Vienna Christmas Markets

shopndrop · 12 October 2005 at 9:00AM

Thinking of going to Vienna for Christmas Market at beginning of December. Is it worth a visit? Any hotel recommendations?

gooismeid · 12 October 2005 at 9:48AM

ja, bestimmt. It's definitely worth a visit - there are several places around the city where there are Christmas markets, and it's very jolly (especially after several cups of gluhwein). The absolute nicest hotel in Vienna is the Hotel Triest, which is pretty close to the centre, but it's also very pricey (worth checking on some of the last-minute hotel sites though). If you can get a cheap deal I'd really recommend it. NB the majority of shops in Vienna will be closed on Sundays but the markets (and cafes) are most definitely open!

shopndrop · 12 October 2005 at 10:35AM

Thanks for the advice about shops being closed on Sundays. We were thinking of arriving Sat and leaving Monday. Any idea if shops close early on Saturday?

gooismeid · 12 October 2005 at 12:16PM

The Austrians aren't quite as uptight as the Germans so shops are usually open on Sat afternoon. And it's not as if EVERYTHING is closed on Sunday - cafes and bars and stuff are all open.