The Real Vienna: Is the Austrian Capital as Beautiful as it Looks on Instagram?

Watch our latest reality check: Vienna is certainly photogenic, but what's the reality behind the Instagram images? We checked out three popular tourist spots in the Austrian capital: the Hofburg, the Karlskirche and the Graben boulevard with its Plague Column. What's your opinion? Does real-life Vienna live up to its curated portrayal on Instagram?
00:00 Intro
00:36 Hofburg palace
02:34 Karlskirche church
04:20 The Graben square with the plague column
CREDITS:
Report: Andreas Kirchhoff
Camera: Holm Weber
Editing: Nora Rehn
❤ Big thanks to these Igers for their wonderful pictures:
/ marcela_slimakova
/ ianbzlee
/ maxihaxi24
/ mneussa
/ pro_fessorchaos
/ j.thiller
/ tomshistoryfacts
/ elena__longo
/ anindyaspaul
/ peter.hinsmann
/ susannanickel
/ sarahmijdamphotography
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to DW Travel
/ dwtravel
Would you like to find out more about DW Travel?
▸Website: dw.com/travel
▸Facebook: dw.travel
▸Instagram: dw_travel
DW Travel is showing you the captivating world of travel. Come along with us to regions and cities in Germany, throughout Europe and to far-away destinations.
#vienna #austria #hofburg

[@fsolda]

No. Vienna looks even better than in Instagram. Actually one of the most gorgeous cities in the world, hands down.

[@christianstawiany109]

🤦‍♂

[@STXHC]

Ganz genau

[@biahmet]

Totally agree

[@tonnyrodrigueznunez]

depends on the weather .!!!

[@idk-xj6wv]

​@@tonnyrodrigueznunez Been there when it was gloomy and cold in October. Still beautiful

[@bartoszjankowiak3157]

Vienna is not only beautiful but also very liveable. It's so easy to get around and it feels everything has been developed for people and with people in mind. One of my favorite cities around the world.

[@michaelswisher8630]

As an American living in Vienna, the most spectacular thing for me is the magnificent public transportation.

[@heidelbergaren5054]

Agreed

[@mikev6641]

Vienna is one of my favorite cities. I can go back again and again and never tire of it. I visited last in September. I wanted to see the library but it was closed for renovation! Another reason to return 😊

[@gals8753]

Same 😊

[@yusufabdurrauf7429]

I think it's overrated... many of us felt Budapest a little bit better 😁✌️

[@dominic.h.3363]

I lived in district 9, gone to school in district 1, gone to the doctor's to district 10, grocery shopping to district 22, and I'm a wheelchair user without a car. Need I say more? This city is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced when it comes to quality of living. Clean streets even away from tourist attractions, and it can't be overstated how easy it is to get around without a car. It's actually easier to use public transport, and you literally could take care of your work, banking, grocery and all those tasks for a day, and return home not having walked more than 500 meters, just taking one public transport option after another.

[@dadep85]

I've been there two months ago. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen, it's amazing.

[@DWTravel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing :)

[@Ralphieboy]

I grew up in a decaying urban wasteland in the Industrial Midwest and Vienna blew my mind as a city that could be a work of art as well as a place to live and work.

[@dsantos4585]

Wonderful city! I visited last year after a 16 year hiatus and still found the same local cafe' near Schoenbrunn, everything was just as I recalled many years ago! 😊

[@DWTravel]

How nice!

[@quaityboi]

Vienna is my favorite city in the world. Visited twice and Im dreaming to live there.

[@wilg9400]

I am the luckiest one to live here for 7 years now

[@capslocked7274]

as someone born in vienna, good luck finding an apartment

[@invader7191]

@@capslocked7274 what’s the average rent price?

[@captainalex157]

@@invader7191 a decent place in a good neighborhood for 2 people. around 7-800 bucks.

[@invader7191]

@@captainalex157 That’s pretty cheap for a city like Vienna.

[@michelski3528]

I visited this city a month ago and was amazed by the rich history! Lots of culture and places to go to, not to mention good looking people. Plus it is just a hop of a train journey away from other cities like Bratislava and Budapest. The only downside was that outside where we stayed (Hilton near the park) you could smell the sewer from miles. I would definitely go back there as a tourist. I would also live there if I spoke the local language.

[@victorrocha1235]

Elegant and liveable. I hope I can visit one day.

[@diegoacosta8168]

I didnt know that Viena was one of the most visiting cities in Europe. Now, I understand why. Thanks for the video.

[@patrickhauser588]

It is the most beautiful city in the world outside of Italy

[@Michael00000001]

​@@patrickhauser588 I like it even more because it's much more convenient and safe to explore.

