls a library of which books you cannot tell apart, their covers hidden. Inaugurated in 2000 and the work of British artist Rachel Whiteread, it stands right where the medieval synagogue - destroyed during the 1420-21 pogrom - used to be. Below the Memorial are its remains, scattered around the square. Buy your tickets
Misrachi-Haus (Judenplatz Museum): a museum dedicated to the Jewish history of Vienna, located right where the old synagogue used to be before being turned down by a pogrom. A great way to learn more about a century-old community and its unlucky destiny. Buy your tickets here
Böhmische Hofkanzlei: Or the former chancery building. Baroque in style, it was built between 1709 and 1714 and later expanded. The interior is closed to the public, but the external architecture is worth a visit - it lets you notice the evolution of Viennese style: from this 18th-century building to the less opulent but equally elegant 19th-century houses of Judenplatz.
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: Must-Sees
JOSEFSPLATZ
● Location: Josefsplatz
● Metro Station: Stephansplatz (line U1, U3 - 6 min walk)
● Closest to: Michaelerplatz
● Named After: Emperor Joseph II (1765-1790)
● Not to Miss: Hofburg
● Christmas Market Location: no
After a good day spent strolling around Vienna, you'll realize the Hofburg has probably been the most common sight. The imperial palace, today the residence of Austria's President (but visitable, only a portion is inhabited), has the Inner City built all around it. Why? Because as the symbol of imperial power, it required a central position. Everything had to rotate around it, as we will see while exploring other squares.
Josefsplatz, named after the Emperor who wanted it, Joseph II, is surrounded by several wings of the Hofburg, as well as by its main façade. Before looking like this, however, it had different purposes, including hosting a cemetery for the nearby Augustinerkirche. The area was then gradually bought by the Habsburgs, who owned a (smaller than today) palace nearby and since the 16th century had the idea of expanding it. In 1575, the cemetery became a riding school, and later hosted parties, horse rides, and balls. However, the square was still closed to the public - the wealthy aristocracy had no interest in mingling with the poor, then common inhabitants of the Old Town. In 1783, Enlightened Emperor Joseph II finally opened it, and this is why today it bears his name.
➊ When in Josefsplatz, as always, take your time to enjoy the architecture, it's elegantly fascinating in its Neoclassical forms. Then, notice the statue: it's Joseph II, depicted as Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Have you ever been to Rome? Well, the statue on the Capitol Hill, that's the one. This one was made to resemble its Roman counterpart, a forever symbol of military might and glory. It's the work of Franz Anton Zauner (about 1795-1807).
What to see in Josefsplatz
Hofburg: That's it, the extended imperial palace complex that seems to pop up everywhere in Vienna. Mostly Baroque or Neoclassic in style, its interiors are magnificent and today is a popular destination among Sisi enthusiasts - much of its visitors' path rotates around the iconic empress, as she lived here for a while. A must-see visit if you are a fan. If unsure, opt for Schönbrunn first. Buy your tickets here (with audio guide) or here
Augustinerkirche: Stunning example of Gothic church with Baroque characteristics, today Augustinerkirche is slightly hidden from sight, and you may miss it. When in Josefsplatz, look for the simple white belltower, and enter the church. Inside, besides the impressive Baroque decorations enclosed in a Gothic structure, something unusual is kept: the hearts of the Habsburg rulers, hidden in urns. Their bodies are elsewhere, as we'll see.
Prunksaal der Nationalbibliothek: Vienna has several breathtaking spots you can visit. One of them is the Prunksaal (State Room) of the Hofburg, hosting the National Library in a unique Baroque setting. It comes with a rather pricey ticket, but it's 100% worth it for both the interiors and the content of this amazing place - a must-experience. Buy your tickets here
Palais Pallavicini: Anything built around the Hofburg had to be imponent, and so is Palais Pallavicini, which takes its name from a noble Italian family who owned it. Neoclassic in form, it is easily recognizable by the two Caryatids on its façade. The interiors, golden bright, have been often used as movie sets.
