This private walking tour through Vienna’s Old Town is the perfect introduction to the city.

Experience Vienna in all its splendor on this popular tour! Discover the most important landmarks of the Old Town and gain an unforgettable first impression of the city during this two-hour stroll. 

Highlights of Your Private Old Town Walking Tour in Vienna: 

We begin at the renowned Vienna State Opera, where you will learn about the history of this remarkable building and its cultural significance. We then continue to Albertinaplatz, where you will see the Albertina, the former palace of Marie Christine, the favorite daughter of Maria Theresa and sister of Marie Antoinette. You will discover more about her life and her role as an art collector. Albertinaplatz also reflects Vienna’s darker history, commemorated by Alfred Hrdlicka’s powerful monument to the victims of the Nazi era.

From there, we proceed to the Augustinian Church, where Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) married Emperor Franz Joseph at the age of 16. From there, we head to the Hofburg, the former imperial palace of the Habsburgs. Here, I will guide you through the captivating history of this power center, sharing stories about the Habsburgs’ strategic marriage policies, lavish celebrations, and the secrets hidden within these walls.

Next, our walk takes us to Heroes' Square, a historic and expansive square. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Neue Burg and some of the most stunning buildings along Vienna’s famous Ringstraße. Did you know that the Neue Burg was originally planned to be twice its current size?

As we pass through the impressive Michael's Gate, we take a look at Kohlmarkt, where you will learn more about the origins of the famous Sachertorte. We then pass the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses – I’ll explain how these noble horses made their way from Spain to Vienna – and finally reach the Graben.

At the Graben, you will experience the bustling atmosphere of the city and hear intriguing stories about the alluring "Graben nymphs" as well as the traditional purveyors to the court who once provided luxurious goods to the imperial family. Amid this unique setting, we encounter Baroque masterpieces such as the Vienna Plague Column. I will also show you hidden architectural gems of Art Nouveau and modern design.

The tour concludes at Stephansplatz with St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna’s most famous landmark. Admire the Gothic architecture of this magnificent building and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories surrounding the cathedral.

Photos: © Gertrud Putz

Recommendation: 

Enhance your experience by joining me for a private tour of the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, or delve into the Imperial Treasury for an even closer look at the Habsburgs' imperial world.