Vienna - The City of Timeless Charm, Incredible Food, and Modern Elegance

My Time:

Plague Column (Pestsäule)

Vienna, the second city of my spring break trip! We flew early morning to arrive in Vienna around 10am on March 13, 2022. We chose to visit Vienna because our friend Tyler was studying abroad in this city and for the next two days would be our ultimate tour guide. So, most of these recs are from him!

I wasn't sure what to expect of Vienna. It was a city I'd heard of but nothing I knew specifically that enticed me to the place. So, I went in with an open mind, and came out with a mind blown. The city is absolutely spectacular. It's the best when you are surprised, and what you discover is an amazing result, and that's how I would describe Vienna.

I wish we had more time in this city, and went when the weather was a bit warmer, but I knew I not only want to go back but need to go back to treasure this beloved city. Here is a tale of my time in Vienna.

Day 1

We had an early flight out of Lisbon and landed in Vienna around 10am. We went straight to our Hostel, Wombats, cramming as many of us as we could into a taxi cab. The ride in was beautiful, such a change of architecture from Portugal to Austria. I was admiring the differences, as we often think of Europe as one place, but the stark differences between countries and regions is something to admire.

Graben Street

We got to the hostel before we could check in, and instead of us all changing out of our airport clothes thinking we would return to the hostel to change when it was possible, we went out to meet our friend for lunch. I would soon take this moment as a learning lesson because we would all soon be walking around Vienna for the whole day in our sweats as we never made it back to the hostel with the packed agenda we had. To say the least, I now dress up for every plane ride in case a situation like this happens again haha.

This was our first real attempt with the public transport, and it went great. We got our metro tickets as our hostel was right near a train station, and off we went to the city center.

Figlmüller: we started our Vienna adventure with lunch at Figlmüller, home to the city’s most famous Wiener Schnitzel. I was lucky enough that they offered a vegan schnitzel and could partake in the culture. Although, my American self would have loved some ketchup to go with it, as it tasted like a pancake shaped chicken nugget. The portions were huge, perfect for fueling up before exploring the city. And another delicious side dish you must indulge, the potato salad. Trust me on this one. Whether you make this restaurant your first meal, or one in between, it's an absolute must when visiting Vienna. An additional perk of this place is the location.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral: After lunch, we took a short walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), the heart of Vienna’s First District. The towering Gothic structure is stunning inside and out, and if you're up for it, climb the 343 steps of the South Tower for an incredible panoramic view of Vienna. We walked into the Cathedral, admired it's intricacies, and headed on our way.

Shopping Streets: We continued our exploration of first district, walking along the clean streets and designer lined stores. Kärntner Straße is one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets, lined with international brands, luxury stores, and historic cafés. Just a short walk away, Graben offers a stylish pedestrian experience with upscale shops, stunning historic architecture, and landmarks like the Plague Column (Pestsäule). For those seeking high-end fashion, Kohlmarkt is the go-to destination, home to luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier, along with the renowned Demel pastry shop.

Butterfly House: At the end of the shopping streets, you’ll reach the Schmetterlinghaus (Butterfly House), a hidden gem in the city. Step inside this glasshouse filled with tropical plants and colorful butterflies floating through the air—it's like a tiny rainforest escape right in the middle of Vienna. Outside Schmetterlinghaus is the Burggarten park that many locals go to enjoy the sun and fresh air.

Hofburg Palace: The Butterfly House I'd say is in the backyard of Hofburg Palace, so wrap around the building to see the front. Hofburg Palace is a magnificent imperial complex that served as the center of power for the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. With its ornate architecture and grand halls, the palace offers a glimpse into Vienna’s royal past, whether you’re exploring the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, or the breathtaking Austrian National Library. This is where my friends and I took our "Europe Trip" group photo, as it was too beautiful to pass up a photo opportunity as such. This was also where we had a moment of pause and reflection of how truly enchanting this city was. I believe our jaw was on the floor for most of this walk, and each time I turned a new corner, I'd nudge my friend Michelle to show her just another beautiful sight. It was almost endless the amount of times we tapped each others arm to show the other our new discoveries.

