After what seemed to be an endless winter filled with storms and delayed travel plans, it seems as though spring is finally here. When the days start to stretch on longer and the sun seems just a little brighter and that one last patch of snow is finally melted, I close my eyes and think of one place..Vienna. It is my favorite city, the city I've been to more times than anywhere else and the city I still wish to see more of. Vienna in the springtime is idyllic to say the least. I lived for a year in the city of Gyor, in the western part of Hungary. It is situated directly between Vienna and Budapest, between the old world and the new. It is the perfect city in many ways (which I will explain in an upcoming post), but one of the reasons I loved Gyor so much was because, when I felt like it, when the whether was nice or christmas markets were in season, I could hop on the train and in a little over an hour and for less than ten euros I could be in Vienna.
Vienna is one of the cleanest cities you will ever see. The side walks are grand, the people beyond friendly, and everything you want to see is accessible by walking or by taking one of the best subway systems I have been on. There is too much to see in a day, or even a weekend. Vienna needs an extended stay, it needs to be experienced in the long term. For many years Vienna has not only been listed as the most livable cities in Europe, but one of the most livable cities in the world. If EU work restrictions weren't what they were for a US citizen I would back up and move there with out a care in the world.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Vienna, no particular order:
The Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens
I have been here in the dead of winter, the spring and at the height of summer and besides the fluctuations in the crowds, it is just as beautiful whichever time you go. My biggest word of advice when it comes to traveling in big cities is, always buy tickets online before you go! It has saved me so much time, I cannot even tell you and the Schonbrunn was no exception. We arrived during the time we chose on our ticket and went right trough. If the weather is just too nice to spend an hour touring the palace, then skip it, I know this sounds horrible, but the inside is not the main attraction. Sure it is beautiful and the history of the palace and the people inside is unrivaled, you can find all of that in a book, but the gardens, the trails, the fountains, the roses are all something that has to be marveled at close up. In the warmer months you can climb the hill, look out over the city of Vienna far in the distance love the fact that such a place exists within such close proximity to a major metropolis.
The Cafes
Like most cities in Europe Vienna is known for its food and its coffee. Pastries, chocolate and meat abound here. If you think sitting in a cafe and drinking coffee is a waste of your precious vacation time, then think again. The Viennese are sophisticated, smart and warm and sitting at a cafe, talking with a waiter or a fellow patron is one of the best ways to experience the city. There are of course the tourist traps, specifically surrounding St. Stephen's cathedral, but hidden among the Mozart laden gift shops and overly priced stalls selling "authentic Austrian cuisine" are the true gems of the city. The most famous is cafe Demel. There will be tourists here, I guarantee it, but it doesn't matter. It is a Viennese landmark serving some of the best coffee and pastries in the world, including Austria's infamous Sacher Torte and Apple Strudel. After you have finished eating, or if you must wait in line, head toward of the back of the deceptively huge cafe and watch (through Plexiglas) the bakers at work making your treats and elaborate cakes for the parties of Vienna.
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