Vienna takes centre stage
Following its hugely successful hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in May, Vienna once again wowed international audiences with its professionalism and diverse range of venues
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) took place in Vienna for the third time in May 2026. With myriad shows, side events and the spectacular Grand Final, Vienna impressed as an international stage for music, diversity and exuberant joy.
Eurovision Song Contest Tram Vienna (Photo credit: Stadt Wien, Rene Walletin)
Eurovision Song Contest Tram Vienna (Photo credit: Stadt Wien, Rene Walletin)
Wiener Stadthalle (Photo credit: ORF Klaus Titzer)
Wiener Stadthalle (Photo credit: ORF Klaus Titzer)
Vienna Stadthalle (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Christian Stemper)
Vienna Stadthalle (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Christian Stemper)
The city has long had an enviable reputation for sophisticated infrastructure, professional partner networks and, of course, enormous cultural appeal but this event proved to be a showcase of how a major event can engage the entire industry and the enormous variety of events space on offer.
As Norbert Kettner, City of Vienna ESC Coordinator & CEO Vienna Tourist Board, says:
"The 70th Eurovision Song Contest was an impressive showcase for Vienna as an internationally established congress metropolis. Its successful delivery at the highest level strengthens our international competitiveness and provides additional momentum for attracting major congresses."
From palaces to modern arenas
This year’s Grand Final - and the second ESC held in the city in 2015 - took place at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest event centre and one of Europe’s top ten arenas. The official supporting programme included Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz, Euro Club at Praterdome and Eurofan House at the Wien Museum, which helped to turn the music sensation into a citywide festival experience.
Wien Museum Karlsplatz (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Paul Bauer)
Wien Museum Karlsplatz (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Paul Bauer)
The first ESC in Vienna took place in 1967 at HOFBURG Vienna, which remains one of the most important congress and event centres in the impressive portfolio of Meeting Destination Vienna. 1967 was also the year that produced Eurovision pop classic a ‘Puppet on a String’ when Sandie Shaw won by a landslide for the UK.
HOFBURG Vienna (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Gregor Hofbauer)
HOFBURG Vienna (Photo credit: Vienna Tourist Board, Gregor Hofbauer)
While Hofburg Vienna is one of the world's largest palace complexes, the modern Austria Center Vienna offers 21 halls, 134 meeting rooms and more than 26,000 sqm of exhibition space. With room for up to 22,800 people, Austria Center Vienna is all about leading-edge technology and unique digital solutions. It is situated next to the UN Headquarters. The VIECON - Vienna Congress and Convention Center, meanwhile, offers 73,000 sqm of state-of-the-art event space in Austria’s largest and most flexible venue in the heart of the city. It can accommodate from 1,000 to 29,000 attendees and has a glittering glass mall.
New creative spaces
Forever adding fresh inspiration to the city's event landscape, Vienna’s latest venue openings include historic halls with cutting-edge technology, sleek design spaces and rooftop locations. You can explore more than 250 options in Meeting Destination Vienna’s Venue Finder including Künstlerhaus, which was built in 1868 by Austria's largest artists' association at Karlsplatz. Now carefully restored to its original splendour, it combines the style of an Italian Renaissance villa with state-of-the-art technology and its newly built Factory provides the perfect backdrop for gala dinners, cocktail receptions and presentations.
The magnificent Palais Chotek was built in Neo-Renaissance style as a gathering place for Viennese society. Today, following a complete renovation, it blends history with contemporary design and offers 164 rooms and suites together with lush gardens in its inner courtyards.
The 132-room Miiro Spittelberg has opened in this historic neighbourhood famed for its courtyards and galleries. The area’s newly revitalised Biedermeier houses are now among the most popular meeting places in Vienna’s inner districts.
This summer will see the reopening of the eagerly-awaited Palais Coburg. All set to be a contemporary retreat offering discreet luxury in its historic grandeur, it will offer just 36 suites.