Full disclosure: I have a hard time dealing with cold weather. I knew I wanted to visit Vienna in winter but wasn’t sure how to survive. I’m cold even at mild temperatures, and no matter how many layers I put on, my hands and feet are still freezing, making it unbearable.
But what can you do when there are countless dreamy winter breaks in Europe and you don’t want to miss out on the experience? So I packed my warmest clothes and prepared myself mentally, and guess what? It was pure magic, even when I had more than 10 pieces of clothing on me. Let’s dive into my favorite activities!
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Quick Suggestions for Your Trip
Planning a last-minute winter trip? Book yourself one of these highly-rated activities:
1. Christmas concerts or Christmas market tour
2. A classic free tour of Vienna that includes some of its most iconic landmarks
3. Schönbrunn Palace guided tour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
4. A guided day tour to the fairytale town of Hallstatt
Book one of these highly-rated hotels:
1. Boutique Hotel Das Tigra (mid-range, near the Am Hof Christmas market)
2. Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol (4-star boutique, near the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz)
Best Things to Do in Vienna in Winter
Enjoy Magical Christmas Markets
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and one of the best winter destinations in Europe, and it all starts with its Christmas markets.
Being Jewish, I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I’ve always loved European Christmas markets. Even though I don’t feel connected to the holiday season religiously, the atmosphere has always intrigued me, and I have to say that Vienna’s markets did not disappoint.
The biggest market in Vienna is the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt in front of the city hall. Apart from countless stalls selling ornaments, food, and other artisanal products, the entire area is beautifully embellished with big colorful decorations, and you’ll even find a Ferris wheel and an ice skating rink here.
Maria-Theresien-Platz, the home of the infamous Museum of Natural History and Art History Museum hosts an enchanting Christmas Village with about 70 stands, while the 18th-century Belvedere Palace hosts a small yet high-quality market.
I also recommend visiting smaller markets like the ones in the Spittelberg quarter and Michaelerplatz, where the vibe is a lot cozier.
Dates: Most markets are open from November 16th to December 26th (some start a few days later, and others operate until the beginning of January).
Map: See Vienna’s Christmas market locations here.
Devour Yummy Christmastime Food and Drinks
Wandering around these markets, it’s impossible to resist all that deliciousness around you (even as a vegetarian).
Amongst the foods that you need to try are dumplings, roasted chestnuts, donuts, and gingerbread cookies, but my personal favorite was kartoffelpuffer, which is a giant, hot, and crispy (and seriously addictive) potato pancake.
As far as drinks, I’m not into eggnog and other alcoholic punches, but I wouldn’t say no to a hot apple cider, especially when it’s served in the most adorable cup ever.
Tip: If you’re like me and winter doesn’t stop you from devouring ice cream while wandering through the city center, head to Eissalon Tuchlauben – one of the best ice cream shops in Vienna.
Enjoy a Christmas Concert
Many churches and cathedrals in Vienna host classical music concerts in December and the beginning of January, and they are quite popular, so it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance.
Go Ice Skating
I used to rollerblade as a child, so for some reason, I thought that ice skating would be easy. What a shocker – it wasn’t.
Whether you’re a total beginner like me or an ice skating pro, the rink in City Hall Square (Rathausplatz) is where you can spend an active couple of hours. It operates throughout the holiday season and expands even further from mid-January to the beginning of March, which is when you need to buy your tickets in advance!
(Maybe) See Some Fall Foliage Leftovers
I’m a sucker for fall foliage, so I was hoping to get to see some in Vienna, even though it was already the beginning of winter. Luckily, Vienna’s parks and gardens did not disappoint, and I was like a kid in a candy store.
If you’re also visiting at the beginning of winter, there’s a very good chance you’ll see the fall foliage in places like Stadtpark, Burggarten, and the Schönbrunn Gardens.
Wander the Decorated Streets
It’s not just the Christmas markets that make you fall in love with Vienna in the winter, it’s the entire city that wears a festive look.
If you wander through the city center, you’ll see big Christmas trees, decorations on buildings and stores, and illuminated streets.
But, you must also explore places like the Spittelberg quarter and its smaller streets, where you can find the most charming decorated little alleys.
Escape the Weather at a Museum
Did you know that there are more than 100 museums in Vienna?
So whenever you feel like escaping the cold weather for an hour or two, you have plenty of amazing options, including the infamous Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches) and Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches).
Warm Yourself up With a Cup of Viennese Coffee and Cake
Not that I need an excuse to savor a cup of coffee and a giant piece of cake, but the cold winter weather is definitely a good enough reason to do so.
Coffee and cake are a huge part of the local culture in Vienna, and choosing the perfect Viennese coffee house is practically mission impossible.
I’d start with an iconic one like Demel (Kohlmarkt 14). It’s famous for its apple strudel (which was amazing), but I also had the almond cake, and it was heavenly. Cafe Sacher (Philharmoniker 4) is known for making some of the best Sacher Torte in Vienna (a delicious Viennese chocolate cake).
Another famous visit-worthy coffee house is Cafe Central (Herrengasse 14). I tried the kaiserschmarrn, which is a shredded pancake that was topped with icing sugar and served with stewed plums, and it was delicious.
Although these famous places can be overrated, these ones actually live up to the expectations. You’ll probably have to wait in line for a few minutes, but the coffee, the cakes, and the elegant atmosphere are totally worth it.
After a few popular coffee houses, try to find some hidden ones too. I had stumbled upon Cafe in der Burggasse24 by accident and immediately fell in love. Its quiet front facade was deceiving because the cafe had really cool decor and was full of people.
Spend New Year’s Eve with the Locals
This one is still on my bucket list, but Vienna seems like a fantastic New Year’s Eve destination. I’m usually more of a stay-in kind of person, but I would definitely immerse myself in these typical fun activities.
Embrace the Snow
Who doesn’t love snow? Even I, a girl with a fear of cold weather, didn’t care about anything when I saw the streets covered in white.
The entire city becomes irresistibly charming, but it’s the parks and Christmas markets that really bring out the magic.
Related Posts
Wondering how to spend your time in Vienna? Check out this perfect 2-day itinerary or my 4-day itinerary (and the best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets).
You might also like:
Nice article! We are planning to visit Vienna end of December… is there any chance to see some snow?
Thank you, Klara!
Yes, in December you’ll probably see the snow 🙂
These photos of Vienna in winter are gorgeous! I’m trying to work a visit to Vienna into my 2019 travel plans, and I think a pre-Christmas visit would be perfect 🙂
If it works out for you, go for it! Visiting Vienna in winter really was one of the best experiences I’ve had 🙂
What an amazing place to spend the holidays. Love the food and markets and decor. So glad I’m not one to get cold really easily. Putting Vienna at the top of my winter travel list.
You are so lucky not to get cold easily! It was quite a challenge for me, but it was totally worth it 🙂
I’ve wanted to visit Vienna for years – now I definitely know what time of year I want to go! 😉 #blogpostsaturday
I’m glad I was able to give some inspiration 🙂 Vienna was magical!