A festive weekend abroad can cost less than dinner.
With Christmas markets opening across Europe, one capital just over two hours from London is tempting travellers with £20 seats and hot punch. A Saturday dash lands you among fairy lights, music and spiced biscuits before bedtime.
Why Vienna is calling this winter
Vienna sits a little over two hours by air from London, with frequent departures and a quick hop across one time zone. The centre is compact, the pavements are broad, and trams knit the sights together when your feet give up. The sweet spot for a cheeky break is a late Saturday flight and a Monday return, trading two commutes for two nights of seasonal cheer.
One Wizz Air departure on Saturday 8 November leaves London Luton at 17:10 and lands at 20:25 local time — listed at £20.59 at the time of checking.
The lure is obvious: low fares, short travel times, and a city that takes winter seriously. You step off the train, catch the scent of cinnamon and cloves, and feel the week lift from your shoulders.
What to do in 48 hours
The Christmas market at Rathausplatz
The grand square outside Vienna’s city hall turns into a glowing village of stalls, ice and song. Strings of lights drape the trees. A skating rink loops around the park, busy with families and couples. Choirs and small ensembles keep a steady soundtrack of carols and classics.
More than 150 huts trade in gifts and treats. Think hand-carved ornaments, beeswax candles, and knitted socks. Food stands serve Vanillekipferl, the crescent vanilla biscuits dusted in sugar, and spicy Lebkuchen that smell like the season. Mugs of Glühwein warm your hands and your mood. Keep the mug as a souvenir if you don’t mind parting with the deposit.
Lights, music, 150 stalls, and mulled wine by the mug: the Rathausplatz market delivers the archetypal festive scene.
Hundertwasser House and its whimsical neighbour
Swap symmetry for curves at Hundertwasser House, the 1985 apartment block by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Tiles climb over one another, colours clash on purpose, and lines wander where they please. Directly opposite, Hundertwasser Village extends the playful mood with brick archways, lampposts and snug corners stuffed with tiny shops. It feels like stepping into a sketchbook given bricks and mortar.
Simple, hearty food in the centre
After hours outside, a plate of schnitzel and a cold beer hit the spot. Bier & Bierli, a central favourite, serves crisp schnitzel, salads and a long list of drinks. Recent diners praise the friendly team and quick, professional service, which helps you get back out to the lights without a long wait.
How to plan the trip
Flights and timing
The flight takes about two hours and 15 minutes. Vienna runs one hour ahead of London, so an early evening UK departure still delivers a late but workable first night. Hand luggage keeps the fare low and the airport exit fast. Aim to land with enough time for a first stroll and a warm drink.
- Fly Saturday after work, settle in with glühwein under the lights, and skate before closing.
- Spend Sunday between markets, museums and coffee houses, with a hearty dinner near the centre.
- Return early Monday; you can be at your desk by late morning if you plan your commute.
Getting into town
Express and regional trains run from the airport to central stations in roughly 15 to 20 minutes. From there, the U-Bahn and tram network cover the city neatly. Tickets are simple, and short passes for 24, 48 or 72 hours suit a weekend. Platforms are well signed, which keeps transfers stress-free.
Where to stay
Pick the Innere Stadt for postcard views and short walks to Rathausplatz. Leopoldstadt sits just across the canal and usually offers better rates, while keeping you one or two stops from the action. Both districts work well for a weekend with late returns and early starts.
Costs at a glance
| Item | Indicative cost per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outbound flight | from £20.59 (one way) | Price seen for Sat 8 Nov from London Luton to Vienna |
| Return flight | varies by time/day | Early Monday returns often price well |
| Airport to centre | c. £7–£20 each way | Choice of regional or express trains |
| Hotel (mid-range) | c. £80–£140 per night | Based on a double room near the centre |
| Market treats | c. £4–£6 per drink | Glühwein or punch, plus a refundable mug deposit |
| Skate rental | c. £6–£10 | Evening slots feel most atmospheric |
Smart ways to make the most of it
- Go early evening for the market, then return in daylight for photos without the crowds.
- Carry a small stash of euros; most stalls take cards, yet some set minimum spends.
- Pack layers, a hat and thin gloves; you will linger outside longer than you expect.
- Share dishes so you can try more: a pretzel here, a sausage there, then biscuits for the walk.
- Use a 24-hour public transport pass if you plan more than four rides in a day.
When the market gets busy
Saturday evenings can swell. If queues snake around the rink, head to a side street for a coffee house break and return after 20:30. Weekday mornings feel calmest, which suits anyone staying until Monday.
Beyond the big square
Vienna hosts smaller markets across the city as the season builds. You will find stalls near palaces, in neighbourhood squares and by churches. Each site leans into its setting, from baroque backdrops to quiet, local corners. A short tram ride pays off if the main hub feels crowded.
Short flight, small spend, big atmosphere: a weekend in Vienna puts winter cheer within reach for Londoners.
Extra pointers you will thank yourself for later
Book timed museum entries for Sunday afternoon to keep warm at the coldest part of the day. If you skate, bring thick socks for rented boots. Keep track of your mug; cash desks return the deposit only with the right cup. Finally, check your airline’s cabin baggage rules before you buy a litre of punch to take home.
If the £20 fare tempts you, set a price alert and stay flexible on times. Early or late departures usually undercut the peak. Aim to travel with only a backpack, choose an area within walking distance of a U-Bahn stop, and you will turn a dark November weekend into a bright, great-value escape.
Honestly, this is the winter microbreak I’ve been cravng. Two hours, cheap seats, and steaming gluhwein under fairy lights—yes please. Trading two dreary commutes for Vienna’s glow sounds like a bargain and a half. Bookmarking Bier & Bierli for the schnitzel, too.
£20.59 is eye-catching, but what’s the real total after “priority”, seat selection, and a cabin bag that isn’t micorscopic? Also, landing 20:25—do the markets stay open late enough to make the dash worth it, or am I just paying to queue?