About Vienna – Information, parties and attractions
Here at Sprachschule Aktiv Wien we believe that the best way to learn a language is to fully immerse yourself in both the language and culture. Check out our list of Vienna’s must-see attractions and take the opportunity to bring your language learning out of the classroom and into the German-speaking world. In Vienna, you are in the perfect place to practice your language skills!
Combine study and sightseeing in Vienna
Vienna is the right place to make memories. The city combines both the historical and modern life that suit all ages and preferences. Don’t miss a place!
If you are a student and have recently moved to Vienna to start a language course with us, you might be wondering where the best places are to study or unwind after a day of lessons. As Vienna is famous for its cosy coffee houses, it might be a good idea to combine a visit with some sightseeing. Try out local Viennese dishes while getting your work done in the view of the Staatsoper or Albertina Hall.
There is no better to way to practise your German then to use it out and about Vienna. Check out our list of recommended coffee houses and brush up on your conversational skills!
If you are a student and have just moved to Vienna to start a new semester, you might be wondering which places are the best to study at. We all have been there – we need to pick up a new language or start studying in a foreign language and we just need to study in a place, which is quite and can help us to “recharge” the energy needed for another set of lectures.
As Vienna is famous for its cute coffee houses, it might be a good idea to visit some of them while being able to do a bit of sightseeing too. In those places you can not only taste traditional Viennese dishes or the well-known “Melange”, but also make your tasks done.
As those coffee houses are mostly located on the city center, you will be able to walk over there from our school; moreover, you will get to see some of the most famous monuments.
Although there can be found international chains such Starbucks, if you are in this beautiful city, you must visit some of its traditional coffee shops and restaurants. Here are few tips for you, so that you can start exploring Vienna straight away!
Our list mentions coffee houses conveniently located both nearby our school and various famous places of interest – all of which we would definitely recommend seeing.
- Café Mozart
Located in the very city center in front of the beautiful Albertina hall, the easiest way to get there would be to take the U-Bahn or a tram towards the ‘Oper Ring’. Although it won´t be one of the cheapest options, you can sit and study on the terrace while admiring the architecture of this building. In addition, it is located just about 20 minutes away from Sprachschule Aktiv Wien, so it might be the perfect spot to get ready for your next lesson while enjoying a slice of apple strudel!
- Aida Konditorei Kärtnerstraße
You can find many branches of this company in Vienna. One of the biggest is located on the Kärtnerstraße, just in front of St. Stephen´s Cathedral. You can choose from a large range of dishes and beverages, plus you will get a great view of one of the most famous monuments in Vienna.
- Julius Meinl am Graben
While mentioning Kärtnerstraße, am Graben belongs among the must-visit places. You can taste a cup of Austrian brand coffee while admiring the wonderful view into the street. It is this view you can often see in the Christmas photos of Vienna. It is one of those places, where studying has never been easier! You can take a sightseeing tour into the city center after getting your tasks done. In addition, you can conveniently reach this place by the U3. If you decide to take a walk there after finishing your language lessons, it will take approximately 20 minutes.
- Nashmarkt
Nashmarkt is a complex of small shops and coffee houses, but we’re giving it a mention anyway! Not only because of its perfect location, but because you can find some great traditional Austrian companies there such as “Ströck” or “Der Mann”. You can enjoy the lovely weather and study outside while having a view into the marketplace. There’s a good chance you will pass by it on your way to our school.
- Café Oper
This is a very small coffee house, but if you are lucky you might find a free spot inside. Not only are typical Viennese desserts sold here, but you can also admire the Opera Building from your table! It is more suitable for a quick study break to get ready for your next lesson. Located nearly just in front of the State Oper, it is very easy to find. Moreover, if you decide to take a walk around the famous “Ring” it might be a perfect spot to finish your sightseeing tour!
- Aida Konditorei Kärtnerstraße
You can find many branches of this company in Vienna. One of the biggest is located on the Kärtnerstraße, just in front of the St. Stephen´s Dom. You can choose among many types of dishes and beverages, moreover you will get to see one of the most famous monuments in Vienna. Besides it is located in a walking distance from our school, so it might be a great spot to get ready for your language exams!
- Julius Meinl am Graben
While mentioning Kärtnerstraße, am Graben belongs among the must-visit places. You can taste a cup of Austrian brand of coffee while admiring a wonderful view into the street. It is this view you can often see in the Christmas photos of Vienna.
It is one of those places, where studying has never got easier! You can take a sightseeing tour into the city center while getting your tasks done. In addition, you can conveniently reach this place by the U3. If you decide to take a walk there after finishing your language lessons, it will take approximately 20 minutes.
