7 Reasons to visit Vienna in 2017
Take note, Cheapos: Vienna is getting ready to kick off another big year, and the 2017 calendar is packed with exciting events.
From their famous music scene (think: Vienna Boys Choir and the Vienna State Opera) to several free festivals in the summer, Vienna should be on your must-see list for coming year.
Music fans should note that Vienna will be celebrating a number of note-able anniversaries. 2017 marks 150 years of the Blue Danube waltz and 175 years of the Vienna Philharmonic. Music fans will be in heaven with literally thousands of concerts taking place across the city throughout 2017. You can check the calendar on the Visit Vienna Tourism website to see what’s on tap.
Top reasons to visit Vienna in 2017
Here are a just a few of the reasons we think you should visit Vienna in 2017:
1. Viennese Modernism of Egon Schiele
February 22 – June 18, 2017
A new exhibition celebrating the influence of Viennese Modernism will be on display at the Albertina from February 22 to June 18, 2017. The exhibit features masterpieces by Egon Schiele, a protege of Gustav Klimt known for passionate works of art. The exhibit celebrates his work and life in a major show commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death at the age of 28.
The Maria Theresa Monument in Vienna. Photo: Katharine Hunter
2. 300 Years of Maria Theresa
June 30 – November 5, 2017
This is the first-ever exhibition to explore the relationship between Maria Theresa (the only female ruler of the Hapsburg dominions) to the visual arts. Entitled “300 Years of Maria Theresa: Strategist – Mother – Reformer,” this groundbreaking exhibit will take place at four venues throughout Vienna.
3. Music Film Festival at City Hall
July 1 – September 3, 2017
Attracting over 500,000 attendees, this outdoor summer festival brings film, music, and food to the heart of Vienna. Located on Rathausplatz, the Music Film Festival allows visitors to catch films on everything from opera to pop, while noshing on culinary treats from over 25 food vendors. The best part for Cheapos? All of the screening are free!
Related: 5 Cheap eats in Vienna
The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) before the opening curtain. Photo: Roman B
4. Vienna State Opera
Seeing an opera in Vienna is a breathtaking experience, and should really be a required activity, as the Vienna State Opera schedule is always filled with memorable performances (and Cheapos can always score cheap seats). Productions on tap for 2017 include classics such as Turandot, Parsifal, Tosca, Otello, Faust and Don Pasquale, among many others.
5. 2017 Danube Island Festival
June 23 – 25
Danube Island transforms into a giant outdoor party for more than 3 million visitors every summer. The 2017 Danube Island Festival features live entertainment spanning a variety of genres on over a dozen stages. This all-ages festival also wins points for budget travelers — admission is free!
6. Vienna Boys Choir
Two of the most famous Austrian cultural institutions join forces for “A Tribute to Vienna.” In between beautiful songs by the Vienna Boys Choir, the Spanish Riding School performs highlights from the “Ballet of the White Stallions.” Performances take place in May, June, September, and October.
Christmas World at Vienna City Hall Square. Photo: Nico P
7. Vienna Christmas World
November 17 – December 26, 2017
It’s never too early to start making plans to visit one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. The 2017 Vienna Christmas World at City Hall Square (Rathausplatz) kicks off on November 17 and runs through December 26th.
More help with your trip to Vienna
Looking for more ways to save when you visit Vienna? Be sure to stop by our guide to budget hotels in Vienna, and check out these additional posts in our Vienna blog.
About the author
There’re 1007 reasons to visit Vienna! But you gave 7 real ones, the most precious.