AN IMPERIAL AFFAIR
neighborhood walk

Explore Vienna’s elegant neighbourhood near Schönbrunn Palace, home to notable historical figures. Discover imperial life, scandal, and history’s first vampire hunter.

Explore the illustrious history of Hietzing, one of Vienna’s most prestigious districts, once home to a vampire hunter, renowned artists, and fascinating historical figures.

On this walking tour, you will uncover the little scandals and secret affairs that shaped the neighbourhood, where proximity to the imperial court drew the rich, influential, and sometimes notorious members of the Habsburg era. Even short-term residents left their mark on the district, including an American businessman whose story would go on to change lives far beyond Vienna.

The most captivating part of the tour is wandering Hietzing’s elegant alleys and leafy avenues. Here, the unique charm of Vienna blends with a sense of history, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of a bygone era where art, intrigue, and imperial prestige shaped everyday life.

What to expect on this guided walking tour?

  • Yes. The tour is designed for curious travellers who want to see a different side of the city. Even if it is your first time in Vienna, the walk through Mariahilf, Neubau, and Spittelberg offers fascinating stories and neighbourhoods that most tourists never explore.

  • The tour discusses historical topics such as crime and prostitution in a historical and educational way. It is generally suitable for older teenagers and adults interested in social history.

  • No. This tour intentionally stays away from the classical sights of the historic city centre. Instead, it focuses on neighbourhoods where everyday life and Vienna’s social history unfolded, offering a perspective most visitors never experience. The walk concludes in the beautiful Spittelberg district — a historic quarter with charming streets and courtyards that should definitely be on your list of places to see in Vienna.

 

Meeting Point
In front of the Pilgramgasse Underground Station (McDonalds)

Public Transport
Metro U4
Buses 13A, 14A

Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

What to Wear
Please dress according to the weather and bring an umbrella in case of rain.
Pro tip: Vienna can be quite windy, so it often feels colder than expected — especially in winter. Wearing thermal or insulated underlayers is highly recommended.

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Gangs of Vienna

Vienna´s forgotten stories of crime, prostitution, poverty and murder. With a visit to a very hidden Museum.

An Imperial Affair

A walk through one of Vienna´s poshest neigbourhoods, filled this stories of skandals and romance. Including a visit to the emperors private train station.

Secrets of Vienna

hidden in plain sight are some of Vienna´s best kept secrets. on this tour we explore forgotten stories. Including a Museum colsed to the Public.