Ankeruhr Clock, Vienna

The Ankeruhr Clock: Vienna's 12 PM Parade

The famous Ankeruhr Clock, which I’d read so much about, was literally just a few steps away from our Pension. We knew we had to catch the main event!

We wanted to see the full parade, which happens daily at 12:00 noon. This meant we had to rush after attending High Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Well, not really rushing, it's just about 3-5 minute walk from St Stephen's, but we had to stop by at our room for a toilet break because the High Mass was longer than we expected.

The Grand, Yet Reserved, Spectacle.

The midday show is the most complete, featuring all twelve of the clock's historical figures in a full procession that typically lasts between 12 to 15 minutes.

As the clock began its performance, we watched the historical figures—which represent important personalities from Austrian history like Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, and Empress Maria Theresa—slowly move across the bridge connecting the two faces of the clock. Each figure is accompanied by music from their respective era, culminating with the figure for midnight (Joseph Haydn).

This is a piece of living history and art worth seeing once, especially since it was so close to our stay.

If you missed the full 12 PM parade at The Ankeruhr Clock in Vienna, don’t worry — here’s my video capturing the entire show from start to finish.

Weibel’s Wirtshaus, Vienna

Our first meal in Vienna was at Weibel’s Wirtshaus, a cozy Austrian restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, located just a few minutes’ walk from Stephansdom.

I couldn’t find any online booking option for this restaurant, so when our arrival in Vienna was earlier than expected, we decided to walk in for an early lunch. We were their first customers of the day — lucky us!

Here’s what we ordered:

🥩 Wiener Schnitzel – of course! (€27.90)
🥩 Zwiebelrostbraten (roast beef with onions) – (€29.00)
🍎 Apfelstrudel – (€9.00)

Everything was delicious — hearty, traditional Austrian flavors that instantly made us feel we were truly in Vienna.

When I went to the counter to make payment, the waiter politely stopped me and explained the proper dining etiquette in Austria: you don’t go to the counter. Instead, you wait at your table, and the waiter will come to clear your plates. That’s the moment you ask for the bill and make payment right there at your seat.

Of course, good service in Austria comes with a little gratitude — a tip of around 5–10% is customary, though you can always give more if you want.

It was a lovely first taste of Austrian hospitality — both on the plate and in the service. 

Discovering the Perfect Nude Lip | Lancôme 274

Sometimes the best beauty finds are completely unplanned. They happen when you’re rushed, slightly exhausted from travel, and just trying to kill time before boarding. 

My latest finding was born exactly this way, in the busy duty-free section at Vienna Airport.

I wasn't looking for a new lipstick, but then I saw this black-gold tube of a Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge. I quickly swiped a tester onto my hand, and I'm lovin' it.

The Number to Know: Lancôme 274

The color is simply magical. It’s that balance of a soft, dusty rose and a warm nude. It’s effortless, not too bright. It’s the kind of shade you can throw on without a mirror and never worry about.

It has that classic creamy formula that Lancôme is known for, feeling hydrating but still managing to stay put through a strong airport coffee.

I want to remember this number for my future reference. 

Thank you, Vienna, for the beautiful memory and the even more beautiful lip color!