Vienna is a city filled with beautiful architecture, history and things to do. Year-round it is worth a visit. However, in the days leading up to Christmas, it delightfully becomes the global hub of the winter holidays. Not just on arrival but with every second within the city you will be standing widemouthed like a child on Christmas day. I spent just four days there and completely fell in love with it! In this article, I will highlight exactly why you should book your late November/December visit to the Austrian capital now, whilst simplifying it down to six reasons.
The Christmas Markets
If you take a walk through Vienna before Christmas, you will without a doubt come across one of the many charming Christmas markets. Out of the many to mention, The Hofburg holds a wonderful small Christmas Market decked in white. However, an exceptional market to mention is The Christmas World on Rathausplatz is the Market. This is the largest Christmas Market and if you want a truly magical winter experience, skate on the ice rink surrounded by the lights and wooden stalls.
Mulled Wine
“Did anyone say Glühwein?”. No, I did not headbutt my keyboard mid-sentence but in fact wrote what you will be telling your travel-buddies after visiting your first Viennese Christmas market. “Glühwein” is mulled wine in German and not only does it cure the winter chills, but also gives you a little smile with something Instagram-worthy. They are served in cute mugs with each stall offering either a heart-shaped mug or a cute red welly-shaped mug.
The Rooftop Bars
Wrap up warm and take to the sky, or at least a few floors up. There are a few available but I recommend the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar on Schubertring street. It combines the Christmas market experience with an excellent view over the city. There are also many heaters available to give you that winter bonfire experience. So order your Glühwein or drink of your choice and spend the evening chatting away while enjoying the view.
Those Famous Buildings in the Snow
One absolutely must visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, Belvedere Palace and St.Stephen’s Cathedral. Unfortunately, no snow fell on the time that I spent there (sobs to self) but I can only imagine that snow would accent these perfectly. Take an incredible amount of pictures as you stand in envy of the designs carved into these buildings and unique statues sitting on the rooftops and other normally unthought-of places for statues. If you only have a limited amount of time in the city, you should not miss Schönbrunn Palace. The perfectly symmetrical gardens are just one feature of many that give you a perfect opportunity for some great pictures. Moreover, a pleasant treat is that these each have their own Christmas Markets for all the bakery products, souvenirs and, of course, Mulled wine that you require in Vienna.
The Clubs and Bars
Enjoy the Vienna night life after the Christmas-based exploration. Drinks can be expensive at most places but the Travel Shack bar at Mariahilfer Gürtel 21 gives you a relatively cheap and fun option. You can meet a lot of international students and travellers there in your pre drinks before you go to a clubbing destination. TuesdayClub on Schönbrunner is a great spot to spend the night but, unfortunately, as the name suggests it is only open on a Tuesday.
Being 160 Metres Up in the Air
Feel like a boss while drinking in the Donauturm café. Not only do you have a brilliant view of Vienna’s skyline with green and red Christmas lights from your table but the whole café rotates so you don’t even have to move from your table to see every corner of the city. This was perhaps the most magical part whilst in Vienna and is sure to make your jaw drop. Don’t hesitate; persuade your friends to book now and enjoy a classy 2020 Christmas in this amazing city.
Follow Our Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
The Lone Traveller 