Get to know Vienna's lesser-known Delicacies If you think Vienna's culinary scene begins and ends with schnitzel, think again! While the city's iconic breaded and fried veal cutlet is a…
A hospital named after the crown princess of Belgium Vienna is a center for medicine. A history of medical studies that stretches back over 600 years. In some ways, Vienna…
The band Wiener Blond focuses on Viennese music and on a Viennese atmosphere. I’m sure that those of you – who have an interest in Viennese music – have heard…
You must visit the Museums Quartier if you are into contemporary art! I am sure some of you have walked past or even visited Vienna’s Museums Quartier (MQ) before. Today…
If you are interested in psychology, you should visit the Freud Museum! I am certain that some of you are familiar with Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis and his theories about the…
Travel back in time - Old Vienna Most of you know about our city’s history. About our traditions and the places, where we can still experience old Vienna. We at…
Death, crime, and fires - Vienna's Kriminalmuseum I’m sure by now you’re more than familiar with Vienna’s obsession with death and eerily-beautiful stories. The ones that have visited our Wiener…
Here are 5 spot where you can enjoy coffee in Vienna Drinking coffee while enjoying the sun is one of our favourite pastimes, no matter the season (as long as…
If you are into classical music you have to visit the Mozart house! The Mozarthaus Vienna tells the story of Wolfgang Amadé Mozart’s life and work. It is located in…
The Jewish Museum Vienna is one of our absolute favourites, and I am sure you can imagine why. The museum gives an insight into Jewish history, culture, and religion, and…
A place full of history and whispers of old times The Café Central, located just a street down from the Michaelerplatz. It was founded in 1867 and ever since it…
An old tradition about to die out - the Schildermaler Museum Perhaps some of you may have heard of Vienna’s Schildermaler Museum before. Located in the Mühlgasse 7 in the…
Looking for a different museum? Visit the Drugstore Museum in Vienna! Located in Vienna’s 9th district, in the Währinger Straße 14, Austria’s Drugstore Museum has a long history, tracing back…
There is something truly inspiring about the collaboration of Axel Flóvent and Plàsi. The two are about to tour Europe and also have a show planned in Vienna for the…
Vienna's Snow Globe Museum is definitely worth the visit! It was the year 1900 as Erwin Perzy created the first ever snow globe. His first design was the basilica Maria…
Medieval relicts in the heart of the inner city - Vienna's Neidhart Saal Dating back to 1407 the frescos found in the Neidhart Saal tell stories inspired by songs of…
Vienna is undoubtedly famous for being one of the unfriendliest cities – our “Grant” (meaning anger/unfriendliness) is world famous and we are quite proud of it. Today, we want to…
An internationally famous event - Vienna's New Year’s concert Without a doubt, most of you know about Vienna’s New Year’s concert. Every year the Vienna Philharmonic presents a program focused…
Café Gerstner - a piece of old Vienna What started as a confectioner’s shop, is now one of our most cherished and traditional coffee houses in Vienna. The Café Gerstner…
What's the story of coffee in Vienna? When did the liquid gold find its way here? Vienna is famous for its coffee house culture. A one of a kind tradition…
Café Frauenhuber - one of Vienna's oldest coffee houses The Café Frauenhuber is one of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses. Its history traces back to the year 1891, the name is…
Schönbrunn is always worth a visit, no matter the season. The Gloriette towers over the castle and the garden, a true eyecatcher full of history. As empress Maria Theresia ordered…
Most of you may know the band Kaleo from their song “Way Down We Go”, which was and still is being featured in different movies, tv shows and advertisements. The…
Just like the Café Demel, the Café Korb is one of our traditional coffee houses, located in the first district. The place where the Café Korb is located is full…
There’s no doubt that our beautiful city is internationally known for its coffee houses. Today I want to tell you more about the history of the “Demel” one of our…
Today I want to share an old Viennese Christmas cookie recipe with you. Christmas baked goods were once reserved for aristocrats, formed by hand, and made into small shapes. Dried…
Vienna has a deep connection to antiques, let it be furniture from Biedermeier times, engravings that show the city from different perspectives or jewellery. As you walk through the city’s…
Elisabeth, short Sisi or following the great movie- Sissi, is known all over the globe for her beauty, her tragic life story, and her death. The former empress of Austria…
