Vienna
Imperial palaces, Baroque streetscapes and artistic masterpieces define Austria’s capital.
Situated on the Danube River, this spectacular city has been home to some of the greatest minds, from Mozart and Beethoven to Sigmund Freud.
Much of the city’s grandeur is a lasting legacy of the powerful Habsburg Monarchy. Schönbrunn Palace, their summer residence, is a must-see with its pristine gardens and stunning interiors. Take a quirky horse-drawn carriage through the beautiful gardens or wander around the tranquil fountains. Next to the palace you’ll find Vienna’s zoo, or Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is home to red pandas, jaguars, tigers and so much more if you get the Vienna Pass, both the Zoo and Palace are included.
In the centre of the city you will find the Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper), which is one of the leading opera houses in the world. Each season, the state opera house offers around 350 performances of more than 60 different operas and ballets, from world-class artists to the permanent ensemble who perform various operas, including Cinderella and Giselle. Get dressed up and spend an evening at the opera for a truly Viennese evening of opulence and sophistication. Tickets for the opera can start as low as £11 ($14.50), so it is definitely worth going for the experience, even if you don’t think opera is your thing you might be surprised. Each seat has a small screen with English subtitles to help you follow along if you don’t speak the language, too.
The Spanish Riding School is another must for any trip to Vienna. Even if you just take a wander through the stunning buildings where it is situated and catch a tiptoed glance at the training arena, you won’t be disappointed. The Spanish Riding School is the only institution in the world that has practised for more than 450 years. There are various tours and events that you can buy tickets for, from the morning training sessions to more lavish shows it’s a worthwhile and unique experience.
The city’s museum quarter (Museumsquartier) features the Leopold Museum, with its numerous works by Schiele; the popular Museum of Contemporary Art; and the Kunsthalle, which is an array of restaurants, cafes and bars that make this area of the city an essential part of your trip.
If you get bored of the bigger museums and galleries, then why not venture to the Sigmund Freud Museum? The permanent exhibition is located in the former living quarters and office of Freud, and is a presentation of the great mind’s life and work. From March 2019 until 2020, the museum will be closed for construction in order to preserve original details, but you will still be able to visit the Moving Freud Museum just a few steps away from the original premises.
Vienna is known for its sumptuous coffeehouse culture, where decadent coffee is served on silver trays alongside delicate cakes and sweet treats. You can’t visit Vienna without trying Sachertorte, which is a chocolate cake created by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna. The chocolate cake has a layer of apricot jam in the middle, and is topped with a shimmering chocolate glaze. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialities. If sweet treats and creamy coffee aren’t for you, head to a traditional pub and enjoy a Wiener schnitzel or warming goulash washed down with a stein of beer.