Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tower (described next), but it's much shorter and not as exciting, with lesser views (€4.50,
daily 9:00-11:30 & 13:00-16:30, until 17:30 in June-Aug, entrance inside the church on the
left/north side of the nave; you can access this elevator without buying a ticket for the main
nave).
Climbing the South Tower:
The iconic south tower offers a far better view than the
north one, but you'll earn it by climbing 343 tightly wound steps up the spiral staircase
(€3.50, daily 9:00-17:30; this hike burns about one Sacher-Torte of calories). To reach the
entrance, exit the church and make a U-turn to the left. This tower, once key to the city's
defenseasalookoutpoint,isstilldeartoViennesehearts.(It'slongbeenaffectionatelynick-
named“Steffl,”Viennesefor“Stevie.”)Nochurchspirein(whatwas)theAustro-Hungarian
Empire is taller—by Habsburg decree. From the top, use your city map to locate the famous
sights.
The complex, confusing, and imposing imperial palace, with 640 years of architecture, de-
mands your attention. This first Habsburg residence grew with the family empire from the
13thcenturyuntil1913,whenthelast“newwing”opened.ThewinterresidenceoftheHabs-
burg rulers until 1918, it's still the home of the Austrian president's office, 5,000 govern-
ment workers, and several important museums. For an overview of the palace layout, see
map above.
PlanningYourTime:
Don'tgetconfusedbytheHofburg'smyriadcourtyardsandmany
museums. Focus on three sights: the Imperial Apartments, Treasury, and the museums at the
New Palace (Neue Burg). With more time, consider the Hofburg's many other sights, cover-
ing virtually all facets of the imperial lifestyle.
Eating at the Hofburg:
Down the tunnel to Heldenplatz is a tiny but handy sandwich
bar called
Hofburg Stüberl.
It's ideal for a cool, quiet sit and a drink or snack (same €3
sandwich price whether you sit or go, Mon-Fri 7:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00). The re-
commended
Soho Kantine,
in the basement of the National Library, is a cheap-but-not-
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These lavish, Versailles-type, “wish-I-were-God” royal rooms are the downtown version of
the grander Schönbrunn Palace. If you're rushed and have time for only one palace, make it
this one. Palace visits are a one-way romp through three exhibits: a porcelain and silver col-
lection, a museum dedicated to the enigmatic and troubled Empress Sisi, and the luxurious
apartments themselves.