The most beautiful woman in Vienna in around 1814 If you’ve visited our blog in the past few weeks you have probably already picked up on her name, since she…
Karlsplatz- one of our favourite places in Vienna The Karlsplatz, now an important spot right in the middle of our city, once belonged to an area outside the city wall.…
It is hard to describe Marco Pogo with just one profession, he’s a singer, politician, beer brewer and doctor. His path into becoming a Viennese politician was paved by the…
Let us tell you the story of one impressive woman - Alma Mahler-Werfel Alma Mahler-Werfel is a rather controversial woman. Her entourage described her as ‘femme fatale’. They saw her…
No matter if you’re from Vienna or if you plan to visit our city, you will stumble upon the name Sacher. This article will tell you more about Anna Sacher,…
Learn more about Emilie Kraus von Wolfsberg - Napoleon's secret lover Emilie Kraus von Wolfsberg was born in 1785. Perhaps you have heard of her before, but her relationship with…
Vienna is internationally known for its art scene. People from all over the globe find their way to Vienna to indulge in the city’s broad variety of cultural events. Part…
Fans of opera history have probably heard the name Marie Wilt before. Today I want to tell you more about the successful opera singer whose life ended with a tragic…
If there was one person you didn’t want to cross in the 16th century in Vienna, it probably would have been Elisabeth Báthory. We are starting the mysterious and dark…
We are staying true to our October topic and since witches are an unmistakably important part of the Halloween celebrations, we will now delve deeper into the story of Vienna’s…
Have you visited Augustin in the plague pit in Vienna? While strolling through Vienna’s first district you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Griechenbeisl, a restaurant that can be found…
Have you ever visited the Kahlenberg Cemetery? Maybe after reading this you will! Would you think of cemeteries if somebody asked you to describe Vienna’s charm? Many tourists that come…
Have you visited the St. Stephen’s cathedral Catacombs already? Most of you have probably walked past or even stepped into the St. Stephen’s cathedral by now. You probably know that…
The Karmelitermarkt is a spot filled with history! Have you ever wondered, if there are other must-visit markets in Vienna? Besides the Naschmarkt, Vienna is home to many street markets,…
Vienna's Pompfüneberer is a true celebrity! It’s no secret that Vienna has a very special obsession with death and rituals that circle around it. If you study the Viennese dialect,…
Spies, a crime noir movie and a once forgotten theatre hall – Vienna espionage There is just something mysterious about spies and their talents to hide in places we’d never…
The ghost which kept the high and mighty on their toes Ghost stories take up a big chunk of Halloween traditions, no matter the age, supernatural beings are always fascinating.…
The Makery Vienna - a place where you are the chef! Last week, our Secret Vienna team was invited to the grand opening of The Makery. AA brand new restaurant…
Royi’s Crêperie, a one of a kind Crêperie in Vienna! In Vienna’s 6th district, in a lovely and quiet street nearby Gumpendorferstraße, one can find a true hidden gem. That’s…
May 1st and the Illuminati Happy International Workers Day! 🎉 In case you haven’t seen our previous May 1st story, we wanted to make sure you aren’t missing out another…
When visiting Vienna, one of the best things you can do (Beside joining our secret walking tours of course…) is to take a bus tour and see Vienna’s highlights quickly…
Moritz Gottlieb Saphir, writer, journalist and somewhat of a joker. Nowadays, comedy and satire writers are quite popular and are especially famous by those who aren’t the target of their…
Napoleon - a very special kind of emperor. The magnificent church of Notre Dame in Paris was particularly full on the 2nd of December, 1804. Although it was a Sunday,…
Part two of our Madame Tussaud story Some days ago, we told you about the childhood and early career of Marie Grosholtz. She is famous as Madame Tussaud. While her…
Madame Tussaud - the perfect place for a Vienna visit Have you visited the Madame Tussaud’s museum in Vienna already? Well, in any case, after reading this story you can…
Happy Birthday Hedy Lamarr! She was one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses of her time. So beautiful in fact, that people couldn’t believe she was also an inventor who made…
Carnuntum, a must visit place for all lovers of ancient history! The Roman legionary camp of Carnuntum, located right between Vienna and Bratislava, had a great significance. Once one of…
