Brian

Hello, we will have a 6 hour stop between trains in either Vienna or Salzburg, (our choice). I know that is not enough time to see either city, but which one would you recommend to stroll around for a few hours?<BR>And what would you see in that time? Thank you.

Maureen

Boy, what a choice. You can't lose with either one! My vote would be for Salzburg. You may be surprised at how much of Salzburg you may see in the 6 hours you will be there. It's such a quaint little town. Vienna, on the other hand, is more of a city. It may be overwhelming if you only have 6 hours. There is so much to do and see in Vienna. If you want a city - chose Vienna. If you want more of a leisurely pace - chose Salzburg. Like I said, you definitely can't lose with either choice.

John

I agree with Maureen that Salzburg is more manageable size for a 6 hour blitz. I'd go to the Mirabell Gardens, shop a bit on Getreidegasse St., visit the Dom cathedral and residence platz, perhaps taking a horse-drawn buggy ride, take the funicular to the Hohensalzburg castle and relish the awesome view,and eat either at the Augustiner brewery +/or the Glockenspiel cafe or the Skiftskeller St. Peters.<BR><BR>Have fun

Paul

Salzburg

Ann

Salzburg gets my vote. Vienna is a very large and confusing city for that short of time. You will love Salzburg.

liz

Salzburg!! everytime. <BR>Make sure you go to the old part of the town.

bettyk

I'm afraid that I must disagree with Ann that Vienna is a "confusing" city. Almost everything that you want to see is concentrated inside the Ringstrasse with the exception of Schoenbrunn Palace which is an easy ride on the U-Bahn. It's an easy place to walk with wonderful little side streets and cafes. The people are friendly and the food is wonderful.<BR><BR>That said, I also agree with the choice of Salzburg for the amount of time you have available. You must visit the Hohensalzburg fortress (fabulous views of Salzburg) and also see Mirabelle Gardens.

Chris

Here's my two-pence worth. I've lived in Vienna for a year and have been to Salzburg 3 or 4 times.<BR><BR>Salzburg - can eaily be done within 6 hours, as long as you're not bothered about going up to the castle on the hill! Fairly small, compact city.<BR><BR>Vienna - for me, infinitely better/nicer city, but a lot more to see. However, if you plan and know where you want to be going, you can see a lot. Most things are in and around the Ringstrasse as mentioned above - those (and maybe the Schonbrunn if you push it and don't spend much time there) could be done in 6 hours. <BR><BR>Take a look at a map of the centre of Vienna and see just how close most sights are. You could manage the centre, and for me anyway, Vienna really is worth the effort.

Chris

Here's my two-pence worth. I've lived in Vienna for a year and have been to Salzburg 3 or 4 times.<BR><BR>Salzburg - can eaily be done within 6 hours, as long as you're not bothered about going up to the castle on the hill! Fairly small, compact city.<BR><BR>Vienna - for me, infinitely better/nicer city, but a lot more to see. However, if you plan and know where you want to be going, you can see a lot. Most things are in and around the Ringstrasse as mentioned above - those (and maybe the Schonbrunn if you push it and don't spend much time there) could be done in 6 hours. <BR><BR>Take a look at a map of the centre of Vienna and see just how close most sights are. You could manage the centre easily though. You could do Salzburg at a more leisurely pace, Vienna might require you to go a bit faster, depending on how much of it you wanted to see. But for me anyway, Vienna really is worth the effort.

DB

I just returned from Salzburg and Vienna last week and would say that 6 hours will be much better spent in Salzburg. The bus from the train station will take you right to the old town in minutes or you could walk (about 15 min). Vienna will be overwhelming in just 6 hours. Salzburg is gorgeous...do not miss the funicular up to the fortress...if it is a nice day the restaurant on top offers spectacular views, decent food, great deserts and very nice staff. Another good restaurant is the St. Peter Stiftskellar, even though it can be touristy it was the best meal I had all week and I had a good meal everywhere. Salzburg is a perfect city to blow 6 hours in. Just stroll around and take in the sights.

Go Austria!

Salzburg! Salzburg! Salzburg! It will just be more manageable for that amount of time.

Tony

Neither city has a train station within walking distance of the central areas.<BR>At Salzburg there is a (slightly confusing) bus service, about 150 yards from the station proper. In Vienna however, being a much bigger city, there is an underground metro (subway) which is fast and easy - about 2/3 stops from Vienna Westbahn to the inner city.<BR>Comparing city centres, once you get there, for me there is absolutely no comparision, Vienna wins hands down partly due to its size, but mainly due to its sheer magnificence - absolutely perfect for a 6 hour walkabout, and offering a good deal more by way of succulent refreshment stops.<BR>You should also check your stations, you may need to depart from a different one than you arrive at. In which case I would use a luggage locker at your arrival station, then the metro to town, remembering to call there by metro for your luggage when leaving.<BR>For me Vienna makes Salzburg look like a distinctly provincial town.