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Vienna sights and tickets to sights in Prague and Budapest

Vienna sights and tickets to sights in Prague and Budapest

Old May 4th, 2016, 06:23 PM
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Vienna sights and tickets to sights in Prague and Budapest

Hi! My husband and I will be traveling to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in a few weeks. We will be spending 2 1/2 days in Vienna.

This might sound crazy because I know there are so many sights in Vienna, but we aren't seeing anything that seems crazy cool or important to see. I know often times sights don't seem great on paper, but are absolutely amazing in person, so i need to know what's a must do on this city. I think St. Stephens cathedral is for sure on our list, but I'm not sure that we are interested in spending hours upon hours touring palaces or museums unless they are truly breathtaking. We have been to Europe a number of times so we've seen a lot of this stuff.

We love art and enjoy art galleries and local artists work as well as short museums. We also love beautiful architecture.

I was thinking that it sounds the most fun to us to take a day trip to the Danube valley, maybe visit the Abbey and go wine tasting, but I feel like that sounds crazy when there's such a long list of 'must see' sights in Vienna.

What is everyone's opinion on spending one of our days in the Danube? Also, if anyone knows the logistics of this it would be great. Do we rent a car, bikes, or what? Or are we crazy for wanting to do that instead of another day in Vienna?

One more thing, is there anything in Prague, Vienna, or Budapest that we need to buy tickets for online in advance?

Thanks for your input in advance!!
Amanda
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Old May 4th, 2016, 07:06 PM
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If it helps, for reference, we loved the ancient sights in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, but weren't crazy about the Vatican in Rome or the Pitti Palace in Florence.
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Old May 4th, 2016, 10:20 PM
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"Truly breathtaking" is in the eye of the beholder. That said, if you weren't crazy about the Vatican, you're likely to be underwhelmed by Stephansdom here in Vienna and perhaps even Peterskirche (modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican).

Nothing is a "must do" in any city if it doesn't interest you. Schloss Schönbrunn is beautiful, but I like the Hapsburg staterooms at Albertina a little more. I am not a Klimt fan, but can not help to take photos of what I find to be the stunning interior of KHM (art history museum) every time I visit. And on and on...

As for what tickets to purchase in advance, I would suggest Schloss Schönbrunn if you decide to visit. Also, in Prague from 15-29 May, the Crown Jewels will be on display at St. Vitus if that interests you.

Given your stated likes and dislikes, a day in the Wachau Valley would make you happier than wandering imperial Vienna. Rent bikes the night before and catch a train to Melk from Westbahnhof the following morning. Tour the abbey (you may actually find this "breathtaking"), then cycle the 40km along the river (mostly flat, except for one 16% grade incline leaving Melk) past hillside vineyards and postcard villages (Weißenkirchen, Durnstein, for example) stopping along the way at open heuriger (wine taverns) for a glass of the local varietal and a small plate. Finish your ride in Krems, then catch a direct return train to Vienna. We have done this ride several times with our own bicycles, and without time to tour the abbey, but with time to enjoy our packed picnic and stopping for photos along the way, the ride takes about 6-7 hours.

Alternatively, or in addition to the Wachau day, spend the second day walking the Stadtwanderweg (city wandering path) in Vienna's gorgeous vineyards. Take the 38A bus to Cobenzl, sample the wine, then follow the 6km marked trail through the vineyards to end in either Grinzing (more wine taverns and places ) or the adjacent village of Nußdorf to end at our favorite heuriger, Kierlinger, or any of the others in the area.

I hope this is helpful. Happy Planning!
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Old May 10th, 2016, 08:56 AM
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Thank you so much for your help! Just a few questions on logistics. We can rent bikes and take them on the train? Is the path clearly marked along the way and will we see the wineries or do we ride up to each town to find them? Do you happen to know if there are any days of the week that the wineries would be closed? We will plan on doing the ride on a Friday or Saturday, most likely Saturday so I'm thinking that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again!
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Old May 10th, 2016, 09:12 AM
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I also see that nextbike has pick up and drop off locations at many of the towns in the valley, would that be a good option for bike rentals? Then we wouldn't have to take them on the train with us.
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Old May 10th, 2016, 09:18 AM
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Yes, bicycles are permitted on the trains; on the U-Bahn and low-floor trams, bicycles must be in the last car. On weekdays only between 0900 and 1500; on weekends and holidays all day long. Bicycles are also permitted on the ÖBB (to/from Vienna); on weekends there is plenty of space for bicycles, but the loading scene can feel a bit like a swarm. We're now into the outdoor activity season here; on Sunday the four of us and our bicycles were like sardines on the trains. Plan accordingly.

Once in Melk, finding the cycling trail is easy (more or less follow everyone else!). As for open Heurigers/Buschenshanks/Weinguts, there is no such thing as a schedule. As you peddle along the route you will find some open and some closed. Some will be along the path and others will require a small diversion into a village. Weekends will offer the most opportunities, though.

Bring a map with you of the train station location in Krems, as you will need to leave the trail and peddle through the city to reach the station.

Double check on whether your bicycles need tickets to ride; we have annual transit passes which affords free bicycle transport, but I am not certain of the individual ride requirements.
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