Dukey1

As some of you know we are soon to return to Europe for about then days.

We start in Vienna where we will have three full days but they are a Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

The places which come to mind (and not having been to Vienna in more than 20 years) are the Schoenbrunn, the Hofburg, the Belvedere, along with the Church of the Jesuits and St. Stephens, amongst others!

Since we will not be able to do any opera performances this means our "visit" time will be devoted to museums, churches, etc. Having just returned from London, Berlin, and Venice, and the Accademia visit in the latter kinda museum "overloaded" my mind but hey, I'm ready for more...the question is:

for quality perhaps <B>vs quantity</B> any recommendations are appreciated. Some plain old stroll time (despite any "bad" weather which we should be well-equipped for) would be helpful and we are staying in a supposedly "central location" at the Park Hyatt.

Thanks, and yes there will be a trip report, probably as we go along.

sandralist

The Kunsthistoriches would be at the top of my list. It also just opened a large Velazques exhibit. There are a number of other special exhibits on now in Vienna that are probably continuing on through your stay. An excellent Lautrec exhibit at the Kunstforum, and if you are really interested in painting and Viennese history, there is an outstanding Hagenbund show at the Belvedere (which is also having a smaller exhibit devoted to Monet's garden paintings). If you like modern art and in particular sculpture, there is an exhibit of the beautiful work of the late Karl Prantl of Austria at the Albertina, which is also having a big Miro exhibit.

Depending on your time frame, the Christmas market should be up at the Rathausplatz. With the days getting dark early, you might like taking the ring tram to the rooftop bar at the Sofitel for a cocktail.

Dukey1

Thanks VERY much for this information which is really helpful and appreciated.

jelopez33

Dukey:

I am sure you know this,,but at the Belvedere, don't miss Klimt's The Kis....and in the very same room, opposithe to The Kiss, the most beautiful protrait of a lady, also a Klimt's masterpiece.
Alsoin the Belvedere, an outstanding impressionists'room....and Napoleon Crossing the Alps, by J.L. David.
The Church of the Jesuits is incredible!

Enjoy beautiful Vienna.

Dukey1

Actually, Jelopez33, I did NOT know any of that so thank you for telling me. I really need to do some more homework in terms of opening days for the museums since a Monday is in this mix.

fourfortravel

There are still a couple of WWI Centenary exhibits about town if that interests you at the Wien Museum, Palais Porcia and the Military History Museum (the latter being exceptionally well done).

The first of the Advent and Christmas markets begin to open on 14 November and throughout that weekend (Am Hof and the WienerChristkindlmarkt at Rathaus). The AltWiener Christmasmarkt at Freyung (adjacent to Am Hof) should open that weekend, but I haven't seen the dates yet. Those two are smaller and traditional; the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is the place to go for lights, colors, sounds, and aromas. And crowds. The following weekend will see more markets opening around Vienna.

Joan Miro and Alex Katz exhibits are at the Albertina; there is a Gaudi architecture exhibit at ArchitectureZentrum Wien.

Stift Klosterneuburg (just outside Vienna and accessible via public or via a tour bus outside the Albertina) turns 900 this year; its treasury, the church, and its wine cellar could make for an enjoyable day.

If you wish to share your travel dates I can offer additional suggestions; and, I'm happy to suggest restaurants if you'd like, as well.

jelopez33

Dukey1:
Another not to miss church, Baroque at its best is St.Peter...really central, very close to the Graben.
Enjoy your stay!

Cowboy1968

The Velasquez exhibition at the KHM is probably THE talk of town right now. At least among my collegues in Vienna.
I hope to see it next week during a short trip.
By coincidence, I'll also be staying at the Park Hyatt and will be happy to give my opinion here when I come back.
It IS in a central location, by the way. So you can stroll around as much as you want.
Personally, I do not spend THAT much time in the 1st district when I am in Vienna, and find it often more interesting to explore the quirky stores and cafes in the Neubau district, sort of what is in between Burggasse and Mariahilfer Str.
Though I will readily admit that this is probably not what most people come to Vienna for..