The long forgotten battle of Dürnstein When we think of a peaceful town where one can enjoy history, relax and disconnect from reality without getting too far from Vienna, we…
Count Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi- The man who envisioned Europe United Have you heard of Aoyama Eijiro? No? Well if you are interested in European politics, you might recognize his Austrian…
Leopold Mozart, the man who made his son famous? Few days ago, on the 14th of November, we celebrated the birthday of Mozart! No, it wasn’t the birthday Wolfgang Amadeus…
Leopold II. a man almost as famous as his mother Maria Theresia Leopold II, the third son of Maria Theresa and the brother of emperor Joseph II, was undoubtedly an…
Liebe war es nie, a movie for all of those interested in historic settings. “Love, it was not” (Liebe war es nie), a new film directed by Maya Sarfaty, caught…
Schwerelos, floating, relaxing, calming down In our modern, hectic world, it’s become quite difficult to simply stop and relax. It’s ironic how easy it is to be in constant motion…
22 female criminals and the Wilde Wanda There’s nothing better than a good crime book, especially one based on real stories. We have the privilege of having the author Sabine…
Vesturo - made for men The bright vitrines of the shopping streets in large cities usually make an impression that the existing options let us buy anything we are searching…
Quarantine - a modern phenomenon? Although we are all familiar with the concept, most of us have never experienced the kind of widespread quarantine measures that are currently sweeping across…
Sickness, quarantines and death - The Plague Islands of Venice. We recently told you about where the word quarantine comes from. Since this is a topic we are all currently…
Marie Antoinette's fascinating diamond necklace Marie Antoinette is usually thought quintessentially French. Tied to the French Revolution, and famous for her “let them eat cake!” proclamation. Which she most likely…
Vienna's escalators - lengths and depths Everyday the residents of Vienna take the public transportation to work or to school. A large share of these commutes are taking place on…
Jenny Lind - also known as the Swedish Nightingale The ‘Swedish nightingale’, famed for her extraordinary voice. Jenny Lind was a Swedish opera singer who would find massive success touring…
If you want to visit a place full of history, you have to visit the Sophiensäle! Large-scale fires are always shocking when they happen. Unfortunately every major city has an…
Christian Brandstätter - an icon of Austria's history In his “Memoirs”, Chancellor Metternich wrote “The men who create history have not time to write it – I at least had…
Luzi-Wuzi the quick-witted Archduke There are many scandals, secrets, and stories about the Habsburgs – some hearsay, some confirmed. One member of the Habsburg family was known as Archduke Ludwig…
There aren’t many traditional druggists left in Vienna, but the few that remain have storied histories and a faithful clientele. One of these is W. Neuber’s Enkel. It has stood…
E. Braun & Co. - a traditional company dating back to the 1800s When walking along the Graben, you have most likely seen the famous clothing company H&M. And perhaps…
Helmut Portele - a special kind of collector Perhaps some of our readers collect things. Some people collect items such as stamps, books, coins etc. and these items would fit…
Kaiserbründl sauna - a place full of history Some weeks ago we told you about the Vienna Central Bath. Which is located in the heart of the first district. Known…
Christian Brandstätter - more than just a lover of Vienna If you are interested in “Vienna 1900” or Jugendstil, chances are you have come across books published by the Christian…
Vienna's bim Have you ever heard the Viennese refer to the tram, or Strassenbahn, as a “bim” and wondered what they were on about? Why call a tram a bim,…
Remains of the old city walls - the Widmertor Walking around the city, perhaps we miss little details that have a lot of history. You can find one of these…
Vienna's Yearly Markets Did you visit the Christmas markets in the past weeks? Vienna is of course well-known for them. People come from all over the world to visit them.…
Where the Elites Bathed - Vienna’s Central Bath Public pools and saunas are an indelible part of the Viennese cultural landscape. Be it summer or winter, the Viennese love a…
Vienna's Hosenträgerhaus, a house full of history At the corner of the Universitätsstrasse and the Garnisongasse there is a house with a peculiar name. Hosenträgerhaus (literally the “suspenders haus”). The…
Friedrich III and his very special memorial If you have visited the Stephansdom, chances are that you have seen Emperor Friedrich III (Frederick III). Well, not him personally, but his…
