Vienna, or Wien in its native German, is home to a vast collection of famous royal palaces and cultural monuments, whether it be art, music, or architecture. This city is a beautiful travel destination for all seasons, especially during the cozy, festive winter months.
As the capital of the former Habsburg Dynasty, both the monarchy’s winter and summer palaces can be found in central Vienna.
Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Winter Residence, is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. Here you can catch glimpses of the lives of Austrian monarchs with a tour through the Imperial Apartments and Treasury, and take a stroll through Heldenplatz, the wide green square in front of the palace.
Just as majestic and beautiful is the Schönbrunn Palace, the royal family’s main summer residence. Established in the 16th century, the vast Rococo palace and its gardens tell the stories of successive Habsburg monarchs through 300 years. As it was registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List along with its gardens for their Baroque design and a unique example of art synthesis throughout time, a tour through the palace and its grounds will be an extraordinary experience. Even in the wintertime, the grand view of the snowcapped palace and the indoor tour of the stately home of famous Austrian monarchs such as Maria Theresia make it worth the visit.
At the heart of the city is Stephansdom, a grand Roman Catholic cathedral with majestic towers dominating Vienna’s skyline. For those of you without a fear of heights or tight spaces, it won’t be a true adventure without climbing the 343 steps up the spiraling staircase of the cathedral’s tallest South Tower. You will be rewarded with the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire Vienna.
Another equally breathtaking cathedral is the Votivkirche, the neo- gothic church with just as impressive interior as the soaring double-façade towers of its exterior, including gilded altars and extraordinary stained-glass windows.
If you are a fan of classical music, Vienna just the place for you. Home of many famous artists including Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss Jr. just to name a few, the city carries the legacy of music like no other.
You can book a ticket in advance to enjoy concerts from the world-famous Wiener Phihamoniker amongst other artists at the Musikverein or the Wiener Konzerthaus, or you could go for an opera at the Wiener Staatsoper, the grand 1709-seat Renaissance state opera theater.
The Wiener Philhamoniker holds their annual Vienna New Year’s Concert on the evening of January 1st at the Musikverein’s Goldener Saal, an event appreciated as one of the most beloved classical music events in the world.
If art museums and galleries more up your alley, try the Österreichische Galerie at the Belvedere Palace. Once the estate of Prince Eugene of Savoy, now the palace serves as the home of the ever-popular Gustav Klimt painting, namely “The Kiss.” The rest of the gallery’s extensive collection doesn’t disappoint either, with many more pieces from renowned artists including Claude Monet or Egon Schiele.
If visiting during the Christmas holidays, be sure to stop by Rathausplatz, the large square outside the city hall for ice skating and some warm delicacies at the Christmas Market. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt offers many edible goodies, including Gluhwein, Germknödel, candied almonds, gingerbread, and sweet pretzels.
When you want to get out of the city center for a bit of peace and quiet, check out one of the many sprawling wineries in the 19th district in the outskirts of Vienna. The Heuriger, or Viennese wine gardens, are vineyards with an outdoor restaurant attached. Here you will receive the true, local Austrian culinary experience, complete with traditional meat dishes such as Schnitzel or Schweinhaxe, and accompanied by house wine or fresh brewed beer.
Whether you are searching for a cultural trip immersed in art and music, a walk through European history, or a relaxing vacation with nature and good food, Vienna is the place to be.