[@funkyhetzer6624]

Well, the city can be beatifull with its old architecture, rich history and countless sights but it can sometimes get very different then what you see on Instagram. Particular the major sights like the Hofburg,Schönbrunn,Stephansdom etc… can get crowded easily and not all tourists treat those places nicely and leave trash behind… Heck, even some locals do that sadly. But the city is definitely worth a visit, if you wanna explore the century old history of the city, it’s culture and more! I am proud of my hometown and I hope people will continue to treat it respectfully!

[@alekseidemidov6534]

Even after crowds of tourists, it's still cleaner than other european capitals :) What I don't understand is why city administration does not notice that some rubbish bins get overflown super fast and people start leave trash near it..but they at least clean everything the very next morning .

[@benjaminkudun3741]

Vienna ❤️ I’m in love with this city

[@mceisen9930]

Just walked past #1 and #3 yesterday 🙂 As a local resident I can also tell you that #4 - #20 (at least) are missing 😀

[@TFSIChristmas]

Stunning! I want to visit!

[@Cam4Cameron]

Vienna is a breathtaking city to visit, but also a cautionary tale of the extravagance that unchecked wealth and influence can amass. Wandering the exhibits in the palace reveals rooms and rooms of ornate cutlery, gilded ballrooms and the staggering contrast of the Hapsburg elite and the commoners they ruled over, and a past that is best admired for its beauty rather than its conditions.

[@DWTravel]

That's an interesting aspect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@gigikontra7023]

​​@@DWTravel let's not remember the absolutely abhorrent conditions Romanians of Transylvania were forced to live in during the Habsburg domination! They were the majority population of Transylvania, yet they had ZERO rights, were basically used as slaves. Totally unacceptable!!! Romania's century of humiliation, just like China's century of humiliation. How it is all over. The nightmare is over

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Every time I go to the City I see more things that I missed in previous times .... A wonderful place!! The Stadtspark, Opera, Stephan's Church,etc.....!!🌹❤

[@MrKhan-ye7go]

I live in Vienna and i just love it specially the people are great helpful and respectful

[@alekseidemidov6534]

If you want to just enjoy/feel Vienna, leave these hotspots for later, grab some coffee and just take a long random walk in/around the city center. You will see plenty of gorgeous architecture and historical places. Then go to the neighbouring districts to enjoy less posh, but even more liveable surroundings to see how locals live. If it is already warm outside, you should take some food, go to a park and have a picnic there or if you have more time, also visit Kahlenberg to see Viennese vineyards and the city from the hill. Although places like Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Hoffburg, etc. are beautiful, there are also a lot of "soviet-style" buildings in Vienna which you can also enjoy and to me it just shows how diverse this city and its history are.

[@DWTravel]

Thank you very much for your travel tipps!!

[@Sheilawisz]

Where to go in Austria if I just want to see the mountains and play with a lot of snow?

[@alekseidemidov6534]

@@Sheilawisz depends on your location and means of transport. I'd say Tyrol is the most beautiful & mountainous region of Austria. There are lots of ski resorts, etc. However, you can find some "real" mountains already not far from Vienna. It's around 1.5-2 hours by train from the city to reach villages located around Rax/Schneeberg group which are 2k high peaks. You can check online if there is still snow, there are webcams on both Rax and Schneeberg and if the Seilbahn is open to reach the peak

[@Sheilawisz]

@@alekseidemidov6534 Thanks! I would prefer to find hotel in the mountains. Is January the most snowy month? I want to experience deep snow. I have never seen snow.

[@alekseidemidov6534]

@@Sheilawisz in January it should be already snowy enough :)

[@mohamedkhaireh9356]

Vienna/Wien is a beautiful city, I went there two years ago. I thoroughly recommend visiting the city, it has wonderful architecture, museums, gallery, culture, history and efficient transportation system.

[@osgabriel20]

It’s beyond any beauty beyond perpetual elegance it’s a thought a feeling an emotion a scent a visually pleasing you can find everything in it ❤

[@albertozamora1602]

My friend and I visited Vienna 2 years ago and it's still the city we most liked. It is amazing and beautiful.

