5 Must-See Places When Visiting Vienna – With a Twist of Explorely Fun

Vienna is a city that sings with elegance, history, and imperial grandeur. But what if your daytrip could be more than just sightseeing? What if every landmark came with a challenge, a quiz, or a quest? That’s exactly what happened when you explored Austria’s capital using the travel game app Explorely. Designed to transform ordinary visits into interactive adventures, Explorely helped uncover layers of Vienna that even the most seasoned travelers might overlook.

With only a day to soak in the magic, Explorely’s guided route through some of Vienna’s most iconic sights offered the perfect blend of culture, fun, and discovery. Here’s how the day unfolded — and why these five spots deserve a spot on your must-see list.

1. Belvedere Palace – Imperial Beauty with a Bonus Quest

Your adventure began at the stunning Belvedere Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture surrounded by sweeping gardens. Explorely introduced you to the story of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the visionary behind this 18th-century marvel. But it wasn’t just history on display — the app challenged you to capture a creative photo from a secret garden angle. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about taking in the grandeur; it was about spotting the lesser-known perspectives that tourists often miss.

The palace’s Upper Belvedere is also home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss, which became part of a clever quiz. Explorely asked which elements in the painting symbolized passion — and the answer wasn’t as obvious as you’d think.

2. Lower Belvedere – A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Just a short walk downhill led to the Lower Belvedere, a space that feels like stepping into a private royal residence. Explorely turned this quieter corner into a treasure hunt. Each lavish room came with tidbits of art trivia and riddles about Baroque interiors. One quest asked you to find a gilded phoenix and snap a photo — no easy task with the palace’s ornate decor.

The bonus? Learning how these two Belvederes, once princely retreats, now house world-class art in very different atmospheres — the contrast is part of the charm.

3. Burggarten – A Green Oasis with a Mozart Moment

Midday brought a well-earned breather at Burggarten, Vienna’s elegant park tucked behind the Hofburg. Explorely cleverly guided you toward the Mozart statue — and then hit you with a musical challenge. Which of the composer’s symphonies was composed while living in Vienna? The correct answer unlocked a special audio snippet of the piece, bringing the past to life with a tap.

Relaxing by the palm house café, you realized how the app made even quiet moments meaningful. Burggarten wasn’t just a break; it was an interactive tribute to Vienna’s musical soul.

4. Hofburg – The Empire's Beating Heart

No Vienna visit is complete without walking through the sprawling Hofburg complex. From the Imperial Apartments to the Sisi Museum, the sense of power and pageantry is palpable. Here, Explorely turned into a time machine. With augmented reality challenges and trivia about Habsburg customs, it was as if Empress Elisabeth herself might sweep down a corridor at any moment.

The highlight? A timed challenge to identify three unusual imperial objects in under five minutes. Racing through the exhibits while solving clues added a layer of adrenaline you never expected in a museum.

5. Stephansdom Nordturm – Views With a Victory

As the sun began to dip, the climb up the Nordturm of St. Stephen’s Cathedral promised both effort and reward. Explorely made the ascent more than just a workout. With each landing, the app dished out mini-questions — architectural facts, myth-busting, and even a “guess the gargoyle” quiz.

Reaching the top was its own kind of triumph. The panoramic view over Vienna was breathtaking, and with the final photo quest complete, the app surprised you with a digital badge and a fun recap of the day’s achievements.

Final Thoughts

Vienna, even in a day, offers centuries of culture. But with Explorely as your guide, each moment felt richer, more personal, and a lot more fun. Instead of passively admiring the city’s beauty, you engaged with it — questioned it, played with it, and even challenged it. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning traveler, adding a playful layer through Explorely transforms a classic daytrip into an unforgettable experience.

Why just visit when you can explore?