On arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide Elisabeth Wolf, who will accompany you throughout your tour. As you begin to explore the district's medieval alleyways, Elisabeth's experienced eye will quickly discern your own personal interests and show you a curated selection of the trendiest spots from her own list. These will include her favourite coffee houses and shops - from jaw-droppingly high-end to wickedly pop-up - genuinely classy souvenirs, and opportunities to visit and view Vienna's countless centres of design, music and the arts, old and new.

Along the way, Elisabeth will share with you her unrivalled knowledge of some of the capital's best-kept secrets. You can include one museum or historic site in your wish-list to visit on your first day, combining your chosen site with the Altstadt's hidden delights, enabling you to orient yourself perfectly and tick off your personal to-do list with your very own guide.
You can include one museum or historic site in your wish-list. These may include the Hofburg Palace, Imperial State Rooms and Sisi Museum, St. Stephens Cathedral, the Austrian National Library, Treasury, Kunsthistorisches Museum and a host of other sites.

What you'll see: Vienna's historic city centre district, the Altstadt, bustling thoroughfares such as Kärntner Strasse, Kohlmarkt and Graben, together with the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Plague Column, State Opera and Albertina (all viewed externally), and a host of hidden nooks and crannies. You'll also have the opportunity to visit one museum of your choice (entry included).
Guided tour minimum of 4 hours in duration, including one museum or historic site.

Photography: Artissimi (1 & 3), Claudia Blake Photography (2)

Explore Vienna's medieval alleyways, adorable coffee houses, enchanting courtyards and even a natural monument! Hear about Vienna's first fitness center, how the coffee came to Vienna or how Wolfgang Amadé Mozart lost his job...

See St. Stephen's cathedral with its magic roof (outside) and maybe even a falcon flying over your heads...
Optional: inside visit of St. Stephen's cathedral

Photography: Artissimi (3), Claudia Blake Photography (1 & 2)

One good example is the shop of former court purveyor, Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe, whose beautiful textiles await your delectation now as they did the royal family centuries ago. Then there is the world-famous jeweller A. E. Köchert, which is managed and owned by the sixth consecutive generation of the Köchert family. Shoe manufacturer Scheer has a similarly glittering history, having been in business since 1816 and owned by the Scheer family for the past seven generations.

One of our most exclusive tours: and because this is Artissimi, of course, we will even be invited inside for a look behind the scenes.

Photography: Artissimi (3), Claudia Blake Photography (1 & 2)

This exclusive private tour of St. Stephen's Cathedral, a true gem nestled in the heart of Vienna, will let you experience this iconic landmark like never before. With privileged access, venture beneath its majestic roof to discover a world reserved for the select few. Get to see an unparalleled vista, where the panoramic view of Vienna unfolds before your eyes in all its grandeur. 

But the journey doesn't end there. Delve deeper into the cathedra's storied past into the sacred depths of its crypt and feel over 800 years of history, including some resting places reserved for emperors and dignitaries of old. 

No wonder, this is one of Artissimi's best-selling private tours!

Our walk takes us to the Viennese spaces in which the genius worked, clashed with those who did not comprehend his art, flirted with scandal and IT-girls, loved to live and also passed away.
We visit the world’s greatest collection of Klimt oil paintings at the Upper Belvedere, the renowned Beethoven Frieze at the Secession and his final studio, recreated at the Klimt Villa in the residential district moments from Schönbrunn Palace.
We move on to the Museum of Applied Arts to view the drawings that became Klimt’s contribution to the mosaic frieze at the dining hall of the Palais Stoclet in Brussels, and finally visit the XL mural of Klimt by Brazilian street artist Kobra.
WALKING WITH KLIMT VIDEO
Our bespoke private tours may take in the following sites:

• Belvedere, one of the world's largest Klimt collections
• Secession, The Beethoven Frieze
• Burgtheater, ceiling fresco, Main Staircase
• Kunsthistorisches Museum, ceiling fresco, Main Staircase
• MAK (Musem of Applied Arts)
• Klimt Villa, his final studio
• Wien Museum (currently closed): portrait of Emilie Flöge
• Theater Museum: Nuda Veritas
• Hietzing Cemetery: Klimt's final resting place
• Wiedner Hauptstrasse, XL mural of Klimt and his cat by street artist Kobra
• and so much more...

