9 Best Things to Do in Vienna in January, Austria

Vienna in January doesn’t get a lot of love. Most blogs about winter travel in Vienna focus on the Christmas season and the famous Christmas markets.

We love the seasonal markets too, but if you’re arriving in January or February, Christmas festivities aren’t relevant.

So, we wanted to write a post about the most unique things to do in Vienna in January, so you can plan an unforgettable winter trip. 

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Vienna January Weather

Vienna, Austria, can get pretty frosty in January. Expect the daytime temperature to hover around -1°C, or 0°C.

The highest temperature we experienced was 4°C. Light snowfall is common, but it rarely lingers more than a day. It’s essential to have warm boots, a winter jacket, hat, and scarf.

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Vienna in January Map

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Where to Stay in Vienna in January

Budget | Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner is a friendly accommodation near Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station. In addition to on-site bike rental and regular events such as barbecues and movie nights, the hostel offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from all over the world.

Midrange | Hotel Schani Salon is an excellent hotel located on Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s biggest shopping street, a few steps away from the Neubaugasse U-Bahn station (U3). We love this Vienna hotel, because of the bright, modern rooms, the friendly vibe, the communal lounge and bar, and the helpful staff. Breakfast is healthy and varied. 

Luxury | Altstadt Vienna is a boutique 4-star hotel in the charming Spittelberg quarter, close to Kunsthistorisches Museum. This contemporary-art-filled hotel features uniquely designed interiors and a hidden rooftop terrace (open from March until October). A wonderful breakfast is served in the Red Salon daily. In the afternoon, complimentary tea and homemade cakes are served in front of the open fireplace. 

Luxury | The Leo Grand is advantageously located in the inner district of Vienna, steps away from Peterskirche, Stephansdom, and the Graben. This top-rated hotel features luxurious rooms with romantic, pastel-colored furnishings and decor. Stay here for the unbeatable location, helpful personnel, and fairy tale vibes. Breakfast is available at an extra charge. 

Luxury | The palatial Hotel Imperial harkens back to imperial times with its grand, antique-filled interiors and sumptuous rooms and suites (fit for royalty). This 5-star hotel is set on the Ringstrasse boulevard in the heart of Vienna, walking distance to the Vienna Opera House, the Kärntner Strasse shopping street, Karlskirche, and the Musikverein concert hall. This hotel features a cocktail bar in the historic Hallensalon, rooftop fitness center with a sauna, on-site restaurant (Opus) and café (Café Imperial). Breakfast available.

Look for accommodation in Vienna. 

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1. Follow the Silvesterpfad and Waltz into the New Year

Are you planning on visiting Vienna for New Years? If so, you’re in luck. Each year, Vienna’s first district transforms into a huge street party. On New Year’s Eve, you can spend hours following the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) through Vienna’s inner district.

The path guides you to different stages featuring different types of live music. Along the path, there are food stalls selling mulled wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Admission | The event is free. You don’t need to purchase any tickets or make reservations to attend.

Count Down | No matter where you are, Strauss’ Blue Danube is played when the clock strikes midnight (24 Uhr). And in true Viennese style, everyone dances the waltz into the New Year. For the best view of the fireworks, head to the Rathaus.

Start Time | The New Year’s Eve trail begins at 2:00 p.m.

End Time | The New Year’s Eve trail ends at 2:00 a.m.

Where | Vienna’s first district (1. Bezirk/Innere Stadt)

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2. See Die Fledermaus at the Vienna State Opera or the Vienna Volksoper

It’s a Viennese tradition to see Johann Strauss II’ Die Fledermaus around New Years’. Both the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Volksoper stage the famous Viennese operetta each year in late December and January.

It’s fun, joyous, and absolutely enchanting. So, if you’re new to opera, this is the perfect place to begin. In an operetta, the dialogue is spoken, not sung. 

Tickets: Buy your tickets as soon as possible. Die Fledermaus will likely sell out quickly for performances in early January. If tickets are sold out for the Vienna State Opera, you could also get a standing room ticket. Find out How to Get Standing Tickets for the Vienna State Opera.

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Vienna State Opera vs. Vienna Volksoper

The performance of Die Fledermaus will be excellent at both opera houses in Vienna.

However, there’s one thing to consider. Since the Die Fledermaus libretto is in German, you will need subtitles (if you don’t speak German).

At the Vienna State Opera, every seat has a personal screen for subtitles. So, you’ll know exactly what’s going on during the whole performance. However, at the Vienna Volskoper, subtitles aren’t always a given.

If you check the Vienna Volksoper schedule (“Spielplan” in German), you’ll know which performances have subtitles and which do not. Below the performance name and the composer, it’ll either say in German language with English subtitles or just in German language.

