Exploring Vienna: The Best of Austria's Capital

There are so, so many amazing places to visit in Vienna, so I’ve narrowed it down to my top three:

• Vienna National Library — This is perhaps the most beautiful building I have ever been inside. The State Hall is filled with lavish gildings and massive marble columns, all under a dome, featuring a stunning Baroque fresco. An impressive 200,000 volumes of books fill the towering bookshelves that line the Hall. It’s simply stunning!

• Wiener Staatsoper — The Opera House is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. For a truly authentic experience, I recommend attending a performance. (Even if you don’t typically enjoy opera!) There are inexpensive balcony seats that are equipped with screens that provide translations in English and German. There is also an option to buy a standing room ticket. There’s no formal dress code, but I recommend getting a little bit dressed up — think a button-up shirt for the guys and a cocktail dress for the ladies. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

• Jesuit Church: (University Church) — Visiting churches during a European trip can sometimes feel a bit like déjà vu, but the Jesuit Church is a delightful exception! From its relatively unremarkable exterior, you would never guess the breathtaking opulence waiting for you inside. You’ll be greeted by an explosion of color and detail. From the stunning fresco covering the dome to the gilded accents and the whimsical swirling pink and blue marble pillars — this is truly a one-of-a-kind hidden gem!

Heindl's Schmarren & Palatschinkenkuchl

This is a popular schnitzel spot, but the star for me is the Kaiserschmarrn! Definitely try both the savory and sweet pancakes. Reservations here are a must. There are no walk-ins (unless there are tables available outside.) There is also a fast-casual location that has a smaller menu, located around the corner that is much less crowded.

Figlmüller Bäckerstraße

This is the home of the original wiener schnitzel and the most popular in town, and for good reason. It was my favorite part of the trip! This is another must-need reservation spot, or you’ll likely find yourself in a very long line. However, if you get there right when they open, there’s a chance you’ll get a table right away.

1516 Brewing Company

This is a great, casual little brewery that was filled with locals watching football during our visit. The goulash was delicious and the sausage and mash was the best we had our entire trip! There's also a great beer selection.

Cafe Sacher Wien

The Sacher Torte absolutely lives up to the hype! Stop in here for an incredible slice of chocolate cake and Viennese coffee or a glass of bubbly. The line can be long, but is shorter later in the evening. If you don’t want to wait, you can get your cake to-go from the takeaway spot right next door.

Naschmarkt

If you need a schnitzel break, this is a popular market that features an incredible variety of international cuisine. There is a popular flea market on Saturdays — however, many of the stalls will be closed on Sunday.

Cafe Central

I’m including Cafe Central on this list mainly for its incredible ambiance. It’s one of the most beautiful cafes in the world! Try the apple streusel with vanilla sauce!