Spot statues of famous composers, admire exquisite architecture and visit a historic music hall set amid the grassy lawns and woods of this city center park.
The Viennese City Park (Stadtpark) is a picturesque green space and one of the largest park areas in Vienna’s Old Town. It covers about 16 acres (6.5 hectares) and has an English landscape design with both grassy and wooded areas. Established in 1862, the Viennese City Park is Vienna’s oldest public park. It’s a popular recreational space and serves as a link between the Old Town and Landstrasse districts.
A branch of the River Wien splits the park into two sections and is crossed by a series of bridges. Among these is the Karolinebrücke (aka Stadtparkbrücke), from where a staircase leads down to the riverfront. Stroll along the waterside promenade to the Wienflussportal, a ceremonial gateway to the park and an example of Jugendstil-style pavilions. Note the carvings of aquatic creatures and art nouveau vases.
Spend some time walking between the park’s statues of Austrian composers. Most notable is a monument to Johann Strauss II, which features a gilded statue of the composer playing the violin. Nearby is a pretty flower clock. Look for a bust of Robert Stolz and a sculpture of a seated Franz Schubert. Other monuments depict Anton Bruckner and Franz Lehár.
Try to catch a performance of operas by Mozart or Strauss at the Kursalon concert hall. Johann Strauss II himself graced the venue’s stage and conducted the first show here in 1868. Marvel at the excellent acoustics and opulent décor of the main concert hall. Gaze in awe at the Italian Renaissance design of the building’s exterior, which is the work of Johann Garber.
Find the Viennese City Park on the eastern edge of the Old Town. It has its own metro station, Stadtpark. The park is about a 20-minute walk from both Maria Theresa Square and Michaelerplatz. Several cafés and restaurants are located throughout the park. During the summer, the lawns offer ideal settings for picnics.
