The Ringstrasse is comprised of a number of segments. Starting at
the northern edge and progressing counterclockwise, the segments are named: Schottenring,
Dr. Karl Lueger Ring, Dr. Karl Renner Ring, Burgring, Opernring, Kärtner
Ring, Schubertring, Parkring and Stubenring.
A series of tram lines run
along the Ring and are a good way to travel to many of the city's important
attractions. (When you arrive, be sure and collect the free map showing the
public transportation options, which is available at the Information Office at any of
the city's numerous subway stations.)
Most of the attractions of interest to visitors to Vienna can be found
along the Ringstrasse or between it and the Donau Canal. The
Stephansdom (the city's impressive cathedral), and its surrounding Stephansplatz represent Vienna's historic core and it is this area where most
tourists start their exploration of the spectacular attractions that can be found
in Vienna.
A
good way to familiarize yourself with Vienna and get a quick overview of the
Ringstrasse and the major buildings lining its extent is to take a ride on
Vienna’s Ring Tram. The tram circumnavigates the Ringstrasse (and the Franz
Joseph Kai) every thirty minutes from 10 AM to 6PM year round.
The tram cars are equipped with a multimedia system that provides information
(in seven languages)
on the local points of interest. Along the way you will
see the Neues Rathaus, Votivekirche, Parliament, the buildings of the
Museum Quarter, the Hofburg, the Opera House, the Stadtpark and the University, as well as
many other of Vienna’s grand buildings dating from the mid-19th century.
You will also find several of the city's grand hotels along the
Ringstrasse and even if you staying somewhere else, you might want to stop
in for coffee and one of their famous deserts.
The Ring Road is a unifying theme for the city, much as the
Champs Elysées is for Paris.
While it is recommended that you walk Vienna’s core, since Vienna's
architecture
is a treat, you might also consider purchasing the Vienna Card, which offers
free access to public transportation and discounts to many of the city's
attractions.
The Vienna card costs approximately €20 and provides 72 hours of unlimited free travel by
underground, bus and tram, as well as discounts at over 210 locations in the
city. Note that the card does not provide free entry to any of the major
attractions, but does provide a discount (usually a Euro or two) at most of
the sights of interest around the city.
The
Tourist Information Office for Vienna is located across from the Albertina (near the Vienna State Opera) at 1 Albertinaplatz.
The office is right on the corner, but is easy to miss, as its
art-deco signage can be easy to miss if you are not looking closely.
The Information Office is open daily from 9 to 7. The staff are
very helpful and can provide details
about visiting any site in the city, as well as arranging tours and tickets
for you.
Next - explore our menu on the right hand edge of this page to find other
types of sightseeing in Vienna
Alternatively, if you want to find out about a specific attraction and know
its name, look
for it in our
index to the best places to visit in
Vienna.
