Whenever you’re on the lookout for locations in Europe which can be thrilling to youngsters, chances are high Vienna isn’t excessive in your record.
It wasn’t for us both, however after we went, we realized that there are such a lot of issues youngsters can do in Vienna, and it immediately grew to become certainly one of our teen’s favourite cities.
Vienna is well-known for its classical music historical past, its stunning neoclassical and baroque structure, luscious parks, and quaint cafe tradition.
Whereas that is all beautiful and fantastic, it’s not vastly thrilling for teenagers who love journey, exploring off the crushed path, and discovering backdrops for Insta selfies.
Simply because Vienna isn’t identified for journey; doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t discover it!
On this information, we share a number of the issues our youngsters cherished to do once they visited Vienna, plus the place to remain and the best way to benefit from your go to.
Why do teenagers love Vienna?
However first, you could be on the fence about whether or not or not you add Vienna to your journey plans.
Austria’s capital metropolis is well-known for its historic and beautiful structure, energetic arts scene, and musical legacy, that are all partaking to us adults.
Nonetheless, youngsters like to discover hidden gems, get interactive cultural experiences, and do issues which can be outdoors the norm.
Vienna has a lot of alternatives for teenagers to do exactly that. It has a number of adventurous actions, from nature parks and out of doors recreation parks to amusement parks and theme parks. It’s packed filled with cultural experiences and alternatives to be taught and develop, in addition to occasions and festivals tailor-made to younger folks.
It’s additionally a really walkable metropolis, with a lot of cute neighborhoods with charming structure, quirky cafes, and boutique shops that our teenagers like to get misplaced in.
It’s not only a metropolis the place boredom isn’t an issue, nevertheless it’s accessible and secure too.
Issues To Do In Vienna With Teenagers
1. Get your thrills at Prater Park
Prater Park is an expansive public park in Vienna that was as soon as a royal looking floor within the sixteenth century however is now probably the most well-known leisure space within the metropolis.
The park is the place you’ll discover the enduring Wiener Riesenrad (Big Ferris Wheel), which was inbuilt 1897 and has develop into an iconic function of Vienna.
Most youngsters take pleasure in Prater Park for its amusement park, generally known as the Wurstelprater, which presents thrilling rides akin to curler coasters and bumper vehicles, in addition to varied carnival video games.
Along with the rides, the park has a lot of pathways to cycle or stroll alongside, plus there are a number of inexperienced areas the place teenagers can loosen up or throw a frisbee round, or just lay within the grass, have a picnic, and skim a ebook.
2. Discover sound and music on the Haus der Musik
Austria is sometimes called “The Metropolis of Music” as a result of it’s the place a number of the world’s best composers made their mark.
Classical musicians akin to Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Schubert, and Johann Strauss I and II lived and labored within the metropolis.
One of the best ways to be taught concerning the life and legacy of the town’s composers is on the Haus der Musik, or Home of Music in English, which is an interactive sound museum devoted to those well-known composers.
Teenagers can find out about sound and music in enjoyable and interesting methods, by hands-on reveals and interactive shows.
3. See the animals at Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Vienna Zoo, formally generally known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is among the oldest and most famed zoos on the planet and is definitely positioned throughout the stunning grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.
Courting again to 1752, it was initially established by Emperor Francis I as a royal menagerie and has since advanced into a contemporary conservation-focused zoo.
The zoo is dwelling to over 700 animals from across the globe, together with endangered species, and is dedicated to training and conservation efforts.
4. Strive your hand at an Escape Room
Have you ever ever thought of locking your self in a room together with your teenager, on objective? It would sound like some dad and mom’ nightmare, however an escape room is definitely an pleasant expertise for the entire household.
Should you’ve by no means completed an escape room earlier than, basically the premise is to flee a room (apparent) in a given period of time, fixing clues, puzzles, and challenges, which additionally unravel a narrative in addition to offer you the important thing to escaping the room.
Vienna has many escape rooms, from simple and enjoyable to intense and difficult. This can be a group exercise that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and camaraderie and is certain to be a bonding second for the household.
5. Do a Avenue Artwork Tour
Vienna isn’t just a metropolis of music, however a metropolis of artwork in all types. There’s a vibrant city artwork scene, with varied neighborhoods showcasing a various vary of murals, graffiti, and avenue artwork installations created by each native and worldwide artists.
Our teenagers love avenue artwork for its mix of creativity, exploration, and social expression, so a avenue artwork tour is correct up their alley!
The tour not solely exhibits you probably the most superb items within the metropolis but additionally provides you an perception into how the artwork scene has advanced considerably over the previous few many years, reflecting broader cultural actions and social points.
