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Our writer lived like royalty on a mini-break to this European capital city, where you’ll find impressive architecture, cultural delights and world-class cuisine
While exploring a city as beautiful as Vienna – where every corner seems to offer up another stunning building and you can visit places such as Mozart’s old apartment – it certainly enhances your experience when the hotel you’re staying in is also a little pocket of perfection, from the beautiful interiors to the delicious food.
And the newly refurbished Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, whose grand Presidential Suite has welcomed stars such as Robbie Williams and Miley Cyrus, did not disappoint. It’s such a treat that you could be tempted to spend your entire time here simply kicking back and indulging. But of course, there’s a fascinating, culture-filled city to explore first…
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What to do in Vienna
Vienna, on the Danube River, is bursting with history, and even just walking down the city centre’s tiny side streets is a delight. We happened upon Beethoven’s home by chance, and even shop fronts feature stunning sculptures. Its historic centre is compact and flat enough to be totally walkable, and even when bustling with tourists, Vienna has a laid-back, serene atmosphere, and its streets, unlike many capitals, are utterly pristine.
Highlights include the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace – breathtaking when illuminated at night – and the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, outside of which there are plenty of stalls to pick up a traditional souvenir, or grab lunch and a beer.
No trip to this city would be complete without a nod to its huge musical heritage either, with concert halls and museums dedicated to the great composers who lived here, such as Beethoven and Mozart. And, of course, come the festive season it takes on a whole other atmosphere with its world-famous Christmas markets.
The Viennese love to stop for a coffee, cake and conversation, and two iconic spots for just this are Café Central and Café Sacher. Get there early or reserve a table in advance, as when we tried the former mid-morning – whose glitzy interiors look like something from a film set – it was packed with tourists getting their perfect Instagram moment.
Enjoy ‘Little Paris’
Less than a 10-minute stroll from our hotel, we discovered Vienna’s so-called Little Paris – the charming and tranquil Servitenviertel (Serviten Quarter), a neighbourhood famed for its picturesque streets, cosy cafés and a village-like atmosphere. French-inspired bistros, bakeries and shops make it feel like a slice of Paris within Vienna, and we enjoyed a delicious pastry and some people-watching at bakery La Mercerie.
Take a carriage ride
We also enjoyed an unforgettable architectural tour in a horse-drawn Fiaker carriage, the ubiquitous mode of transport of the 18th Century, and an iconic part of Viennese culture. Any trip to the city will be punctuated by the sound of horses’ hooves on cobbles. It’s a fun way to see some of Vienna’s most beautiful sights, and a welcome rest for weary feet.
Hang out by the river
Vienna has an inherently regal air but for a younger, trendier vibe, head to the area along the Danube Canal for a drink or a bite to eat. Numerous bars and restaurants offer a great place to chill out, and a real riviera feel with sandy beaches and cool cocktails. We loved Strandbar Herrmann where, with deckchairs and hammocks, we watched the sun go down.
Where to stay in Vienna
The five-star Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel – the latest addition to Anantara’s European portfolio – is Neo Renaissance grandeur at its best. This is living it up, Austrian style.
Designed by famed Austrian architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen and located on Viennese Ringstraße, a grand boulevard circling the city centre, you really do feel like you’re staying in a palace. The 152-room hotel’s main lobby lounge and bar has had an art-deco style refurb to die for. Sipping on one of their signature cocktails, you can easily imagine yourself in a scene from The Great Gatsby.
Our classic yet modern Deluxe Room was a welcome escape from the world outside, with a gorgeous sofa to laze on and a marble bathroom with tub and rain shower.
The hotel also has an indoor pool, fitness centre and the Anantara Spa, which combines European and Asian wellness traditions. And as the Austrian capital was warm, we gladly cooled down in the refreshing hydrofinity pool. We booked in for one of the massages and it was divine.
The food at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel
The food in the Anantara is incredible – a gourmet temple where you can swing by for an afternoon tea, themed Sunday brunch, brasserie lunch or fine-dining experience. Breakfast was so good we didn’t want to leave – a feast with everything from fresh fruit to local sausage, washed down by a local sparkling wine.
But the standout culinary moment was undoubtedly dinner at the hotel’s own multi- award winning, Michelin-starred restaurant, EDVARD. Famed in the city and beyond, do book if you’re hoping to eat here.
We opted for the multi-course tasting menu with exquisite wine pairings – and it was a total explosion of the senses, from the ‘tasting tree’ we sampled upon entry to the decadent dessert cart we just about made room for at the end.
Viennese chef Paul Gamauf and his team couldn’t have been more enthusiastic as they talked us through their courses; each one was a work of art and a journey through their low-waste philosophy. With fresh, seasonal, locally-foraged ingredients, standout dishes included cone with rind and zitrone, dry-aged rind with maitake and miso, and popcorn with kombucha for dessert.
How much does it cost to stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel?
Rooms at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel start from €550 per night including breakfast.
For other hotel options in Vienna, you’ll find lots of options on Booking.com and Expedia.