Vienna Favorites
Feb 16th, 2015, 10:39 AM
#1
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Vienna Favorites
We will be in Vienna for 10 nights in May staying near the Secession building. This will be our first time and excited to experience their food, museums, music etc. I have a couple of guidebooks but would love to hear your favorites and if you've been to the following places and have thoughts on them....
Hofburg Palace - do you suggest a guided tour?
Hundertwasser House
Belvedere
St Stephens
Observation tower
Schönbrunn Palace
Steirereck restaurant
Hofmobiliendepot museum
Saint Charles Health and Wellness
Wald & Wiese
Schönbichlers Theegalerie
Le Loft bar
Thank you!
Hofburg Palace - do you suggest a guided tour?
Hundertwasser House
Belvedere
St Stephens
Observation tower
Schönbrunn Palace
Steirereck restaurant
Hofmobiliendepot museum
Saint Charles Health and Wellness
Wald & Wiese
Schönbichlers Theegalerie
Le Loft bar
Thank you!
Feb 16th, 2015, 01:18 PM
#3
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Hundertwasser House - quirky and fun!
St Stephens - total must! if you don't mind heights, go up the tower to see the view
Schönbrunn Palace - very beautiful, I loved the gardens
How about Prater, have you considered it? It's just an amusement park, but e.g. their Ferris wheel is one of the oldest - it was constructed in 1897!
St Stephens - total must! if you don't mind heights, go up the tower to see the view
Schönbrunn Palace - very beautiful, I loved the gardens
How about Prater, have you considered it? It's just an amusement park, but e.g. their Ferris wheel is one of the oldest - it was constructed in 1897!
Feb 16th, 2015, 02:28 PM
#6
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T
The Hundertwasser Museum, within walking distance of the apartment building, is easier to access since it is a museum.
The Leopold Collection for anyone interested in Austrian art from 1900 onwards.
The Hundertwasser Museum, within walking distance of the apartment building, is easier to access since it is a museum.
The Leopold Collection for anyone interested in Austrian art from 1900 onwards.
Feb 16th, 2015, 03:46 PM
#7
I was there in early December and liked the Danube Tower/Observation tower. We had a light lunch at the cafe which was pretty good. We weren't hurried out so took our time and just watched.
The Ferris wheel was pretty cool too. It wasn't what I expected but still fun to do.
The Ferris wheel was pretty cool too. It wasn't what I expected but still fun to do.
Feb 16th, 2015, 04:24 PM
#8
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I don;t think you can get into the Hofburg other than as a tour group member.
I would also add some of the major museums - seeing the Venus of Willendorf (about 25,000 years old) in the Natural History museum is an unforgettable experience.
And don;t miss the Lippanzers - tour the stables even if you can;t get tickets for a show.
I would also do a day tour to Melk Abby - I think you can do boat one way and bus or train the other.
I would also add some of the major museums - seeing the Venus of Willendorf (about 25,000 years old) in the Natural History museum is an unforgettable experience.
And don;t miss the Lippanzers - tour the stables even if you can;t get tickets for a show.
I would also do a day tour to Melk Abby - I think you can do boat one way and bus or train the other.
Feb 16th, 2015, 11:08 PM
#9
We live in Vienna and have dragged many family and friends through their "Must See" itineraries so please consider my comments within that context.
Hofburg, Belvedere, and Schönbrunn can leave one feeling schloss-weary. After a while it becomes impossible to distinguish one state room from another, so if all three are on your list, perhaps spacing them across your visit would be a good idea. Look at the various ticket options, as well, and use online ticketing (print at home) to avoid queues. For Schönbrunn, plan the better part of a full day to see everything.
Hofburg can be toured independently; the audio guides offer a thorough overview of the apartments and Imperial china and silver; the Sisi Museum is do-it-yourself.
The Hofmobiliendepot is the Habsburg's furniture "attic." It's interesting but I would only place it on the "A List" if you're into furniture and didn't get enough from the palaces.
If you and the family are into art, then by all means visit KHM, Albertina, and Leopold. If you're only going to slog through the buildings because they are on a "Top Ten" list, don't waste your Euros. Ditto for all of the other "Top Ten" experiences.
Should you decide to tour the Opera House, take the tour in a language other than English if possible. Our daughter and I took the tour in German and were a group of around a dozen; the tour was intimate and enjoyable. The English-language tour had more than 30 people (with no headsets).
