Tired of celebrating New Year at home in front of the TV? Then change the usual chime of the chimes and the greeting of the President to the festive fireworks and the rhythms of the waltzes in the romantic city on the Danube! New Year in Vienna - 2014 - lived up to its expectations. As always, the whole old city has become a huge entertainment venue. Many restaurants and pubs are happy to open their doors to visitors. The Christmas market joyfully rustles. It is the oldest in Europe and, according to the annals, has existed since the 13th century.
In addition to the market, where you can make an exciting shopping experience and taste truly Austrian dishes with a hot punch or mulled wine, you should also visit the “New Year's Trail”. This very popular route passes through the Old Town and Prater. Half a day, from fourteen o'clock on December 31 to two in the morning on January 1, various entertainment events are constantly held here. The program involves famous DJs, plays the National Philharmonic Orchestra. New Year's Eve in Vienna can be celebrated at the Classical Mile along Graben Street or at the famous opera, where the bat operetta is traditionally staged that night. In 2014, the premiere of the musical Elizabeth was also held.
New Year in Vienna is marked by the blows of the largest bell "Pummerin" on the tower
of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stefanplatz square). This is followed by a festive fireworks show. You can admire them at Heldenplatz, in Prater. But it’s even better to do it from a giant Ferris wheel or from the side of a ship slowly cruising along the Danube. Speaking of ships. Many ships offer a gala dinner and an entertainment program at their floating restaurants. A real chic palace on wheels - the Majestic Emperor train - also invites passengers to take an exclusive tour on this unique night.
New Year in Vienna can be met in the best traditions of Kaiser Austria. A gala concert and ball are held at the Town Hall, in the residence of the Hofburg Emperors. Tickets there must be booked in advance - in the fall. Dress code - evening dresses for women and tuxedos or tailcoats for men - required. The prices for the “Big Ball” in Hofburg vary depending on which menu you order dinner in, in which halls of the residence your feast will be held. Luxury hotels in the Austrian capital do not lag behind key historical places. And they also offer to spend this magical night in the halls of their restaurants. New Year's Eve in Vienna can be seen under the roof of the Sacher 5 *, Grand Hotel 5 *, Arcotel Wimberger 4 * hotels, the Kardosh restaurant, the Bach Hengl wine tavern and other establishments. A hungover breakfast is traditionally held in the square in front of the Town Hall.
Russian travel companies often “throw out” offers to celebrate the New Year in Vienna. A weekly tour may include a holiday night or various excursions. Travelers not only learn closer the capital of the Waltzes, but also visit interesting cities of Austria - Salzburg, Baden, Lichtenstein Castle, Heiligenkreuz Monastery and other key places. You can combine your vacation in such a way that before or after the celebration of the New Year you can spend some more time at one of the ski resorts in Austria.