All articles related to Vienna

Ball season in Vienna

Nowhere are balls so romantically formal as in Vienna. This tradition is intoxicating to locals and visitors for far more than a single night.

Kaffeehaus culture

The Viennese say they looted sacks of coffee beans after the Turks withdrew following a failed siege in 1683. But it was a spy on the payroll of the Royal Court who gave the city its real taste for coffee: born in Istanbul, he founded Vienna’s first Kaffeehaus in 1685.

The High School of Horsemanship

Levade, courbette and capriole are classical school jumps performed by the Lipizzaner stallions, who enchant their public at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The traditions of this haute école of classic equestrianism have been passed down by word of mouth for more than 400 years. Once these intelligent white stallions have completed their training, they are known as professors.

The sound of silence

Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Europe’s largest Cistercian Monastery, lies behind protective walls, less than half an hour’s drive from Vienna. With an uninterrupted 900 years history of monasticism, Heiligenkreuz is both tourist attraction and deeply spiritual experience.

Café Sacher Vienna

Since 1876, when the Hotel Sacher Vienna was founded, the Sacher Hotels have combined tradition, luxury, style and Austrian charm with comfort and highest quality service. After more than 120 years, the Sacher Hotels and Cafes have almost become an Austrian landmark and are an integral part of Austrian culture.

Vienna Tourist Office

Austria’s capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. It is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and the characteristic Viennese charm.

Our partners

We would like to extend a special Thank You to our partners who have worked with us to make the Austria Pop-Up experience a reality. Read on to find out about the products and services offered by Austrian Airlines, the Vienna Tourist Office, the Hotel Sacher, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM), Swarovski Crystal Worlds, the Graz Tourist Office and the Austrian Trade Commission.

Show us your perfect Kiss

In 2012 we'll celebrate the 150th birthday of Gustav Klimt. At the Austria Pop-Up, we invite you to show us your very own perfect Kiss.

Coffee & Cake at the Sacher Café

Relax as the Viennese would: at our authentic Sacher Café, enjoying a Melange or a "Grosser Brauner," and a slice of sumptuous Sacher-Torte.

Klimt Year 2012

He was the speaker and organizer of the Jugendstil art movement. He was a promoter of young, up-and-coming talent. He created some of the most famous Art nouveau paintings worldwide. There is a tremendous lot of reasons for celebrating the 150th birthday of Gustav Klimt in 2012.

An Evening at the Hotel Sacher

Spend an evening at the venerable Hotel Sacher and make memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy a drink at the “Blaue Bar” where midnight blue and gold décor create a visually stunning and romantic setting for an evening at Vienna’s famous Hotel Sacher.

Reopening the Kunstkammer (chamber of art and wonders)

The most important collection of its kind, the Kunstkammer – newly renovated and enhanced – is returning to the KHM after 10 years. Be enchanted by this realm of fantasy’s overwhelming gold, bronze, ivory, and wooden beauty, as well as exotic elements such as ostrich eggs, the horn of the legendary unicorn, and Benvenuto Cellini’s Saliera.

Hotel Sacher’s Time to Chocolate

High above the roofs of Vienna, on the fifth floor of the superior five-star Hotel Sacher Wien, you will find the Sacher Spa which is the crowning glory of the hotel - relaxation, health and vitality: a sweet relief. As signature ingredient, the cocoa bean provides immediate results and surprises with its long-lasting effects.

Hotel Bristol: Sophistication & Tradition

At Vienna's centrally located Hotel Bristol -- in the city center next to the Vienna State Opera -- experience grandeur from another era, and comfort from this one. Just steps from the bustling pedestrian zone, the Bristol provides a well-placed sanctuary, steeped in history. For devotees, don't miss the lovingly executed renovation.

ÖSTERREICHISCHE WERKSTÄTTEN

Established in the 1910s, the products available in the store still transcend the philosophy of its’ founder, Josef Hoffmann. Get inspired and bring back souvenirs for your friends and family.

Beethoven’s Retreat in Vienna

“Gemütlichkeit” cannot be directly translated – it’s an Austrian word that combines cozy-warm-familiar. It describes the food, people and place of the historic Mayer am Pfarrplatz, where Beethoven already enjoyed Austrian hospitality. Sit in his favorite place in the garden under the trees and feast from the appetizing buffet laden with homemade specialties and enjoy authentic, live Viennese folk music.

