We thought we should share our 48 hour guide to Vienna, having been inspired by the Channel 4 series, ‘Travel Man’, hosted by the unquestionably hilarious Richard Ayoade. Known for its musical connections (musical luminaries include Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven), stunning architecture and Freudian links this is the perfect weekend break. Whizz around on an English-speaking HotRod City Tour along the banks of the Danube Canal, past Vienna’s State Opera and its imperial palace, Schönbrunn. Additionally the food and drink ain’t half bad with Viennese wiener schnitzel washed down with Austrian beers being the order of the day.
WHERE TO STAY
Sans Souci Wien
Burggasse 2, 1070 Vienna
Sans Souci is in the arts district of Spittelberg so you can avoid the tourist rush when retreating to your hotel. Although the building dates back to 1872 it’s been designed by the Philippe Starck trained Yoo group so expect contemporary and sleek design throughout. With a fully equipped spa with indoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant you have everything you need under one roof.
WHERE TO DRINK
Roberto’s American Bar, 1010 Wien, Bauernmarkt 11-13
Espresso Café Bar, Burggasse 57, Wien
Rooftop bar at Café Bar Bloom, Rotenturmstrabe 15, Lichtensteg 3, 1010 Wien
Puff Bar, Girardigasse 10, 1060 Wien
Loft Bar at Sofitel, Praterstrabe 1, 1020 Wien
Rooftop Bar at 25hrs Hotel, Lerchenfelder Str 1-3, 1070 Wien (also a good spot for brunch)
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.
Susan Sontag
WHERE TO EAT CAKE – CAFES
Make sure you take tea and cake at the famed Café Central with its 130 year history
Café Central Vienna, corner Strauchgasse / Herrengasse 1010
Head to the trendy 7th district for superb coffee and a typical Austrian breakfast followed by a spot of shopping at Das Moebel
Das Moebel, Burggasse 10
Figar is the best place for brunch in the 7th district but is also open at night for cocktails
Figar Vienna, Kirchengasse 18
Head to the gorgeous Hotel Daniel established in 1886 its bakery is open from 06:30 – 1AM blending restaurant, bar and café
Hotel Daniel, Landstraber Gurtel 5
WHERE TO EAT – RESTAURANTS
Known to be the best restaurant in Vienna, Steirereck uses local and organic produce to create beautifully visual dishes that has elevated the restaurant to be one of the best in the world. With a nod towards Asian cuisine expect a simple but highly skilled menu; mountain trout with cucumber and melon or venison heart and liver with peanut all feature. Four courses from 78 EUR
Steirereck, Am Heumarkt 2A (in Stadtpark), 1030 Vienna
Found inside Vienna’s ‘The Burg’ theatre, the Vestibuel has been attracting the crowds for over a decade and is famed for its traditional cabbage dish with lobster meat. It’s worth a visit for their take on Austrian cuisine with a modern twist created by Christian Domschitz who likes to ‘improve on what we already know’ rather than invent new dishes. Mains from 20 EUR.
Restaurant Vestibul, Burgtheater, Universitatsring 2, 1010 Vienna
One of the coolest restaurants in Vienna, Mochi is a tiny Japanese restaurant has the best dumplings in town. Make sure to try the sushi pizza and sake granite and if it’s busy you can always head to Georgian restaurant Ansari next door. Mains from 10 EUR.
Praterstrasse 15, 1020 Wien
All things Scandinavian have reached Vienna so be sure to head to Nordic-inspired brasserie Skopik & Lohn for simple dishes in laid back surroundings. Traditional wiener schnitzel is available but the guinea fowl with white bread soufflé is not to be missed. Mains from 12 EUR.
Skopid & Lohn, Leopoldsgasse 17, 1020 Wien
To book your weekend away with Mensos Concierge, just Contact Mensos for a Quote and we will be in touch with hotel options for you.
Restaurant bookings and excursions are an additional cost.