[@bankimmun8621]

The good thing about Vienna - all major attractions are in a walking distance AND if you have a break for lunch ore a coffee the prices are moderate (in Paris or London its better to be rich if you want to eat out ☺)

[@valstutz2628]

My first trip to Vienna was during a two-day layover at the start of my winter vacation in late 2021, and it was hands down the best layover I've ever had. I had a chance to take in some of the sites and visit one of the museums, and I really loved it. Vienna is definitely a city I'd love to return to.🇦🇹

[@semshook3]

I visited May 2023 , very beautiful and I loved it . Would love to visit again . 😍👍

[@evanmathieu4728]

Visited Vienna only once in 2014. Have to say it is perhaps the best eye candy for Central Europe. Having dodged the destruction that befell many cities during WW2, it is GORGEOUS and baroque on every corner. Schoenbrun, the Imperial Ring of Belle-Epoque architecture, National Treasury with crown jewels of Holy Roman Empire from 10th century . One of the most beautifully decorated art museums in Europe with a collection of works equally meritiing the guiled interior.. Add beautiful cityscapes from the wheels and towering rides in Prater Amusement Gardens...Realise you could cover an hour of these gems and all would be even better in real life, far beyond the best photos. . Plus when I was there early July 2014, none of the city was mobbed with tourists, like many of the other stars of Central Europe. I highly recommend a visit to experience it's beauty exponentially exceeding any photos by its beauty in person 💖 Give a city break a shot. Chances are you will definitely not be disappointed if looking for a charm on most every other city block Sincerely, Evan

[@byblispersephone2.094]

I had a stopover in Vienna after returning from Italy, and it was so beautiful! Quiet, serene and so refined.

[@walter5697]

IV been to Vienna many times and the city is a gem. so beautiful and inspiring. i will definitely be going back soon Wien Wien nur du allein . danke

[@billblackford7772]

Yes, been to the city and those specific sites many times. It is every bit as beautiful as you see in this video, and more! 🥰

[@gabrielebianchi8976]

I think, unfortunately, the season you visit the city in might be a bit unflattering and making it appear more gray-ish, I think going there on late spring or summer would make it feel better with all the greenery flourishing.

[@DWTravel]

It's true - almost everything is better in spring and in summer 😉.

[@johannbaczak9510]

As a local, u r right. Except for the christmas markets in dec, I would avoid Vienna from Nov - April.

[@luftbild]

They cleaned all those builidings made of sandstone some years ago, before that they were often nearly black.

[@Michael00000001]

Vienna is much better than its Instagram pics. Can't do much wrong when visiting Vienna ❤.

[@davepavillar6606]

Though a picture says a thousand words, taking pictures of Viennese Art and Architecture are not enough to be described in a still image. You have to experience it by visiting. Aside from these three there are still the Stephansdom or St. Stephens Cathedral, the Vienna City Hall, the Belvedere, the Imperial Museums and the monument of Maria Theresia in between, and of course, the Schonbrünn Palace and the Gloriette.

[@kaikai9542]

Your head line strikes me becuase I already bought a ticket to Vienna. But it brings me a big smile at the end.

[@maskyyyy2551]

I really like Vienna, my gamily and I visited it and it is just beautiful with all the unique, but also sometimes similar buildings sind architecture, I will definetely come back again, I haven't Seen much of it, the "Donau Turm" (Danube Tower) at night is absolutely breathtaking

[@empresas_exito777]

Three days ago I was in Vienna, beautiful place. Definitely I will be back.

[@AVANGuAR]

Vienna is an amazing place! I try to go there at least once a year

[@bond007.chandan]

I got a chance to visit the city with my family in 2019 and it was a memorable experience...

[@kommtravel]

Vienna is beyond beautiful if you visit it yourself.

[@zeta75011]

I left 1 year in Vienna! Just Amazing! (Little bit expensive than Germany, and France)

[@janosvas8597]

Vienna with some places is for the visitors, and these are monumental, summarising 1000 years Habsburg. In Vienna are also modern parts for ordinary citizens. And parts of bulidings in the city for so called better Bürger. And the Music, Mozart, the Staatsoper, the Musikverein. And theaters. In sum for the tourist beautiful. For the ordinary citizens very comfortable, with plenty of green for walking, we say promenade. And the infrastructure is excellent, as some viewers remarked below. Best greetings from Vienna!

[@DWTravel]

Greetings to Vienna!

[@amk68sco]

I absolutely adore Vienna, its a beautiful city and will be flying out in two days time to visit it again.

[@Schaneification]

I live in Vienna This post misses most of the things to see in Wien ! Oh I am a American that live in Vienna for over 22 years and have not seen all there is to See .

[@christopherlangston8173]

It's even better. It's by Far the best city on the planet. I wish I could move from Alabama to Vienna permanently

[@2Sage-7Poets]

austria is a beautiful country just like switzerland.. not a fan of museums though.. what i like in a foreign country is the beauty of the people and their lifestyles and their behaviour toward others, futuristic building designs, fascinating view of the villages and cities, the language, the culture and the transportation and government services..