Vienna at its Most Authentic

For over 430 years, the SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL is practicing classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école. Take in a performance or practice session in this venerable institution. At the HOUSE OF MUSIC you have a chance to discover the fascinating world of music and sound. Interactive, playful, fun it will grant you new insights and access into the world of music and will often surprise you.

Butler Service at the Hotel Imperial Vienna

Enjoy your own personal butler service at the Imperial Hotel in Vienna and experience being treated like an old-world aristocrat. The Imperial is one of the few hotels in the world, and the only hotel in Austria, offering such a service – better don’t miss it.

Spanish Riding School

The tradition of the classical dressage dates back to 1572 and has been perfected ever since. The Winter Riding School in the Imperial Palace is the center stage for the performance of he snow white Lipizzaner horses.

Unique rooms and suites in a stately palace

Enter our former palace and be transformed into a prince or princess in one of Hotel Imperial’s elegant suites. Every single luxurious room is a door into 19th-century Vienna, where elegance and sophistication reign.

Urban oasis and creative culinary arts

When looking for the perfect place for a delightful hide-away for a drink or delicious meal in the heart of Vienna, definitely consider the Hotel Bristol. The Bristol Bar and the Korso Restaurant at the centrally located Bristol is the place to go! Chic, comfortable and reflecting the elegant pulse of the city the Bristol is the place to go.

In the footsteps of the Third Man

The Third Man, the famous movie based on a screenplay British novelist Graham Greene, showcases Vienna during the years after WWII when the city was devastated and recovering from the horrors of the war, and separated into four separate zones, each governed by one of the victorious allies.

Hotel Altstadt Vienna

The Altstadt Vienna is at once many things to many people. A meeting place for lovers of art and music, a heaven for travelers that seek a hotel with character and outstanding service and to American travel publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure the Altstadt is a remarkable example of affordable luxury.

Chic & Trendy Vienna Wine Bars

Austrian wine has catapulted to become the darling of the international wine world. If you are looking for chic, upbeat city nightlife, there is no better place to get an in-depth view of Austria’s dynamic, trendy wine scene than at the wine bars of Vienna!

Imperial Carriage Museum

Located near Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial Carriage Museum’s unique collection invites you on a tour through Austria’s history.

Bake your own Apple Strudel

Apple strudel lovers read on. The Café Residenz at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the historic bakers to the Habsburg family, shows you how to bake your own apple strudel according to their traditional recipe. Take the recipe home and get treated to a mouth-watering, oven-warm slice.

Wiener Festwochen

Each year a huge celebration in front of City Hall kicks off this festival, which combines cultural experiences of the highest order with socially relevant themes and objectives.

Sight Running

Discover Vienna on the run: with the guides from Vienna Sight Running you can get to know the Austrian capital from a completely different side – and at the same time do something for your own fitness, stamina, and health.

Vintner Show & Tell at Designer Hotel

Located in the heart of Vienna, this is not just a hotel with a little glass, steel and stone and then a grape seed oil facial mask in your bathroom. This family-operated hotel has dedicated the entire heart and soul of their establishment to wine. Each of the individually designed rooms is sponsored by an Austrian vintner who also stocks the mini bar. Even the delicious breakfast buffet features wine in a non-alcoholic edible form!

Swarovski at its Best

In the heart of Vienna, a new inspirational store of Swarovski awaits you: a fantasy world of crystals, a fusion of stunning jewelry and artistic installations. Swarovski Wien entices into a shopping landscape on three levels displaying jewelry, accessories, decor objects and figurines and enchants with magical installations from world renowned artists.

Lobmeyr glassware

The former purveyor to the court is well-known all over the world for its glass culture and chandelier design.

Rustic country charm for city sophisticates

“Südbahn wine” is what the Viennese affectionately call their favorite weekend beverage as they take the 20-minute southbound train from the city to Gumpoldskirchen for recreational enjoyment. The main streets of the sleepy little village come to life in the late afternoon as the local wine farms fling open the doors to over 30 heuriger to invite visitors for hearty country food, full-bodied wines, and folk music.

A Walk of Design at Augarten Palace

Tour the Augarten Palace, home to one of the world’s most famous porcelain manufactories and Vienna’s oldest Baroque gardens.