Crocodiles in the Donaukanal - who would have thought There are any number of things one might expect to fish out of the Donaukanal, but crocodiles in the Donaukanal? What…
Have you ever wondered about the meaning of AEIOU? Looking through historical records, or a close inspection of certain buildings in Austria such as the Burg Wiener Neustadt, may cause…
The Pestsäule - a landmark full of history Most people have seen the Pestsäule (The Plague Column) on the Graben. This column dates back to the 17th century and was…
The Ottakringer Brauwerk - the perfect spot for Craft Beer lovers It is likely that our readers have had a craft beer already. But if you live in Vienna perhaps,…
Have you ever paid attention to ceilings? What about the one in the National Library? If you have visited the former imperial royal library at the Josefplatz, it is likely…
Vienna's Höhenstrasse - a one of a kind street Driving into or from Vienna might take you over the Höhenstrasse. A long and winding road that connects Neustift am Walde…
The Imperial Riding School - Autograph Collection After the fall of the Habsburg empire, many buildings were left without an empire to serve. Most of them, however, found a new…
Who was Vienna`s Pferdebändiger? Perhaps you know that Emperor Franz Josef suffered an assassination attempt. That was in 1853. The men who saved his life were rewarded. Maximilian Karl Lamoral…
Heumühle - a place full of history A bit hidden in the district of Vienna’s fourth district between the well-known Kettenbrückengasse and the perhaps less-known Heumühlgasse, you will find a…
Bahá’í Center Austria Out in the 14th district is a rather unassuming house that has quite a history. Since 2010 it has housed the Bahá’í Center Austria. This is the…
If you love Wiener Schnitzel, this post is for you! Where does the Wiener Schnitzel come from? The name of course ties it to Vienna. Many say that it actually…
On June 27, 1976 a group of activists, referring to themselves as the Arenauten, occupied the abandoned area of the St. Marx slaughterhouse to protest the lack of alternative culture…
The Stefaniewarte - a must visit spot Perhaps visitors to Vienna notice that part of the city is surrounded by hills. If you walk, for example, east from the Stephansdom…
The Third Man - the perfect movie for all espionage lovers! This year is the 70th anniversary of the film The Third Man. It is one of the greatest British…
If you are into murals, this one is for you! As we have told you in the past, there is no shortage of churches in Vienna. Some are better and…
The Opernpassage, a true monument! We all know that Vienna is very well connected. And not only because of its great public transport system, but also because it has a…
If you have lived in Vienna long enough or you are just interested in art or architecture, it is likely that you have come across the names Wagner, Klimt, Schiele,…
If you love history and coffee, the Cafe Schönbergers is the perfect spot! There are many places to drink coffee in Vienna. Some have impressive interior designs and others are…
The Habig-Hof Perhaps some of our readers entered a coffee house one day and they were impressed. Some days ago, we felt that way. But let us start from the…
Let's cross the bridge over the River Danube! Bridges have long been important features of Vienna. They have functioned as connections between the various parts of the city located alongside…
The Billrothhaus The Frankgasse in Alsergrund may not be a household name unless you live in the area. But on this street there is an organization with a long history…
Otto Wagner - his spirit fills every corner of the city. We have told you a bit about Otto Wagner and his influence on Viennese architecture and design. Perhaps his…
It is quite impressive how some buildings in Vienna have survived the last centuries facing. One of such places is the Hermesvilla. Built in 1882-1886, at the request of the…
Although you may not have ever given it any actual thought, the name Pratersten is not random or accidental. It is in fact next to the Prater. The spot takes…
Vienna's Criminal Museum - the spot to be for true crime lovers! Vienna’s second district features a lot of the city’s history. It was at the mercy of the Danube…
Vienna's Tramwaymuseum the spot to be for technology lovers Together with excellent tap water, fresh air, urban silence and Mahlzeit, Vienna’s trams are part and parcel of the list of…
The Kreuzkirche Hietzing - more than just a regular church There is no shortage of churches in Vienna. Some are better and some lesser known. One of the probably lesser-known…
Viennese Cappuccinos It is popularly said that, contrary to all expectations, cappuccinos originate from Vienna. And the Schnitzel comes from Italy. Is this true, or where does this notion come…
