Discover our handpicked apartments up close and personal with our new video, and be inspired by the possibility of finding a true home away from home! We want to show you what living in our apartments could look like, and how to enjoy a worry-free stay with your loved ones. Make the dreamiest locations your own and take the opportunity to feel like a local in Vienna – the city of history and culture. Feel special within our four walls while enjoying the “home sweet home” atmosphere of your own apartment.

Creating this video was a joy! A big thanks to our cinematographer Viktor Schaider, as well as to all participants – especially our team members, who have very much enjoyed putting themselves in the shoes of our guests. Perhaps you will notice a familiar face or two. We hope that we were able to put a smile on your face, and we look forward to giving you a place to call home.

Happy watching! We are honored to have you as our guest.

10 Viennese Coffee Houses you have to visit

Viennese Coffee Houses are some of the most famous establishments in the city, just think of Sacher or Demel. To experience the lifestyle of real Viennese and sample Vienna’s typical atmosphere, it is essential to visit a traditional Coffee House in Vienna at least once during your stay. The special flair and old-fashioned furniture of a classical Coffee House will sweep you away not only because of their historical significance, but also because of their delicious specialities on offer.

Historical value

Inhabitants know that when we speak of traditional Viennese Coffee Houses, we don’t think of simple restaurants or bars, but of locations with their very own character. Therefore, visitors often stay long after finishing their coffee or meal, as it is typical to take your time while enjoying the calm atmosphere or to meet with friends. This tradition goes back to the time when Coffee Houses in Vienna were numerous and considered very modern. Their popularity reached a peak at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

This era even has its own designation: the Wiener Kaffeehauskultur. These cultural aspects ensure the secure existence of these old Coffee Houses, as they weren’t only used for eating and drinking, but also as places to write, compose, or to experience creative inspiration in general. Numerous artists, musicians, poets and writers visited their favourite Coffee Houses on a regularl basis.

Fort instance, the famous writers Arthur Schnitzler, Hugo von Hofmannsthal and Stefan Zweig all relaxed or worked in Viennese Coffee Houses (some of them are now called Literarenkaffees) while the writers are called Kaffeehausliteraren. Artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele also enjoyed the Coffee Houses’ atmosphere. In addition, these places were also used for creative and philosophical exchanges amongst the artists.

As you can see, art and culture were strongly connected with Coffee Houses at this time, as they were places where one could forget about the outside world, along with their worries and duties.

Unfortunately, Kaffeehauskultur was replaced with modern bars and Coffee House chains. The Kaffeehaussterben (coffehouse-dying) started in the 1950s and left the Ringstraße with only 4 Coffee Houses instead of 15. Now,  the remaining ones have an exceptional value and are still well attended – likely because you can easily imagine the old, relaxed Vienna instead of today’s bustling metropolis.

Now, have a look at these 10 Coffee Houses that you can visit when you are in Vienna.

1.   Cafe Hawelka

The Cafe Hawelka in the first district was one of the most famous Künstlerkaffees in Vienna. Once visited by Helmut Qualtinger and Oskar Werner, this place is characterized not only by its comfortable and cosy atmosphere, but because of its legendary Buchteln – typical bohemain sweet delicacies. They were once made by Josefine Hawelka herself and should not be missed.

Information: www.hawelka.at
Where: Dorotheergasse 6 , 1010 Wien
Opening Hours:
Mo – Th, 08:00 – 00:00
Fr – Sa, 08:00 – 01:00
Su, 10:00 – 00:00
on holidays, 10:00 – 00:00

2. Cafe Central

Especially around 1900, the elegant Cafe Central was regularly visited by intellectuals as the architect Adolf Loos and the psychologist Sigmund Freud. It is also in the first district, and has an impressive effect on visitors because of its noble design and huge portico. You can taste the original Patisserie Cafe Central Torte or classics like Marillenpalatschinken or Apfelstrudel. A rather unusual peculiarity is the Patisserie Sisi Punschkrapfen – like the empress’ favourite flower lavender, the cake is lilac in colour.

Information: www.cafecentral.wien
Where: Herrengasse/Strauchgasse, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours:
Mo – Sa, 07:30 – 22:00
Su, 10:00 – 22:00
on holidays, 10:00 – 22:00
Piano music: daily from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

3. Hotel Sacher

In the past, Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sisi were delivered with the most delicious sweets from selected bakeries and confectioneries. One of them was the Hotel Sacher, which is especially known because of its Sachertorte – a chocolate cake with an unmistakable taste, and certainly one of the most famous chocolate cakes in the world. Tourists love them as well as locals, and a visit at Hotel Sacher to taste the original Sachertorte with a Viennese coffee is a must when in Vienna.

