Spending One Day in Vienna, What to Do?
 

Hello Everyone,

My future wife and I will be spending just one day of our Honeymoon in Vienna Austria, during late September. Can you please help with suggestions on what to do? We will be looking for beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Vienna; as well as reasonably-priced, good quality places to eat. I found a number of Palaces and Cathedrals on the internet. Which ones should we visit?

Thank you all in advance!

It would help to know what your interests are - there's a lot more than palaces and cathedrals in Vienna.

for restaurants it would help to know what you mean by reasonable - $50? $100? $200? - And if this includes wine or ?

You are going to one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

Art museums, palaces, a wonderful history museums, cream cakes, lively wine garden area=just let everyone know what your interests are.

Pat

The two "major" palaces in Vienna are the Hofburg, which was the primary residence of the Hapburgs, and Schoenbrunn, which was the "summer" palace.

The Hofburg is in the center of the old town, right on the Ringstrasse. It is a large complex containing, among other things, the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Apartments, the Library, the Treasury, and the Chapel. You could spend most of a day just touring the Hofburg Palace complex, depending on your interests.

http://www.hofburg-wien.at/en/

There is a wonderful self guided tour of Schoenbrunn Palace that you can do as well as visiting the Gardens. This could easily be done in a couple of hours.

http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/

The most famous church in Vienna is St. Stephens Cathedral, which is in the center of the old town. There are numerous other churches of interest, but you probably won't have time to see those in just one day.

http://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/...hens-cathedral

Vienna deserves more than one day but if that's all you have, I would definitely try to see the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Walk down the main shopping street from St. Stephen's, the Kaertnerstrasse to the Ringstrasse.

Walk along the Ring and you will find the Opera House, the Volksgarten, the Rathaus (town hall), the Burg Theater and the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts as well as the Hofburg Palace all within a relatively short distance.

Go to the Cafe Central which is located inside the Palais Ferstel on Herrengasse for a coffee and pastry. It is truly the most beautiful cafe you'll ever see.

http://www.palaisevents.at/en/cafecentral.html?type=0

Since this is your honeymoon, you may want to take your wife to a romantic place for dinner without the high prices. My wife was pleasantly surprised when I took her to a candlelit wine bistro in the middle of an elevated garden in the sky above the 5 star hotel Palais Coburg. They serve creative gourmet dishes at a fraction of the hotel's famous restaurant. The food menu at the wine bistro was simplified but the service was very attentive without being pretentious. In that cold October evening they only served inside a tall architectural garden glass house but in the summer months they seem to have outdoor garden tables as well. I can't remember exactly how much our bill came to but it was very reasonable that I thought it was the best deal in town for such quality food and ambiance.
Check out the pictures and menu: http://www.palais-coburg.com/_en/ind...age=weinbistro

By the way, people in Vienna are more formal, I remember people dressed up even at the wine bistro.

Since you're going in Sept, the weather should still be nice so I vote for Schonbrunn for the palace and its gardens. If you're there on a rainy day, then skip Schonbrunn and go to Hofburg Palace instead.

Also, coffee and cakes at Demel is a must.

Down the street from St Stephens is an Italian restaurant called Da Capo, tell them you want to sit downstairs, it is great food and wine and service...I have been tooting their horn since I left there last week. Best for reservations because they stay packed, which tells.

Well, about Demel's-Make sure that you understand the system. When we were there several years ago it went like this:

1. Wait on a long line to get a table

2. Wait and wait for a server until you realize that you have to go to the back counter to choose your pastry amid a mob,

3. Come back to your table and give your recept to the surly server and wait for the treat to be delivered to your table.

4. Cut through your dried out Sacher torte.

5. Leave and vow not to come again.

Pat

Sounds like you had a bad experience at Demel, Pat. I can only speak for my own experience, and it was wonderful. I went to the tearoom upstairs and I didn't have to wait long for a table. I'm not a fan of Sachertorte anyway so I got their delicious truffletorte. Don't recall ever meeting a single surly person in Vienna in my 2 visits.

http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...9/IMG_3458.jpg

Maybe we were at Demels under Murphy's law-who knows. Actually, I agree with you about the generally courteous treatment of visitors to this great city. We were there twice in recent years and found it to be very, very interesting.

Pat

While Demels is well known, Cafe Central is a gorgeous venue in and of itself, which is why I recommended it.

What I always enjoyed about Demels when I lived in Vienna was the cool confectionary concoctions they had in their front window. One time, they had a full size bust of Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher made out of marzipan!

yes I will agree with you bettyk, I have about six really great photos on my Christmas Album with displays from their store. Ronald Regan and Maggie would have been a great one....I just told my husband last night that I believe Vienna does a better job with their store windows than Paris by far.