ALBERTINAPLATZ
● Location: Albertinaplatz
● Metro Station: Stephansplatz (lines U1, U3 - 8 min walk)
● Closest to: Schillerplatz
● Named After: Viennese aristocrat Albert Casimir, Duke of Teschen
● Not to Miss: Albertina Museum, Hotel Sacher
● Christmas Market Location: no
Albertinaplatz may not be the most striking view of Vienna, but is certainly a place you should not miss. Within its peculiar shape, it's a gem of the city's art panorama, the Albertina Museum.
Albertinaplatz is clearly named after the Albertina Museum. But the museum itself takes its name from a prince, Albert Casimir. A member of the Habsburg family at the turn of the 19th century, he is most known for his career as an art collector. Anyway, the square only recently took its current form, and the last expansion dates back to 2009, so basically yesterday. Vienna is indeed an ever-evolving city. The Platz today is at a crossroads of six streets and has always been a meeting point of paths taking people around the capital.
➊ Prepare yourself for a crowded and traffic-packed spot, Albertinaplatz is not for you if you are craving some rest. But you'll likely end up here anyway to visit the Albertina Museum, so consider embracing the chaos for a few minutes, just enough to notice the palace hosting the museum, a 19th-century imperial building. The guy you may spot on a horse is Prince Albert, Duke of Teschen, to whom we owe the art collections. If you are feeling like chipping your hand deep in your pocket to taste an icon, then the Hotel Sacher is the place to be, otherwise move towards Helmut-Zilk-Platz before you go. If you haven't seen it already, your next stop when you exit the square is the Staatsoper.
What to see in Albertinaplatz
Albertina Museum: A haven for Impressionism lovers, filled with Vienna's masters Schiele and Klimt, then Kokoschka, Picasso, and many others. The Albertina is one of those museums that feel like cultural hubs, places where you exit from changed and enriched. Pricey but unmissable. Buy your tickets here
Hotel Sacher: Hotel Sacher is famous for its chocolate cake filled with apricot jam (should you stop by to try it? Is it worth the price and wait? I've written a post about this). But it's also a place rich with history, a favorite destination for the Viennese aristocracy of the golden era. If you don't wish to visit it, take a few minutes to admire its architecture. Check hotel rates here
Café Mozart: This place shares the same golden-era-Vienna vibes as Hotel Sacher, and is a popular coffee house famously frequented by creatives and artists. Rather pricey (we are in Vienna after all), but a good alternative to Hotel Sacher in a similarly old-fashioned setting.
Helmut-Zilk-Platz: How can a square be a major sight of another square? Well, Helmut-Zilk-Platz is a recent invention, it was once part of Albertinaplatz. Today, it's a more tranquil area dedicated to anti-fascist memorials - stop by to admire the sculptures and reflect on their important messages. Who was Helmut Zilk? A mayor of Vienna, known for his communist and anti-fascist past, shared with his family.
Staatsoper: A beautiful Historicist building, the Vienna State Opera was the main cultural hub of the capital during the years between the 19th- and 20th centuries. After the performances, the Viennese aristocracy used to gather at Hotel Sacher or Café Mozart. Today, you can access its hall free of charge or you can decide to purchase a guided tour to discover its interiors - wort it! Book a guided tour here
MINORITENPLATZ
● Location: Minoritenplatz
● Metro Station: Herrengasse (line U3 - take exit Minoritenplatz)
● Closest to: Michaelerplatz
● Not to Miss: Minoritenkirche
● Christmas Market Location: no
As we are seeing, several Viennese squares are dominated by a church. Minoritenplatz is one of them, one of the three to have been granted to different branches of the Franciscans. Minorites, Franciscans, and Capuchins are now all part of the same religious order.
