10 Most Beautiful Streets to see in Vienna

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10 Most Beautiful Streets to see in Vienna

Vienna, Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.

The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence.

In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists.

Admire grand palaces down wide boulevards, dine at quaint restaurants down cobbled streets, or go shopping for some of Europe’s most luxurious brands.

Everywhere in Vienna is steeped in art and culture, with the city’s history going back to Roman times.

The public transport system is easy to navigate, so you should be able to find different streets without a problem.

The parks, museums and galleries seem never-ending, Vienna’s most popular streets are home to fantastic architecture, famous landmarks, and plenty of shopping and dining.

Certainly, Austria’s capital is a great city to walk around.

1. KohlMarkt , 1010 Wien, Austria

Image by Dguendel from Wikimedia

No shopping trip to Vienna would be complete without a stroll along this pedestrian-only zone home to traditional Viennese jewellers Wagner, Bucherer and Schullin, as well as resonant international luxury brands.

Pop in the Dorotheum, the world’s most venerable auction house, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2007.

Acquire rare items of jewellery from art deco to the modern age here.

The marble and wooden entrance designed by star architect Hans Hollein at Schullin on Kohlmarkt is a reflection of what lies inside – modern design coupled with perfect craftsmanship.

The extravagant contours and colours of Schullin jewellery are captivatingly appealing. Delicate coral branches, for instance, are grouped together like chilli peppers to create an eye-catching necklace.

For established fashion houses with a long history, be sure to stop by Burberry, Moncler, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna and Dior.

2. Kärntner Strasse (Street), 1010 Wien, Austria

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The most famous high street in Vienna.

Kärntner Strasse is the most famous street in central Vienna. It runs from the Stephansplatz out to the Wiener Staatsoper at Karlsplatz on the Ringstrasse.

The first record of Kärntner Strasse is from 1257, as Strata Carintianorum, which refers to its importance as a trade route to the southern province of Carinthia.

This long pedestrian zone is one of Vienna’s famous places to shop and is home to the flagship store of the Austrian brand Swarovski. 

It offers a wealth of contemporary labels such as Hugo Boss and Karl Lagerfeld and it presents some of the best brands in high street fashion; look no further than H&M, Zara, Mango and Forever 21.

For a one-stop shop, visit the popular Steffl department store and enjoy its mix of designer and high street items that will appeal to the whole family.

3. Graben Strasse (Street), 1010 Wien, Austria

Image by Marek Slusarczyk from Wikimedia

Vienna’s first district’s most popular street dates back to Roman times when it was just a defensive ditch (“Graben“ means “ditch“ in German).

The ditch was filled in the 12th century, and this area quickly became a marketplace. In the 14th century, the place got completely destroyed by a fire.

However, not long after the unfortunate event it got rebuilt and became a residential neighbourhood.

The most famous resident of this street was Mozart, who lived there in the 18th century.

The street became a pedestrian area in 1974, and then it slowly became one of the most popular shopping streets in Vienna.

One of the most famous things to see on this street is the Plague Column or the Holy Trinity Column. 

The column was erected after the Great Plague epidemic, in memory of its victims. This Baroque monument is one of the best-known landmarks of Graben street.

4. Herrengasse, 1010 Wien, Austria

image by Dguendel from Wikimedia

Herrengasse (Herren Lane)  is a gorgeous street near Hofburg Palace and home to many beautiful buildings.

This street also existed in Roman times, and it was a part of the limes highway system.

During the Middle Ages, one part of this street was called Hochstrasse (High Street).

The street became more popular at the beginning of the 16th century when Vienna was established as the imperial capital, and the nobility migrated to this part of the city.

They all wanted their palaces to be close to Hofburg Imperial Palace, which was the residence of the Habsburg rulers.

When Vienna became the administrative centre of Lower Austria and a place where the region’s representatives (which were gentlemen — German: Herren) gathered, the name changed.

Today, this street is a place with gorgeous architectural landmarks, small stores, and cafés.

Don’t miss out on the historic Palais Ferstel! Built in 1860, it was the temporary location for the Vienna stock exchange.

The famous Café Central, which is still the epitome of Viennese coffee culture, was opened there. You can still pay a visit to Café Central, but beware, the line is usually quite long.

If you don’t feel like waiting, check out the little cafés in the passage of the Palais (Ferstel Passage) and enjoy your coffee there.