Vienna State Opera Address | Opernring 2, 1010 Wien | Google Maps

Vienna Volksoper Address | Währinger Str. 78, 1090 Wien | Google Maps

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3. Visit the New Year’s Markets in Early January 

While most Viennese Winter Markets shut down by late December, there are a few exceptions. The winter markets at Schloss Schönbrunn, the Prater, and Michaelerplatz stay open until early January. 

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Schönbrunn Palace Christmas and New Year’s Market 

Schloss Schönbrunn is the former summer residence of the Habsburgs in Vienna. The palace is surrounded by beautiful grounds (free access), which are home to a number of attractions, including the historic Zoo, the Gloriette, the Palm House, and the Imperial Carriage Museum. 

The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas and New Year’s Market  is located directly in front of the palace. 

Numerous stalls line the inner courtyard, selling traditional handicrafts, food and drinks. 

Celebrate the beginning of the year with a Glühwein or a Punsch in this fabled setting. 

Location | Schönbrunn Palace | Google Maps

Opening Times | 10 am – 6 pm

Dates | November 18, 2023 – January 4, 2024

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Prater Winter Market 

The Prater is a large park in Vienna’s second district. The Prater Winter Market is located at the Riesenradplatz in the Prater amusement park, close to the historic ferris wheel dating back to 1897. 

Location | Riesenradplatz | Google Maps

Dates | November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Opening Times | Vary

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The Imperial and Royal Christmas Market at Michaelerplatz 

Michaelerplatz is located in front of the Hofburg imperial palace complex in the inner district. This small, but scenic market (k.u.k. Weihnachts- und Silvestermarkt am Michaelerplatz in German) is nice to visit while you’re out sightseeing. Nearby attractions include the church of St. Michael, Café Central, Café Demel, the Sisi Museum, and the Spanish Riding School. 

Location | Michaelerplatz | Google Maps

Dates | TBD. This market is usually open until January 6th.

Opening Times | Vary

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4. Photograph Vienna’s Frosty Skyline from Stephansdom’s North Tower

Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), the reigning symbol of Vienna, is located on Stephansplatz in the cultural heart of the city. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the Vienna skyline from the cathedral’s north tower (Nordturm) as well as south tower. 

The north tower is accessible by an elevator, whereas the south tower is only accessible by foot (343 steps). 

Though not as high as the south tower, the north tower is better for photography, because the viewing area is outside. The south tower viewing area is enclosed.

Moreover, there are better views of the cathedral’s multi-colored tiled roof and the Pummerin bell from the north tower. The Pummerin is the third largest swinging bell in Europe. 

To reach the north tower elevator, walk inside the cathedral. After passing the information desk, the entrance will be just up ahead on the left. 

Location | Stephansplatz 8, 1010 Wien

Opening Times | 9 am – 8:30 pm

Entrance Fee | 6 EUR for Adults, 2.50 EUR for Children (ages 6 – 14)

Payment | Cash Only

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5. Bathe in the Thermal Waters of Therme Wien

A Therme is a spa complex with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam and Finnish saunas, resting and silent rooms, cafeterias, and wellness facilities. A Therme is a perfect place to unwind, read a book, get a massage and recover from a strenuous day of sightseeing.

Like most Thermal spa complexes, visitors pay an entrance fee for the main facilities (swimming zones) and an extra fee for the sauna area (adults only). The sauna is the best part, especially for those cold January days.

If you’re new to Therme culture, Therme Wien is a perfect place to start. There are many facilities, so you can easily spend a few hours or a full day here. Most sauna zones in Austrian Thermen are unisex and textile-free, meaning no bathing suits allowed. However, at Therme Wien, there’s a separate area for women only (Woohoo!). 

How to get to Therme Wien | Take subway line U1 (U-Bahn) to Oberlaa. It only takes 15 minutes to reach the Therme from the center of Vienna.

Opening Times | Opening Hours

Entrance Fees | Therme Wien Price List

Address | Kurbadstraße 14, 1100 Wien | Google Maps

More Thermal Spas in Austria | Aqua Dome in Tirol and Rogner Bad Blumau in Styria

Learn More: How to Visit an Austrian Therme

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6. Eat Coffee and Cake in a Traditional Vienna Coffee House

When it’s cold and gloomy outside in January, there’s no better place to be than in a traditional coffee house (Kaffeehaus in German).

Vienna’s coffee house scene is one of a kind. You can get excellent coffee all over the world, but in Vienna, it’s all about the atmosphere.

These coffee houses are considered the extended living rooms of the Viennese. You can linger all day in a Kaffeehaus with a book, or newspaper, and no one will tell you to move, pay, or buy another coffee. It’s all about slowing down and enjoying the fine art of coffee culture.