Avenue artwork in Vienna started as an underground expression however has remodeled right into a acknowledged type of artwork, with the town embracing this artistic outlet.
Notable areas for avenue artwork embrace the districts of Neubau, Mariahilf, and the previous industrial zones, the place partitions function canvases for inventive expression.
6. Store ‘until you drop at Mariahilfer Straße
Mariahilder Strave is Vienna’s essential buying avenue and is the place yow will discover a mixture of worldwide manufacturers and native boutiques.
Stretching over a mile, this bustling thoroughfare was as soon as a standard market and is now a bustling business hub and a pedestrian-friendly zone that has been formed right into a buying paradise.
Youngsters can discover stylish vogue shops, tech shops, and distinctive present retailers, or hit the buying malls, such because the Kaufhaus Gerngross, which hosts a mixture of retail, leisure, and eating choices.
Mariahilfer Straße has a youthful and energetic social environment that, even when window buying, makes for a enjoyable outing.
7. See modern artwork at MuseumsQuartier Wien
MuseumsQuartier Wien, referred to easily as MQ to the locals, is a vibrant cultural complicated positioned within the coronary heart of Vienna. It is among the largest cultural areas on the planet, combining artwork, structure, and leisure.
It was established within the early 2000s, remodeling the previous imperial horse stables into a up to date cultural hub, and is the place you’ll discover a number of famend establishments, together with the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Trendy Artwork (MUMOK), and the Kunsthalle Wien.
You will get misplaced within the artwork museums and admire the various exhibitions or loosen up within the out of doors areas and courtyards which frequently host cultural occasions and festivals.
8. Bike alongside the banks of the Danube River
Throughout hotter months, contemplate renting bikes and biking alongside the banks of the Danube. There are additionally a number of parks alongside the river the place you’ll be able to loosen up and luxuriate in a picnic.
Biking subsequent to the Danube River is a refreshing and scenic solution to discover the town’s stunning city landscapes and admire the importance of certainly one of Europe’s longest rivers.
The Danube as soon as had a major function in Vienna’s historical past, serving as an important commerce route and a supply of inspiration for artists and musicians.
At this time, it’s a preferred route to hook up with different international locations on river cruises, as we did one European summer season, and also you’ll discover the banks of the river have been developed into well-maintained leisure areas, with devoted biking paths that stretch for miles – excellent for a motorcycle journey!
Craig and the ladies rode for 3 hours alongside the Danube River and throughout to Danube Island! It was a good way to expertise out of doors life-style in Vienna.
9. Watch a classical music live performance
You can not come to The Metropolis of Music and never attend a classical music efficiency or take a guided tour of the Vienna State Opera, an iconic and spectacular venue that generally presents youth reductions on visits.
Whether or not your teenagers are into classical music or favor Taylor Swift like ours, they are going to nonetheless benefit from the expertise of seeing a classical live performance within the metropolis that birthed this style.
There are at all times live shows taking place, largely within the metropolis’s church buildings as a result of the acoustics are excellent for such a efficiency. Kalyra stated our evening on the Authentic Vienna Salon Orchestra was her favourite exercise on our Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Listed here are a number of choices for classical music live shows in Vienna:
10. Discover Vienna’s café tradition
Vienna’s café tradition is a cherished a part of the town’s social life. Town is dwelling to numerous conventional coffeehouses, every providing one thing particular and distinctive.
Visiting a Viennese café is extra than simply having fun with a cup of espresso; it’s concerning the expertise. Vienna’s cafés usually function elegant interiors with plush seating, picket furnishings, and ornate decor, and it’s completely acceptable to sit down in a restaurant and skim a ebook for hours with out being rushed out the door.
Quite than your common latte, strive a standard Viennese espresso specialty, akin to Melange (a espresso much like cappuccino) or Einspänner (espresso with whipped cream), together with an array of delectable pastries like Sachertorte (well-known Vienna chocolate cake) and Apfelstrudel.
Vienna’s café tradition isn’t solely one thing the locals cherish however part of its historical past. Ever for the reason that seventeenth century, coffeehouses had been a preferred assembly place for intellectuals, artists, and most of the people and had been thought-about the hub of social interplay.
11. Climb and Zipline at Waldseilpark Kahlenberg
If you wish to get out of the town for some time and into nature, contemplate visiting Waldseilpark Kahlenberg, an thrilling out of doors journey expertise that mixes nature and thrilling exercise.
Climb up 20 meters above the bottom into the canopies of the tree tops and courageous the excessive ropes impediment course, product of zip strains, suspension bridges, climbing challenges, and swings.
The park is positioned on Kahlenberg Hill, which is definitely accessible and presents an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
12. Try subterranean Vienna
For one thing a bit extra distinctive, head underground to find out about Vienna’s mysterious underworld.
