Its grand cafés offer places to sit and while away an afternoon, watching the world go by, sipping a melange, and perhaps musing on the novel you always meant to write. The Local’s Negina Pirzad has been out looking for places which offer inspiration for those who feel they have a story to tell.

Belvedere Gallery

With two baroque palaces, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables, the Belvedere evokes royal romanticism circa early 18th century. Find a shaded spot to think and write in the palace gardens after a walk through the extensive galleries, specifically the Upper Belvedere section of the palace. Here, you will find onlookers admiring what many think of as the most romantic piece of art ever created: The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030

Café Sacher

Photo: Negina Pirzad

Café Sacher is buzzing with tourists, but still retains a sense of Viennese romance. A quiet corner isn’t difficult to come by, with plenty of marble-white tables and red velvet seats to sit and enjoy a slice of Sachertorte and a coffee or glass of Schnapps. The prized recipe of this cake dates back to 1832 and you can imagine 19th century literary greats like Musil and Roth enjoying it too. The view from the windows looks out on the Vienna State Opera, which dates back to 1869.

Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010

Schmetterlinghaus

Photo: Manfred Werner/Wikimedia

If your story calls for some knowledge of flora and fauna, this peaceful, tropical sanctuary is just the ticket. Around 400 free-flying butterflies fill the hushed environs of the Butterfly House, creating an environment of beauty. The Art Nouveau building is also a popular wedding venue, so you may catch a glimpse of modern-day romance in action.

Address: Schmetterlinghaus, 1010

Schloss Schönbrunn

Photo: Jorge Valenzuela/Wikimedia

This Unesco World Heritage site attracts lovers of history and beauty with its astounding palace, gardens, and Gloriette. Not only are the stories of the Habsburg monarchs present in the imperial grounds, but there are also the stories of mythological deities and virtues presented in 32 life-size sculptures. Let your prose be inspired by the ancient love stories of Paris and Helen of Troy, or the unlucky Mars and Minerva.

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130

Volksgarten

Photo: Negina Pirzad

A few hours spent in the Volksgarten, or the ‘People’s Garden’ may unleash some creative juices. Maybe you’ll spot an intriguing stranger through the beautiful roses that adorn one of the city’s most popular yet tranquil public parks. Part of the Hofburg Palace, it was first opened to the public in 1823. Look out for the monuments of Austria’s romantic heroine Empress Elizabeth, and the seated figure of Austrian writer Franz Grillparzer, book in hand of course.

Address: Volksgarten, 1010

Take a ride on a Big Wheel

Photo: Cha già José/Wikimedia

Located in the city’s second district in the buzzing Prater amusement park, the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) has been a hotspot for lovers since it opened at the end of the 19th century. The breathtaking views over the roofs of Vienna give you a sense of distance from the city and a fresh perspective. But if you feel the need to escape the madding crowds, the Böhmischer Prater funfair in Vienna’s 10th district feels like a trip back in time. Some of the rides are more than 100 years old, and are open from Spring to late Autumn.

Address: Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 or Böhmischer Prater, Laaer Wald 30c

Explore Vienna’s Wine Trail

Photo: Wikimedia

For many, wine is the most romantic beverage, and Vienna has been called the wine capital of the world. A gentle hike up into the hills of Kahlenberg, Nussberg, Bisamberg, or Mauer, and a few glasses of Grüner Veltliner or Gemischter Satz overlooking the magnificent views may give rise to the germ of a novel. This year the Vienna Weinwandertag (wine hike) takes place on September 26th and 27th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Both trails are really only accessible on this weekend, as they lead through private vineyards that are inaccessible during the rest of the year.

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By Negina Pirzad