I spend a lot of time traveling, or in my little house out in the country, which means my charming apartment in Vienna’s beautiful city center is empty most of the time. I’ve made my own small urban country club on these 42 square meters. The building, from the late Middle Ages, is located at one of the best addresses in town, very near to renowned art galleries, popular attractions, chic restaurants, and traditional Viennese cafés, as well as the best jewelers and finest fashion stores in Vienna.
A bevy of stores and small shops line the charming narrow and car-free street, framed on either side by beautiful historic façades. The small street curves to the right into the courtyard at its end, observing the former boundary of the ancient Roman fortress Vindobona. The old city moat once flowed along the left of the Naglergasse. Unfortunately, the idea of covering the moat and building a horse track in it was never realized. One can easily reach the Spanish Riding School in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace – on foot or with a traditional Viennese horse-drawn carriage – where the world-famous Lipizzaner horses can be admired performing in one of their wonderful dressage riding shows.
from € 179,-* per night
* Prices include 10 % VAT and exclude 3,2 % municipal tax.
I was a very active jockey when I was younger and am still deeply connected to horseracing and equestrian sports. This can be seen in the decor my apartment, which I like to call “Raul’s private country club”. It’s more like going into a racing stable than an apartment, with all the souvenirs, pictures, trophies, and books on horses. How does that saying go? Happiness on earth is on the back of a horse!
This is where the art of equestrian dressage reaches its apex. The fine art of classic riding has been perfected here for over 340 years. Not really the right place for betting tickets…
www.srs.atA lump of sugar for the horses, and I get chocolates from Demel! One look at the shop window and you will know exactly why Empress Sissi had them deliver their cakes and pastries directly to the royal castle.
www.demel.atLet’s see how fast the youngsters are: on Saturdays and Sundays you can bet for and cheer on your favorite at the historic harness racetrack in the green Prater park.
www.krieau.atWhen it comes to clothing, I really see no point in latching on to passing trends! The House of England is the place to come for tweed and argyle of the highest quality, even Prince Charles would be happy here.
Hier werden Schuhe noch traditionell rahmengenäht. Wer einmal einen solchen Schuh anhat, will nie wieder etwas anderes an den Füßen haben, das verspreche ich.
www.ludwig-reiter.comSmall and exquisite, with good food and a cozy, friendly atmosphere. And the famous “kleine Kaffee” is right around the corner. An all-round great pleasure!
Zeitgenössische Kunst, futuristisches Design, Interieur aus den 60ern und ein urtypischer Wiener Ober - das ist mein Lieblingskaffeehaus!
cafekorb.atThis hot-dog stand might very well have a higher turnover than many of the city’s expensive restaurants. With good reason!
www.bitzinger.at