12 Surprisingly Romantic Things to Do in Vienna Austria

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Vienna is an enchanting imperial city. These facts make the destination ideal for a quick European city break or honeymoon.  If you’re tempted to go, we’ve narrowed down the most romantic things to do in Vienna, Austria, to ensure a great trip! 

Why consider Vienna for couples on a romantic trip?

Located on the eastern banks of the Danube River, Vienna is one of Europe’s most exquisite, romantic, and, quite frankly, fancy destinations. It’s a bonus that there’s so much to do in Vienna.

The city is a wonderful blend of old and new, featuring imperial structures and opulent palaces. It almost resembles a romantic painting or storybook, and some of the palaces are genuinely spectacular. If you enjoy art, culture, and history, you’ll love spending time in Vienna. 

But, it’s not just about the buildings (although they do play a pretty significant part in the things to do here). Vienna also has Michelin-star restaurants, fantastic wineries, and friendly local markets.

In the summer months, you’ll find tourists and locals drinking at the outdoor bars. During the holiday season, you’ll find some of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Europe. In the spring and autumn, the scenery is truly special with beautiful flowers and orange and red foliage. 

So, if you’re planning a romantic trip in Europe, you couldn’t have picked a better spot. Here are the 12 best places to visit in Vienna for couples.

12 Romantic Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

1. Visit the Hofburg Palace.

No romantic trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Hofburg Palace. This architectural marvel is a key landmark in the city and is one of the best places to visit in Vienna.

It was once the winter residence of the Austrian-Hungarian royalty (you can imagine just from this how impressive it was!). Additionally, it features beautiful Baroque architecture and style, making it both a classic and historical place to visit.

The palace’s history dates back to the 13th century. Therefore, over the years, it’s undergone many adjustments and extensions. Now, you’ll find a Museum, Imperial Apartments, and a stunning collection of stately silverware. 

If you wish to visit, please book your tickets in advance. 

Vienna is one of the top destinations for couples to visit in the world, particularly during a honeymoon.

2. Explore Vienna’s Christmas markets.

I wasn’t lying when I said that Vienna was spectacular at Christmas. The city is a wonderful place to visit during the festive season, especially with your other half.

The city center boasts one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, drawing over 3 million visitors annually. The decorations are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is magical with Christmas spirit. 

You and your partner can walk around the stalls, enjoying the delicious festive food and sipping spiced wine. You’ll find a range of delicacies, including Vienna’s traditional Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and other sweet treats, and traditional German foods like Bratwurst.

The stalls also sell a collection of unique gifts, souvenirs, and fantastic handmade crafts like ornaments, candles, and soaps. If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas, this is the place for you.

It’s a great place to do some Christmas shopping, soak in the scenery, and truly embrace winter. 

Christmas markets are one of the best places to visit in Vienna, Austria.

3. Watch a performance at the Vienna State Opera.

As one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring opera houses, visiting the Vienna State Opera is one of the most romantic things to do in Vienna. Plus, you can watch all sorts of performances here, from ballet to theatre to opera.

But, beyond the performances, the architecture itself speaks volumes. You’ll find a Neo-Renaissance exterior with arched windows and the traditional bright green roofs seen throughout Europe.

The inside is possibly more beautiful. The plush red chairs stand out against the gold ornamental decoration. As a result, it’s very impressive. 

If a performance isn’t your thing, you can also simply go on a tour of the opera house. They offer 40-minute guided tours that explain a significant portion of the building’s history. Be sure to book tickets in advance, though, to ensure they don’t sell out.

Looking for places to see in Vienna in 2 days? Put the opera house on your itinerary.

4. Wander around Naschmarkt.

So, if you and your new spouse love authentic experiences when you travel but aren’t a huge fan of the crowds that come with Christmas markets, you’ll love a trip to Naschmarkt.

The market is located in the center of the city. Additionally, it’s one of the best things to do in Vienna if you want to see the culture. 

Wander the stalls and sample the local cuisine. Once again, you’ll find plenty of sweet treats and schnitzels here, along with fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, meats and cheese, and juices.