Volksgarten: Next to Hofburg and a must see, walk over to Volksgarten, one of Vienna’s most beautiful public parks. It’s a peaceful place to relax, surrounded by lush rose gardens and fountains. If the weather’s nice, grab a bench and soak in the atmosphere. Continue your walk past the Austrian Parliament, a building to admire from the outside, and a couple steps farther is the Vienna City Hall, this city having an endless amount of architecture to take in, and the very reason why simply walking around is the best activity to do when visiting the city. In this very same square is Burgtheater, a performing arts thearter, which is perfectly placed next to a well known cafe, Café Landtmann, that I kept in the forefront of my mind as a place to go, and lucky enough convinced the crew to go to the following morning.

If you have made it this far, you too might also feel a bit fatigue from the walking. This is where my memory fades as to which way we turned next, but this whole route had been about 2 hours of walking. That same afternoon we visited my friend’s apartment, cozied in a neighborhood off the main way a bit. He had a special activity planned for us but required the sun to be setting, so instead of taking the metro, we got even more steps in and soon found ourselves at an amusement park.

Prater Park: We ended the day at Prater Park, Vienna’s famous amusement park. What was the surprise? Riding the Prater Turm (Prater Tower) to get a good view of the city and watch the sunset. Another popular ride for sunset is a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad). It’s one of the oldest in the world, and at sunset, the views over the city are spectacular. We had to also get in a thriller, so we took our hand at Black Mamba, and to this day that is probably one of my favorite rides ever at an amusement park. So if you are a thrill seeker, at the very least give this one a go. We walked around the rest of the park, enjoying the fun, lively atmosphere, as the park is filled with rides, games, and food stands.

Long awaiting, we got dinner and on the menu to try was Kebab. Trying kebab in Vienna is a must for anyone visiting, as the city has a thriving street food scene influenced by Turkish and Middle Eastern flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal or a late-night bite, Vienna’s kebabs are known for their fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and perfectly grilled meat or falafel for a vegan option. Some of the best places to grab a kebab include Berliner Döner (a local favorite for its authentic Berlin-style döner with crispy bread and generous fillings), Kent Restaurant (offering a sit-down experience with delicious Turkish cuisine), and Lale Restaurant (great for both kebabs and other Turkish specialties). For a late-night fix, Wiener Würstelstand serves up tasty kebabs alongside classic Austrian street food.

Was that the end of our night you wonder? Of course not. We took part in the social aspect of our hostel, meandering our way to the bar and meeting a crew of fascinating travelers and also connecting with each other. I had so much fun hearing stories of others we met, but also those of my friends I was traveling with. Nights like these were how I got so close to my Madison friends and I am beyond grateful for the group of people I traveled with and the opportunities I had to get to know them better.

Day 2

Café Landtmann: Yes, we made it back, and I was beyond happy! We came back to this area as next on our agenda was to visit a museum in the area while our genius intellect guide had a class he needed to attend. This place, once again, blew my mind. For coffee, I ordered the Melange – Vienna’s signature coffee, similar to a cappuccino but smoother and creamier. Although there was not much else on the menu that was vegan and could indulge, I lived vicarously through my friends that ordered the Kaiserschmarrn – A fluffy, caramelized shredded pancake served with powdered sugar and fruit compote. I had a taste of the fruit compote that was similar to applesauce, there was an apple flavor which as you could assume tasted like applesauce, and also a plum sauce, and this was so delicious, I cleaned up every bowl of my friends that was left behind. We started our second day the Viennese way—with a long, leisurely breakfast. This historic café has been around since 1873 and once again we felt so intertwined in the culture of the city.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien: After breakfast, we headed to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s most impressive art museums. The building itself is a masterpiece, and inside, you’ll find works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Klimt. Even if you’re not an art lover, the museum’s grand architecture makes it worth a visit. As my interest in art was still budding, my appreciation went to the cafe in the middle of the museum. This was truly one of my favorite cafes. I ordered the fanciest bottled water as I forgot to clarify I wanted tap water, and paired it with a dessert to make my next dining experience one of elegance. I shared the experience with my fellow cafe connoisseurs, Michelle and Lo, making it the best time.

Naschmarkt: For lunch, we were joined again by Tyler and he brought us to a market to get some lunch and do some shopping. We wandered over to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous food market. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to trinkets and street food. I tried the falafel from one of the Middle Eastern stalls, pick up some spices to bring home as a souvenir, and took in the lively atmosphere.

