Having arrived in Vienna you could go all gaga over the art, architecture, music and history or, you could put all of that aside and just drool – over the coffee and cakes that is.
It is quite a legitimate thing to do as a tourist because, with every bite that you take you are partaking of local culture, becoming one with the natives even and isn’t that what travel is all about?
A couple of coffees later and you realise that Viennese coffee houses are not about coffee or cake. These are mere props, things to hold on to while waiting for friends, something to keep your mouth occupied as you read an entire newspaper or something to stir while avoiding home and a visit from the in-laws. So, there is very little chance of being thrown out of a café or bistro on the charge of loitering- is this city totally civilised or what!
At some point you’ll need to stretch your legs but Vienna has so much to see that you might need to contemplate your options over another cup…or, you could do as many others have done before and head for Stephansplatz, the large square that is dominated by the steep gothic towers of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Old meets new here as is characteristic of all of Vienna – the Cathedral is very fittingly reflected in the post-modern glass facade of Haas House opposite. The narrow streets and quiet courtyards that surround the Stephansplatz and the old town are lively mix of old fashioned elegance and trendy flair. Boutiques and bars mingle with antiques and art and the pedestrianised zones host a variety of events all year long.
The historic city centre is circled by the wonderful five kilometre long Ringstrasse and hopping onto a streetcar is the best way of taking in the magnificent museums, art galleries and palaces that line the route.
The vast Imperial Palace will not disappoint with its priceless Crown Jewels and amazing art and architecture. In fact, if you have always wanted a good dinner set for eight, you might be able to get a few ideas from the 167,000 piece Imperial Silver Collection.
Keep at least half a day aside for the Museums Quartier and you’ll be able to enjoy the tremendous experience that this, one of the ten largest cultural complexes in the world, offers to visitors of all ages. Set amongst the former imperial stables the architecture styles alone will take your breath away and then, when you have finished gawking at the cool citizens and clever tourists relaxing on the incredible concrete recliners in the massive courtyard, you can begin exploring the many exceptional collections and unusual events in photography, music, graphic art, fashion design, sculpture and theatre.
Vienna calls itself the world capital of music and justifiably so – home to dozens of gifted composers from Mozart to Strauss, the city’s opera houses and concert halls play host to today’s big name stars with different performances of ballets, operas and concerts everyday of the year. Make sure you have booked in advance and you won’t be disappointed.
Even the most dedicated culture vultures get hungry and I recommend that one evening you head for the Naschmarkt with an empty stomach and open mind.
Food and flavours from every continent, enticing smells and unusual tastes from around the world – it is a feast for every sense.
Having waltzed all over Vienna this is a good place to relax, pick a bar or restaurant to eat, linger at and watch the world go by.
Vienna isn’t the place to shop for souvenirs – forget the key rings, coasters and stuffed teddies called Mozart. This is a city for really serious world-class shopping. Revamp your wardrobe, your home or your whole life on Vienna’s shopping mile, the Mariahilfer Strasse with over 600 stores, elegant shops and hip boutiques and, if that isn’t enough, venture into the many cobbled side streets where you can continue to shop for everything from designer shoes and wild accessories to old records, vintage clothes and unusual jewellery.
And if you are lucky enough to have a few days more: a cruise on the Danube, a day out at the Vienna Prater with its 250 fairground attractions, a trip to Schönbrunn Palace, the sandy beaches at Danube Island, see the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding school, listen to the Vienna Boy’s Choir and of course – down a couple of coffees and a slice of sachertorte in between.
- Insiders tip: ideally, you should plan your trip to Vienna by checking out the events guides before arriving. There is so much going on all year round, it is handier if you know what you definitely don’t want to miss. The websites listed are informative and very up-to-date making it very easy to get the best out of your time in this wonderful city.
- Public transport is brilliant. Buy a Vienna Card and use the extensive subway, streetcar and bus network to get to all the sights.
- Online one-stop shop for tourist information
- www.vienna.info Book accommodation, buy tickets, sightseeing brochures and any information about Vienna.
- Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial summer residence: baroque palace, museums, gardens, puppet theatre and the world’s oldest zoo. Details on www.schoenbrunn.at
- Vienna Prater is a 200 year old Viennese favourite with 250 fairground attractions, entertainment and plenty of local culinary fare. www.prater.wien.info
- Danube Island with its 42 km of beaches. You can sunbathe or boat, cycle, skate, swim and windsurf. Check the packed summer programme on www.summerstage.co.at
- Spanish Riding School and the Lipizzaner Horses: Children will love this special treat. Performances and tours on www.srs.at
- Vienna Boys Choir: read about the history of this amazing school and book tickets for performances on www.wsk.at
- Vienna State Opera: For 300 evenings a year a different performance everyday! Details of all current performances at the State Opera as well as other all opera and concert venues on www.events.vienna.info
