Holiday rentals in Vienna

Dressed in elegant baroque style, Vienna is one of Europe’s most magnificent capitals. Green copper roofs and grand stone facades line its historic streets, and the opulent interiors of its concert halls and opera house resonate with the musical legacy of former residents such as Mozart, Strauss, and Mahler. The jaw-dropping palaces of the Habsburgs, who ruled here for centuries, now house vast art collections. Many of Vienna’s treasures are located in the MuseumsQuartier, which contains no fewer than 60 institutions.

The city’s vibrant life spills over into its coffee houses, where Einspänner (otherwise known as Viennese coffee — espresso topped with a generous portion of whipped cream) and slices of Sachertorte (Austrian chocolate cake) have long been accompanied by deep conversation, and hip neighbourhoods from Neubau to Leopoldstadt (home to the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel) foster a plethora of subcultures, from contemporary design and street art to a thriving drag and burlesque scene.

Vienna’s fascinations are endless: Its events, exhibitions, festivals, and urban charms can be enjoyed every day of the year. Some of the city’s most famous traditions are its Christmas markets and New Year celebrations, which include one of the hottest classical music tickets on the planet, the Wiener Philharmoniker concerts at the Musikverein. November to February is ball season, when the city dresses in its finest, and spring brings great bolts of colour to its palace gardens, parks, and woodland, as well as Vienna’s Easter markets. In summer, a wealth of festivals celebrate the city’s great love of food and drink, while big screens allow you to take in opera and ballet performances for free in the squares. Autumn’s noteworthy events include Design Week and the Viennale Film Festival.

Alte Donau (Old Danube)

Take a breather from the busy city streets at this serene spot, where the river flowed before it was made into a lake in the late 19th century. You can explore this oasis by boat, or swim in one of its outdoor pools. There are lakeside parks and beaches, too, not to mention some wonderful restaurants.

Wieden

Just south of the Museum Quarter lies this multicultural district, whose shops, cafes, and restaurants present a younger, edgier face than the grandeur of Vienna’s imperial centre. Wieden’s rich mix of culinary delights includes the Naschmarkt, a vast open-air market that runs for a mile-long strip between the two main thoroughfares and has been part of Vienna life for 400 years.

Stephansdom Crypt

The 12th-century Gothic wonder of St Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most eye-catching landmarks, with its tall towers and colourful roof tiles. But what lies beneath it is just as mesmerising. Follow the unassuming staircase down to its catacombs and you’ll discover a maze of underground tombs holding the remains of more than 11,000 people, including the preserved organs of some of the royal rulers who lived here.