Vienna - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
With an imperial heritage that includes a branch of the powerful Habsburg dynasty as well as cultural innovators such as Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna guarantees a grandeur quite unlike anywhere else in Europe. The residing influence of the long standing Habsburg court can be seen in the often formal attitude and dress of the Viennese. Though the traditional courtly manner is now perfectly blended with more progressive attitudes and the famous Viennese coffee shop culture. Whether you opt for a glass of wine in a Vinothek or a slice of cake in the living-room of an inviting coffee house, fine-dining in a sumptuous setting is the trademark of a trip to Vienna.
Trip Highlights
- Café Sacher is the ultimate coffee house experience. Skip the terrace and head to the opulent, chandelier-lit interior and order a slice of traditional chocolate Sacher Torte.
- Staphansdom epitomises Vienna’s baroque, gothic architecture.
- For a hefty dose of culture and cafes, head to the Museums Quartier, set inside the old imperial stables.
- Hofburg was home to the Habsburgs from the 13th to the 20th century. It is now a glorious jigsaw puzzle of architecture across the centuries.
- Those interested in Vienna’s musical history should spend some time at the Haus der Musik.
- The Vienna Christmas Markets are a winter wonderland and operate from mid-November until Christmas.
- To truly experience the grandeur of Vienna, attend one of the Viennese balls that run throughout the winter months.
Travel Tips
- Vienna’s S7 metro line takes your directly from the airport to the city center. Vienna is very walkable but the metro is useful to get between districts.
- Summer is high-season with spring and early autumn being less crowded.
- Reservations are a good idea for restaurants and tipping is generally around 10%.
- Be prepared to dress up in Vienna.
- Generally all shops are closed on Sundays, so stock up before the weekend.
- A Vienna Card is a great way to save money on transports, attractions and restaurants as well as a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