.The Jewish cemetery in Währing Perhaps you know that in the very old days it was customary for churches to be surrounded by a cemetery. This was for example the…
The Banker on the Edge - a sculpture one may find concerning Walking along Getreidemarkt, just before reaching Babenbergerstrasse, you may happen to glance up towards the sky. You will…
The importance of Franz Matzinger We have told you many stories about the Ringstraße and its buildings and architects. There are, of course, many other players that made the construction…
Nestroy is a name that comes up frequently in Vienna. If you are traveling along the U1 where you will eventually come across Nestroyplatz. But who was the eponymous Nestroy?…
Vienna's Hofburg The Hofburg in Vienna is an interesting place. One can literally tell the history of the Habsburg empire by walking through it. Starting with the Babenberger family and…
The university of Vienna has a long history. Established in the 14th century with its 19th century main building located in the Schottentor area. This main building was too small…
Vienna’s public toilets aren’t just toilets – no, they are experiences! Although you may be quite skeptical of what kind of ‘experience’ that might be, its less shady gas station…
Any visitor to Vienna will have stood for a brief moment on Michaelerplatz. You have to marvel at some of the city’s architectural wonders. Even in Roman times, the square…
Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, is often depicted astride a horse in portraits, and for good reason. She was an excellent horsewoman and rider who had a particular…
We have told you stories about some of the architects of the Baroque Vienna as well as of the Ringstraße period. Some architects are, of course, more famous than others.…
Renewing the Donauplatte Vienna is a city with lots of tradition. Simultaneously it's also a city that is constantly renewing itself. One part of the city that is experiencing a…
Cake and music a perfect pairing Some weeks ago, we told you that the Opera celebrated its 150th anniversary. And for this occasion, many activities are put together and many…
Have you ever wandered through the 2nd district and found yourself wondering what “Am Tabor” means? If you are well-versed in battle and defense terminology from the Middle Ages, the…
Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, its the perfect weather to go for a run or cycle along the Danube. One of the nicest places for this…
It is likely that everyone in Vienna has heard about the „Schottentor“. A famous spot for Vienna’s transport system, which brings together several tram lines and the metro U2. The…
The Vienna Philharmonic is considered to be one of the finest orchestras in the world. It is made up of world-class musicians who have proved their mettle by playing in…
For many people Egon Schiele is a household name. In particular, if you spend a lot of time at the Museum Quartier in Vienna, it is very hard to miss…
Palais Königswarter - a palais full of history In case you have wondered which one is the oldest building on the Ringstraße, it is very likely that it is one…
In some of our stories we have made references to the Ottoman sieges of Vienna. The first siege took place in 1529 and the second in 1683. There is information…
The Danube and the Kaiserwasser The Danube is a favorite location for locals in the summer. It proves some much needed relief in the hot summer months. While we enjoy…
The Porta Decumana - a piece of Vindobona Perhaps you have noticed that the Rotenturmstraße in the city center is a construction site. It has made some headlines in the…
By now is it probable that you already heard the news: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6. And this happy occasion has coincided with a royal event that…
Imperial racetracks Did you know that Vienna historically had two separate horse racetracks? One for trotting (Trabrennbahn) and one for galloping (Galopprennbahn). The Galopprennbahn is the older of the two,…
There are many great parks in Vienna. Surely one of the most loved and most visited is the Augarten. Located in the heart of the 2nd district, this green oasis…
If you live in Vienna perhaps you are familiar with the online platform “Willhaben” where you can buy and sell all sorts of things. In the very old days, there…
Johannes of Nepomuk Chapel - a chapel one needs to visit If you take tram line no. 2 or 5 to the station ‘Am Tabor’, you may notice a small…
It is time to tell you about Frederic Morton. He was born in Vienna in October 1924 as Fritz Mandelbaum. His family escaped Vienna in June 1939 when he was…
We recently told you the history of the Galopprennbahn in Vienna. As we mentioned in that story, there has historically been another horse track in the city. The Trabrennbahn. A…
It may not be the most glamorous food, nor the healthiest, but sometimes it really hits the spot. I’m talking, of course, about the humble Leberkäse. But where does this…
