Meet the New Year in Vienna

Tired of meeting the New Year at home in front of the TV? Then change the usual battle of chimes and the President's greetings to the festive fireworks and the rhythms of waltzes in a romantic city on the Danube! The new year in Vienna - 2014 - justified its expectations. As always, the whole old city turned into a huge entertainment area. A lot of restaurants and pubs open their doors to visitors with pleasure. The Christmas market is very happy. It is the oldest in Europe and, according to the chronicles, has existed since the XIII century.

In addition to the market where you can make a fascinating shopping and taste authentic Austrian dishes with 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 hours on December 31 and until two on the night of January 1, there are always various entertainment events here. The program involves famous DJs, the National Philharmonic Orchestra plays. New Year in Vienna can be found on the "Classic mile" along Graben street or in the famous opera, where on this night the operetta "The Bat" is traditionally staged. In 2014, the premiere of the musical "Elizabeth" was also held.

The new year in Vienna is marked by the blows of the largest bell "Pummerin" on the tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stefanplatz square). Next is a festive fireworks show. They can admire the square Heldenplatz, in the Prater. But it is even better to do this with a giant ferris wheel or from the side of a motor ship slowly plying the Danube. By the way, about the ships. A lot of boats offer a festive dinner and an entertainment program in their floating restaurants. A real chic palace on wheels - the train "Majestic Emperor" - also invites passengers to make an exclusive tour in this unique night.

New Year in Vienna can be found in the best traditions of Kaiser Austria. The gala concert and ball pass in the Town Hall, in the residence of the Hofburg emperors. Tickets must be booked in advance - in the fall. The dress code - evening dresses for women and tuxedos or tailcoats for men - is mandatory. Prices for the "Great Ball" in the Hofburg vary depending on which menu you order dinner, in which halls of the residence will take place your feast. Luxury hotels in the Austrian capital do not lag behind the key historical places. And also offer to spend this magic night in the halls of their restaurants. New Year in Vienna can be found under the roof of hotels Sacher 5 *, Grand Hotel 5 *, Arcotel Wimberger 4 *, in the restaurant "Kardosh", in the wine tavern Bach Hengl and other establishments. A hangover breakfast is traditionally held on the square in front of the Town Hall.

Russian travel companies often throw out offers to celebrate the New Year in Vienna. A week-long tour can include both a festive night and various excursions. Travelers will not only get to know the capital of waltzes, but also visit interesting cities in 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 in one of the ski resorts in Austria.