A City Break in Vienna

Let's talk about travels again! Last month I went for a little city break in Vienna, and in this post I would like to talk with you about that stunning, elegant city. We're talking about timing (when it is better to go), places to see, restaurants and bistro, activities and hidden gems. Let's go!

Stephensplatz, one of the most important squares of the city (and amazing for shopping)

Vienna had been on my wishlist for ages. When I finally did get the opportunity to go and visit, I was not slightly disappointed. It is everything I always imagined of the city, and more.

I was there for a little city break at the end of February, and going back, I would probably chose another time to go; Winter is very cold and bitter in Austria, and the days I was there temperatures waved between -10 to -4 degrees! So you can either chose to get very warm coats with you, or just visit over Spring or Summer.

Vienna University

The airport is situated roughly 30 min from the city, and it is possible to reach by bus or train. There are different types of trains (quick are quicker than the bus) that you can get to go to the city, I do suggest you to take the S7, because it is the cheaper one (a ticket is 4.10 euros). Get til Landstrasse (it will take 25 min) and from there change to the metro to get to your destination. In Landstrasse you will find metro lines number 4 and 3.

Votivkirche, another amazing Gothic church, that I couldn't picture properly because of the restoration works

The city is pretty big, and divided in zones, a bit like London. Public transports bring you around with easy, and travelcards are available for tourists at the airport, depending on the length of your journey. I stayed there 3 days, and I bought a 72h travelcard, paying 17.00 euros (roughly) to have the opportunity to take any public transport (metro, trains, tram, buses), any time, for the duration of my trip.

One of the Museums of the Museums Quartier (its twin sits exactly in front of this one!)

The inner, most central part of the city, is probably the most interesting and rich in history. You walk around and you see those massive, elegant buildings, bringing you back straight away to a rich, elegant Austro-Hungarian Empire, when beautiful Princess Sissi lived.

Stephensdome, maybe the most famous building in Vienna

Stunning inside of Jesuitekirche

Can you see the domes? Would you believe it is actually not there? It is an illusion created by talented painter Andrea Pozzo

What to see in Vienna?

Let's start with one of the most beautiful places I visited, the Schonbrunn Palace. A trip there will take at least half of your day, if not en entire one, so be prepared. The Schonbrunn Palace is a stunning baroque palace, former summer residence of the imperial sovereign. Nowadays it is possible to visit the palace and its imperial rooms, have a walk in the museums, and see Princess Sissi's rooms. But not only; the Palace is surrounded by a massive garden, including a zoo, an orangery, a maze, a children museum, and one of the most stunning spots in the city, the Gloriette.

Whatch out for the Basilisk!

The Gloriette is a hill just behind the Palace, and on the top of it you will have the most breathtaking view of the Palace and Vienna at your feet. Little hint: the entrance to the Schonbrunn (like all cultural spots in Vienna unfortunately) is not free, but the park and the Gloriette are. So if you're budget is limited and you don't really fancy a tour in the Palace, just go to the park and enjoy the view from the Gloriette.

View of the Schonbrunn from the Gloriette

On the top of the Gloriette

The inner core of Vienna is surrounded by a road called Ringstrasse, because it is a circular ring going around the city. If you get a tram in front of the Opera (one of the wonderful gems of the city) you can give a look to some of the most beautiful buildings of the city, like the Parliament, the University, and the Museums Quartier, where you can see the majestic buildings of the most important museums in Vienna.

St Charles Church, another stunning building situated in the Old Town

Impossible to miss though is a walk in the old town, the Gothic, charming Quartier where Mozart lived. The majestic Stephensdom (St Stephen Cathedral) embraces the city from one of the most relevant squares of the city, and if you go up to its tower you will have another amazing view of whole Vienna.

Looking like walking into a fairytale

Nearby, and reachable just walking in circle, you will admire the Jesuitenkirke (a wonderful church with a stunning ceiling, painted by Italian painter Andrea Pozzo), the Shonlaterngasse (a building with the statue of a basilisk on the front, to indicate a place where, during the 13^th century, a Basilisk was believed to hide), the Hoer Markt (a covered market), the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum.

The Riesenrad, Viennese version of our London Eye

After having seen so many beauties from the past you might want to see the most modern bit of the city; head to the metro and get off the Riesenrad, a panoramic wheel giving a lovely, relaxing view of the city. From there, you will be able to visit the UNO City, a massive complex of four glass towers opened in 1979, and have a beautiful tour over the Danube.

Vienna covered in snow is just spectacular

One more place you have to visit in Vienna is Belvedere, a Palace containing one of the most amazing gardens, and the place where Eugene of Savoy used to receive his guests. A visit in Spring is a must, cause the garden covered of flowers is impossible to miss.

Breaksfast like a Viennese top! Melange and butter roll!

But now lets talk food. What would you need to taste when in Vienna?

Well, first of all a delicious Schertorte, the famous Viennese chocolate cake, possibly accompanied by a Melange (Austrian words for Cappuccino basically). Also, you have to try the typical schnitzel (a slice of meat covered in egg and bread crumbs and fried) and the knodel (dumplings)... ask them to be accompanied by krugerl (a large beer)!

And of course, don't forget to try schnitzels!

That's all from me for now. If you have any questions, or would like to have some more information, don't hesitate to ask! See you very soon on our next trip, take care!

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