Vienna, Austria Historical and Old Town walking tour
1Places: 36 POIsDistance: 2.66 miDuration: 2h:05m
Tour #1724
About this English self-guided 2h:05m walking tour in Vienna
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Vienna, Austria. My name is Dave and I’m pleased to be with you today telling you about the fun sights you will see and experience in this “City of Dreams and Music.”
This tour will guide you through several significant landmarks, each within a short stroll of the next, allowing you to experience the city's architectural splendor, artistic treasures, and historical depth. From the iconic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral to the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, and from the vibrant streets of the city center to the solemnity of the Holocaust Memorial, you'll encounter a diverse tapestry of Vienna's past and present. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to soak in the atmosphere of this timeless European capital, this tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and discovery
Ok, let’s get to the good stuff and see what we can discover! We will be starting on route 1 near the city center, head north, and finally east to the river. Buckle up and let’s get ready to rock and roll! Ok, maybe that type of music doesn’t define Vienna, but you get the idea.
Alright, follow your GPS and we will begin shortly.
We begin today at Naschmarkt, at the corner of Faulmanngasse and Route 1. We are conveniently located near public parking, as well as public transportation stops. Or perhaps you took an Uber. However you arrived, welcome to Vienna's largest and most famous open-air market. We are on the edges of the city center, along the Wienzeile, and the market stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Naschmarkt has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when milk bottles were first sold in the area. It officially became a market in the 18th century and has evolved over the centuries to become the bustling hub it is today. The name "Naschmarkt" likely derives from the word "naschen," which means "to nibble" in German, reflecting the variety of treats available.
The market is known for its diverse range of offerings. Visitors can find an extensive selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, and dairy products. In addition to local Austrian produce, there is an array of international foods, including spices, teas, and exotic ingredients from around the world. The market is also famous for its food stalls and small restaurants, where you can sample dishes ranging from traditional Viennese cuisine to Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean specialties.
The atmosphere at Naschmarkt is lively and colorful, with vendors calling out to passersby, the scent of fresh bread and pastries wafting through the air, and a vibrant mix of people shopping, eating, and socializing. It's a great place to explore and indulge in a variety of flavors, whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or unique ingredients to take home.
On Saturdays, the market hosts a popular flea market, where you can find antiques, vintage clothing, books, and various curiosities. This adds an extra layer of excitement and discovery, making it a must-visit spot for bargain hunters and collectors.
Now is a good time to grab some snacks for the journey today, fuel up, and energize yourself.
Some of the finest musicians and minds of all time have graced the city of Vienna with their presence and influence.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's time in Vienna is widely regarded as one of the most significant periods in his life and musical career. He moved to Vienna in 1781 at the age of 25, seeking better opportunities and greater recognition as a composer. Mozart's musical prowess and charm made him popular among the Viennese elite, and he enjoyed the patronage of influential figures, including Emperor Joseph II.
Vienna, during the late 18th century, was a vibrant and culturally rich city, known as a hub for musicians, artists, and intellectuals. Mozart's arrival coincided with the blossoming of the Classical era in music, and Vienna served as the epicenter of this musical revolution.
During his time in Vienna, Mozart composed some of his most celebrated and enduring masterpieces. These include his last three symphonies (No. 39, 40, and 41), his famous operas such as "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "The Magic Flute," as well as numerous piano concertos and string quartets.
Tragically, Mozart's time in Vienna was cut short by his untimely death in 1791 at the age of 35. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of debate.
We’ll talk about another famous musician, Beethoven, when we get to the Vienna Opera House later in the tour. But for now, let’s check our heads and over analyze something. Any ideas where we’re going with this?
Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, spent the majority of his life and career in Vienna. Freud was born in Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic) in 1856 and moved to Vienna with his family at the age of four. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna and later specialized in neurology.
Freud's career took off when he began treating patients with psychological disorders, particularly hysteria, through the use of hypnosis. However, he later abandoned hypnosis and developed his method of free association, in which patients freely express their thoughts and associations to uncover unconscious conflicts and desires.
What about the man himself? Did you know that Freud struggled with cocaine addiction during the late 1880s. Freud became interested in the potential therapeutic uses of cocaine, which was then a legal and widely available substance. Initially, Freud experimented with self-administering small doses of cocaine and wrote positively about its effects, noting increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced productivity. He even wrote a paper titled "On Coca" in 1884, praising the benefits of the substance. However, it began to affect him negatively. Shocker, Just say no kids.
Freud also had a peculiar fondness for cigars. It is said that he was rarely seen without a cigar in his hand or mouth. Smoking cigars became an essential part of his daily routine, and he believed it helped him think and concentrate.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Naschmarkt and Shopping
Place 2Famous Figures
Place 3Kunsthalle Wien
Place 4Vienna U-Bahn System
Place 5Vienna State Opera House
Place 6Opernbruennen
Place 7Albertina
Place 8Monument Against War and Fascism
Place 9Burggarten
Place 10Weltmuseum
Place 11Outer Castle Gate
Place 12The Hofburg
Place 13Heroe's Square
Place 14Monument to Emperor Franz I and Spanish Horses
Place 15Michaelerplatz
Place 16Fiaker
Place 17Kohlsmarkt
Place 18Josefsbrunnen and Graben
Place 19Memorial to Plague Victims
Place 20St. Peter's Church
Place 21Cuisine
Place 22Jewish Quarter
Place 23Holocaust Memorial
Place 24Lessing Statue
Place 25Old Town Hall
Place 26Hot Dogs
Place 27Wedding Fountain
Place 28Anker Clock
Place 29St. Stephen's Cathedral
Place 30Nail in the Tree
Place 31Blood Alley Quarter
Place 32Mozart House
Place 33Fürstenberg Palace
Place 34Story Time
Place 35Karl Lueger Square
Place 36Stadtpark
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Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
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A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
