With wedding cake architecture everywhere you turn, swathes of red roses blooming in every park, and the sound of violins never far away, it’s no surprise Vienna is known as one of the most romantic cities on the planet. So, if there’s a special someone you’d like to spend some quality time with, we’ve put a list together of what to do in Vienna for the die-hard romantics…
It started with a kiss
Gustav Klimt’s painting The Kiss is a world-famous depiction of all-consuming love. If you’re wondering what to do in Vienna, come and see the passion for yourself. The setting itself is romantic enough, with all the finery of the Upper Belvedere Gallery in Prince Eugene of Savoy’s summer palace. And the painting adds to the mood, with a sensual explosion of colour set against a shimmering backdrop of gold leaf.
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Blue Route, Stop: Belvedere
Drink to love at Esterhazykeller
Take your loved one back in time to a 17th century wine tavern, housed deep in the Esterhazy palace. Cross the cobbled courtyard and take your place in one of the secluded wooden booths for an intimate drink. Choose a crisp dry white, Viennese of course. Gruner Veltliner is probably the most popular variety in town, and it’s one of our favourite places to go in Vienna.
Red Route, Stop: Rathaus/City Hall
Take a horse-drawn ride
With the Spanish Riding School, Vienna is famous for its horses. But you don’t have to go to the school to see one. Walk over to Stephansplatz or the Albertinaplatz and you’ll be able to take a horse-drawn carriage through the city. We recommend going after night has fallen, as all the city’s landmarks are lit by spotlight which only adds to the romantic atmosphere. The locals call the carriages ‘fiaker’, so grab one and enjoy Vienna sightseeing after dark.
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Red Route, Stops: Stadtpark & Opera
Serenade your loved one
Vienna is the home of classical music, and if music be the food of love, play on. Stroll in the footsteps of the great composers, you can pick up a map with a suggested itinerary at the Tourist Information Centre. Looking for more things to do in Vienna? Then dance a waltz in the Stadtpark or for the ultimate romantic evening spend a night at the Opera.
Red Route, Stops: Stadtpark & Opera
Go head over heels
The Riesenrad Ferris wheel has been slowly revolving in the Viennese sky since 1897. It’s a lovely way for couples to rise above it all and just concentrate on each other, or on one of the best views of the Viennese rooftops. Buy your candyfloss and toffee apples on the ground then sweep him or her off their feet with this romantic Vienna attraction.
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Red Route, Stop: Prater
Push the boat out
There are plenty of boat cruises and tours to enjoy along the Danube, from which you can see the beauty of Vienna slowly drift by. And if you want a boat ride that’s a little bit more intimate, head over to the Donauinsel, an island in the Danube where you’ll be able to hire a pedalo to enjoy together.
Red Route, Stop: Danube Island/Donau Insel
Say it with roses
The Volksgarten is the perfect location for a bit of me-and-you time. Directly next to the Hofburg buildings, it’s ideal if you want to rest those legs after a busy morning sightseeing on one of our Big Bus tours. One thing to see while you’re here is the immaculate rose garden, it’s filled with blooms, and you might even see a bride and groom getting their wedding photos taken with the roses as a backdrop.
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Red & Blue Route, Stop: Museums/Hofburg
Eat by candlelight
How about some sweets for your sweet? Vienna knows how to captivate anyone who loves the sweeter things in life, so be sure to eat a traditional meal while you’re here and don’t hold back on the dessert. Viennese classics include Sachertorte, a cake with two layers of chocolate and apricot jam, Apfelstrudel, pastry filled with apples, and Kaisershmarm, shredded pancakes and jam. We love Gelateria La Romana but you really can’t go wrong wherever you go.
Blue Route, Stop: Haus des Meeres/Aqua Terra Zoo
Make a Freudian trip
Sigmund Freud developed his theory of the unconscious while living in Vienna, and his critics say he did tend to have a bit of a one-track mind. If you’re feeling amorous yourself, why not follow in the great man’s footsteps. He used to come and enjoy a coffee at Café Central, and this romantic eatery hasn’t changed much since then. Why not order a homemade pastry, with two forks?
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Red Route, Stop: Rathaus/City Hall
Fall in love with Vienna and each other with our top picks of things to do. Whether you’re travelling in a couple, a big group or by yourself, there’s plenty to do in Vienna. For more ideas and inspiration for your trip, be sure to check out our guide to the Top 10 Things to do in Vienna…