Minoritenplatz was given an enviable position in Vienna's Inner City. It's one of the capital's oldest public squares, and it began to grow around the church when this latter was founded in 1224. Back then, the Franciscans were a new and fast-developing religious order and they would always fill a special place in the Habsburgs' heart, as the family would often favor them. This is why their church stood so close to the Hofburg and why the square was mainly inhabited by aristocratic families. Today, their legacy is all in the beautiful palaces all around the Platz.
➊ Minoritenplatz is a cozy little square and a good place where to escape the tourist crowd. The church surely deserves your attention, and it stands out in the center, however, notice the buildings all around: Palais Dietrichstein (at number 3), Palais Liechtenstein (at number 4), Palais Starhemberg (at number 5), Palais Niederösterreich (at number 7), and the Landeshauptmannschaft (at number 9). They are all Baroque or Neoclassic buildings, sometimes among the oldest examples of their kind in Vienna.
What to see in Minoritenplatz
Minoritenkirche: The church is old, but it looks pretty new. Indeed, it was built and rebuilt several times since the 1200s and now it's more Gothic-looking than truly Gothic. This doesn't mean you should not visit it because it holds a few interesting relics, artworks, and some remnants of its medieval past. Also, it has been long used as the meeting point for the Italian community of Vienna, and for this reason, the works it contains are often associated with Italian art - take a replica of Leonardo's Last Supper for example.
Staatsarchive: At the church's back, at number 1, is the historical seat of the National Archive, hosted in a beautiful 19th-century building you can occasionally visit.
FRANZISKANERPLATZ
● Location: Franziskanerplatz
● Metro Station: Stephansplatz (lines U1, U3 - 5 min walk)
● Closest to: Stephansplatz
● Not to Miss: Franziskanerkirche
● Christmas Market Location: no
Are we in Portugal? This church in Franziskanerplatz somehow reminds me of Porto's! But no, we are still in Vienna, and we have reached a nice cozy square with the second church in Vienna dedicated to the Franciscans. In this case, it takes their most recognizable name, but it was built much later than Minoritenkirche, so the square is also much younger.
Franziskanerplatz takes its name from the church it hosts, although this latter is less dominating than others we've seen. The church was built in the 17th century and the square was opened up around the same time. In fact, it used to look much more cluttered than today, always crowded with people going to the church and aristocrats living all around. A few residential buildings had to be removed to make it more spacious, but the square still shows a peculiar L-shape, a sign of how its area was forcibly created. Today, it's a secluded space in a busy city, mostly off the beaten tracks.
➊ In Franziskanerplatz, of course, take some time to admire the church that gives the square its name. Focus also on the fountain in front of it, called Mosesbrunnen (literally Moses Fountain) for the statue: the man you see is the Biblical figure of Moses. The entire monument was made in the late 1700s and is the work of Johann Martin Fischer, although the current statue you see is a later bronze copy. Then, you are not done yet, because in such little space, Franziskanerplatz contains tons of surprises: first, notice the shops, bars and restaurants - Kleines Café is the local institution but they are all well-curated and part of the Viennese scene. Second, the architecture: the square is full of aristocratic residences erected in the 1600s/1700s (at numbers 2 and 3), where even Mozart lived. At number 4 is the Franciscan Monastery.
What to see in Franziskanerplatz
Franziskanerkirche: The façade of this 17th-century church is not the most enthralling and stays kinda hidden from sight, but the interiors are exquisitely Baroque. If you are a fan and have a few minutes to spare, explore this temple and its cloister. They are places of tranquility, far from the tourist crowds.
Kleines Café: The Hotel Sacher of our times, the Kleines Café is a popular destination for young and old alike and is especially frequented in the evenings when Franziskanerplatz takes new life. Founded in 1970 by the Austrian actor Hanno Pöschl and built by Viennese architect Hermann Czech, it's a long-standing meeting place for artists.
