Vienna was never a destination that was really on my travel radar before. However, when the chance to visit arose, it was a delightful surprise, primarily because I had no preconceived notions about the city. I was aware of Vienna’s famed Christmas markets, yet the city revealed itself to be far more enchanting than just seasonal festivities.
Strolling through the city of Vienna with no particular roadmap, letting the city’s rhythm guide me, was where Vienna’s charm lies: in its accessibility. Each district, brimming with distinct character and charming boutiques, is interconnected by an efficient public transport system. Yet, I found joy in wandering on foot, tracing the cobblestone streets and Christmas lights where history seems to lurk around every corner. If you visit the city during the Holidays or wintertime, a suggestion is to bring warm clothes, so you are able to walk around town comfortably. For visitors, the Vienna City Card is also highly recommended. Additionally, a deeper essence of Vienna was uncovered through my guided tour with Basti and Gabi from Rebel Tours. Far from the standard group excursions, the brother and sister duo’s tour was infused with personal anecdotes and historical insights, and made each corner of Vienna feel like discovering a hidden gem with friends.
Hotels Beyond The Experiences
Vienna’s upscale hotels predominantly line the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard and nestle within the old town. The Ringstrasse hosts venerable establishments like the Imperial, the Bristol, the Palais Coburg Residenz, and the Sacher, where I stayed for the beginning of my visit.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic hotel stands proudly across from the opera house, surrounded by a myriad of attractions and cafes. Its founder, also the creator of the renowned Sacher cake, established a legacy that has been carried on as a family-run business. Stepping into the hotel immediately transports you to another world. The rooms exude elegance, with luxurious marble counters encircling a deep bath, separated from the bedroom by a glass partition. A delicate flower, resting in an exquisite glass sculpture, adorns the bathroom vanity. The hotel’s meticulous attention to detail and impeccable service truly set it apart. It houses two cafes, a shop, and the Rote Restaurant. This grand damask dining room, adorned with large oil paintings and crystal chandeliers, serves up regional specialties, including one of the best vegan schnitzels in the city. Mornings bring the promise of a sumptuous breakfast in one of the elegant dining rooms, where guests can choose from a variety of cold buffet items or order a hot meal and coffee. The hotel’s central location offers easy access to the State Opera. In the summer, elegantly dressed crowds gather around a popular hot dog stand near the Albertina Museum, enjoying their snacks with champagne on the bustling, shop-lined street. The hotel’s lobby itself is a sight to behold, often featuring a stunning centerpiece; during my visit, it boasted an impressive gingerbread sculpture. One evening, a young child, captivated by the display, sneakily tasted a piece of gingerbread, only to be whisked away by his older brother to their waiting parents outside. I smiled. The traditional festive magic could be felt everywhere.
In contrast, Boutique Hotel Motto was a revelation of contemporary flair, reflecting the dynamic evolution of Vienna’s spirit into the modern world. Formerly known as Hotel Kummer, a silent witness to Vienna’s rich urban history, the building on Mariahilfer Straße underwent a transformative rebirth in 2021. Nestled in the bustling 6th district, right by a subway station on the vibrant orange line, this hotel dazzles with intimate, thoughtful design. The ambiance resonates with the energy of young, creative guests and staff, creating an environment that’s both welcoming and inspiringly artistic. Each room invites you to immerse yourself in comfort. The hotel’s philosophy and motto; ‘Love Makes Sense’.
Situated in the heart of the city, Boutique Hotel Motto blends Parisian charm with modern Viennese flair and a touch of Scandinavian coziness. It stands out not only for its style but also for its commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement. Many of its furniture pieces, for instance, are sourced from small regional manufacturers, uplifting local craftsmanship. It’s a sanctuary for those who embrace life’s full spectrum of inspiration and creativity, in the pinnacle of comfort. It was the perfect location to decompress and enjoy a warm bubbly bath following a day spent exploring Vienna’s snow-draped streets and landmarks.
The hotel’s crowning jewel is Chez Bernard, located on the top floor. Here, guests can enjoy both a copious breakfast in the sunlight, or an elegant dinner filled with great music, lots of greenery, and all the good vibes.
Yet, beyond these two hotels, Vienna offers a rich landscape of hospitality experiences. From the grandiose Ritz-Carlton to the understated elegance of the Park Hyatt, each establishment offers its unique interpretation of Viennese charm, contributing to the city’s rich mosaic of hospitality. Here are some of the highlights I discovered on my adventure.
Vienna’s Artistic Heartbeat
As a lover of stories, I was drawn to Vienna’s rich history and art. Stepping outside the hotel, the first thing you must visit is The Wien Museum, which boasts a captivating chronicle of Vienna’s 2,000-year history. Even for those not particularly keen on history, the museum is an ideal starting point to enrich your understanding of Vienna’s streets. Plus, it’s free.
