The term "fiaker" comes from French and refers to the carriage stand in the Parisian Rue de Saint Fiacre. Since 1720, the Viennese carriages have been called "fiakers" and they are quite possibly the best way to see the gorgeous city of Vienna. Some highlights include the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), the Vienna State Opera, the Parliament building, and Stephansdom (Saint Stephen's Cathedral).
Between 1860 and 1900, there were more than 1,000 fiakers on the road. Historically, the carriage drivers were often entertainers as well, including some who were singers. And it wasn't uncommon that the fiakers trotted along quietly as their passengers were romantic in the carriage, including some very famous Viennese stories of old.
There are Horse Carriage stands in different areas of the city, such as Stephansplatz or Michaelerplatz, and there are short tours (around 20 minutes, through the Old City center) and long tours (about 40 minutes, through the Ringstrasse and the Old City), and individual tours as well.
One option is what's referred to as a "porcelain ride", in which the fiaker takes you on a calm and steady drive in order to create a particularly romantic journey. The name "porcelain ride" comes from a while back when slow and steady rides were needed to safely transport porcelain.
And you can get a unique and exciting Riding Dinner, with exclusive horse-drawn carriage rides for one to four people through the city center, including food and drinks from some of Vienna's finest restaurants and coffee houses.