Vienna is incredibly magical at Christmas time… every year during November the squares in the city are transformed to charming markets selling crafts, clothing, beautiful ornaments, culinary delights and warming drinks including Glühwein (German mulled wine).
If you visit Vienna I’d recommend seeing the city on foot as much as possible. Not only will you see the main attractions and markets but you’ll discover the smaller ones which you least expect when you turn a corner. The city is even more stunning when darkness falls and the buildings are all lit up against the night sky.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets but a favourite of mine was the main Wiener Christkindlmarkt (Viennese Christmas market). Held in City Hall Square the market had a big wheel, nativity scene, and cute little stalls selling all kinds of things. I even picked myself up a new pink woolly hat!
In Vienna there are plenty of places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat but I would highly recommend visiting Café Central housed in a beautiful building with a marvellous ambience. There’s even a big Christmas tree outside.
Last winter myself and my husband stayed at Sans Souci Wien, a boutique hotel in the heart of Vienna near the Museums Quartier. We couldn’t have wished for a better stay. Upon arrival we were welcomed with chocolate treats, plus coffees could be ordered at any time to be delivered to the room. I’m not a coffee drinker but my husband definitely made the most of it! The breakfasts at the hotel were nothing short of amazing… Eggs Benedict, pancakes, fresh fruit, cheeses, yogurts, and the chef experimented daily with different juices. The first juice was bright green and delicious and we couldn’t believe it contained spinach – I’d guessed kiwi!
The hotel also had a spa so every day after clocking up our steps walking around the city we hit pause for some relaxation. I wear glasses or lenses for distance but removed them for the spa – my husband on the other hand has 20/20 vision and I’m not sure he’s yet over seeing so much nakedness. It was all a blur to me! We had a laugh with some other guests in the steam room as they came in in their swimming attire too – the Europeans must be able to spot the Brits a mile off!
The hotel was so wonderful I couldn’t resist using it as my inspiration for the Wynter Hotel in So This is Christmas.
I hope you all love the story!
Helen x