Vienna in May: Peonies, Song Contest, and an Emperor Hardly Anyone Knows
Dear friends of artemezzo,
Vienna in May has so much to offer that it is hard to know where to begin. I have already visited the blooming peonies in the Burggarten, a highlight that should not be missed these days. And what else? Here are my recommendations for a beautiful May in the city.
Stadtpark · Genuss-Festival May 8–10
As a city guide, the first thing I think of when I hear “Stadtpark” is not the Genuss-Festival, but the statues. However, the two together are actually unbeatable. From May 8 to 10, the park transforms into a gourmet mile: over a hundred stalls, regional producers, and spring air. Those strolling between the stalls will pass the gilded statue of the Waltz King, Johann Strauss Jr., not far from the Kursalon where he once performed, as well as monuments to Schubert, Bruckner, and Lehár. The Stadtpark gathers more statues of musicians than any other park in Vienna. A wonderful way to start the month.
Stadtpark Johann Strauss IMG_0892
Eurovision Song Contest · May 10–16
Vienna and music have belonged together for centuries. It is no wonder that the Eurovision Song Contest is coming here for the third time. After 1967 and 2015, Vienna is once again the Host City, and the city is making the most of it.
Vienna is already vibrating with Song Contest fever, and you can feel it throughout the city. The Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz opens its gates daily from May 10 to 17 starting at 2:00 PM, with free admission, concerts, international acts, and public viewings of all three shows. The official EuroClub will be celebrating at the Praterdome. The Wien Museum is transforming into the Eurofan House with interviews, talks, and programming for the international ESC community. This is a great opportunity to discover the building in its new form: after an extensive redesign, it welcomes visitors with free admission and a roof terrace offering one of the most beautiful views over Karlsplatz. For those who want to keep track of the entire ESC program: the Vienna Tourist Board’s ivie app bundles everything in one place.
Vienna has hosted the ESC before because an Austrian won. Udo Jürgens secured victory for Austria in 1966 with “Merci, Chérie,” and a year later, the Song Contest was held at the Vienna Hofburg. For those who know and appreciate Udo Jürgens: on our private tour of the Vienna Central Cemetery, we naturally visit his grave as well. We already shared this story in April.
The Song Contest is more than just a music competition. It brings people from all over Europe to Vienna, with enthusiasm in their luggage and a desire for connection. It is well worth immersing yourself in this atmosphere and simply being part of it.
And Mozart? He loved parties and grand company. He certainly would have joined the celebration. Those who wish to visit him will find him in the Burggarten, in marble, dressed as his Don Giovanni.
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Burggarten in May
I visit the Burggarten in May as often as I can. Whether with a picnic blanket on the lawn or with a Melange in the outdoor dining area in front of the Palmenhaus, looking out at the greenery. The Burggarten only opened its gates in 1919; until then, it was imperial private grounds.
In addition to Mozart, you will encounter two other famous faces here: Franz Joseph I, whose bronze statue stands slightly off the path, and Francis Stephen of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresa, on the oldest equestrian statue in Vienna. Francis Stephen left politics to his wife; his passion was the natural sciences. His collections laid the foundation for the Natural History Museum, and in 1752 he founded the Schönbrunn Zoo, which remains the oldest zoo in the world today.
Burggarten Peonies Mozart IMG_2784
Vienna Festival · starting May 15
The Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) is a fixed point in my Vienna May. For its 75th anniversary, the Free Republic of Vienna declares itself the “Republic of Gods.” On May 22, the festival opens with Patti Smith on Heldenplatz, with free admission. Over 35 productions will run across the city until June 21.
New: Interactive Experience Tour · a tip for your next stay in Vienna
On my tours, I see time and again how much people flourish when they don’t just hear history, but are actively involved in it.
Our new interactive experience tour invites you to step into historical roles and perform scenes together that bring Vienna to life in a different way. Participants are actively involved—not just as listeners, but as performers.
Everyone will still be talking weeks later about who played whom and which scene was unforgettable. For families, groups of friends, or work teams. Participation is voluntary; laughing along is unavoidable.
Themes and locations are flexible. Please write to me.
// To the new Interactive Experience Tour.
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We hope you enjoy your own discoveries in Vienna, and our team and I look forward to personally accompanying you through the city on our private tours. Enjoy May, join in the excitement, and see you soon in Vienna.
Write to us – we will plan your personal stay in Vienna together:
office@artemezzo.com | +43 664 3892951
Best regards,
Martha Tretter and the artemezzo team
artemezzo | Boutique Tours Vienna
Experience culture. Feel stories. Enjoy Vienna.
