Vienna Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour, Austria - Old Town streets & Local History
1Places: 37 POIsDistance: 2.76 miDuration: 2h:09m
Tour #1724
About this English self-guided 2h:09m walking tour in Vienna
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Vienna, Austria.
My name is Dave and I’m pleased to be with you today telling you about the fun sights you will see and experience in this “City of Dreams and Music.”
This tour will guide you through several significant landmarks, each within a short stroll of the next, allowing you to experience the city's architectural splendor, artistic treasures, and historical depth.
From the iconic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral to the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, and from the vibrant streets of the city center to the solemnity of the Holocaust Memorial, you'll encounter a diverse tapestry of Vienna's past and present.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to soak in the atmosphere of this timeless European capital, this tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and discovery.
Ok,
let’s get to the good stuff and see what we can discover!
We will be starting on route 1 near the city center, head north, and finally east, to the river.
Let’s get ready to rock and roll!
Ok, maybe that type of music doesn’t define Vienna, but you get the idea.
Alright, follow your map and we will begin shortly.
We begin today at Naschmarkt, at the intersection of Faulmanngasse st. and Route 1.
We are conveniently located near public parking, as well as public transportation stops. Or perhaps you took an Uber.
However you arrived, welcome to Vienna's largest and most famous open-air market.
We are on the edges of the city center, along the Wienzeile, and the market stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Naschmarkt has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when milk bottles were first sold in the area. It officially became a market in the 18th century and has evolved over the centuries to become the bustling hub it is today.
The name "Naschmarkt" likely derives from the word "naschen," which means "to nibble" in German, reflecting the variety of treats available.
The market is known for its diverse range of offerings. Visitors can find an extensive selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, and dairy products.
In addition to local Austrian produce, there is an array of international foods, including spices, teas, and exotic ingredients from around the world.
The market is also famous for its food stalls and small restaurants, where you can sample dishes ranging from traditional Viennese cuisine to Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean specialties.
The atmosphere at Naschmarkt is lively and colorful, with vendors calling out to passersby, the scent of fresh bread and pastries wafting through the air, and a vibrant mix of people shopping, eating, and socializing. It's a great place to explore and indulge in a variety of flavors, whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or unique ingredients to take home.
On Saturdays, the market hosts a popular flea market, where you can find antiques, vintage clothing, books, and various curiosities. This adds an extra layer of excitement and discovery, making it a must-visit spot for bargain hunters and collectors.
Now is a good time to grab some snacks for the journey today, fuel up, and energize yourself.
Now, let's stroll up Route 1, on our way to our next stop.
As we continue straight toward our next destination, take a look to your left.
This is the Vienna Secession Building, an important symbol of Austria’s modern art movement.
Founded in 1897 by a group of artists led by Gustav Klimt, the Secession broke away from traditional academic art to promote creative freedom and innovation.
The building is famous for its golden dome, often nicknamed “the golden cabbage,” and for housing Klimt’s iconic Beethoven Frieze inside.
Today, it remains a vibrant exhibition space where Vienna’s artistic spirit continues to evolve.
And that brings me to some remarkable individuals who have left a lasting mark on this city and on the world.
Some of the greatest musicians, thinkers, and innovators in history lived and worked right here in Vienna.
One of them was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Mozart moved to Vienna in 1781 at just 25 years old, searching for better opportunities and creative freedom.
At the time, Vienna was the cultural heart of Europe, attracting musicians, artists, and intellectuals from across the continent.
Here, Mozart found both success and struggle.
He became popular among the Viennese elite and received support from influential patrons, including Emperor Joseph II.
During his years in Vienna, he composed some of his most famous works —
his last three symphonies, numbers 39, 40, and 41,
operas like The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute,
as well as many piano concertos and chamber pieces.
Sadly, Mozart’s life was cut short when he died in 1791 at only 35 years old.
Even today, the exact cause of his death remains a mystery.
We’ll talk more about another musical giant, Beethoven, later in the tour when we reach the Vienna State Opera.
But for now, let’s shift gears and think a little differently.
Ready to overanalyze something?
That brings us to Sigmund Freud.
Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, spent most of his life and career in Vienna.
Born in 1856 in what is now the Czech Republic, he moved here as a young child and later studied medicine at the University of Vienna.
He began his career in neurology, treating patients with psychological disorders.
Over time, he developed groundbreaking techniques like free association, encouraging patients to speak freely to uncover hidden thoughts and emotions.
Freud’s ideas completely changed how the world understands the human mind.
But he wasn’t without his flaws.
In the late 1880s, Freud experimented with cocaine, which was legal at the time.
He even published a paper praising its effects, believing it improved energy and focus.
Eventually, he realized its dangers and stopped using it.
A lesson learned the hard way.
He was also famously devoted to cigars.
Freud reportedly smoked up to 20 a day and believed they helped him concentrate.
In fact, he once said that cigars were indispensable to his thinking process.
So as we walk through Vienna, remember,
this city didn’t just produce beautiful buildings and music.
It shaped brilliant, complex, and sometimes contradictory minds that changed the world.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Naschmarkt and Shopping
Place 2Secession Building & Famous Figures
Place 3Kunsthalle Wien
Place 4Vienna U-Bahn System
Place 5Vienna State Opera House
Place 6Opernbruennen
Place 7Albertina
Place 8Monument Against War and Fascism
Place 9Burggarten
Place 10Weltmuseum
Place 11Outer Castle Gate
Place 12The Hofburg
Place 13Heroe's Square
Place 14Monument to Emperor Franz I and Spanish Horses
Place 15Michaelerplatz
Place 16Fiaker
Place 17Kohlsmarkt
Place 18Josefsbrunnen and Graben
Place 19Memorial to Plague Victims
Place 20St. Peter's Church
Place 21Cuisine
Place 22Jewish Quarter
Place 23Holocaust Memorial
Place 24Lessing Statue
Place 25Old Town Hall
Place 26Hot Dogs
Place 27Wedding Fountain
Place 28Anker Clock
Place 29St. Stephen's Cathedral
Place 30Nail in the Tree
Place 31Blood Alley Quarter
Place 32Mozart House
Place 33Fürstenberg Palace
Place 34Story Time
Place 35Karl Lueger Square
Place 36Stadtpark
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Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
