Dirt Cheap Vienna

Vienna is a great city to experience almost all architectural styles at their best. There are gothic churches, baroque castles, and a vast array of neo-classical apartment buildings. Those ubiquitous apartment buildings enable for a great quality of living in Vienna and create quite a warm atmosphere.

Yet, Vienna even has more architectural attractions, especially those that were built within roughly the last 100 years. Art Nouveau has its origins in this city that’s also home to the colorful Hundertwasserhaus and architecture firms like Coop Himmelb(l)au that are known for their avantgarde projects.

Traces of Art Nouveau can be found all over the city, at doors, the decoration of houses, subway stops, and in several distinct other locations. The central entrace to Karlsplatz metro station that is kept in green and gold decorum is a splendid example for Art Nouveau in Vienna. Very close-by  the Vienna Secession building with its golden cuppola that was built by artists, who were trying to break away from conventional movements, to provide for a platform and a space to exhibit their works.

Another interesting building is Hundertwasserhaus that was designed by the artist on the in- and outside. There’s a small museum, art exhibitions and the opportunity to stock up on souvenirs as well. In the summertime you can enjoy some drinks in the quiet, shady courtyard.

For more information on architecture in Vienna, visit the Architekturzentrum in the Museumsquartier.

How to get there
For Karlsplatz and the Vienna Secession building take U1, U2 or U4 and get off at Karlsplatz. Hundertwasserhaus is accessible with tram line 1 that runs along most of the ring, you can get onto this line at Schwedenplatz (U1, U2), as well.
To get to the Architekturzentrum either take U2 and get off at Museumsquartier or Volkstheater, or U3 and get off at Volkstheater.

Why go there
Architecture has a rich history in Vienna. Wherever you go, you’re surrounded by grandeur, innovation, and high asthetic standards. The inner city and most of the significant buildings have been declared UNESCO world heritage.

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