We landed in Vienna not knowing what to expect. However, over the next days we experienced each nook of the city. To use the term “stunning” would not give the city enough credit. Its buildings entrance you, its coffee houses beckon you in, the delicious foods being cooked in the restaurants entice your senses, and the history that it presents to you stimulates your appetite to learn more.
Vienna is a dreamscape.
Filled with beauty and vibrancy, allure and serenity, it is a city where no traveler will want to miss.
Austria’s capital is filled with an abundance of things that make it special and unique. Whether you enjoy shopping, slow or fast-paced sightseeing, relaxing, or eating – Vienna is the destination for you. But what exactly makes it a destination worth visiting?
Beautiful architecture
Make your way through Vienna’s past by walking through the city and enjoying its architecture.
One of the most notable styles of architecture is that from the Baroque Era, which started in the late 16th century. Found mostly within Vienna’s inner city, these buildings are characterized by new explorations of form, light and shadow, and dramatic intensity.
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.
Frank Gehry
Easy to get around
The numerous museums, attractions, and shops spread across Vienna are all easy to get to with the efficient and fast public transportation network set up throughout the city. It is also more than possible to walk everywhere, which is what I did for the most part while traveling there.
English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t have any issues when it comes to asking questions or getting directions.
Absolutely exquisite museums
With over a 100 museums to visit, there is no shortage of art to enjoy while in Austria’s capital.
There are an abundance of museums of international reputation which house major collections by world-famous artists, such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
But make sure to go early in the morning when the museums just open so that you won’t get stuck in the crowds!
Real museums are places where time is transformed into space.
Orhan Pamuk
A great location to do day-trips from
Vienna is quite centralized and makes for the best base to travel to other cities and countries from. Have a few hours to spare? Go to Prague or Budapest. Want a quick trip to a city close-by? Why not try Bratislava or Melk?
Heralded as the ‘capital of classical music’
Vienna is a major destination for classical music. So much so that classical music and Vienna are synonymous.
In the 19th century, Vienna became the hub of classical music, during which many composer came to establish themselves in the Viennese musical scene. Among these individuals were celebrated composers such as Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.
Copious concerts are currently available throughout the year. Though make sure to reserve your seats to the popular ones in advance because tickets sell out quickly.
Other attractions include the House of Music, which depicts the lives of celebrated composers and includes other interactive installations about music, and Mozarthaus which presents the life and work of Wolgang Amadeus Mozart.
To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Get the best coffee at the most elegant coffee houses
Austria has elevated coffee to an art form.
The Viennese coffee house played an important in shaping Viennese culture and still plays a prominent role in its present-day society.
Four main characteristics make up classic Viennese coffees:
- Aroma
- Warmth
- Colour
- Variety
And these characteristics, blended together in different ways, produce a variety of coffees. Some you might already be familiar with, such as Espressos, Americanos, and Cafe Lattes. But others may take you by surprise. Ever heard of Viennese Melanges? Schwarzers? Franziskaners? What about Mozart Cafés? Maybe an Einspänner?
You’re not just buying a cup of coffee when in Vienna, you’re taking part in a whole experience. You will be enraptured by the coffee’s taste and aroma, you will be able to spend hours in the charming ambiance of a coffee house, and you will be taking part in an important part of Viennese culture.
Eat delicious Viennese cuisine
Vienna is best known for its pastries, some of which are quite popular worldwide. Ever heard of the Apfelstrudel (a strudel pastry filled with apples)?
There is a type of pastry for everyone. Whether you like sweet or soothing, crispy or soft, intricate or simple, you’ll be able to find just the pastry for you.
Many Viennese dishes are also heavily dependent on meat – and the most accurate word I can give to describe them is: cozy.
Each dish makes you feel as if you’re back at your grandparents’ home and they have whipped up a home-cooked meal that will warm your soul.
No trip to Vienna would be complete without at least sampling some of their delicious pastries or trying some of their cozy meals.
Enjoy outdoor markets
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s most famous food and produce market. It contains items from local farmers and vendors, but also items from overseas.
Go to Naschmarkt to shop for produce, meat, and cheese, get some ingredients for your next dish, grab a quick bite to eat, or spend hours at a restaurant.
Spend a quiet afternoon walking the Danube
Sometimes, especially after running around in the hustle and bustle of a city, all you need is a few hours somewhere calm to relax – and the Danube is exactly that.
Walk by the Danube to get some fresh air, sun, and much-needed relaxation time. Make it more adventurous by renting a bike and cycling through the walkways running parallel to the river.
Have you been to Vienna? What else do you think should be included in this list?
xx