Schönbrunn Palace: All anticipation was to visit the Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. The palace itself is stunning, but the real highlight is the gardens. Walk up to the Gloriette for a breathtaking view of the entire palace grounds. If you have time, check out the oldest zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located within the palace complex. I absolutely adored my time here. It was too early in the season to admire the flourishing gardens, and added to my reason list of why I'd need to come back. Make sure you save enough time to explore the grounds, I believe we spent almost two hours just walking around, and every minute was worth it.

IKEA Rooftop: We finished our day with another viewpoint of the city. With our insider knowledge, instead of going to a fancy rooftop bar or pay for a lookout point, Tyler took us to a unique and unexpected stop, the IKEA rooftop at Westbahnhof. Yes, it’s an IKEA, but the rooftop café offers great city views, a relaxed atmosphere, and affordable drinks—a perfect spot to take a break before dinner. As we waited for our dinner reservations, we also walked around the store and playfully hung out there. That's what I loved about this group, was our ability to make the best of time out of the simplest things.

Reichenbeisl: We ended our trip with dinner at Reichenbeisl, a traditional Austrian tavern. This cozy spot serves classic Viennese dishes in a warm, welcoming setting. You must try the rich and decadent Sachertorte, Vienna’s famous chocolate cake served with whipped cream, as well as the comforting Sauerbraten, a traditional marinated pot roast served with dumplings and red cabbage, showcasing Austria’s love for hearty meals. We stayed here for over two hours, hanging out, chatting so, and this is the norm for dinner in Europe. Time spent with friends around a meal to enjoy each other's company and staying well past when the food was eaten. I loved that we parked it here for a while, making memories and deepening our connection. Oh, how I treasured the moments.

We made the absolute most of our time here, but I still felt two days was not enough for Vienna, but gave me a taste of the city and a desire to go back. I'd say 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time, and if you are taking a longer trip or backpacking, this would be the city to add in an extra day of relaxation. You cannot go wrong when visiting Vienna and if it's not already on your list, per my recommendation, you should add it immediately.

Additional Recommendations

Hundertwasser House: an architectural marvel that stands out for its colorful, quirky design. Created by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this building defies traditional architecture with its undulating floors, irregular windows, and lush greenery. It's a true celebration of creativity and nature, making it a unique photo opportunity and an excellent spot for those interested in avant-garde art and design.

Sigmund Freud Museum: step into Sigmund Freud's former residence at the Sigmund Freud Museum, where the father of psychoanalysis lived and worked. The museum offers an in-depth look at Freud’s life, his theories, and the world-changing ideas he developed right here in Vienna. The exhibition includes original furniture, personal items, and fascinating insight into his legacy. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in psychology, history, or Vienna’s intellectual past.

Naturhistorisches Museum: For those intrigued by the natural world, the Museum of Natural History is an essential stop. Located just across from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, this museum is home to an extensive collection, from prehistoric fossils to dinosaurs and gemstones. The beautifully curated exhibits make this museum an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Café Central: an iconic cafe and a true piece of Viennese history. Known for its intellectual history, the café was once a popular meeting place for some of Vienna's greatest writers and thinkers. Sitting in its beautiful, neoclassical interior, sipping a coffee, and enjoying a slice of Sachertorte is an experience that will transport you back in time to Vienna’s golden age of culture and creativity.

Day Trip - Wachau Valley, Austria: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wachau Valley is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and historic castles. You can explore the medieval town of Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, visit the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most impressive Baroque monasteries, or take a scenic Danube river cruise. The area is also famous for its vineyards, so be sure to try some local wine.

Day Trip/Next Stop - Bratislava, Slovakia: Just an hour away by train or boat, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, offers a charming old town with narrow streets, medieval castles, and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the Bratislava Castle, which provides stunning views of the Danube River, and stroll through the Old Town to admire the historic architecture. It’s an easy and quick trip to experience a different culture while still being close to Vienna. Truly, this could be a day trip or your next stop.

Next Stop - Hallstatt, Austria: If you visit Bratislava for the day, then make Hallstatt your next destination. Nestled beside a crystal-clear lake and surrounded by the Alps, this tiny village is one of the most picturesque in the world. Visit the Hallstatt Bone House and the Hallstatt Skywalk for stunning views over the lake. You can reach this fairytale village by train and bus, or take a scenic route through the Salzkammergut Lake District.