Vienna But Differently: The Perfect Getaway Where Art, Design, and Culinary Delights Meet

There’s something about Vienna—a city where imperial history and avant-garde modernity collide in the most effortless way. And when it comes to planning the perfect escape (hello Eid!) from the GCC, Vienna emerges as an unexpected yet utterly magical choice.

From cutting-edge art to a boutique hotel where no two rooms are the same, from a shopping tour led by a local expert to a thriving, sustainable culinary scene—this is a city that knows how to surprise. With Emirates and Wizz Air offering direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, getting to Austria’s capital is seamless. Once you arrive, let’s throw out the traditional sightseeing playbook and experience Vienna in a way that’s intimate, design-forward, and effortlessly cool.

Where to Stay: A Night at the Altstadt

Forget cookie-cutter hotels; Altstadt Vienna is where you’ll want to rest your head. Nestled in the 7th district, this boutique hotel is an art-lover’s dream, with each of its 62 rooms individually designed by artists, architects, and creatives. Some rooms feel like a slice of Viennese aristocracy with velvet drapes and chandeliers, while others channel a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with Bauhaus influences and minimalist color palettes. Every corner is a visual delight, and staying here feels more like inhabiting a living gallery than simply booking a room.

We stayed in the spacious 'Freud' suite, with its warm brick-orange walls and thoughtful details that evoke the famous Austrian figure, including a beautifully crafted swing chair. The hotel’s unique vibe is truly unmatched—an incredible curation of design that transports guests through time and art movements.

Adding to the charm, the hotel offers a daily afternoon tea service, where guests can enjoy a selection of Austrian pastries and teas in its art-filled salon. Its proximity to MuseumsQuartier makes it a perfect base for exploring Vienna’s cultural scene, and the staff’s warm hospitality ensures every stay feels personal and memorable. We also enjoyed a daily breakfast featuring a beautifully arranged buffet with options for vegan and gluten-free guests. Most importantly, it was served by an incredibly kind and attentive staff who made sure we never missed a thing. They truly go above and beyond, adding a heartfelt touch to the experience.

More info on Altstadt.at

A Day of Art: Vienna’s Contemporary Side

Vienna’s reputation for grandeur is undeniable, but beyond its Baroque façades, a thrilling contemporary art scene awaits. Start at MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art), where avant-garde exhibitions push the boundaries of what art can be. Housing works from Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yoko Ono, the museum is a sanctuary for modernist and postmodernist art lovers. The building itself, clad in basalt stone, is a stark contrast to the historic surroundings—signaling the city’s embrace of the contemporary.

Just a short walk away, the Heidi Horten Collection offers something truly special. Once the private collection of the late billionaire art patron, it’s now an intimate museum showcasing everything from Klimt and Picasso to Basquiat and Warhol. The building’s stunning glass facade floods the gallery with natural light, enhancing the experience of viewing these world-class pieces. It’s a rare glimpse into the mind of a collector with a deeply personal passion for art.

For design lovers, a visit to the MAK Museum (Museum of Applied Arts) is a must. Here, art meets functionality, with exhibitions spanning everything from Wiener Werkstätte designs to the future of sustainable architecture. A highlight is the Thonet Chair Collection, showcasing the evolution of furniture design from the 19th century to today. The museum’s dynamic approach to merging past and future makes it one of Vienna’s most thought-provoking cultural institutions.

The Insider’s Shopping Tour with Lucie

Anyone can stroll down Kärntner Straße or peek into the golden-lit windows of luxury brands on Graben, but to shop like a local, you need Lucie. The lovely Austrian-American guide met us after lunch and embarked us on an amazing tour of the best ateliers and homegrown brands the city has to offer.

Her expertly curated Shopping with Lucie tour takes you beyond the predictable, into a world of independent boutiques, concept stores, and hidden ateliers. She tailors each tour based on interests—whether it’s uncovering avant-garde Austrian designers, exploring vintage and second-hand gems, or delving into Vienna’s growing sustainable fashion movement.

Stops might include SAGAN Vienna, known for its handmade leather bags and accessories, Song, an eclectic fashion-meets-art concept store, or FÜRN, a design boutique highlighting Austria’s finest homeware artisans. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry, handcrafted shoes, or minimalist home decor, Lucie’s insider knowledge ensures a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Think of it as retail therapy—but with a personal guide who knows all of Vienna’s best-kept secrets.

More info on ShoppingWithLucie.com

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Where to Eat: A Sustainable Culinary Scene

Vienna has quietly become a culinary powerhouse, with an emphasis on local, organic, and plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply looking for fresh, seasonal flavors, the city delivers with flair.

Start with SeeSushi Vienna, a restaurant that takes Japanese cuisine and fuses it with sustainable Austrian ingredients and local lake fish. Think delicate sashimi, fresh-from-the-market vegetables, and bold flavor combinations that reflect both precision and creativity. The minimalist interior complements the refined yet casual atmosphere, making it a must-visit for sushi lovers.

More on SeeSushi.net

For a deep dive into Austrian farm-to-table cuisine, Labstelle is a must. Their seasonal menus celebrate the best of what the region has to offer, with an emphasis on heritage ingredients and biodynamic wines. Set within an industrial-chic space, the restaurant’s intimate ambiance makes it ideal for long, leisurely meals.

More on Labstelle.at

If you’re a wine lover, Mast Weinbistro is your next stop. Here, natural wines take center stage, paired with modern Austrian small plates that redefine what Viennese cuisine can be. Expect dishes like fermented vegetables, delicate charcuterie, and innovative plant-based creations, all expertly matched with Austria’s finest organic wines. This stop was truly remarkable and we can't recommend it enough.

More on Mast.wine

For a casual but equally delicious meal, Wrenkh is a vegetarian-forward spot where dishes are packed with flavor, innovation, and sustainability in mind. Their approach to meat-free dining is anything but restrictive, with a menu that highlights hearty grain dishes, seasonal vegetable specialties, and handcrafted pasta.

More on Wrenkh-Wien.At

Don’t Leave Without…

A trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a slice of Sachertorte—the city’s most famous dessert. A rich, velvety chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and a flawless chocolate glaze, it’s an essential experience. The original recipe is still served at Hotel Sacher, but variations can be found across the city, each with its own interpretation of the iconic treat.

More on Sacher.com

Why Vienna for Eid?

While cities like London and Paris may be the usual go-tos for GCC travelers, Vienna offers something refreshingly different: a slower pace, a deep connection to history and art, and a commitment to sustainability. It’s a place where tradition and modernity blend effortlessly, where design and gastronomy are elevated to an art form, and where every visit reveals something new.

This Eid, trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. Vienna awaits.

For more info, visit Wien.info

Cover Photo/ Photographer: Daniel Gebhart de Koekkoek Copyright: © WienTourismus/Daniel Gebhart de Koekkoek

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