Vienna, the capital of Austria is one of the most captivating cities of Europe for its culture, architecture, music, art and dining.
The beautiful location of the city along the Danube river, with many Imperial palaces and buildings, invite you in to view the art and architecture of one of the greatest monarchies of European history. Perfectly manicured parks that are quietly waiting to be explored offer hidden treasures throughout every corner of the city. The most memorable experiences here, fully indulge the senses. Listening to the sounds of the city’s longtime connection to music. Tasting the gastronomy at the historic cafes. Seeing firsthand the beauty of the plentiful gardens. Together these combine to create a truly Vienna experience.
Music:
If you have researched Vienna you know the connection to music is just as long and important as the connection to art. The home of many famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms has a place in the world of orchestra, opera, and theatre.
One of the first buildings you pass as you set out along the famed Ringstrasse (circle road surrounding Vienna) is the State Opera House. The Wiener Staatsoper was built as the Royal Opera by former Austrian Emperor Joseph I and to this day, the opera house welcomes guests who still enjoy the Renaissance musical experience.
Vienna’s connection to music expands on from the exquisite building of the opera house to the world celebrated Vienna Philharmonic which can be enjoyed at the Vienna Musikverein, where you can relish in the sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
Formal music experiences are not always available or perhaps untimely with your schedule. However, historic Viennese music can be enjoyed at some of the smaller theaters, churches, cathedrals, and palaces, throughout the city.
Cafes:
Viennese cafes are a unique encounter that should not be missed. Housed in Baroque buildings, cafes are what many locals consider their second home. They spend hours reading, socializing, working, and sipping some of the best coffee in Europe.
Viennese cafes were established long before Starbucks ever brewed its first cup with some of the local cafes dating back to the 1700s.
It would have been common to spot Mozart or Beethoven entertaining relaxing guests at one of the many local cafes, sampling their newest compositions.
Drinking coffee in Vienna is an art form that is specific to the Viennese lifestyle. Typically sitting at marble tables, your waiter delivers your coffee in a porcelain cup, served with a glass of water to cleanse your palate between sips. Usually, visitors also enjoy an order of one of the popular housemade pastries as they scroll the daily newspaper.
Specialty cafes further enhance the enjoyment of the Kaffeehaus encounter. Cafe Sacher, a cafe in the 5-star Hotel Sacher is the home of the Sacre Torte, long considered the “World’s Most Famous Cake”.
Tip: Due to the popularity of and long lines for cafes, share a table and amplify your experience with a memorable conversation.
Gardens:
With over 50% of the city of Vienna featuring green space, it is not surprising that timeless manicured gardens are still enjoyed as an integral part of a Viennese experience.
Stadtpark(Vienna City Park) – the oldest and largest of the parks in Vienna just outside the famed Ringstrasse features memorials to Vienna’s famous writers and composers and pays homage to them with regularly scheduled waltz concerts at the Kursalon building.
Volksgarten – . Designed in an English garden style and as a French Baroque garden, the park houses a monument to past Empress Elizabeth (wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I) and features a rose garden and symbolic fountains. Once part of Hofburg castle (the former Imperial winter residence of the Hapsburg dynasty), this garden is today considered “the people’s garden”
Schönbrunn Palace Garden –the summer residence for the Hapsburg rulers has one of the most popular parks with the locals as well as with tourists. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the once private area today offers recreation for the locals, jogging and sport, in addition to regularly scheduled events that occur throughout the year that also attracts visitors. Amenities within the park include an opulent private palace garden, the Orangery (exotic plant) garden, a maze garden, plus a zoo that was founded as the Imperial menagerie. Note: some require an admission fee.
Vienna, a classic destination, appeals to the senses for immersion into the very Austrian culture. A must when wanting to experience the best of European cities.
Spending time in Vienna among other regions of Austria, Salzburg, and the Wachau Valley, is included in a 7-night river cruise along the Danube River, and one of the highlights of a Danube travel experience.
Find out more about the river cruise experience from our website.