Known for classical music and a one-of-a-kind coffee culture, Vienna comes alive during the holiday season with a variety of Christmas Markets such as the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, the Cultural and Christmas Market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, the Art Advent on Karlsplatz, the Winter Market on Riesenradplatz, and the Christmas village on Maria Theresien Platz. These markets come alive with festive Advent concerts, Gospel evenings, and the star-studded "Christmas in Vienna" Gala at the Konzerthaus. After Christmas, these markets become New Year's Markets, and the Vienna Philharmonic hosts its New Year's Concert in the Musikverein's Golden Hall every New Year's Day.  While the city's annual Ball Season begins in January and runs through February, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to "Waltz in Vienna" at one of 450 imperial venues. 

Featuring a cuisine and coffee culture of its own, Vienna is an ideal destination for food, art, music, and history enthusiasts. From Viennese coffee houses (part of cultural heritage of UNESCO since 2011) where coffee drinks, pastries, and international newspapers can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. There are traditional coffee houses in the Old City, Viennese Concert Cafes with live music, Viennese Ice Cream Parlours, and new modern interpretations of the traditional coffee house throughout the city.

In addition to the coffee culture, Viennese cuisine is the only cuisine in the world named after a city, making it the perfect place for foodies to explore. There are 10 restaurants with a shared 14 Michelin Stars, and 127 Viennese restaurants currently hold coveted Gault & Millau food critic awards. One of the pioneers in vegetable and herb cuisine, The Steirereck, is ranked tenth on the list of "World's 50 Best Restaurants". 

Visitors can explore a thriving gallery scene, schedule private access tours to the city's world-class museums for special insights, or book a personal tour in a limousine or VW Beetle Convertible. For those that love to shop for unique items, the city's list of "Wien Products" includes artistic crafts such as custom-made shoes and chandeliers from some of the most prestigious boutiques in Vienna. There's also an array of Austrian fashion designers, as well as a new service with select hotels offering guests the opportunity to rent fashions from Viennese designers. 

Here are Five Top Luxury Hotels in Vienna:

1. Hotel Sacher Wien

Recognized for luxury and high class service, Hotel Sacher Wien was founded in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, son of the creator of the Original Sacher-Torte. Directly opposite the State Opera House and next to the Albertina Gallery, the historica hotel offers exclusive amenities, guest rooms and suites with noble carpets and mulberry silk wall papers, as well as the recently renovated Anna Sacher restaurant with golden highlights. Sacher Eck services culinary creations in a dynamic atmosphere where guests can enjoy the Original Sacher-Torte, which is also available in the Cafe Sacher and Sacher Stube.

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2. Park Hyatt Vienna

Set within a 100-year-old building in Vienna's first district, Park Hyatt Vienna is within walking distance of important sights, monuments, museums, and shopping. The Arany Spa has a 15-meter indoor pool, wet area with a sauna, steam bath, vitality showers, and sanarium, plus a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an array of spa treatments. There's family- and pet-friendly amenities, as well as the Cafe Am Hof coffee house, Bank Brasserie & Bar for dining, and the Living Room with whisky, cognac, and cigars. 

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3. Palais Coburg Residenz

Featuring historically significant Renaissance fortifications from the 16th century, the Palais Coburg Residenz offers 34 individualized suites each dedicated to members of the Sachsen-Coburg and Gotha family dynasty that played a signifant role in the history of the property. The Silvio Nickol Gourmet Restaurant is a two Michelin Star recipient, and there are six wine cellars with a combined 60,000 bottles. There's also a garden and spa with unique spaces for guests to explore. 

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4. Hotel Bristol Vienna

Built in 1892, the Hotel Bristol Vienna, A Luxury Hotel Collection is located in the heart of Vienna's cultural and business district. Offering Viennese charm with personalized service, rooms that face the Vienna State Opera are named after famous directors, and all accommodations have antiques mixed with modern comforts. The Bristol Lounge offers Art Deco ambiance, there's a winter garden with view on the Mahlerstrasses, and the Bristol Bar was the city's first American Bar. 

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5. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

Situated within four 19th century palaces, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is located on the iconic Ringstrasse, adjacent to the Stadtpark. Offering unique dining experiences, Dstrikt Steakhouse serves farm-to-table cuisine, and the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar provides skyline views and signature cocktails. The Ritz-Carlton Spa has six treatment rooms and personalized services, there's a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the 18-meter indoor pool has underwater music. 

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