If I had to describe Vienna in one word, it would be romantic. I grew fonder of the city as I walked down the streets, dined in the restaurants, and experienced the history. It is a place where people tango in the streets, horse carriage rides are mainstream, and live classical music performances are in every church and concert hall you pass. So, if you find yourself in Vienna, be prepared to run after your heart — the rest of you may have a hard time catching up!

Best Hotel

The Leo Grand

The Leo Grand is in the perfect location, a glance away from St. Stephens Cathedral, to explore the city sights and shops and indulge at restaurants and bars on foot. With 76 charming rooms, including six suites, there are plenty of options. The building’s baroque-style exterior and ornate lobby are grand, yet the hotel maintains a cozy ambiance. We received a warm welcome, making us feel at home.

The five-star boutique hotel is privately owned, and its attention to detail and hospitality is unmeasured. Each room is uniquely decorated, ensuring you are stylishly comfortable. The intent to spoil you is evident with a complimentary bottle of wine & macaroons upon arrival, plush robes, and bedding. The concierge team was willing to help with anything from laundry service to directions – we walked almost everywhere, but the train station was only a hop, skip, and jump away. There is a restaurant inside, but we were partial to the patio on the street side for our evening nightcap. We love staying at Airbnb’s, but The Leo Grand reminded me what it feels like to be truly taken care of.

Favorite Restaurants with Excellent Wine Lists

Le Salzgries Paris

We scored by finding this quaint French restaurant with patio seating. Le Salzgries Paris is one of my two favorite spots for dinner. Opting to graze on a few things, we chose Lobster Bisque, Burgundy Snails (in shells, so you have to work at it, but it’s totally worth it!), and Homemade Tagliatelle with mushrooms and Beurre blanc. We paired our dishes with a bottle of Joseph Faively Bourgogne, the ultimate accompaniment.

Cantinetta Antinori

My other favorite was Cantinetta Antinori, an exquisite Italian restaurant. We started with the housemade Tagliatelle (an obvious weakness of mine!) with veal ragout and basil, which could have been enough to eat, but we kept going. Our entrees were the King Prawns with black garlic and chili and the saddle of veal in lemon sauce, which we shared with a bottle of 2022 Le Mortelle Botrosecco, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Bristol Lounge Restaurant at the Bristol Hotel

The Bristol Lounge restaurant is the perfect pre-concert dinner spot. It is located in the iconic Bristol Hotel, where many famous guests have dined, and historical events have taken place. Hamachi with marinated mushrooms is a great appetizer to set the tone.

My husband got the entrée of pan-fried veal escalope (a fancy way of saying Wiener Schnitzel), which was probably the highest-end schnitzel you are going to find. I got the saddle of Limousin Lamb, which was very tender but had a lot of fat—I’d opt for the Roasted Sirloin of Beef next time. Whatever you choose for dinner, finish with the legendary Bristol Cake for dessert. We went with a lovely bottle of 2021 Pitnauer Zweigelt Bienenfresser from Austria for wine.

Ristorante Fratelli

Ristorante Fratelli was an impromptu stop; the outdoor café’s lively ambiance and captivating aromas lured us from the street. We sat and enjoyed a classic Vitello Tonato and an appetizer of salmon with an Aperol Spritz on a break from touring the city.

Top Picks for Casual Drinks & Appetizers

Palmenhaus Brasserie

Palmenhaus is a lovely restaurant overlooking the Belvedere Palace. The grounds are gorgeous, and the building is somewhat of a replica of the original classic greenhouse that once stood there. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Palmenhaus; for us, it was a quick bite of salmon, bread, and cheese to refuel for a day of exploration.

Zwischen Gang

A café to remember, Zwischen Gang is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in great food and wine while admiring the glorious St. Stephen’s Cathedral next door. I recommend Black Tiger Prawns and a glass of Zweigelt.

Wein & Co.

Wein & Co. is a restaurant and flagship wine store. It offers bar snacks, and you can choose a bottle in its retail shop or order off the menu. The prime location also overlooks St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful spot to hear the church bells ring.

Brasserie & Bakery at The Guesthouse Vienna

I loved my basket of five different kinds of bread and mixed cheeses for breakfast at the restaurant attached to the Guesthouse Vienna. Yes, I sampled them all and savored every one of them. My husband raved about the eggs Benedict if you prefer actual breakfast foods.

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is the market of all markets. There are food choices galore from every nationality. We tasted grape leaves and falafel from a Middle Eastern vendor, which were delicious. Later, we ordered an Americano and a Pumpkin Latte at thebeanexplorer.com cart, it was the best cup I had in Vienna.

City Sights & Tourist Attractions

Musikverein

Musikverein is a traditional concert hall and a spectacular place to enjoy the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. The uplifting performance put us on a high that I can only hope to feel again. The talented musicians bring the music to life and the interactive aspect fills the room with joy and anticipation.

Spanish Riding School

While we didn’t have time to see a show at the Spanish Riding School, I would put it on your list if you can squeeze it in. The building’s architecture is stunning, and we were thrilled we got the opportunity to see the graceful stallions trot into the school.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Admire the intricate architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and light a candle for a loved one if you choose. If you are up to the challenge, climb the 343 stairs to the tower—the view of the city is magnificent and worth every step.

Albertina Museum

Albertina Museum is a must for art lovers. It is a museum of modern and contemporary art and is among the world’s largest of its kind. Climb the painted stairs leading to the entrance; it is a creative play on the eyes.

Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Museum is a baroque palace, set in a beautiful park with a colorful landscape, also houses 800 years of art history. Nearby, in Burggarten, is the famous Mozart Monument.

Stadtpark

The large municipal park, Stadtpark, is a delightful place to wander. People lounge in green spaces, reading, sunbathing, and eating lunch. Take your time and visit the ponds and historic statues scattered throughout the park.

Heldenplatz

The public space at Heldenplatz encompasses Hofburg Palace and the large area for festivals and events. The balcony of Hofburg is where Hitler proclaimed his takeover of Austria in 1938, a somber day in history that is rightfully not acknowledged or associated with the splendor of the area.

Volksgarten

Part of the Hofburg Palace, Volksgarten is a public park and garden full of sensational flowers, including roses and tulips, depending on the season. It is a relaxation point with historic monuments and fountains throughout.

Schonbrunn

Schonbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can lose yourself inside or outside. You can tour galleries and museums if you buy tickets to go inside. It is also a popular venue for classical concerts.

We strolled around the grounds and could spend hours hiking around the breathtaking property. I recommend taking a cab or the train to visit Schonbrunn; I am pretty sure my husband and I were the only people who walked there from Stephansplatz—not our best decision on the trip.

Winery Excursion

Nussdorf, a suburb of Vienna, is about a 30-minute cab ride from the city center and is known for vineyards and wine taverns. Nussdorf and its surrounding villages are accessible by car or foot. A hiking trail leads to various wineries that offer libations, food, and incredible views.

Unfortunately, the recent floods prevented us from making the entire hike, but we had fun walking and sitting amongst the vines. We spent the afternoon sipping and chilling at Buschenschank Mayer am Nussberg and Feurerwehr Wagner am Nussberg. An excursion to Nussdorf is an excellent alternative if time does not allow a visit to Austria’s famous wine regions.