Vienna was the centre of the Hapsburg dynasty and combines a rich imperial history with the sophistication of a modern city. It is widely known for its architecture, cultural diversity, and culinary scene and attracts millions of tourists each year. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the city and hopefully highlight something of interest for would-be travellers.
Imperial Splendour
You won’t have to go far to find sites of cultural significance; after all, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Schönbrunn Palace, a former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, should certainly be explored with its ornate rooms and vast gardens. Hofburg Palace is also a highlight, especially for any museum lovers.
For those interested in art, Vienna has some world-class museums and exhibitions at the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere Palace, which house masterpieces by Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Klimt. For music enthusiasts, the Vienna State Opera offers a brilliant experience, with some world-renowned orchestras and singers performing to the venue.
Winter Wonders
Christmas is one of the world’s global holidays, celebrated by billions of people, but there are plenty of people who believe Austria does it best! Vienna’s Christmas markets begin in November and run through to January and feature wooden stalls selling all sorts of handcrafted goods and local food. At City Hall, visitors can try their hand at ice skating, which runs until the end of February and gives both beginners and experts a chance to try their hand on the ice.
The flare with which Vienna and other Austrian towns and cities do Christmas markets has led other cities around the world to lean heavily on themes and decorations as inspiration for their own seasonal markets. But not only that – Christmas (and all sorts of other seasonal celebrations) provide ample content and reach for all kinds of promotions. Every customer-oriented platform there is expands their promo offerings around December. For example, bingo promotions at some platforms have an added section specific to Christmas promos – and of course, gamers can use them to play their favourite games decked out in festive themes. Retailers from apparel brands to supermarkets give their most loyal customers the chance of fresh deals with daily advent calendars.
If the hustle and bustle of a Christmas market isn’t really you’re thing, then the last few winter months are perfect for catching the ball season, a Viennese tradition with the Vienna Opera Ball and the Philharmonic Ball showcasing the Viennese waltz and stunning gowns.
Culinary Delights
Vienna is a city packed with gold standard restaurants and delicious food. Not many know it, but Vienna has its own unique café culture. A visit to a traditional café will leave English speakers a little shocked at first with most of their favourites being served under different names. It can be confusing at first, but once you taste the delicious coffee and Viennese breakfast that goes with it, that’s all forgotten. Café Central is one of the most famous spots to experience it.
At lunch, hearty dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at a traditional Gasthaus are the name of the game. Afterwards, wash it down with a slice of Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake or take a stroll to try freshly baked Apfelstrudel at Demel, a famous pastry shop.
A trip to Vienna offers a truly unforgettable experience; between the culture, food, and seasonal activities, it is the perfect place to experience the charm that European cities have to offer.