Despite the fact that Vienna is a fairly expensive city it does not mean that you have to avoid visiting this cool city. Even here you can find many free or inexpensive tourist attractions, a visit which will give pleasure and does not burden the budget. The main thing – to know where to find them and what to exactly look for.
Hofburg
Huge architectural ensemble of palaces unites 19 different styles and different time of construction. It is worthy to devote to it at least half a day as there’s too much to see here. The entrance to the museum located in the palaces, of course,is paid, but not all have the need to study the national library or the imperial riding school from the inside. Moreover, that the external finish of palaces can tell about the time of the Austrian Empire, sometimes even more than any kind of art gallery. And do not forget to look into a romantic garden of the People (Folksgarten), who was once a favorite spot for long walks of the Austrian aristocracy.
Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Quite a few famous composers have lived and worked in Vienna and they are buried at Central Cemetery. Music lovers will find the graves of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss junior and senior. Yes, in principle, it is interesting to visit the second largest cemetery in Europe, where more than 2,5 million people lie together with those famous composers . Wandering along the paths, considering the monuments and gravestones is quite interesting and informative. Especially if you are one of the fans of the historical symbols.
Huge natural park located between the Danube and Donaukanalom is worth a visit if only to see the symbol of Vienna – a huge Ferris wheel, built in 1897. Former imperial hunting ground, has long become a favorite walking place for Viennese, now consist of two parts. Most of the, wild, covered with trees and lawns, where it is very pleasant to walk and to have a cool picnic, and a smaller part consists of a theme park, where there are all sorts of attractions. And finally, throughout the Prater runs the popular Lilliputian railroad with this miniature diesel locomotive. The park entrance is free, but for entertainment, of course, you have to pay.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Another symbol of Vienna which survived the bombing of World War II, although significantly affected by the fire,is arranged by looters after the liberation of the city. The long efforts of volunteers made it possible to continue all kind of restorations. However, to admire its fabulous colored roof with the arms and magnificent internal decoration can be done even now.
Walking along the Ringstrasse
Walking along the Ringstrasse provides an excellent opportunity to get into the spirit of the music. Horseshoe-shaped street that goes at their ends of the canal, appeared on the site of the fortress wall that once protected the city from its enemies, by decree of Emperor Francis Joseph the First. And its specially designed wide enough so that the revolutionaries were inconvenient to build barricadeson its . On each side of the boulevard there are many interesting buildings, interspersed with green parks and gardens. If the weather is rainy, the Rignshtrasse can ride on the tram routes 1 and 2.
Museum of Applied and Contemporary Art
The main theme of the museum – the design in all possible manifestations. Here you can see the glass and china, silver and textiles, furniture and household items. And all this from the Middle Ages up to the present day. Despite the fact that in ordinary days, the entrance to the museum is worth 7.9 euros, on Saturdays entrance for all visitors it’s free of charge. In addition, free entry on any day is available to all guests under 19 years.
Park of Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, who was once the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth, now a museum. Of the nearly one thousand five hundred rooms of the castle, only 45 are open to the public. But to pay almost 13 euros for the opportunity to explore the interiors of the Baroque, perhaps, is worth only if you’re really passionate about the era. But all will enjoy walks in the park adjacent to the palace, where you can wander through the long paths, looking at the many sculptures and stopping at the sun sparkling fountains. The park entrance is free.
Concerts in stores
Numerous coffee houses of Vienna, though do not offer free meals, but entice visitors to the various live concerts, which take place within their walls. Perform are mostly classical music. The musical performances schedules and all of the necessary info about those can be obtained at tourist offices of the city.
Josephinum
For such a strange name hides a terrible Museum Institute of History of Medicine. Its cool collection consists of the most authentically human figures made of wax, showing all internal human organs which makes the museum to be something crazy. For example, lying on a gorgeous silk lingerie blonde beauty on closer examination will show inside-out interior. On a separate floor you will find a rich collection of medical instruments, which had spread in the XVIII century, many of whom obviously have a common root with the torturous instruments of the Inquisition. Needless to say, to give just two euros for the right to contemplate such is not bad at all.
Christmas Markets
By the end of November, almost the entire city center will become a huge entertainment complex. Everywhere music will sound and the air will smell of ginger and cinnamon as the start of the Christmas season. And in each area there are dancing couples, because the whole town turn into a huge dancing hall. Every year in Vienna there are arranged around 20 Christmas markets, so avoid them all in one day is unlikely.
And, of course, do not forget about the Vienna Card, a program which is considered to be one of the most profitable in Europe. For 18.5 euros you 72 hours you will be able to freely use public transportation and get substantial discounts at museums, theaters and cafes.
