VIENNA

What a dream it’s been to visit Vienna! Such a beautiful city filled with so much culture, history, and great food. I had a very intense two jam-packed days in Vienna which probably would’ve been more comfortable if I had stayed the night or got in earlier! Despite this, I made the most of out of my time in the Austrian capital - and I must say, I was impressed.

Vienna is absolutely beautiful. I had visited just a few days after Christmas but some of the markets were still around, the festive decorations were still up, and the weather perfect. It was clear blue skies with a distinct crispness in the air.

We had arrived by train late in the morning from Budapest and in hindsight, it probably would’ve been a lot easier if I had traveled in from Bratislava as it is only an hour ride away but hey, it didn’t make sense to me at the time as were to head to Zurich for New Year’s. But nonetheless, it was a beautiful journey and there was a LOT to do and see and we had a very short timeline…so here goes!

Palaces, museums, Christmas markets, Naschmarkt, shopping, Wiener schnitzel-eating… It was a LOT to taken in. How to tackle it all in less than 48 hours? Well, I thought it was impossible but upon remising on my trip now, I would I say that I covered a lot of ground (literally!).

My plan of action was to get the big guys out of the way. My girlfriend was desperate to go shopping, I was desperate to see as much as I possibly could, given the short timeframe we had in Vienna. I sought out to go to the biggest attractions (and farthest ones!) first.

I had visited Belvedere Palace first as it was walking distance from our hotel, Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel. Not the best location but it was the cheapest and close to the train stations which made it easy coming in and departing out of. I then went over to Schonbrunn Palace, about a 45-minute train ride out of the city alone (kind of like Palais du Versailles in Paris) which was absolutely phenomenal. My last museum of the day was The Hofburg, specifically to visit the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum which were my favourite museums of the day. Vienna is so rich with history. If it’s possible, try and visit these three “must-visit” museums - they were truly remarkable.

What about eating? Obviously we had to hit up Naschmarkt. Naschmarkt is an indoor/outdoor market in the heart of Vienna. Your senses will be uplifted there as there is tons to eat and drink. Chocolate, Manner wafers, wasabi-covered chocolate, cheeses of all different colours and tastes, olives, even international fare…they have everything. One end of the market even has some select sit-down restaurants where we were able dine on authentic Wiener schnitzel - a must! The vintage market also takes place here but it seemed to be mostly junk so no finds here, unfortunately.

We had wanted to try our hand at seeing the world-famous Vienna State Opera but the lines were pretty atrocious! Not to worry - we enjoyed perusing around town, visiting more Christmas markets, shopping in Laimgraube, and cafe and boutique-hopping in the ever-so-trendy Neubau neighbourhood. Also, don’t forget to try the world famous Sacher torte at Cafe Mozart - lines may be long but the cake was so heavenly.

Getting around Vienna:

Walking - Vienna is a great walking city! If you can afford it, try to pick accommodation that is central. We weren't super central and about a 20-minute walk away from the centre of town. But not to worry - just pack some great walking shoes and you’re good to go!
Train - The train system is very easy to use in Vienna. The U-bahn and S-bahn are both accessible and fast ways to get around and out of the city. Ticket machines are relatively straightforward and maps were easy to read - good option of moving around the city when you’re in a time crunch!

What to see in Vienna:

Schonbrunn Palace - The main summer residence of the esteemed Habsburg family. It is a 1400+ room palace over a sprawling estate in Heitzing, about 40-minutes outside of the city centre. Its architecture, art and design was and is still monumental. If you are a fan of Rococo-style architecture, a visit to this palace is a must.
Belvedere Palace - Two baroque palaces in one. This was the first place I visited when I was in Vienna which I loved touring around in. It is a historic building complex that lies near the centre of town. Worth a visit if you enjoy history.
The Hofburg, Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum - If I had one museum to visit in Vienna, this would be it. The Hofburg has 3 museums in one and I found them to be the most abundant in artefacts, exhibits and details from the Hapsburg imperial rule. The apartments was the highlight - do not skip out on it!
Naschmarkt - If there’s food, count me in. I loved perusing through Naschmarkt. Lots of stalls to taste and snack on or perhaps sit down and have a glass of Austrian wine. I also loved the chocolate-covered nuts - they were a godsend and helped fuel me throughout my trip!
Stephanplatz - Every city has a large square in it and this is it for Vienna. St. Stephan’s cathedral is in the centre of it all and there is an abundance of shops, restaurants, and luxury grocers in the area.
Karntnerstrasse - The busiest shopping street in Vienna. It’s not my favourite as it’s packed with tourists but I loved checking out the Austrian department stores that were on this block. Lots of internationally-known stores on this block as well.
Mariahilferstrasse - I personally loved shopping here on this street more. Mariahilferstrasse is the longest shopping street in Vienna. LOTS of shops here but for me, the side streets were where its at. I found some great boutiques that run parallel and cut through the busy shopping street - very similar vibe to Oxford St in London.
Ferstel Passage - This arched passageway and glassed roof is home to cute little bars and cafes that are tucked away within it. It is also rather photogenic, especially when I visited during Christmastime with large decorated trees dotted throughout it. It’s so nice to pass through and take a pause.

What to eat in Vienna:

Wienerschnitzel - Well, this is where it originated from! I obviously had to try the famous wienerschnitzel. You can get this pretty much anywhere in Vienna. I had this at one of the sit-down restaurants in the Naschmarkt. Veal that has been pounded thin, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crisp. SO GOOD.
Sacher torte - This was also rumoured to be invented here at the Hotel Sacher Wien at Cafe Mozart. This elegant cafe is known for its gorgeous cakes and drinks but mostly known for its Sacher torte. Chocolate cake, a thin layer of apricot preservers and then covered in chocolate ganache. Not as rich as you think but it is delightfully sinful.
Leberkase - Not a cheese, but more like a meatloaf. My Austrian friend, Diana, said that I needed to try this sandwich. So I did! For just a couple euros, I was served a fat slab of Austrian-style meatloaf sandwiched between a kaiser bun. A dab of mustard and it was absolute perfection. Best 3 euros I spent during that trip!
Austrian wine - Obviously wine would have to be on the list… Although it was winter, a glass of Gruner would be best. Austria is down for its dry white wines - stick with it! Although I did try their reds and they went well with the schnitzel!
Austrian beef goulash - We are still in central Europe; goulash will be on every menu. Although it originated in Hungary, lots of Austrians enjoy beef goulash with potatoes. Perfect on a cold winter’s day!
Tafelspitz - Boiled beef, anyone? Don’t knock it til you try it. This humble dish is Austrian to its roots! Boiled beef with carrots and parsnips served sour cream, apples and horseradish - it’s a great dish to warm your soul.
Kasespaetzle - There is a lot of crossover between German and Austrian cuisine. This cheese, onion and Austrian egg pasta is the epitome of comfort food. It’s super cheesy and wonderful and even better with speck!

I absolutely loved my time in Vienna. From the food to the museums to the markets, I loved it all. I would love to return again to visit all of the other museums and palaces I had missed. Perhaps, maybe one day once COVID is over.

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