The Austrian capital is famed for centuries-old palaces, several Michelin-starred restaurants, lively and modern neighborhoods, and not forgetting luxury shops selling the biggest brands.
What I love about Vienna when traveling from the States is that it’s so incredibly accessible. It’s great that you can take direct flights from New York to Vienna, as stopovers are no fun at all, and the flight time is roughly only eight hours.
To think that you can fly from the USA to Europe so quickly and easily is mind-boggling sometimes.
Let’s delve into why a lavish NYC to VIE trip is the perfect idea for you this year.
Soak Up The History
You don’t have to be some sort of history buff to appreciate the grandeur of Vienna. You can see and feel it straight away, as the remarkable Innere Stadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with architectural masterworks.
Everything from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Hofburg Palace is magnificent to behold. The National Library and Spanish Riding School are equally lavish, as they show off the splendor that is Vienna.
Not far from there, you’ll find the impeccable Schönbrunn Palace (palaces everywhere it seems), which was the summer residence of the imperial family. The palace itself is a work of wonder, but marvelous too are the surrounding gardens and the hill which overlooks the city.
Your Fair Share of Classical Music
While other types of music exist in Vienna, classical music was so important in Vienna for many years, as the city was home to famous composers such as Strauss, Beethoven, and Mozart.
Vienna still celebrates its classical roots, as the Vienna State Opera might even rival the Sydney Opera House in terms of prestigious buildings dedicated to this type of music.
There are classical concerts several times a week and even the Wiener Festwochen, which takes place over several weeks and is a festival of opera, classical music, and theater. If you love classical music or feel like you should at least try it, then staying in a fancy hotel while visiting Vienna between May and June is imperative.
Shop ‘Till You Drop
For any traveler who appreciates designer labels and elegant European boutiques that can’t be found elsewhere, Vienna gives you a fantastic shopping experience. You’ll be able to find some of the most prestigious retailers in the historic city center. This means everything you need is within walking distance, and there are many cafés and bars you can stop off at along the way to refuel.
You can’t visit Vienna for a luxury shopping voyage without checking out both Graben and Kohlmarkt, which are the most prominent streets featuring everything from Louis Vuitton to Cartier to Gucci.
Famous Spots for a Night Out
Julius Meinl am Graben provides some of the most interesting and delicious gourmet foods, so once you’ve found all your shopping items, stop off there and get a genuine taste of Vienna.
Demel is yet another famous pastry café and was founded in the 18th century, which means they know a thing or two about cakes and coffee. The interior is like nothing else in Europe, and you can see the opulence and richness of Vienna. Sachertorte is the city’s most famous sweet treat, and nowhere does it better than Demel.
For fine dining, Steirereck im Stadtpark is a hugely famous restaurant known for showcasing local cuisine and has some of the most interesting architecture anywhere in Austria. Tables are hard to get spontaneously, so reserve weeks before your trip.
To end the night, Sign Lounge sells award-winning cocktails and is famous for inventive and unusual, but no less delightful drinks. The entire lounge is incredibly elegant and lets you sit amongst the city’s refined and stylish citizens.
I’m sure all those tips will give you a good understanding of why exactly Vienna is rated one of the most luxurious destinations in all of Europe.