Depending on the weather and time available to us, we can organise a wonderful tour of Vienna, exploring this ground breaking period in intimate detail and taking in the following gems:

• The Otto Wagner houses on Wienzeile
• Secession, including the Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt
• The Café Museum and Palmenhaus at the Hofburg
• Looshaus on Michaelerplatz
• Artaria Haus on Kohlmarkt
• The Engel Apotheke
• The Zacherlhaus on Tuchlauben
• Knize at Graben

Photography: Artissimi

You will encounter exciting architecture, "Poldi" the whale, Roman excavations, the old station Südbahnhof, the IT Girl Emilie Flöge as well as the baroque fountain "Providenzia". Who knows, maybe you'll find your new favorite piece in new splendor.
Architecture and the view from the new terrace are spectacular!
We would be happy to tailormake your personal tour through this highlight of Vienna's museun world...

Photography: Wien Museum, Kollektiv Fischka

As you traverse the streets of the 7th district, the names themselves reveal traces of old professions and business tucked away in courtyards, offering a journey back in time. Embark on a walk through history, from Seidengasse, where Emperor Joseph once tilled the fields, to Brilliantengrund, where affluent factory owners made their mark through silk production...

The pinnacle of this experience could be a private tour through one of the world's most magnificent silbersmiths: Jorosinski and Vaugoin (pictured) in Vienna, conducted by the proprietor himself!

Photography: Artissimi

Whether serving as a film location or the birthplace of numerous careers, Vienna has a rich cinematic history. Did you know that the soundtrack of Casablanca originated from Praterstrasse? Beyond being an ideal film set for Hollywood, Vienna's residents have also graced the screen. Some ventured to Hollywood, and even the music of the Danube metropolis contributed to film history!

Embark on a journey tracing the footsteps from Schwarzenbergplatz to Stadtpark, unfolding a cinematic exploration that culminates at one of our city's biggest movie starts: the Giant Ferris Wheel.

Our "Hollywood team" comprises several Artissimi guides, some boasting years of experience in the film industry. They have guided film personalities and movie starts through Vienna, maybe they will share with you some "Behind the Scenes" stories...

Extend your experience with options like visiting the "Third Man Museum" with a private tour or a private ride with the Ferris Wheel.

Photography: Vienna Film Commission (1), Claudia Blake Photography (2 & 3)

 

The rich history of the Austrian Monarchy, with its diverse population of approx. 54 million from various nations in the 19th century, has left a lasting impact on the city's culinary landscape.

Venturing through Vienna's winding streets and hidden courtyards, you will uncover the secrets of the "Eismeile", learning about the fascinating history of ice production dating back to the 19th century, including Empress Sissi's favourite treats. 

Along the way, you might visit unique shops specializing in Viennese chocolate, tea, coffee, immersing in the cit's vibrant gastronomic scene and experience or learn about Kaiserschmarren, Wienerschnitzel and of course "Gspritzter".

Your journey might culminate in a visit to a Roman Cellar, where you will savour some of the finest wines produced in Vienna's local vineyards to this day. Join in on an unforgettable culinary experience, celebrating the rich flavours and heritage of Vienna.

Many possible programs and visits depending on time and buget. 

This area not only housed the residence of Dr. Sigmund Freud, but was also home to other notable personalities such as the Liechtensteins, Szeps or Festetics families. Settlement in this region was facilitated after the Turkish wars, largely influenced by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Join us on a city walk that will lead you from psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud's practice through the Serviten and surrounding neighbourhood. Discover the origin of names like Porzellangasse, learn that the Strudelhofstiege has nothing to do with food and anticipate exploring the extensive baroque gardens of the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, one of the city's most stunning baroque palaces. 

