This short break guide about Vienna, Austria will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Vienna and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria was first founded in 500 BC as a Celtic settlement. Because of its very long history, it has a proud heritage in the fine arts of classical music, theater, opera and entertainment. The city has a number of opera houses, its own Philharmonic and many concert venues that showcase classics by the likes of Mozart. Today it is greatly known for its lively musical stage productions, although Vienna's favorite past time, opera, has been making a wondrous comeback in recent years. There are also hundreds of museums, architectural elements and the world's oldest zoo that are certainly worthy of a visit
Vienna is also known for its Venetian Balls and Carnivals. There are hundreds of balls each year and oftentimes they begin around 8:00pm but last until the early hours of the following morning. Beautiful palaces all over the city play host to these momentous occasions that often see the likes of a handful of live orchestras (sometimes more!), dancers, opera singers in a more than jovial atmosphere.
Lastly, this fine city is also known for its cuisine, particularly for its Wiener schnitzel, breweries, vineyards and cafes. The homemade wines and beers are served in pubs known as Heuriger, where visitors can order a sample of Wiener schnitzel, which is nothing more than pounded veal that is coated in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs and then fried to perfection. The cafes around the city are renowned and some date back centuries. Even if visitors do not have a caffeine addiction, do not want to consume alcoholic beverages and certainly don't want to stuff themselves with fried foods, the city's Naschmarkt is a permanent market that is filled with fresh fruits, veggies, spices, fish, meats and specialty foods from all over the world.
What is on in Vienna in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Vienna lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Vienna Calendar format. If you take your short break in Vienna, Austria when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Vienna.
January: New Year's Day Concert - The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra puts on one of their best shows of the year at their home base, the stunning Vienna Musikverein. It is often difficult to get tickets for the event and applications must be handed in at least a year in advance, proving just how popular a seat is at this esteemed event. The doors open at 11:15am and tickets cost between 20EUR - 680EUR.
February: Vienna Ball Season - From December 31 through the beginning of each June, Vienna Balls take over the city. They are the essence of high society since proper 19th century ball attire is often necessary. The most sought after ticket of all is the Opera Ball at Stattsoper which often reels in royalty and celebrities from around the world. Prices vary but tickets go quickly and often need to be back a year in advance.
March: Apassionata, Grand Voyage - On the first day of each March the world's most beautiful horses converge on Vienna for the Grand Voyage at Stadthalle. There is a focus on skills such as the famed ‘horse dance' that are accompanied by live music and elaborate costumes. There are two shows at 3pm and 8pm and admissions run from 50 - 120EUR. And if you miss the event here, don't fret. They travel year most of the year as one of the most successful horse events on the continent.
April: Schonbrunn Easter Fair - Nearly half of Vienna is Roman Catholic, which allows for a fun filled Easter holiday full at the Baroque Palace of Schonbrunn. It is an "eggstravaganza" that features typical holiday fare like eggs of all shapes and sizes, chocolates, small toys, flowers and Easter egg hunts. The event runs from 10:00am - 6:30pm at no charge.
May: Vienna Festival - This fest is considered a highlight of the year and celebrates the rich culture of Vienna. Hundreds of events take place from countries all around the world that come to the city to commemorate its history and place in the world. Admissions range from 5 - 65EUR. Hours and prices vary from event to event.
June: Vienna VieVinum Wine Festival - The opulent Hofburg Palace is the host of this fine wine event. Visitors can come to ask questions, tour the exquisite castle and to sample beverages made right from the vineyards of Vienna. The festival runs through June biannually from 10am - 7pm. Admissions typical run from 22 - 29EUR.
July: ImPulsTanz - From July through August toes will be tapping throughout the city. ImPulsTanz is one of the most well received modern dance festivals that holds a huge workshop that anyone can attend. It is mainly run at Kunsthalle Wien but performances are held at venues throughout the city. Admissions vary to the event.
August: Music Film Festival - The Music Film Festival is one Vienna's most beloved and largest open-air events. Located in the center of the city, guests are treated to free screenings in the realms of opera, dance, ballet, concerts, world music, jazz and cinema at various venues from June through September.
September: Vienna Literature Festival - What is a cultured city without a great literature festival? This one is held at the Burgteather from Friday through Saturday; from 4pm onward. Admissions are free.
October: Viennala Film Festival - Considered one of the largest film festival in Europe, this event attracts nearly 70,000 guests each year to the Gartenbau-Cinema. Prizes are given, films are premiere and cinema is discussed throughout October. Admissions and hours vary to event.
November: Vienna's Christmas Market - Held at the City Hall Square, the Christmas Market is filled with stall after stall of Christmas cheer. It is steeped in nearly 700 years of tradition and includes musical performances from choirs from all over the world. The market runs from 9:00am - 9:00pm and admissions are free.
December: Torchlight Procession - A torchlight procession makes winds its way slowly through the streets from St. Stephen's Cathedral to St. Augustin each year on December 1 in recognition World AIDS day. The procession begins at 6:30pm and is followed up by after parties all over the city, including the most popular one at club Liquid which kicks off at 11:00pm and runs until 6:00am.
Recommended Vienna Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Vienna hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Vienna hotels recommended by review are:
1. Hotel Austria
2. Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design Wein
3. Hotel Pension Shermin
4. K+K Hotel Maria Theresia
5. Altstadt Vienna
6. Hotel Am Schubertring
7. Hollmann Beletage - Design & Boutique
8. Pension Kraml
9. Best Western Premier Kaiserhof Wein
10. Le Meridien Wein
Vienna Airport
The Vienna International Airport is the busiest in Austria. When it was built in 1938 it only had one small terminal but two additional ones have been added since. Its runways can also handle large capacity aircrafts like the Airbus A340. VIA services Europe and Asia.
Vienna Hotels
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