Christina

I had one and didn't like it, either, it was dry and tasteless. It was from some famous cafe, also. Now I don't really much like cake at all, anyway, of any kind, but sacher torte was really unappealing to me. I like brownies, for example, yum, as they aren't dry. I wouldn't go to Vienna for its cuisine, I didn't like much of anything there.

I play classical piano and am always interested in things related to classical music and composers, but that wouldn't be true of most people. And if it were, you'd probably know the things you could see in Vienna related to that (e.g., the musical instrument museum, homes of Haydn (some items of Brahms are in there, I guess his own home wasn't saved) and Mozart, etc). But if you aren't really interested in classical music and/or don't play an instrument, that probably wouldn't be of interest. The historical musical instrument museum is closed until the end of summer, anyway. Haydnhaus and Mozarthaus are open, though. there is a new Beethoven museum, also, and one of the Schubert homes is open to tourists, not to mention the Schoenberg center.

fourfortravel

"I wouldn't go to Vienna for its cuisine, I didn't like much of anything there."

I would be interested to know where, and what, you ate. When we first arrived in Vienna we, too, thought Viennese cuisine was nothing to write home about; but over time have come to learn and appreciate the nuances that make these largely meat and potato dishes something worth experiencing, when done right. Viennese cuisine, like the people themselves, require managing one’s expectations as we have learned in our six years of living in Vienna. Schnitzel, for example, can be of either veal, pork, or chicken. There is also something cropping up on menus called, "Veggie Schnitzel," but let us not discuss broccoli patties at this time. The first (veal) is the original, and when prepared paper-thin is exceptional; most common are the latter two, though even Schwein Schnitzel can be delicate if prepared properly. But Huhner (Chicken) Schnitzel is simply a, “No.” It is nothing more than a flat chicken nugget.

Sacher Torte I can not sing the praises of, though DH orders it each and every time we sit at a café. I have tried dozens of bites from his orders, and with each I am quite happy to have ordered an Esterhazy, House, or when in season, the Maroni Torte. I love flourless chocolate cakes, just not the Sacher Torte.

Now, the heuriger cuisine…I could prattle on for paragraphs on the numerous evenings we spend in the vineyards enjoying the local varietal and a charcuterie board with friends.

MoBro

Yes, to the Melk Abbey tour! It is beautiful, as are the gardens. There’s a nice little snack shop in the gardens. Your combi-ticket covers entrance to the Abbey, as well.

It is amazing to see the Lipizzaner stallions at their beautiful winter arena, even if you’re not a die-hard horse lover. The shows are somewhat sparse, on weekends, and only during certain months. Their Morning Exercise with Music is cheaper and easier to attend, and almost as spectacular (except they don’t do the leaps and ‘airs above the ground’ like you’ll see in their shows). You can also get a combination ticket that includes a tour of their stables.

We enjoy just wandering the side streets in Vienna, and finding little restaurants.

maggie23

Oh my - a lot of discussion since I checked in last. Thanks to everyone for your contributions. Have noted everything and love all the details and food discussions! We will try and do as much as we can and still be able to stroll around the city and relax a little! It all sounds amazing. We have two days and one night in Salzburg incorporated into our 7 days so it will be a challenge. Leaving tomorrow and arriving in Vienna no doubt jet-lagged on Wednesday. Think we will just wander around for the remainder of the day and evening and just take in everything! Will let everyone know how it all worked out - can’t wait! ��

PalenQ

Bon Voyage! Can't miss having a swell time with so many options -if not bookd train to Salzburg Willkommen always has cheap tickets and always get on I've seen some experts say.

maggie23

Oh perfect, no we haven’t booked yet so will definitely check this out. Thank you so much!

jagirl2

lol! Being a vegetarian I would have loved to have seen this option on a menu

I feel so much better seeing that I wasn’t the ONLY person who didn’t enjoy the sachertorte lol.
Looking forward to hearing how your trip turned out maggie23 Happy travels!

sassy27

I actually liked the food in Vienna. I didn't have anything special but thought the food was good compared to some other places I've been to. So speaking of food and desserts, when you go to Salzburg, try one of these https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburger_Nockerl. It was too sweet for me but my hotel staff recommended it.

Have fun!

