What could be more magical than getting into the holiday spirit by wandering through the city's Christmas markets with a mug of mulled wine in hand. A fairy tale re-enacted every year in metropolises around the world. Before you sit under the Christmas tree to see if you've obeyed this year, head around the corner for a weekend trip to the most magical Christmas city in Europe. We've planned the whole day for you so you don't have to worry about a thing. Welcome to our guide to Vienna at Christmas.
The market, with its specific mix of aromas, will whet your appetite for real Christmas specialties. Stop in the middle of the square, to the right of the statue of the Empress, and taste the best waffles outside of Belgium. Alternatively, just a few steps around the corner, near the entrance to the Naturhistorisches Museum, enjoy a real Czech trdelník. (See the location on the map .)
Just take a quick peek at the giant Christmas tree to tick off the obligatory box in your tourist guide and quickly disappear into the tangle of narrow Viennese streets around the university. In the courtyard of the former hospital, you can toast mulled wine with the young Viennese. If you are in a sporty mood, you can play curling with the locals on one of the curling rinks located right in the center of the Christmas village.
If you suddenly get a Christmas hunger, head to the nearby Am Hof street. You can't miss the stall with meat, sausages and potato pancakes from the world's imagination. It will surely satisfy even your wildest fantasies. In case you still get hungry, stop on the way to the market am Freyung, one of the oldest Christmas markets in the city. It has been held annually on the same street since 1772. (See the location on the map .)
Transportation
Don't travel by car unnecessarily, you won't have to spend hours looking for parking. Take one of the regular trains that depart from Bratislava's Hlavná and Petržalská stations. In an hour you can be sitting in the Vienna metro and take line no. 1 and find yourself in the center of the action on Karlsplatz square, two stops from the main station. (See the location on the map .)
Art advent Karslplatz
The first stop is Art Advent on Charles Square. Enjoy arts and crafts combined with modern fashion creations and light installations with a beautiful Art Nouveau building in the background. The contrast of Christmas lights and Art Nouveau is magical. (See the location on the map .)
Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Then you can head towards the famous Museumquartier. A few steps west and you will come across Maria Theresa Square. The market on Maria-Therezien-Platz is situated between two magnificent almost identical buildings, which today serve as museums. (See the location on the map .)
Christmas in the old hospital
With a sweet piece of heaven in hand, you can start walking towards the city hall, passing by the majestic parliament building. Rathausplatz is the heart of Vienna's Christmas markets. Usually full of tourists, it's impossible to find your way around. (See the location on the map .)
Am Hof Advent Market
At the end of the day, head into the heart of Vienna and admire the enchanting lights and perfect Christmas trees on Graben Street (see the location on the map ), towards the famous Stephansdom. Stop in the middle for a punch at the Lion Club stand. We guarantee it's the most fabulous treat you've ever tasted. But if you're driving, get the kids' version, the original one really kicks it up a notch. (Stephansdom on the map .)
Satisfied with the beauty of Christmas Vienna, you can board metro number 1 again at Stephansdom or take the entire ride again. Have a nice holiday.
You can find the entire route on the map here.
