VIENNA THE KINGDOM OF DETAILS
„Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.”
Chinese Proverb
Austria is one of the smallest countries in Europe. So is Vienna, the capital of the country, slightly smaller than neighbouring metropolises . However, it is a great example, that the big size can be measured in many ways. This city, located on the beautiful, azure Danube river, works like a magnet for centuries, attracts not only tourists and people curious about the world, but also artists, philosophers, scientists, businessmen … Therefore, choosing Vienna for you trip, first of all it is good to plan your time and think about, what we want to see. And to see, taste, watch, there is a lot, if not more …
If you’ve got just little bit of time, you will probably have to choose between becoming a music connoisseur, a gourmet of Viennese cheesecakes and coffee, or a geek-historian … You can also combine it all in one person: a busy tourist who, caring in one hand a camera (or phone), a piece of Sacher cake in the other, having a walk to a concert in the opera, admiring the surrounding buildings at the same time… However, this threatens to confuse your senses completely.. 😀
Therefore, I’m not even going to assure you, that in this story you will find absolutely everything about the Austrian capital. But what I can promise, is frequent updates. Vienna is on my list of frequently visited places, that’s why I will definitely have the opportunity to add new topics 🙂
Gathering materials for the story about Vienna, I tried to combine information collected over the years, along with the information I collected during my last stay there in August 2019. Among these messages, I came across an article about the best living cities in the world. Vienna was elected as such a place for the second time in a row. You can find an interesting article confirming this information here
So what is so special about Vienna?
Well – details. That’s what’s amazing about it.
When you look at the capital of Austria from the artistic side, the details catch the eye of even common people. Details in each of the artistic fields. In Vienna, you can admire buildings, works of art of almost any it’s genre and style. Many composers were also associated with Vienna, which is reflected in the Vienna State Opera. Numerous museums, the beautiful National Library, Palaces, gorgeous gardens, all of this create the picture of this special capital.
Of course, like every metropolis, Vienna has better and worse districts (called Bezirk). What deserves attention, is the diligence, accuracy and order that dominates in most of them. No matter where you go, to the Stephansdom Cathedral, to the coffee shop with Sacher cakes, or to the souvenir shop on Stephansplatz, or to the florist in that area, there is incredible affectiont to the details. Which not only attracts the eye, of course, but arouses admiration. Sincere admiration.
So where should you definitely go?
Schonbrunn Castle, the summer residence of the Habsurgs, is certainly one of the most important attractions, the gardens, the whole neighborhood in general, is almost like an oasis of peace and beauty … Although sometimes quite crowded, especially in Summer. Zoo enthusiasts can go to the Vienna zoo, where you can even see a Panda, not really in it’s natural conditions, but it is alive and very well. 😀
The mentioned Stephansdom Cathedral also deserves a few pics on your phone (or camera). And if you have no fear of heights, I recommend to go, see the tower of the Cathedral. The trip takes place by elevator, costs 6 euros, and provides a wonderful view of the city and surroundings. The name of this church has intrigued me for years, and if someone is going there for the first time, will probably be confused by the fact that, for example, it will be translated into Polish: St. Simon Cathedral. Yes, my dear, Austrians, the names : Stefan and Simon, treat the same or almost the same …
Coffee shops or patisseries adresses, I do not even have to mention, because literally in every corner of the Vienna’s old town you will come across of many of them … But if you want to try the most famous cake in the area, you must go to Sacher coffee shop, in the Hotel with the same name. And please don’t be surprised if you will find long cue there… Because it is not always possible to enter this cafe just like that, and get a table 😀
The Vienna Opera … I visited it for the first time as a teenager, mainly from the perspective of a typical tourist. First of all, because even though I like classical music very much, I have never been an admirer of opera as such. The situation changed dramatically a few years ago, when I decided to show Vienna to my other half … I was then put in an uncompromising situation, when my man (whoever knows him, confirms that he does not look like a person who goes to operas), said, that along with ticket to the Austrian capital, I will need to purchase tickets to the opera for the „Figaro’s Wedding” …
The expression of my face, at that time, unfortunately was not registered on the photo … Apart from the 4.5 to 5h duration of the performance, I had to consider putting some decent shoes in the suitcase, and dresses at least … Who – knows me, knows how usually my travel wardrobe looks like ;D. For those who know me less, let it be enough to say, that I don’t have much to do with any kind of dresses … 😉
But well, Vienna … this name obliges … so I had to survive the „Wedding of Figaro” 😀
Among other attractions, Vienna has its own Madame Tussaud’s museum , the famous „Prater” amusement park, the oldest in Europe, and the wonderful Kahlenberg, where most of the vineyard are located.
You can’t miss the Hofburg Palace or Belvedere Palace, or the original Hundertwasser House.
The only inconvenience, that most tourists complain about, is the fact that not everywhere inside historic buildings, it is allowed to take pictures or use the camera … Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately. It is because Austria really does care about it’s cultural and natural goods.
When it comes to find the accommodation in Vienna, there are plenty of hotels, motels, b & bs and apartments available. Everything can be viewed on Bookig.com. If you are interested, you can browse Booking.com offers here . I personally, because of the circumstances, always stayed and still stay in Baden, and I usually travel to the capital by public transport.
And the public transport is very decent. In some cases expensive, but functional, comfortable and very well marked. From the airport it is very easy to get to the Central Station (formerly Sudbahnhof, now Hauptbahnhof), by train in about 30 minute(RJ, RJX), details are available here. From there we have got many suburban connections. In addition to this station are also two other: Westbahnhof and Wien Mitte.
The U-bahn, Viennese metro, is only a few months older than me, so it is in a good middle age 😛 😀 It has five lines, supports over 100 stations. Detailed map you can find here. Also nationals rail is very good organized, and all useful info they’ve got on their website : ÖBB
There are also trams and buses to use.
A stay in Vienna will certainly not be cheap, no matter how much you will try to control the budget. Most attractions can be visited on your own, without major problems, using, for example, GetYourGuide. However, this does not change the fact that expenses for travel, entrance tickets, trying coffee or delicious cakes, require wallet monitoring, Unless we have no restrictions in this matter 😉
Can you go to Vienna alone?
In my opinion you can. The Austrians are a specific people, but they are helpful. Perhaps at first glance they have a bit of distance to visitors, but if you will ask a question, they are more likely to help. In the Austrian capital, you can communicate in English without any problems.
When is the best time to go to Austria?
As I am definitely warm weather lover, of course I would recommend Summer. Possibly Spring. But of course whatever you like 😀 In Winter Vienna also has its attractions 😀
A very good source for those going to Vienna is the Facebook page: vienna.info
Some photos from the collection: Grejs Szemborowska.
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