If possible, conclude the walk in the royal fashion by enjoying the gardens or the Vinothek of the Liechtenstein palace. 
Additionally suggested visits include the Sigmund Freud Museum and the Liechtenstein Garden Palace.

Here is a video to set the mood!

Photography: Artissimi

Vienna once stood as one of Europe's largest Jewish communities, a vibrand hub pulsating with cultural and intellectual vitality. Often evoked as "Jewish Vienna". Particularly at the turn of the century, it proudly boasted its status as not only one of Europe's largest, but indeed the foremost German-speaking Jewish community.

The rich tapestry of Vienna's history intricately intertwines with the narrative of its Jewish inhabitants, a relationship dating back to the medieval ages. By the dawn of the 20th century, the Jewish upper class had significantly shaped Vienna's cultural landscape, propelling music, the arts and intellectual discourse to unprecedented height, their influence resonating far beyond the city's border.
Yet, this legacy is not without its shadows. The horrors of the Holocaust, the subsequent struggle for restitution and compensation and the evolution of contemporary Jewish life all find resonance in the narrative of Vienna.

Embark with us on a journey through the city's streets, where tales of Billy Wilder's coffee rendezvous, the genesis of the first Christmas tree in a Jewish household and the enigmatic connection of a wooden horse await discovery.

For those eager to delve deeper, Vienna offers a plethora of sightseeing options and resources:

• Jewish Museum Dorotheergasse and
• Jewish Museum Judenplatz with its excavations of the medieval synagogue
• The sacred grounds of the Zentralfriedhof, encompassing both the old and new Jewish sections alongside the
• historic Rossau Cemetery, the oldest Jewish burial ground in the city
• Siegmund Freud Museum
• Viktor Frankl Zentrum
• Jewish Welcome Service Vienna, extending hospitality and support to Vienna's Jewish community and visitors alike.
• Documentation Center of Austrian Resistance (DÖW), preserving the memory of those who resisted tyranny
• Vienna Film Commission and
• Jewish Film Festival, celebrating the vibrant cinematic heritage of the city and its Jewish contributors
• and much more

The delicious tradition we know and love as ‟Viennese Coffee House Culture” has been listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011. Stefan Zweig once described the Viennese Coffee House as an "institution of a special kind", and Peter Altenberg even had his mail delivered to his local café.
Palaces were equally important in the past, of course. When the Habsburg Empire was at its height, every noble family had to have one, ideally very close to the Emperor’s home. One might bump into the Emperor himself, by useful accident ...

Join us on a guided tour of Vienna’s old town district, and hear about the literature and music inspired by the coffee house, Apfelstrudel and melange, the origins of the Schanigarten, Punschkrapfen and more. Take a walk along the beautiful Herrengasse, where palaces and coffee houses battle for much sought-after space to this day. As you go, learn about when a women was finally allowed to ‟be” at a coffee house, and how many newspapers Café Central had in the past.
And do you know why one notable café had to have an encyclopaedia as well as the daily papers? Join us to find out!

"I would rather suffer with coffee than be senseless"
Napoleon Bonaparte

Photography: Artissimi (2 & 3), Claudia Blake Photography (1)

Explore the final resting places of renowned musicians, actors, artists and designers such as Hedi Lamarr, Fred Adlmüller, Franz West, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss as well as Falco and Udo Jürgens. 
Additional highlights include the Funeral Museum (admission), the Art Nouveau "Memorial Church" designed by Max Hegele and the ancient Jewish cemetery.
The natural surroundings are equally fascinating, with the chance to encounter free-roaming deer or a few rabbits - don't forget your camera!

VIDEO TO GET IN THE MOOD!

Photography: Artissimi (2), Claudia Blake Photography (1 & 3)

Walking through the old town, you will see some of the eldest highlights as well as drinking fountains, water sculturs, Italian fountains and more...

