Vienna is a noble, elegant, and decidedly international city. Crossed by the River Danube, the Austrian capital is one of those cities that are able to make you fall in love with it on your first visit. Here’s what not to miss.
Don’t miss
The Hofburg
Among Vienna’s must-see sights is the Hofburg Palace, the famous Imperial Palace. It was built in different eras from the 13th century and covers a good 240,000 square metres. Inside you’ll find the Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, beloved princess of Bavaria who then became Empress of Austria as the wife of Franz Joseph, the Imperial Apartments and much more.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Among the most important religious buildings, undoubtedly there’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Dedicated to the patron saint, it is a true masterpiece of Gothic art. The building, which attracts 3 million visitors a year, is topped by a bell tower from which you can admire the city.
Schönbrunn Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace is a perfect example of the Baroque in Europe and tells of the splendours of the Austrian capital and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Nowadays it is a beautiful place to visit without any hurry, to enjoy all its pleasures. Another masterpiece not to be missed is the Belvedere, and the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere inside, one of Vienna’s leading art museums, where Klimt’s famous “Kiss” is kept.
MuseumsQuartier
If you love art and its many expressions, you can’t fail to visit the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world’s largest cultural districts. It was once the building that housed the emperor’s stables but is now an arts complex with important exhibition centres.
Trip on the Danube
To end your visit to the capital of Austria in style, a trip on the Danube is just what you need. If pure fun is what you’re looking for, then the Prater is for you: the oldest amusement park in the world, with its Ferris wheel, will excite you.
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