I second bettyk's suggestion to go to Cafe Central instead of Demel. Your wife will be impressed by the interior and ceiling, not to mention the incredible cake selection, one caution however, don't eat lunch or dinner there because the food is tourist lesser quality but the cakes are to die for. We like going there for tea time or after dinner/lunch for dessert.
http://www.palaisevents.at/cafecentral.html

I would not recommend dining at Coburg - their main restaurant was forced to close some time ago due to lack of business - it way avoided by locals due to high price dor lack of the best offerings and service.

The Bistro is not much better - again over priced for value given.

The best restaurant as voted by many is Steirereck - this includes their fining at their Meieri at the same location

www.steirereck.at

But with so little time in Vienna- I doubt your timeis best spent with a longn dinind experience.

Many restaurants have midday specials at rerasonable prices yet good food.

An example

Porcus

www.porcus.at

note photos and pricing - quick service and value

Reinthalers Beisl - just near Graben on Dorotheergasse has good food and price to match.

Demel - a tourist trap- with high price and generally bad service- now even sold to the Do and Co group.

The Central is OK agree with Bettys recommendation - they have a smaller place just across the street with less tourists and more from Vienns-- good also Cafe Oberlaa and Cafe Diglas

Wow! Thank you all for all the great recommendations. This will really help us. We will be staying about an hour and a half outside of Vienna, and will be driving into the city early so that we have more time there.

As of now, I would like to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg.) My fiancé has never been to Europe, and I think she will really be amazed by the beautiful cathedrals, churches, and palaces. What time do the palaces typically open for visitors in the morning? We will be there on a Friday. I am going to try to arrive in the city around 10:00am and leave around 7:00pm.

I was also originally looking at a few other attractions in Vienna. Should I try to visit any if I have extra time?

Kunsthistorisches Museum
St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)
Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

Thank you all again for the advice!

If you will look at the links I provided above, you will find the opening times.

Molker, I'm not sure that it's fair to compare the Weinbistro in Palais Coburg with the ultra expensive Steiereck , it's like comparing a small BMW with a Ferrari, not in the same category. I think the Coburg weinbistro offers a great value for the creative food, unique ambiance and attentive formal service.

I don't know if you've tried the Weinbistro Coburg, but one can have a two course lunch (29 euro) at the Coburg bistro for the prize of one appetizer at the Steiereck. It offers first class service in a similar romantic setting at about a third of the Steiereck prices. I actually prefer the more intimate ambiente at the Coburg bistro than at the sprawling Steiereck. I have eaten at the Steiereck ( before and after they moved to the Stadtpark), both times the cost was exorbitantly high! While I appreciate the creativity and pure materials at the Steiereck, I couldn't find any fault in the fine Coburg dishes under Christain Petz's leadership who at the time moved from Meinl to Coburg.

Dax - I believe you have not been to mentioned restaurants in some years.
Firstly the Chef mentioned, Petz, has been long gone from the Coburg. He left if my memory is correct more than 2 years ago.
The Coburg main restaurant was forced to close as many found it most over-priced for value received and less than great service. This , I believe, is the best example of its quality.
I last ate there with a small group , perhaps 10 local business persons , all agreed on a poor assessment of the standard.
The wine Bistro does not attract a lot of business for similar reasons.

Steirereck is acknowledged by locals, visitors and dining surveys to be the best in Austria.
One only needs to look at guides, such as Falstaff that is based on thousands of actual people making their yearly list of reviews.
Steirereck tops the Austrian 2010 list with a overall score of 99.
Coburg received an 86, well down on the list of actual diners.

Recent midday at Steirereck Meieri

Soup 4,80 euro


Entree of Young Deer Goulasch 11,50 euro

another entree

Wiener Schnitzel ( kalb ) 17,50

I do not consider this a " exhorbitantly high " price and less than your mentioned 29 euro at the Coburg.

Based upon the large amount of diners, both at midday and evening at Steirereck , it seems most think it provides quality and value.

Sorry I missed the links Betty :)

We will be driving into Vienna in our rental car. I am thinking that we could go to Schonbrunn Palace first because it is a little bit further out of the way and it opens the earliest. Then we could drive and park somewhere in Old Town and walk to St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. We could spend the rest of the day in Old Town. What are the parking options at Schonbrunn Palace and in Old Town?

Thanks again!

I would NOT go to both Schonbrunn + Hofburg Palace; if you meant touring the interiors of both. It's fine if you go to Schonbrunn in the AM, then just walk around Old Town in the afternoon (and walk around the outside of Hofburg Palace).

