Austria · LUNCH EXPERIENCES
The 7 best lunch experiences you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Board the MS Wien, MS Blue Danube, or MS Vindobona at Schwedenplatz for a 75-minute loop along Vienna’s Danube Canal. You’ll pass the Uniqa Tower, Urania Observatory, Ringturm, Zaha Hadid House, and other modern landmarks, with English and German information on large screens. Add a freshly prepared schnitzel or two-course lunch onboard.
“We were surprised to be offered drinks on board and had a lovely cruise!”
At Edelweiss Cooking School in Salzburg, chef-led groups of three to five prepare apple strudel and Salzburger Nockerl, or sometimes a fluffy pretzel. You will stretch the pastry, share a goulash or lentil lunch, and eat your warm creations. The kitchen’s unusual rock-wall setting adds character, while vegetarian and vegan lunch options are available.
“Really fun experience. Got to know other people, prepare some Austrian specialties and have lunch. Do it!”
Spend about five hours eating your way through Vienna with an English-speaking local guide such as Peter, Maria, Christoph, or Kristoff. Taste pastries, chocolate, lunch, market food, and Viennese coffee while using public transport between central and local districts. Small groups cap at 12 people, with private hotel pickup available.
“This was the best food tour I have ever been on. When we travel, we always pick up a food tour to get idea of the food culture of the area. Typically on our food tours we would get small samples and you are left wanting more. Not with this tour, in fact I had to cancel my dinner reservation for that evening because we stuffed. The guide was amazing with his knowledge of the local cuisine and history. An added side bonus, we learned how to use the local public transportation. I would highly recommend this tour.”
Eat at Hard Rock Cafe Vienna on Rotenturmstrasse with priority seating and a choice of two set menus. Choose burgers, chicken, salmon, salad, or a vegan-friendly Moving Mountains burger, then finish with dessert and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Add the Rock Shop and Vienna-only merchandise to your visit.
“Staff members were all really lovely and we felt welcome even though we were probably the oldest there.The food was fine too.”
Board the air-conditioned MS Blue Danube at Schwedenplatz for a 3.5-hour loop cruise through Vienna’s Danube Canal. You’ll pass modern buildings and Otto Wagner landmarks, follow GPS information on screens, and eat a seasonal two-course lunch. German and English assistance is available, with drinks purchased separately.
“Nice to be on the Danube. What could be better is water on tables. Also better gangway access than the mad scrabble to get the best seats once the gates open. Maybe allocated seating would stop the brief madness.”
Meet at Joseph II Restaurant near Schönbrunn Palace for a two-course lunch of pork Wiener Schnitzel, a vegetarian alternative, and apple strudel. Then walk about five minutes to the palace for a 60-minute English or German audio tour of the State Apartments, reception rooms, private chambers, and Maria Theresa’s rooms.
“We weren’t allowed in on time and had to wait around for twenty minutes with a confused group of people who didn’t know what was happening. Once we were let in we were allowed to separate and walk around the amazing palace at our own pace. The restaurant at the beginning of the day was a good touch !”
At Edelweiss Cooking School near Salzburg’s old town, an English-speaking chef guides you through apple strudel and vanilla kipferl cookies. You stretch pastry, shape cookies, eat goulash soup for lunch, and taste the results. Classes hold up to 15 people, with hands-on tables for 2 to 4.
“The class is nice. I’m not a dessert guy but the Apple strudel here just blew me away. I highly recommend this class to all kinds of travelers. You can definitely find joy and have a nice lunch here.”
Pick a hall, a palace or a valley.