Under the streets, you’ll be able to uncover historic basements that had been used as air raid shelters and hiding locations for outcasts throughout WWII.
Go to a historic medication cellar and laboratory, stroll alongside corridors, gaze up shafts and air flow, and uncover an entire metropolis of subterranean buildings under the floor.
13. Go climbing in The Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
In case your youngsters take pleasure in climbing like our two daughters, then contemplate venturing to the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) which is full of 105,000 hectares of scenic magnificence.
This expansive forest has been a pure retreat for Vienna’s locals for the reason that Nineteenth century and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Website of the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve.
The park has a community of well-marked trails that cater to varied talent ranges, together with resulting in the Kahlenberg Hill, which presents panoramic views of Vienna.
14. Journey The Vienna Ring Tram
The Vienna Ring Tram, or The Ringstrasse, is a round tram route that encircles the town’s historic middle and takes you to Vienna’s most iconic landmarks.
It was constructed within the mid-Nineteenth century, changing the previous metropolis partitions, and is among the greatest methods to get across the metropolis – nevertheless it’s additionally an expertise in itself.
The tram not solely connects you to quite a few historic websites but additionally options audio guides in a number of languages, so you’ll be able to be taught fascinating information and tales concerning the landmarks alongside the route.
15. Calm down in The Burggarten or Volksgarten
Escape the hustle and bustle and luxuriate in a fantastically landscaped park that serves as a serene oasis.
Positioned adjoining to the Hofburg Palace, the Burggarten is a picturesque spot that was initially designed within the 18th century as a non-public backyard for the imperial household however opened to the general public within the late Nineteenth century.
The park has a number of manicured lawns and flowerbeds, plus an iconic statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the well-known composer, and an exquisite butterfly home.
You possibly can loosen up on the lawns, have a picnic, or take pleasure in some out of doors video games on the garden.
You can even do this sort of enjoyable at Volksgarten, a landscaped park additionally close to the Hofburg palace complicated. In case your teen likes roses like mine does, you’ll love the beautiful rose backyard. In addition they might just like the neoclassical Theseus Temple, a smaller model of Athen’s Temple of Hephaestus and the Sisi Memorial for Empress Elisabeth. Teenagers might love studying about this stunning and rebellious, but adored Vienna empress.
16. See the ultimate resting place of Beethoven and Brahms at The Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) is among the largest cemeteries in Europe and is the ultimate resting place of notable figures, together with composers, artists, and politicians.
It was established in 1874 and options a number of fantastically designed grave markers, mausoleums, and memorials in a number of architectural types.
There are additionally sections devoted to totally different cultural and spiritual communities, together with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim graves.
Notable figures buried right here embrace composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Mozart, and Franz Schubert, in addition to influential writers and artists akin to Arthur Schnitzler and Alfred Adler.
Talking of Mozart we noticed his childhood dwelling in Salzburg Austria.
17. Snap Insta pics at Hundertwasserhaus
Lastly, a hidden gem for the explorer teen who likes to get off the crushed path and snap Insta-worthy pics!
Don’t miss Hundertwasserhaus, a colourful and distinctive architectural imaginative and prescient created by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
This iconic residential constructing, which was accomplished in 1985, is thought for its whimsical design, which options irregular shapes, vibrant colours, and an abundance of greenery.
Hundertwasser wished to create an area that harmonized nature and human creativity and has lately develop into certainly one of Vienna’s most photographed landmarks.
It’s an important architectural piece that makes for an ideal pictures backdrop, showcasing Vienna’s whimsical inventive scene.
The place to Keep in Vienna
If it’s your first time visiting Vienna, then we advocate you keep within the Innere Stadt (1st District), which is the historic middle of Vienna and the place one can find probably the most well-known landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and quite a few museums.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District), which is positioned simply throughout the Danube Canal, can also be an important place to remain and is inside strolling distance of sights however has a extra relaxed environment.
For youngsters who like stylish and trendy vibes, head to Neubau (seventh District), which is thought for its inventive vibe, boutique retailers, and youthful traveler crowds.
Ultimate Ideas
You don’t have to stay to the vacationer path and go to all the enduring landmarks within the guidebooks to return away from a visit to Vienna considering “Yeah, I actually really feel like I do know this metropolis.”
A part of the enjoyable of visiting Vienna is to simply go the place your ft take you, uncover the again streets and charming neighborhoods, loosen up in its gardens, and simply soak within the environment.
Our teenagers discovered Vienna to be a spirited metropolis in that there was quite a bit to see and do, nevertheless it additionally had a laid-back environment that they cherished.
We hope this information helped you propose what to do in Vienna together with your teenagers and gave you inspiration for the best way to map out your itinerary.