This trip is long overdue! After living in Europe for more than two and a half years, we’re finally visiting Vienna! Not only is it a magical place to visit at Christmas, but Vienna is also an excellent destination for travelers seeking a large and accessible European city that’s rich in culture. Above all of this, travel here can be easily accomplished on a budget!

Since moving to Basel, we have traveled each Christmas. Last year we spent Christmas in Zermatt and the previous in Prague. It’s time to spice up that plan. This year we’re spending Christmas in Basel so opted to travel a week earlier! We still get the full Christmas vibe, but we get to have a classic Christmas at home as well!

The Vienna Holiday Guide

What to See, Do, Eat, and Drink in Vienna

It’s a special time of year throughout the world, but there’s just something different in Europe when Christmas markets open. In my opinion, it just feels a bit more classic and magical. It’s that storybook feel as if you’re in the middle of a Hallmark movie feature!

While some cities have just one or two large markets, Vienna has several, and they are spread through the city. This format seems to make it easier to enjoy without the shoulder to shoulder crowd like you’ll find in other well-known markets like Strasbourg, France. They are all similar, but some have more of a local feel (Karlplatz Art Advent Market, Spittelberggaße Market, and Am Hof), some are more touristic (Rathausplatz and The Hofburg), and some are a beautiful blend of both (Maria-Theresien Platz).

All of these markets will provide you with ample opportunities to sip on glühwein (mulled wine), a European Christmas market staple, local beer, or hot cocoa. There’s no shortage of craft and food stalls either. We had grilled käsekrainer, a cheese infused wurst, that I can confidently say is the best wurst/hotdog I’ve eaten to date. Whether you’re craving savory delights so as that or kartofelpuffer (grated potato and onion fried cake), or sweet treats, you’ll find all at most markets!

Our visit was just four days, so we weren’t able to dig as deep into all Vienna has to offer, so we’ll be visiting again for a Summer Guide soon. As with most European cities, the Christmas Market creates a wildly different vibe that can sometimes overtake the culture that generally makes the city so unique. One thing for sure, Vienna is exceptional, and we look forward to visiting again for more.

Where To Stay

Hotel Grand Ferdinand

Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna, Austria | Website

We’ve truly enjoyed our 2019 trend of seeking out the perfect boutique hotel, so it was a no brainer when visiting the classy city of Vienna. Many hotel options are quite expensive, and the choices we’ve found recently on Airbnb are in the same price range. Why not stay somewhere beautifully elegant with that splash of modern flare?

That’s what we opted for in Hotel Grand Ferdinand. This was not only one of the most reasonably priced hotel options, but it’s also ideally situated on the ring, giving you quick and easy access to the old city center, tram lines, and bordering some key shopping district options.

Hotel Grand Ferdinand is one of the only remaining family-owned hotels in Vienna. It’s incredibly beautiful, and we immediately fell in love thanks to all of the smiling faces and fantastic service. The rooms are beautifully appointed and everything you would want in your stay!

The hotel features three restaurants, Meissl & Schadn, Gulash & Söhne, and Grand Étage Vienna. The latter is only accessible for hotel guests and features a beautiful breakfast spread.

What To Do and See

Christmas Markets

As mentioned above, there are several markets spread throughout the city. While all will have some common Christmas market themes, they each have a slightly different feel and may feature a little something extra.

You’ll find markets at the City Hall (Rathaus), Belvedere Palace, Maria-Theresien Platz, Universitätscampus, Schönbrunn Palace, Spielberg, Art Advent at Karlsplatz, Winter Market at Riesenradplatz, and Am Hoff Advent Market.

Concerts

While we were unable to take in a show while in Vienna, it’s certainly something they are famous for. Wolfgang Mozart was born in Salzburg and died in Vienna. The appreciation for music and is evident, and there are many options for you. Visit viennaconcerts.com and get your tickets ahead of time. These do sell out!

Eat Sachertorte

This Viennese chocolate sponge cake is one of the most city’s most famous specialties. The Sachertorte consists of dark chocolate, apricot jam, and chocolate sponge cake. It’s a must-try!

Visit the Palaces and Cathedrals

Vienna is full of beautiful architecture! St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in the city center and features the classic Gothic architecture found throughout Europe. If you are seeking more classic architecture, The Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and Belvedere Palace are gorgeous examples!

Naschmarkt

Whether you are seeking food, general market needs, or just want to grab a drink and people watch… Naschmarkt is one of the best places for this in Vienna! You’ll find it on Linke Wienzeile just outside of the city ring.

Where To Eat

When you’re ready to take a break from the Christmas market stalls, there are many wonderful restaurants in Vienna to experience!

Meissl & Schadn

Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Vienna | Website

This beautifully designed restaurant space is part of the Grand Hotel Ferdinand and is quite fun! With a large window (and website) exclaiming, “Schnitzel Love,” you know it’s fun. Their schnitzel station is part of the open-concept space, so diners can see the process the chefs take in making these regionally famous dishes. Their food is incredible and features many classics.

We opted for the Wiener Schnitzel á la Meissl & Schadn, the combination that Sigmund Freud and Arthus Schnitzler preferred with wild cranberries and potato salad. Delicious! Want to take a Weiner Schnitzel or Apple Strudel class, register ahead of time HERE

Figlmüller Bäckerstaße

Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Vienna | Website

This classic Vienna staple is also a must-visit! If you aren’t craving more wiener schnitzel, don’t worry, they have many delicious Viennese options! The service was incredible, and the prices are quite reasonable, given the history and popularity.

Make reservations online in advance. They were booked out for 6 weeks at our time of visit!

Erich

Neustiftgasse 27, 1070 Vienna | Website

I was seeking a little something brunchy and stumbled upon Erich, a beautiful little restaurant just outside of the ring. I rarely see a Bloody Mary on cocktail or brunch menus in Europe so honed in on this one as that is a family favorite drink for brunch!

It’s a small space and they don’t take reservations so plan your timing ahead! The food and drinks are more than worth the wait! Many options can be prepared Vegan if desired. The Green Shakshuka, Breakfast Tacos, and Club Sandwich are a few great options!

Mama Liu & Sons

Gumpendorfer Str. 29, 1060 Vienna | Website

If you’ve been following me for long, you’ve likely already seen a trend for loving Asian food options and trying to find key places in our destinations. Vienna is no exception!

Mama Liu & Sons is a beautiful and modern restaurant space that is suitable for a small table or a larger group. Their Dim Sum is fantastic, as are the Rou Won (Homemade Meatballs), Liang Ban Xi Mian (Rice Noodles in Peanut Sauce with Herbs and Spices), and their Hot Pot options!

Café Sacher

Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Vienna | Website

One of the more classic and infamous locations for Sachertorte, Café Sacher is elegant and beautiful. There is typically a long line outside due to the popularity, but it’s a beautifully prepared dish. They have other menu items as well, including Quiche, Foie Gras, Salads, and more.

Motto

Rüdigergasse 1, 1050 Vienna | Website

With both brunch and dinner options, Motto is a fun restaurant with beautiful cocktails and a classic yet somehow modern vibe. Within minutes upon arrival, you can tell the staff has fun, and it flows into the guests. The menu is creative yet familiar, and an overall excellent place to dine!