Information: Cafe Sacher
Where: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 8:00 – 24:00

4. Zuckerbäckerei Demel

A second bakery favoured by the emperor was the Zuckerbäckerei Demel, which has existed since 1786 at the Michaelerplatz. Even as a child, Emperor Franz was thrilled by their refined prepared sweets, and he favoured Demel his whole life. It was also a meeting place for the Viennese nobility in general, and was famous enough to remain popular even today. Although every offering at this bakery is surely delicious and the cakes lovely decorated, their hot drinks are beloved. Beside the typical Austrian Heferlkaffee or the Kleiner Brauner, you can also choose coffee with alcohol, like the Anna Demel Kaffee, made with fine orange liqueur, or the Fiaker (made with cherry booze). If you prefer hot chocolate or tea, you will also find an impressive selection.

Information: www.demel.at
Where: Kohlmarkt 14 , 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 09:00 – 19:00

5. Cafe Landtmann

The Cafe Landtmann is one of the last remaining Kaffeehäuser at the Ringstraße, and is still very popular. It advertises the typical Kaffehauskultur from long ago, as it has existed since 1873 and has been managed by the same family for the past 40 years. You really are encouraged to take your time and stay long after you finished your coffee, admiring the furniture and interior design, and the mirrors and walls from the golden 1920s. The noble benches are even protected as a historic monument! Furthermore, celebrities like Paul McCartney and Hillary Clinton have dined at the Cafe Landmann, which is regularly visited by Austrian politicians celebrities.

The food is excellent – you can start with breakfast at 7:30 and order dinner until 23:30. Whether you desire snacks, soup, a main meal or cake, baked goods, drinks and coffee – you could stay the whole day eating traditional Austrian food such as Schnitzel, Gulasch, Backhendl or Tafelspitz.

Information: www.landtmann.at
Where: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: Mo – Su, 07:30 – 00:00
Piano music: Su, Mo, Tu 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm (summer: only Mo, Tu)

6. Cafe Imperial

Information: www.cafe-imperial.at
Where: Kärntner Ring 16, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 07:00 – 23:00
Piano music: Sa, Su 3:30 pm -7:30 pm

7. Cafe Museum

Information: www.cafemuseum.at
Where: Operngasse 7, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 08:00 – 00:00
Piano music: Fr – Su 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

8. Cafe Prückel

Information: www.pruekel.at
Where: Stubenring 24 (Luegerplatz), 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 8:30-22:00

9. Cafe Schwarzenberg

Information: www.cafe-schwarzenberg.at
Where: Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours:
Mo – Fr, 07:30 – 00:00
Sa – Su, 08:30 – 00:00
Piano music: Th, Fr 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Sa, Su 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

10. Cafe Hofburg

Information: www.cafe-hofburg.at
Where: Hofburg, Innerer Burghof, 1010 Wien
Opening Hours: daily, 10:00 – 18:00
Piano music: Su 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Have fun while filling your belly with Vienna’s most delicious delicacies in these typical Viennese coffeehouses!

Where to find important information before you go

Did you ever felt overwhelmed by all the planning and considering before venturing to another country? Then reading the article Relocating to Austria will help you mastering this challenging task!

Taking care of the whole relocation operation is demanding and complex and can result in various unforeseen challenges. Considering all the duties and preparations you have to overlook, it’s hardly surprising that some might feel confused.

So those who wish to minimize problems should consider investing in contracting a relocation service package. If you cannot afford or do not wish to hire a relocation company it is wise to plan ahead and organize the various details involved in the relocation process for a smoother and faster relocation experience.

But for now, Vienna Residence offers a gathering of the most relevant information, such as entry permissions and the most commonly issued Austrian travel permits. Visitors should indeed know not only about resident permits, but also about emergency phones in Austria – which is relevant when you find yourself in an emergency situation. The article also provides a quick visa card overview as well als detailed facts concerning Visa exemption and the Visa waiver program.

As you can see, a successful relocation demands well prepared travelers ;-).

In addition to this relocation-tips, some providers, such as Vienna Residence, enable you an uncomplicated and relaxed time in your new apartment by already fully furnished apartments. There are also various separately contractible services you might need which can be taken care of, such as moving arrangements, airport transfers, regular apartment cleaning schedules, laundry and ironing necessities.

You are always free to call us to find out how we can help you with your relocation.

Now check out the article Relocating to Austria to guarantee a great start in Austria  with clearly arranged information! We are always happy to support you and give you a home away from home.  

Have a nice time in Vienna!

