A Weekend in Vienna

Alexandra Winkler, co-owner of the iconic Hotel Sacher in Vienna, shares an exclusive insider's guide to her favorite city, including where to eat Viennese comfort food, shop beautiful textiles, and soak up world-class culture.

BY ALEXANDRA WINKLER | 23 NOVEMBER 2023

Vienna is steeped in history, culture, and elegance. Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, the city is renowned for its classical music heritage, with luminaries like Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss leaving their mark, while its imperial past is reflected in its striking architecture, including the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces.

The Austrian capital is also celebrated for its coffeehouse culture and delectable pastries, such as our famous, Original Sacher-Torte. With a rich artistic legacy, world - class museums, and a vibrant contemporary art and design scene, Vienna continues to enchant visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Where to Stay

Hotel Sacher: The Sacher has been an important part of Vienna’s cultural history since its opening in 1876. We make sure you will experience the perfect ambience and service here, so I personally oversee the design of the rooms and suites; I try to find balance between the 125-year history of the house, and the modern and contemporary. It is also particularly important to me that guests feel comfortable and at home from the first moment they enter the hotel. I think that is one of the many reasons why our guests love coming back to the Sacher again and again.

Hotel Motto: When it opened in 2021, Hotel Motto's whimsical decor provided a captivating contrast to the traditional elegance of the city's major establishments. Nestled in a 17th century building in the heart of the city, Motto's rooms are adorned with visual delights: plush velvet chairs, lavish chandeliers, and alluring lamps inspired by the world of burlesque, adorned with cascading foot-long fringe.

The Guesthouse: Amid the grand buildings and charming narrow streets of Vienna, you will find The Guesthouse Vienna. This establishment is characterized by a surprising, yet effortlessly elegant, design language: the interior architecture, created by British designer, Sir Terence Conran, and Conran & Partners, combines design-consciousness, comfort, and functionality to create a unique style.

What to See & Do

The Heidi Horten Collection: The extraordinary character of Austrian art collector Heidi Horten's art collection is matched by the museum's architecture. The historic facade of the former archducal building provides a classical setting for a modern, contemporary interior: an imposing free-floating staircase connects the staggered exhibition levels. Visit too for the charming tea room in a historic setting.

Spanish Riding School: This riding school is unlike any other place in the world – truly, because nowhere else does equestrian training (haute école) exist in its original form. Audiences gather every day to witness the grace and beauty – pure poetry in motion – of the riders on their pristine Lippizaner stallions, all set to music.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum: One of the largest museums in the world, this rich collection contains objects from seven millennia, from Ancient Egypt to the end of the 18th century. Special emphasis is placed on Renaissance and Baroque art.

The Albertina: This renowned museum on Albertinaplatz (a large central square in Vienna) features one of the world's largest art collections, with pieces by Monet, Picasso, Rubens, Degas, Renoir or Warhol. For lovers of modern art, contemporary exhibitions can be found at the Albertina Modern on Karlsplatz.

Augarten Porcelain Manufactory: For 300 years, this manufactory has crafted beautiful, heritage porcelain tableware and ornaments in the heart of Vienna. From classic, traditional designs to contemporary styles in collaboration with Giambattista Valli, there is a piece of porcelain art to suit every taste and style.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Rote Bar: Here, you will be spoilt with the finest Viennese classics. Whether seated in the winter garden with a direct view of the Vienna State Opera, or in the opulently designed dark red damask room with large oil paintings and crystal chandeliers, a dinner at the Rote Bar is simply magical.

Cafe Sperl: This traditionally elegant, cosy coffeehouse is a Viennese institution with a storied history. Since the 1800s, many of Europe's greatest musicians, composers and writers have enjoyed coffee and sweet treats within these walls.

Fabios: For over 20 years, Fabios, in the heart of Vienna, has delivered authentic, Mediterranean cuisine, Italian passion and international flair, creating unique moments.

Mochi: Japanese tradition meets international, European influences. Enjoy dishes in a warm, family atmosphere, shared together at the table. During the summer time, the open kitchen in particular is an absolute highlight for guests, and the charming Schanigarten (outdoor sidewalk-seating) invites you to enjoy a drink in a shady spot.

Campari Bar: La dolce vita in the heart of Vienna; Campari Bar is a beautiful place inspired by the vitalità of the metropolis Milan, with typical Viennese hospitality.

Pfarrwirt Inn: Traditional Viennese dishes and historical ambience. It is not only the building itself that impresses with its extraordinary architecture, but also the works of art, such as the famous 'Fallenbild' by Daniel Spoerri.

Steirereck: In the middle of Vienna's Stadtpark, Steirereck blends with its natural surroundings through open, modern architecture. Flavors and tastes from the Austrian region are selected regionally, presenting new creative dishes.

Where to Shop

Lobmeyr: This heritage glass manufactory has a special place in my heart. Hotel Sacher and Lobmeyr share a long history, which started in the 19th century when Lobmeyr made one of the first electronic chandeliers for Hotel Sacher. These can still be admired in their original condition in the Rote Bar, Blaue Bar and Marble Hall.

Scheer Shoes: With Markus Scheer, the art of high shoemaking lives on. The workshop is now housed in the family's former living quarters - perhaps one of the reasons why the quality and honesty of the craft is omnipresent there. Each pair of shoes is a custom-made product, handcrafted from the finest materials.

Dorotheum: Founded in 1707 by Emperor Joseph I, Dorotheum is the oldest of the largest auction houses in the world, presenting a diverse selection of objects.

Zur Schwäbischen Jungfrau: This traditional house is the best place to go for extraordinary, high quality homewares. Table linen, bedspreads, bed linen and terry cloth are made with the finest fabrics, and personalized with exquisite embroidery.

Rozet & Fischmeister: This traditional jewelry house is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Vienna. Since 1770, the jeweler has impressed with its unique designs in high quality gold and jewels, and stories from Austria's aristocracy.

Kunst und Antiquitäten: In Vienna's first district, Kunst und Antiquitäten from Sonja Reisch, offers Viennese silver from the 1780s to 1900s. Sonja's selection includes collectibles, silverware and antique jewelry in all varieties.

Zuckerlwerkstatt: For 150 years, Zuckerlwerkstatt has offered passionate candy craftsmanship. Its small delicacies are made in front of customers; their quality lies not only in the craftsmanship, but also in the regional and natural ingredients.

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