Nowadays it may seem completely natural to have easy access to products from all over the world. But the past it was considered a great luxury to procure certain goods…
November 27, 1992. A security guard raises the alarm after discovering flames in the Redouten ballrooms at the Hofburg. What followed was the largest and most dramatic firefighting operation in…
Perhaps you are familiar with the name “Starhemberg“. This is an ancient noble family whose origins can be traced back to Upper Austria and apparently before they served the Habsburgs,…
Perhaps many of you are familiar with the Kettenbrückengasse metro station. This is the one that stops right next to the famous Naschmarkt. And most likely, many also know the…
A Viennese institution with a storied history. There is no shortage of such places in this city. One of the more popular ones amongst a diverse population of local residents…
Käserkrainer - an Austrian meal one has to try The standard late night snack after a few drinks in Vienna has to be a Käsekrainer. Something one will get at…
We have told you about Adolf Loos. He was not only an architect, but also an interior designer. Do you know of the Loos Haus? Loos was born in 1870…
Over the years, the Donaukanal has become one of the most popular summer hang-outs in the city. But before 2010, this part of Vienna was almost entirely devoid of any…
May First - a uniting day The story of the celebrations for May First dates back to the 19th century. It starts in the United States. The conditions for factory workers were…
Vienna's Bezirksmuseen - museums full of Viennese history On Sunday March 17, the Bezirksmuseen (district museums) of Vienna will be open to the public from 10 am until 4 pm.…
It is likely that most of our readers have passed by the Hochhaus Herrengasse. Perhaps you did not make it to the lobby of the building. There, you will find…
In several of our stories we have told you about businesses that have survived the 20th century. The mere fact that these businesses made it through this period must be…
Walking along Praterstrasse, you might come along a rather ordinary building by Viennese standards. The house in question is located at Praterstrasse 27. The cherubim reliefs lead you to believe…
The time of the cherry blossom is one of the highlights in the Japanese calendar and marks the beginning of spring. To celebrate this special time of the year, we…
Vienna's Neue Burg - a landmark you can not miss on your explorings! The Neue Burg… it does not matter from which direction you come to the Heldenplatz, the Neue…
As spring arrives, people start heading out towards the Danube and other leisure areas in the city. They traveling by car across one of the many bridges spanning the land…
Not long ago we showed you the Schutzengelbrunnen (Guardian Angel Fountain). Not far from it is a second fountain with a very similar name, Engelbrunnen. Engel means Angel in German.…
Many famous architects have left their mark in Vienna. Fischer von Erlach (father and son), the inseparable duo August Sicard von Sicardsburg & Eduard van der Nüll. Or Otto Wagner,…
Over the past weeks we have told you about the Majolikahaus and Klöstergasse 3. Two of the three Houses of the Wienzeile designed by Otto Wagner. Today it’s time to…
Some time ago we told you the story of the famous Viennese shoemaker Scheer. Now we turn our sartorial curiosity towards Knize. Vienna’s arguably most renowned men outfitter. Kniže was…
It’s well-known that the Viennese have a particular and biting sense of humor. Elevating a sarcastic wit to a coffeehouse art form known as ‘wiener schmäh’. Alongside this Vienna has…
The actor Terrence Mann once famously said that “movies make you famous; television makes you rich; but theatre will make you good”. And if you are an actor in Vienna…
Did you know that you can live in the Hofburg or Schönbrunn? These are some of the most famous addresses in Vienna, but they are not only for the royals…
Hoher Markt 15. Perhaps not everyone has noticed this address as the house next to it, the Pâtisserie Oberlaa, is the famous one. It was the year 1814 when the…
Many people are familiar with the story of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. He had been heir to the Habsburg throne. But perhaps sometimes it is forgotten that he…
As winter wears on, many of us may start to dream of the blue waters. Maybe about white sand beaches of less land-locked countries than Austria. Vienna has its own…
We don’t know how many women were important in the life of the Emperor Franz Joseph. But there are at least two ladies to highlight. His wife Elisabeth and Katharina…
Driving into or out of Vienna in the direction of Hütteldorf, you may come across an impressive aquamarine-accented villa. It stands in relative isolation at the edges of the Vienna…
