Amy

I'm planning to be in Austria for two weeks in July; I'm staying in Pfarrwerfen, which is outside of Salzburg. <BR>We plan to visit Vienna, of course, but I have to say that my only previous visit there left me cold (which may have had to do with it being November, eh?) except for the roasted candied almonds or whatever those nuts were at the sidewalk stands. I'm sure this is because we were on a packaged tour, but I'd just love to hear from those of you with special memories or helpful advice on visiting Vienna.<BR>(Besides, I'm snowed in here and don't feel like doing all my paperwork!)<BR>

Travelnick

Hi<BR>I have lived here for past 18 mths and have enjoyed many features. Depending on when you were last here, a lot has changed in the past 5 years from what I have been told and have seen. Lots and lots of buildings in first district have been renovated. Outside first, I have to say that I find quite a few places a bit grimy - the cleaning of buildings should have started years before! The Germans can be a bit damning on there view of Vienna - referring to it as going into the Balkans. There is some truth to this - e.g. the shops with these old italic signs that feel as if you are entering some 60s horrible grey store a la Eastern Europe before the wall coming down.<BR>It is only in the last few years for example that the designer boutiques have come in. Sure critics of globalism have some valid points, but these shops certainly create much cleaner brigher shop facades -whether you buy or not.<BR>Prices also came down on joining the EU - about 20% so I have been told. There are quite a lot of new restaurants now. Service is also I think better - some places still awful, but compared to my 18 mths in Munich, it is far superior. November in my view is the pits of a month - everything getting grey and dark with no seasonal cheer - ideal to go to southern hemisphere. So I suggest giving it another go - July for example has fantastic lots of restaurant huts outside Rathaus - about 20-30 restaurants get a license, all types of cuisine and including some of the most expensive restaurants in Vienna - but you can eat there for 5-8E for a main course (bit smaller than in restaurant). Really good atmosphere and something other cities should copy. Also restaurants have licenses for pavement eating and along the river seasonal places set up.

designergigi

Hey, Amy! Thanks for the postcard from Pfarrwerfen. It looks great! <BR>I spent 10 days there in 2001. I found the city to be so beautiful that it just makes a person want to stroll, have coffee, and enjoy the architecture and people watch. <BR>I would be happy to share the name of the small hotel with you. It was great! And, it was within walking distance to both the ring, to pick up the trolleys or the subway. It was near the Staatsoper where we saw The Lohengrin (Wow!). I don't think opera is in season that time of year, but, you may find some production in July. <BR>I was just looking at my guidebook to the Kunsthistorisches museum, which, in my opinion is a must see just for the architecture. That is also within walking distance of the hotel. <BR>I did go see the practice hall where the stallions work out every day. It was okay. I preferred the Vienna Boy's Choir. I reserved tickets in advance and did get the seats in the front at the windows at the top of the church. I could see everyone of those darling boys faces. It was enchanting. I don't know that I would have enjoyed it as much if I didn't have those seats. I think I paid around $27 per seat.<BR>Did you see the Melk Monastery is your searches? It is a small little village outside of Vienna that is fairly charming if you can look past the commercialism that is starting to creep into the city center. It is worth a stop on your way into Vienna and take the tour. <BR>I will email you a link to my Vienna pictures, and email me if you want the name of the hotel. <BR>Btw, Amy, 22 days and counting for me! <BR>Gigi

Dilermando

I have been in Wein only once, for a few days. I don't know how to express my awe at the Hofburg Museum, which houses one of the most complete and abundant collections of arms and armour I have ever seen in Europe. I am not kidding, I say should you go to Wein and visit only it, your trip will be worth the time and expenses. If you are a medical doctor (or a professional related to life-sceinces field), visit the Patological Anatomy Museum. Of course, there are many other museums. Skipping Sch&ouml;nbrunn Castle will not harm you.

lynlor

This might not be everyones choice but this is mine. My three favorite things are:<BR>Staatsoper<BR>Schubert Boys Choir<BR>Imperial Hotel

ThinGorjus

Yes, Wien can be a cold, dreary city, especially on a rainy day. I love the disparate architecture of Wein--Neo-Classical, Gothic, Baroque, Bauhaus, etc. Wien is a VERY formal city, where people take the time to do everything in a courtly, mannerly way. I love the coffee and pastry shops that make you feel like you are living in the age of the Habsburgs. I also love the Velasquez and Reubens' paintings in the Kunsthistoriches Museum on the Ringstrasse. But, what I love the most about Wien is the fact that you will see horses on their way to the Hofburg Palace, take a big dump on the Kohlmarket, right in front of Cartier. I find that VERY ironic.

Amy

Ah, yes, bravo for life's little ironies. But why do my Austria posts seem to invite horse dropping stories? (see Pfarrwerfen post if you must....)<BR><BR>Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and ideas! This is becoming more and more exciting, but I do think that I need much more than two weeks. (Sigh)