Pedestrian area de luxe - City centre gets a glamorous makeover

Both local residents and tourists have reason for joy this month: Vienna’s main inner-city shopping street will gleam with new splendour from the end of November. Large granite slabs and new street lamps are the characteristic new features in the popular pedestrian area.

Attractive modern patterns

Around 9,000 tonnes of granite slabs in different shades of grey have been laid in modern patterns over the past few months. The extensive redesign measures, which – in addition to the new paving – also comprised an innovative lighting concept and modern street furniture, aimed at creating a new and unmistakeable identity for Vienna’s city centre.

‘We are right on schedule for the completion of the pedestrian area, as agreed with the district authorities and the entrepreneurs of the area in 2008. There will be nothing to hamper a great pre-Christmas shopping experience,’ says a content Berhard Engleder who is in charge of road construction in Vienna.

Cars were banned in the 1970s

Kärntner Strasse is not only one of the most popular shopping streets in Vienna but it was also the first one to be turned into a pedestrian area in the 1970s. Today it is one of the most modern shopping miles in Europe.

Fast connection

The Twin City Liner winter break begins on 20 December. Up to then travellers can reach Bratislava in a fast and comfortable way on the high-speed catamaran that links Vienna’s city centre with Bratislava old town in a mere 75 minutes. Snacks and beverages are available on the boat that also has heating. Departure on Saturday, Sunday and holidays at 11am, return trip to Vienna at 6pm. Advance booking is strongly advised!
INFO: www.twincityliner.com

Vienna’s museum melange

Museum goers in Vienna are spoilt for choice. The city’s museums are many, and they range among the most diverse in the world. With the Mozarthaus Vienna, the KunstHausWien that was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the Jewish Museum and the Haus der Musik, Wien Holding operates four top museums. A special combined ticket allows you to visit two out of the four museums at a discount.
INFO: www.wien-ticket.at or at the museums

Cheerful waltz tunes

World-famous melodies in three-four time like ‘Vienna Blood’ and the ‘Emperor’s Waltz’ set the tone for the start carnival and the ball season 2009/10. Enjoy Vienna gives away 10 ‘Alles Walzer’ CDs featuring high-calibre artists like Anna Netrebko, the Vienna Philharmonic or the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Just send an email with the subject ‘Alles Walzer’ and your exact address to office@enjoyvienna.at