Romantic City or not?

Depends on when you are going. There's over a million people in Vienna. Add the tourist throngs in the summer and you have some large crowds. Not my idea of romantic. <BR><BR>I would suggest one of the lovely, smaller towns along the Danube River (the Wachau) such as Krems or, my favorite, Durnstein. <BR><BR>Wachau<BR>The peaceful Danube runs through a verdant countryside filled with<BR>wineries and baroque architecture. Romantic, ruined castles dot the <BR>hilltops. Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom in one of these castles.<BR><BR>Richard Lowenherz<BR>Durnstein, Austria<BR>T: +43 2711 222 F: +43 2711 222. 38 rooms. US$ 135-<BR>Named after Richard the Lionhearted, this bower of tranquility has a cozy <BR>pre-World Wars Austrian feeling. Dining terraces overlook the Danube River.<BR><BR>This would be my recommendation for romance.

I replied to your other post about locating a romantic spot in Vienna to propose. I suggest a carriage ride through the old city section or a rotating restaurant named Donauturm, which is a lighthouse that has gorgeous views especially if you're there at sunset.

One other suggestion would be Schonbrunn Palace, which has a beautfiul gazebo.

Merilee, I think it might be difficult to find a time when the gazebo at Schoenbrunn Palace isn't overrun with tourists.

bettyk, you're probably right, but it sure does make a lovely setting. Maybe John won't mind a public display of affection, and most people love to witness a scene like that being played out.

You asked whether Vienna is a romantic city. Many responders tried to steer you somewhere else. I maintain my opinion stated a few days ago on this board: The most romantic cities in Europe are the two "V's"---Vienna and Venice.<BR><BR>Mood and romantic ambience are very much in the people you see and in individual locales, as well as in the broader view of architecture or scenery. And whether in Vienna or another city, your romantic moments will usually come from some special place---perhaps a nice hotel, perhaps an intimate restaurant, maybe a lovely park or garden. But you can't expect romanticism 24 hours a day, no matter where you are; so try to stay somewhere that gives you some other appeal as well. For my money, Vienna has all the romantic spots and charm I'd ever want, and it has lots of other appeal going for it too.

In late December, with a light snow falling, wandering in and out of coffee houses, having a Mozartkugeln or two, near Schoenbrunn Palace with strains of Strauss in the background . . . Vienna can be a very romantic place.<BR><BR>I've also been there in the summer and I couldn't wait to leave.

I have a very distinct memory of walking around a deserted garden in the ringstrasse one evening with my other, listening to an outdoor concert being performed somewhere in the distance. Very romantic.

I lived in Vienna for 2 years and it is one of my favorite cities. And, yes, I did have some romantic moments when I lived there, but to suggest that those same places would be romantic for someone else is presumptuous. <BR><BR>We visited Vienna in May and almost everywhere we went was overrun with people. Vienna is much more crowded than it was 20 years ago. I'm sure you will be able to find that special place/moment, but it could be anywhere and not necessarily something or place that you've actually planned.

I stayed in Vienna for three and a half months (mostly during the winter). When the tourists came, I was glad that I was leaving. Vienna can be a very romantic place. Just visit when it's not high season.