Vienna for Couples: The Ultimate Guide to Romantic Things to Do in the Imperial City

Are you dreaming of a truly enchanting escape with your loved one? Look no further than Vienna, a city steeped in imperial history, artistic grandeur, and an undeniable romantic allure. We recently celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with a three-week immersive exploration of Vienna, discovering its most magical and intimate experiences. This guide compiles our favorite romantic things to do in Vienna, curated to inspire your own unforgettable journey for two.

From the opulent ballrooms of imperial palaces to the cozy corners of historic cafes and the vibrant pulse of evening strolls, Vienna offers a myriad of opportunities to create cherished memories. Prepare to be swept away by its charm and discover why it’s consistently ranked among the world’s most romantic destinations. For a taste of Vienna’s culinary delights, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on what to eat in Vienna next!

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Discovering Vienna’s Romantic Charm

Vienna, with its imperial palaces, grand boulevards, and charming coffee houses, truly sets the stage for a romantic escapade. Our three weeks exploring this magnificent city as a couple, celebrating a decade of marriage, allowed us to meticulously uncover experiences that resonate deeply with love and connection. We poured our hearts into curating a list of activities that promise to make your romantic Vienna trip as magical and memorable as ours.

Selecting Your Dream Romantic Hotel

Every truly romantic journey begins with the perfect sanctuary. Vienna boasts an array of exquisite hotels, each offering a unique blend of luxury, history, and comfort. While Viennese hotels can be an investment, choosing a special place to stay significantly elevates the romantic ambiance of your trip. Here are our top picks for a truly extraordinary stay:

Hotel Sacher: A Legacy of Luxury

Hotel Sacher is an iconic institution, renowned globally as the home of the original Sacher Torte. Located directly opposite the magnificent Vienna State Opera House, its common areas are adorned with opulent velvets and classic Austrian elegance, making it a truly decadent choice for a romantic getaway. Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, a visit to the Sacher Cafe for a slice of their famous cake is an absolute must!

Hotel Imperial: Regal Elegance and History

For an experience that truly embodies imperial grandeur, consider Hotel Imperial. This stunning historical property graces the chic Ringstrasse, offering elegantly appointed rooms and unparalleled five-star service. Its prime location and historical charm make it an exceptional choice for couples seeking a regal and luxurious retreat.

25 Hours Hotel: Modern Charm and Central Location

If you’re looking for a stylish yet more affordable option without compromising on location, 25 Hours Hotel is an excellent choice. Situated close to many museums and vibrant areas, this hotel offers uniquely decorated rooms, each with its own character. It’s a wonderful blend of modern design and comfort, perfect for a romantic and distinctive stay.

Indulge in a Magical Breakfast at Cafe Demel

Step back in time at Cafe Demel, Vienna’s most enchanting breakfast spot. This imperial and royal confectioner, dating back to 1888, invites you to savor a selection of exquisite hot drinks and incredible sweet treats amidst its sumptuous, historic interiors. The atmosphere alone is enough to transport you to a bygone era of romance and elegance.

A non-negotiable order here is their famous Kaiserschmarrn – a traditional shredded Austrian pancake, served warm with a side of fruit compote. We sampled Kaiserschmarrn in numerous Viennese cafes, and Cafe Demel’s version was, without a doubt, the absolute finest. My partner, Hugo, still raves about it! Cafe Demel is incredibly popular, and they don’t take reservations. For the best chance of securing a table without a wait, aim to arrive right at opening (10 am) or in the early evening after 5:30 pm (they close at 7 pm).

Sparkling Romance: Schlumberger Rosé Wine Tasting

For couples who appreciate a good vintage, a wine tasting experience is a delightful way to connect and learn something new together. We thoroughly enjoyed the Rosé Wine Tour and Tasting at the historic Schlumberger Wine Cellar. This unique experience includes a tasting of three distinct sparkling rosé wines, perfectly chosen for a romantic palate.

Beyond the tasting, you’ll embark on a self-guided tour of the fascinating wine cellars, complete with an audio guide. This allows you to explore at your own pace, soaking in the history and process of traditional sparkling wine production. We learned a tremendous amount, relished every sip of the exquisite sparkling wines, and left with a deeper appreciation for Austrian winemaking. For more details on our experience, read about our wine tasting in Vienna.

Book your Schlumberger Rosé Wine Tasting here!

A Fairytale Ride: The Riding Dinner Sacher Edition

Few experiences in Vienna are as quintessentially romantic as a horse-drawn carriage ride, but the “Riding Dinner Sacher Edition” takes it to an entirely new level. Imagine gliding through Vienna’s historic streets, taking in the breathtaking sights, all while enjoying a slice of authentic Sacher Torte (one for each of you!) and sipping on sparkling Cuvée Sacher wine. It’s a truly indulgent and intimate journey.

