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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Vienna

73 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

Updated January 2, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Vienna

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Vienna

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Architecture 20
Museums 17
History & Culture 9
Architectural Oddities 8
Sacred Spaces 7
Churches 7
Collections 6
Art 6

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Stories About Vienna

Podcast: Checking Into Hotel Imperial With Deborah Cohen

On the eve of World War II, the source for all good stories was an opulent hotel in Vienna.
by The Podcast Team
Matthias Meinharter plays the leek violin, his favorite vegetable instrument.

Vienna's Vegetable Orchestra Is a Feast for Your Ears

Inside a group that's spent 25 years turning beets into beats.
by Kaja Seruga

Unveiling the Mystery of a Royal Wedding Dress Lost for 179 Years

Made famous by 'The Empress' on Netflix, Sisi and her missing garment provoked an imperial hunt over centuries.
by Ronan O'Connell
Snow globes were invented at the turn of the 20th century but didn’t often feature Christmas characters until after World War II.

This Family Gave the World the Snow Globe

But did they create the famous one with a starring role in Citizen Kane?
by Carole Rosenblat
Definitely don’t judge this book by its cover.

For Sale: A Poisoner’s Lab Secreted in a Beautiful Book

Another reminder that covers can't be trusted.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
This IUD prototype was never marketed because it didn’t have any advantages over existing models.

The Twisted History of IUD Design

Before doctors settled on the T-shape, these contraceptives came in all shapes and sizes.
by Sarah Laskow

The Atlas Obscura Guide to 11 Hidden Wonders of Vienna

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Lists Featuring Vienna

Original letter of Abraham, the son of Maimonides found in the Cairo genizah.
A sculpture of the Tower of Babel, by Alan Baughman, from the Introductory Room of the Museum of the Alphabet
Boontling word of the week in the tap room of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

A Linguistics Lover's Tour of the World

12 places to marvel at the history of human language.

12

Including The Cairo Genizah , The Museum of the Alphabet , and Boontling Language of Boonville

Bolivia’s Witch Market
Dubrovnik Maskeron
The Statue of St. Anthony’s Pig
The Guardhouse Monkey

15 Unlikely Places to Re-Up Your Luck

Luck be a... llama fetus?

15

Including Bolivia's Witch Market, Dubrovnik Maskeron, and Statue of St. Anthony's Pig

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