Vienna
Vienna is a city rich in culture, history and chocolate cake. Strolling through the Innere Stadt feels like stepping back in time. There are magnificent insta-worthy old buildings on every corner with St Stephen’s Cathedral and its iconic tiled roof dominating the city skyline.
City Tours
There are several ways to get round Vienna but for a memorable tour around the Innere Stadt, take a trip in a horse drawn carriage. It’s certainly not the cheapest way to get round but it’s a great experience and the guides are entertaining and very knowledgeable about their city.
The Royal Palaces
The imposing Hofburg Palace dominates the centre of Vienna. Once the winter residence of the Hapsburg royal dynasty, parts of this huge complex date back to the 13th century. Today it is the official residence and office of the President of Austria.
The Spanish Riding School
The Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace is home to the beautiful white stallions, Lippizzaners, who perform at the famous Spanish Riding School. Every day at 11am these magnificent horses and their riders come out and give a stunning performance, showing off their incredible equestrian skills but if you miss that you can also book tickets to watch their morning exercise routines which are set to music.
Schoenbrunn Palace is a magnificent stately home with beautifully manicured gardens. It once served as the summer residence of the imperial Hapsburg dynasty. Take a tour inside and admire the marbled hallways and vast rooms.
The Museum Quarter
The Museum Quarter is home to a cluster of noteworthy museums. Check out the following;
Belvedere Palace
Once a royal palace, The Belvedere is now a museum and art gallery. The highlight of the art collection is ‘Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt which can be found on the first floor.
Vienna Opera House
A visit to Vienna is not complete without a trip to the Vienna Opera House. With stunning renaissance architecture, a magnificent central staircase and incredible acoustics, the Opera House is world renowned. Every year the auditorium transforms into a giant ballroom for the Vienna Opera Ball. Take a guided tour for a look behind the scenes and look out for members of the Vienna Music Orchestra in their colourful ‘Mozart’ costumes in and around the Opera House, the Musikverein and Koncerthaus.
Coffee Shops
If you want to take a break from sightseeing relax with a cup of coffee and a slice of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte in one of the many coffee houses.
Sigmund Freud spent time in Vienna and would frequent the coffee houses, along with other intellectuals to debate the issues of the day. A favourite of his was Cafe Landtmann which was established in 1873.
Amusement Park
Vienna is home to the Prater Fairground. Here you’ll find the oldest ferris wheel of its type in the world. At 65 metres tall it offers fabulous views of Vienna from the top of this iron structure and if you’re feeling brave step out on Platform 9. A steel construction with a glass floor high in the sky, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Finally
Sigmund Freud, Mozart, Beethoven and Gustav Klimt all spent time in this beautiful city, creating their art and music and discussing philosophy in the many coffee shops. It’s a grand old city full of tradition. Take the tours and learn from the guides. Vienna has a fascinating history as well as great coffee and chocolate cake!
After a few days in this stunning city we boarded a ferry and took a short trip down the River Danube to the historical city of Bratislava. Read here for my experience of the Slovakian capital.