I first went to Vienna in 2014 over the summer. It was nothing I expected. I thought it was going to have an edgy Eastern European vibe, but instead I found a city with the sophistication of a place like Paris combined with the efficiency of Germany. The architecture was beautiful, the history was fascinating, and the food scene was incredible. I was a fan, and knew I had to go back.
It took me 5 years, but I found myself back in Vienna in December for the holidays. Vienna in the winter had been on my bucketlist for a long time because its known as one of the most beautiful cities to visit around Christmas. And after going, I can confirm that that reputation is well-earned. The entire city is lit up for the holidays and the Christmas market is exactly as magical as you’d imagine. But even if you’re not going to Vienna for the holidays, there is so much you can expect from this city, so let’s just jump right into my guide:
- the currency used in Vienna is euros
- the public transportation system is extremely easy to use
- Uber is available and reasonably priced
- if you go during the winter, know that it’s quite cold and can be gloomy
- During Christmas, everything closes early. The restaurants that are open for dinner need to be reserved well in advance
Where To Stay
If you’re looking for a cute hotel that won’t break the bank, I have just the thing: Ruby Marie Hotel. So Ruby Hotels is a rapidly growing design hotel chain all over Europe. Very millennial-friendly (will get into this), and easy on the wallet.
There are 3 different Ruby Hotels in Vienna. I stayed in Ruby Marie, located in the 7th Neubau district, which is home to the city’s biggest shopping street. Just outside the doors of the hotel, you’ll find every high street shop imaginable, all of which are MUCH less crowded than the ones near Stephanplatz. The hotel is also a 2 minute walk from the metro which takes you right into the city center in less than 10 minutes. The metro in Vienna is probably one of the best in the world – it’s efficient, clean and user-friendly.
So I know I said the hotel is millennial-friendly, and here’s how. Essentially, it offers a ton of things which are really catering towards young travellers. First things first, there’s a self check-in system which takes 2 minutes, and just like that, you have a key card to your room. Checking out is even easier. You literally walk out of the hotel. You pay for everything you buy on the spot, so there’s no bill to clear upon checking out. It honestly makes life so easy because it’s not this huge additional step where you’re rushing out of your room and having to wait in line and getting stressed because you’re running late for your flight.
The hotel offers a great breakfast spread and has a 24 hour bar. And that bar isn’t just for alcoholic beverages. You can get coffee too. However, if you don’t want to spend money on food, the hotel also has a common kitchen space available to guests which is great to make no-fuss meals. There’s also a library, a yoga space, a work space, and a movie room. It’s very cool. Think chic, elevated college dorm.
The rooms themselves are clean and simple. They’re quite spacious, so a great choice if you’re visiting for more than a couple of days. My favourite part of the hotel is the breakfast area, which also has a rooftop garden. It’s very cozy and cute.
Overall, this is a great option for travellers who are looking for a chic hotel that won’t break the bank.
Where To Eat
The first time I went to Vienna, I had no idea what to expect, so I was genuinely really shocked by the food scene. It’s robust and so trendy, and over the last few years, it’s grown even more. You’ll see a lot of cafes in my list of recommendations, and that’s because cafes are a specialty in Vienna. But not the specialty cafes that you see loads of in major cities. Viennese cafes are special. They have the best desserts and take coffee seriously, and have these really elaborate breakfasts. Here are a few of my faves from this trip:
Labstelle: this trendy new restaurant is near impossible to get a table at unless you book in advance. If you book a table for lunch, they have a very reasonably priced set menu which is a great option. Or you can opt for a la carte, which is what I did.
Vino: this is a very local wine bar which I stumbled upon. They have great snacks, super friendly staff, and a real vibe going. I highly recommend for a romantic night out.
Stadtcafe: come for food, drinks, or just a good time. It’s a really lovely restaurant.
Demel: Another staple in Vienna, you can expect a line unless you come early. On the bright side, the line moves very quickly. The desserts here are phenomenal. Come with an appetite and order a few different things to share.
Hotel Sacher: the Sacher Torte is super famous in Vienna. It’s this special chocolate cake which is so unique and too delicious to describe. My mouth literally just filled up with saliva. Hotel Sacher is obviously the most famous place to get the Sacher Torte. However, there is usually a line up for the main cafe. Do yourself a favor and opt to sit in the parlour area which has the EXACT same menu. People go to the cafe area to take pictures, but I think waiting an hour for a table is a steep price to pay for a picture.
Cafe Central: Probably the best known cafe in Vienna. It’s absolutely stunning, and always has a ton of people wanting a table there. I don’t believe you can reserve, it’s walk in only. I recommend coming at off-peak hours (weekdays), or early for breakfast.
Cafe Pruckel: Less crowded, cute, and offers a great breakfast.
What To Do
Vienna has a very rich history, so I highly recommend dedicating 2 days to the touristy things like a walking tour, museum visits, and checking out the Schonbrun, Belvedere and Hofburg Palaces. It’s also known for its opera, so if you’re around during opera season, definitely catch a show. The opera house really is stunning and is worth doing a tour around. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, probably the most iconic building in the city, offers a great view if you climb to the top.
If you’re going during the holidays, needless to say you shouldn’t miss out on the Christmas market. Vendors only accept cash, so come prepared.
Aside from this, enjoy! Vienna really is a gorgeous city and has so much to offer in terms of history, food, and vibe.
PS – if you enjoyed this guide, check out my Florence Travel Guide and what you need to know about Megeve.