The Imperial Treasury

The Treasury houses Habsburg treasures and insignia, among them the Austrian imperial crown as well as the insignia, and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Precious jewels such as the largest cut emerald in the world testify to the Habsburgs’ former power and glory.

Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel

Vienna's historic and most romantic place for a marriage proposal. If that’s not in your travel plans, you’ll enjoy the magnificent view with a few less butterflies in your stomach.

Vienna's Hotel Imperial

The musical legacy at the Hotel Imperial is more than noticeable. This legendary palace hotel in the heart of Vienna not only hosted brilliant music celebrities in the past, such as Richard Wagner and the like, but also still does up until today. Be for one day the object of inspiration to these classical music personalities, who will compose a piece just for you.

A Viennese Epicurean highlight

It’s a wine bar, restaurant, and delicatessen all rolled into one. It’s historic, authentic and has been a favourite of the Viennese for nearly 400 years. “Zum schwarzen Kameel” is just as lively and fashionable as it always was.

Looking for a Coffeehouse in Vienna?

The Viennese coffeehouse is more than a culinary and social retreat. It is deeply connected to the Viennese people and culture, each telling its own unique story. For example, the Café Central was home to poets and philosophers, the Café Sperl a place for artists and architects. Choose among hundreds to find your personal favorite!

Vienna’s Central Cemetery

Vienna may not be as famous for its cemeteries as New Orleans, and “Central Cemetery” may not sound as romantic as „Pierre Lachaise“. Nonetheless Vienna’s Central Cemetery is one of the most interesting cemeteries in Europe – due to its size by area (495 acres) and number interred (3.3 million), ist history and its famous “inhabitants”.

Palais Coburg Vienna: wine cellar

The Palais Coburg in the heart of Vienna has been restored to its original splendor and now houses a most luxurious all-suite hotel, a gourmet restaurant and a collection of rare wines that seeks international comparison. On your tour of the six unique and stunningly designed wine cellars, you will discover more than 60,000 bottles of valuable wine spanning four centuries.

Naschmarkt Vienna

A Festival for the Senses: A Saturday morning must-do for locals, the Viennese Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest outdoor market, attracts a crowd as diverse as the stalls and restaurants it features.

Plachutta – The authority on Viennese Cuisine

Plachutta is renowned for its prime boiled beef, a Viennese signature dish called Tafelspitz. Combined with it's authentic, cozy atmosphere.

Schullin Jewelry

The name Schullin is synonymous with exclusive design and exquisite quality jewelry. Located in a tiny storefront - designed by Hans Hollein, a Pritzker Prize winning architect - in one of Vienna’s best addresses, the Kohlmarkt.

The Sacher torte

Vienna's most storied cafe invites! A visit to the Cafe Sacher in the venerable Hotel Sacher is a must on your Vienna-list. Feel centuries of history, taste decades of experience, and relax for hours. Ahhh, I wish I could join!

The Confectioners’ Ball – a Sweet Evening to remember!

One, two, three… dance in the rhythm of the Viennese waltz at one of the famous Viennese balls and enjoy a delicious night at the Confectioners’ Ball. Stunning ball gowns, sweet surprises and a glamorous atmosphere await you.

Art & Design at the Hotel Altstadt Vienna

In the middle of the city’s 7th district, behind the splendid façade of an old patrician house, one finds the Hotel Altstadt Vienna. Since its opening in 1991 the stylish 4-star hotel has been a favourite hideaway for art-lovers, musicians, and travelers from all over the world.

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Muesum counts among the most important museums in the world. It was built by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the fabulous Habsburg collections that had been assembled over centuries.

Designer Wine Bar in the heart of Vienna

Unger & Klein is a bottle shop turned wine bar that has the feel of designer blue jeans. You’ll appreciate the stunning designer shelving that is simultaneously the wine list and menu. The concept invites to browse and mingle with other like-minded hedonists. Have the sommelier put together a flight of unique Austrian red wines.

Stay here! Our Hotel Suggestions For You

We chose a few selected hotels in Austria that will meet your personal needs and refined taste.

Austrian Airlines

Known for its exceptionally high level of service, its comfortable business class and an on-board chef preparing an award-winning six course meal. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, which also offers reduced or free entry to museums, discounts on shopping, entertainment and culinary experiences in Austria and around the world.