Perhaps you already know where "Hoch zu Wasser" or the "Kreisky Fountain" can be found? Or that Prince Eugene of Savoy hired a "Garcon Fontanier" to fascinate his guests with water features? 
We will of course also pay a visit to the Volksgarten, the bigest rose collection in Europe, where hopefully also Elisabeth's rose will be in full bloom, but this is another story...

If the weather is fine, you can make the perfect ending in the newly acquired Meierei!
April to October
Here's a video to get you in the mood:

Photography: Artissimi

The tour starts with an exclusive inside tour of the still existing stock exchange for agricultural products in Taborstraße. From there, the tour continues into the first district to former major banks, stock exchanges and the Wiener Bankverein.

Follow in the footsteps of the Rothschild banking house with Elisabeth Wolf and hear stories of cash associations and national banks. Discover safes in supermarkets and drink coffee in the cashier's hall of the former Escompte Society, or do you already know where that is? 
And if you are curious enough, Artissimi, as always, has plenty of tips for visiting and reading.

Photography: Artissimi

Walls across Vienna have been specially marked out by the city government for artists from across the world identifying them as spaces to create daring and groundbreaking street art in the Austrian Austrian capital. Elisabeth Wolf has been researching this area of art for many years now, has participated in tours in a range of different countries, and hosted a variety of workshops on street art As a result, Elisabeth now boast profound experience in the field, which has made this particular tour a huge success. This tour takes you to the most amazing walls in Vienna, to view work by local and international artists, as well as along the Donaukanal, a famous area for spraying. You will learn about the techniques, books and festivals involved, and hear the story of how the street art that made it from the streets of '80s New York to the White House then crossed the Atlantic to Europe, before returning, refreshed to North America. Taking pictures on this tour is an absolute must.
If you would like to get a feel for street art before viewing the real thing, then check out Thomas Grötschnig's highly accessible book and online guide to the subject, "Vienna Murals" or @viennamurals.

Photography: Artissimi

By the end of the nineteenth century, Vienna was rapidly becoming the perfect backdrop to the innovative ideas of architect and urban planner Otto Wagner, born in the city in 1841. The functional and floral buildings Wagner brought to life in his projects continue to define the look and feel of Vienna to this day, and it is no exaggeration to describe the Austrian capital as a vast and timeless exhibition of the great man's achievements.

Photography: Artissimi

Participants can rent a castle and enjoy a private tour in the highly exclusive company of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka...

Photography: Claudia Blake Photography courtesy Belvedere

Combine a visit to a magical palace with one of Vienna's most charming Christmas markets - an amazing experience for everyone in the family, art lovers included!

All those romantics amongst you may well enjoy the highlight palace tour more, as you look forward to the Christkind arriving...

Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has to be one of the highlights of any visit to Vienna, and offers endless possibilities. This must-see tour focuses on the history of Empress Maria Theresia and her family. Our favourites include the Chinese Cabinets, and of course the Great Gallery. The visit also includes a room entirely dedicated to Napoleon's son, Napoleon II Franz, as well as another to Karl, Austria's last Emperor. We promise the Little Amadeus, the vast golden bed and the Millions Room are experiences that will stay with you forever! 

A garden tour (or alternatively, a visit to Schönbrunn Zoo) could be another highlight... The Christmas Market is one of the buzziest in Vienna, and the perfect place to find some unique Christmas gifts (many of which will be handmade in Austria). And at the end of the day, you can enjoy some well-deserved hot punch and tasty Austrian treats to get you into the Christmas mood...

Travel: By public transport, taxi or private car
Minimum duration: 3 hours

Benefits to you: The must-see tour can only be booked through your guide, and means endless queuing isn't an issue - quite simply the best Christmas tour of Vienna you'll find!

The 2022 Schönbrunn Christmas Market can be enjoyed from mid November until January.
Click here for further details...