]]> https://blog.viennaresidence.com/christmas-spirit-in-vienna/ https://blog.viennaresidence.com/christmas-spirit-in-vienna/#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:34:01 +0000 https://blog.viennaresidence.com/?p=43 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AHEAD

How to entertain yourself during Christmastime in Vienna

Do you want to get into the Christmas spirit while staying in one of our Vienna Residence apartments? Do you want to learn different ways to experience the city and be a part of this special time by attending traditional events as well as benefiting from brand new offers? Here we go!

It is well known that there’s a great variety of festive events to attend and places to visit during December in Vienna. The Viennese Christmas markets (or “Christkindlmärkte”) are especially popular. A mind-blowing fact: the traditional markets began in 1298, when Duke Albrecht III allowed his citizens to hold a market during a few weeks in November and December. It wasn’t until 1772, however, that the first real Christmas market occurred. It featured up to 108 market stalls and was located at the Freyung in Vienna’s inner city. Nowadays, it’s called Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the Freyung and it still draws crowds because of its remarkable history. You can read more about this market’s past by visiting their website.

As you can see, the spirit of Vienna’s Christmas markets enchants both residents and tourists from all over the world. Sampling traditional culinary treats is a major draw for visitors. They can taste a variety of traditional biscuits and lebkuchen as well as punsch and Glühwein. Glühwein is a hot mulled wine that is considered essential for every Austrian and German to get into the Christmas spirit. This drink is delicately spiced to warm you from the inside. Visitors also get the chance to taste typical Austrian wine in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Certainly, most people crave typical biscuits when December starts. Austria offers a huge variety of self-made traditional delicacies. Some of the most common are: Vanillekipferl, Linzeraugen, Spitzbuben, Kokosbusserl, and Zimtsterne. Also, Austrian specialties like Kaiserschmarren and Palatschinken are a must-have at every Austrian Christmas market!

A great piece of advice for you: though Christmas biscuits are offered in most supermarkets during the season, the ones at Christmas markets are usually much more delicious. They will sweep you away!

If you prefer salty delights, every Christmas market has stalls that offer an assortment of brezel, wurstel, Eierspeis, or Käsespätzle! But you don’t necessarily need a market to satisfy your appetite. In Vienna, there are many stalls at major points in the city that sell Maroni, Bratkartoffel, and Kartoffelpuffer. They are made right in front of you and are still hot and fresh when you get them.

Another highlight is the lovely decorations that adorn the markets and streets, turning Vienna into a city of dreams – Christmas dreams, of course ?. Sparkling lights illuminate the inner city and ancient buildings, astonishing visitors with the marvelous view.

There’s an excellent chance that you’ll enjoy a similar Christmas-y view from your Vienna Residence Apartment!

But there’s another reason why people enjoy advent so much while staying in Vienna: the music.

Musical entertainment at Christmas markets

Vienna is known as the city of music. During Christmastime, there are even more attractions than in other seasons. Famous theatres like the Volksoper Wien (Vienna Volksoper) and the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) offer special programs on certain dates in December. However, there are also markets like the ART advent Christmas market on Karlsplatz or the market at the admirable Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn palace/ castle) where you can enjoy a variety of seasonal music. Regardless of whether you’re interested in typical traditional Austrian Folk songs, like “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” (Silent night, holy night) from Salzburg, or classical English songs, like Winter Wonderland, you’ll enjoy a wide spectrum of music that will touch and inspire you in the most heartwarming way.

The Wiener Rathausplatz (Vienna Townhall square) – the place between the Wiener Rathaus (Vienna Townhall) and the Burgtheater (burg theatre) – will debut a brand-new show at their Christmas market this year. There will be festive performances from different choirs every single day, which means that visitors will enjoy a diverse range of entertainment throughout the season (in case you don’t already know, the market season this year goes from November 17th until December 26th).

Musical entertainment inside Vienna’s sights

For those of you who are easily chilled during the winter months, maybe a visit to one of Vienna’s famous theatres or churches is a better option.

If you’re interested in both Christmas markets and concerts without catching a cold, then attending the choir concert inside the Wiener Rathaus is perfect for you! No fewer than 80 choirs from all over the world perform at each of the four weekends in advent, starting on November 25th. You can attend Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 3:30pm to 7pm. Beside Austrian choirs, musicians from Japan, South Africa, and the USA will perform. Another benefit: admission is free! It would really pay off to call in advance because these popular events are often crowded.

A special peculiarity those days is the Christmas concert at the Wiener Staatsoper on the 22nd of December with ensemble members. They play a variety of music from all over the world.