FREYUNG
● Location: Freyung
● Metro Station: Herrengasse (line U3 - 5 min walk)
● Closest to: Am Hof
● Not to Miss: Schottenkirche, Local market
● Christmas Market Location: yes, Altwiener Christkindl Market
Another square, another unusual shape. Freyung is all-around unusual: its name remains also a semi-mystery. Dominated by a former medieval but now Baroque church, this square is now renowned for its markets, which take place throughout the entire year. The most famous are the Easter and Christmas ones.
The name Freyung is a rather modern invention (1700s) but the square has been here for centuries before that. Located slightly outside the main Inner City circles, it was used (and is still used) as a marketplace. It also hosts a church, and indeed its name may come from there. Frei in German means free - this could be a reference to the Schottenkirche (Scots' Church), a temple first built in the 12th century by a then-popular Irish-Scottish monastic community wandering around Europe to spread their upright lifestyle. Since the monks were granted a tax exemption - so they were tax-free - that "free" might come from that. Or it may come from a cemetery once hosted here, in German "Freihof".
➊ I hope you come here when Freyung hosts a market because this is when the square really bursts with life! I was here during the Easter Market, and the atmosphere was just cozy and nice, but the Christmas Market is also a great opportunity to enjoy a nice stroll around the stalls. Other markets such as the Organic or Farmers' ones are held in other periods. Take some time to also notice the Schottenkirche and the fountain, called Austriabrunnen: it represents a crowned, triumphant Austria holding a shield and a spear. Around its base are four allegories of the major rivers of the former Habsburg empire.
What to see in Freyung
Schottenkirche: A church with an impressive history that dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded by a group of monks from Scotland. Unfortunately, a fire soon destroyed the first construction, but the temple remained a mainstay in Vienna and was always rebuilt. Today, it shows elegant Baroque forms and is worth a visit together with its cloister-museum (Schottenstift), which hosts a few interesting pieces that retrace a complex history.
Bank Austria Kunstforum: After some three days of visiting museums in Vienna you may think you've seen them all, but no, Vienna has so many it'd take a month! The Kunstforum is a place for contemporary art exhibitions, all temporary, with an elegant Belle Epoque setting. Check their website to see if you should consider a visit! Buy your tickets here
Palais Schönborn-Batthyány: Similarly to the Musikverein in Karlsplatz, this Palais is a concert hall where you can enjoy a unique performance in an outstanding Baroque location. Be aware of scams though, and make sure to double-check if the upcoming event is worth the ticket! Check tickets here
MARIA-THERESIEN-PLATZ
● Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz
● Metro Station: Volkstheater (line U3 - 3 min walk)
● Closest to: Heldenplatz
● Named After: Empress Maria Theresa I (1745-1765)
● Not to Miss: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Naturhistorisches Museum
● Christmas Market Location: yes, Weihnachtsdorf
From cozy squares to majestic temples for the Habsburg family. Maria-Theresien-Platz takes its name from one of the greatest and most loved monarchs of Austria and was meant as a celebration of imperial power. Gloomy weather accompanied me every time I visited it, but the square is simply a mind-blowing sight no matter the moment.
Located right beside the Museumquartier and opening up on Ringstrasse, Maria-Theresien-Platz took this form in 1889 when Vienna was on the edge of a massive urban renovation that made it the architectural haven it is today. Indeed, until 1857 here was still the Glacis (the area of Vienna outside the city walls) with its temporary buildings and everything looked drastically different. Then, it became the core of an immense project to build a boulevard of the monarchy that could highlight the central power. The project, which included the erection of a veritable Imperial Forum (like Roman examples) and a connection of this square to the Hofburg, was only partially realized, but I believe they managed to convey the overall message nevertheless.
➊ Maria-Theresien-Platz is a popular destination for the gigantic museums it hosts in two nearly-identical buildings facing each other: the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) and Naturhistorisches (Natural History). They are both unmissable spots in your itinerary through Vienna for their collections are the fruit of centuries of Habsburgs' acquisitions. After spending a good portion of your day visiting, notice the statue between them: it represents a solemn Empress Maria Theresa in all her might - she was powerful during her lifetime and her legacy still is today.
