Picture a square that warms you despite the cold: cinnamon-scented mulled wine, glowing stalls and Gothic spires rising behind. That is Christmas in Vienna.
When do Vienna’s Christmas markets open?
They usually open in mid-November and run through December, set up at different points around the city. They are known for mulled wine (Glühwein), holiday decorations and local snacks. Not every market has to be big and showy; the small ones are lovely and quieter. Our advice: if you come in December, add at least one or two markets to your walking route.
What is at Stephansplatz?
St. Stephen’s Cathedral rises over Stephansplatz and is more than a building: it is the soul of the city. Its colourful roof patterns, Gothic details and history of more than 700 years are enchanting. At Christmas the market in the square combines with the cathedral’s grandeur into a fairy-tale scene, and for us it was one of Vienna’s most romantic corners.
What should you eat? Tafelspitz at Plachutta
Vienna has a dish as famous as schnitzel but far more elegant: Tafelspitz. A favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph, it is beef simmered patiently for hours so that the marrow gives its flavour to the broth. It comes with:
- Root vegetables and bone marrow
- Apple and horseradish purée (Apfelkren)
- Potatoes, spinach and broth
It looks simple but takes mastery. Plachutta is our recommended address, where cutting, cooking time and serving order stay faithful to tradition.
More in Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria and long served as the Habsburg seat, and its historic centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our Turkish site also covers Prague, Paris and Rome for more city ideas. For winter days on foot we packed Rider Healthcare’s Cryo Silver + Modal socks and a hot sachet from Galata Healthcare, and Educated Moto Riders offers trips for those who prefer company.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Viyana Gezi Rehberi.