Vienna is a cosmopolitan European city with a great coffee culture and rich history. A city known for its music, culture and historic buildings, it is a wonderful city to spend time in. There are so many things to do and see that you may have to make several visits to experience just some of what Vienna has to offer. So when in Vienna why don’t you:
1. Go underground
Visit the royal crypts which are the final resting places of the Habsburg emperors. The Austrian royalty wasn’t just buried in one place. Since 1618 the bodies of the Habsburg monarchy have rested in the royal crypt of the Kapuzinergruft (Capuchin Church) while their intestines are in tins located in the crypt of St. Stephansdom and their hearts reside in the crypt of the Augustine Church. Take about spreading yourself around. All the churches are centrally located and guided tours of the crypts are mandatory.
2. Take in a performance at the Spanish Riding School
Often referred to as the “White Ballet” or the “Dancing Horses of Vienna” the white Lipizzan stallions are a must see. Attend one of their performances or morning training sessions and see these majestic horses put through their paces. Take a guided tour of the stables and see the horses up close in their stalls.
If you are unable to get a ticket to a performance, visit the box office on the day of the performance, about an hour before the show, and pick up a standing room only ticket. Ticket prices vary depending on seats but start at $35 Euros. Standing room only tickets approximately $22 Euros while guided tour of the stables are $15 Euros.
3. Eat Cake
Marie Antoinette must have been taking about Viennese Sachertorte when she uttered her famous words “let them eat cake.” As the youngest daughter of Austrian Empress Marie Theresa, Marie Antoinette would have known about Viennese cakes.
Sachertorte is a deep, rich chocolate cake with chocolate icing and jam filling. Not too sweet or heavy, a piece of Sachertorte and a coffee make a perfect afternoon snack. Try an original piece of Sachertorte at the Sacher Hotel or enjoy a piece of cake and a coffee at one of the many coffee houses in the city. Coffee and cake about $10 Euros.
4. Go shopping at the Naschmarkt
Described as a “wonderful blend of occident and orient” the Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and oldest market. During the week the market sells food such as vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, herbs, spices, pickles and has been described as a “culinary delight…from every corner of the earth.” On weekends there is also a flea market where you can get trinkets, jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, antiques and just plain funky junk. Have lunch or coffee in one of the markets many cafes. Go early as the market gets busy later in the morning and early afternoon. Market opens at 6:00 am.
5. Attend a musical performance
Vienna is a city famous for its music and nowhere else in Europe can you find as many concerts and performances as in Vienna. Attend a classical concert of Mozart or Strauss or other classical Austrian composers. There are concerts every evening in various venues in the old city. Hear the music of Vienna in the Volksoper (Opera House) or a famous palace or even in one of the many churches that turn concert hall in the evenings. Vienna is music and the music is everywhere in Vienna.
