Quick November Trip to Vienna
 

My husband and I have used miles and points to get plane tickets and a nice hotel (Imperial) in Vienna, from Nov. 4 until Nov. 9. We're there for my 40th birthday, no kids, but now that it's around the corner I'm struggling to plan it out.

I've read books and posts and websites, and so far I'm planning to attend an opera at the State Opera House, concierge helping me with tickets. I plan to see the Klimts at the Belevedere, and I also intend to stuff myself with pastry.

Here are the questions, though. Our first day is a Sunday. Are shops open on Sundays?

We have been considering a day trip to Salzburg, to cash in on the Mozart anniversary year and because we don't know if we'll get back. Is this a complete waste of time? What would the Salzburg highlights be?
I read about this restaurant, the oldest restaurant. I wonder if you could have lunch there. I need to check this out. I thought the Sound of Music Tour sounded corny and fun, but perhaps that's a dumb thing to do in almost-winter weather. Any thoughts?

I have also heard that to hear a Mozart performance, you just walk around and pick one. There are tickets for all sorts of performances all the time. Can anyone suggest one that is very wonderful?

Also in the State Opera House, can you get a reservation for a table at a bar for intermission? Or is that not the way it's done.

I realize these questions are scattered, random, maybe a bit silly. But I tend to have the most fun when I obsess over the details. I may get lost in the moment and throw my plans out the window, but I freeze up and hunker down in a hotel room if I don't get started with a basic itinerary.

Thanks everyone.

I wouldn't try a day trip to Salzburg if you only have five days; stay in Vienna.

Shops will be closed on Sunday but museums, palaces, etc, will generally be open. There will be plenty to do, and you can save your shopping for a weekday.

There is much connected with the Mozart anniversary in Vienna. The newly renovated Mozart Museum is located behind the Cathedral.

Concerts of Mozart's music are frequent. You can check the Events database at http://info.wien.at.

Also, when you arrive, pick up a schedule of events at the tourist information office.

I hope you have a good trip.

My husband and I spent seven days in Vienna in November 2004. We squeezed in a day and night in Salzburg, bit I probably wouldn't do it with only five days to work with. We saved time by flying back to the US from Salzburg, changing planes in Vienna. Wonder if that would be possible for you. We particularly liked Sissy's Palace and the Albertine in Vienna, not to mention the city itself. If you go to Salzburg, I hope it snows. You can imagine poor Amadeus trudging through the street swithout enough clothes to keep him warm.

Most shops are closed on Sundays. You can, however, window shop in the 1st bezirk (1st district).. a favorite Sunday activity for most Viennese! You'll want to spend your first day orienting yourself around Vienna by walk around, taking a tram that goes around the ring, enjoying a coffee and torte at the Oberlaa pastry/coffeehouse... It will be cold in Nov, so make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes!

I recommend staying in Vienna and not going to Salzburg. There's too much to see and do in Wien.

I hope you enjoy Wien as much as I did growing up there!!

Oh thank you all for your responses. I definitely think we'll skip a side trip and stay in Vienna. I can't wait to wander and get lost and learn the feel of the city. I appreciate all your feedback, and would love any suggestions of can't miss shops or cafes or restaurants.

If you want a half-day side trip, you might be able to take a boat/train trip up the Danube to Melk and Krems. The monastery at Melk is beautiful; definitely a great destination.

You can buy a combi-pass at the train station, which covers boat, train and entrance at the monastery. It's very reasonable. Not sure if it goes in November, because we did it in June.
:)>-

Danube boat trips run only until the end of October.
However a trip to the Melk Abbey is still possible by train and worth it in my opinion.

Go to Salzburg if you're really in the mood to...I've done a day trip to Sburg from Vienna and enjoyed it. OTOH, you can certainly find more than enough to do, see and enjoy during your stay in Vienna.
Re the Belvedere, you do know that at least some of the Klimts are no longer there? I don't know how many are left, perhaps Molker will fill in that blank.

If you think that you will never have another chance to visit Salzburg, then it is possible to do it in a day by train. You would have to leave around 7.00am and there are trains back close to midnight. However, if you think that a return visit is in the cards, do what everyone has suggested and stick to Vienna. Your first day will be concerned with getting over jet lag, so take the circular tram around the city and get a feel of the place.Sunday is a rather dead day in Vienna.If it is a nice day, take a trip to the outskirts and visit the Vienna woods. In my opinion, it is the finest city in the world.

I highly recommend seeing the Imperial Apartments (aka The Sissi Museum) at the Hofburg. Based on recommendations from this board, I allowed about two hours to tour, using the audio guide, and that was about right. It was wonderful!

I also visited the Belvedere in July, and there were a number of Klimts there, including, of course, "The Kiss." Also, there was an extensive Schiele exhibit. This museum is very doable without feeling rushed.

Hope you have a great visit and happy birthday!

BTilke, I forgot about the Klimt transfer -- this means Adele has left Wein!

I really enjoyed Salzburg -- go if you can. Happy 40th!

Many Klimts still at the Belvedere.
At least 20-25 , including some interesting things other than " The Kiss". Perhaps his sketch book will be on display as well as some late unfinished works too.
The Belvedere is open Tuesdays - Sunday
10-6.Some other intereesting current exhibits there- " After Schiele" until 2/07 and Gainsborough to Waldmuller.


"Adele Bloch Bauer " and several others ( Birch Forest- House on Attersee- Apple tree ) are now gone. Adele now sold to Ronald lauder and in a museum. The others to be auctioned.

Regarding the pause ( intermission) at the State Opera. Several buffets are available for attendees. A big rush to get to them. No reservations that I know of for the limited number of tables.
Small sandwiches and drinks available. Most stand during this time.You will find many just walk about to admire the House.
A nice place after the Opera is Cafe Sirk - just across the street ( Bristol Hotel side ) for something to eat and drink.
Or of course the Sacher- just behind the Opera House.

Note that many museums are closed on Mondays- plan accordingly.

Topping this for any last helpful hints, and also a follow-up question. What does one wear to the state opera house? Is it very very formal? Usually I don't travel with fancy dress up clothes, but I can and it might be fun. I know I should dress up but wondering if I absolutely MUST. I haven't been to Europe in ages. I'm out of it in terms of guaging formality.