SCHNITZELS, COCKTAILS AND CULTURE – CITY TRIP VIENNA
Palaces, churches, museums... There is plenty to visit culturally when in Vienna (Vienna at its international level). But did you know that Vienna is also a real big one cocktail culture has? And that you will find the most amazing, fancy and beautiful bars in the city center of Vienna? Jawohl. So pack your heels and dress shoes because you won't be able to get away with your white sneaker in Vienna. No: they dress up. And sometimes we like that, especially in the winter months when a taxi is even more permitted than usual. Oh, and are you going to Vienna this month (December)? Lucky you! Vienna shines even more than usual as we speak thanks to the most beautiful Christmas markets.
From that and a few favorite addresses:
The Austrians know what to do with those Christmas markets in their capital. From mid-November onwards the Christmas party starts Rathausplatz, the central town square with the largest and oldest market in the city. A cozy and romantic atmosphere with crowded market stalls and the smell of roasting chestnuts greets you. sehr gemutlich!
If you get tired of it (almost impossible but okay), there is of course another alternative a little further on: The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, one of Vienna's most traditional Christmas markets. Be sure to go here on an empty stomach: there are stands everywhere with the tastiest local dishes and snacks.
In the 6th/7th district of Vienna you will find the Spittelberg Christmas market. A cozy, somewhat alternative market where you can really order a mulled wine among the locals.
Like Paris, Vienna is made up of different districts. That easily adds up, but exploring every neighborhood and mastering the entire structure in a (short) weekend is difficult. Just remember there are three must see districts are:
The program First district which consists of Tuchlauben, Kärtnerstrasse, Kohlmarkt, Graben, Stephansplatz, Wollzeile. This is the city center and is – of course – impossible to miss.
The program zIt is (available in seventh district) around Neubaugasse and Burggasse is where you will find the youngest restaurants, vintage shops and more good entertainment
And the seventh district is the Museum Quarter. The word says it all: many museums but also a hip atmosphere with lots of street art and the nicest bars
Cocktails and Vienna, that's also fine. As mentioned, there is a real atmosphere cocktail culture in the city and you will find many beautiful, high, underground and cozy cocktail addresses. Like this one:
Loft Bar, the city's most famous sky bar on the 18th floor of the Sofitel Hotel. Above all, a fantastic view of the city, and that is what the bar is known for. To be honest, it is not the most beautiful/coolest bar there is, so you know, but it is a good starting point for the rest of the evening. Nice and central and with a bit of luck you can point to your next destination.
25 Hours Bar: another rooftop bar but in the Museum Quarter, and with the best vibe. Think of the atmosphere of it Volkshotel in Amsterdam: a bit alternative in an accessible way, a bit hip without being irritating. It 25 Hour Hotel By the way, it is a wonderful place and a great hotel tip. Moreover, there is a hotel restaurant Roof base a cozy place to have lunch or to drink a beer outside in the 'burger garden' and choose from one of the funky burgers (but really funky and tasty).
Cocktails and Vienna, that's also fine. As mentioned, there is a real atmosphere cocktail culture in the city and you will find many beautiful, high, underground and cozy cocktail addresses.
From high sky bars we go to underground and hidden addresses. The Krypt Bar first and foremost: a hidden gem. You will find the bar no less than twelve meters underground and the design of the tent is, in a word, fantastic. Gold stools and a green plant wall. And handsome men who give themselves a weak pulse.
Our top favorite, however, knife to the throat, is the Kleinod that Bar, an elegant little cocktail bar where mainly the locals will accompany you. Behind the bar are handsome Austrians in suits who know their Pappenheimers. And then preferably off the menu to shake a really good cocktail for you. The case could be described as one old fashioned gentlemen's club. Find a spot and you'll linger for hours.
From high sky bars we go to underground and hidden addresses. The Krypt Bar first and foremost: a hidden gem.
You understand, as farmer's (Maartje) and butcher's (Marloes) daughters, this is a fairly important part of a city trip to Vienna: the Wiener Schnitzels. After all, the meat specialty comes from here and you will not be surprised that you will see schnitzel on the menu on every street corner and at every restaurant. But… There is a but. Because unfortunately you can't find a good schnitzel everywhere. We are strict. Good for you (and for us) Marloes found a few:
Figlmuller, a typical Austrian gasthaus and an institution in the city. Here, schnitzels are served that are larger than the plate they are on. Order a small Schnapps afterwards and your evening is complete. Make sure you reserve about two weeks in advance! We already said it: an institute.
If you find a closed door, then... Skopik & Lohn a good (chic) alternative. This restaurant is located in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. It's a bit of a mix of a New York bistro and a Viennese gasthaus. Nice combination, ditto service, a good menu and schitzels exactly as they should be.
Yes, the famous Sacher cake (never heard of it? Just look it up!) is delicious and yes, of course you eat that cake with Sacher hotel the heart of Vienna. You're definitely not the only one who came up with that brilliant plan... There's bound to be a long line, be prepared.
Want to admire 'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt in real life? Of course that is possible in Vienna. In the museum Osterreichische Galerie Belvedere can you spot it? It Art history museum is also a good option to soak up the necessary culture.
In terms of market hopping, different from the Christmas markets, the Naschmarkt is nice. Lots of stalls, always entertainment. And if you are in Vienna, you should not miss The Palace (of Sissi): Schloss Schönbrunn. The palace is located in the Hietzing district, where you can easily reach it by public transport. Palaces, I always find something special... Be sure to walk to the gardens behind the palace. And especially do this on a Sunday as the shops and markets in Vienna are all closed on this day.
Yes, the famous Sacher cake (never heard of it? Just look it up!) is delicious and yes, of course you can eat that cake at the Sacher hotel in the heart of Vienna. You're definitely not the only one who came up with that brilliant plan... There's bound to be a long line, be prepared.
J Hornig in the seventh arrondissement is a very nice place to start your day. The breakfast is good and extensive and the place serves a very good cappuccino. Moreover, it is a good starting point to immediately dive into the neighborhood and stroll around after that croissant and cappuccino!
Also Ulrich is a nice address for lunch or to drink an Apperol Sprits on the terrace.
You can continue drinking your coffee in Vienna at a 'coffee house'. You can find them everywhere in the city and the atmosphere is cozy at every branch. And, of course; according to many, the best coffee is the best in the city.
Image via https://www.instagram.com/eden.vered/
Restaurant Blue Mustard is a hip place in Vienna's restaurant scene that lives up to expectations. A huge Gothic framework is the decor of this restaurant and that alone is worth it. You can eat delicious food there, but you will pay for it. So you know. Another option is a drink at the bar, in the middle of the restaurant.
Moral of the story? On to Vienna!
Thanks to 'our' Marloes van den Boogaard who went to investigate.
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