Advent season at the Stephansdom

For those of you who celebrate Christmastime in a more religious way, participating in advent mass in Vienna’s breath-taking Stephansdom (Cathedral of Saint Stephens) is certainly an impressive and unique experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime! There is a musical component on the 15th and 30th of December. On these days at 5pm, special choir renditions of Christmas songs from the Alps Prime accompany the holy mass – it’s certainly the most social way to admire our Stephansdom and to be a part of the community – don’t miss it!

Activity meets advent

If you’re not quite into the more sedentary activities of December and prefer a more active way to enjoy this season, take the opportunity to test the ice skating rink at the Rathausplatz while your family members enjoy themselves at the nearby Christmas market. A must-know: normally the unique “Wiener Eistraum” (“The Ice Dream”) in front of the Wiener Rathaus is built up after the Christmas market season is over. Since last year, a much smaller version, called “Der kleine Eistraum” (“The Little Ice Dream”), opens at once with the market!

The real one, as always, starts at the beginning of the year on January 19th. It offers several large ice skating rinks and winding ice skating paths that offer a direct view of the Wiener Burgtheater. We guarantee that you’ve never seen anything like this before. Afterwards, don’t hesitate to warm yourself with a punsch before spending the evening at your cozy Vienna Residence apartment. Christmas mood is guaranteed!

Have a great Christmas and enjoy yourselves in Vienna! 

Below, there’s a list of helpful facts concerning dates, costs, and other information.

Christmas markets

Christmas market “Viennese Christmas Dream”

Where: Wiener Rathausplatz, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: November 17 – December 26, 2017
Opening hours: Sun-Thu (10am – 9.30pm), Fri and Sat (10am – 10pm); December 7th (10am – 10pm); December 24th (10am – 6pm); December 25th and 26th (11am – 9.30pm)
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: Christkindlmarkt and The Little Ice Dream

ART advent Christmas market at Karlsplatz

Where: Karlsplatz/ Resslpark, 1040 Wien
When: November 17 – December 23, 2017
Opening Hours: daily noon – 8pm
Arrival: U1, U2, U4 , Tram D, J, 1, 2, 62, 65, Badner Bahn, bus 4A, 49A, 57A, 59A “Karlsplatz”
Infos: Art advent Christmas market at Karlsplatz

Art- and Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn

Where: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien (on the square in front of the Schloss Schönbrunn)
When: November 18 – December 26, 2017
Opening Hours: daily 10am – 9pm and December 24th (10am – 4pm)
New Year’s market: December 27, 2017 – January 1, 2018
Opening hours: daily 10am – 6pm
Arrival: U4, tram 58, 10, 60, bus 10A „Schönbrunn or Hietzing”
Infos: Art- and Christmas market at Schloss Schönbrunn

Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at the Freyung

Where: Freyung 6B, 1010 Wien
When: November 18 – December 23, 2017
Opening Hours: daily 10am to 9pm
Arrival: U1 and U3 “Stephansplatz”, U2 “Schottentor”
Infos: Altwiener Christkindlmarkt – Freyung

Christmas Events

International advent singing

Where: Wiener Rathaus, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: November 25 – December 24, 2017
Opening hours: every Fri, Sat, and Sun (3.30pm – 7pm), December 24th (3.30pm- 4.30pm)
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: International advent singing

Wiener Eistraum

Where: Wiener Rathausplatz, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien
When: The little ice dream: November 17, 2017 – January 14, 2018, The Ice Dream: January 19 – April 4, 2018
Opening Hours: daily 10.00am – 10.00pm and December 24th (10.00am – 4.00pm)
Closed: December 31, 2017 and January 15 – 19, 2018
Arrival: U2 “Rathaus” and U3 “Volkstheater”, Tram D, 71 and 1 “Rathausplatz”
Infos: The Ice Dream

Christmas Concert at the Wiener Volksoper

Where: Wiener Volksoper, Währinger Str. 78, 1090 Wien
When: December 17th (2.00pm) or (6.00pm)
Arrival: U6, tram 40, 41, 42, bus 40A “Währingerstraße – Volksoper”
Infos and Costs: Between 21€ and 74€: get your ticket here

Christmas Concert at the Wiener Staatsoper

Where: Wiener Staatsoper, Opernring 2, 1010 Wien
When: December 22, 2017 (5.30pm)
Arrival: U1, U2, U4 “Karlsplatz”, tram 1, 2, D, 62, 71 “Opernring”, bus 59A, Badner Bahn
Infos and Costs: 18€: get your ticket here

Special Messes in Stephansdom

Where: Stephansdom, Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien
When: December 15 and December 30, 2017 (5pm)
Arrival: U1 and U3, “Stephansplatz”
Infos: Stephansdom

Get your tickets soon! There is no guarantee that there will be tickets left right before Christmas Eve!