Love flea markets and endless yard sales? You and your partner will also find furniture, statues, unique clothing, honey, jams, and a variety of other interesting items to purchase. 

If you and your partner love getting immersed in the local life, Naschmarkt can give you a taste of what it’s like to live in Vienna.

Stretching 1.5 miles along Wienzeile Street, Naschmarkt offers an excellent opportunity for couples (or everyone to be honest). Be sure to explore the baked goods stall – it’s by far my favorite.

 

Naschmarkt is one of the top places to visit in Vienna, Austria, for newlyweds who want a taste of local life.

5. Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings. Located on Stephansplatz, St Stephen’s Cathedral is not only the most significant church in Vienna but also all of Austria. Plus, it contains the second-largest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe.

The cathedral’s exterior is magnificent. It features multi-colored tiles of green, yellow, and blue covering its roof, tall spires, and detailed carvings. In fact, its spire is just as impressive as the roof, reaching a staggering 136 meters into Vienna’s skyline.

The interior is also quite impressive, featuring gorgeous stained glass windows, 18 altars, numerous tombs and catacombs, and several chapels. A wonderful example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-see on a Vienna for couples itinerary.

Of all the places to visit in Vienna, Austria, don’t miss St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

6. Visit the animals at Schönbrunn Zoo.

I absolutely adore a day trip to the zoo. In fact, it’s one of my favorite activities, especially when I’m with my fiancé. Going to the zoo is an excellent date idea, and what better way to do it than to visit the oldest zoo in Europe? Within the Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna’s zoo is a fantastic place to visit with your other half. 

Founded in 1752, it’s not like a typical zoo. In addition to being a historically significant site, it also promotes an ethical approach to animal care and conservation.

It spans over 17 hectares and is home to a diverse array of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo focuses on protecting the animals, providing them with natural and spacious habitats, and actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species, thereby contributing to global conservation efforts. 

When you visit the zoo, you can witness animal feedings, educational talks, and guided tours. The beautiful background of the Schönbrunn Palace behind it adds to the charming atmosphere.

While visiting the Koalas at Schönbrunn Zoo on a date, be sure to see the koalas and other animals.

7. See ‘The Kiss’ at the Upper Belvedere Palace. 

Arguably one of the most famous paintings in Europe, The Kiss is located in the Belvedere Palace. Easily one of the best places for couples to visit in Vienna, it was created by the skilled painter Gustav Klimt.

You’ll find the painting within the upper galleries of the Belvedere, which is also home to many magnificent artworks. The painting creates a mesmerizing mosaic effect, portraying a couple entwined in an embrace in a meadow of flowers.

For those eager to delve deeper into the painting’s history, private tours are also available, providing an in-depth look at the work’s history and hidden meaning. What better to put on your Vienna honeymoon itinerary than seeing a romantic painting?

A trip to Vienna for couples on a romantic getaway should definitely include a famous work of art.

8. Go boating on the Danube.

If you love exploring the outdoors with your other half, the Danube River is one of the most romantic spots for couples to see in Vienna. If you’re the active type, you could hire a boat or a paddle boat and go out on the river yourself. However, there are also plenty of tours available. 

These range from simple daytime tours with commentary to intimate dinner tours under the moonlight, accompanied by champagne. So romantic! There’s something super peaceful about viewing any city from the water.

So, I’m pretty confident that you’ll love a day out on the Danube with your new husband or wife.

One of the best places to visit in Vienna, Austria, for couples is the Danube River.

9. Swim in Vienna’s outdoor pools.

An often-overlooked gem in Vienna is the city’s outdoor pools. Typically open between mid-May and September, these pools offer a great place for a wild swim. There are several pools across the city.

The Schönbrunner has a charmingly restored open-air pool. For those who love panoramic city views, the Krapfenwaldl Pool, nestled on the edge of the Vienna Woods, is a stunning alternative.

If the idea of chlorine-filled waters doesn’t appeal to you and you’d rather have a more natural experience, Danube Island offers a slice of beachy paradise. While it may not be as stunning as many of the beaches in Europe, the island boasts lesser-known yet freshwater beaches. It’s the perfect backdrop for a day of sun-soaked fun. 

