If you want to lavish the love of your life with a special surprise, why not take them on a trip to an historic European City?
No, not a clichéd, romantic pilgrimage to Paris, where couples queue for hours to kiss at the top of La Tour Eiffel: Vienna is the place to go.
Walk hand-in-hand through the winding streets, with the grand architecture of the age-old buildings towering over you.
Renowned for its culture and art, this magical city has plenty to offer loved-up couples with untold activities that can make your romantic getaway the most memorable yet.[divider type=”thin”]
Get lost in the crowd at Naschmarkt Flohmarkt
Naschmarkt Flohmarkt is the largest flea market in Austria and the best in Europe. Walk along streets lined with stalls and join in the bustle with the locals and treasure hunters to haggle for the cheapest prices. The market place really comes to life on Saturdays as it is filled with weird and wonderful curiosities; you need to get there in the early hours if you want to avoid chaotic crowds. From antique cameras to a treasure chests filled with vintage jewellery and trinkets, you can shower your partner with quirky gifts!
Kettenbrückengasse 05 Wein, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Feast on a hearty schnitzel at Figmüller
The most traditional of all Austrian dishes is the wiener schnitzel, so why not visit its famous birthplace? Wollzeile is tucked away in a small backstreet in this busy city. Elegant-looking waiters in tuxedos add a touch of charm to this unique restaurant. Once inside, you and your beau can eat until your heart’s content. Nothing is better than schintzel served with a great big maß of beer (that’s a 1 litre jug).
Wollzeile 5, 1010 Wein, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Schönbrunn Palace [Flickr: Dorte]
Take a romantic stroll at Schönbrunn Palace
The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Austria. Walking through the entrance of the palace grounds, you will most likely stop to catch your breath for a moment to take in the majestic baroque building before you. After that, climb the hill to the Gloriette and reward yourselves with a cup of hot chocolate or Viennese coffee while looking out at the stunning view of Vienna.
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Catch butterflies at Schmetterlinghaus
Enjoy the peaceful oasis of the Imperial Butterfly House. Walk through paradise and enjoy the presence of 400 colourful butterflies dancing around you. Nothing could be more romantic and serene than taking cover under the exotic palm trees and exploring the different species of butterfly.
Burggarten, Hanuschgasse, 1010 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Waltz along the Danube River
If you want to go the extra mile to impress your other half then take a romantic boat trip along the Danube River. When you visit La Crêperie, they also provide a picnic hamper along with the boat. Take advantage of this romantic gesture by reciting poems and serenading your loved one the old-fashioned way.
An der Oberen Alten Donau 6, 1210 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Catch a glimpse of The Kiss
Visit the Belvedere Palace and come face to face with one of the most revered paintings known to man. Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, ‘The Kiss’, is painted in gold and depicts two lovers locked in a tender embrace amongst the blossoming flowers. If this doesn’t get the romance going what else will?
Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Wein, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
The Weiner Reisenrad [Flickr: Paula Finnell]
Enjoy a whirlwind of a ride at Wiener Reisenrad
Take a sophisticated ride on one of the oldest Ferris wheels in Vienna, which was built in 1897. Revel in the panoramic views of the city whilst enjoying a three course candle-lit dinner for two in your own private and luxury cabin on the Reisenrad.
Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Watch a tragic romance at the Vienna State Opera House
The opera house was first opened in 1869 with the performance of Mozart’s unforgettable opera Don Giovanni, for the Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi. Delve into the history and elegance of this miraculous place as you enjoy heart-wrenching, world-class performances that will bring fire to your soul. This would be a great opportunity to throw on something classy for an evening at the opera.
Opernring 2, Vienna A-1010, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Enjoy a late night snack at Café Sacher Wien
People from all over the world visit Café Sacher for just one purpose – to try their highly acclaimed Sacher-Torte, made from chocolate and apricot jam. The recipe is kept secret from the public, so no one can recreate this masterpiece. Located conveniently opposite the Vienna State Opera House, after a night at the opera, sit and unwind for the final part of the day with an alcoholic coffee or glass of champagne and slice of Sacher-Torte.
Philharmoniker Straße 4, 1010 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
The Hotel Imperial [Flickr: Iker]
Rest your heads in heavenly bliss at the Hotel Imperial
Surprise your loved one with the royal treatment and enjoy your stay at a place fit for Emperors and Empresses. The sheer opulence of this hotel would bring anyone to their knees. Marble walls, chandeliers, velvet and gold fill each room with magnificence. Yes, the Hotel Imperial is expensive, but to experience total euphoria with the one you love would be worth every penny. Pop open a bottle of vintage champagne and look out over the rooftops of the starlit city whilst staring into the eyes of your lover. A great way to end the evening.
Kärntner Ring 16, 1015 Wien, Austria[divider type=”thin”]
Featured image courtesy of: Bogdan Suditu on Flickr