Hotel Sacher Vienna

Since 1876, when the Hotel Sacher Vienna was founded, the Sacher Hotels have combined tradition, luxury, style and Austrian charm with comfort and highest quality service. After more than 120 years, the Sacher Hotels and Cafes have almost become an Austrian landmark and are an integral part of Austrian culture.

WQXR - our official media sponsor

We are very proud to have WQXR, the nation's first commercial classical radio station, be part of our event.

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History of the Viennese Waltz

When the Viennese Waltz emerged in the second half of the 18th century in Austria, it was as controversial as it was popular. Today, it is so much part of Austrian culture that Austrians waltz into each New Year to the sound of the Blue Danube Waltz broadcast on public radio.

Altstadt Vienna ****Boutique Hotel

A carefully restored 19th-century patrician house is the home of this four-star Boutique Hotel, located near the Ringstrasse and the lively MuseumsQuartier.

Provinces & Regions

From sunny beaches at crystal-clear lakes to ice-capped mountain peaks, from romantic vineyards to lush pasturelands: Austria's federal provinces offer sceneries of rare beauty!

Gustav Mahler - his life

Gustav Mahler was born in July 1860 in Kilischt (today in the Czech Republic) has the second oldest of 14 children.

11.05.2012 - 17.06.2012

Vienna Festival

This international avent-garde program features music, dance, performances and more.

Vienna

Did you know, that to this day Vienna is the only world capital with a siginificant wine production within it's city limits? Respected vintners are bringing their visions to the exploding culinary and cultural renaissance happening in Vienna.

12.11.2012 - 26.12.2012

Christmas Market in Vienna

During the time of advent you'll find a number of christmas markets throughout Vienna. Have a Gluehwein and enjoy the pre-christmas spirit.

15.04.2012

Vienna City Marathon

Vienna City Marathon draws cheering crowds and thousands of runners to the city's streets. It leaves Wagramer Strasse along a scenic, but physically challenging, route to Heldenplatz. If 42km is too much, try the mini-marathon, fun run or junior marathon.

24.03.2012 - 09.04.2012

Easter Market

The beautiful Baroque palace and gardens of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace host a colourful Easter Market. Stalls are laden with chocolate, marzipan, fondant and praline creations. Pick up souvenirs like decorated eggs or join Easter egg hunts and flower-arranging courses.

Podcast series from the Wine Country

We have captured some of the voices of the Austrian wine country and invite you to listening in. Check back regularly as this is the beginning of an ongoing series.

Rainer Christ

Rainer Christ is the proud owner of Weingut Christ, a winery that effectively combines ancient family tradition with modernity. For more than four centuries Rainer's family has produced wine in Austria. Today, Rainer is one of the most successful winemakers in the country and a member of WIENWEIN, a group of four Viennese winemakers, whose goal is to define the new quality standards for Viennese wine.

Erin Grace

As an experienced traveler of the Austrian region, American Erin Grace can tell you where to go and what to do on your first visit: from boat rides, to bicycling, to meeting the locals - Erin is here to help.

Hotel Hollmann Beletage - Vienna

Located in the heart of histroic Vienna, Hollmann Beletage is a boutique hotel with designer furniture, a small library, open fireplace and piano, living room, a small cinema, and a relaxing sauna-oasis. With unrivaled coziness, impeccable style and excellent service, a stay at the Hollmann Beletage is guaranteed to make you feellike a star.

25.10.2012 - 07.11.2012

Viennale

Each year in October Vienna is the set of the Vienna International Film Festival presenting a range of movies from all over the world.

31.03.2012 - 08.04.2012

Sounds of Easter

Concert and opera highlights at the Theater an der Wien.

Vienna Card

Austria’s capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions and stunning modern architecture. It is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cosy wine taverns, and the very special Viennese charm.

City Discount Cards

When you visit Austria’s major cities, there's an easy way to save money on sightseeing and public transportation.

Time-Honored yet Trendy: Austria's Cities

Austria’s cities fascinate with their monumental buildings spanning all major epochs from Gothic to Renaissance, from Baroque to Jugendstil, and Post Modernism. Historic settings for modern events, leisurely shopping tours and wonderful culinary experiences. Let yourself be charmed!

Music in Austria

In Austria you can expect a first-class musical experience, whether it's a concert in the rooms of a Baroque palace, at the Opera House or at one of the many festivals.