PalenQ

A Short History of the Croissant | Peacock Plume

Croissants were born in Vienna and shaped like a crescent to celebrate the vicdtory over the Ottoman Empire in some war for Vienna. Now a French mainstay but perhaps still a Viennese staple?

maggie23

Hello everyone! Just wanted to report back in and thank you all again for your wonderful advice. We have been home for over a month and still on a bit of a high from our trip to Austria. I have to say we really packed it in and every day was an adventure! So upon landing in Vienna, a bit jet-lagged and headachey we taxied to our hotel - The Harmonie (a Best Western Premier). Upon arriving we were a bit taken back as a TV crew was filming and decided to film our entire check-in process - what a welcome! We unloaded everything and headed out to explore and get familiarized with the city. Take note, it was extremely hot (about 35 degrees C). We ended up taking refuge and having a refreshing drink and light snack in the beautiful Volksgarten and café before continuing. When it came time for supper we chose our restaurant from our pocket travel guide (think it was Fodors - we had two) and decided on The White Chimney Sweep (Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer) which was listed as cosy and authentically Austrian. Have to say we were absolutely delighted and we left our meal in the hands of the very capable Spiros. The meal was exceptional and we so enjoyed ourselves that we promised to come back on our last day. The next day was equally warm and headed to to Schonbrunn Palace where we took part in the Strudel demonstration, enjoyed a tour of the palace (the shorter one) visited the zoo and beautiful palm house (the pavilion at the zoo was almost worth the price of the ticket) and then climbed up to the Gloriette. The following day (Stefan at our hotel (he was amazingly helpful getting all our tickets online for us which saved us so much time) suggested we do a day trip to Slovakia (an hour by train) which was something we hadn’t even considered. (Thankfully the temperature dropped 20 degrees - it was 14 C in the morning). It was fantastic and Bratislava is very charming and unique. It was a wonderful suggestion. The next day we did Melk/Durnstein/Krems which was absolutely amazing. The church and library at Melk Abby just take your breath away. We climbed up to the castle ruins in Durstein (after a very enjoyable boat cruise) where the views were incredible. As suggested, we then journeyed by bus to Krems and what a lovely ride that was through the orchards and vineyards. Once in Krems we walked through the old town (it was almost deserted and it was a Saturday night) and had dinner at the 15th century hotel the Alt Post. It had a charming courtyard outside and the entire place is filled with unique antiques and curiosities. The following two days were dedicated to Salzburg. We had booked (using points) at the Goldener Hirsch and were thrilled when the taxi delivered us. What a perfect location and unique hotel. We were upgraded to a suite which was gorgeous, filled with authentic Austrian antiques and the bathroom was beyond gorgeous with the most beautiful Italian cermanics. We took the funicular up to the fortress where we had a drink and enjoyed the incredible view. The puppet museum was fascinating. We enjoyed walking through the old town and the Christmas shops (filled with thousands of Easter eggs - so hard to pick!). We had dinner at the hotel which was exceptional and the most comfortable night in that beautiful room. The next day we visited the Mirabell Gardens and just walked as much as we could. I wish we had longer there, I think I prefer the smaller scale of the city. Our last day in Vienna consisted of a tour of the opera house, a visit to St-Stephens (and took the elevator to the roof where you can see the entire city) and St-Peters Church (this is absolutely worth visiting - it is glorious inside). We arrived just in time for an organ recital which gave me goosebumps. We finished the day once again at the White Chimney Sweep where Spiros brought us plates to share so we could sample the best specialities on the menu. The apricot dumplings. were to die for! Could write so much more and have to say, it was an absolutely wonderful trip. I don’t know why people don’t seem impressed with Austrian food - we didn’t have a bad meal with the exception of a stale cheese strudel at one of the train stations. The people we met went out of their way to be helpful and friendly and the countryside is absolutely gorgeous. Just loved it all - thanks again for helping to make this such a memorable trip!

PalenQ

So glad you were awed by Wachau Valley! Sounds like a fun full fun-ful day! Thanks for that neat report - maybe make a separate post labeled trip report as many more would see and benefit from you great experiences. And maybe break up into paragraphs for easier reading - one of main things to get folks to skim and then read it. Cheers!

fourfortravel

Thank you for taking the time to report on your travels. Glad that you kept Vienna in good hands, too while DH and I skipped out into the mountains to escape the heatwave!

maggie23

That’s a good idea - thanks I will do that. Just trying to make a photo book from the over 2,000 photos! Still very much enjoying Austria, even from home!

maggie23

It seems the heat is affecting everyone - today (we are in Montreal) is the first morning in weeks, that doesn’t feel like a sauna outside!

PalenQ

Yes you had the misfortune to be there in a rare prolonged heat wave -unprecedented in recent years for those areas but better than cool and rainy which could have been.