While I'd second the suggestion of a trip to Klosterneuburg I *think* that the tour bus from the Albertina which fourfortravel mentioned is actually the one of the Essl Museum. Which is also worth a visit (check exhibits first), and offers this *free* shuttle. The transport is indeed for free, but you have to buy a ticket for the museum on board. So it would be a bit pricey to use this option if you had no interest in visiting the Essl Museum.
http://www.essl.museum/en/visitor_in...d_directions__

fourfortravel

You are correct, Cowboy, that the shuttle from the Albertina is to the Essl, not Klosterneuburg. And I also agree that it's worth checking the exhibits before heading there. Getting to Klosterneuburg requires local and regional transport, or using the Green Line of the HOHO. Personally, at this time of year I would skip the HOHO tour on that line of Grinzing (way touristy) and the vineyards (the leaves are falling fast), and take public to Klosterneuburg if so inclined.

Thank you for the important correction.

tower

Dukey. You have plenty of great suggestions above...but I'd be surprised if you hadn't seem the Hundertwasser buildings on your prior visit to Vienna...but if not, give it whirl. East of downtown, actually a nice walk, here's a pic (he was a terminal eccentric who walked aroud town nude at one time).

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...21020803175506

tower

forgive a few errors above..but nothing to disturb the drift.

Dukey1

Thanks to all for the above; am in between errands at the moment but when I return will comment and ask specific questions.

laurie_ann

If you can't get to an opera you might enjoy the music museum. Very contemporary and interactive displays. And it is open on Mondays.

http://www.hausdermusik.at/en/inform...g-hours/70.htm

sandralist

I think it is possible to reserve tickets for the Velazquez/Kunsthistoriches entry online to avoid the queues. You might not enjoy standing outside waiting to get in if the weather is wet.

DebitNM

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Bedar

As Sandra said, the Kunst is an absolute must. There is a Bellini there that will take your breath away. It made me gasp out loud. Plus tons of superb Old Masters.

Dukey1

Thank you very much for all these additional suggestions and now for a couple of practical suggestions of my own.

I just realized that it has actually been more than 40 years since I was in Vienna so no I have not seen the Hundertwasser buildings but it is just the kind of thing I would probably go out of my way to see. Thank you, Tower, for that rec.

My first question is regarding our hotel. Is it as central as anything else and I assume that it is. If not, I'll certainly entertain suggestions and yes to the offer of comments about how the place "really is."

We tend to use public transport and we prefer to stay in places which are convenient to public transport stops.

We will be flying into Vienna (from Dusseldorf, trust me, long story...) on the 21th of November and don't arrive until 6PM so that day is shot. Will take a cab to the hotel. We depart for Salzburg the following Tuesday the 25th.

The KHM sounds like a museum we don't want to miss. The Albertina stuff sounds interesting as well.

The Christmas Markets!!!!! While I am that nasty person who once said if you've seen one then you've seen them all, I am going to back off that hasty statement a bit. It appears they will be up and running in Salzburg and I wouldn't doubt Munich as well.

Yes, we will undoubtedly cruise by them and who knows so stay tuned for a report, of sorts, on that.

Thanks for the rec re St. Peter's church;

PalenQ

http://www.wien.info/en/shopping-win...wine/heurige-2

As the Vienna Tourist Office says Heurigen are as famous in Vienna as the Waltz and any other site - trek out by street car to these convivial wine bars/restaurants on the edge of the Vienna Woods if you have not gone before - a good time for all guaranteed (even if you don't drink - the singing, atmosphere, etc.

Wine produced on or near the premises I believe only.

jelopez33

This link, if it works.....shows you the three churches....they are really close, and going from one to the other, you can always made a stop for glorious coffe and tortes!
https://maps.google.com.uy/maps?biw=...classic&dg=brw

Dukey1

It shows the cathedral but no worries and thanks.