Our journey through Vienna's iconic sites begins with the city's true architectural gems. The first item on our list is the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom). This Gothic temple, a symbol of Vienna, impresses with its richly decorated roof and impressive 136-meter southern tower. The cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, is not only the spiritual center of the city, but also one of the most photographed buildings. Inside, visitors can admire magnificent works of art, including a richly decorated pulpit. For lovers of panoramic views, climbing the tower is a must. Remember that you will get the best photos of the cathedral in the evening, when it is beautifully lit. The all-inclusive ticket price is 25 euros (as of 2023), which gives you access to all the cathedral's attractions for a year.

Another iconic site is the Hofburg, the winter residence of the Habsburgs. Covering an area of more than 300,000 square meters, this huge palace complex was the center of power of the Habsburg Empire for more than seven centuries. Today, the Hofburg is not only the seat of the Austrian president, but also home to many museums and cultural institutions. When photographing the Hofburg, note the variety of architectural styles - from Gothic to Baroque. Particularly photogenic are the palace courtyards and Michaelerplatz with its impressive dome.

Don't forget Heroes' Square (Heldenplatz), which is part of the Hofburg complex. It is here that you will find two impressive horse monuments, including the horse monument to Charles I of Habsburg. This square is of great historical significance - it was here that Adolf Hitler announced the Anschluss of Austria in 1938. Today, Heldenplatz is a popular place for meetings and cultural events. When photographing the square, try to capture the contrast between the monumental buildings and the open space.

Each of these places offers different photographic opportunities. St. Stephen's Cathedral impresses with its architectural details and play of light, the Hofburg impresses with its scale and splendor, and Heroes' Square offers an opportunity to capture the skyline of Vienna's historic center. Be sure to visit these places at different times of the day - in the morning, when the city awakens to life, and in the evening, when the monuments are beautifully lit.

Vienna is not only beautiful architecture, but also a treasure trove of culture and art. In this section we will focus on places that are a real feast for lovers of museums and historical artifacts.

Let's start with the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of the most important art museums in the world. This monumental museum, located on Maria Theresia Square, impresses not only with its collections, but also with the building itself. Inside, a remarkable collection of artworks from antiquity to the 18th century awaits you. Particularly noteworthy are paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. When photographing the museum's interior, look out for the richly decorated exhibition halls and impressive staircase. An entrance ticket costs about 16 euros (as of 2023), but consider buying a combination ticket, which gives you access to several museums.

Another place that must be on your list is the Imperial Treasury Vienna (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer). This is the imperial treasury, which houses the most valuable treasures of the Habsburg dynasty. Here you can see the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the coronation jewels and many other priceless artifacts. Taking photos in the treasury can be a challenge due to restrictions on the use of flash, but the results can be truly impressive. Ticket prices start at 12 euros (as of 2023).

For those interested in the history of the Habsburg dynasty, a must-see is the Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft). This is the final resting place of members of the Habsburg dynasty, including the famous Empress Sisi. The crypt, while it may seem a bit macabre, is a fascinating place, full of richly decorated sarcophagi. When photographing in the crypt, remember to be respectful. An entrance ticket costs about 8 euros (as of 2023).

Each of these sites offers unique photographic opportunities. At the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien you can focus on the details of paintings and sculptures, at the Imperial Treasury Vienna the main subject will be the glittering jewels and insignia of power, and at the Capuchin Crypt you can experiment with the play of light and shadow. Be sure to check the current photography rules at each of these sites before your visit - some exhibits may be subject to a photography ban.

Vienna is not only impressive buildings and museums, but also a city full of monuments and memorials that tell fascinating stories. In this part of our photographic journey, we will focus on these smaller but equally important points on the city's map.

Let's start with the Mozart Monument in Vienna, located in the charming Burggarten Park. This monument, unveiled in 1896, depicts the brilliant composer in a characteristic pose. Interestingly, at the foot of the monument is a violin key arranged with flowers, which makes a beautiful backdrop for photos. You'll get the best shots in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and warm. The park is open year-round and admission is free.

Nearby is the Holy Trinity Column (Pestsäule) on Graben Square. This Baroque monument, erected in the 17th century as a vote of thanks for the cessation of the plague epidemic, is a true sculptural masterpiece. When photographing the column, pay attention to the richness of the details and try to capture it against the backdrop of distinctive Viennese townhouses. You will take the best photos in the evening, when the column is spectacularly illuminated.

A must-see for music lovers is the Johann Strauss statue in Stadtpark. This gilded statue of the 'king of the waltz' against a marble relief depicting scenes from Vienna's musical life is one of the most photographed objects in the city. To avoid the crowds, it's a good idea to come here early in the morning. The park is open 24 hours a day and admission is free.

Don't miss the equestrian statue of Charles I Habsburg on Heroes' Square. This impressive sculpture depicts Archduke Charles holding a banner on a horse climbed on its hind legs. The monument is especially photogenic at sunset, when the last rays illuminate it with warm light. Be sure to frame the Hofburg section in the background as well.

Each of these monuments offers different photographic opportunities. The Mozart monument looks best when surrounded by the greenery of the park, the Trinity Column impresses with its architectural details, the Strauss monument offers the opportunity to experiment with reflections in the nearby fountain, and the equestrian statue of Karl I Habsburg impresses with its monumentality.

It is worth remembering that all these places are open to the public and can be photographed without restrictions. However, special permission may be required to use the photos for commercial purposes.

When photographing these iconic Vienna sites, be sure to experiment with different angles and times of day. Each has its own unique character and history worth capturing in photos. Have you already managed to assemble a collection of photographs from all these iconic places? If not, it's time to plan your next visit to this fascinating city!