Molker: I went to the Weinbar in November 2008 when Coburg received the Gault Millau toque as one of the top 5 restaurants in Austria.  I was impressed with the Weinbistro prices and value considering it was still led by Petz (a "chef of the year"), but I wouldn't recommend the expensive restaurant.  Yes, I am aware that Christian Petz moved to Palais Schwarzenberg after that due to disagreement  with the east german Coburg owner.  I heard that the Coburg has reopened with a new star chef as of January 2011 to regain their prominence as a gourmet temple.  I still think that the 29 euro lunch at the Coburg Weinbar is a great value (even without Petz) for many of us who are on a budget.  

Anyway, now I understand that you're comparing the expensive Coburg restaurant to the cheaper Steiereck Meieri while I am comparing the cheaper Coburg Weinbistro to the real and expensive Steiereck.  We are talking about 4 different places, related but with different price tags.  Meieri sounds really cheap compared to the original Steiereck, what a bargain, is it a bistro version? My wife's cousin told me that all the high end restaurants in Vienna had a tough time last year and quite a few had to close their doors.  

          

I believe you should not venture comments about dining in places when the last experience was more than 2 years ago.
Your information is not only outdated but incorrect.

Example Petz is not at Palais Schwarzenberg.
The complete hotel has been closed for a total renovation for several years now.It has no specific date for reopening and Petz certainly cannot work in a kitchen that is not open.
I compare prices for the Meierei at Steirereck ( current prices ) with the Coburg Wein Bistro ( yours mentioned supposedly 2 years ago ? ) thus comparing " like" entities. My comment on quality and value stand.
The rating system I mention is Austria wide with many thousand diners submitting their review book. I believe the system has enough diverse diners to supply at accurate measurement of dining possibilities. Note - seversl other rwting systems find similar results. The Wein Bistro not even mentioned.

As for ratings , I can only compare those existing places.

As I happen to live in Vienna , I do dine out a little.
The Wein Bistro would not be a place where I would now dine or recommend.

Whoa Molker, how many fodorites do you think visit Vienna every year to fulfill your criteria?
I suppose we should leave all the comments to you alone since you're the only one who lives there.
I only read after our trip that Petz moved to Palais Schwarzenberg, I wasn't there to witness or investigate it. Relax I'm only recommending the Weinbar and Central Cafe which I know are not the best in the world but nevertheless worth recommending for Vienna.

Don't be shocked that the last time I was at Steiereck was 3 years ago in 2007 and it was exorbitantly expensive and the service was spotty because they were understaffed during the convention weekend, but then again their service was also spotty when we ate there before. They forgot our specific request, we waited a long time for a missing fork, they just disappeared too often that we felt like we were left to our own devices which was unacceptable for the prices they charged. Nevertheless it is my kids' most memorable restaurant, not in Paris, New York or London but in Vienna of all places! They still talk about their dessert at the Steiereck: 7 scoops of ice cream in a long bread box that could fit a baguette. Never been to the Meierei, so thanks for updating about the cheaper Steiereck maybe we can take our kids there next time.

You're right Molker, the new star chef Silvio Nickol at Coburg is serving his food without the big restaurant as it is still being remodeled till this spring. I just checked the Coburg Wine bar website: http://www.palais-coburg.com/_en/ind...gourmet-events
Forgive me Molker, but the 2 course meal is now only 25 euro! I love that place (for Vienna).

Dax - anyone can comment - but those comments should be accurate - your comment " I suppose we should leave all comments to you alone since you are the only one who lives there." this totally false and unwarranted.
I note the errors of yours regarding Coburg, chefs etc. regarding dining. Information to posters should be correct as they are often basis for travel decisions. Perhaps you just do not like to be found to provide some less than accurate info.
If I remember correctly, another comment by you regarding train arrival in Vienna- that to a train station demolished more than 1 year ago and now in the slow process of re- building.
The train in question arrives at a station far removed.

Such things are my basis for making some comments here to correct outdated and inaccurate info.

Molker it's your tone that is abrassive. I had a problem your absolute negative tone about the Weinbar which you haven't even tried. The Coburg restaurant is NOT the weinbar, just like the Meierei is NOT the Steiereck. We all made recommendations to help other travellers from our direct experience and everyone has their highlights and disappointments, your tone is self righteous without having a direct experience of dining at the Weinbar. I had my disappointment at the Steiereck twice but at least I tried it twice personally. That said I would not shoot down the Meierei since I haven't tried it.

I have no problem about your correction about the recent closure of Sudbahnhof as I was talking from my direct experience and I could careless if the Sudbahnhof is now closed and I'm glad you updated it. However it is abrassive to shoot down other people's genuine restaurant/site recommendations especially if you haven't tried it personally. It is however wonderful that you take the time to update us with the latest changes in Vienna. I always enjoy my visits to Vienna and even visited it twice in 2008.

