Vienna is one of my favourite cities. I have been to Vienna a couple of times at Christmas and I have to say it is magical.
I will write another post specifically about Vienna at Christmas focusing on the wonderful experience of the Christmas markets.
For now, the details below will provide a good guide to what I believe are some of the best things to see and do and would be great experiences regardless of the season.
I. Museums:
They are fantastic…especially:
Albertina
There is a new installation there. Really great! Not to be missed especially if you like Monet and other Impressionists. It takes you through different art styles. For this exhibit I’d recommend quite a lot of time, don’t go tired or just do part of the exhibit, it is huge!
http://www.albertina.at
Leopold
If you like 1900s Viennese art (Schiele, Klimt and Kokoschka)
http://www.leopoldmuseum.org
Museum Quarter
There are several other museums in the Quarter so pick those that suit your style.
Sissey Museum
In the Hofburg Palace. This is really wonderful and right in the heart of the city. It tells the story of Sissey, both my husband and I really liked it when we visited.
The whole palace is worth your time, absolutely stunning.
II. Palaces/Art:
The Belevedere
The Belvedere is a little further out but still in the city. We went because we like the 1900 Viennese Art especially Klimt, we did not go to the other exhibits which may have made it worthwhile. The Belevedere wasn’t our favourite. But if you like Klimt “The Kiss” alone might make it worthwhile.
Schonbrunn Palace
The summer house of the Hofburgs. This is even further out but you can take public transit or a tour bus if you are into tour groups. It’s massive, I wouldn’t recommend the full tour unless you are really into Palaces it gets a bit long.
www.schoenbrunn.at
III. Vienna Boys Choir:
We actually found this disappointing, we went to mass on Christmas Eve and the boys only come out for a very short time but are singing the whole time. It’s an interesting experience but not one we would do again. If you are really into that kind of thing it might be worthwhile but otherwise, I’d spend my time doing something else.
IV. Theatre/Ballet/Opera:
Staastoper
It will depend on the season what you might be able to attend, in any case the Staastoper is beautiful, worth a visit even if you can’t get tickets or don’t have time, I think you can still take a tour, check with your hotel to confirm.
V. Other Major Sites:
Stephandom
Gothic Church, quite impressive.
VI. Food:
Find somewhere for traditional Goulash (which is actually Hungarian) like the Cafe Landtmann.
Just a word of caution, there is still a lot of smoking in restaurants/cafes in Vienna (at least there was the last time we were there, Christmas 07).
Wein & Co
This is one of the best known restaurants in the city and may be a challenge to get a reservation. There is one in the Albertina (a good place for breakfast) and one which overlooks the Stephandom. The food is good and the view (if you have the right table) is interesting. It’s very sleek inside. Joe (my husband) felt it was a bit over-rated but still I still think it was worthwhile.
Coffee Houses
This is a must, a part of the culture. You can go to Cafe Landtmann as reco’d above or choose one of many others….like Cafe Central or Aida (Aida is a chain and there are many around the city). Landtmann is by far our fav but be careful not to sit anywhere near the smoking section (as noted above smoking is still common)!
Additionally Vienna is famous for a chocolate style cake (called Sachertorte) and apparently two cafe’s claim the credit. Cafe Sacher and Demel. They are both really beautiful and worthwhile going in and having a coffee, but honestly, the chocolate cake in France is way better. The atmosphere though it worth the wait in line. Consider the apfelstrudel instead of the cake.
Vienna has its own coffee naming system which may not be familiar to you. They have cappuccino but also melange which is a milky coffee served with milk froth on the top. There is a whole list of other coffee names.
VII. Getting around:
It’s an easy city to walk (in the inner ring) but getting a pass for public transit is highly recommended. It is really efficient and saves your feet. The transit system is very convenient. No really need for taxis.
If you plan to go to a lot of sites I’d recommend the “Vienna Card” it includes free use of transit and discounts on entry to sites/museums, well worth it in my opinion.
VIII. Shopping:
The area around Stephandom is lined with the major changes. The city is great for just wandering and you will find shops along the way.
IX. Getting from the airport:
You can arrange ahead for your hotel to send a car, get a taxi or take the “Cat” if your hotel is near the Cat, I’d recommend that route, cost efficient and easy, otherwise take a taxi because you have to get from the Cat to your hotel and if you have luggage it isn’t easy getting it on and off public transit.
It is one of the most elegant cities to which I have ever travelled, I absolutely love it. We love art and museums so you can see our list focuses on that but there are many other things to do in the city too.
Enjoy – it’s a wonderful city to explore!
