Vienna: 3 Hour Afternoon Christmas Markets Tour

We’ll start our tour by meeting directly in front of Vienna’s famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral and heading to our first destination by foot. Our route is a beautifully decorated extravaganza of holiday decorations and festive lights that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! 

As we walk we will pass Karls Church, which is known for its elongated ellipsoid dome (Google it and impress all your friends with your new, in-depth architectural knowledge!). Since the Karlsplatz area was restored back in the ‘80s, the church has gained a place on the city’s must-do list. 

Karlsplatz will be our first stop, where a bustling Chrismtas market temporarily replaces the beautifully designed central fountain with hay, wooden houses and pony rides! 

From pretty lights above, to small, fairy tale-like wooden houses that sell freshly made gingerbread, you’ll see just how festive Vienna’s famous Christmas markets can get. As we walk, we’ll try baked potatoes, hot wine and more! 

From there, we’ll be taking the metro to our next Christmas market, located on the site of the old Viennese general hospital, which dates all the way back to 1686 after the end of the second Turkish siege. This market is beloved by locals and is particularly popular with Viennese families. We’ll enjoy the scenery and decorated market stalls, learning a little about Austrian Christmas traditions as we taste hearty punch and sweet treats along the way. 

Our last stop will take us off the tourist trail and bring us to a Christmas market that’s located on the outskirts of the city. As of today this area is a good example of urban regeneration. As we walk we’ll admire well-preserved Biedermeier houses and narrow streets that paint a picture of what the original village here might have been like. The market itself winds its way through the streets and alleyways and there’s something to make you feel festive at nearly every turn. You’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time to Christmas past. 

Full of punch and holiday spirit, our tour ends where it began. If you need some suggestions for what else to see and do in Vienna during the holiday season, your local guide will be happy to offer some tips.