This experience offers a touch of VIP treatment: your charming carriage guide (or “butler”) will expertly bypass the lines at the Hotel Sacher Cafe, returning moments later with your perfect slices of Sacher Torte, ready for you to enjoy as you tour the city. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate your love amidst Vienna’s imperial splendor. Learn more about why this was our pick for the best horse-drawn carriage ride in Vienna.

Book your Riding Dinner Sacher experience here!

Savoring Lunch at an Authentic Viennese Cafe

No romantic trip to Vienna is complete without immersing yourselves in its iconic coffee house culture. We made it our mission to visit an extensive list of traditional Viennese cafes during our stay, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s charming past. These cafes exude an authentic charm, with many feeling as though time has stood still since the early 1900s, providing a wonderfully romantic backdrop for a shared meal.

Our top recommendation for a romantic lunch is Cafe Savoy. Find a cozy corner with your beloved and indulge in traditional Austrian fare. We particularly loved their Käsespätzle (a delightful Austrian mac and cheese) and hearty beef goulash. Conclude your meal with a classic Austrian apple strudel for a perfect sweet finish. While Viennese cafes offer a vast array of coffee drinks, we often found the local white Gruner Veltliner wine to be a refreshing and enjoyable accompaniment to our meals across the city.

An Evening Aperitif in a Classic Viennese Cafe

Viennese cafes transform throughout the day, each hour revealing a different facet of their charm. To fully appreciate their romantic magic, ensure you experience them at various times, including an intimate evening drink. As dusk settles, these historic establishments glow softly, offering a perfect setting for quiet conversation and connection.

Local wines, particularly the Gruner Veltliner, make an excellent choice for an evening aperitif. Alternatively, explore the extensive drinks menu for a cozy herbal tea or a decadent hot chocolate. The evening ambiance, often with softer lighting and a more relaxed pace, makes these cafes an ideal spot for couples to unwind and reflect on their day in Vienna.

Sweet Moments: Sharing Cafe Landtmann’s Famous Banana Tart

For couples with a sweet tooth, seeking out Cafe Landtmann’s celebrated banana tart is a delightful quest. This dessert is one of Vienna’s most famous and utterly delicious creations, known for its rich flavor and perfect texture. Its popularity means it often sells out, as we discovered on our evening visit!

However, don’t despair if you miss it at Landtmann itself; a few other cafes in Vienna proudly serve desserts from Cafe Landtmann. We were lucky enough to find and savor this exquisite tart at Café Mozart, which offered an equally wonderful experience. Make sure to discover the best cakes in Vienna and try as many as your hearts desire during your romantic trip!

Make your reservation at Cafe Landtmann here!

Witnessing Love’s Art: Klimt’s “The Kiss” at Belvedere Palace

No list of romantic things to do in Vienna would be complete without recommending a visit to Belvedere Palace to gaze upon Gustav Klimt’s iconic masterpiece, “The Kiss.” This painting, an exquisite depiction of love and embrace, is as spectacular and emotionally resonant as you’d imagine. It’s truly worth making time in your Vienna itinerary to witness its shimmering gold and intricate details in person, displayed proudly in the Upper Belvedere.

Beyond “The Kiss,” the Belvedere Palace itself is a treasure trove of art and history, housing works by other famous artists such as Rodin, Schiele, and Munch. Take time to explore the stunning Baroque interiors, adorned with impressive frescoes, and wander through the beautiful palace gardens, which offer breathtaking views and a perfect setting for a romantic stroll hand-in-hand.

Book your tickets to visit the Belvedere Palace here!

Imperial Grandeur for Two: A Day at Schönbrunn Palace

Treat your beloved to a truly royal experience at Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence. We highly recommend dedicating at least a half-day, if not a full day, to exploring this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace and its surrounding gardens are absolutely breathtaking, offering a wealth of romantic activities.

Wander through the opulent state rooms, imagining the lives of emperors and empresses. Stroll arm-in-arm through the meticulously manicured gardens, discover hidden fountains, and make your way up to the Gloriette, a grand archway offering spectacular panoramic views of the palace and Vienna. You can even enjoy lunch at one of the on-site eateries, stop for coffee and pastries, or visit the Schönbrunn Zoo. It’s a full day of imperial romance and discovery.

Book your tickets to visit Schonbrunn Palace here!

