Curator’s statement
My sister and I have a tradition of traveling abroad together over Thanksgiving each year. Last year, we chose Vienna—drawn in by the idea of exploring Christmas markets, mulled wine, ornament shopping, and kicking off the holiday season in the most festive. I’d been once before with friends and completely fell for the city—its elegance, the layers of history, the architecture, the cafe culture. Life had other plans, though, and I wasn’t able to join the trip. So instead, I did the next best thing: I put together a guide for her, filled with my favorite spots—cafés, restaurants, and can’t-miss sights, along with the best Christmas markets. It wasn’t quite the same as being there together, but it was my way of tagging along from afar.
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Where to stay in Vienna, Austria
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Things to do in Vienna, Austria
Christkindlmarket at Rathausplatz: One of Europe’s largest Christmas markets in front of Vienna’s Town Hall, featuring over 150 stalls selling handcrafted gifts and food, a large ice-skating rink, a carousel, and a Christmas-themed Ferris wheel.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyungplatz: Small Christmas market but still worth a visit. Combine with the market at Am Hof. Make sure to taste the Christmas lebkuchen (honey-sweetened cakes or cookies).
Weihnachtsmarkt at Am Hof: This square has hosted a Christmas market since 1842. Though smaller than the one on Rathausplatz, it still boasts ~70 stalls including Christmas art and antiques along with delicious food. Pair this market with the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Schloss Schönbrunn: One of the most popular Christmas markets in Vienna, this market is known for its wonderful Advent concerts. Don’t miss an Advent concert and Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents). While you’re there, visit this grand imperial summer residence, checking out the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart at age 6 first performed before Empress Maria Theresa.
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz: One of the most festive atmospheric markets in town, right by the magnificence of St Stephen’s Cathedral and offers handcrafted tin and papier-mache decorations, wooden toys, and ceramics to hand-knitted woolen gloves and hats and snow globes. Make sure to try the Käseknockerl (pasta with melted cheese and fried onions)—yum! Also, while here, walk inside the Cathedral and climb up the tower for a view of the city, and if timing works, attend a live classical concert inside.
Art Advent Market at Karlsplatz: Local crafts, delicious Austrian food, live music, and other entertainment like fire dancers, street performances, and art installations provide entertainment on the “Art Island”. Every booth here must be based in Austria and make its own goods.
Winter at The MQ at MuseumsQuartier: Need a break from all the Christmas markets? Head to this courtyard to relax while still in a festive environment with food, decorations, DJ and curling sessions.
Belvedere Museum: Magnificent Baroque palace housing a major art collection, including works by Klimt, set in formal gardens. Must-see: Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces like “The Kiss” and “Portrait of Fritza Riedler.”
Hofburg Palace: Former imperial winter palace of the Habsburgs, containing multiple museums including the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments. Must-see: Sisi Museum covers Empress Elisabeth’s life. Fun (sad) fact, she was assassinated by an Italian using a stiletto…
Austrian National Library: A beautiful Baroque library with 80 meter bookshelves and marble statues and frescoed domes. Gives off extravagant Beauty and the Beast vibes.
Naschmarkt: Vienna’s largest open-air food market with stalls selling international produce, snacks, and dining spots.
Places to eat & drink in Vienna, Austria
Photo: Mark König
Figlmüller: Founded in 1905, this legendary home of the Wiener Schnitzel is served with lingonberry jam and potato salad. Book ahead! Keep in mind there are two locations: the Wollzeile location and the Bäckerstraße location.
Bitzinger Wurstel Stand: A famous and popular outdoor sausage stand behind the Opera House and in front of the Albertina Museum.
Palmenhaus: Former royal greenhouse near Hofburg Palace that’s maintained a botanical setting. For a cocktail, try the Spring Spritz and for a treat, try the Malakoffnockerl (sweet rum dumplings).
Café Caché: A retro café-bistro offering French-inspired cuisine with regional Austrian produce and a welcoming neighbourhood vibe. Try the buchweizen galette with crème fraîche and marinated sardine or the tempura Hokkaido pumpkin with merguez.
Joseph Brot: High-end organic bakery-café in Vienna offering slow-fermented breads, artisan pastries, and specialty coffee. Try the sourdough bread, Strietzel, and sour cherry chocolate cake.
Das Loft Sky Bar: Located on the 18th floor of the SO/Vienna in the Leopoldstadt neighborhood across from the Donaukanal, this rooftop bar has panoramic views, a kaleidoscopic digital ceiling, and creative cocktails.
Öfferl: A beloved local bakery chain in Vienna known for its high-quality breads and viennoiseries. Try a pain au chocolat with Zoller dark chocolate—did you know the croissant is actually originally from Austria?
Need to know
Additional tips when visiting Christmas markets:
Have some cash on hand: Some vendors accept credit cards, but be prepared for others that don’t.
When you order a Glühwein (hot mulled wine) you’ll be asked to pay a deposit for the mug, usually ~€10.
Market atmospheres change throughout the day: mornings are good for browsing crafts then later for drinks and snacks.
Most markets close around 9 p.m. Plan accordingly!
Bring layers to stay warm—remember you’re outdoors!
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