Perfecting The Art Of Time In Vienna, Austria

Walk into most restaurants, cafés and shops in Vienna, and someone will ask to take your coat; you see, here, people like to take their time. There’s no rushing through a meal, no “quick” coffee meet-up and no grab-and-go retail experience. In Austria’s stunning capital city, no matter where you are or what you do, you’ll most certainly want to stay awhile—and particularly so at Christmastime. —Noa Nichol

STAY There’s no better place to “time out” than Vienna’s luxurious Hotel Sacher—an iconic establishment at the heart of the city, boasting three Michelin Keys, over-the-top-opulent rooms and a rich history that dates back to 1876. You’ll be in good company, too: Sacher has been the cherished meeting place of everyone from artists to heads of state, including U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Anna Netrebko, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Sharon Stone, Justin Bieber and Naomi Campbell (you can see their headshots, many autographed, on the walls surrounding the check-in desk). The inn is also famed for the Original Sacher-Torte: a circa-1832 chocolate cake with a cult following, which you can enjoy by the slice at the on-site café and restaurant, or purchase whole at the boutique. And finally, staying on the sweet theme, be sure to visit the in-house Sacher Boutique Spa for a “Time to Chocolate” treatment that draws on the most valuable ingredients of the cocoa bean to create a premium pampering experience for body and soul.

SEE Vienna’s rich artistic heritage shines at Albertina Modern, a museum celebrating contemporary art with thought-provoking exhibitions in a beautifully restored building. A stop at the Belvedere Museum offers insights into Austria’s historical and artistic achievements, with a special focus on Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces. To dive deeper into the city’s intellectual heritage, the Sigmund Freud Museum provides an intriguing look at the life and legacy of the famous psychoanalyst. Finally, for architecture and cultural immersion, St. Charles Church (Karlskirche) is an awe-inspiring Baroque landmark with stunning frescoes and views of the city from its dome.

SAVOUR While there is plenty of schnitzel to be had (even a vegetarian version of the famous German dish is available at some establishments, including the Hotel Sacher’s Rote Bar), Vienna’s culinary scene does a wonderful job balancing tradition with contemporary flair. Allergikercafé, for one, serves lactose-free, low-glucose, gluten-free and nut-free (among other) dishes for patrons with food sensitivities (and guests who just like good food) while, at Mast Wine Bar, clients can explore a vibrant selection of Vienna’s best natural wines alongside delicious bites. For supper, three can’t-miss dining experiences are Rebhuhn (for a cosy atmosphere, classic Viennese fare and a sweet cheese dumpling with breadcrumbs and sour cherry compote for dessert that you will not regret ordering), C.O.P. (Collection of Produce, with a menu that is à la carte and written daily, shortly before guests’ arrival) and Zur Herknerin, where chef Stefanie Herkner makes the most delectable dumplings we have ever eaten in our lives.

’TIS THE SEASON Got Christmas on your mind? Vienna will not disappoint; the city is festooned with dozens of merry outdoor markets, large and small, packed with vendors selling crafts, gifts and ornaments, as well as piping-hot roasted chestnuts and mugs of warming mulled wine. The best way to seek out and enjoy these spectacles, along with other city sites, is by booking a tour with charismatic brother-sister duo Basti and Gabi of Rebel Tours, who bring tourists and locals for a fresh perspective on Vienna. Just follow the curls!