Romantic Vienna

It is said of Vienna that its streets are not paved with stones but with history. Indeed, a great part of the city’s charm lies in its winding alleyways, arcaded courtyards, lavish parks and beautiful city palaces. They make Vienna a celebration of reverie – especially for the romantic at heart.

A walk through the Old City, a boat ride on the Danube or a rest at a heuriger: Vienna has many romantic aspects.

Romantic things things to do in Vienna

ROMANTIC WALKS ON COBBLESTONED STREETS

Winding lanes, arcade-lined courtyards, time-honored palaces: in Vienna, the city center is especially romantic. In the oldest quarters of the city on the Danube around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the narrow lanes are paved with cobblestones as they were centuries ago, while a stroll along Schönlaterngasse or Domgasse becomes an encounter with the past. Romantic walks can also be found on Spittelberg, a quarter in the 7th district with beautifully preserved houses from the Biedermeier period.

HUNDREDS OF FLOWERS IN VIENNA’S PARKS

Of course, Vienna is particularly romantic in the spring. The chestnut trees blossom in the Prater, 400 types of rose bloom in the Volksgarten, and the fragrance of lilac pervades the city's many other parks. In total Vienna provides 850 parks and green spaces (280 of them imperial)

RIDE IN A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE

Anyone who would prefer not to walk should hire a Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) and take in the palaces, mansion houses and architectural gems on four wheels. There are Fiaker stands dotted all around the first district, including on Stephansplatz, Heldenplatz, Albertinaplatz and in front of the Burgtheater.

BOAT RIDES AND PICNICS

Also atmospheric is a boat ride on the Old Danube, in particular the full moon rides with a glass of Prosecco. The restaurant "La Crêperie" even puts together a variety of picnic baskets for the boat ride. Lovers can also have a picnic basket put together by the Villa Aurora on Wilhelminenberg and seek out a romantic spot with a view of Vienna.

DINNER IN VIENNA’S GIANT FERRIS WHEEL

For many people, a candlelight dinner is the very essence of romance. A candlelight dinner for two is offered by, for example, the Romantic Crystal Dinner in Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel.

SHARE A PIECE OF CAKE IN A TRADITIONAL VIENNA COFFEEHOUSE

In a typical Viennese coffeehouse the bustling city life meets the comforts of your living room. Since 2011, the traditional Viennese coffee house has even belonged to the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. Traditional cafés such as the Sacher, Central, Griensteidl, Museum and Sperl entice with a wide variety of coffee drinks, international newspapers and pastry creations. Around 150 are classic coffeehouses, where the waiters are still dressed in black, and the décor is as unpretentious as it was in the ‘good old days’: wooden floors, marble-topped tables, and seating that is simple and plush.

Special Tip: Vienna City Card, the official City Card

Make the most of all the card’s discounts and special conditions: out sightseeing, at a museum or gallery, at concerts and events, on a guided city walk, when buying souvenirs or at restaurants – all available for the duration of the stay (max. 7 days). Discounts at more than 210 attractions in the city deliver savings of up to 50 percent.

You can choose which of the options they want to use to travel from Vienna International Airport into the city and back: City Airport Train (CAT), ÖBB Railjet, S7 Schnellbahn rail service or Vienna Airport Lines bus. The airport transfer is redeemable for two separate journeys in a 7-day period and includes use of the City Check-In at Wien Mitte station. It also includes free airport transfers for two children aged 14 or under.