You assume too much and read only what you wish.
I have eaten at Coburg and so noted this in my prior comments - both the old restaurant and bistro.
I have dined many times at Steirereck both main restaurant and Meierei so speak from actual dining.
I assume I am abrasive to you as I make some comments about outdated and misleading info.
My opinion-it should be done to provide travelers with good information. Commenting on restaurants that have closed facilities , made numerous changes of chef staff and assuming that an assessment is still valid after these occurances and several years in time are not the best thing in my opinion.
If you consider my comments abrasive - then no need to read them.

I finish with this subject now.

Is this like the plot from the movie "Before Sunrise?" :-)

I'd like to clear the water so that the OP and other readers don't miss out on this hidden gourmet treasure starting at 25 euro for a two course lunch (42 for a 3 course dinner).  

Contrary to what Molker claimed, the Coburg WEINBISTRO WAS NEVER CLOSED AND IS OPEN:     http://www.palais-coburg.com/_en/ind...age=weinbistro
The place is more than just another elegant wine bistro, it has a smart garden setting with a view and in the evening it provides a romantic setting for an evening dinner in the sky garden.

This Weinbar remains open even after they were forced to close the full restaurant due to a major
dispute with its neighboring gallery tenant right to move their kitchen firewall.  The Coburg it fought all the way to the Austrian supreme court but lost, however the full restaurant kitchen will reopen this
spring when the new kitchen is finished.
      
While I have only experienced the Weinbistro under the previous star chef Christian Petz, the entire Coburg gourmet establishment has hired a new star chef Silvio Nickol since October 2010.  He is known to be the new shooting star chef who earned two Michelin stars in both of his two previous restaurants.

Dax - normally I would not even bother to respond to such a
post snd had intended to finish this subject before.

But my comment that you read only what you wish here is confirmed again.
You seem intent on stating things that are just false to suit your purpose.
Firstly, I never claimed that the Bistro was closed .
If you take the time to comprehend posts you will note my comment January 6 9:50 - " Coburg MAIN Restaurant was forced to close".
It seems you misspeak again.

It seems you are in a very small minority with your comments about Coburg quality.

Here at Fodors -under Vienna Restaurants not even a mention of the Coburg while featuring many other places in all categories including Steirereck.( best in Vienna )
Another known web travel forum provides an index of Vienna restaurants - Coburg is far down the list.
Their basis for the is posted diners reviews and ratings.

Similar less than great current ratings in Gault Millau and Falstaff while Steirereck receives top accolades.

Lets face facts - when a place has 3 or more chefs in about two years a problem exists , it receives lackluster ratings - many better places to dine in Vienna exist.

Perhaps you like it - that is your right - but you seem to have few that agree with this assessment.

Now , I have important things to do.

I was clarifying in response to your negative comment that I was "Commenting on restaurants that have closed facilities..." 
The simple truth is the Weinbistro that I recommended was never closed as one may deduct from your comment. One should maintain focus that I only recommend the Central Cafe and the Coburg Weinbistro, not the main restaurant.  I have recommended the Steirereck in the past for those on expense account because, seriously, my last dinner there cost 700 euro for a family with two kids.          

"It seems you are in a very small minority with your comments about Coburg quality." 
If you are a wine lover/collector, you would appreciate the Coburg Weinbistro as the place to access one of the greatest cellar collection in Europe (over 60 thousand bottles & 5000 selections). The Coburg is written up in various wine publications internationally. The food and wine prices are significantly lower at the Weinbistro than at restaurants of that caliber, so it is a great value.  To top that, the Coburg Weinbistro has a uniquely wonderful character/ambiance to it.  As I mentioned before, the Weinbistro is not to be compared to the Steirereck (like comparing a BMW with a Ferarri) because it is not a restaurant and the prices reflect that.  I hope this long thread will at least peak some of the readers' curiosity to visit the Coburg Weinbar.       

AMEN!

Vienna is surrounded by vineyards and there is a drink available there only for a few weeks -- kind of like an alcoholic grape juice -- called sturm. You have to have it! I was there just this past September. It's SO good! It will likely be written on the specials board or you can ask for it.

Hello could you help mi a bit also? During my summer vacations I will have almost a full day between 2 flights in Vienna. I'm looing for the fastest safest and most reliable transfer from the airport to the city centre and back on time... money is not a problem that much, but of course don't want the have twice as much as I should... I found this service http://wientransfer.com/, what do you think of them? Are they good do you anything of them?

Peterzoardgarami,
Is there any reason why you are not considering an S-bahn train? There is a frequent S7 service to Mitte, and from there to various points via U-Bahn or tram. http://www.viennaairport.com/en/pass...burban_railway