The altar at the museum of the Scottish Abbey in Vienna shows the oldest view of the city in existence, one of the most impressive and valuable pieces of its time. The artist, who lived in the Middle Ages, is unknown to this day, and continues to guard his secrets well. One of the few things we do know is that he has had a huge influence on artists throughout the region and beyond. A walk through the surrounding area then enables participants to follow the trails of the Byzantine Princesses who brought art and music to Vienna during the Babenberg period. This walk is particularly enjoyable during the winter months, and can be booked as a unique Christmas treat.
Photograph: Museum Schottenstift, Vienna

Are you one of the millions of passionate fans of classical music around the world who has often wondered how and why Vienna became the unmatched world capital of great musical art over the centuries? Have you heard the story of the leading composer who was an equally talented artist? Or that several members of the Austrian imperial royal family were also highly-regarded composers?
If hearing these stories (and many others) told by friendly and knowledgeable expert guides, in the company of like-minded individuals from around the world, while making your way through the Austrian capital’s winding cobbled lanes, back alleys and quiet squares – the spaces where those sounds and techniques evolved down the centuries – sounds like a recipe for your perfect cultural and musical mix, then read on!

Our tour begins at the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s truly great opera houses, with fascinating history (and perfect acoustics) oozing out of its every nook and cranny. The State Opera first opened its doors in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan(Don Giovanni). Musical sightseeing will be very much the order of the day, accompanied by myriad stories of famous (and less well-known) musicians including Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Salieri, Pietro Metastasio, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler, Johann Strauss and others – all of whom lived and worked in Vienna during their careers.

The Jesuit Church is widely viewed as one of the most beautiful churches in the Austrian capital. A true Baroque highlight, the building provides a breathtaking backdrop to a presentation by much-admired international organist Peter Frisée.
As anyone fortunate enough to have attended one of Artissimi’s beautifully designed high-end tours over the years will tell you, there is nothing we enjoy more than to show you sides of Vienna and its rich history the untrained eye would never see – the great city’s hidden treasures. With this founding principle in mind, we will be taking the church’s old stairs up to the Organ Loft, before sitting back, closing our eyes and allowing the exhilarating organ performance to wash over us. The organ itself is a fabulous French concert organ – one of the best in use anywhere in modern Vienna. More exciting still, we will be seated high up in the Baroque heavens. Finally, to bring the day to a fitting end, we shall have the rare opportunity to attend a private organ concert inside the church.

Peter Frisée, Organist
Born in Graz, Peter Frisée studied under Ernst Triebel, Michael Kapsner and Roman Summereder. Since graduating with honours, he has complemented this training with a range of courses and master classes. Frisée has won prizes in a series of international competitions, worked as the organist at Vienna’s Erlöserkirche (Church of the Redeemer) Am Schüttel, and held the office of Choirmaster for the Deanery of the Second District of Vienna since 2004. Frisée launched Graz’s Mariatrost Organ Festival, founded the Culture at the Prater series, and began his continuing activities for the Concilium musicum Vienna and the Haydn Society of Vienna in 2008. He used to work as consultant for church music of the Archdiocese of Vienna, and has been artistic director of The Organ Festival in Vienna since 2012. Frisée’s activities are rounded off by concerts as a soloist and ensemble musician on both organ and harpsichord in Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Far East, alongside teaching work, publications and productions on recording media, television and radio. Frisée also works as a presenter for cultural trips and on Radio Klassik Stephansdom ("Orgel City Vienna”).

Photography: Claudia Blake Photogtaphy

From Leschanz Chocolate to Horn Leather, "Maroni" Roasters, and Lederhosen, you'll encounter not only unique shops but also the Christkindlmarkt at Hof, Vienna's oldest Christmas market. You'll hear about old customs and love stories, about "Lösseln" and fig bread, and of course, how the Christmas tree found its way to Vienna.
Elisabeth Wolf, an enthusiastic Vienna shopper, will guide you on her newly designed "Christmas Shopping Tour" through Vienna. She's excited to share some of her secrets with you, so you too can surprise your loved ones with the most beautiful gifts or small treasures. After all, we know that luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag!
Illustration: Viola Li