[@eliasrosanelli2575]

Vienna: the worlds most livable and rudest city at the same time! Amazing

[@flawyerlawyertv7454]

It definitely looks up to reality. 🤩🇦🇹

[@mrpeel3239]

The "real" Vienna is in the Cafes. Hope you will feature, next time.

[@mgpich]

Not anymore, since smoking isn't allowed anymore in Cafés :(

[@andrman1746]

simply magnificent!

[@mate8609]

Ok so the reporter managed to convince his boss to take a trip to Vienna to check if it really is as beautiful as they present it on instagram, I respect that. Next time report on whether 10 million euros really makes you happier or not :D

[@willamoctober6714]

Well it looks even better...

[@qhubbles]

Of course visit Wien is on my bucketlist. One day I'll be there.

[@Nikioko]

Yes, it looks like on the pictures.

[@majorkerr1333]

It’s my favorite city in the world

[@euphrates9083]

Vienna is an amazig city but just dont go in winter, I was there in winter and it was like a nightmare. It's too cold and you cant see the sun enough. But the lanmarks are worth to see for sure.

[@alekseidemidov6534]

Never go to Vienna in February/beginning of March :D it's a wind season and it can be really crazy. In December it is cool actually, XMas vibes,etc

[@lepredator1789]

aww hahaha where are you from mate? thats sadly completely normal in winter in central/northern europe (in some parts in scandinavia you have sunlight during winter for like 1 hour/day)

[@ingeborgsuckel8858]

I loved Sissy's palace, and everything I saw in that lovely city. Now I watch "Kommissar Rex", the tv show shoot in Viena, and I love to try to recognize the places.

[@elizabethbedon7076]

To me, it is the best city in the world! Beautiful, everything works, super clean and safe 😊

[@TheBazino]

Vienna is only voted the most livable city in the world most of the years, but okay, guess YOU still need to ask if it's great... Best town in the world, period. AND getting better every year. (The best public transport system in the world is being enlarged every year. The city is getting cleaner and greener every year too.) Oh and you've show like 3 monuments... we have like a thousand in Vienna. And yes, I live here, and yes, I have been to Vancouver and Zürich as well, who are usally fighting for 2nd and 3rd place of most livable cities in the world and they are nice, but by far not as sophisticated as Vienna.

[@bugged1212]

Yeah Vienna is nuts, it looks way better in reality.

[@vacaseba1234]

I went there in August of last year. I'd say it's incredibly beautiful.

[@JohnTronto]

Are there any detailed records of the logistic of building such palaces? How many workers, how many hours/day for how many years, how much each paid, what they ate at job etc. How much spent, what materials, where the came from? Should do show on those.

[@gigikontra7023]

Would be interesting to know how much gold was extracted from Romania's Carpathian Mountains to build this. I don't assume much if that ended up in Romanian hands...

[@agnusdeiquitollispecatamundi]

Vienna looks more beautiful in person than in pictures. When I went there I was immersed, beautiful palaces and a lot of places to visit.

[@oliverzenz5388]

Where is the Würstelbude next to the hauptbahnhof?

[@alexverdigris9939]

I thought the point of this video was to actually answer the question it asked. It seems that I've been mistaken. I don't click on DW content for superficial sight-seeing, there's a multitude of better options on youtube for that sort of thing, danke schoen.

[@dynho_b]

Here is a hint from a Vienna resident. If you want to take a look at the interior of the Karlskirche without spending money you should be there about 15 minutes before a worship service is starting. Doors will be open for the public then. But please respect the religious meaning of this place and leave again before the mass is starting. You don't want to disturb the prayers, will you?

[@Ganjaz]

well, i enjoy living here alot, very nice city. just a little much construction noise at times but thats alright :)

[@siccmicc]

Als mobile Hauskrankenpflegerin bin ich in der Innenstadt täglich unterwegs. Meiner Meinung nach ist Wien in der Wirklichkeit schöner als die Instafotos! ❤❤

[@tylermitchell7679]

I've been to 40 something countries and lived in the US, Germany, Austria and Japan. I would say that Vienna is the most beautiful city I've ever been to and one of my most favorite. The pictures don't do it justice, only the human eye.

[@hanslanda1204]

Yes

[@ambilyvr3]

Vienna is beautiful ❤

[@danielcaceres9971]

Stunning city! No wonder it is one the most livable cities in the world

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

can we read the books in the library? or it's just for show?

[@DWTravel]

Yes, you can also read there, in the Augustinerlesesaal, a magnificent hall for reading.