Some days ago, we told you the story of Katharina Schratt and her relationship with the emperor Franz Joseph. There is an interesting story told by Hellmut Andics. It involves…
They say its the oldest profession in the world, and in Vienna it has quite a history. On the whole, prostitution has been widely tolerated if not always embraced in…
A few days ago we gave you a brief overview of prostitution in Vienna. Some of the many euphemisms that have sprung up around a profession that has often been…
In the 16th district of Vienna – between Thaliastraße and Ottakringerstraße – you will find the longest street market in Vienna. It is at the same time one of the…
We all know and love the coffee culture in Vienna. Turns out, so does Pyongyang! Though the country is notoriously tight-lipped about activities within its borders, apparently a Viennese coffee…
The Dreimäderlhaus Standing small and resolute next to its towering neighbor on the Mölker Bastei, the Dreimäderlhaus (3 Girls’ House) is a gem from the waning days of Josephine Classicism.…
When the Palmenhaus Schönbrunn opened its’ doors in 1882 it was one of a kind. Being the largest in the world. Today it remains in the top three worldwide while…
Have you ever heard of Franz Wertheim? Perhaps a name that few people are familiar with but he was famous a long time ago. Born in Krems in 1814, he…
Fanny Arnstein and the first Christmas Tree in Vienna It is December and, as part of the tradition, presents are waiting under the Christmas tree. Do you know how the…
The 26th of December is known as Stefanitag (St. Stephen’s Day) in Austria, and is a national holiday. This is the same St. Stephen after whom the Stephansdom is named.…
Today is Christmas day. Following the tradition, perhaps most of you have received and given presents to friends, relatives, and many others. But on this day in 1857, one man…
The Palais Ferstel is one among many in Vienna that is rather unassuming. You may have walked past the Ferstel Passage many times without recognizing that it is there. That’s…
The Hofburg has a long history. Every building that is part of it has a particular story. One of the buildings that is part of what we call the Hofburg…
Rising gently to the north of the city, neither the Kahlenberg nor the Leopoldsberg can really be called mountains. Despite the presence of the word ‘berg’ in their names. Perhaps…
As a local or visitor, it is likely you have seen it (or heard it). It is located at one of the busiest pedestrian underpasses of the city. Next to…
The Minoritenkirche - a spot one shouldn't miss out on If you look up while walking the streets of Vienna, there are many wonders and oddities to discover. On nearly…
Generali - more than just a company name It is likely that many people have heard about the Italian insurance company Generali. The company was established in Trieste in 1831…
The Renovation of the Austrian Parliament Built in 1874-1883 by the architect Teophil Hansen, the Austrian parliament is being refurbished. This project is expected to last until 2021. During this…
There are dozens of classic coffee houses in Vienna, which are worth a visit. Probably, the most shabby, but at the same time the most charming among them, is for…
Some weeks ago we told you about the animal market at St. Marx. Such a large market naturally also meant that quite large sums of money regularly changed hands as…
Albertina Exhibitions to take in When we went to visit Albertina a couple of days ago, we expected to have a relaxing, quiet museum visit with no major surprises. But…
The Treumanntheater - a long lost reminder of old times Have you ever wondered which building was the first one ever built after the removal of Vienna’s city walls? In…
For cinephiles and lovers of tradition, Vienna has lots to offer. One of its most underrated cinematic jewels has to be the Breitenseer Lichtspiele. Billed as the world’s oldest continuously…
The Brick 5 is famous as an urban space with a cool café and hip events. What not many people know is that the space has a long history of…
Vlad Dracul - the real Dracula? Count Dracula fired so strongly people’s imagination that for many it is difficult now to separate him from Vlad Dracul. He was the ruler…
In many cities one can find some places that were forgotten or lost for a long time only to be found again at some point. One such example in Vienna…
The Imperial and Royal Library at the Josefplatz is a well-known museum. Not only because it is located in a well frequented street, but also because of its beautiful interior.…
From bike flea markets and repair stations to concerts and general nightlife. The WUK has become a much-loved and indelible part of the Viennese landscape. Sadly, it wasn’t always so,…
