Prater

Come join the locals and take a walk along the beautiful green expanse of Wiener Prater, Vienna's favourite city park, which houses a huge variety of attractions for the whole family.

Wander the manicured paths and lawns, gaze into the cosmos at the planetarium or take the kids to the renowned Wurstelprater – the longest-running amusement park in the world. This spacious city park was once an imperial hunting ground before it was donated to the city by Emperor Josef II in 1766.

Local entertainers and artists started to frequent Wiener Prater by the end of the 19th century and in 1897 the famous old fairground opened its gates. The star attraction is undoubtedly the iconic Riesenrad, or Giant Wheel, a survivor from the park's original attractions which towers 60 metres into the Vienna skyline and offers stunning views across the Austrian capital. Even today it's a dizzying experience – imagine what it must have felt like for the park's earliest visitors!

Back at ground level, you'll have a choice ranging from hair-raising rollercoasters to old-time merry-go-rounds amid more than 250 attractions. Another popular one is the high-flying swing known as Praterturm – certainly not for the faint-hearted – while children will love a ride on the Grottenbahn which takes them to 30 different grottos, each inhabited by characters from popular fairytales.

Other popular attractions in the park include the ghost train and the Liliputbahn railway, which chugs around the whole Wiener Prater. There's also a Madame Tussauds wax museum where you can get a snap taken with replicas of your favourite stars. If you get peckish during your visit there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from, offering everything from quick snacks to gourmet meals.

After you've eaten, take a stroll among the beautiful trees and paths of this expansive public park which is open every day of the year. Wiener Prater is in the city’s second district near the Donau (Danube River) and is easy to get to via public transport or by car. There are a number of paid car parks nearby.