The Insider: The art of visiting Vienna as a local
- Jan Johannessen
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
For Martin Thyri, the director of Hotel Sans Souci Wien, Vienna is a city that has quickly grown on him, and when you need a pause from the Austrian capital's bustling city life, he recommends running for the hills!
The hotel director has been working in Vienna for almost nine years and has been living here for some time.
-It is a truly liveable city and one of the most beautiful in the world, he says.
For visitors spending a couple of days in the Austrian capital, he says that no visit to Vienna would be complete without exploring the classic sights in the 1st district.
-Stroll through the historic city centre and admire the grandeur of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the elegant facades along the Ringstraße, he explains.
-I'd definitely recommend spending time in one of Vienna's incredible art museums — its cultural offering is truly exceptional, Mr Thyri said.
More art is to be experienced at the Hotel Sans Souci Wien, the luxury boutique hotel managed by Martin Thyri. It is renowned for its extensive collection of contemporary art, featuring original works by Roy Lichtenstein and Allen Jones, displayed throughout its public areas and suites.
The hotel is situated in the Spittelberg area of the 7th district, not far from the more touristy areas of Vienna, but more of a hidden treasure to be explored.
-With its Biedermeier architecture, narrow cobbled streets and cosy galleries, it feels like a secret corner of the city — perfect for immersing yourself in the local culture away from the crowds, he explains.
The history of Spittelberg is as colourful as its present-day facades. The name itself derives from "Spitalberg" (Hospital Hill), as the land initially belonged to the Bürgerspital. For centuries, it remained a working-class suburb outside the city walls. Its location and the resulting lower rents attracted a diverse population, including artisans and street performers. This bohemian and somewhat notorious past has contributed to the unique character that the area retains today.
To round off a stay in Vienna, Martin Thyri highly recommend heading out to the vineyards in the surrounding hills—especially in Grinzing or Nussdorf.
-The locals love spending time there, enjoying panoramic city views while sipping regional wine at a traditional 'Heuriger' wine tavern. It's a peaceful and authentic way to experience Vienna beyond the tourist hotspots, the director explains.
When he travels himself, his favourite destination for the moment is in neighbouring Switzerland.
-I love travelling and exploring new places, and my current favourite destination, besides Vienna, is Zurich. The combination of nature, modernity and quality of life there is truly inspiring, he states.
One last recommendation for visitors to Vienna?
-Tiergarten Schönbrunn, also known as the Schönbrunn Zoo, opened in July 1752 and is the world's oldest operating zoo, the director of the Hotel Sans Souci Wien shares.
Our Insiders Hotel in Vienna
Hotel Sans Souci Wien is situated in a historic building originally constructed in 1872. The interior, conceived by the international design studio YOO, blends the building's historic facade with modern and luxurious interiors.
The hotel offers 71 guest accommodations, with rooms ranging from Superior and Luxury categories to larger Junior and Master Suites. Amenities include the 450 m² Sans Souci Spa, notable for its 20-metre indoor lap pool—the longest in a Viennese hotel—alongside saunas and a steam bath. The on-site restaurant, "Veranda Brasserie & Bar," serves modern Austrian cuisine that has been awarded a toque by the Gault & Millau guide.
