“Vienna wasn’t just a city, it was a tone that either one carries forever in one’s soul or one does not. It was the most beautiful thing in my life. ” ~ Sàndor Màrai, Embers
Vienna is a city of the arts. After all, it seems that every classical music genius lived and worked in Vienna; Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, and Haydn all came to Vienna at some point in their lives. To visit Vienna is to experience 18th-century charm, 19th-century grandeur, and 21st-century zeitgeist – all at the same time. Its old-world ambience comes from the friendliness of its inhabitants as well as the history of its architecture. The Viennese invented cafe society, and to this day they manage to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation.
A Feast for the Senses
- Sights—The romantic cobblestone streets of Vienna’s Inner Stadt; the wonderful imperial buildings along the 19th-century Ringstrasse; the grand Staatsoper; art collections at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Belvedere Palace and the Albertina; Mozart’s only remaining address, the Mozarthaus; Schonbrunn Summer Palace on the outskirts of the city.
- Tastes—The original Sacher Torte at Cafè Sacher; open-faced sandwiches at Zum Schwarzen Kameel; the eponymic Wiener schnitzels at Figlmuller; gourmet edible art at the two-starred Michelin restaurant, Steirereck im Stadtpark.
- Sounds—World-class symphony at the Musikverein; modern jazz and blues at the world-class Porgy and Bess; soaring lyrics at the Staatsoper, the famed opera house; Schrammelmusik in the garden of a heurige (wine tavern)
- Scents – Delectable scents of Vienna coffee linger in the air around the many street side cafes, and remind visitors and local alike to stop and enjoy the passing scenery as well as a pastry at Demel’s.
- Activities—Ride the 19th-century Riesenrad (ferris wheel) for aerial views of the city; stroll through the First district or along the Ring; explore the huge parks at Schonbrunn Palace and the Lainzer Tiergarten; stroll through the forested hills of the Wienerwald to the Kahlenberg; bike along the 620 miles of bike paths in the city and around.
Best side trip from Vienna
One hour west of Vienna, the Wachau Valley boasts dramatic scenery, medieval ruins, charming towns, endless vineyards and orchards along the Danube River.
Hotels we recommend
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