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Vienna

Thursday, May 29, 2014
Many years ago my dad told me that Vienna is his favorite city in Europe, and from that day on Vienna has been on my bucket list. I wasn't quite sure what was there, but I knew that I wanted to go. When planning my spring break trip with my mom, Vienna was an easy choice mostly because of its proximity to Prague. I honestly thought Prague would steal the show, but surprisingly it was Vienna that truly captured my heart.

Colorful tulips at the Naschmarkt
We found gluten free chocolate cake!

While Prague was undoubtedly fairytale-esque, Vienna was full of charm and sophistication that seemed a bit more genuine. Unlike Prague, its magic wasn't exploited by the tourism industry to attract more visitors. Although there are still plenty of sights to see, Vienna's character remains untouched.

Pretty cocktails at the Palmenhaus

One of my favorite parts about Vienna was its café culture. The city is abounding with elegant cafés, adorned with crystal chandeliers and waiters in tuxedos. While many regulars visit these cafés to order an espresso or traditional mélange and read the Sunday paper, many visitors are enticed by the mouthwatering variety of cakes and pastries. Of these, the most notorious are Hotel Sacher's Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake with apricot jam, and classic Viennese apfelstrudel.

Exquisite details inside the Opera House
Inside St. Stephen's Cathedral

Vienna embraces a fervent obsession with music, for many famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Strauss have called this city home. In order to bring music to the masses, the Opera House broadcasts its performances on a large screen outside facing the street. While there are plenty of classical concerts worth attending, you can also find many talented musicians performing on the streets or in the plazas. Needless to say, the city's passion for music is delightfully contagious. 


Vienna exudes class and sophistication. I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of culture that this majestic city has to offer. This former Habsburg capital offers a plethora of first-class museums, lavish royal palaces, exquisite shopping, and not to mention the world's finest opera. Vienna is polished and refined, but not pretentious. In many ways, I see Vienna like I see Paris: enchanting, addicting, and brimming with unparalleled beauty. I could keep coming back here for the rest of my life.


My Vienna Picks:
Best People-Watching: Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Favorite Tours: Vienna State Opera & Hofburg Palace Imperial Apartments
Best Views: The Sky Bar at Steffl
Favorite Restaurant: Palmenhaus
Must-Try Dishes: Apfelstrudel, Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte
16 comments on "Vienna"
  1. Vienna is high up on my travel list!!! Looks so beautiful!

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    1. I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it is, but it's really a stunning place! I definitely recommend going :)

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  2. We did Christmas in Vienna two years ago. It's such a beautiful city! The public transportation there is to die for, too. So fast and efficient... and everywhere! If only America had something like that.... A girl can dream.

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    1. Right?! The U-Bahn was a dream come true. America needs to take a hint!

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  3. Wow Courtney amazing pictures!! I loved Vienna, such a pretty and sophisticated city!

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  4. Loved these photos! Vienna is on my travel list as well, but will have to wait until after Asia. I love the pictures of the red scooter. So cute!

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    1. Thanks! I hope you get a chance to go after your adventures in Asia!

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  5. Exquisite photos! I am glad I happened upon your blog on a fellow traveler! I was in Salzburg last month and would have loved to have made it to Vienna! So lovely. <3

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    1. Thanks! I'd love to visit Salzburg someday. I fell in love with Austria and I'm dying to see more of it!

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  6. Beautiful flowers, delicious dessert, lovely architecture- you've sold me! xx

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    1. Haha I'm glad! I mean, who wouldn't want an excuse to eat dessert at any time of the day? ;)

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  7. I've heard wonderful things about Vienna. I really ought to go one day. This looks stunning. Wondering when's best though? Spring looks rather gorgeous there but then i'm thinking of lovely christmas markets in december... Difficult decision to make! xx

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    1. I've always dreamed of going during the holidays to see the Christmas markets! I don't know if I could survive the cold, but I'm sure it would still be worth it :)

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  8. I have been wanting to go to Vienna forever...the Spanish Riding School, classic architecture, palaces, world-class performing arts, good coffee and cake! I can't wait to actually visit. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful visit here.

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    1. I hope you get to go soon! It's such a magical place with so much to offer. There are so many fun things to do & see that are just so unique! It's unlike anywhere I've ever visited.

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