Your guide to Vienna, Austria
How to get to Vienna?
Where to stay in Vienna?
What to do in Vienna?
Where to eat and drink in Vienna?
Vienna was a city that I never knew much about. It wasn’t really on my list of capital cities of the world that I wanted to visit. It could be because of my lack of knowledge of classical music or the history of Austria in general. My interest in Austria has always been in skiing—such as my visit to Ischgl and hopefully Sölden in the future. But after I finally made a visit to the city, it changed my mind completely. I wished I had visited Vienna earlier in my life, but maybe not, as I probably wouldn’t have appreciated the fantastic culture and food that Vienna offers if I were a younger version of myself.
GETTING TO
Vienna International Airport offers many international flights to destinations around the world. And of course, it connects to most airports in Europe, making it very convenient to get to. It is also relatively close to the city centre—a taxi ride is only around 20 minutes without traffic.
WHERE TO STAY
There are numerous hotels from all price ranges, as with any major European city. I chose to stay at The Hoxton Vienna, which is a fairly new hotel far enough from the very busy old town area but close enough to all the major sights in the city.
WHAT TO DO
Depending on your interests, there is so much to do in Vienna. From Classical Music concerts at the Musikverein or catching an Opera at the famous Vienna Opera House, you will be guarantee to leave Vienna having a smile on your face.
Depending on your interests, there is so much to do in Vienna. From classical music concerts at the Musikverein or catching an opera at the famous Vienna State Opera House, you are guaranteed to leave Vienna with a smile on your face.
If you are into art and history, the Upper Belvedere Museum with the famous Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Schönbrunn Palace would allow you to appreciate the history of Austria more. Walking around the Old Town and around St. Stephen’s Cathedral would allow you to understand why Vienna holds a special place in many travellers’ hearts. The Sisi Museum is also a great museum to understand the history of Vienna through the beautiful life of Elisabeth, the monarch.
There are other numerous concerts other than the famous Musikverein and I would also recommend the Wiener Barock Orchester at Palais Schönborn.
Christmas season is also a great time to visit the city as there are Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt, in front of the Rathaus (City Hall), at the Schönbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz around the Cathedral.
WHERE TO EAT
Food in major cities comes in many price points and everyone’s tastes are different, but the below places I’ve been to I would not hesitate to recommend. There is also a very strong café culture in Vienna. There are a few institutions that are almost a must-visit just to say you’ve been there before, but they might not have the best food and coffee you will find in Vienna. Nonetheless, you should experience some of them once in your life.
Heunisch Erben – A fantastic wine bar/restaurant with great food and Austrian wine selection.
Silvio Nickol – One of the few fine Austrian dining experiences in Vienna at the esteemed Palais Coburg Hotel. There is an amazing wine cellar at the hotel.
Alles Wurscht – Hot dog stands are everywhere in Vienna and Alles Wurscht is one of those that has some style and sophistication. A few benches beside the stand in a quiet neighbourhood by a park. A surprisingly good wine selection by the bottle.
Reznicek – If I had to pick only one restaurant to visit, this and Gasthaus Zu den 3 Hacken would be fighting head-to-head to take my pick. Reznicek is a beautiful modern restaurant putting Viennese cuisine with a modern vibe. The dining room is relaxing with great hospitality. A strong wine list to pair with the amazing food they serve. Must visit.
Gasthaus Zu den 3 Hacken – If Reznicek is a modern twist to Viennese cuisine then Gasthaus Zu den 3 Hacken is as traditional as you can get. A rustic Gasthaus, tavern, serving traditional Viennese food. If you could only spend one evening in Vienna, this will be the restaurant I would go to.
Café Central – One of the most famous cafés in Vienna rooted in history. The interior is absolutely stunning with high ceilings and marble columns.
Café Demel – Café Demel is not only a café but a specialty cake and confectionery shop making chocolates, cakes and sweets. This is a must-visit in Vienna and a great place to pick up some chocolates and souvenirs.
Café Sacher – Serving the most famous chocolate cake in Vienna, the Original Sachertorte. Beautiful dining room and the perfect café to spend your afternoon in Vienna.
Café Imperial – Another historical café inside the historical Imperial Hotel that serves Viennese culinary classics, from the delicious boiled beef dish “Tafelspitz” to arguably the best “Wiener Schnitzel” in town as well as the famous handmade “Imperial Torte”.
Café Landtmann – An institution in Vienna. A world-famous Vienna café.
Café Heumarkt – Nostalgia. Old Vienna at its finest. Order a café Melange: An espresso with steamed milk and a cap of milk foam, similar to a cappuccino and sit back and enjoy time as it passes by.
Truth and Dare – I’ve been to many bars in the world and this tucked in a small local street having all vibes you need for a hole in the wall. Not your fancy hotel bars but a place where you can lose yourself in Vienna.
