Imperial Vienna: a weekend of art, history and luxury

TEXT & PHOTOS: WIBKE CARTER

In the heart of Europe lies a city where grandeur is a given, horses draw open carriages, and every corner whispers history. From palatial hotels to gilded museums and sun-drenched vineyards, the Austrian capital is tailor-made for a whirlwind trip of refined indulgence.

Friday: check-In

Set the tone for the weekend with a stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, a five-star sanctuary that perfectly blends 19th century elegance with modern luxury. Originally designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen for the 1873 World Exhibition, the hotel’s neoclassical façade conceals a sleek, serene interior with marble floors, velvet furnishings and chandeliers that nod to the city’s imperial past. The location – right on Ringstrasse – is ideal for exploring Vienna’s historic centre, but for the moment: settle in, unpack, grab a cocktail at THEO’s Lounge & Bar, and prepare to step back in time.

Imperial Vienna: a weekend of art, history and luxury

Table designed by Hansen in the Lobmeyr store.

Saturday morning: a Theophil Hansen tour

Start the morning with a curated walking tour that traces the legacy of one of the leading architects behind Vienna’s 19th century transformation. The Austrian Parliament, with its imposing columns and Greek Revival style, is one of his masterpieces. From there, stroll to the opulent Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic, and Palais Epstein, another example of his refined urban design. Literature buffs might recognise Palais Ephrussi, immortalised in Edmund de Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes.

Modigliani painting in the Albertina

Just a few steps away, take a deep dive into Vienna’s storied tradition of craftsmanship. At Lobmeyr Glass (Hansen designed lighting for the company), the crystal sparkles with over a century of history. From delicate tumblers to intricate chandeliers destined for imperial palaces, the glassware here is both art and function. Not far off is A. E. Köchert Jewellery, whose new premises Hansen designed in 1873, the former imperial jeweller. The company rose to Europe-wide fame thanks to the “Sisi stars” which Empress Elisabeth of Austria wore in her hair. Today, antique brooches and diamond tiaras are sold alongside contemporary pieces, each one echoing Vienna’s golden age.

Imperial crown at the Treasure Chamber.

Saturday afternoon: masters and monarchs

Spend the afternoon surrounded by masterpieces at Albertina Museum, one of Europe’s leading art collections. Housed in a former Habsburg palace, the museum boasts an impressive range of works – from Dürer’s iconic hare to vivid Monets, Renoirs and Picassos. Its elegant state rooms provide a perfect backdrop to the rotating exhibitions of modern and classical art.

Schönbrunn Palace. Photo: Pixabay

From artistic treasures to imperial ones, the next stop is the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) inside Hofburg Palace. This dazzling collection includes the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, lavish robes of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and relics said to hold mystical powers. It is a powerful reminder of Vienna’s former role at the centre of the Habsburg Empire.

Dinner back at the Anantara, home to Michelin-starred EDVARD, or one of Vienna’s grand restaurants – try Plachutta for its legendary Tafelspitz – is the perfect way to round off the day. Pair with a glass of local Grüner Veltliner and finish with an airy slice of Kaiserschmarrn.

Horse drawn carriages.

Sunday: palaces and vineyards

No trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to Schloss Schönbrunn, the lavish summer residence of the Habsburgs. Arrive early to beat the crowds and explore the 1,441-room palace, from Empress Maria Theresa’s intimate quarters to the Great Gallery, where Mozart once performed. The manicured gardens are equally spectacular – take time to wander through the rose beds and up to the Gloriette, where sweeping views await.

After a light lunch, trade imperial halls for rolling hills. Just 30 minutes from the city centre lies Stammersdorf, part of Vienna’s winegrowing region. The Wieninger Vineyard is a standout – renowned for its biodynamic approach and crisp Gemischter Satz, a field blend unique to the city (up to 20 different grape varieties are planted, harvested and vinified together in the same vineyard). Sip wines overlooking the vines as the sun sets behind the Vienna skyline. A rustic Heuriger-style dinner of cured meats, cheeses and fresh bread rounds off a perfect afternoon.

Monday: departure

With departure looming, take time for a leisurely breakfast – perhaps a final Viennese coffee and a slice of apricot-filled Sachertorte with Schlagobers (Austrian for whipped cream). Before heading to the airport, swing by Demel for edible souvenirs or stroll one last time along Ringstrasse, past the opera house and under the linden trees. Vienna is more than a city – it is an atmosphere. Grand but never overwhelming, rich with culture yet utterly relaxed, it invites visitors to slow down and savour while casting a spell that lingers long after the weekend ends.