As for views from the top of Stephansdom or at Le Loft, I think they're just "meh." Take a beautiful day, hop on the 38A bus to the top of Kahlenberg; admire the spectacular views from atop the vineyards, breathe in the fresh Vienna Woods air, then walk your way down through the vines to Grinzing or Nußdorf (the paths are well-marked) to enjoy traditional fare in a heuriger.
If you enjoy markets, then visit Naschmarkt any day but Saturday, when the flea market is open and the tiny lanes are shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists and tour groups.
The other places listed, St. Charles, Wald & Wiese, and so forth are really just a matter of personal preference. Wald & Wiese products are available at Naschmarkt, and there are several lotions, potions, and notions stores around the city.
Steirereck. Loved by those who want that formal, "classic" Viennese splurge dining experience.
Hofburg, Belvedere, and Schönbrunn can leave one feeling schloss-weary. After a while it becomes impossible to distinguish one state room from another, so if all three are on your list, perhaps spacing them across your visit would be a good idea. Look at the various ticket options, as well, and use online ticketing (print at home) to avoid queues. For Schönbrunn, plan the better part of a full day to see everything.
Hofburg can be toured independently; the audio guides offer a thorough overview of the apartments and Imperial china and silver; the Sisi Museum is do-it-yourself.
The Hofmobiliendepot is the Habsburg's furniture "attic." It's interesting but I would only place it on the "A List" if you're into furniture and didn't get enough from the palaces.
If you and the family are into art, then by all means visit KHM, Albertina, and Leopold. If you're only going to slog through the buildings because they are on a "Top Ten" list, don't waste your Euros. Ditto for all of the other "Top Ten" experiences.
Should you decide to tour the Opera House, take the tour in a language other than English if possible. Our daughter and I took the tour in German and were a group of around a dozen; the tour was intimate and enjoyable. The English-language tour had more than 30 people (with no headsets).
As for views from the top of Stephansdom or at Le Loft, I think they're just "meh." Take a beautiful day, hop on the 38A bus to the top of Kahlenberg; admire the spectacular views from atop the vineyards, breathe in the fresh Vienna Woods air, then walk your way down through the vines to Grinzing or Nußdorf (the paths are well-marked) to enjoy traditional fare in a heuriger.
If you enjoy markets, then visit Naschmarkt any day but Saturday, when the flea market is open and the tiny lanes are shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists and tour groups.
The other places listed, St. Charles, Wald & Wiese, and so forth are really just a matter of personal preference. Wald & Wiese products are available at Naschmarkt, and there are several lotions, potions, and notions stores around the city.
Steirereck. Loved by those who want that formal, "classic" Viennese splurge dining experience.
Feb 18th, 2015, 12:58 PM
#10
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Wow thanks for all the suggestions really appreciate it!
I'm looking at the calendar for May and considering getting tickets for either opera or ballet... Anyone been?
Would also love to hear restaurants you've been very happy with especially ones with great views. Thank you!
https://www.culturall.com/ticket/ist...ype=month_menu
I'm looking at the calendar for May and considering getting tickets for either opera or ballet... Anyone been?
Would also love to hear restaurants you've been very happy with especially ones with great views. Thank you!
https://www.culturall.com/ticket/ist...ype=month_menu
Feb 18th, 2015, 01:01 PM
#11
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No great views but interesting regional food: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ch-Vienna.html
Feb 18th, 2015, 02:18 PM
#12
Fourfortravel, - i was going to mention the Heurige, but you got in first. The one just round the corner from Beethoven's summer home is lovely.
you could also think about a day trip to Baden, which is a nice town with a very different feel about it to Vienna.
you could also think about a day trip to Baden, which is a nice town with a very different feel about it to Vienna.
Feb 18th, 2015, 02:33 PM
#13
I enjoyed hearing (and seeing on the TV in the vestibule) the Vienna Boys Choir at mass in the Imperial Court Chapel.
In the vestibule you can watch the mass and choir on a split TV screen while in the church the boys are behind you singing (so you don't get to see them) until the end of mass when they move up to the altar.
Here's their schedule there for May:
https://classicworld.at/vienna/conce...dte=2015-05-01
After mass, I had a ticket to the Lippanzer performance at the Spanish Riding School... so it made a great Sunday morning.
