Vienna for 4 days
 

My sister and I are traveling to Vienna for 4 days in May. We have never been overseas at all. Does anybody have any suggestions on what we should absolutely do and see and what we should avoid? We are also thinking about taking a day trip to Salzburg. Is this a good idea? Any help would be appreciated.

A day trip to Salzburg is doable - it's 3-3 1/2 hrs each way and the trains run fairly often. But be sure you've taken in Schonbrun and Grinzing before you decide to do that:)

Good afternoon, Racheal <BR>There are many things to visit in the <BR>inner ring, such as Stephansdom, other <BR>churches, the Imperial Vienna, the Graben and the Kartnerstrasse, The <BR>Riding School, the town hall quarter <BR>and many other places. Would suggest <BR>you take a look at a copy of Eyewitness <BR>Travel Guide "Vienna" Has a lot of <BR>information. Don't miss Schonbrunn. <BR>Wien has a very good transportation system, their street cars run all over <BR>and all the way to Grinzing. There are <BR>very good little ristorantes and cafes <BR>In warmer weather the coffee houses on <BR>the Kartnerstrasse have outside tables <BR>and as well as the inside ones are ex- <BR>cellant for people watching. If you <BR>consider a trip to Salzburg too time <BR>comsuming, check into a trip to the <BR>abbey at Melk. This can be done on your <BR>own or you can take a tour from Wien, <BR>a short cruise thru the Wacha Valley <BR>and to Melk for a lunch stop, after <BR>going thru the abbey, returning to <BR>Wien. Concerts and other entertainment <BR>are nightly occurences, check with the <BR>concierge at your hotels for information <BR>on those events for the nights you will <BR>be in Wien. Have a good tripl. <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, IL...

Richard had some excellent suggestions - you may want to start with a city bus tour that will take you many of these places (especially Schoenbruenn) and will help you get acquainted with the city. Vienna is pretty safe - the two of you should be fine. <BR>Salzburg is nice, but doesn't have the nightlife of Vienna. <BR>There is a place between Stefansdom and the Staatsoper that sells same day opera tickets - you must do that, even if you're not the biggest opera fan - it's an unforgettable experience! Make sure to have a piece of Sachertorte at the Hotel Sacher nearby.

Since you have not been overseas at all, I recommend that you avoid the temptation to try to do too much. Salzburg is some distance away and, in my opinion, not worth the trip. I also think that the Sacher Torte experience and the Schonburn Palace are much overrated -- there are better pastries and better places to eat them, and the trip through the Schonburn is somewhat hurried and artificial. However, the Cultural History Museum (especially the 2nd floor) is well worth visiting, as are the Horse Show and the Opera. Probably the best experience -- and one of the cheapest -- if the weather is good is just to park yourself at a good cafe table, relax, and enjoy the moments. A boat ride is also a good, relaxing experience -- if you have the opportunity on an uncrowded day.

I agree re: Sacher torte. The one they serve at the hotel itself is rather dry and unappealing. Have one at Demels or elsewhere. <BR>Re Salzburg: as I noted it is doable, but it wouldn't be my choice. However 3 days is enough for the basics of Vienna, and if you think it will be a long time before you get back to the area... go for it. Which is my way of saying make the decision based on your own situation. <BR>I'm sorry bo_jack feels that way about Schonbrun. Even if you can only go on a bus tour [which I did once and survived], it is an essential part of understanding the Austro-Hungarian empire. Plus it's beautiful. If you go on your own you'll have to wait in line BUT you can then roam the gardens, climb up to the Gloriette and take your time. <BR>Also be sure to visit the Belvedere to see what's in hte galleries and to enjoy the view over Vienna. It's a longish walk from the center, but well worth it.

Hi Racheal <BR>We were in Vienna last fall. We truly enjoyed our tour of Schoenbrun, it was a pretty day and the gardens were great. The tour gave alot of history of the palace and Austria. We also enjoyed the tour of the Opera house along with a Sacher Torte around the corner while waiting for our tour. The cafes are great.

I also agree that Schonbrun should not be missed (though I was there in the off-season)-I strongly encourage you to read up a little on the Hapsburg dynasty and Maria-Theresa (and maybe watch Amadeus) before you go. I find the more I know about the history of a place the more enchanted I am with it. The gardens are beautiful, and as you have probably never seen a palace before I think you should definitely go. <BR> <BR>We also went to the Statsoper (Opera) and saw a performance. I do recommend you go see some type of musical performance, though it won't be opera season while you're there. <BR> <BR>We took a ride on the Ferris wheel-interesting, but don't go out of your way to do it. <BR> <BR>Sacher Torte is okay at the Sacher Hotel (meant to be eaten with coffee), but I preferred the Central Cafe (I think that's the name of it). I lingered there for hours. The best things about Vienna are the cafes. <BR> <BR>You're really going overseas for just 4-days? Keep in mind one of those days will probably be pretty be shot due to jet lag. You will want to search and read up on jet lag advice. <BR> <BR>Happy travels. <BR>

If you love old-fashioned candy stores, stop by Altmann & Kuhn's. It is the most wonderful handmade candy, and it comes in fabulous boxes that make great gifts. When I was in Vienna in November, we bought tickets to the opera, which was simply amazing. If you like heights, go up the elevator at St. Stephen's Cathedral, but be warned that you'll be walking on mesh flooring 300 feet in the air. I'd skip the tour of the Hofburg's Imperial Apartments ... we found it very disappointing for the money and our limited time (3 days) in the city. I loved Salzburg, but don't know if you want to spread your time that thin ... but, have a fantastic time whatever you do!