Vienna vs. Milan
 

Hi, I'm planning a trip in April to Zurich (3days) and either Vienna or Milan (5 days with side trips) but I'm having a tough time deciding which. It's only my second trip to Europe so I like to see lots when I'm there. Any advice on if Vienna or Milan would be best? Thanks for your help.
Rocky

Hi R,

Do you prefer tagliatelli or knoedlen, gelato or schlag, fruity or dry wine?

Hi Ira,
We're not really wine drinkers, but otherwise we're open to most any cuisine or dish. How about the sightseeing?

I suspect that Vienna wins in the museum category hands down. But side trips to the lake area (Como, Maggiore) could swing the vote for Milan.

If you like a large, bustling city Milan would be a better choice. Vienna tends to feel more European. Excluding the beautifully dressed residents, Milan feels less Italian than most other italian cities. If you do choose Vienna, definitely go to Figlmuller for the schnitzel. old and historic restaurant where many viennese politicians lunch. if you are interested, drop me a line and i'll send you the address . . . . it's around here somewhere!!

From my perspective, Vienna has more cultural offerings. If you enjoy museums and classical music, Vienna is THE place to be. Much of Milan's appeal is it's proximity to the lakes, although you'll probably be seeing similar scenery around Zurich. Unless you really enjoy high-end shopping, 5 days may be a little long for Milan.

Why did you choose these two options?

Vienna.

I liked what I read about Zurich/Berne and then wanted a second destination as a home base to see & tour from. From all I've heard, Vienna was a wonderful city but is there much in the surrounding area to fill 5 days? If it's Milan, I was hoping I could also do a side trip to Venice. 3.5 hour train ride might be too much. Maybe there's a better second choice???

Why not spend your 5 days in Venice?

Vienna will take at least three days: 2 for the museums and Sch&ouml;nbrunn at a minimum, and one to look around and go up in the hills above Grinzing. If you hike back to Grinzing, count on half a day plus the time you will spend in a <i>heurige</i>. You can also take a day trip to Melk and the Wachau valley. Rest on the fifth day.

VIENNA!!!

We liked Vienna much more than Milan--the pace was just enough slower to make us feel relaxed rather than in a rush. And nothing beats Viennese pastries, especially at Demel, or a concert in the Strauss garden. Of course, if you're an opera and/or symphony lover, Vienna wins hands down.

What is the attraction of zurich for you? Perhaps consider a Prague &amp; Vienna combination?

I've always been curious about Switz. &amp; there are flights available using my free air miles - 2 good reasons. Not sure if Venice is possible as a departure city but I'm willing to switch to Zurich/Berne then Venice &amp; environs if that's a better combo for seeing lots.

I'm not sure why you keep listing Zurich/Berne - as if it were one destination. Therre are other, much moreintersting cites nearer to Zruich than Berns (which IMHO is quite boring). Also, don;t yuwat to spend nay time actualy in the Swiss mountains - rather than just cities.

I would do Zurich to Lucerne and then day trips from there (Mt Pilatus, Jungfrau, Interlaken/Brienz, boat trips, some smaller towns for hikes etc).

Pick vienna ive been to milan and its a horrible city no offense lots of traffic and polution

VIENNA is awesome!!!

Hi Rocky,

Vienna over Milan.

Venice over Vienna.

If you hang around here long enough you'll be told to visit every city in Europe before it is over!

Vienna offers a great deal more in terms of museums, palaces, etc., and looks a lot more &quot;grand&quot; than Milano.

Depending on your interests you may find it more interesting to spend your Swiss time in Lucern or in/around Interlaken than in Zurich.

Venice is wonderful and magic but I think, in the end, you may get more out of Vienna.

Have a wonderful trip.

Stay 3 nights in Vienna, 2 nights in a village in the Wachau Valley. This is one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. You can rent a bicycle, and tour the vinyards , beer gardens and castles in the tiny villages along the Danube.