[@firestarter7680]

I live in Vienna, and it s more beautiful live than in the pictures

[@MrBabyBlue1993]

Vienna is my favorite European city

[@eulerguimaraens4270]

For me it is the most beautiful city in the world.

[@hussainirshad7841]

Thanks you DW .

[@campingmantv8094]

I like the part best with Eric Peters.

[@JG-mp5nb]

Beautiful city, kind and warm people. We were impressed by how friendly we found those who live in such a heavily visited city. We will return and spend more time-and money!

[@ginniedio1860]

Visiting or living there is not the same. Specially for car drivers it is not funny anymore! It is very hard to get a free parking space. And that is really necessary when you are becoming old. Also criminality has increased. And it is difficult to find a flat for an affordable price. 😔

[@DWTravel]

Sorry to hear that. It sounds like in many other European cities: lots of traffic and increasing rents.

[@christinag8027]

Living here since 15 years now, and I am still in love ❤️ best choice off my life.

[@elisabethlapierre1027]

Hi, love to hear that! Im thinking about moving there to be with my boyfriend, can you tell me more ☺️

[@flawyerlawyertv7454]

Awesome 💯

[@hoppop7047]

Vienna is so beautiful! I wanna visit there at once!

[@mxrobyn]

So proud to be Viennese! ❤

[@christianstawiany109]

😂

[@maxhaw1274]

Proud? Thankful would be more appropriate imo

[@christianstawiany109]

@@maxhaw1274 Born and raised in Vienna, never considered myself to be Viennese and im thank god everyday for that. Hope u stay there for the rest of your life and please don't leave. all the best and good luck

[@suchendnachwahrheit9143]

Wien ist einfach eine glorreiche Stadt aus künstlerischer Sicht

[@neuriv1617]

i had been there in 2019 and i liked so much, but what happened with the Belvedere or the Schönbrunn Palace.. i really want to come back

[@trueindia7206]

The City is really beautiful

[@ddiesel1836]

you have left out the most iconic tourist spot in Vienna. Saint Stephen's Cathedral

[@DWTravel]

Yes, you're right! We left it out because it's so difficult to take picture from it, because it's so tall 🙂! We didn't find that much scenic pictures on instagram of it.

[@ddiesel1836]

@DW Travel there is an angle within Stephanplatz where you can take a picture of it complete with the bell tower

[@DWTravel]

@@ddiesel1836 Thanks for the tip!

[@moritz7363]

yes it is

[@cemcem8243]

It looks much Beautiful live than on instagram

[@mrgame97]

How does it compare to barcelona?

[@bharath2508]

Most Austrians speak good English and that's a bonus for tourists.

[@bready2]

indeed

[@pragueexpat5106]

Former imperial capital of an empire that included 4 modern countries: Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia is bound to impressive I guess.

[@johnnygomez7063]

...And part of Italy. No metter that - the most beautiful city Is PRAGUE!

[@johnnygomez7063]

And also whole Slovinia

[@gigikontra7023]

You forgot Romania. The gold for all that came from Transylvania. These are symbols of excess and oppression.

[@gigikontra7023]

​@@johnnygomez7063 and Romania

[@thepretorian5292]

@@johnnygomez7063 built by germans tho..

[@karthikkamathp]

Y'all forgot to mention Musikverein

[@pursuitofmine]

How about cost of living there?

[@MrsDaedalus_]

I live in Vienna with my partner, a Viennese; it is truly a beautiful city. We live in the 8th district and it is very convenient for us. We have transportation in front of our building and my university and his work place only 10 min away by foot from where we live. However, not everywhere in Vienna is like that. My in-laws live in the 13th district and public transport there is pretty bad. Sometimes you have to wait for 20 min for the bus to come. It is like the suburban areas in the US, without a car you can´t go anywhere fast. So yeah, it has its pros and cons.

[@ErikaWelindt-cs6uz]

That’s not tru, public transportation is excellent everywhere.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

Never been to Vienna before but it will be on my list of places to go before I die.😊

[@sduraes8353]

I visited Vienna years ago and I can say It’s the most impressive city in Europe.

[@tariq_al_fahim170]

I love the Austrian parliament building, a great example of neoclassical structure

[@Michael00000001]

The Swiss parliament is neoclassical, too, but man what a difference 😅😅😅.

[@__HumanNature__]

Vienna is absolutely gorgeous and has a special place in the world ❤

[@chitwandhuliya]

Momentan lebe ich In Linz aber Vienna war the erste stadt in Österreich die ich besucht habe, fantastiche erfahrung, ganz anders