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Vienna, Austria City Guide

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Vienna Meeting Planning

Vienna Skyline

It was once said that all roads lead to Rome, but in Austria, all roads lead to Vienna. Located in the heart of Europe, this capital city is an extremely accessible location by plane, car or train. The Vienna International Airport connects travelers with over 180 destinations worldwide, while train stations shuttle passengers to and from major European cities. Meanwhile, a modern public transportation network eases any confusion over inner-city travel. In fact, Vienna's public transport services, comprising nearly 70 kilometers, are known to be among the best in Europe.

Accessibility is one of many reasons that Vienna has been a top choice for meetings throughout history. Its role as a conference site dates back centuries to when it hosted the famous Congress of Vienna peace talks in 1815. Though its meetings infrastructure has certainly modernized since then, the city has not lost its reputation as a first-class host. It now sees over 1,700 events annually, including those held by prestigious groups such as OPEC and the United Nations. It has also maintained a top spot on the International Congress and Convention Association's list of top conference destinations for many years.

Donau City

Among the most notable traditional meeting facilities in the city, the Austria Center Vienna boasts 17 meeting spaces of various size, from the 4,000-square-meter Exhibition Hall X to the more intimate Green Level lounges, which offer anywhere from 92 to 540 square meters of space. The Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center boasts 55,000 square meters of exhibition space, as well as a convenient location within walking distance of 500 hotel rooms.

Meanwhile, self-described as "Europe's first address," the Hofburg Congress Center features over 30 meeting rooms. A former imperial residence, the Hofburg's halls have hosted weddings of emperors and international dignitaries. Today, events ranging from concerts by the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra to international medical symposiums are given the royal treatment.

A number of other museums and palaces are also on hand to give events and meetings a taste of Viennese opulence. The Palais Ferstel and Palais Daun-Kinsky, breathtaking pieces of Wilhelminian and Baroque architecture, are capable of hosting events of 20 to 750 people. The red-brick Vienna Stock Exchange, one of the most notable structures on Vienna's famous Ringstrasse, is an elegant backdrop for events of 50 to 580 guests.

Danube River

Events in Vienna need not be all pomp and circumstance. Kick back with cocktails on a cruise offered on one of six ships sailed by the DDSG Blue Danube. A whimsical dedication to Vienna's musical heritage, the Haus der Musik is another innovative space for receptions and presentations.

Thanks to its role as the 3rd United Nations city after Geneva and New York, its reputation as one of Europe's safest and greenest cities, and its central European location, Vienna is an hub for business and culture. The 10th largest city by population in the European Union, Vienna's economy relies greatly on the banking, insurance and manufacturing sectors; corporate conventions and conferences are also major contributors. The city is home several universities and international schools, including the prestigious University of Vienna.

Key Statistics

About Vienna / Additional Info

Innere Stadt, Vienna's 1st District

From its origins as a Roman defensive outpost in the first century AD, Vienna has evolved into one of the world's grandest cities. It was the resident city of the famed Hapsburg Dynasty, and later became the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire. It has gone through many incarnations, from thriving as the resident city of the illustrious Hapsburgs to regaining its independence following German occupation during World War II. Today, Vienna's 2.3 million residents continue to celebrate their colorful past in a number of storied attractions.

Certainly one aspect of Vienna's rich heritage that cannot go unnoticed is that of music. The once-undisputed music capital of the world, Vienna was home to luminaries such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Although they are gone, their music is not, as the city offers a number of ways to connect to these musical greats. At Mozarthaus Vienna, guests explore Mozart's former apartment and learn about his time in Vienna and major works. Or, experience live music at the State Opera HouseState Opera House
State Opera House, one of the busiest opera houses in the world with approximately 200 performances each year.

Hofburg Imperial Palace

However they are enjoyed, the sounds of waltzes and concertos are a fitting soundtrack to this regal city, ruled by the House of Hapsburg for six centuries. In fact, it was the patronage of the Hapsburgs that drew many musical prodigies to Vienna. Today the legacy they left behind continues to draw visitors from across the globe who want to see the majestically-designed palaces and awe-inspiring churches built during their reign.

 Schönbrunn PalaceSchönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, purchased as a hunting ground by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II, now offers unparalleled insight into the lives, parties and memorable moments of imperial family members. Or, visit the Vienna Hofburg, one-time winter residence of the Hapsburgs and now home to the imperial silver collection and a museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth.

Despite its grandeur, Vienna is not a stranger to leisure and relaxation. Taking a few moments – or hours – to "sit and sip" at a Viennese coffeehouse is a celebrated tradition and a must-do for any guest. Grab a table at one of the many 19th century cafes such as Café Hawelka, known as one of the city's most famous intellectual cafes. Or, find great java and perhaps even inspiration at Café Central, a favorite of writer and poet Peter Altenberg and one of the most famous coffeehouses in Vienna.

Non-coffee lovers need not worry about missing out on a Viennese specialty, however. The city is well-known for a number of other food and drink options. Wiener schnitzel, a flat, breaded veal cutlet fried in clarified butter, and Tafelspitz, lean boiled beef, are among the many Viennese favorites served at traditional establishments such as Restaurant Korso.

Those with a sweet tooth can indulge at one of Vienna's popular ice cream parlors or bakeries, which uphold the city's long tradition of cakes and desserts. At the Sacher Hotel, guests can savor the world-famous Sachertorte, a dry chocolate cake served with apricot jam. It's a rich indulgence that will undoubtedly have guests coming back for more – the same of which can be said for Vienna itself.