The appeal of the Alps and their many indulgent resorts always beckons, but the culture of Austria’s cities is not to be missed.
The Austrian Alps and the many top-tier resorts found dotted across them remain among the country’s core attractions. Days spent hiking in the summer sun or skiing in the winter, and after either, luxuriating at an indulgent spa or wellness hotel can hardly be beat. However, travelers would be remiss if they ignored Austria’s cities, particularly for the incredible heritage and culture that they offer.
Look no further than the capital itself. Vienna is renowned as one of the world’s most classically beautiful and well-designed cities. There’s an abundance of museums and cultural attractions, and a lengthy, compelling history that has developed into a particular sense of style and pride. The city is elegant and grand, and it’s also eminently walkable, making it easy to hop from one museum, park, or cafe to the next throughout a resplendent afternoon or evening.
After spending time in Vienna, continue your journey with a stay in a regional capital such as Salzburg, the capital of its eponymous state, or Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol. Wherever you head across the country, you’ll be treated to a wonderful array of hotels and activities sure to please any particular taste or interest, with immersive culture always at the forefront.
An Exploration of Viennese Culture
Pound for pound, few cities are as culturally rich as Vienna. The list of sites is nearly innumerable. A logical place to begin is with St. Stephen’s Cathedral, within the very center of the historic city. Nearby is St. Peter’s Church, and the walking avenues between them are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Spanish Riding School is famed for its Lipizzaner stallions, and offers tours and shows, while many tourists may opt instead to enjoy a horse carriage ride through town.
There’s the Hofburg, a sprawling imperial palace complex that’s home to several museums, cultural institutions, and the magnificent Austrian National Library. Then there’s the Albertina, one of the city’s must-visit art museums, and St. Charles’s Church, instantly recognizable by its soaring dome and towering columns. And don’t forget the MuseumsQuartier, one of Europe’s largest cultural districts, where the Leopold Museum anchors a lively collection of museums, galleries, cafés, and public spaces.
There are architectural gems and history aplenty, to be certain. But for a wholly distinct aspect of Viennese culture, one must experience ball season in the city, a magical celebration that rivals any annual festive gathering around the world. More than 450 balls are held each year, with the season peaking in January and February, though the season on the whole lasts from November 11 through Shrove Tuesday. Vienna is the city of waltzes, and these balls are hosted by a wide swath of professional guilds, organizations, and causes. The Vienna Philharmonic Ball, the Confectioner’s Ball, and the Viennese Coffee Brewers Ballare but a few of the premier parties.
For those who plan on attending, a hotel that fits the glamorous occasion is certainly a prerequisite. The Hotel Sans Souci Vienna, itself touted as a home of design and art, is a logical candidate. This is an inspired stay with a sweeping collection of original pop art that will help light a creative fire, while the property goes even further by connecting guests to a curated lineup of local art and neighborhood-centric gatherings. After a long evening of dancing, be sure to book a wellness treatment at the spa to help recover, a good idea if there ever was.
With a history of more than 100 years, the Hotel Ambassador Vienna is another great option for ball revelers. That century of heritage and classic hospitality — along with a personal brand motto of “Arts and Delights” — ensures you’ll feel right at home while putting on a gown or tuxedo and heading out to a prestigious and unforgettable evening. Plus, if you need any last-minute accessories, the shopping of Kärntner Straße and Graben is close at hand, and whether your event is held at the State Opera or Imperial Palace, you’ll be nearby as well.
For those who came into town for the occasion, opting for serviced, apartment-style accommodations at Apartment Hotel Singerstrasse 21/25 was a savvy decision. With well-stocked kitchenettes in addition to other amenities, it was easy to put together a watch party with friends, and a central location near St. Stephen’s Cathedral made it a breeze to walk to and from corresponding events and gatherings.
Not only is Vienna a walkable city, but it’s also one that thrives on its green spaces. The Belvedere Schlossgarten and its well-manicured grounds are at the heart of this. As is Stadtpark, the central Volksgarten amid many of Vienna’s most well-known sites, and many other green plazas and squares. It’s all beckoning you to get out and explore, and to enjoy the fresh air.
In this case, a stay at The Harmonie Vienna is an ideal option. Located in the 9th district, specifically within the Servitenviertel neighborhood, you’re just steps from the Donaukanal, where walking and cycling paths trace the river in both directions. While you’re exploring the neighborhood, don’t miss the Sigmund Freud Museum, housed in the famed psychoanalyst’s former home and office, or the striking neo-Gothic Votivkirche, one of Vienna’s most impressive churches. Then continue on to the Augarten. It’s a bit more of a walk, but this enormous city park — home to manicured gardens, shady paths, and historic flak towers — is well worth the extra effort. It’s a definitive slice of local life, where Viennese come to jog, picnic, and soak up the sun on warm afternoons.
Vienna has one of the oldest and most comprehensive coffee house cultures on the planet. Viennese cafes aren’t just a place to get a jolt of caffeine or a snack, they are a way of life. There are about 2,400 of them in the city, including a wealth of venues with century-long histories and beyond. You’ll want to stop at as many of them as you can, to sample particular coffee orders, to pair them with delectable pastries, and to slow down and appreciate the scene.
To maximize your cafe hopping enjoyment, prioritize a stay in a central location at a property with a chic city style that helps to set the right tone. The Almanac Palais Vienna is an excellent choice, right across from Stadtpark, and is home to its own specialty coffee house, Elias Coffee Shop. From here, you’re within easy walking distance of institutions such as Café Prückel and Café Schwarzenberg, to name a few. Or book a room at Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, right in the heart of the 1st district. Plan to stop into Café Central, Café Frauenhuber, Café Demel, and Café Hawelka, all within arm’s reach.
Now fully loaded with energy, you may be tempted to continue your Austrian city adventures with stops into a few of the country’s other standout destinations. Head to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, though perhaps you may have heard of him by his last name alone. The city is well known for its preserved historic center and its enchanting Baroque architecture.
The Arthotel Blaue Gans is a fitting base for such a trip. At this property, every detail has been given attention and the highest levels of craftsmanship and design have been highlighted via their handpicked furnishings, crafts, amenities, and art. You’ll be adjacent to the musical heart of the city, including Mozart’s birthplace, the Great Festival House concert hall, and the Hous Mozart, among many other noteworthy sites.
Conclude your journey with a stop at Innsbruck. Innsbruck is known as a jumping-off point for getting into the majestic mountains of the country, and has hosted the Winter Olympics on several occasions. However, there’s more to enjoy within the city itself, too. Be sure to gaze at the thousands of tiles adorning the Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, climb the City Tower for a view of the surroundings, and visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace, built by Emperor Maximilian I more than 500 years ago. Plan to stay at Nala Individuell Hotel, which offers guests the best of both worlds: the feeling of being immersed in nature while remaining within easy reach of the city.
The culture and heritage of Austria’s cities are calling. Plan your perfect trip and see for yourself what makes these destinations so captivating for visitors from all over the world.
Feature image courtesy of Hotel Ambassador Betriebsgesellschaft mbH. In partnership with Austria Tourism.
