
Kärntner Straße 49
Vienna's giant red Christmas bow, an iconic photo spot on Kärntner Straße, perfect for festive holiday snaps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos

Kärntner Straße 49
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vienna's giant red Christmas bow, an iconic photo spot on Kärntner Straße, perfect for festive holiday snaps.
"The most popular Christmas photo spot in Vienna, it gets pretty crowded!"
🎯 Perfect Photo Spot
The red bow is right by Zara Home! Get there early to avoid crowds.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Gerstner Cafe is just next door for a sweet treat after your photo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Giant Red Christmas Bow
Kärntner Straße 49, next to Zara Home
An iconic, oversized red bow that becomes Vienna's most sought-after Christmas photo backdrop. Pure holiday magic!

Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker
Kärntner Straße 51
Indulge in exquisite pastries and coffee at this historic imperial confectioner. A taste of Viennese tradition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Capture the Iconic Red Bow
Location & Nearby Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Perfect Photo Spot
The red bow is right by Zara Home! Get there early to avoid crowds.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Gerstner Cafe is just next door for a sweet treat after your photo.
📍 Exact Location
Look for it at Kärntner Str. 49, 1010 Wien, Austria.
🎄 Christmas Magic
This spot is especially magical during the Christmas season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Perfect Photo Spot
The red bow is right by Zara Home! Get there early to avoid crowds.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Gerstner Cafe is just next door for a sweet treat after your photo.
📍 Exact Location
Look for it at Kärntner Str. 49, 1010 Wien, Austria.
🎄 Christmas Magic
This spot is especially magical during the Christmas season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the giant red bow as an iconic and festive Christmas photo spot in Vienna. Its central location and proximity to cafes and shops are also highly praised. However, the significant crowds, especially during peak hours, can detract from the experience for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The red bow is centrally located on Kärntner Straße 49 in Vienna's 1st district. It's easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 1, 2, D, or 71 to the 'Kärntner Straße/Stephansplatz' stop, or the U1 or U3 subway lines to 'Stephansplatz'. From there, it's a short walk.
Yes, Kärntner Straße is a major pedestrian shopping street in Vienna, and the red bow is a well-known landmark, especially during the holidays. It's situated right next to Zara Home.
From Vienna International Airport (VIE), you can take the City Airport Train (CAT) to Wien Mitte, then transfer to the U4 subway line towards Hütteldorf and get off at Karlsplatz, or take the S7 train towards Floridsdorf and get off at Wien Mitte, then transfer to the U4. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service will take you directly there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the red bow is a public art installation and photo spot located on the street. There is no ticket or admission fee required to view or take photos with it.
Kärntner Straße is a public street and is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and cafes, like Zara Home and Gerstner, will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
The iconic red bow is a Christmas decoration, so it is typically displayed during the festive season, usually from late November through early January.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photos with fewer people, aim for early mornings on weekdays. Evenings can be magical with festive lights, but expect significant crowds.
Most visitors take photos directly in front of the bow, often with the street and surrounding buildings in the background. Experiment with different heights and distances to get a unique shot.
Tripods are generally allowed on public streets in Vienna, but be mindful of pedestrian traffic and avoid obstructing others, especially during busy periods.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker is located right next door at Kärntner Str. 51, offering traditional Viennese pastries and coffee. The famous Café Sacher is also a short walk away.
This area is a prime shopping district, so you'll find a wide range of dining options, from traditional Austrian cuisine and cafes to international fast food and upscale restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, the Gerstner Cafe offers delightful pastries that can be a special treat for kids. For a more extensive family outing, the Hofburg Palace and the Natural History Museum are within walking distance and offer engaging exhibits for various age groups.
📸 Photographers & Influencers
Experiment with different angles and consider incorporating the surrounding architecture or festive lights into your composition. The nearby Gerstner Cafe also offers aesthetically pleasing interiors and exteriors for additional content. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and pedestrian flow when setting up shots.
🛍️ Shoppers & Sightseers
This location is perfect for combining a quick photo op with a broader exploration of Vienna's city center. You're just a short walk from major attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, making it an efficient stop on your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Red Bow: A Viennese Christmas Icon
While its exact origins as a permanent fixture are unclear, its popularity has surged in recent years, transforming it into a temporary landmark. The bow is strategically placed near Zara Home, making it easy to locate on the bustling Kärntner Straße, a major pedestrian thoroughfare. Be prepared for queues, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas, as everyone vies for that perfect festive shot.
For the best experience, consider visiting early in the morning before the main crowds arrive, or during the late afternoon when the city lights begin to twinkle, adding an extra layer of magic to your photos. The surrounding area is also adorned with festive decorations, enhancing the overall holiday atmosphere.
Exploring Kärntner Straße and Beyond
Just steps away from the bow, you can indulge in the rich history and delicious treats at Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker, a historic imperial confectioner. This area is also a gateway to other significant Viennese landmarks. A short stroll will take you to the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.
For those looking to experience Vienna's cafe culture, the vicinity offers several renowned establishments. Beyond Gerstner, consider the Café Sacher for its legendary Sachertorte or the elegant Café Museum. The central location makes Kärntner Straße 49 an ideal starting point for a day of sightseeing, shopping, and culinary exploration in the heart of Vienna.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit