Image: Frank Wagner

VIENNA: When a city like Vienna celebrates, it doesn’t just go big - it goes grand - and that's especially true in 2025 when the waltz king, Johann Strauss, takes center stage through a year-long festival called “Wien in Strauss und Braus 2025.”  From concerts and glamorous balls to thematic tours and performances in unexpected locations—the Danube metropolis transforms into a stage for the waltz king, offering a spectacle that will enchant both classical music fans and curious visitors alike. In honour of the festival, we're exploring some of Johann Strauss' special places to give you a little taste of what to expect... 

Café Dommayer: Where Strauss Became a Star

In the charming district of Hietzing, not far from Schönbrunn Palace, lies Café Dommayer - a place where music history was made. Johann Strauss gave his very first public performances here, quickly winning over the audience. Today, the café offers that quintessential Viennese charm. Order a Melange and an apple strudel, and imagine Strauss starting his career right here. A treat for your taste buds, and your imagination!

Johann Strauss Monument: Gold and Glory in the Stadtpark

They say Johann Strauss is the king of the waltz – and in the Stadtpark, he truly reigns like royalty, immortalized in a golden statue. The monument shows him mid-waltz with a violin virtuously in hand. In the evening, when the lights around the statue softly glow, the place takes on a magical atmosphere. For the photographers, with a little luck, you might even catch a flower vendor adding a pop of color to the scene. And if you dare to strike the master’s pose, you're guaranteed a perfect keepsake photo.

The Prater: Waltz Vibes on the Hauptallee

The Prater – a mix of an amusement park, natural idyll, and Vienna’s zest for life – was a favourite backdrop for Strauss. While today the Hauptallee draws joggers, strollers, and carriage drivers, it once was a hotspot for Strauss' inspiration. A highlight is a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, from the top you’ll feel like you're rising to the rhythm of each waltz step. Tip: Check the event schedule during the Strauss year – some concerts might take place right between carousels and cotton candy!

St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A Waltz for Love

The majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, in the heart of Vienna, has a personal connection to Strauss. Here, he married his first wife, Jetty Treffz, in 1862. The cathedral’s stunning Gothic arches and its famous roof continue to awe visitors. Tip: Climb the South Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, imagining Strauss walking down the aisle all those years ago.

Vienna in Full Swing: A Spectacular Tribute to Johann Strauss 2025

The Strauss Festival 2025 “Wien in Strauss und Braus 2025” will keep Vienna thriving all year long with 52 premieres in 52 weeks. The program spans from classical to contemporary, taking place at surprising venues across all 23 districts. From the Central Cemetery to the Danube Island Festival, from grand concert halls to open-air events – there’s something for everyone. Performers will include not only Vienna's grand orchestras but also contemporary artists who will interpret Strauss in their own way.

Your Strauss Experience with Adina Hotels

Whether you're enjoying the magnificent sounds of a premiere, taking a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, or discovering the Viennese café culture, Adina Hotels offers the perfect accommodation for your Strauss adventure. In Vienna, you can choose from our three properties:

Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere:Modern studio apartments with stylish design and wellness facilities, perfect after a night at the concert.

Adina Serviced Apartments Vienna:Ideal for long-term guests and remote workers where you’ll find fully equipped apartments, as well as a stylish community area, perfect for productive work or meeting fellow travellers.

A by Adina Vienna Danube:Discover a unique accommodation - newly opened in April 2025 - that’s perfectly suited to every stay. Bringing a touch of Australian laidback luxe with thoughtful design, blending hotel services and a residential experience to Vienna.