Once you’ve had your fill of sandy pleasures, head to one of the island’s fresh seafood restaurants for a delightful dinner. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most romantic and delightful things to do in Vienna.

Visit one of Vienna’s many outdoor pools with your partner while you’re in town.

10. Ride Vienna’s famous Ferris wheel.

You really can’t beat a day out at the fair with your new spouse. For a fun day out in Vienna, head to the Prater Amusement Park and ride the city’s famous wheel.

Built in 1897, this wheel is to Vienna what the London Eye is to London. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and, in addition to being a historical gem, it also offers unparalleled views over Vienna.

Entrance to the park is free, but you will need to pay for each attraction separately. The wheel is also included in the Vienna City Card, though, so if you have this, you can access the attraction for free. Plus, it’ll give you entry to many of Vienna’s other top attractions.

Once you’ve admired the views over the city from the wonderful wheel, I highly recommend exploring the rest of Prater Amusement Park. You can ride the bumper cars, go on the helter-skelter, embrace the thrill of rickety roller coasters, or even ride a nostalgic steam train through the park.

Grab a stick of candy floss and embrace your inner child – it’s the perfect way to spend a day with your other half in Vienna.

Get a beautiful view of Vienna by taking a Ferris wheel ride on your honeymoon.

11. Visit an Austrian winery.

The complete opposite of embracing your inner child, if you fancy embracing the culture of Vienna instead, going to an Austrian winery is a great way to do it.

Did you know that Vienna boasts a staggering 700 hectares of vineyards? It’s a testament to Austria’s expertise in the realm of fine wines. Going on a wine-tasting experience at one of Vienna’s premier wineries is one of the most romantic activities in the city.

Weingut Cobenzl is one of the most exceptional wine-tasting tours in the area. Esterházykeller is another option. This charming tavern, located in the heart of the city, is renowned for its outstanding wine selection.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or enjoy a good drink, a wine tasting in Vienna is fantastic. Just ensure you’ve figured out the tram route back to your hotel before you start drinking.

If you’re a couple that loves wine, be sure to visit the wineries in and around Vienna.

12. See a panoramic view from the Donauturm Tower.

There’s no better way to finish exploring a city than to see the sunrise from a panoramic viewpoint. The Donauturm Tower offers precisely that experience — provided you time your visit just right.

The tallest structure in Austria and one of the world’s 75 tallest buildings, the Donauturm Tower stands at an impressive height of 252 meters. Dominating the relatively low Vienna skyline, the tower provides a unique vantage point, offering a fantastic way to view the city. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Vienna for couples.

If you really want to increase the romance here, you can actually book a table at one of the tower’s two revolving restaurants. Sipping champagne against the backdrop of the sunset is bound to elevate your day to new heights—pun entirely intended.

One of the most romantic things to do in Vienna, Austria, is to see a panoramic view from the top of a tower.

FAQ About Honeymooning in Vienna, Austria

Is Vienna good for couples?

Why is Austria good for couples? It boasts a romantic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and charming cafes, making it an ideal spot for intimate moments. Austria, as a whole, is a perfect destination for a romantic trip, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and rich history. There are also opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing, providing a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

What is a fun date in Vienna?

For a fun date, take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center and visit cozy cafes. Another option for honeymooners is to enjoy a romantic dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant.

Can you walk around Vienna at night?

Vienna is known for its safety and well-lit streets. Newlyweds can explore the illuminated landmarks, take a leisurely walk along the Danube River, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the city’s various districts.

Save our romantic things to do in Vienna, Austria!

Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and a truly beautiful and culturally rich destination to visit. If you’re traveling around Europe with your significant other, you truly can’t miss Vienna. 

If you love art, history, food, scenery, and markets, the Austrian capital is a fantastic destination for a city break. Plus, it’s within easy reach of many of the other gorgeous places in Austria, like Hallstatt and Salzburg. You could even cross the border into Slovakia if you wanted to.

All in all, if you’re planning a couple’s city trip in Europe, I hope these 12 places to visit in Vienna for couples have inspired you to see this gorgeous city.