Some time ago, we told you the story of the Donnerbrunnen: The fountain located in the Neuer Markt that features a partially nude reclining statue of Providentia surrounded by allegorical…
Vienna's DC Tower, towering over the city When walking around Vienna, it’s always a good idea to look up. To admire the beautiful building facades that are so easily overlooked.…
Caspar Zumbusch - an artist that helped shape the city Have you ever heard of Caspar Zumbusch? Not really a household name, but kind of a big deal. He was…
400 years ago, the Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi put everything at risk. She wrote history for being among the first women to express experiences with sexual violence through art. The…
The Republic of Kugelmugel – Vienna’s Strangest "Country" There are plenty of reasons to visit the Prater. You can go on a morning run or a leisurely walk. You can…
Vienna is full of history and it is hard to walk around the city center without passing by some building with an interesting story. One of those places is the…
The Viehmarkt – Vienna’s Historic Livestock Market Historically, Vienna was full of markets. Many of today’s street names reflect that past. This includes Kohlmarkt, Heumarkt, Hoher Markt, Bauernmarkt, to name…
Mölkerbastei – A Hidden Piece of Vienna’s Old City Walls We’ve previously written about the Albertina and Palais Coburg, two of the three elevated spots that remain from Vienna’s old…
A friendship or a scandal at the Batthyánypalais A few days ago, your SV explorer came across a beautiful portal in Vienna’s city center. This striking entrance is part of…
The Mosaic of Kärntnerstraße 16 - A beautiful artistic treasure! Walking along Kärntnerstraße can be a challenge! It’s one of the busiest streets in Vienna, always filled with visitors, shoppers,…
Learn about Vienna’s Oldest Organ in the Franziskanerkirche Franziskanerkirche (or Franciscan Church of Vienna) is one of the hidden gems of Vienna’s first district. Hidden away in a small Italianesque…
The 1930s Travel Memoir of Patrick Leigh Fermor in Vienna Vienna has always been a city filled with visitors, and many of them have left behind written memories in journals,…
Zaha Hadid House – Vienna’s Ghost Building Zaha Hadid became one of the world’s most famous architects. But it took her years to get a project built, let alone to…
The Double-Headed Eagle – A Symbol of Power in Austria-Hungary Eagles have long been symbols of power, strength, and dominance. Rulers throughout history have used them to project authority, and…
Puber – Vienna’s Most Infamous Tagger If you were in Vienna in 2013, you surely remember Puber—his name was everywhere. Sprayed in block letters on walls, doors, and buildings, his…
Do you know the lions of Schemerlbrücke A few days ago, your SV explorer set out in search of the lions of Schemerlbrücke, the same ones featured on the cover…
Have you heard the story of the stole Sisi Star? Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi, was famous for her impossibly thin waist, flowing hair, and distinctive style.…
The Schweizerhof – The Oldest Part of the Hofburg Most visitors and locals have walked along or through the Hofburg—past the former Royal and Imperial Library, the Leopoldinischer Trakt, the…
The story of the architects of the Vienna opera – a story of triumph and tragedy We don’t have any statistics to back this up, but we’re fairly certain that…
Denzel Cars – Austria’s First Sports Car At the end of World War II, everything in Vienna was gloom and doom, as we mentioned in a previous post. Or almost…
The story of Schrammel Music in Vienna When thinking of Austrian music legends, two names likely come to mind: Mozart and Falco. These artists are Austria’s most famous musical exports,…
Find out the meaning of the greeting "Servus" If you’ve lived in Vienna long enough, you’ve probably noticed that there’s no shortage of ways to say hello and goodbye. From…
The famous Habsburg Jaw The Habsburgs were known for many things, but their good looks was not one of them. If you take a walk through the Kunsthistorisches Museum, you…
The story of the Spring of Schönbrunn Have you ever wondered where Schönbrunn Palace got its name? It’s not just a fancy title—it all comes down to the Spring of…
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Most of our guided tours in English are available exclusively as private tours. We can, however, publish your preferred tour as a public tour if we have enough participants ( at least 6). Let us know if you prefer booking this tour as a public tour or as a private tour and we will get back to you with an offer!
Please note – We need at least 6 participants in order to open a public tour. If you don’t see your preferred tour in our Tour Calendar you can simply send us this inquiry and we will try to open a new availability.
