Join us as we explore the Grand city of Vienna, Austria
“Vienna is a handsome, lively city, and pleases me exceedingly.”
Frederic Chopin
This post on Vienna, Austria, is a quick capture of our travels while on the road. Although we often post on social media during our adventures, many have requested that we do so on the blog instead. The focus will be on the photography and our first impressions of the city.
Let’s visit historic Vienna.
A bit about Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria and is located in the east of the country. Approximately 1.8 million people reside here, and although that may seem like a large number, the city somehow maintains a more intimate feel while offering all the amenities of a major European city.
Vienna, Austria, is a stunningly beautiful city renowned for its urban charm and vitality. It boasts a rich and long history, an extensive range of leisure and cultural activities, excellent public transportation, economic success, low crime rates, and some of the best coffee and cakes in the world.
Vienna’s history goes back to the Romans, who settled here in what was known as Vindobona. There are churches in the city that date back over 1000 years. Vienna owes its beauty to the legacy of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over large areas of Europe for many centuries. Vienna sat at the center of Habsburg rule. Many of the monumental buildings and renowned art pieces found here are a result of various royal members and their families constantly engaging in a game of one-upmanship in architecture, interior design, and art collections.
Considered the home of classical music, the arts are at the core of Vienna’s culture. Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Schubert, Lehár, various members of the Strauss family, and many others produced impressive quantities of sheet music here. Vienna has one of the world’s greatest opera houses and, many believe, one of the world’s best classical music venues.
The top things to do and see in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning Baroque residence that served as the Habsburgs’ summer home. Visitors can tour the opulent rooms, stroll through the expansive gardens, and visit the world’s oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking Gothic architecture and colorful tiled roof, is Vienna’s most iconic landmark. Climb the South Tower for breathtaking views of the city or explore the catacombs below.
Hofburg Palace
The Hofburg Palace, once the imperial winter residence, is now a vast complex housing museum, and it houses the Austrian National Library and the Spanish Riding School. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Habsburg dynasty.
Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace is a stunning Baroque complex consisting of two palaces and beautiful gardens. It houses the Belvedere Museum, which features an impressive collection of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt.
Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and lavish performances. Even if you can’t catch a show, guided tours offer a peek behind the scenes of this historic venue.
Prater and the Giant Ferris Wheel
The Prater is a large public park that includes the famous Wiener Riesenrad, a historic giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Vienna. The park also features an amusement area, perfect for a fun-filled day out.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, housing an extensive collection of artworks spanning from classical antiquity to the Renaissance. Highlights include masterpieces by Bruegel, Vermeer, and Caravaggio.
Albertina
The Albertina is a museum renowned for its extensive collection of graphic art, featuring works by Dürer, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also houses modern art exhibitions and offers a glimpse into the opulent state rooms of the former Habsburg residence.
Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most popular market. It offers a variety of fresh produce, international foods, and unique culinary experiences. It’s a great place to sample local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
Vienna City Hall is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture, serving as the seat of the city’s government. The Rathausplatz in front hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the famous Christmas Market.
Hundertwasser House
The Hundertwasser House is an architectural marvel designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, renowned for its vibrant façade and organic forms. It’s a unique residential building that attracts visitors for its whimsical and unconventional design.
Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum in Vienna boasts a vast collection of minerals, fossils, and meteorites, as well as impressive dinosaur skeletons. It’s a fascinating destination for both science enthusiasts and families.
The Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School is famed for its Lipizzaner horses and classical dressage performances. Visitors can witness the elegance and precision of these trained horses during morning exercises or a complete performance.
Austrian National Library
The Austrian National Library, located within the Hofburg Palace, is a breathtaking Baroque library with stunning frescoes and ornate bookshelves. It’s home to millions of volumes and historical manuscripts, making it a paradise for book lovers.
Danube River Cruise
A cruise along the Danube River provides a relaxing way to take in Vienna’s stunning skyline and historic landmarks. Various options are available, from short city cruises to longer journeys that explore the surrounding region.
