Congress of Vienna: The Party That Redrew Europe

After Napoleon fell, diplomats gathered to redraw the map of Europe. They spent 40 million francs on festivities while the Congress danced through 5 months of champagne-fueled negotiations.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Enter the Hofburg Imperial Palace History · Price: moderate

   Visit the Hofburg Palace (Michaelerkuppel entrance, €18). In 1814-1815, the Russian Tsar and Kings of Prussia, Denmark, Bavaria, and Wurttemberg all lived here during the Congress. Most discussions occurred informally at salons, banquets, and balls - not in formal sessions.

   Backup: If closed, walk the exterior courtyards (free) and read the historical plaques.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Find the Imperial Apartments History · Free

   Walk through the Imperial Apartments (included in ticket) where nightly dinners, masked balls, and spectacular events occurred. The ballroom launched "waltz-mania" to international fame. Prince Charles de Ligne quipped: "Le Congres ne marche pas, il danse" (The Congress dances but makes no progress).

   Backup: Ask staff for the audio guide which covers Congress history.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Toast at a Hofburg Cafe Wine · Price: moderate

   End at Cafe Hofburg (inside palace) or Cafe Central (Herrengasse 14, 5 min walk). Order Austrian Sekt or champagne. The Grand Sleigh Party of January 1815 featured 30+ sleighs led by an immense sleigh with an orchestra, followed by yet another ball.

   Backup: If cafes are full, try Demel (Kohlmarkt 14) - imperial confectioner since 1786.

   Log Memory