Techniker Cercle Ball in Vienna Austria

Things To Do In Vienna February 2023 Or How to Carnival

What are the best things to do in Vienna in February 2023? To be honest, this chilly month is pretty much dominated by dance balls. However, if you are not into dancing, there are enough ‘escape programmes’ that month, from concerts, exhibitions and (Beethoven!) operas to the best Faschingskrapfen. See also my tips for the seasonal best day trips from Vienna. If you plan to attend a concert, find out in Vienna concerts which best to choose.

1. Dance At Vienna Balls

things to do in Vienna February: ball

Things to do in Vienna February 2023. The first half of February is the busiest time for Vienna Balls, until the official ball season ends with Shrove Tuesday on 21st February. After two cancellations due to Covid-19 the Vienna Opera Ball , Europe’s most glamorous and top socialite ball, is on the agenda again. Therefore ball tickets are soon to be sold out.

For further information on other February balls, visit best Vienna balls.

2. Attend Elegant Classical Operas

Things to do in Vienna February: operaThings to do in Vienna February 2023. From romantically intense to full blown tragic, the Wiener Staatsoper and Wiener Volksoper will allow audiences to discover 20th century opera, among them Dead City by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten.

Other than that, classical opera lovers can choose between evergreens such as Mozart’s Magic Flute and Donizetti’s Anna Bolena. Access the opera programme for February.

3. Join A Guided Night Walk

Things to do in Vienna November: Minoriten churchThings to do in Vienna February 2023. If you are in Vienna on a Saturday, this night walk is a must. Vienna is so much more dramatic when street lanterns light up its architecture with sharp shadows. The winter months are ideal for this walk as the sun sets early.

This tour highlights Vienna’s dark side. We have lots of dramatic looking places, stories and legends that just come out so much better at night. You’ll learn about the flip side of key landmarks like the Imperial Palace and explore hidden alleys like Blutgasse (‘blood alley’) in the city centre.
Find out more about the Vienna Night Walk.

4. Immerse Yourself Into Mozart

Things to do in Vienna February 2023.  If there was a way for Mozart fans to top a traditional concert, what would it look like? Since September 2022 you will find the answer at Mythos Mozart, an immersive multimedia experience not far from Mozart House.  Where the composer once created the opera The Magic Flute, and died in 1791, you can dive straight into his world: stroll along the streets of 18th century Vienna, play his Little Night Music and explore the creative mind of this genius in a fantastic display of light and music.

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 8.00pm; Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 6.00 pm
Location: Kärntner Strasse 19 / STEFFL department store
Tickets: from EUR 18 

5. Spend A Fabulous Valentine’s Day

Horse carriage rideThings to do in Vienna February 2023. Provided you are lucky enough to visit Vienna on Valentine’s Day there are 10 exciting ideas that will earn you tons of brownie points with your loved one.

Whether you choose a chocolate massage, a sparkly bubbly horse carriage ride or laughing your socks off at amazing illusions of yourselves. Or simply find a hidden bolthole for a lovely Austrian dinner in stylish privacy.

Find out how to utterly impress and have a memorable time in What To Do In Vienna For Valentine’s Day.

6. Unwind At The International Accordion Festival

Things to do in Vienna February 2023. After the 2021 and 2022 events were cancelled, expect this uplifting music festival’s vibes to triple in 2023. Between 25th February and 26th March, renown local art project coordinator Friedl Preisl invites dozens of established and promising accordion geniuses to celebrate the best of European folk music making. Learn more in Vienna Music Festival.

7. Take Viennese Waltz Dance Lessons

Things to do in Vienna February 2023. Even if you don’t attend a Vienna ball, waltz dancing is fun, a great acitivity to do with your other half, and a skill that you can use at other dancing events such as wedding parties or dance teas. There are English language dance instructors who can teach you the basic waltz steps in just one hour.
Read more in Viennese waltz dance lessons.

8. Venture Out for A Day Trip

Things to do in Vienna February: day trip to BudapestThings to do in Vienna February 2023. The best Day Trips from Vienna in the winter are those to neighbouring cities such as Bratislava, Salzburg, Budapest and Prague. If you are lucky they will wear a light blanket of snow which makes a walk through their city centres special.

All four of them are also full of museums, castles and palaces, and cosy cafes, so you have a vast choice of indoor activities.
Learn more about day trips from Vienna.

9. Taste A Faschingskrapfen

Things to do in Vienna February: Faschingskrapfen donutsThings to do in Vienna February 2023. Our carnival doughnuts (Faschingskrapfen) are a treasured tradition. You will find them in all good local bakeries. They are filled with apricot jam or custard. The best are fluffy with a crispy surface and have a well visible injection hole on the side. (Connoisseurs localise it first and bite straight into it to avoid jam disasters.)

10. Other Free Things to do in Vienna February

Church St Charles Borromeo / KarlskircheDuring one day in February, you can participate in free tours and lectures (including in English) by licensed tour guides. The initiative by the Austrian Tour Guides takes place to celebrate International Tourist Guide Day. 

Each year, Vienna’s International Tour Guide Day chooses a different theme (tba).

Date and Time: 19th February 2023
Meeting point: Upper Belvedere, Prinz Eugen Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna

Check what to do during January and March:

January:  Things to do in Vienna, January
March: Things to do in Vienna, March

Find a great tour in my shortlist of the best Vienna Tours

Need help? visit Vienna Travel Planning – Trip Planning and Travel Consulting by Vienna Unwrapped

explore more Vienna Attractions – Guide to Hotspots and Insider Tips
visit Visit Vienna – 20 Free Vacation Tools and Travel Tips

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