Our Visit Details
5 nights in early September
Middle of a 14-day trip that included Budapest, Bratislava, and Prague
It was our first visit to Vienna
Accommodations
Hilton Vienna Plaza
(Free with Hilton Points)
How we get around
Walked 41 miles total, along with public transportation.
Pre-purchased tickets/events
Imperial Austria Sisi Tickets One day (Schloss Schönbrunn, Sisi Museum, and Imperial Apartments). Spanish Riding School Tour, Food tour Great Taste of Vienna, Ed Sheeran Concert, Classical concert St Peter’s Church
Weather
The weather was sunny, with average temperatures in the low 80s. It got a bit warm at times, especially when indoors without A/C.
Our favorite moments and highlights from Vienna
We thoroughly enjoyed Vienna, more so than we expected. Our five-night stay was a reasonable amount of time, but we still didn’t get to see all we wanted to. It would be easy to spend much longer here.
One of our favorite experiences in Vienna was taking a 5-hour food tour with Wolfy Adventures Tours on our second morning in Vienna. Our tour guide, Maria, took our small group of six throughout the city of Vienna. We started, of course, at a cafe for a Cafe Melange with a sweet and savory breakfast; from there, we explored two street markets and enjoyed many delicious varieties of street food, followed by a traditional Austrian meal at a local restaurant, and finished off with a unique ice cream experience. All the while, we were learning about Vienna’s history and food. What made it extra special was visiting various districts of the city that we otherwise would likely have never seen.
Those Cafes!
Vienna is all about its Café culture. Many days start and end at cafes. They love their coffee, and their favorite brew is Cafe Melange. It is similar to a Cappuccino but with a bit more punch. Our first Melange was at the famous Cafe Central, and, well, we didn’t think it was unique, just like an extra shot added to any espresso drink. The Cafe experience in Vienna is fun, especially when you step back and people-watch. Locals still come here just to read the paper while easing into their day. It is where locals gather, and people connect with their neighbors. Of course, alcohol is on all cafe menus we visited for those who prefer a glass of wine or beer in the evening.
While at the cafes, you will notice that the Viennese are fond of their desserts. We noticed big, delicious, decadent, elaborate desserts with their coffee. We heard that Sacher torte is a must, and we did try it. It did not quite live up to the hype, and looking around us, it didn’t seem many Austrians were ordering it either.
Music is the heart of Vienna
Music is at the core of Vienna’s history, especially classical music. The most famous classical composers of the world composed their work here, and the most outstanding music venues are reputed to be here in Austria. The Opera house was sadly closed during our visit, so we attended a classical concert by a string quartet at St. Peter’s Church. It was truly remarkable and moving. We can’t recommend it enough. Vienna offers many choices, but steer clear of the touristy ones sold on every corner.
In the weeks leading up to our arrival, we learned that Ed Sheeran would be performing two shows while in Vienna. Of course, we bought tickets, and what an incredible experience it was. It was our first large-scale concert in Europe, and what a city to do it in. The atmosphere outside the stadium was similar to a large outdoor festival. The venue is extremely well-organized and staffed. Of course, what can you say about Ed Sheeran? What a performer!!! We were blown away, and it was an evening that will always be a special memory. Check the local calendar before you travel; there may be some great experiences to add to your itinerary you weren’t expecting.
During our time there, an international film festival occurred in Vienna. It had a large outdoor screen for public viewing of movies. We visited the food and drink area, where an expansive selection of food and drink stands was available, accompanied by live music. They do love their Aperol Spritz here. They had an incredible diversity of international cuisines, even kangaroo, at the Australian food booth. It was such a fabulous and festive atmosphere. Seek out local festivals on the schedule for something unique and different. See how the locals enjoy their free time.
The Palaces
Vienna is known for its Grand Palaces, and we especially enjoyed our visit to Hofburg Palace and the Sisi Museum; it is well worth your time. We also visited Schönbrunn and the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces. The exteriors and grounds were lovely, but we found the interiors to be lacking in some areas. You will be disappointed if you are looking for something comparable to the Palace of Versailles. It was time later we wished we had spent elsewhere.
