dwzemens

My wife and another couple will be in Vienna for three nights before taking a seven day river cruise at the end of November.

We want to make the most out of the three days in Vienna. I have the travel books and maps, etc, but want some advice from you folks as it has always been great information in the past.

We will be staying in the northeast corner of the ring. What should we not miss? Tips, tricks and suggestions welcome. We were thinking of takint a day trip over to Bratislava, Slovakia if we can find the time.

I'm all ears -- all advice welcome!

Dave Z

tomboy

And your likes/dislikes, interests, hatreds are ...what?

Assuming your first night is after a very short day in Vienna permitting little time other than to eat, you probably have only two full days. I personally wouldn't use one on Bratislava. There's plenty in Vienna for 2-3 days, and if you have an interest in history, architecture or music, I'd recommend a day trip to Eisenstadt (about 30 miles east) to the Esterhazy palace and Haydn's home/museum.

ira

Hi d,

There is more than enough in Vienna to keep you occupied for 2 days and 3 nights.

bettyk

Don't bother with Bratislava. Vienna deserves your undivided attention.

The Christmas markets will be up by the end of November. The crowds will be gone so you can visit the Hofburg and Schoenbrunn Palace at your leisure. Wander around the pedestrian area surrounding St. Stephen's cathedral in the Altstadt. Take Tram #1 or #2 around the Ringstrasse. Visit the beautiful Fine Arts and/or Natural History museum. Go to a concert. Visit some of the lovely city churches -- Karlskirche, Votivkirche, Maria am Gestade, Griechenkirche, etc.).

And that's just for starters!

dwzemens

Great responses so far --- Ira, nice to see you over here in Austria and not in Paris!

We arrive in Vienna at 9:00am - early flight, so we will have most of three days as we do not sleep on day one, but force ourselves to stay awak.

Any suggestions on the perfect small hotel or pension?

We love to take it slow, walk (even in cold weather) sit and rink coffee and eat delicious pastries, churches are high on our list, etc....

Thanks guys,

Dave Z

bettyk

There are a number of coffeehouses in Vienna that are worth a visit. Many people like Demel's. When I lived in Vienna I enjoyed taking visitors to Cafe Central. It's located inside the Palais Ferstel and is truly a lovely place for lunch or just coffee and pastry.

noe847

We've stayed at the Pension Pertschy, and have seen it recommended by others here. It's beautifully located in the center of the city - not fancy however.

But it sounded like you already had your lodging on the ne part of the ring? Or did I read that incorrectly?

dwzemens

Thanks for the Pension Pertschy suggestion -- my loding is "fluid" as I always look for the next "best" suggestion from Fodor's forum members!

Looks like a nice place - and convenient.