Vienna, Austria2-3 hoursMorning
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna's landmark cathedral with tiled roof and tower climb.
Ideal: Essential for first-time visitors to Vienna.
The 136-meter south tower rose between 1359 and 1433; 343 steps lead to the watchman's room at the top. About 230,000 glazed tiles cover the roof in a mosaic of the Habsburg double-headed eagle and Vienna's coat of arms. The Pummerin bell in the north tower was first cast from Ottoman cannons left after the 1683 siege, fell in the 1945 fire, and was recast in 1951. In the catacombs below, copper vessels once held Habsburg organs.
Why go?
- To see Vienna's most iconic religious landmark
- For the tower climb and city views
- As a perfect starting point for the historic center
Travel tip
Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
