Many of Vienna’s most famous attractions can be viewed if you travel in only one single tramline
Vienna has the fifth largest tram network worldwide. So it comes as no surprise that the most important attractions in Vienna can be viewed if you travel with one tram. And you can do so quite cheaply and without even getting off the tram.
We are referring to the no. 1 tramline. This runs without interruption every day. The sightseeing tour takes approximately 30 minutes from Karlsplatz to the last station.
You can see Vienna’s top attractions quickly and comfortably. Especially for people who have mobility problems, this is an easy way to view the sights of Vienna. And if you like a particular attraction, you can simply get off the tram at the next stop and afterwards continue your sightseeing trip on the next tram.
Karlskirche, Karlsplatz and Wien Museum
We recommend that you begin at Karlsplatz (Charles’ Square). By so doing, you can use the time to visit the square in front of the imposing Karlskirche (Charles’ Church). The striking sacred building and the dome give the church its unique appearance.
In addition, the Vienna Museum, directly on the Charles Square, is definitely worth a visit. As its name already suggests, the focus of the museum is Vienna.
Vienna State Opera
Once you are in the tram, you will travel along the Kärntner Ring to the Opern Ring. Here you can marvel at the world famous Vienna State Opera. The programme changes daily and guarantees that any visitor will be perfectly entertained. A visit to the State Opera is a must on any trip to Vienna.
Tip: In the summer months, many operas and ballets are broadcast live on a large screen directly in front of the opera house. And the best part is that entry is free of charge. Perfect for a low budget trip.
Natural History Museum and History of Art Museum
After the Burggarten, on the right-hand side, you will discover the Natural History Museum and History of Art Museum, which are separated by the Maria Theresia Square. The Natural History Museum is very popular, above all with children. So even a rainy day in Vienna does not have to mean a sightseeing day is lost.
On the opposite side of the road from these twin buildings, you can pass through the main entrance to Vienna’s Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square). This is part of the Wiener Hofburg (the Imperial Court) in which the President resides.
Volksgarten, Parliament and Burgtheater
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You will now find yourself in one of the most beautiful parks in Vienna – the Volksgarten (the People’s Garden). And opposite, on the left-hand side of the street, the Parliament is situated. If you pass through the large gate of the Volksgarten, you will reach the Burgtheater (the Imperial Court Theatre).
The Town Hall and the Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square is situated opposite the Burgtheater and, directly behind the Square, the Vienna Town Hall. Various events take place here on a regular basis, for example the Film Festival. Not far from here you will find the Café Landtmann. This café is well worth a visit – Vienna is indeed very famous for its coffee house tradition.
The University of Vienna
Next you will discover the University of Vienna, fondly referred to as the “main uni”. It is one of the largest universities in the whole of Europe. And if you are hungry, you can pay a visit to the Edison, which is located nearby. This is rightly popular with students and tourists alike. Best exit here: Schottentor.
Schottenring
Directly next to the University, you will catch a glimpse of the wonderful Votivkirche and the Sigmund Freud Park in front of it – a popular meeting place for Viennese students.
Continue on Schottenring, past the Viennese Stock Exchange and the Rossauer Barracks. Close by – in Maria-Theresien-Straße – some of our checkVIENNA apartments are situated. Centrally located and overlooking the Barracks.
Ringturm and Vienna’s Danube Canal
A little further along, you will pass the Ringturm (the Ring Tower) and you can travel by tram parallel to Vienna’s Danube Canal. In the summer months, many different bars and restaurants are set up along the Danube Canal and you can while away some time here.
Schwedenplatz
Once you arrive at Vienna’s Schwedenplatz, you have two possibilities: either you can stay in the tram and continue on to the Prater Hauptallee or you get off here.
For those who decide to get off the tram: carry on to Rotenturmstraße and after a five-minute walk you will arrive at the heart of Vienna’s centre – at St. Stephan’s Square with the most well-known landmark, St. Stephan’s Cathedral.
Urania
If you decide to stay in the tram, on your left-hand side you will discover the Viennese Urania. This was founded in 1897 as an institute to educate the people. Nowadays it houses a cinema and a training institute for adults. Subsequently you will travel across the Wienfluss (Vienna River) thus leaving the Ringstraße.
Hundertwasserhaus and Kunsthaus
At the latest here you should definitely get off the tram because you need some time in order to enjoy the beauty of the Hundertwasserhaus.
The artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928 to 2002), was well known for his use of diverse colours and irregular shapes and surfaces. Here in the Hundertwasserhaus, you can marvel at Hundertwasser’s work as well as at temporary exhibitions.
Prater Hauptallee
And now you have arrived at the end of your sightseeing tour. You have reached the last possibility to get off the tram – the Hauptallee (Main Alley) in Vienna’s Prater. Either you can travel back in order to really discover more details of the sights. Or you can have a break for some refreshment at the Schweizerhaus.
The Prater funfair as well as the well-known nightclub, the Pratersauna, are not far from here.
This pleasant and relaxed sightseeing tour is suitable for both locals and visitors to the city alike. It offers a very fast and compact insight into Vienna’s most well-known attractions.
Wiener Linien
Timetable No. 1 tram: https://www.wienerlinien.at/media/download/2017/Linie_01_228191.pdf
Special visitors’ tickets: https://www.wienerlinien.at/eportal3/ep/channelView.do/pageTypeId/66533/channelId/-2000544