Travel

The city has plenty to offer couples and newly-weds from India, keen to enjoy their honeymoon in a fairytale ambience, replete with history, culture, royalty, palaces and many other attractions, all in a single package unlike any other. A stroll on the quaint cobblestone streets, winding lanes, arcade-lined courtyards in the Old City, is bound to appeal to the romantically inclined, looking for unforgettable, ‘out of this world,’ experience and some privacy.

 

Young couples can try memorable yet intimate boat rides on the sedate Old Danube, an experience not to be missed, especially on full moon nights, with a glass of Prosecco, a sparking wine. It can be a memorable picnic with a magical view of Vienna.

 

Come springtime, Vienna undergoes a magical transformation. What better surroundings for honeymooners than hundreds of parks and green spaces bursting forth in a riot of colours, bedazzling the senses and nudging their romantic inclinations, as if prompted by Cupid. Clusters of bright red and white florets sprouting on chestnut trees set Prater, one of its biggest green spaces, ablaze. Nearly half a thousand of rose species turn Volksgarten into a floral paradise, just as lilac wafts its fragrance far and wide.

 

There are other diversions too, for the incurably romantic. They can hire a horse drawn carriage called Fiaker, which nudges their amorous forays, helping them happily complete a tour of the palaces, mansions and architectural gems. Fiaker stands dot the first district, including those on Stephansplatz, Heldenplatz, Albertinaplatz and opposite the Burgtheater.

 

Honeymooners can stay in an imposing suite, once used by memebers of Austrian royalty. The suite at the Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria’s best known tourist attractions, exudes an imperial charm, boasting of two large bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, a salon, a generous living room and a kitchenette. It looks out on formal gardens and the grand Gloriette and Neptune Fountains.

 

Just on the outskirts you will find vineyards and a wonderful view of the city. Next stop is a heuriger, one of the typically Viennese taverns serves as a pilgrimage for new lovers. Newlyweds can enjoy romantic candlelight dinners like the Romantic Crystal Dinner at Vienna's Giant Ferris Wheel. Those keen on waltzing will feel right at home at one of the numerous balls, organized in the city.

 

Traditional Coffee Houses’ Tempting Confections
No visit to Vienna will be complete without being to traditional coffee houses such as the Sacher, Central, Griensteidl, Museum and Sperl, part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage since 2011. The visitors will find an array of cakes, pastries and beverages too tempting to ignore. The waiters still sport black dresses. The décor is as unpretentious as it happened to be in the ‘good old days.’ Wooden floors, marble-topped tables and a simple and plush seating characterize these coffee houses.

 

“Vienna’s contemporary attractions and young neighbourhoods offer a lot to young Indian travellers. Vienna also makes (for) a romantic wedding destination . . . providing honeymooners the backdrop for a fairytale romance,” says Norbert Kettner, director, Vienna Tourist Board (VTB).

 

In 2015, Vienna drew a record number of 40,355 (49.5% growth over 2014) Indians last year, accounting for 89,628 (38.7% growth over 2014) overnight stays.

 

“Vienna Tourist Board is targeting young travellers and honeymooners given its growing popularity over the years,” says Isabella Rauter, Vienna Tourist Board’s Head of Public Relations, who also overseas media relations with India and Italy.

 

Special Offerings for Romantic Couples, Honeymooners

 “Vienna is a perfect place to win the hearts of one’s loved ones. Honeymooners can choose to enjoy an authentic Viennese candle light dinner, a personalized Waltz dancing lesson--another expression of romance,” says Ms Isabella Rauter.

 

Most hotel packages offer a Champagne reception with snacks. Many let you embark on a romantic 40 minute carriage ride through Vienna with the famous Fiaker horse carriage and experience Vienna like the Emperors Sisi and Franz have.

 

A number of Indian restaurants, providing authentic vegetarian fare, that dot Vienna are a big attraction for a few who miss their home like Indian food during travels. The presence of English-speaking hotel staff and guides also help, not to speak of a bustling nightlife, museums and shopping experiences.

Music, Balls and Museums

Vienna has something for every taste and persuasion. For music lovers the city hosts 15,000 annual concerts, keeping alive the legacy of giants such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. History buffs can tour Vienna’s 27 castles and 163 palaces. Cultural aficionados can chose from 107 world class museums. Similarly theatre lovers are spoilt for choice with 120 music and theatre stages.

 

Viennese Cuisine and Shopping

 

While there are plenty of Indian restaurants in Vienna, amorous couples can sample authentic Viennese cuisine. This is the world’s only cuisine which draws its identity from the fabled city, and blends the best culinary flavours of Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Italy and the Balkans.

 

A shopper’s paradise, Vienna also boasts of “Golden Quarter,” a luxury mall housed in a complex of UNESCO heritage palace, offering global brands.

 

How To Get There

 

Convenient flight conections from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore are available on Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa British Airways and other major airlines.