Kathy

My husband just asked me today if I would like to go on a business trip with him in November. He will be in Frankfort, Milan, Zurich, Vienna, and London. He will most likely be in each city only 1-1 1/2 days. I know it sounds insane, but if I decide to do this, what one or two things would you recommend to see or do in each city? I have been to London and seen most of the highlights there. I like art, music, local culture - most anything really. I would just like to hear what would be at the top of your list for each city. Thanks!

Janine

Not sure about the other places, but for Vienna I would recommend Schonbrunn Palace. It is just beautiful. <BR>One idea would be to pick up some brochures for European coach tours. Many have a whirlwind schedule, and therefore tend to concentrate on the major highlights.

carla

What a treat! This post is about Vienna, too. I agree with the last poster; Schonbrunnen Palace is spectacular, but it's a bit out of the city and needs half a day. <BR> <BR>With only one day in Vienna, I might stay in the Old City, within the Ringstrasse that circles it. <BR> <BR>I'd start at the Spanish Riding School in the Hoffburg Palace complex. (To avoid waiting in line, you can get tickets at the School Museum next door at 9:30 for the 10 a.m. rehearsal.) It's absolutely unique to Vienna, and is also being privatized next year, so this may be your last chance to have the "authentic" experience. (I hope not.) <BR> <BR>Then I'd walk up the street from the Hoffburg complex to the pedestrian street called the Graben, turn right, and walk down to St. Stephen's Cathedral. This is a wonderful place, built on the site of a pagan temple, with some of the same stones, and full of fascinating things. From the Cathedral tower you can see the whole old city. <BR> <BR> The Graben and its side streets are wonderful for wandering, and it connects to the semi-pedestrian Kartnerstrasse for more shopping, street theatre and glorious cafes. <BR> <BR>If you have more than one day, Schonbrunnen is wonderful. You can get a subway there from the station in front of the Cathedral (buy a ticket in a tobaccco shop; change at Karlsplatz.) I'd give it half a day at least. The gardens and the Gloriette on the hill behind the palace are worth the extra time to explore. <BR> <BR>Third choices would include the Hoffburg Winter Palace rooms (right by the Spanish Riding School) and the Kunsthistoriche (Art) Museum, which is also in the Hoffburg complex, a few blocks beyond. <BR> <BR>The Eyewitness Guide to Vienna is the best for visual orientation. Enjoy!

Kathy

Thank you, Janine and Carla. I have talking with my husband about this, and it looks like one day in each city. Your advice for Vienna is exactly what I needed. Now, does anyone have recommendations for the other cities. Thank you!

Surlok

Milan: obviously, the Duomo, and the Scala di Milano. Also the Brera Quarter, and Brera Gallery. The Castello Sforzesco, and Via Montenapoleone (the most expensive designer stores) and Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle for shopping. <BR> <BR>Zurich: the old town

Mary

Also in Zurich, go down Banhofstrasse to the lake and walk back on the other side of the street. There are wonderful benches that are pieces of art each one different. Kind of like the cows that are making the rounds in many US cities.