It's a pretty amazing city, but there is a distinct sensation of faded glory. It feels like a city living in its past, which is great for tourists and an interesting phenomenon to observe as an outsider. That being said, there are some really great things to see beyond the obvious Hofburg, Schonbrunn Palace, and St. Stephen's.
I'm a professional musician, so one of my favorite "off beat" attractions is the Central Cemetary. There is one section that has the graves of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, etc. plus many more (including Salieri of "Amadeus" fame.) In the same spirit, I would look to see if you can book a performance at the Vienna State Opera or get a tour of the building. You can get a Sachertorte at the Sacher Hotel across the street and imagine that Freud is sitting at the table next to you. (I have a college classmate who sings with the Vienna Volksoper, they're also great.)
Another cool feature of the city is to unravel the different eras of architecture, from the Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals through the art deco and modernist architecture. If you're into that sort of thing I'm sure you can probably put together a nice itinerary.
As for museums, I was never all that impressed with the Art History Museum, probably because the special exhibits when I have visited weren't that compelling and I was probably too young to really appreciate it. Your mileage may vary. My favorite art museum in the city is easily the Belvedere (there are several buildings) particularly the Gustav Klimt collection.
If you get outside of the city, Bratislava in Slovakia has an enormously cool city center that was never bombed or shelled during WW2 so other than the highway that the Soviets built through the city center it's worth a day or half-day visit. I might also suggest looking at taking a train and spending a couple of days in Budapest as well. So close and one of the great cities in the world.
Have a great trip!
Outstanding culture and history, with a heavy dose of the Hapsburgs.
The museum of military history is one of the best, including the actual car the Archduke was riding in when assassinated to start WW1. Also the many old coffee houses are majestic. I would waste too much time cruising the Danube however, the lower mid Hudson Valley is actually prettier. Link - ( New Window )
Wife and I visited over 11 years ago and had a great time. Instead of guitar music in the subway, we heard violins when walking through areas. Was very surreal and beautiful along with the white majestic buildings. We also took a day trip to Prague which is a stunning city in it's own. From Vienna, we travelled to Munich as well. Beautiful city as well!
We had an awesome meal at this place in Salm Brau in Vienna. Had the wienerschnitzel with warm potato salad and a fine beer along with liver dumpling soup for starters. One of the best meals I ever had.
I loved the art museum... thought it was incredible.
I also really enjoyed the danube cruise especially because it takes you to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen (Melk Abbey). I took in vivaldis four seasons in an intimate baroque chapel that was a beautiful experience.
I'm not a big fan of the food. Enjoy the cheap curry wurst sandwiches though.
Make sure you don't miss the St Charles church with its magnificent facade. I hope you enjoy and that this was helpful.
RE: I disagree with some of the other posters on a few points
I loved the art museum... thought it was incredible.
I also really enjoyed the danube cruise especially because it takes you to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen (Melk Abbey). I took in vivaldis four seasons in an intimate baroque chapel that was a beautiful experience.
I'm not a big fan of the food. Enjoy the cheap curry wurst sandwiches though
Make sure you don't miss the St Charles church with its magnificent facade. I hope you enjoy and that this was helpful.
I would agree Melk Abbey is a spectacular day trip and you can the ruins of Durnstein Castle along the way. Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here on his return from the 3rd Crusade in 1192. That’s history!
I spent a night there in college when studying abroad. I met a French girl & we bopped around the city all night, but I stupidly didn't get her digits. Ten years later, I wrote a book & the book tour took me to Paris where we reconnected. Long story short...we ended up together & had twin girls.
I might also suggest looking at taking a train and spending a couple of days in Budapest as well. So close and one of the great cities in the world.
I went to Budapest for the first time with my wife about 5 years ago. What a fun city.
I visited Vienna as a backpacker in my 20s. A city living in its past is a good way to describe it. I wouldn't mind going back, and it's probably a better fit for my life now (married with kids), but it's not high on my list. I actually would like to revisit Salzburg first.
I spent a night there in college when studying abroad. I met a French girl & we bopped around the city all night, but I stupidly didn't get her digits. Ten years later, I wrote a book & the book tour took me to Paris where we reconnected. Long story short...we ended up together & had twin girls.
Walking around Salzburg felt like being in an animated Disney movie to me. Not sure I’ve ever used the term enchanting but that’s what it felt like to me. The architecture, the colors- amazingly beautiful.
Interesting place - Mozart's home town, so there a lot about him there. Where I spent my days was the fancy place where they filmed "The Sound of Music" - it's a conference center now.
A lot more to do in Vienna than Salzburg though. I second getting to Prague as well if you can. Beautiful city.
Link - ( New Window )
I'm a professional musician, so one of my favorite "off beat" attractions is the Central Cemetary. There is one section that has the graves of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, etc. plus many more (including Salieri of "Amadeus" fame.) In the same spirit, I would look to see if you can book a performance at the Vienna State Opera or get a tour of the building. You can get a Sachertorte at the Sacher Hotel across the street and imagine that Freud is sitting at the table next to you. (I have a college classmate who sings with the Vienna Volksoper, they're also great.)
Another cool feature of the city is to unravel the different eras of architecture, from the Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals through the art deco and modernist architecture. If you're into that sort of thing I'm sure you can probably put together a nice itinerary.
As for museums, I was never all that impressed with the Art History Museum, probably because the special exhibits when I have visited weren't that compelling and I was probably too young to really appreciate it. Your mileage may vary. My favorite art museum in the city is easily the Belvedere (there are several buildings) particularly the Gustav Klimt collection.
If you get outside of the city, Bratislava in Slovakia has an enormously cool city center that was never bombed or shelled during WW2 so other than the highway that the Soviets built through the city center it's worth a day or half-day visit. I might also suggest looking at taking a train and spending a couple of days in Budapest as well. So close and one of the great cities in the world.
Have a great trip!
Link - ( New Window )
LOL
:goodtimes:
We had an awesome meal at this place in Salm Brau in Vienna. Had the wienerschnitzel with warm potato salad and a fine beer along with liver dumpling soup for starters. One of the best meals I ever had.
https://www.salmbraeu.com/home/
Enjoy!
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/
I also really enjoyed the danube cruise especially because it takes you to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen (Melk Abbey). I took in vivaldis four seasons in an intimate baroque chapel that was a beautiful experience.
I'm not a big fan of the food. Enjoy the cheap curry wurst sandwiches though.
Make sure you don't miss the St Charles church with its magnificent facade. I hope you enjoy and that this was helpful.
I also really enjoyed the danube cruise especially because it takes you to one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen (Melk Abbey). I took in vivaldis four seasons in an intimate baroque chapel that was a beautiful experience.
I'm not a big fan of the food. Enjoy the cheap curry wurst sandwiches though
Make sure you don't miss the St Charles church with its magnificent facade. I hope you enjoy and that this was helpful.
I would agree Melk Abbey is a spectacular day trip and you can the ruins of Durnstein Castle along the way. Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here on his return from the 3rd Crusade in 1192. That’s history!
I went to Budapest for the first time with my wife about 5 years ago. What a fun city.
I visited Vienna as a backpacker in my 20s. A city living in its past is a good way to describe it. I wouldn't mind going back, and it's probably a better fit for my life now (married with kids), but it's not high on my list. I actually would like to revisit Salzburg first.
What a story! Sounds like a novel
If you can see the Lipizzaner Stallions it is amazing how they can get the horses to dance. It is pretty amazing --> Lipizzaner
A lot more to do in Vienna than Salzburg though. I second getting to Prague as well if you can. Beautiful city.
Nice shot! It did have that feel to it. They had a classic car parade going on when I was there which added to the charm.