Beyond Sightseeing: Vienna’s Skill-Based Holiday Trend

High-res imagery of Vienna here. 

In 2026, there’s a new approach to holidays gaining traction - one that moves beyond simple relaxation and focuses on personal growth and enrichment. The rise of the "hobbi-day" is offering travellers a chance to engage in activities that stimulate the mind and body, providing a more meaningful way to unwind. These holidays are about reconnecting with skills or hobbies, whether that’s learning something new or revisiting something you once enjoyed.

Vienna is the perfect destination for this shift. Known for its classical music, grand ballrooms and rich cultural history. Here, you can experience the city’s most famous dance in the very place it originated. The Viennese waltz is a dance that consists of just six steps. The challenge is keeping up with the speed and rhythm of the music. Experts alternate waltzing in a counter-clockwise direction, with the more difficult variant in the opposite direction. A top tip: always look in the direction you are dancing and, above all, do not look at the floor! Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some dance experience, the opportunity to learn the waltz in Vienna is about more than just learning the steps; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s traditions and history while gaining a skill that will stay with you. Skill-based holidays are becoming more popular as people look for travel experiences that offer both relaxation and personal development. Research suggests that engaging in hobbies can boost mental health, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. In Vienna, the waltz provides a perfect example. Not only does it offer a chance to physically engage with the rhythm of the city’s cultural heritage, but it also provides a mental escape, allowing you to focus on the task at hand and leave behind everyday stresses.

The appeal of skill-based holidays extends beyond dancing. Vienna is also home to a wide range of experiences, from cooking classes to art workshops, each offering a deeper connection with the local culture. One such experience is the opportunity to engage in hands-on art workshops at the renowned ALBERTINA Museum. Participants can explore their creativity through various techniques, including watercolour, expressive strokes and pastels, all inspired by famous works. These workshops, available to groups, provide the perfect chance to immerse oneself in the city’s rich artistic heritage while learning new skills under the guidance of expert instructors.

Vienna is not only a cultural hub but also a great destination for those wanting to explore culinary activities as part of a "hobbi-day" getaway. For those with a love of food, the "Granny’s Viennese Pearls" workshop at Vollpension is the perfect chance to learn how to prepare traditional Viennese pastries. Vollpension is a social enterprise café that aims to bridge the generational gap between its patrons and employees. The café hires elderly individuals to bake cakes and serve visitors, helping to combat loneliness among the city’s older residents while also providing them with work to supplement their state pensions. Vollpension workshops are led by the grannies and grandpas, where participants will be guided through each step of a recipe, giving a hands-on taste of Vienna’s culinary traditions and the chance to improve their baking skills.

At the Xocolat Manufaktur, visitors can get lost in the world of chocolate. In their hands-on workshops, expert chocolatiers show participants how to craft truffles and desserts. These relaxed sessions provide a great way to develop new skills and discover the artistry of chocolate-making. Workshops are available in English and can be tailored for private groups upon request. 

As travel trends evolve, more people are seeking out holidays that offer genuine enrichment. The pandemic led many to rediscover hobbies, whether it be baking, gardening or learning a new language, but as life returned to normal, these activities were often left behind. A skill-based holiday is an ideal way to re-engage with these interests or explore something new, all while enjoying the benefits of travel.

Vienna is set to be a destination that embodies this shift. Combining cultural exploration with the opportunity to learn and develop offers an enriching travel experience that goes beyond mere relaxation. Whether learning the waltz, making chocolate or baking a traditional pastry, the city provides the perfect backdrop for a meaningful and enriching holiday.

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Editors notes

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About Vienna Tourist Board  

Austria’s capital of Vienna is consistently ranked as the city with the highest quality of life for the 3rd consecutive year by The Economist Intelligence Unit, providing its residents, expatriates and visitors with high security, seamless public transportation, a wide variety of cultural and arts institutions, and a staggering 53% of the city serving as public green space. 

The Vienna Tourist Board, founded in 1955, is the official destination marketing service provider for the tourism sector of the city. It promotes the city worldwide and provides many services, tips, resources and information for Viennese businesses, residents and visitors.  

For further information, please visit www.b2b.vienna.info    

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