What to see in Maria-Theresien-Platz
Kunsthistorisches Museum: The Kunsthistorisches contains one of the world's most significant art collections; if you are in Vienna, this should be on top of your itinerary. Old Masters' paintings, sculptures, crafts objects, and more - all in a superb palatial setting that is a masterpiece by itself. Buy your tickets here
➜ On the blog you can find several posts dedicated to the museum and its collections!
Naturhistorisches Museum: Extended and highly informative, the Natural History Museum is perfect for kids but also for anyone interested in our planet's history and evolution. Tons of rooms with various content - a place to spend hours learning. Again, an impressive 19th-century setting in a palace-like building with breathtaking interiors. Buy your tickets here
HELDENPLATZ
● Location: Heldenplatz
● Metro Station: Volkstheater or Herrengasse (line U3, both 5 min walk)
● Closest to: Maria-Theresien-Platz
● Not to Miss: Hofburg, Volksgarten
● Christmas Market Location: no
Another stop on the Hasburgs' Boulevard that never came to light. With Maria-Theresien-Platz we've seen that this majestic path was meant to connect the main imperial power centers and to give the Viennese and all visitors a clear impression of the monarchic might. The project remained incomplete (and the Habsburgs ultimately fell) but Heldenplatz now does its part to keep up that spirit.
Heldenplatz (German for Heroes' Square) was, like its neighbor Maria-Theresien-Platz, part of the Glacis, the area of Vienna just outside the city walls. This means that throughout history, not much was built here except for heavy fortifications. Indeed, those fortifications - today partially visible at Heldentor (Heroes' Gate) - were blown up by Napoleon in 1809. Right for this reason, the square became a vital point for remembrance and a symbol of resilience. It was given this name in 1878 and two statues of potent commanders (Archduke Charles of Austria and Prince Eugene of Savoy) were placed here. ➜ Heldenplatz was also the stage of another unfortunate episode: on March 15, 1938, Adolf Hitler announced the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria to Third Reich Germany from here. He did so as a mock to the previous government, now in ruins.
➊ This area is spacious and airy and your sight can get lost while wandering around the square. In Heldenplatz, I believe it is powerful to remember the 1938 Hitler speech and how many terrible consequences the Anschluss had for Austria. The square was packed with people at the time and the dictator was at the heyday of its popularity. Then, notice the statues: even if you don't know the two figures, their portraits well represent the military spirit of the epoch (18th-19th century). Stop at Heldentor for a different kind of remembrance, then you can visit Volksgarten and enjoy a bit of peace far from the traffic. Don't forget that you are a step distance from the Hofburg!
What to see in Heldenplatz
Heldentor: Also called Äußere Burgtor (Outer Gate) is a 19th-century reconstruction of the original 1600s gate, blown up by Napoleon in 1809 and then rebuilt as a symbol of resilience. Today, it serves as a memorial and honoring place for all Austrian fallen ones.
Volksgarten: No plans for an imperial forum and boulevard could ever be complete without a historical garden. And so there it is, the Volksgarten (People's Garden). If you stroll around it, you'll likely notice a few Neoclassical elements, such as the Theseustempel, clearly meant to recreate a Greek temple. This was customary in the 19th century and it was how gardens were supposed to be: relaxing and thought-inspiring.
Palais Epstein: If you enter Volksgarten from Heldenplatz and then exit it on Ringstrasse, you should see an imponent, a Neo-Renaissance palace with a brick base and yellow architecture: it's Palais Epstein and is currently the only palace on Ringstrasse you can visit! Today it is part of the Parliament, and you can visit both for free with a guided tour.
MICHAELERPLATZ
● Location: Michaelerplatz
● Metro Station: Herrengasse (line U3, 4 min walk)
● Closest to: Josefsplatz
● Named After: St. Michael
● Not to Miss: Michaelerkirche, Hofburg
● Christmas Market Location: yes, more information here
An opulent-looking, star-shaped square whose main sight is, of course, the Hofburg (another side of it though!). Michaelerplatz is a point of intersection of several streets, a role it has always had. Named after St. Michael and his church, this square has a surprising history, and it's one of the most elegant spots around.
