8 must-visit hidden gems of Vienna

Vienna. You may know the Austrian capital for its renowned musical composers, world-famous Weiner schnitzel, and gleaming royal palaces. But, there’s more to The City of Dreams than meets the eye. Here's the inside scoop on the most unique things to do in Vienna, so you’ll know exactly how to spend your free time on your Vienna tour.

1. The Lost Garden at Schloss Schönbrunn

This opulent palace, originally constructed in the 16th century, is one of the can’t-miss places to visit in Vienna. The Habsburg monarchs summered here, and today it's recognized as a key architectural and historic monument in the city.

Nestled just beyond the palace, you'll find The Lost Garden—one of the best kept secrets in Vienna. This challenging maze is tucked right beside the main gardens. See if you can make it to the end of the labyrinth while on our tours of Vienna.

2. Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt

There’s nothing like a European outdoor market, especially when you can sample local specialties while browsing dreamy food and craft stalls. It's one of the most unique things to do in the city and one of our favorite ways to spend free time in Vienna. We recommend checking out two of our favorites: Karmelitermarkt and Brunnenmarkt. We like to think of them as the best hidden restaurants in Vienna.

Karmelitermarkt is just across the canal from the city center. You'll find plenty of locals bustling about on Saturdays, as they shop the freshest veggies around. If you’re looking for a market with even more variety, Brunnenmarkt may be worth the trip. This 170-stall market is the largest in Vienna and sits in one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Make sure to stop by one of the Turkish food stalls for some delicious cuisine.

3. Grinzing

Calling all wine lovers! 1700 acres of vineyards dot Vienna's landscape, which means you're in for a very lively wine scene. We recommend dabbling in the Viennese “Heuriger” (wine tavern) tradition in Grinzing. You can travel to this village on our tours to Vienna and enjoy an evening full of traditional food, music, and entertainment. While this experience is always a must-do while in Austria, your Tour Director won’t bring you to just any of the wine taverns—they’ll bring you to the best-hidden restaurants in Austria.

When you dip into a Hueriger, expect delicious local eats (be sure to try Weiner schnitzel!) paired with wines made right under their roof. The Heuriger experience is not to be missed, as it’s sure to give you a taste of local culture and tradition.

4. Jonas Reindl

Vienna is known for its coffee house culture, so there’s no shortage of cozy shops to get your daily drip. If you’re a java snob, we recommend checking out one of the hidden gems in Vienna, a coffee shop called Jonas Reindl. Local students love this artisanal coffee house, so you know it's worth going.

5. Porgy & Bess

When it comes to Vienna’s musical history, Mozart and Beethoven probably come to mind. But did you know the city is home to some acclaimed jazz clubs, as well? If you love a good trumpet riff, you won’t want to miss a night at Porgy & Bess. Austrian and international jazz greats grace the stage daily, so you're guaranteed to hear an unforgettable set.

6. Hofburg Imperial Palace

This 2,600 room palace was originally constructed during the Middle Ages and remains one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The Habsburg monarchs chose it as their seat of power. Today, the palace serves as the official residence and workplace of the Austrian president, as well as a home for multiple museums. Hofburg is a gleaming symbol of the capital’s political history and is one of the unique places to visit in Vienna.

7. Prater Hauptallee

If you've seen a photo of Vienna, you've probably spotted the iconic Ferris wheel spinning on the skyline. It's a major attraction at Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Most visitors head to Prater for the ride, but the park also features one of the hidden gems in Vienna — Prater Hauptallee. This 2.5-mile long, tree-lined street provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cars are prohibited, so local joggers and inline skaters flock to the boulevard for their daily endorphin rush.

8. Kurpark Oberlaa

Speaking of relaxing environments, we highly recommend a meander near Oberlaa metro station. There, you'll find Kurpark Oberlaa—a truly idyllic park, and one of the unique things to do in Vienna. Originally built for the Vienna International Garden Show, the grounds overflow with blooms to stop and sniff. Once you've had your flower fix, wander on to see the thermal baths and eat a delicious Austrian Sachertorte at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa.

Which Vienna secret spots would you add to the list? Share your favorite unique experiences in Vienna on our Facebook page!