Vienna, Austria
Vienna in one word? Peaceful.
Think beauty, architecture, history, art, nature, booze & food.
Cobblestone streets and 18th century architecture are the forefront of all things Vienna. You’ll find a European-style cafe around every corner and a beautifully maintained garden down every street. The freshest croissants and most decadent whipped-cream coffees (what the Viennese refer to as Einspanner) make up the bulk of breakfast options, while gourmet spreads of cheeses, Wiener Schnitzel, Selchfleisch (smoked meat), and a multitude of vegan options line dinner menus. And if you’ve ever wanted to test out an array of different drinks, look no further. Higher-end restaurants offer the most delicious drink menus (Pineapple Whisky Sour, Brasil Basil Smash) while street markets sell $4 Spritzes…YES, $4 SPRITZES.
The purpose of this Viennese Vacation was to participate in an all-out digital detox. Equipped with an instant camera and committed to blocking out all things social media, Vienna was a truly magical and peaceful experience. The pace of the streets are very “metro meets natural” without the typical sense of urgency other cities exude. You’ll find yourself strolling through the cobblestone streets with no final destination in mind…just walking for the pure purpose of taking in everything around you and enjoying your time in that moment.
On the outskirts of the city center, the Schonbrunn Palace is an absolute must-see. Over a square kilometer in size, the grounds are home to the Schonbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world, a vineyard cared for by WienWein, a dedicated group of Veinnese growers, and a maze constructed of yew hedges. Opposite the back of the palace you’ll find the astonishingly well maintained Grobes Parterre. Follow the paths up the hill to the Gloriette, and pay the extra few Euros to the top – the view is worth it. Similarly to the rest of Vienna, the Schonbrunn grounds radiate a sense of natural beauty…here, too, you’ll find yourself aimlessly exploring, so give yourself an entire half-day (at least) to enjoy the scenery.
Back in the city center you’ll find a multitude of museums worth visiting. The MuseumsQuartier is home to one of the largest cultural quarters in the world. Follow the back of the Quartier out to the 7th district for a serene, picturesque experience. Make your way through the front of the Quartier and across the street to mosey through one of Vienna’s many immaculate green spaces, the Maria-Theresien-Platz, which is housed by the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History) and Museum of Natural History. Continue on and you’ll find yourself in Vienna’s prime shopping district, full of both high-end and locally run boutiques. Here, much like the rest of the city, you’ll find people filling the streets but doing so calmly and eloquently, without a care in the world.
The Cafe Scene
Points of Interest
Additional
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Ulrich – Amazing options from breakfast to dinner. Vegan friendly with an adorable outdoor café.
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Volksgarten – A regal public park filled with fountains, a rose garden and pristine greenery.
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Dachboden – A rooftop bar at the 25hours Hotel, home to old-fashioned music and dancing, a delicious drink menu, and a breathtaking terrace with an unforgettable view.
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Graben – One of Vienna’s most famous streets, starting at the postcard friendly Stock-im-Eisen-Platz.
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Stadtpark – A 19th century public park with views of Viennese architecture and ornate bridges over the park’s river.
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Donaukanal – A stretch of shops, street art and cafes line this arm of the Danube River.
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Innere Stadt – Located in Vienna’s central 1st district, the old town is perfect for strolling and shopping.
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Plague Column – An iconic sculpted column commemorating victims of the plague.
A city of culture, natural ambiance and tranquil scenery, Vienna is easy to fall in love with. If you’re searching for a sophisticated and serene spot, you’ve found it. So, pack your instant camera and leave your devices at home…you’ll want to enjoy everything this city has to offer.
