Tourism has always made a significant contribution in the economy of Vienna and the Republic of Austria. Ancient cities, churches, museums, architecture, natural landscapes, imperial palaces, castles, operas etc are the specimens of cultural heritage of Vienna that attract a large number of national and international tourists in the city every year. Close distance from European countries like Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Czech republic, Russia, Hungary is also a major reason behind the rapid growth of tourism in the Austrian capital. Apart from the heritage sites there are some modern tourist attractions in Vienna also such as the Hunderwasserhaus, the United nations headquarters and the Donauturm. Some details about the popular tourist attractions of Vienna and its surroundings are given below:

• Anchor Clock (Ankeruhr):

  The Anchor Clock is situated on the oldest square of Vienna and it represents an art Nouveau design. The Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 and was planned by renowned painter Franz von Matsch. Large number of tourists make a trip to the Anchor Clock to get a touch of art Nouveau design.

• Belvedere Palace :

  The Belvedere Palace was built by the famous baroque architect J L von Hildebrandt for Prince Eugene. Actually it is a pair of magnificent palaces built on the Belvedere grounds and they lie in the middle of a park. The palaces are excellent specimens of baroque architecture.

• Burgtheater (National Theatre) :

  The Burgtheater situated in the first district of Vienna was actually an unused dance- house that Empress Maria Theresia handed over to a theater company named Sellier in the year 1741. From then on the building has been used as a theater and is also known as the National theater of Vienna. Tourists visit this place to get a glimpse of architecture of the 18th century.

• Danube Tower & Danube Island :

  The Danube Tower built on Danube island on river Ddanube is called as 'Concrete needle' for its external structure. It looks like a pin. Tourists visit Danube Tower to enjoy a grand view of Vienna. The 352 meters high concrete tower was built within 20 months.

• Haas House :

  The Haas House is the pride of Vienna and an exciting building.The unique feature of the Haas House is the images of St. Stephens Cathedral reflected by the straight glass facade. Large number of tourists visit the Haas House to get the magic of geometry.

• Hofburg :

  If you want to have an idea about the European architecture in the medieval age you should not miss Hofburg. The was basically a medieval castle but was renovated into a magnificient residence at the time when Habsburg's power increased. The castle chapel was not renovated and thats wahy at present it is the only specimen of the medieval European culture.

• Karlskirche :

  The Karlskirche is the largest cathedral in Vienna built in Baroque style. The Karlskirche is situated in the north of the Alps. Construction of Karlskirche was started in the year 1715 and was planned by renowned Austrian Baroque architect Johann Fischer von Erlach.

• Naschmarkt :

  The Naschmarkt is a marketing center of Vienna. There are several markets in Naschmarkt where fresh vegetables and asorted tidbits are available in huge quantity and at a reasonable price. The Naschmarkt has been a part of the economy of Vienna from the 16th century.

• Ring Boulevard :

  The Ring Boulevard of Vienna circles the City Centre and is four kilometers long. Emporer Franz Joseph I started the construction of Ring Boulevard in 1857 in the month of December. Large number of tourists visit the Ring Boulevard to get a touch of Austrian architecture if then 19th century.

  Prater :

• The Prater is is situated on a vast area of forest land and fields. Tourists visit Prater mainly for relaxation and sports. A grand view from the Ferris wheel is another unique feature of the Prater that attracts large number of national and international tourists.

• Schönbrunn Palace :

  The Schonbrunn Palace is one of the biggest specimen of cultural heritage of Austria. It comprises a huge park. The Schonbrunn Palace was used as summer residence by the Habsburg rulers.

• Schönbrunn zoo :

  The Schonbrunn zoo is situated was built in 1760 by the then Habsburg ruler in the south-eastern part of the Schonbrunn Palace. It is the only baroque zoo and also the world's oldest.

The other popular tourist spots of Vienna are the Spanish riding school, the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna Opera House, Ruprechtskirche-the oldest church in Vienna, the St. Marx cemetry, Hofburg museum, Sisi museum, Leopold museum and the various residences of Beethoven.

For more detailed information on Vienna, the capital city of Austria click on the following links given below: countriesandcapitals.