The Original Sacher Torte Experience at Hotel Sacher Cafe

While the Riding Dinner offers a taste of the legendary Sacher Torte, nothing quite compares to experiencing a slice within the hallowed halls of the Sacher Hotel’s own cafe. This is a culinary pilgrimage for any visitor to Vienna, and especially romantic for couples sharing a sweet moment in a historic setting.

Be warned: the lines outside the Sacher Cafe can be famously long, regardless of the time of day. To avoid disappointment and ensure a seamless, romantic experience, making an advance reservation is absolutely crucial. Secure your table beforehand and prepare to savor this iconic chocolate cake, served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Make your reservation at the Sacher Hotel Cafe here!

Fluttering Beauty: The Butterfly House at Hofburg Palace

For a whimsical and unexpectedly romantic experience, visit the Schmetterlinghaus, or Butterfly House, nestled within the beautiful Burggarten, part of the Hofburg Palace complex. This off-the-beaten-path attraction was a delightful birthday surprise from Hugo during our anniversary trip, and it proved to be a truly special and intimate discovery.

Step into a tropical oasis where hundreds of vibrant, free-flying butterflies flutter around you in a lush, warm environment. It’s an incredibly serene and beautiful experience, offering endless opportunities for close-up encounters and stunning photos. The delicate beauty and peaceful atmosphere create a magical setting for couples to share a quiet, charming moment away from the city’s hustle. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance desk.

Cafe Central’s Enchantment: Live Music and Culinary Delights

Cafe Central is undoubtedly a landmark destination, constantly bustling with visitors eager to experience its historic grandeur. While popular, it remains an incredibly romantic spot, especially in the afternoon after 4 pm when a talented piano player fills the magnificent hall with live music. The blend of stunning architecture, rich history, and enchanting melodies creates an atmosphere truly conducive to romance.

Given its immense popularity, reservations for Cafe Central are often booked a month or more in advance. To avoid a lengthy wait in line and guarantee your spot for this captivating experience, ensure you reserve your table online as soon as reservations open for your travel dates. It’s an essential Viennese experience for couples seeking a touch of classic elegance.

Make your reservation at Cafe Central here!

An Intimate Evening at Hotel Sacher’s Blaue Bar

For an intimate and sophisticated evening, an aperitif at the Blaue Bar within the illustrious Hotel Sacher is an absolute must. This exquisitely designed, tiny bar is a hidden gem, characterized by its rich blue velvet furnishings, elegant artwork, and warm, inviting glow. It’s the perfect setting for quiet conversation and savoring a perfectly crafted cocktail with your partner.

The Blaue Bar’s exclusivity means it fills up incredibly fast, even on a Monday evening in May, as we observed during our birthday celebration. Guests without reservations were consistently turned away. To ensure you don’t miss out on this supremely romantic experience, booking your table online well in advance is essential. A credit card is required for reservation, with charges only applying in case of a no-show, a common practice across Europe’s most sought-after establishments.

Make your reservation at the Blaue Bar here!

Creating Memories: Sending a Postcard Home Together

This simple act is one of our most cherished travel traditions and a wonderfully romantic way to create lasting memories. Hugo and I adore sending ourselves postcards from our adventures, building a precious collection of notes from all over the world that we deeply cherish. It’s a tangible reminder of the places we’ve explored and the moments we’ve shared.

On each trip, we select several postcards that capture the essence of our destination. We then use them to write heartfelt messages to our future selves. Sometimes, a postcard is dedicated to a particular theme – for instance, in Vienna, we had one entire postcard listing the more than 25 traditional Viennese cafes we visited! Other times, we chronicle a special day, like our visit to Schönbrunn Palace, detailing our experiences on a postcard bought right there. These postcards evolve into priceless souvenirs, offering immense joy as you reread them years later, reminiscing about your romantic adventures in Vienna.

Romantic Stroll Along the Danube Canal at Sunset

For a different side of Vienna’s charm, head to the Danube Canal, an area that blends trendy vibrancy with a touch of urban edge. While it might feel a bit grittier than the polished city center, we always felt perfectly safe, both day and night. It’s a fantastic spot for couples to soak in a more modern, local atmosphere.

The canal truly comes alive in the late afternoon and evening. It’s a wonderful place to stop for a casual drink, enjoy dinner at one of the many charming restaurants lining the water, or simply embark on a romantic evening stroll. We especially loved walking along the canal at sunset, watching the city lights begin to shimmer on the water. The unique street art and lively atmosphere create a perfect backdrop for capturing some cute and romantic photos to forever remember your trip to Vienna.

