VIENNA – from its baroque buildings, churches, alleys to palaces and museums is as decadent as it’s pastries and coffee. The whole time we were there, I was on an inexplainable high because of my addiction to the old world. It was hard for me to finish up at one place and move on to the next, because I was in constant fear if missing out. I know! I’m not a great travel partner.
The train from Prague to Vienna was 4 and half hours long. Not bad at all. We wanted the kids to have that experience of Euro Rail and they loved it. Boys! It’s easy to please them.
We reached late afternoon in Vienna and I was pretty impressed with our hotel – Location, ambience and of course service wise. Lots of restaurants and ice cream parlors were close by. I was a little disappointed to see that, they hadn’t provided water bottles in the room and later on I found out why. The tap water in Vienna comes straight from the Alps. So, yes!
We set out to explore Prater which was 5 minutes away from our hotel in the same day evening as well as to have dinner. The main attraction in Prater was the giant Ferris Wheel – Built in 1897. We didn’t go on the Ferris wheel, but walked around – ate dinner, had ice cream, took pictures and then headed back to the hotel.
We had decided to spend the first day in Vienna on feet and by doing general wandering. With a little help from Steve Ricks again, we started with Vienna Opera House.
Took the picture from across the street.
This French Renaissance structure was the first of the many monuments built during the massive Ringstrasse project. Franz Joseph began the development around 1850 on land reclaimed from the razing of Vienna’s medieval fortifications.
Next to the State Opera house was Hotel Sacher – world famous for its Sachertorte. I had to go there because, I wanted coffee and some pasties. The world famous chocolate torte actually lives up to its hype and the coffee was great – of course.
I loved the refined decor and crystal chandeliers and yes, the torta and the coffee was to die for. A Must Try.
Just a few steps away was the Albertina Museum – famous for arts collections of Monet and Picasso.
Then we walked to Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles).
This incredibly large St. Charles Church from 1737 stands with its Baroque architecture with a large pond in front. This church was built between 1716 and 1737, by Emperor Charles VI.
To construct the skeleton of the church’s dome, 300 massive oak trees were used. The twin towers in front were inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome, the Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar) in Spain, and Mannerist renderings of what contemporary historians imagined as the long-lost Temple of Jerusalem.
Day 2 –
We came back to Graben street again. Main plan was to explore Hofburg Palace and St. Stephens Church.
St. Stephens Church is the most important religious building in Vienna, has witnessed many many important events in Habsburg and Austrian history – Mozart’s marriage in 1782 to Joseph Haydn as a choir boy.
The grandeur of this church needs to be seen to be believed. I took probably 20 to 30 pictures, but nothing came out that good. It was unusually dark inside.
The picture below is an engraving on one of the church pillars.
The oldest remaining parts of the church is the Giant entrance which dates back to 13th century. From then on, it took over two hundred years for the building to reach its present shape: The most prominent feature of the Cathedral is the Gothic South Tower, which was completed in 1433. The unfinished North Tower was capped with a makeshift Renaissance spire in 1579. During the 18th century, the cathedral was decorated with Baroque altarpieces – the panel of the main altar shows the stoning of its namesake St. Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom. So, you see a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture embedded so beautifully.
We spent around 2 hours in the church and then walked over to Hofburg Palace: Michaelerplatz. This is a Neo-Baroque monument. In the middle of Michaelerplatz are excavated Roman ruins of medieval foundations.
Within the circular area there is St. Michael’s Church from 1792, which is one of the oldest churches in Vienna and one of the few remaining Romanesque buildings. It is dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Time flies when you are engrossed in old churches, breathtaking views, excellent coffee. We wrapped up Day 2 with Mozart’s status and then headed back to the hotel.
Mozart Statue in the Burggarten Garden
Loved these fun pink flowers planted in the shape of a treble clef in front of the Mozart Statue.
Day 3 started with Belvedere Museum
After St Stephen Church, The Belvedere is my second favorite. I REALLY WANTED TO SEE Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”…, and it was breathtaking . However, Before entering the building, the expansive gardens are a showstopper. We spent our early morning roaming the gardens, exploring the palaces, drinking coffee and taking in some of Austria’s most influential art.
The last place for that day on our list was Schönbrunn Palace and we took the subway to Schönbrunn Palace. The pic below is taken on iphone 6.
Schönbrunn Palace from the Palace Garden
More of Graben Street. Here are some pictures taken around Graben Street.
Plague Column at Graben Street
Apple Strudel Class
Hundertwasserhaus
Loved this building. It was built by Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. I loved the yellow and pink exteriors, being a complete sucker for feminine pastel colors,
Ringstrasse
A good way to see some of the city’s incredible architecture while becoming acquainted with the layout of the city is to explore the Ringstrasse, a ring-shaped boulevard that takes you through some of the most historic buildings in all of Vienna. Like most streets in Vienna, Ringstrasse also allows for ample opportunities to duck into a café while also offering amazing shopping venues.