5. Ringstrasse (the Ring Road)

The world’s most beautiful boulevard is home to many of Vienna’s most famous sights and museums, as well as grand palaces and spacious parks.

Ringstrasse (the Ring Road) is a circular road that separates the historic Innere Stadt (Inner Town) — the 1st district from other Viennese districts.

It is built on the locations where the medieval city walls once stood — it was a fortification with high walls and broad open field ramparts.

The Ringstrasse was built right after the walls were deconstructed, in the mid-19th century.

Along the road you can see many beautiful buildings, all built in the same historicist style, that is also known as Ringstraßenstil (“Ring Road style”), using elements of Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Because of that gorgeous architecture, this road was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often called the “Lord of the Ring Roads”.

You can check out the Ringstrasse from above from the exclusive Atmosphere Rooftop Bar located on top of the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

6. Mariahilfer Strasse, Wien, Austria

image by Gugerell from Wikimedia

The cool and contemporary fashion street. You’ll find a wealth of cool and hip labels along Vienna’s longest and liveliest shopping street.

 Browse its department stores and malls such as Herzmansky and Gerngross and enjoy a wide range of eateries for all budgets. 

You’ll also be able to discover the latest footwear trends thanks to the many shoe shops, from Vans and Foot Locker to Ecco and Puma. 

For denim fashion, Diesel’s flagship store takes centre stage alongside Vero Moda, Benetton, S Oliver and German department store Peek & Cloppenburg.

7. The Goldenes Quatier, 1010 Wien, Austria

Set between the streets of Tuchlauben, Bognergasse and Seitzergasse, the Goldenes Quartier is the new destination for premium luxury fashion in Vienna. 

It is home to glamorous flagship stores and offers a wealth of international labels.

These include British brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo and Alexander McQueen.

Parisian labels range from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Saint Laurent, to name just a few.

For Italian design, browse stores from Prada to Roberto Cavalli, Miu Miu and many more.

Along Tuchlauben you’ll find DSquared2 and Agent Provocateur.

8. Favouritenstrasse Wien, Austria

Located in Vienna’s 10th district, near the Südtiroler Platz, is the Favoritenstraße pedestrian area.

Favoritenstrasse has benches where you can unwind and lose yourself in the soothing sight of water spurting from fountains.

Favoriten is a nice, working-class district. Kind of busy with a representation of all kinds of nationalities and languages.

Favoritenstrasse is somewhat the centre of the district. Very nice shopping street for the 10th district of the big European city.

It is easy to reach the city centre with public transport and has lots of food places around. Best ice cream in Vienna “Tichy” at Reumannplatz.

9.  Schönlaterngasse, 1010 Wien, Austria

Image by Gagerell from Wikimedia

Schönlaterngasse is a small winding alleyway in central Vienna.

Later on, it carried several names that referred to the Heiligenkreuzer Hof(“Holy Cross courtyard”) before being named after the “beautiful lantern” in 1780.

Schönlaterngasse is the main artery of a historic neighbourhood that has blossomed in recent years, thanks in part to government Kulturschillinge or renovation loans.

Beautiful Baroque townhouses line the streets.

At No. 5 you’ll find a covered passage that leads to the historic Heiligenkreuzerhof courtyard.

10. Dorotheergasse, 1010 Wien, Austria

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Part of the Old Town district of Vienna, Dorotheergasse is a narrow lane (German: -gasse).

The street is named for the monastery of St. Dorothea, Dorotheerkloster.

Dorotheergasse is home to Dorotheum an established auction house in Vienna that is always worth visiting.

On the ground floor section, you can purchase different objects d’art.

The Jewish Museum Vienna is also located in Dorotheergasse, it offers unique overviews of Viennese Jewish history and today’s vibrant Jewish community.

Nancy Spero’s installations in the Museum Dorotheergasse and a permanent installation by Austrian artist Brigitte Kowanz represent the importance of contemporary art to the Jewish Museum, Vienna.

Due to its central location in Europe, Vienna is a very popular destination for visitors from all over the world.

Vienna is the most populous city in Austria and the second-largest city in the German-speaking area behind Berlin.

According to the “Innovation Cities Global Index”, Vienna is after London and San Francisco as one of the most innovative cities in the world.

Vienna offers countless parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

In the nearby recreation areas of Prater, Vienna Woods and Lobau visitors engage in walks,  hikes and bicycle tours. Vienna has a total of 2,000 parks.