Want to send vacation greetings with a photo? Or post it online right away? The following spots in Vienna are the most popular on Instagram. And rightly so, as they are some of the most beautiful places in the city. But remember: social media has not yet covered every spot in Vienna. There are some locations and perspectives that are just as worthy of being photographed.

1: Vienna State Opera 

The terrace next to the entrance of the Albertina offers a unique view of the Vienna State Opera. Sunsets in particular regularly end up on social media – or in films such as Before Sunrise.

2: Schönbrunn Palace

The golden Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most visited attractions in Vienna, having been the residence of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph. No wonder people press the shutter button so often here.

3: Belvedere Palace

The pond with its reflective surface could almost have been made for Instagram: on a windless day, the Belvedere Palace appears again on its glass-like surface. The magnificent palace is illuminated particularly beautifully in the evening light. The highlight inside: “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.

4: Vienna’s St. Charles’ Church

The green dome, the elaborately decorated columns and a whole lot of atmosphere: the lively square in front of Vienna’s St. Charles’ Church brings it all together in one picture. Perfect for a warm outdoor evening. Events are often held here too.

5: Vienna’s Votive Church 

This spot is especially popular in May, when a certain magnolia tree in full bloom floods every social media feed. The two towers of the Votive Church look really romantic.

6: Vienna Palace of Justice 

The magnificent staircase in the Palace of Justice captivates with marble surfaces, ornate columns and soft light streaming through the glass dome. Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice, presides here.

7: Michaelerplatz

The view of the magnificent Michaelerkuppel dome of the Vienna Hofburg is iconic. Kissing underneath it is said to bring good luck! The square in front of it reveals something special: the remains of a Roman encampment have been uncovered.

8: Hundertwasserhaus

Waves instead of angles, colors instead of gray: the Hundertwasserhaus designed by one of Vienna’s most famous architects is Vienna’s most rebellious façade. Trees grow out of windows, no line is straight – that’s what makes it so photogenic.

9: State Hall of the Austrian National Library

Once the court library of the Habsburgs, today it is one of the most magnificent book rooms in Europe. The State Hall of the Austrian National Library holds around 200,000 volumes.

10: Café in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Where museum meets coffee house culture. Want a tip from us? Point your camera upwards! And then discover the works of art in the various exhibitions at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Insider tips

Not taken enough photos yet? Here are a few locations that are not in the top ten, but definitely deserve to be.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

The St. Francis of Assisi Church stands on the banks of the Danube and resembles a fairytale castle. The view of it from the Reichsbrücke bridge captures its towers and the water in a single frame.

© Günter Flegar / Westend61 / picturedesk.com

Maria am Gestade Church

The narrow Maria am Gestade Church is nestled between old town houses and cobblestones. Its appearance in the movie “Before Sunrise” turned the stairs in front of it into a cinematic photo spot.

© Martin Moxter / Westend61 / picturedesk.com

Strudlhofstiege

The Strudlhofstiege is Vienna’s most elegant set of stairs. Built in 1910, it is one of Vienna’s Art Nouveau highlights with its curved steps, green railings and ornate lanterns.

© WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Otto Wagner’s Church at Steinhof

In the middle of the Steinhofgründe green oasis stands one of Vienna’s most striking Art Nouveau buildings: Otto Wagner’s Church at Steinhof. It is typical of the style with its golden dome, white façade and green accents – and offers a far-reaching view over Vienna.

© WienTourismus/Christian Stemper

Gartenpalais Liechtenstein

The baroque Gartenpalais Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein Garden Palace) is unjustly overshadowed by the other palaces. Access is by guided tour only and works from the Liechtenstein Collection are on display inside. However, the scenic park is open to the public free of charge all year round. In winter, the atmospheric Advent market offers plenty of photo opportunities.

© Palais Liechtenstein GmbH/ Felix Waldschütz

Karmelitermarkt

With its market stalls and renovated Wilhelminian-style houses, the Karmelitermarkt is full of contrasts. Colorful vegetables, cozy cafés, street art, the Jewish community – everything packed close together. Photographers who come here are not looking for something spectacular, but for the fleeting moments of life at the market.

© WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

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