Check out – LONDON – Grey Skies and Red Buses and PRAGUE – So Uniquely Medieval!
Such a great and informative post! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope to make it to Vienna this summer!
Vienna is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited! Your photos are gorgeous!
Vienna looks just gorgeous. I bet the apple strudel class was lots of fun. I’d love to learn how to make authentic strudel as its my husbands favourite dessert.
Vienna is on my wish list right now. It looks like you had an amazing time! 😀
I love Vienna, it neighbours my homeland and visit by train on occasions as it is only a few hours away. Lovely pictures.
Vienna looks like such a dream! That’s so awesome that you got to take apple strudel classes while you were there! I’m sure that they turned out delicious!
Now this is one super post! It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Vienna and your beautiful pictures transported me back! Thank you for sharing them!
Looks like you had a great trip! I love taking cooking classes when I travel. I think it’s a good way to experience a new place.
Vienna is amazing! I was there a few years back for vacation and really loved it!!!
Beautiful pictures…made me feel like I was actually there!
Vienna looks absolutely beautiful!
Wow, lovely pictures <3
You made me remember about my very first time in a foreign country, when the school took us to Vienna 🙂
The colorful building (Hundertwasserhaus) was my favorite sight!
Jessica
http://www.traveltobealive.com
It all looks amazing! Beautiful pictures!
Wow, Vienna looks fabulous! The architecture is stunning. I love the photo of the palace! Thank you for sharing.
Oh my . Vienna I think is one the most romantic cities to be in . I’m so envious of you right now
You are so pretty! I’m desperate to go to Vienna. My husband has been for work and he brought me back a Sacher torte from the Hotel Sacher!
Wow Vienna is on my go to list. Beautiful pictures.
OH Wow. It looks like a storybook or fairytale. If these pictures don’t do it justice, I can’t imagine what it must look like in person. You look like you had such a fantastic time!
Gorgeous post Aish! Stunning pics too…
Oh Vienna! It’s been on my list for years but we haven’t managed to get there. The Schönbrunn Palace reminds me of the Tin Tin mansion in France, Marlinspike Hall.
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Oh my goodness, your photography is simply beautiful, Aish I haven’t been to Vienna since I was in my teens so it was a pleasure to see it again through your lens. And to see so much more that I missed! Great to find your beautiful blog. Cheers!
What a phenomenal adventure! I will have to visit Vienna someday — it’s so full of history and beauty! Thank you for sharing your trip!
This looks like an absolutely wonderful trip through Vienna! The pictures are gorgeous, the food looks delicious, and the art and culture is awe worthy!
I loved Vienna! It looks like you did quite a bit of what I did when I was there. I particularly loved the Sacher torte 🙂
What a fantastic trip you had! Vienna is simply breathtaking and it’s on my bucket list! The photo with the treble clef music note created out of flowers and planted just in front of the Mozart Statue looks so wonderful!
Looks like you had a great time exploring Vienna. I would love to drink the tap water from the Alps.
Must have been amazing to see all of that. Your son is adorbs.
Oodles of old world charm:) Great post!
What an absolutely beautiful place! I’ve never been, but would love to go! I love the old architecture! And being able to drink water straight from the Alps would be amazing!
Wow beautiful place!! Very lucky 🙂 The food looks amazing also.
I dont know why, but I really love looking at pictures of Vienna. it is really a different world there. The chocolate cake seems delicious btw, and I’m imagining what tap water from the Alps taste like. Thank you for sharing <3
Omg. I love the architecture. Absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to visit Vienna. It’s definitely on my bucket list.
I love looking at your pictures of Vienna. It is so beautiful. If I was not afraid to fly I could enjoy the beauty if person.
The architecture looks amazing! Such a gorgeous city to visit. Looks like you had an amazing time.
Tap water straight from the Alps? I’m in! Gorgeous pics, especially the buildings from Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Looks like you had a really great time in Vienna. It was interesting to read because Austria is my home. Living in Vienna and reading a post about it is nice because I get to see Vienna through the eyes of others. There is so much to see and do here.
Absolutely breathtaking photos. Looks like a wonderful time in Vienna. I have yet to go, but really enjoy hearing others’ perspectives before I visit places.
Vienna is amazing and one of my favourite places in Europe. The Sacher Torte, bratwurst, buildings and the Mozart concerts truly have me captivated! Thanks for the memories coming back to me on my time there!
First, that last photo of your is absolutely stunning. Next, I’m saddened that I was unable to visit Vienna during my time in Europe this summer. One day I’ll get there. Your pictures look so joyful and I’m a tiny bit envious. 😉
Vienna is also included in my travel list – those interesting and very detailed architecture, the people, cultures, and history, attracts me most to visit it soon 😀 Thank you dear!
-blairvillanueva
Wow! Those buildings are just amazing! Its going on my list of places to visit it looks beautiful 🙂 Marie
These buildings are so pretty. You know you are living my dream, right?
I loved Vienna – so pretty. But, i was a bit disappointed with the strudel that I had.