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the only riding academy in the world which has been cultivating the art of equitation in its purest form for over 400 years, and which trains both horses (the famous white Lipizzaners) and riders according to methods which have been used for centuries, passed down over the years by word of mouth alone.

Austria - True Luxury at any Price

Discover truly luxurious experiences in Austria. Immerse yourself in its unique cultural heritage and distinctive imperial history. Enjoy the romance of palaces, castles or country inns, dine in some of Europe’s best and most inventive restaurants, featuring local, sustainable cuisine or enjoy an enchanting train ride, just like the emperor did a century ago.

Christmas markets in Austria

It's the season! During the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, charming Christmas Markets pop up in every Austrian town, big and small, all over the country. Shop for Christmas tree decorations and souvenirs, or just enjoy the festive atmosphere and join the locals in the early evening to enjoy a steaming mug of mulled wine and some roasted chestnuts.

River Cruises

Looking for a great way to explore Austria's beautiful countryside? Simply take a day-cruise and enjoy the natural beauty that awaits you...

Plan your trip to the Austrian Wine Country

Austria’s wine regions are both beautiful and easy to visit. In fact, once you step off the plane in Vienna, you have already arrived in one of the world’s most unique wine region. Vienna. Then about one hour south east of Vienna lies the Burgenland, and one hour west of Vienna is the region of Lower Austria with many beautiful valleys. Many of them along the Danube.

Austria's Best Video Collection

Walk through Salzburg, Bregenz, Innsbruck and Vienna together with our guide and learn about what to see and do in those cities.

Vienna

Austria's capital is a posterchild for understated luxury experience. Its rich cultural heritage ensures sophisticated experiences whereever you go. Be it a stroll through the shopping alley of Kohlmarkt or a relaxed coffee break at the exclusive Hotel Sacher...

Musical Pleasure in Vienna

The Hotel Imperial presents a special offer for those who enjoy the higher worlds of classical music. The stately palace on the magnificant Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the universal exhibition in 1873.

Dining Experiences in Vienna

Looking for an upscale dining experience in Vienna? We have compiled a list of restaurants, that will enhance you travel experience.

Upscale - yet Affordable Dining Experiences

Looking for an upscale dining experience? We have compiled a list of restaurants, that will enhance you travel experience. This list is in no way complete since there are so many of them throughout Austria.

Need Assistance Planning your Trip?

To make your planning a bit easier we have created a list of tour operators and travel agents that specialize in high-end travel experiences...

MUMOK Museum of Modern Art - Vienna

Located in the gigantic black basalt cube in the courtyard of the Vienna MuseumsQuartier the museums houses a vast collection of major 20th century artists - from Picasso to Pollock - as well as changing contempoary exhibitions.

Celebrate New Year's in Style: Imperial Ball in Vienna

If you ever had a dream to celebrate a very special New Year's Eve in truly royal splendor, then this is for you.

Get a Taste of Vienna

Austrian capital Vienna is a city of contrasts. Palaces and churches, museums and monuments all bear evidence to the splendour of Austria’s imperial past. This amazing tour starts at USD 349 per person.

Vienna Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1900, it is an indispensable cultural institution the the world capital of music.
The venues include the Musikverein, Konzerthaus, Theater an der Wien and many more.

Manner Confectionery

The perfect gift for anybody with a sweet-tooth: Manner wafers filled with silky cream is a true taste of Vienna. This delicious sweet was for the first time recorded as “Neapolitan Wafers” in 1898.

Austria's Wine Regions

The miracle of Austria is that all of its wine regions are incredibly easy to visit. In fact, once you step off the plane in Vienna, you have already arrived in one of the world’s most unique wine regions.

Vienna: The Wine Capital

Vienna and wine are inseperable. Vienna is the only world capital producing significant quantities of wine within the city limits. But it is more than that – it is a defining element of the urban image, a contribution to the urban economic system and to people’s wellbeing – for both the Viennese and guests alike.

Culinary Tour of Vienna

Austria is worldwide known for its culinary contributions to international cuisine. This tour focuses on the rich history of food: from charming Heurigen, historic cafes, and dinner in a palace, experience a wide range of culinary delights.

Vienna's Glorious Ball Season

Ever dreamed about dancing the waltz at one of Vienna's many famous balls? There are hundreds of balls to choose from. Check out the highlights of the Viennese ball-season 2011/2012