We begin our Vienna tour on one of the most famous and attractive shopping streets in the city: The Graben.
It would be rude of us not to offer you a coffee and a light breakfast before getting started properly. So, after our brief stroll, we will stop for a quick coffee, strudel.
While the Naschmarkt is a must-see, any local will tell you that they rarely pay it a visit, unless they fancy fighting out with tourists for the vendor’s attention. Instead every local has their own market that they like to visit, these may not be as big as the Naschmarkt, but they are certainly more lively and less touristy.
At our first local market, we will enjoy our first lunch where we will indulge in wonderful typical Austrian food (schnitzel, goulash, or a vegetarian option for example) and wash it down with locally produced wine or beer. We will also show you the sweet side of Vienna and treat you to the chef's best dessert.
Irrelevant of the market, one thing we can promise is that there will be food. Our guides will introduce you to some Viennese guilty pleasures, both sweet and savoury, and life on the streets that no guidebook would ever mention. Pausing to take in Wurstelstand life offers you the chance to taste Austrian’s favourite dish (Hint: it’s not schnitzel).
All along the way, we will sink into the famed Viennese coffee culture. Coffeehouses have played a very important role in shaping the culture of the city over the centuries, with the first cup being brewed all the way back in 1683. The Austrian Inventory of Cultural Heritage describes coffeehouses as places “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.” We will show you where to find a wonderful cup of coffee or tea, or whatever your heart desires after a wonderful day of food.
Our introduction to Vienna’s food and drink scene ends back in the city centre, in front of the Opera house, the perfect springboard location to head off to any number of recommendations our guides will give you. Or you may simply wish to retreat for a cheeky nap back at your hotel if so, your guide can help you with directions.