Things to do in Vienna, Austria
Vienna comes alive in late November with glowing Christmas markets, imperial palaces, celebrated museums, traditional coffeehouses, and unforgettable food and music. Make the most of your trip to the 2026 WFT International Championships and discover everything the city has to offer.
Christmas Markets
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a major part of the holiday season, transforming historic squares and palace grounds into festive markets filled with lights, traditional Austrian food, warm drinks, handmade gifts, ice skating and holiday displays. With markets throughout the city, including at City Hall, Schönbrunn Palace, and Belvedere Palace, the WFT International Championships take place right in the heart of one of Vienna’s most celebrated times of year.
- Rathausplatz: Vienna’s largest and most iconic market, with festive lights, gifts, food, hot punch, and ice skating. This Christmas Market is only 12 minutes from the venue!
- Schönbrunn Palace: Christmas stalls in an imperial palace setting. Combine it with a palace tour. This Christmas Market is 17 minutes from the venue.
Other Christmas Markets:
- Belvedere Palace: A beautiful palace backdrop that pairs perfectly with a visit to Klimt’s The Kiss. This Christmas Market is only 6 minutes from the venue.
- Spittelberg: A more intimate market spread through narrow historic streets, known for crafts and local products. This Christmas Market is 14 minutes from the venue.
- Art Advent at Karlsplatz: One of the best choices for handmade art, crafts, and creative gifts. This Christmas Market is 12 minutes from the venue.
- Stephansplatz: Located beside St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the historic center. This Christmas Market is 16 minutes from the venue.
- Freyung and Am Hof: Two traditional markets within an easy walk of each other in central Vienna. This Christmas Market is 15 minutes from the venue.
- Winter Market at the Prater: Food, entertainment, and the Giant Ferris Wheel. This Christmas Market is 13 minutes from the venue.
All these markets are scheduled to be open during the tournament. Exact hours are available from the official Vienna Christmas market guide.
Classic Vienna Experiences
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Walk through the historic center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former Habsburg summer residence. Advance tickets are recommended. Schönbrunn information
- Visit the Upper Belvedere to see Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Belvedere information
- Explore the Hofburg, Ringstrasse, Vienna State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall.
- Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater.
- Visit the Albertina, Kunsthistorisches Museum, or MuseumsQuartier on a cold or rainy afternoon. Albertina information
Food And Coffee
- Wiener schnitzel
- Tafelspitz
- Käsekrainer
- Kaiserschmarrn
- Apfelstrudel
- Sachertorte
- Glühwein or Christmas punch
- A Viennese Melange in a traditional coffeehouse
Vienna’s coffeehouses are part of the city’s cultural identity and are especially inviting in November. Vienna coffeehouse guide
More Ideas
- Browse the food stalls and restaurants at Naschmarkt. Its regular market is closed Sundays, although restaurants may open separately. Naschmarkt information
- Attend an opera, ballet, or classical concert.
- Tour the Musikverein or attend a performance in its Golden Hall. Musikverein information
- Visit a traditional Heuriger wine tavern.
- Take an evening walk through the decorated city center.
Visit Slovakia (~45min drive / bus / train ride)
Just across the border from Vienna, Bratislava offers an easy way to experience Slovakia during your trip. Downtown Vienna and downtown Bratislava are only about an hour apart by train or bus, making it a simple day trip. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Town, visit Bratislava Castle overlooking the Danube, enjoy Slovak food and cafés, and add another country and capital city to your European experience.
Want the inside scoop on where to go, what to eat, or how to make the most of a day in Slovakia? Just ask Iveta Moore - originally from Slovakia! She will be happy to point you in the right direction. :)