Vienna at Christmas Time
What to do in Vienna? Well, there are tons of options on how to spend your day. However, we were in Vienna for a very quick visit just around Christmas time At this magical time there are a lot of tourists and events all over the city. You can enjoy Vienna for a short visit, due to very good travel connections. Subway is very well organized, and it can take you almost everywhere.
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Even other transportations are included in this ticket. The ticket costs only around 18 USD for the three-day unlimited ride. So, it doesn’t surprise me that Vienna has the most perfected public transport system in Europe.
Vienna is Remarkable City
The city itself is truly amazing, full of old buildings and heritage sites with cultural impact. Streets are tidy, no matter how many tourists are there. I heard stories of ticket fines when someone throws a cigarette butt on the floor or talk too loud on the subway train. Architects and photographers are in heaven here for sure, the only downside is ugly shiny signs for shops and restaurants (which truly aren’t the restaurant, but are more related to the fast food places).
Anyway, every street has some detail you would find interesting, just get lost and find them. You will even find a horse stable in the city center located in the old historic building. Horses with carriages are a common sight, but only for touristic sight ride. I recommend this carriage ride to see the city from the other perspective. However, coachmen are well educated in historical city sights, so you will see a lot in such a short time. Just make sure you have enough warm clothes because there are cold winter days.
Antiques
I can assure you, you will see a lot of nice places with unique antiques. Even low budget shops have some pieces of antiques on display. We made a promise we will come back someday, with a truck and buy some nice old antiques for our future apartment. Antique shops are all over the city. Near Stephanplatz, you can find a street named Dorothergasse where are plenty of them.
Try Some Good Food Around Stephenplatz
Talking about Stephanplatz, you need to visit it anyway. Its main attraction is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is magnificent in all respects. Near St. Stephen’s Cathedral are all the shops and good-looking restaurants. Even if you want to try a famous “Viennese schnitzel” is this place right for you. The Figlmüller is a famous place with over 100 years of tradition and over 30cm wide stake. However, be prepared for some arrogant service and massive pork steak.
Talking about famous, you should visit Sacher hotel and satisfy your sweet tooth with their masterpiece “Sacher Torte” and some great tea with a magnificent view. Sacher hotel is the only privately owned 5-star luxury hotel in Vienna. In particular, the fourth generation of a family. After all, the Sacher Hotel is known for their Sacher cake and we know why.
We have tried a lot of “Sacher cakes” before, and none fulfilled our expectations. But here, o my god. This cake is truly amazing!
Christmas Markets
We shouldn’t neglect all the parks in Vienna, which are majestic in every other season, except in cold wintertime, of course. In winter you have other specialties, in December you can visit the Christmas markets, and the greatest one is near Rathausplatz. The park gets a new look and the smell of mulled wine and vanilla is everywhere around. You can skate on ice, drink and eat or buy some souvenirs for your family and friends.
Special Sights
For some inspiration, I recommend you visit the National Library and nearby botanic garden with butterflies, where you can get yourself warm and inspired by beautiful species. The library will take your breath away with its long shelves full of old books. This place is simply instagramamble. Talking about photogenic places.
The butterfly house is just a stone throw away. A special bonus of this place is the temperature inside. You can enjoy a warm environment full of butterflies while snowing outside. Here you can read more about our date here in Vienna. We visited the National Library and Butterfly house – unforgettable.
Conclusion
There is a lot of option what to do in Vienna. Especially around Christmas time. I believe you don’t need much help, but hey here you are. Anyway, I hope you can find some new ideas and find this article useful. If you will start planning a trip to Vienna, even better. We will visit Vienna again in the summertime. That time we will write a bigger and more detailed post. Have fun in the cultural city and don’t forget to show us your photography of its beauty.
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