Here's their schedule:
http://www.srs.at/index.php?e-mail=&...5Bmark%5D=true
In the vestibule you can watch the mass and choir on a split TV screen while in the church the boys are behind you singing (so you don't get to see them) until the end of mass when they move up to the altar.
Here's their schedule there for May:
https://classicworld.at/vienna/conce...dte=2015-05-01
After mass, I had a ticket to the Lippanzer performance at the Spanish Riding School... so it made a great Sunday morning.
Here's their schedule:
http://www.srs.at/index.php?e-mail=&...5Bmark%5D=true
Feb 18th, 2015, 02:36 PM
#14
I think the above SRS link is just for the morning exercises.
There is also a schedule for the performances:
http://www.srs.at/index.php?e-mail=&...5Bmark%5D=true
If the links don't work, you can just select the dates and event you would like to attend.
There is also a schedule for the performances:
http://www.srs.at/index.php?e-mail=&...5Bmark%5D=true
If the links don't work, you can just select the dates and event you would like to attend.
Feb 18th, 2015, 03:57 PM
#15
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My husband and I went to the opera in Vienna. It was worth it just to people watch . The surtitles are on your seat well the back of the seat in front which is different from my usual experience - Loved the experience.
Feb 18th, 2015, 04:11 PM
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tessietoes,
Yes to the opera! Our first opera ever was in Vienna 30 years ago, and we were hooked. Go to the Opera House in the old city (the Wiener Staatsoper). The opera house itself is beautiful, and the experience is memorable.
In looking at the schedule for May, I would recommend either the Barber of Seville or Cinderella (La Cenerentola). In May there are also some classic Wagner operas in The Ring series, but I wouldn't recommend as they are long, intense, and a bit much for the first time. I don't know what time in May you'll be there, but 10 days will likely include both of the first 2 operas I'm recommending.
Another option is to listen/watch from the simulcast outside the opera house. Not the full-on experience, but an option nonetheless.
Happy listening!
LisaG
Yes to the opera! Our first opera ever was in Vienna 30 years ago, and we were hooked. Go to the Opera House in the old city (the Wiener Staatsoper). The opera house itself is beautiful, and the experience is memorable.
In looking at the schedule for May, I would recommend either the Barber of Seville or Cinderella (La Cenerentola). In May there are also some classic Wagner operas in The Ring series, but I wouldn't recommend as they are long, intense, and a bit much for the first time. I don't know what time in May you'll be there, but 10 days will likely include both of the first 2 operas I'm recommending.
Another option is to listen/watch from the simulcast outside the opera house. Not the full-on experience, but an option nonetheless.
Happy listening!
LisaG
Feb 19th, 2015, 08:04 AM
#17
I missed the statement about your visiting Vienna in May. The 60th Eurovision Song Contest is being hosted in Vienna in May, and Austria's own Conchita Wurst is one of the hosts. Recently it was announced that the entire competition will be broadcast for free at Rathausplatz. http://www.eurovision.tv/tag/expand/2015
Feb 19th, 2015, 08:19 AM
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Schonnbrunn Palace in May will likely be quite photogenic. I am a bit envious. I was there and saw it with a light dusting of snow a couple of years ago. St. Stephen's is certainly a must see if you're looking for iconic Vienna. I did the Hotel Sacher Torte because I was with a group. Pretty good but I could have left out a 10 EU slice of cake and rather use that money for a museum. Which brings me to the Freud museum which was worth the admission price in checking out. I also remember seeing an orchestra perform at the Musikverein. Fantastic music hall and I think it's rated among the best in it's style.
I loved walking around Vienna. It had a slightly unique, pleasant feel to it.Very clean and pleasant people. I can't recall any stand out food unfortunately. Not that it's not around I just don't recall and was a on a tight student's budget at the time.
Happy travels!
I loved walking around Vienna. It had a slightly unique, pleasant feel to it.Very clean and pleasant people. I can't recall any stand out food unfortunately. Not that it's not around I just don't recall and was a on a tight student's budget at the time.
Happy travels!
Feb 19th, 2015, 08:21 AM
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Oh and if you have 10 days in Vienna I totally recommend you take a 1 or 2 day trip to see Salzburg. Just stunningly beautiful and if you even slightly like mountains it's worth checking out. Graz is also another good day trip since I think 10 days in Vienna is plenty of time to see most of its general offerings plus get a glimpse of another town/city.