Michaelerplatz takes its name from St. Michael, but its story doesn't begin with Christianity. Here was a Roman legionary camp, Vindobona, the ancient precursor of Vienna (from which the city's name also originates) - you can still see the foundations of this amazing site with the remains of four houses right in the square's center. During the Middle Ages, the area hosted a popular market and today it is still used for the same purpose. In the 13th century, the church was founded and the square was partially occupied by its cemetery, later dismissed. The square as we see it today was created between the 18th and the 19th centuries, right when Vienna was given its modern urban asset.
➊ Michaelerplatz is a small thing, a sort of roundabout, but all its space is well-used: the very center is where you can spot the excavations of Vindobona, Vienna's ancestor. All around them and flanking the Hofburg is where the Christmas market and other events take place all over the year. And then, yes, the Hofburg: on this side of it, you can easily access the Spanish Riding School, Sisi Apartments, as well as In der Burg, an amazingly beautiful cupola gallery passing right through the imperial palace - a Baroque explosion. Check the other buildings too, they are all bearers of Vienna's splendid architectural mastery: the Looshaus in its early 1900s Modernist style, the Palais Herberstein, with a style just in-between epochs.
What to see in Michaelerplatz
Michaelerkirche: This church was built between 1219 and 1221, then often reconstructed until it turned mostly Baroque, with a few scattered earlier remnants. Visit it to escape the crowds of the Hofburg and to find some amazing 15th, 16th, and later impressive works of art.
Spanish Riding School: My thoughts about this place are mixed. A riding school was normal for a royal palace, and even more normal for a monarchy as powerful as that of the Habsburgs - horses and chivalry were part of the everyday life of the aristocracy until very recent times and royal families deserved only the best. This school dates back to 1735 and is called "Spanish" due to the origin of the prestigious breed trained here, the Lipizzaner horses. But honestly, today it looks more like a tourist trap than anything else - the building is beautiful, I've visited its courtyard and it's worth it. A visit to the training school? Choose as you wish! Check your options here
Sisi Museum: Another place that is surely worth a mention but I'm unsure whether is worth a visit. It's kinda pricey, like everywhere else in Vienna, and is entirely dedicated to Empress Sisi, with an exhibition focusing mostly on her dresses and everyday objects. Are you a fan of her? Go for it! Otherwise, visit Schönbrunn first, there is much to see about the royal family there too. Buy your tickets here
Vienna's Most Beautiful Squares: More to Explore
Now that we've covered all major squares in Vienna, it's time to see a few more that are still much worth a visit but that you may consider keeping for a second trip in case you don't have much time to spend in the capital!
SANKT-ULRICHS-PLATZ
● Location: Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz
● Metro Station: Volkstheater (line U3 - 5 min walk)
● Closest to: Maria-Theresien-Platz
● Named After: St. Ulrich
● Not to Miss: Ulrichskirche
● Christmas Market Location: no
The first one is Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz, located very close to Maria-Theresien-Platz but opposite the Inner City. This means that this square once stood quite outside the city walls.
Indeed, Sankt-Ulrich used to be a whole separated district of Vienna, called this way because it rotated around a small church, Ulrichskirche, now the main protagonist of the square. Today, what we see is a clear juxtaposition of epochs: at number 4 is the oldest house, erected in the 13th century, then rebuilt, but with some original portions still visible. Then there's that little church, born late Romanesque then turned Baroque. And Baroque-styled are also the buildings placed all around this pedestrian square, worth a closer look.
➊ Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz is located a bit further from the city center, so you can consider coming here after sunset to escape the crowds and find more options for dinner! You won't find the church open though, it closes at 6PM every day - remember this in case you plan to visit it inside.