If you want to surround yourself with culture and nature this summer, visit one of the greenest cities in the world, right in the heart of Europe. Just a short hour’s flight from the GCC, Vienna is the perfect destination for those who want to explore everything related to music, art, food and imperial charm.

With open air festivals running throughout the warmer months and a raft of new restaurant openings, those who have already visited this charming city once before, now have so many reasons to go back.

Whether travelling solo, as a couple or as a family, there are activities to suit every budget and taste. Here is an up-to-date guide on the best new restaurants, accommodation options and events to look forward to in summer 2024.

Where to stay

The Amauris Vienna

The Amauris Vienna is a luxury boutique hotel that opened in a prominent location on the Ringstrasse in February 2023. The name Amauris refers to a species of butterfly that shimmers in black and white and is known for its elegant appearance, and once you set foot inside this luxurious haven, you will understand the moniker. With 62 rooms, 17 of which are suites, wood and marble are the dominant materials used around the impressive property. In fact, a total of 160 tons of marble were used in the design and construction of the well-appointed hotel, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from the State Opera and the Musikverein.

Urbanauts Studios Fillgrader

With the opening of the Urbanauts Studios Fillgrader in June 2023, visitors to Vienna can now stay in the perfect hideaway in the centre of the action. The building, located in Vienna’s trendy inner district of Mariahilf, is a former theatre and offers accommodation options for couples, solo travellers and groups. Theatre props decorate the corridors and the rooms to add a touch of glamour and charm to every stay. Selected partner businesses or ‘fellows’ such as local cafes, shops and restaurants have been curated so that guests can find everything from the best coffee and classic Viennese breakfast to a picturesque cocktail bar or spa treatment.

Where to eat

Glasswing

Austrian culinary heritage meets Executive Chef Alexandru Simon’s creative inspiration at the Glasswing Restaurant set in a luxury boutique hotel, The Amauris. The food encompasses a delightful fusion of novel and timeless flavours, creating a truly immersive experience, while original works of art from the hotel owner’s private collection enhance the refined atmosphere. This is an experience not to be missed if you like the finer things in life.

Mraz and Sohn

Markus Mraz and his sons Lukas and Manuel run this unpretentious and relaxed two-Michelin-starred restaurant on the outskirts of the city. Described as a family restaurant with no borders, Mraz and Sohn is a Vienna institution. This modern and innovative bistro boasts a beautiful outdoor courtyard and contemporary dining room, and foodies will love the seasonal tasting menu which is constantly updated with unusual pairings and a raft of new ingredients.

Things to do

Prater Museum

Prater Museum is dedicated to the eventful past of the Vienna Prater, a unique amusement park and home to the Giant Ferris Wheel – one of Vienna’s most famous symbols. With a 250-year history, the newly-opened museum preserves countless curious objects including Ringelspiel and Punch and Judy figures, parts of a grotto ride and early slot machines, plans, models, photos, admission tickets, posters and much more. The museum is now housed in one of Vienna’s first public timber buildings, a new three-storey structure with twice as much space than its previous home. Solar panels, a heat pump and climate control panels are all used as this is an ecological showcase project.

Wiener Opernsommer

This summer, the Wiener Opernsommer is commencing with great fanfare, promising to enrich Vienna’s cultural scene with the first-ever open-air Opera experience. Embark on an innovative journey with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” featuring music in its original language and lively dialogues (with English subtitles) replacing lengthy recitatives, creating a more accessible and enjoyable opera experience. Indulge in a wide array of culinary delights offered by numerous food trucks. The grandeur of Belvedere Palace serves as the opera’s captivating stage, ensuring a mesmerising experience for all attendees. Steeped in history and architectural splendour, The Belvedere Palace was the former summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, and not only provides a breathtaking backdrop for performances but also symbolises the harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary endeavours, enhancing the festival’s allure with sublime beauty and historical significance.

Vienna at your fingertips

To unlock all that this vibrant city has to offer, purchase a Vienna City Card. Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, this card is your key to using the Vienna public transport system, and it also gives you discounts of up to 50 per cent on more than 310 attractions, including guided tours, gallery tickets, concerts, events and more. Prices start at €17 for 24 hours, and one child under the age of 14 can travel for free with each VCC.

About Vienna and the Vienna Tourist Board

Austria’s capital of Vienna is consistently ranked as the city with the highest quality of life 11 times by the Mercer Study, providing its residents, expatriates and visitors with high security, seamless public transportation, a wide variety of cultural and arts institutions, and a staggering 53% of the city serving as public green space.

The Vienna Tourist Board, founded in 1955, is the official destination marketing service provider for the tourism sector of the city. It promotes the city worldwide and provides many services, tips, resources and information for Viennese businesses, residents and visitors.

For further information, please visit here
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