Holiday Home Vienna

Vienna: Austria's Hub of Culture

Vienna is the birthplace of some of the most important philosophers and artists in the west, and it's so dense with culture and history.

Whether you're there for a short weekend or an extended stay, a holiday home in Vienna will give you the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. 

Vienna sits ideally positioned right alongside the idyllic Danube River, and that lends it a unique charm and a sense of peaceful calm. While the city itself, with its reputation for fostering some of the greatest classical composers and formal architecture, may seem a bit stuffy for the younger crowd, there are actually plenty of opportunities to keep younger visitors entertained and engaged.

Of particular note is Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence for the Hapsburg family, the palace has now been retrofitted with plenty of opportunities to keep children occupied while the adults soak in the rich history of the palace. The palace is home to the world's largest zoo, and it's packed to the gills with lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my).

There's also a children's museum and an expansive garden on site. Older kids will enjoy the in-depth tour that guides you through the opulent lifestyles of Austria's most famous family. 

Kids that have no interest in classical music might find their opinions changed with a visit to Haus der Musik. This music looks to dispel notions about the stuffiness of classical music and offers a range of interactive exhibits that let visitors of all ages explore the fundamentals of music and learn more about the composers that built their reputations in Vienna.

A highlight is Namadeus, a game invented by Mozart that transforms given names into actual melodies. Then there's Vienna State Opera House which hosts operas that are designed to appeal to younger crowds in its big tent. 

Open year round is Prater Amusement Park. It might not have the scale of Disneyworld, but it's a great way to let loose that excess energy after a day of exploring the local gardens, palaces, and museums.

The park is home to over 250 rides that vary from attractions catered to the youngest guests to older adventurers, but there are also opportunities to work off pent-up anxiety. Bike paths criss-cross the premises, and there are also skate parks, pony rides, and jungle gyms. 

While there are a number of attractions highlighting the history and charm of Vienna, the city itself is worth exploring in its own right. Vienna's architecture is a sight to behold, and many families will enjoy the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off bus tours.

Without the need to rely on a traditional guide, these tours let you explore the city at your own pace without having to spend a fortune. Two different routes are available, and they do an admirable job of covering most of the city's most important landmarks.