The Spanish Riding School is part of the Hofburg Palace and is world-famous for the Ballet of the White Stallions. We had pre-booked the popular guided tour of the Spanish Riding School, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Getting up close to the Lipizzaner horses in their stables was a treat. The history behind these horses, the threats they faced during WWII, and the role the U.S. played in saving them were fascinating.
A surprisingly affordable city
This may seem out of place in our favorite moments, but we found Vienna to be affordable. Everything was reasonable: food, entry fees to sites, public transportation, hotels, entertainment, etc. Servings at restaurants are generous.
During our last few trips, we have had our share of Wienerschnitzel. We must say that the best has been in Vienna.
We didn’t have a favorite city area, but we enjoyed all of it. Even away from downtown, near the stadium, it was lovely and safe.
Our Observations and Commentary
Vienna is a clean, classy, and organized city. People here like order and rule, which is the norm. Even a jaywalker is rare to see. It has a similar feel to Germany, with a softer edge.
We found the public transportation system remarkable and easy to navigate. There was never more than a few minutes of waiting at any hour of the day. Before our arrival, we purchased the Vienna City Card, which provided a mobile pass on our phone. It made it simple to get around. Google Maps was flawless in guiding me to the best public transportation options.
The public transportation system, like in Budapest, is an honor system. There are no ticket stations, scanners, or kiosks. We never saw anyone check for tickets. They are respectful rule followers here.
At the time of our visit, masks were still required on public transportation; most people complied, except for those few defiant ones. At some transit stations, the Police called out people not wearing masks. Otherwise, it was not required anywhere else, not in museums or restaurants. It was rare to see anyone wearing masks other than in public transit.
Diversity in Communities
During our food tour, we learned about Vienna’s social housing program. Maria pointed out the buildings that are social housing vs. privately owned. It was easy to recognize. Both are well-kept and clean, but the social housing was plainer and more affordable. Vienna requires this housing to be placed in every area of the city. No district, even where stores like Louis Vuitton are, is exempt. The goal is to have people of all classes and walks of life be part of the same community. Over one-half million people reside in these buildings throughout Vienna, which is just under 1/3 of the city’s population.
During our extensive travels through the city, day or night, we did not see any homeless people or beggars. Our food tour guide said that if someone is without lodging, they are taken to a place to stay. One of the primary reasons for social housing is to provide everyone with a place to live. It sounds ideal, and it would be interesting to learn more about whether it is successful or if there is a dark side to it.
It surely is a grand city
If there was one word to describe Vienna, it would be grand. There are buildings, monuments, parks, and museums, as well as palaces, boulevards, and music. In many ways, Vienna has a Parisian feel, but it is cleaner and safer than Paris.
It was surprising to us, but Vienna is quite a diverse, multicultural city. There is little apparent separation here, as seen in some cities, at least on the surface, possibly due to their social housing programs that help keep communities diverse. It has a well-educated population with an average household income that is almost three times that of the United States. Only 4% of the population lives below the poverty level.
There was never a time we felt unsafe or worried. There was a night when we walked over a mile back to our hotel after midnight, along backstreets and at times alone, with no concerns at all. Getting lost never bothered us; it was fun.
The gardens and parks are beautiful and thoroughly enjoyed by the city’s residents. Families are everywhere, and many people are lounging on the lawns, enjoying the beautiful weather. In such a big city, you still feel a sense of community.
People are friendly and welcoming to tourists. We did find people a bit serious at times, but never rude. Austria is a respectful society that follows the rules by nature.
They do tip in Vienna and throughout Austria. Ten percent is the norm across the board.
Apple Pay is the way to go here. Everyone uses it, even for bottles of water at kiosks. When tipping, you can indicate the amount to add to the bill before scanning or leaving cash.
Where to stay when visiting Vienna
This is a beautiful and safe city with great public transportation. Anywhere would be an ideal location to stay to visit the whole city.
It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Thank you for joining us on our adventure through the classical music city of Vienna
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