Innere Stadt

Overview

The Innere Stadt (First District) is Vienna's historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage area encircled by the Ringstraße. Within it lie the Hofburg, Stephansdom, the Graben, and centuries of Habsburg imperial architecture.

Highlights

• Walking circuit: A loop from Stephansdom along Graben, Kohlmarkt, through the Hofburg, and back via Kärntner Straße takes about 90 minutes.
• Coffee houses: Café Central, Café Demel, and Café Hawelka are all within the First District.
• Hidden passages: Ducking through Durchhäuser (passageways) between streets reveals courtyard gems.

History

The area within the Ring has been Vienna's centre since Roman times (Vindobona). The medieval walls were demolished in 1857 to create the Ringstraße boulevard.

Visitor Tips

• U1/U3 Stephansplatz: The central metro stop for the First District.
• Evening stroll: The illuminated facades are stunning after dark.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.