The Stadtpark was opened in 1862 after the demolition of the old city wall and while the Vienna Ringstrasse was still under construction. This makes it the oldest publicly accessible park in the city of Vienna. Lawns, flowerbeds, some exotic trees and a very large pond make the area a popular place for a walk in green surroundings or a rest on the lawns – or on one of the many benches. Around the landscaped pond, you will find ducks and even herons. The chances of encountering squirrels are high, and at dusk you may spot a hedgehog searching for food. But the star of the Stadtpark is undoubtedly Johann Strauss, whose 200th birthday the city is celebrating in 2025.

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Monuments on every corner

The Stadtpark is the park with the most monuments in the city. The world-famous golden statue of the King of Waltz Johann Strauss II with his violin and the richly decorated marble arch is probably one of the most photographed in the world. And Strauss is in good company – composers Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Franz Lehar and Robert Stolz are also commemorated here, as well as painter Hans Makart and former Vienna mayor Andreas Zelinka, under whose administration this city garden was designed.

On the southern edge stands the Kursalon Hübner, which was designed in the style of the Italian Renaissance, where concerts and dance events used to take place. There is an especially beautiful perspective of the impressive building in front of the flower clock, right next to the Johann Strauss monument. This is an oversized clock with golden hands and a dial made of flowers, which are arranged afresh each year.

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Wien River and fine dining

The Wien River divides the Stadtpark into two parts. After an underground section beneath the Naschmarkt and the Wien Museum, the watercourse re-emerges here into daylight: at the impressive Art Nouveau Wien River portal. Directly next to it is also the Stadtpark subway station, a building designed by Vienna’s star architect Otto Wagner, preserved almost in its original condition. Most of the garden area is located on the west bank of the Wien River; on the other side, you’ll find playgrounds and a temple of fine dining: the Steirereck.

The cuisine at Steirereck is not only Michelin-starred – the fine-dining restaurant by Birgit and Heinz Reitbauer regularly appears on the “World’s 50 Best” list, making it one of the top addresses in Central Europe. At its heart, it is still a Gasthaus – guests here are served the finest creations of modern Austrian cuisine at a world-class level. With dishes that are aA little simple, but just as delicious, the Meierei im Stadtpark serves wonderful breakfast and classic Viennese cuisine.