Vienna Travel Guide

If you are not sure what to do in Vienna, don’t be afraid, there are millions of things. Actually, you would have to write an encyclopaedia to list everything that is worth doing. Nevertheless, it should include a walk around the inner city and on the Ring Boulevard. You will pass most of the major architectural sights such as the parliament, the town hall and the state opera house and be able to get a great overview over the city’s oldest and most prominent district.

Listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO a visit to one of the Viennese coffee houses is a must-do during your visit. Existing for hundreds of years these coffee houses remain a traditional institution appreciated by both locals and visitors. One of the most famous cafés among those cafés is the Café Sacher offering the original Sachertorte, a chocolate cake filled with apricot jam served with whipped cream.

If you prefer a coffee house a bit more off the beaten track, you should give Café Savoy a try, probably Vienna’s oldest gay coffee house. The old-style interior with its huge mirrors is definitely in contrast with the café’s social-cultural mindset, which is everything but antiquated. Diversity is appreciated, and the Savoy welcomes everyone regardless of orientation, sex, age, religion or ethnicity.

Vienna is not only the political and cultural capital of Austria but also the culinary one. Everyone can try great restaurants and have amazing food throughout their stay in Vienna, but what about learning how to cook Viennese specialities like Schnitzel or Apfelstrudel. Meissl & Schadn, the restaurant within the Grand Ferdinand Hotel offers such cooking courses.

Earlier in this travel guide, we already worshipped the Austrian and Viennese cuisine. Due to Austria’s location in the heart of Europe, the local cuisine is influenced by so many regions and cultural circles such as Hungary or Bohemia. Also, being a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, Vienna boasts a vast culinary offering.

A cute little restaurant with the nicest staff is the Woracziczky. The restaurant offers great typical Austrian dishes using regional and local goods which give the food an even more distinct Viennese touch. The setting within an old tavern, including panelled walls and small séparées, will guarantee an unforgettable evening.

An institution both within and outside Vienna’s gay scene is the Motto. The Motto’s menu offers both Austrian and International classics. Therefore you can enjoy the Wiener Schnitzel without having to take a pass on your beloved Beef Tartar. The Motto’s interior always provides enough topics for conversation. I am not going to spoil at this point, you will see for yourself. The green velvet, the used look of the walls and the black marble – it all fits perfectly together to create an atmosphere taking you back to a dinner club in the 1960s. Since the Motto also has its own bar, you don’t even need to switch location for your cocktails afterwards.

Whether you want to have breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink, the Palmenhaus caters you all day long. Its location in the city centre right next to the Albertina Museum and the Imperial Palace is perfect for a break from discovering Vienna. The Palmenhaus owes its name to its location within an old imperial greenhouse in the art nouveau style. Especially in the winter the Palmenhaus is a haven from cold and grey weather and manages to take you somewhere exotic.

Just in case you feel like having something Asian, you need to go to ON Market. This restaurant right next to the Naschmarkt serves fantastic Asian fusion food.

No matter whether you just want to buy souvenirs for your loved ones or add the latest trends to your wardrobe, Vienna has some old established places as well as hidden gems when it comes to shopping.

A place that is probably featured in every travel guide about Vienna is the Naschmarkt. Nevertheless, you should not miss a stroll through this vast open-air market area. The Naschmarkt welcomes visitors Monday to Saturday regardless of the weather. Stroll in-between the market stalls, enjoy samples from the friendly merchants offering food and goods from all over the world or have a coffee in one of the numerous restaurants. In addition to the regular market that is mainly about food, spices and delicacies the parking space next to the Naschmarkt turns into a flea market every Saturday. If you take some time to browse the antiques, paintings and curiosities, you will no doubt be rewarded with some unique souvenirs.

Not far from the Naschmarkt you will find Mariahilfer Strasse, which is one of the most prominent shopping streets in Vienna. However, if you are looking for a more off the beaten track shopping experience you want to make a turn from Mariahilfer Strasse into the Neubau district. Neubau, Vienna’s 7^th district, is known for its vast array of artisanal shops and independent brands. From young Viennese fashion designers to aspiring artists – Neubau really is a vibrant area, catering to those who appreciate quality and avoid off-the-rack goods.