The next notable museum to visit steps into the world of psychology at the Sigmund Freud Museum. Located in the beautiful 9th district, the Freud museum was created in 1971 and is found inside the actual apartments Freud had lived in for most of his life. It was one of my favorite museums to visit in Vienna because of its intimate setting as you walk where history was created, in a true Viennese apartment. One enters the museums directly via the buildings, and finds oneself in the beautiful staircases that connect all of the exhibitions and the library. The apartment where he lived and had his consultation. Walking throughout his former practice room on the upper ground floor, visiting the Berggasse 19 commemoration site: the world-famous address which is the birthplace of psychoanalysis, but also the commemoration of the loss of humanity under the National Socialist regime. But besides the obvious work of his life, the rooms also offer a glimpse into Sigmund Freud as a family man and father. The museum also boasts a beautiful cafe, so you can sit down and enjoy a cafe at the end of your visit. Or if you are hungry, right at the corner of the Freud Museum’s street, if you are in a mood for traditional Viennese flavors, you could sit down at Gasthaus Rebhuhn, that offers a taste of affordable local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
For more traditional art enthusiasts, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must-see. Its primary collection of paintings are those of the Habsburgs. If you are more a modern art lover, you should head to the Albertina Modern (not the Albertina, which is a different building and museum) or the Leopold Museum. The Leopold Museum, spread across seven floors, boasts the world’s largest collection of Egon Schiele’s works, alongside pieces by Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, and other notable artists. The Albertina Modern, a mere 15-minute walk from Leopold, complements this experience with its diverse range of contemporary artworks, making it a must-visit for those keen to explore art beyond the classical realm.
Vienna also has an unrivaled collection of ivy-covered palaces and estates. So, it is undoubtedly worthwhile to stroll in their gardens, or purchase a ticket for a visit. Don’t miss the grandeur of the Liechtenstein Palace, the Belvedere Palace, or the Schönbrunn Palace – best visited as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds (And I mean it, these places are among the top destinations for tourists).
Culinary Journeys and Evening Escapades
When it comes to dining in Vienna, the options are as diverse as they are delightful. As a lover of food, I obviously wanted to try the best places, and my gut and heart were drawn to local cuisine and family-run establishments. During my visit, I discovered Gasthaus, a name for German-style tavern establishments usually found in smaller towns. There are a few in Vienna, but my coup de cœur were Rebhuhn Gasthaus in the 9th district, and Zum Alten Beisl Gasthaus, a cozy haven serving hearty but refined authentic local dishes. Make sure you reserve your places, however, as some of the Gasthaus are super popular among locals, and seats are limited.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, C.O.P Collection Of Produce restaurant is an excellent choice. This establishment prides itself on a farm-to-table philosophy, bringing the freshest ingredients directly to your plate. The food was simply delicious, and its atmosphere was trendy. I was greatly surprised to discover that the man who was standing at the entrance of the restaurant early in the evening, greeting customers and helping the staff throughout, was actually the Head-Chef, Elihay Berliner.
Also located in the 9th district, wine enthusiasts should not miss MAST. It was born from the passion of Matthias Pitra and Steve Breitzke, with a central focus on their favorite subject: WINE. Its selection of fine Burgenland red wines is particularly noteworthy, making it an ideal choice for a refined evening. The values they hold for wine are mirrored in their culinary approach. The kitchen, led by Lukas Lacina, prides itself on using fresh vegetables from the garden and meat sourced from local farmers to bring their vision to life. It was, in all honesty, the best Fregola Sarda Pasta I have ever tasted in my life. A must-eat!
And for an unforgettable drink and night, head to Bar Pani, where Marco Pani crafts both classic and contemporary cocktails in an intimate, warmly-lit setting. The place is almost hidden, as a simple cocktail insignia is on the wall, near the entrance door. As you enter the premises, there is a slight nostalgia feel, almost as if you’ve been transported back a few decades. The bar was also recently named “Opening of the Year” by Falstaff magazine, an established foodie media platform in German-speaking Europe with leading publications and websites in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The Triple C: Coffee, Culture, and Christmas Markets
During the Christmas season, Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas markets, with their enchanting arrays of twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and the sweet scent of mulled wine, create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, although best visited during weekdays if you want to avoid crowds. Each market, from the grand Rathausplatz to the quaint Spittelberg, has its own unique charm, offering a festive experience that’s both heartwarming and joyous. It’s a time when the city’s streets and squares come alive with the spirit of the season. And most of its street food is actually surprisingly delicious, and a must-try.
If you’d rather spend more time inside than outside, one simply cannot visit Vienna without spending some quality time inside a coffee shop. The city prides itself on the quality of the time spent. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011. My personal favorites are the Schwarzenberg, Goldegg, Sperl and Landtmann, but there are so many I didn’t have time to try. According to the official report of the UNESCO, “the coffeehouses are a place where patrons consume time and space, but only the coffee appears on the bill.” This is a place where you practice enjoying laid-back moments, discussing with friends, reading the newspaper, or simply enjoying a delicious coffee with a slice of Apple Strudel. There are so many benefits, and it really makes you question the importance of this non-ending race we feel is so strongly important here in North America. How important it is, taking time for oneself and enjoying the moments in between.
