I wanted to go on another walk - one of my favorites, in fact, as I live very close to the starting point. This walk is best done on a good weather day, but avoid Sunday and plan to start no later than early afternoon. I estimate that this walk could take 2 hours, but could also take the entire day if you choose to visit some of the museums and palaces I mention. As the title mentions, this walk will take you past gardens, palaces, markets and architectural landmarks that you might not otherwise see. Here we go!
Start at Mechelgasse 2, the main entrance to the Vienna Botanical Garden
- Walk through the main gate of the Botanical Garden (free), operated by the University of Vienna. Walk up the main gravel avenue, but please feel free to head off to the left at any point to explore. Some of my favorite parts of the garden include the sunken garden by the Reiter Tor (in August/September the Dahlias are spectacular) and the Wisteria by the main entrance (blooming in April). You will want to continue through the garden until you reach the Alpengarten Entrance.
- (Optional) Turn left into the Alpengarten (5 Euro ticket) and find their exceptional collection on Bonsai and Alpine plants/flowers.
- Exit the Botanical Garden to the right, which brings you into the Belvedere Palace grounds.
- Walk towards the large gate in front of you slightly to the right and go through the gate, bringing you into the gardens of the Belvedere (free). The Belvedere Palace will be directly in front of you. Visit the Palace if you wish to see the Kiss.
- Walk around the palace to the to the other side of the building. Here you will have one of the best views of Vienna.
- Follow the paths through the gardens to the Lower Belvedere, the palace you see at the bottom of the hill.
- Exit the palace grounds through the gate on the right side of the gardens, which brings you on to Rennweg.
- Go left on Rennweg until you reach the Soviet Monument and very large water fountain.
- Walk around the fountain and cross the street on to Technikerstrasse (notice the very lovely French Embassy on your right).
- At the end of Technikerstrasse, walk through the alley directly in front of you which brings you into Karlsplatz.
- (Optional but highly recommended) To into the Wien Museum (free) and learn all about Vienna. At a minimum, go to the cafe's terrace overlooking Karlsplatz and Karlskirche for an amazing view.
- From the Wien Museum, take a right and cross Lothringerstrasse for a quick peak at the famous Musikverein.
- Go back across Lothringerstrasse again towards the Wien Museum, but head to the right through the Resselpark.
- Continue until you reach the Otto Wagner Pavilions, iconic former tram stations.
- Navigate the streets of Karlsplatz until you reach Cafe Museum (I believe in you all!) for some great coffeehouse atmosphere and good food.
- Head straight out of the cafe, go right across Operngasse, and follow Nibelungengasse until you reach the Academy of Fine Arts at Schillerplatz. Inside this academy you will find a hidden gem by Hieronymus Bosch, the Last Judgement Triptych - fascinating.
- Leave the academy, heading to the right and then right again on Makartgasse. This street will lead you directly to the Secession Building, one of the greatest examples of the Secessionist Movement. I suggest walking around the entire building, but focus on the golden cabbage (you'll see what I mean).
- Cross the street and you will find yourself in the Naschmarkt where this stroll ends.
Have fun!