Explore These Crowded Streets: Vienna

March 26, 2024 - By Cheryl

We are heading to Vienna on April 17th to see Dave Matthews Band at the Gasometers in Vienna, Austria. The Gasometers were built from 1896 to 1899 and they were built to help supply the town of Vienna with gas. You can read about the history of the Gasometers here.

If you’re heading to Vienna, here are some of the top things to do!

Explore the Schönbrunn Palace: The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor to Vienna. This sprawling Habsburg summer residence features stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating history. Be sure to take a tour of the State Rooms and explore the vast gardens.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Hofburg Palace: The Hofburg Palace was the former imperial palace and winter residence of the Habsburgs. This sprawling complex houses a variety of museums, including the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Spanish Riding School. Be sure to attend a performance by the world-famous Lipizzaner horses.

Marvel at the architectural wonders of Vienna: Vienna is an architectural gem, with stunning buildings from different eras. Be sure to admire the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church; the Vienna State Opera, a neo-Renaissance opera house; and the Rathaus (City Hall), a Neo-Gothic masterpiece.

Explore the Vienna MuseumsQuartier: This large museum complex houses several museums, including the Leopold Museum (modern art), the MUMOK (modern and contemporary art), and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (art and artifacts from the Habsburg collections).

Take a walk along the Ringstrasse: The Ringstrasse is a circular boulevard lined with grand buildings, including the Parliament, the Burgtheater (national theatre), and the University of Vienna. It’s a great place to take a walk, admire the architecture, and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Indulge in Viennese coffee house culture: Vienna’s coffee houses are an institution, and no visit to the city is complete without spending an afternoon relaxing in one of these elegant cafes. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry, and soak up the atmosphere. Some famous coffee houses include Cafe Central, Cafe Landtmann, and Cafe Sacher.

See a performance at the Vienna State Opera: The Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Be sure to check the listings and see if there’s a performance happening during your visit.

Take a day trip to Salzburg: Salzburg is a beautiful city located about an hour from Vienna. It’s the birthplace of Mozart and is famous for its Baroque architecture and its annual Salzburg Festival.

Explore the Danube River: The Danube River is Vienna’s lifeblood, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Take a cruise on the river, go for a swim (in the summer), or simply relax in one of the many parks along the bank

Visit the Vienna Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof): This sprawling cemetery is the final resting place for many famous Viennese people, including Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. It’s a peaceful place to wander around and learn about Vienna’s history.

See a concert at the Vienna Musikverein: The Vienna Musikverein is a beautiful concert hall that is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Be sure to check the listings and see if there’s a concert happening during your visit.

Explore the Prater amusement park: The Prater is a large amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions. It’s a great place to spend a fun day with family or friends. Be sure to ride the Wiener Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) for stunning views of the city.

Shop at the Naschmarkt: The Naschmarkt is a large outdoor market selling food from all over the world. It’s a great place to try Viennese specialties, as well as international cuisine. Be sure to sample some sausages, cheeses, and pastries.

Explore the Hundertwasserhaus: The Hundertwasserhaus is a colorful and whimsical apartment building designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Go on a food tour: Sample a variety of Viennese specialties and international flavors by taking a food tour. Learn about the city’s culinary culture and hidden gems while indulging in delicious bites.

Visit the Mozarthaus: Step back in time and explore the apartment where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived and composed some of his most famous works. This museum offers insights into the life of this musical genius.

Take a walk through the Vienna Woods: Escape the city and explore the Vienna Woods, a natural area with hiking and biking trails, charming villages, and stunning scenery.

Explore the Sigmund Freud Museum: Delve into the world of psychoanalysis at the Sigmund Freud Museum, located in Freud’s former apartment. Learn about his life, work, and the development of psychoanalysis.

Catch a performance at the Burgtheater: The Burgtheater is Vienna’s national theatre and one of the most prestigious theaters in the world. Enjoy a play or performance in this grand setting.

In terms of food & drink, here are the top things to try while you’re in Vienna!

Vienna offers a delightful mix of hearty Austrian cuisine, elegant coffee house culture, and sweet treats you won’t want to miss. Here’s a breakdown of the top things to tantalize your taste buds:

Austrian Classics:

Wiener Schnitzel: This iconic dish features a veal cutlet pounded thin, breaded, and fried until golden brown. It’s often served with a side of potato salad or cranberry sauce.
Tafelspitz: Boiled beef (or veal) served in broth with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and root vegetables. A classic Viennese dish often accompanied by apple strudel for dessert.
Goulash: A rich beef stew traditionally made with paprika, onions, and vegetables. Sometimes served with dumplings (Knedlíky) or potato bread (Knedlík or houskový knedlík).
Schweinsbraten (Roast Pork): A popular Austrian dish of roasted pork belly with crackling skin. Often served with sauerkraut and dumplings (Knedlíky).
Knedlíky (Dumplings): These dumplings are a staple in Austrian cuisine and come in savory and sweet varieties. Potato dumplings are common, but you can also find bread dumplings and plum dumplings.

Sweet Treats:

Sachertorte: A dense chocolate cake with a rich apricot jam filling, all covered in dark chocolate icing. A Viennese specialty named after its inventor, Franz Sacher.
Apfelstrudel: Flaky pastry dough filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sometimes nuts. A delicious dessert or afternoon snack, often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Salzburger Nockerl: A light and fluffy soufflé dessert made with egg whites, sugar, and a touch of salt. Traditionally served with a raspberry sauce.
Kaiserschmarrn: Shredded pancakes with raisins served with fruit compote or applesauce. A delightful sweet dish perfect for sharing.

Viennese Coffee House Culture:

Viennese Coffee: Indulge in the Viennese coffee house tradition. Coffee is an art form here, with various options like Melange (coffee with milk and frothed milk), Einspänner (strong coffee with whipped cream), or a simple Verlängerter (black coffee with a shot of hot water). Pair your coffee with a pastry like a slice of Sachertorte or a Linzer torte (jam tart with a lattice crust).

Drinks:

Austrian Wine: Austria has a long winemaking tradition, with regions like Wachau Valley and Burgenland producing excellent white wines. Explore the local options or ask for recommendations at a restaurant.
Viennese Beer: Vienna offers a variety of local beers, from lagers to pale ales. Try a Stiegl or Ottakringer brand for a taste of Vienna’s brewing heritage.
Almdudler: A popular Austrian soft drink made from elderflower blossoms. A refreshing alternative to sugary sodas.

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