A Dazzling Spectacle: Votivkirche’s “Light of Creation” Show

For an evening activity that promises to captivate and enchant, experience the incredible “Light of Creation” show at the impressive Votivkirche (Vienna’s Votive Church). This Neo-Gothic architectural marvel, often described as resembling delicate lace, becomes even more breathtaking at night when its entire facade is majestically illuminated.

Step inside to be fully immersed in a magical light show that bathes the vast interior of the church in a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors and intricate designs. The show lasts approximately 30 minutes, and every moment is designed to be utterly captivating, sparking conversation and wonder between you and your partner long after it concludes. It’s a truly unique and modern take on romantic sightseeing in Vienna. Read our full Light of Creation Vienna review for more.

Book your tickets to see the Light of Creation Light Show at the Votivkirche here!

Fragrant Romance: A Walk Through the Volksgarten Roses

I was absolutely captivated by the sheer beauty of the Volksgarten, a stunning landscaped garden adjacent to the Hofburg Palace. This park is particularly renowned for its magnificent rose garden, and during our visit in May, the roses were in glorious full bloom. The air was filled with their heavenly, intoxicating scent, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

We returned to the Volksgarten several times, simply to wander hand-in-hand, admire the vibrant array of roses, and capture beautiful photos. It’s a wonderfully tranquil and incredibly romantic activity in Vienna, offering a perfect escape from the urban bustle. Losing yourselves amidst thousands of fragrant blooms is an experience you and your partner won’t want to miss.

Vienna After Dark: Enchanting Evening City Walks

Vienna transforms into a truly magical city as night falls, making an evening stroll one of the most romantic activities you can share. The city’s iconic landmarks are dramatically illuminated against the night sky, creating a breathtaking tableau that is best enjoyed hand-in-hand with your loved one.

Make sure to carve out at least one evening in your itinerary for this enchanting experience. Pass by the majestic Vienna State Opera, the historic Hofburg Palace, the grand Burgtheater (Vienna’s imperial court theatre), and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Each monument, beautifully lit, tells a story and evokes a sense of timeless romance, making for unforgettable sights and perfect moments to simply be together.

Thank you to Riding Dinner, Schlumberger, the Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace and the Votivkirche for participating in the creation of this post by providing us with press invitations. All opinions are our own.

Planning Your Romantic Vienna Trip: Essential Bookings

To ensure a seamless and stress-free romantic getaway, we highly recommend booking these popular Vienna activities in advance. Securing your tickets and reservations will save you time and guarantee you don’t miss out on any of Vienna’s enchanting experiences.

• Belvedere Palace – Book your tickets to witness the world’s largest collection of Klimt’s masterpieces, including the iconic “The Kiss.”
• Schönbrunn Palace – An absolute must-see! Experience the majesty and history of this imperial palace and its breathtaking gardens.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert in Karlskirche – Elevate your romantic evening with a classical music concert in the stunning Karlskirche.
• Light of Creation Votive Church Immersive Light Show – Prepare to be mesmerized by this beautiful and immersive light performance inside the gorgeous Votivkirche.
• Spanish Riding School Training Practice – Witness the elegance of the Lipizzaner horses during their morning training, a truly captivating experience.
• Spanish Riding School Performance – If your schedule allows, don’t miss the full, spectacular performance of these magnificent horses.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum – Explore one of Vienna’s finest museums, home to incredible art collections and even secret Klimt paintings.
• Schlumberger Sparkling Wine Tasting – Discover and taste fantastic local Austrian sparkling wines at this historic cellar.
• Riding Dinner Sacher Experience – Enjoy a unique horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna while savoring Sacher Torte and sparkling Cuvée Sacher.
• Cafe Central – Secure your spot at this iconic cafe for its grand ambiance and live piano music.
• Cafe Sacher (Sacher Hotel) – Book ahead to ensure you can indulge in the original Sacher Torte experience.
• Blaue Bar (Sacher Hotel) – Make reservations for an exclusive and intimate evening drink at this luxurious bar.

Your Unforgettable Romantic Vienna Getaway

Vienna truly is a city designed for romance, offering an unparalleled blend of imperial history, cultural richness, and intimate moments waiting to be discovered. We sincerely hope this curated list of romantic activities inspires you to plan an extraordinary trip with your loved one. Whether you’re exploring opulent palaces, savoring exquisite Viennese pastries, or simply strolling hand-in-hand through historic streets, these experiences are designed to deepen your connection and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Embrace the magic of Vienna, and let the city’s timeless charm ignite the flames of your love. We encourage you to try several, if not all, of these enchanting suggestions during your romantic escapade!

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