If you’re booking your autumn vacation in Europe between late September and early October, focus on Vienna. The Austrian capital is transforming into the capital of design these weeks, and from September 26th to October 5th, it will host the Vienna Design Week Festival . Since art cities are always the ideal destination for September vacations, combining the historical and artistic beauty of this capital with a modern and exciting festival will make your stay more dynamic and interesting. As Karl Kraus said, “In Vienna, the streets are paved with culture”… and there’s nothing better than strolling through them with this feeling.
Getting to Vienna and enjoying it
Vienna is easily accessible by both airplane and train. If you arrive by airplane, Vienna International Airport (VIE) is well connected to the city center by both public transportation and rental taxis, convenient private chauffeur-driven transportation like ours. Options include airport buses and ÖBB Railjet trains, which connect the airport to Vienna’s main train station. However, due to rail network construction scheduled for summer 2026, it’s advisable to check updated connections before departure.
Once you arrive in the city, the most convenient way to explore Vienna is by public transportation. The network, including the subway, trams, and buses, is very efficient. The subway is particularly useful for quickly reach the main tourist areas, while trams allow you to admire the city during the journey. The historic core can also be explored comfortably on foot, strolling among monuments, squares, and historic buildings. For those who wish to use public transportation frequently, there are day tickets and the Vienna City Card, which also offers discounts on numerous attractions. We emphasize, however, that using a private vehicle with a driver allows you to move more freely, going directly from festival events to historical and artistic tours.
The Design Festival
We read on the event’s official website that “Vienna Design Week is Austria’s most important, multidisciplinary and curated design festival”. It’s not just about product design; it also addresses questions and concerns about the purpose of projects, the role of designers, and how to make design increasingly integrated into society and real life. Since 2006, this festival has been a benchmark in the design scene—both in Vienna and across Europe. Organized by an independent association, the festival includes around 200 events and welcomes 40,000 visitors each year.
In 2026, the festival celebrates its first twenty years. It does so with dozens of exhibitions, installations, workshops, conferences, and guided tours, involving designers, artists, companies, museums, and cultural institutions. Themes range from product and furniture design to graphics, architecture, social design, and sustainability. Of particular importance is the dialogue between tradition and innovation, which highlights both Viennese craftsmanship and new ideas. The event thus allows visitors to discover design not only as an aesthetic, but also as a tool for interpreting and improving contemporary society.
The beauty of this event is that it takes place in various locations across the capital, thus “forcing” participants to take a nice guided tour of Vienna while they search for their destination.
How can you not fall in love with Vienna?
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Situated on the banks of the Danube, it is famous for its history, elegant palaces, classical music, and numerous museums. The city combines the charm of the past with modernity, offering visitors a wealth of things to see.
One of the city’s most important and iconic sites is undoubtedly Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. The palace is surrounded by splendid gardens and is a must-see attraction, along with the beautiful Hofburg Palace, located in the historic center, which was the residence of the Austrian emperors for centuries. Today, it houses museums and important institutions. In the very heart of the city is also St. Stephen’s Cathedral, recognizable by its characteristic decorated roof and tall tower. The cathedral is located on Stephansplatz, one of Vienna’s most famous squares, a great base for a stroll through the historic center.
Art lovers can visit the Museums Quarter, a large cultural complex housing several museums and spaces dedicated to contemporary art. Also of interest is the Belvedere, famous not only for its Baroque architecture but also for housing important works of art, including Gustav Klimt’s famous painting The Kiss. Vienna is also closely linked to classical music. Great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss lived and worked here, making attending a concert a special experience during a trip to the city. Finally, it’s worth strolling along the Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard that circles the historic center, admiring monumental buildings such as the Opera House, Parliament, and City Hall.
Relax in the greenery
Vienna is not only famous for its history and splendid buildings, but also for the numerous natural beauties you find in and around the city. One of the most picturesque spots for those seeking relaxation amidst nature is the Vienna Woods, a vast green space surrounding the western part of the city. Here you can admire forests, hills, and trails ideal for walking and hiking.
Another evocative spot is the Danube Park, crossed by the great river, offering relaxing views and numerous opportunities for outdoor sports. Danube Island is also a favourite place by locals and tourists: it’s perfect for cycling, jogging, or simply relaxing surrounded by nature. Near Vienna are the hills dotted with vineyards and small villages. The area is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the colors of the leaves transform the landscape. Finally, the city’s parks and gardens are worth a visit, offering quiet corners for strolling. Perfume of flowers is everywhere because flowers themselves are everywhere.
Vienna thus manages to combine the life of a large capital with the beauty and tranquility of nature. A capital full of history and glory that welcomes everyone. So in a single stay in this splendid city, tourists will find everything they need to forget the world and their worries. Here, beauty reigns supreme, whether natural or man-made… or even just designed in patterns that will soon become the fashion of the future. What else to say, except… welcome!
