Culture

Hipster-darling director Wes Anderson and his costume designer partner Juman Malouf will be taking over the Kunsthistorisches Museum. They’ve curated a special exhibition entitled Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures which will run from 6^thNovember until 28^thApril 2019. Much of the content is under wraps for now, but they’ve been given free reign of the museum’s objects and hidden gems, putting together a collection of their favourites. 

Eat

Think hearty classics, a vintage vibe and a dash of hipster modernity. Zur Herknerin serves up regional dishes without the stuffiness in this uber-cool restaurant, which makes for a refreshing change from the city’s old-world charm. What’s more, chef and owner Stefanie Herkner even gives lessons on how to make your own knödeldumplings.

Christmas Markets

Before you know it, as the temperature dips the evening skies will be alight with festive cheers and illuminations. Vienna is renowned for its plethora of Christmas markets, so get ready to stock up on traditional decorations, gobble down roast chestnuts and glug on some mulled wine: the market on Maria Theresien Platz features light projections on the surrounding museums; the popular Rathausplatz Market includes various skating rinks; while Am Hof Market is the local favourite for traditional foods and goodies for sale. 

Fresh Air

Head out of the city for a day trip up the Kahlenberg hill in the Vienna Woods. At 484m high, you’ll be rewarded with panoramas of the city below and even the Scheenberg mountain when the skies are clear. At the top, you’re welcomed by the Stefaniewarte observation tower dating from 1887, and the gothic St Joseph’s church nearby. 

Sleep

After all that activity, indulge in some classic Viennese luxury for a good night’s sleep at the Grand Hotel Wien. Dating back to 1870, the hotel sure knows how to serve up elegance and grandeur that mirrors the nearby State Opera and Ringstrasse.

Visit our complete City Guide on Vienna here.

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