Vienna calling
Vienna in April! What a perfect time to visit. The weather was just right, making the city's incredible architecture shine even brighter. Everywhere we turned, we were surrounded by the finest craftsmanship, a testament to Vienna's rich history and artistic heritage. Each building seemed to transport us back to the Baroque era.
Planning for Vienna Bliss
Since my last adventure in Budapest, I'd been juggling work and studies. A vacation was calling my name! But with savings in mind, I wanted something affordable. So, I compared travel and accommodation costs for various European capitals. Vienna quickly became the frontrunner – budget-friendly, with the added bonus of train travel (meaning no luggage restrictions!).
We opted for an apartment-hotel, giving us the flexibility to whip up breakfast instead of relying on daily coffee runs. This was perfect for our late-night owls' schedule – sleep in, grab a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, and explore the city by brunch time.
Itinerary
To balance structure with spontaneity, we pre-booked theatre and opera tickets. This gave us a solid framework for the trip while allowing for day-by-day exploration.
We built a custom Google Maps itinerary, complete with saved destinations and layered categories for easy navigation. Before the trip, I researched some amazing (and affordable) restaurants and cafes. This way, we could explore the city and simply pick one from my pre-selected list, knowing it would be delicious and budget-friendly. Plus, having options scattered throughout the city meant we wouldn't have to travel far for a good meal.
Vienna by Train
We opted for a night train from Cologne, arriving bright and early on a Monday. As luck would have it, this turned out to be a national holiday! This meant exploring the city without the usual tourist crowds.
A Day of Delights: Shopping, Theatre, and Mozart
Day two was dedicated to strolling through charming stores and capturing the city's beauty through our lenses. After a successful shopping spree, we changed for a magical evening at the Burgtheater. "The Magic Flute" by Mozart and Strauss in the adaptation by Nils Strunk and Lukas Schrenk was even more spectacular thanks to our front-row seats – our tickets regular price was 99 Euros per Person, but since we were students we got them for 15 Euros per Person!
Bookstores and Museums
The following day was open for exploration. We wandered through local bookstores, followed by a museum visit. The city's energy left us pleasantly exhausted, so we refueled with lunch and headed back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Getting around was a breeze – Vienna's public transport system is fantastic, and the WienMobil app made buying tickets a snap.
Modern Art, Souvenirs, and the Opera
Thursday brought a visit to the Kunsthaus Wien, a building known for its architectural wonder – Hundertwasser's masterpiece. We grabbed coffee at the on-site cafe and picked up some unique souvenirs before heading back to the hotel for lunch and an operatic adventure. This time, we opted for balcony seats – a tip for future travelers: stick to the closer balcony sections for a clear view! While I enjoyed the opera more than the play, it really depends on the specific performance.
Exploring Schönbrunn, Thrifting, and Amusement Park
Following the recommendations of friends who had visited Vienna before, we dedicated a day to exploring the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Comfortable shoes are a must – the palace grounds are expansive! Afterward, we indulged in some successful thrifting before ending the day with a high-energy visit to the Prater amusement park.
Vienna's Enchantment: Art, Culture, and Hidden Gems
If you're passionate about art, culture, and history, Vienna is a city that will steal your heart. The streets are like open-air museums, with stunning architecture and charming bookstores around every corner. Don't forget to set aside some time to simply wander and soak in the atmosphere.
yours sincerely,
Fatima