Trip Report: Vienna, Austria
I recently got back from a few days in Vienna! I was there for a coach summit for my women’s running group, 261 Fearless, which has chapters all over the world. I arrived a few days early for some solo exploration. I ate a lot of schnitzel and apple strudel, marveled at all the palaces, and got to see a classical music concert in one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever been in. Here are the things I loved most, the things I was glad I did, and the things I would skip if I was doing it over.
What I Loved
Albertina Museum: I hadn’t been planning to visit this art museum, but it ended up being one of my favorite activities. I loved the Monet to Picasso exhibit, and since the museum is in a former Habsburg residence, the building itself was beautiful.
Classical Concert in St. Anna’s Church (Annakirche): This hour-long concert featuring selections from Mozart and Beethoven in a beautiful church with incredible acoustics was just lovely. (Interested in booking? Use this classical concert booking link and I’ll receive a 10% commission.)
Cafe Sacher: I wasn’t sure if the famous Sacher torte would be worth it. Part of me was hopeful, and part of me was expecting to wait in a long line for mediocre cake. Well, I went on a Tuesday afternoon and waited less than ten minutes to be seated, and the chocolate cake layered with apricot jam was delicious. I also enjoyed the vanilla toffee rooibos tea, and I loved seeing the servers rush out with their arms full of cake.
Schonbrunn Palace: I’m embarrassed to say this, but I almost skipped Schonbrunn. It’s a little farther away from the city center (but easy to get to on public transportation), and I had limited time. What a loss that would have been. I did the Maria Theresa guided tour, which was worth it to learn more about the woman who ruled Austria for 40 years and to see Maria Theresa’s apartment, a set of rooms with stunning wall paintings.
Schnitzel: Given some of the comments of the other coaches on the trip, I think I’m in the minority, but I could eat schnitzel every night and be happy.
The Albertina Museum in Vienna.
What I’m Glad I Did
The interior of the Upper Belvedere.
Kunsthistorisches Museum: This art museum has an incredible collection from the Habsburgs. I somehow managed to go through every exhibit backwards. I would definitely recommend it, but it just didn’t quite make it into my top experiences.
Upper Belvedere: I was excited to see the famous paintings of Gustave Klimt at this art museum, including The Kiss. And I’m glad I did, but the museum was crowded on the afternoon I went and I was hot and tired, so I didn’t spend much time here.
Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel: Even though I’m scared of heights, I love Ferris Wheels. I actually found this one (the oldest in the world) to be one of the least scary I’ve been on - you’re enclosed in a large cabin and it moves slowly and smoothly.
Wander Through Parks (Stadtpark, Volksgarten Burggarten, Schonbrunn grounds): I love wandering through parks when I visit cities - it’s a nice break from all the museums. Don’t miss the Johann Strauss monument in Stadtpark or the Mozart monument in the Burggarten.
What I Would Skip
Opera House Tour: Because I was there during the off season for the famous Vienna State Opera, I had to settle for a tour of the opera house instead of seeing a performance. The tour was only half an hour long and is offered in various languages. I found it underwhelming. The building is nice, but to be honest, I’ve seen more beautiful opera houses, and the little we learned of the history during the tour didn’t feel worth it.
Apple Strudel: This one may be controversial, but I had apple strudel twice… and it was fine. I’m more of a chocolate dessert person and would never choose apple strudel if I hadn’t happened to be somewhere where it is a specialty. I’m still learning the lesson that I don’t have to order something I’m not excited about just because it’s a specialty and everyone tells you to try it.
The Johann Strauss monument in Stadtpark.
Practicalities
Languages spoken: German (everyone I encountered also spoke English)
Currency: Euro
When to go: Like many European cities, spring and fall are ideal: April-May and September-October have nicer weather and fewer crowds. December is also a great time to visit and see the Christmas markets. The Opera season runs from September through June.
Who it’s great for: Solo travelers, families, couples, history buffs, classical music and opera lovers
Have you been to Vienna before? Would you like to go? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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