- Nashmarkt
Nashmarkt is a complex of small shops and coffee houses; however, we have decided to mention it nevertheless. Not only because of its perfect location, but because there can be found some of the traditional Austrian companies such as “Ströck” or “Der Mann”. You can enjoy the lovely weather and study outside while having a view into the marketplace. Additionally, you will probably pass by on your way to our school.
- Café Oper
This is a very small coffee house, but if you are lucky enough, you might get a free spot inside. Not only typical Viennese desserts are sold there, you can as well admire the Opera Building straight away from your table! It is more suitable for a quick study break to get ready for your next lessons. Located nearly just in front of the State Oper, it is very easy to find. Moreover, if you decide to take a walk around the famous “Ring” it might be a perfect spot to finish your sightseeing tour!
Of course, you can find many more coffee houses in the city center, such are Dr. Heindl, Sluka or Café by Hotel Sacher. Those above mentioned are located both nearby our school and nearby a famous building or monument, which is definitely worth seeing. Maybe you have your own recommendations – in that case we would love to hear from you!
Sightseeing in Vienna
You might want to consider visiting some of Vienna’s most famous attractions:
- Schönbrunn Palace was formerly the main summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and boasts stunning Baroque architecture, magnificent 18thcentury interiors and a sprawling estate that includes the world’s oldest zoo! As one of Austria’s most valued and well-preserved cultural treasures, Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is an absolute must-see for tourists and locals alike
- Prater Parkis a huge green space in the 2nddistrict that is used for fitness and recreation. The park welcomes joggers, walkers, cyclists and even horse riders away from the bustle of the inner city. Try running in the footsteps of world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who was the first person to run a marathon in under two hours and who accomplished this incredible feat along Prater’s famous Hauptallee!
- Prater Amusement Park– did you know that Prater is also home to around 250 attractions? Ride the famous Giant Ferris Wheel to gain a breathtaking view over the Danube and spend a day trying out the various theme park rides or visiting Madam Tussauds
- Schloss Belvedere is home to a number of art exhibitions, the most famous of which is situated in the Baroque Palace. As the most visited art museum in Austria it does not disappoint – its highlights include priceless works by Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh
- Wiener Staatsoper – a stay in Vienna is incomplete without a visit to the State Opera House. This world-famous stage offers a range of ballet and operatic performances all year round
- Hundertwasser House in the Landstraße district is perhaps one of Vienna’s most recognizable buildings. A unique apartment house consisting of multi-coloured facades, Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s design is an example of ‘free architecture’ that has no rules – and no straight lines!
- Stephansdom is widely regarded as one of Vienna’s most significant cultural landmarks. If you pass through Vienna’s historical centre it is impossible to miss the cathedral’s stunning geometric-patterned roof. Built in the 12thcentury, the cathedral was miraculously spared from destruction during WWII and is recognized worldwide for it treasured relics and famous catacombs
- Volksgarten is a hotspot of Vienna’s clubbing scene. Founded over 180 years ago, the Volksgarten Club Disco remains integral to Vienna’s nightlife and hosts club nights, parties and events all year round
- Rathaus Wien is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and is yet another iconic landmark of Vienna. It is the official seat of the city’s Mayor and guided tours are available to visitors free of charge. In winter don’t miss out on the Christmas Market that takes place at the Rathaus Platz directly in front of the town hall
- Stadtpark opened in 1862 as Vienna’s first public park. The design of the park imitates English landscape gardens and covers 28 acres of land. Take a stroll amongst the numerous sculptures and statues in Vienna’s most famous park – make sure not to miss the golden monument of Johann Strauss
- Burggarten was formerly the private garden of the Habsburg Emperor. These days you can enjoy a coffee on the terrace and look down upon the garden or have dinner in the Café-Restaurant Palmenhaus. You can pay to enter the adjoining Butterfly House that contains multiple exotic species that flutter about freely inside
We hope you enjoy your stay in Vienna and your time spent in our language school.
Transport in Vienna
The public transport system in Vienna is extensive and almost everything is accessible by subway, train, tram or bus. You can find the route planner, tickets and timetables here: https://www.wienerlinien.at
The free bike rental Citybike is an alternative to public transport: www.citybikewien.at
Sprachschule Aktiv Wien can be found near to the U-Bahn-Station Karlsplatz. Take the U1, U2 or U4 and the Ausgang: Wiedner Haupstraße/Resselpark to find us. Why not take advantage of our convenient location to explore Vienna after your language lesson and immediately put your new language skills into use?