Because this topic deserves its own special post, we wrote you a guide on the Best Coffee Houses in Vienna. You’ll learn how to read a Viennese coffee menu and which coffee houses to visit.

These are our favorite coffee houses in Vienna:

Café Landtmann | Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien

Café Central | Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien

Café Sacher | Philharmonikerstrasse 4,1010 Wien

Café Hummel | Josefstädter Str. 66, 1080 Wien 

Café Demel | Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien

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7. Waltz through the Night at a Viennese Ball

The best thing to do in Vienna in January is to attend a ball … you know, the Cinderella kind.

Each year, Vienna hosts over 450 balls. This is how the Viennese celebrate Fasching (Carnival).

Though the season formally begins in November and ends on Ash Wednesday, January and February are “high season” for ball-goers. Each ball has a different theme, price point, dress code, etc.

We attended the LGBTQ Vienna Rainbow Ball.

If you want to experience a Viennese ball, buy your tickets early, adhere to the dress code (strictly enforced), bring cash, and learn how to waltz.

These are the most famous balls in Vienna:

Confectioners’ Ball in the Wiener Hofburg

Flower Ball in the Wiener Rathaus

Vienna Rainbow Ball in the Parkhotel Schönbrunn

Vienna Coffeehouse Owners’ Ball in the Wiener Hofburg

Opera Ball in the Vienna State Opera

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8. Listen to the Three Kings High Mass at the Augustinian Church

Augustinerkirche (the Augustinian Church) is a parish church located at Josefsplatz, next to the Hofburg. On Sundays, you can experience the Catholic High Mass. In this type of service, almost everything is sung.

We recommend attending a high mass at the Augustinian Church, because of the incredible orchestral and choral music. Each Sunday, the church choir, orchestra, and organ collectively create a sublime aural experience. It’s riveting!

If you’re keen on Christmas and Catholic holidays, try to catch the Dreikönigshochamt (Three Kings High Mass). In Austria, Three Kings Day marks the end of the Christmas season. 

Schedule | High Mass Schedule at Augustinerkirche. Here you can see what masses (music) are being performed on which days. E.g. WA Mozart: Small Credo Mass, J. Haydn: Nicolaimesse, G. Puccini: Messa di Gloria.

Time | Usually at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays (please double check). Arrive 20 minutes early to get a seat.

Entrance | Free. The church asks for a donation of 8 EUR to support the music and ongoing costs of maintaining an orchestra, soloists, organist, and conductor.

Address | Augustinerstraße 3, 1010 Wien (Josefsplatz) | Google Maps

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9. Schlumberger Cellar World: Wine Tasting and Tour

Did you kick off the New Year with a bottle of champagne? I certainly hope so. If you want to infuse your champagne drinking with extra knowledge, then head to Schlumberger Cellar World.

After touring the 300-year old sparkling wine cellars, you’ll have a sound understanding of how champagne is made and can casually toss around terms like cuvée, tirage, riddling, dégorgement and dosage. 

The Schlumberger Wine Cellars are actually the oldest sparkling wine cellars in Austria.

You can go to Schlumberger Cellar World and take a 50-minute audio tour that guides you through the cellars and the process of making bottle-fermented wine – the production method that Schlumberger has employed since the mid-1800s. It’s the same method used in Champagne, France. 

When the tour ends, the drinking begins! You can sample 3 of Schlumberger’s famous sparkling wines if you opt for the Connaisseur Tour. Reserve wines are also available by the glass (5 EUR), and by the bottle.

After visiting Schlumberger Cellar World, you’ll be convinced that sparkling wine isn’t just for celebratory occasions; it’s for all occasions.  

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Visiting Schlumberger Cellar World Info

The audio guide is available in 8 languages: German, English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese.

Opening Hours | Friday & Saturday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.).

After the (sparkling) tour, you’ll be a given a complimentary glass of Schlumberger. We recommend selecting either the Classic, Rosé or Connaisseur Tour. That way you can taste 3 different sparkling wines.

Entrance | Adults (from 11 EUR), Students & Seniors (from 8 EUR). Connaisseur Tour (20 EUR).

Make sure to bring your own headphones. Otherwise, you can rent headphones for 1 EUR.

How to Get to Schlumberger Cellar World | Take the subway line U4, or U6 to Spittelau station. From Spittelau, it’s a 2-minute walk.

Address | Heiligenstädter Strasse 39, 1190 Wien | Google Maps

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Keep Reading about Vienna and Winter Travel in Europe

• Vienna’s Hidden Gems & Best Kept Secrets
• Best Restaurants in Vienna
• Salzburg in December
• What is a Krampus Run
• Europe in Winter: Top Destinations

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