The city of Vienna has long been a favourite destination among Europeans, but it’s now gaining recognition as a must-visit city for GCC travellers, too. Austria’s cosmopolitan capital, this historic city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, with an array of cultural, culinary, and recreational offerings that make it an ideal choice for couples, families, and solo travellers who are looking for an unforgettable city break within easy reach of the GCC.
Art & culture
Located in the heart of Europe, just a five-and-a-half-hour flight from Dubai, Vienna is renowned for its breath-taking architecture, cultural significance, and lively arts scene, with more than 100 museums and galleries waiting to be explored. Travellers can immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage at the Museums Quartier near the Imperial Palace, where highlights include the Zoom Children’s Museum for junior explorers, and nearby, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to one of the largest and most significant art collections in Europe. Vienna also boasts a thriving contemporary arts scene with numerous galleries and exhibitions featuring cutting-edge art and up-and-coming designers.
Music enthusiasts can follow in the footsteps of Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Schubert, and other classical luminaries who once called the city home. Dubbed the City of Music, Vienna hosts a plethora of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year, from opera to open-air festivals.
Culinary delights
Just as Vienna’s art scene is rich, varied and layered in history, so too is its dining culture. Immerse yourself in the fabled coffeehouse culture of Vienna, which has been added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets. Other culinary treasures include the Wiener Schnitzel and Viennese sausages, both named after the city. Satisfy sweet cravings with a slice of Sacher-Torte, a rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam, or flaky apple strudel. And while these traditional dishes offer a delicious connection to the past, Vienna’s restaurant and bar scene keeps its eyes firmly on the future, with everything from chic cafes and welcoming beisls (taverns) to Michelin-studded dining from some of the world’s best chefs.
In full bloom
With daytime temperatures hovering around 25-27°C from June to August, Vienna is the perfect escape from the GCC over summer. Discover a city that is alive with a dynamic energy, with the Vienna Festival running until 21 June 2023, which is the city’s largest international festival of the arts that presents a diverse spectrum of new theatre productions, operas, concerts, dance performances and multimedia installations. Wander Vienna’s tree-lined avenues, marvelling at the Baroque architecture, spectacular palaces, and stately government buildings that have stood for centuries. Take a spin on the giant ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the city, lose yourself in the Schönbrunn Maze, or stroll along the Ringstrasse, one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world.
As of March 2023, there are 398 hotels and guesthouses dotted across the city, offering a plethora of accommodation options to suit different needs, from romantic rooms for couples and well-equipped apartments for families to arty, boutique stays for solo travellers, you will find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to lodging.
The keys to the city
To unlock all that this vibrant city has to offer, purchase a Vienna City Card via the ivie app, Vienna’s digital city guide. 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.
For further information on Vienna, please visit: https://www.wien.info/en
