Take a Walk in Romantic Vienna…

So, my friend Tasha & I were on a quick European tour before a week-long stay in Croatia (that turned out to be one of the best weeks of our life)!  We had three days in Prague, three in Vienna, & then a rapid 24-hours in Budapest.  I hadn’t traveled this quickly since my inexperienced college-backpacking days.  With much on the agenda, I didn’t do any “homework” on Vienna.  Thus, I had zero expectations.  And then…WHAM!!  We took a long walk in romantic Vienna & the city completely blew me away.

Why?  

What makes Vienna so special?  

We stayed in a part of town that wasn’t too exciting (a last-minute Kayak purchase).  It had low buildings & rather boring streets.  BUT, as soon as we put on our tennis shoes & took off running, heading towards the theater district ~ we found ourselves standing on street corners, mouths open, literally in awe of this beautiful city.

“We were stopped in our tracks by the beauty of this city, mouths open, eyes turned up in awe.  This is one of my favorite parts of travel: the moments that leave you without words.” 

 

– Noelia

Map of Vienna

There are 23 districts in Vienna, & 1,000+ miles of streets: getting a handle on the city can be overwhelming!  The most important is District 1 (Inner Stadt): this is the heart of the city.  Here you’ll find Vienna’s most iconic buildings, such as Parliament, the Opera House, & famous cathedral Stephensplatz.  And also the Hofburg, a gigantic former Habsburg palace that now houses several tourist attractions.

 Most photos in this article were taken in District 1.  There are museums, parks, fashionable restaurants, & pedestrian-only streets here that could keep you busy for days.  My advice when touring is to start in District 1, then work your way out from there.

Overview of Vienna

Vienna is a study in contrasts.  It’s a city steeped in rich, regal history, with evidence of the Habsburg Empire all around.  And yet, walking its streets still feels like you’re in an entirely modern city.  Brimming with history….yet cutting edge.  Elegant palaces…surrounded by contemporary art.  Opulent coffee houses…alongside retro cafes peppered with pop art.  

It’s this juxtaposition of the past & the future, I think, that makes Vienna so exciting.  

It’s this contradiction & juxtaposition of the refined, elegant past with the modernity of the future that makes Vienna so exciting.  

Where Past Meets Future…

The “City of Music”

To call Vienna the “City of Music” is hardly a stretch.  Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, & Brahms ALL either lived or were born in Vienna.  Which is pretty incredible, as this is practically every great classical composer that ever existed!!

Almost every great, classical composer ~ including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Strauss, & Brahms ~ ALL either lived or were born in Vienna.  

It’s astonishing to imagine all these composers living & working here during the 1700’s & 1800’s.  Haydn was the oldest, & when he moved back to Vienna at the age of 60, he mentored many of the younger composers ~ including Beethoven.  He became known as “Papa Haydn,” & was much beloved by the city of Vienna, as well as his fellow composers.  

Attend a Concert in Vienna!

Vienna is a place where you’ll want to enjoy classical music: the two were meant for each other.  There are so many beautiful venues in Vienna ~ attending a concert in Vienna is a must! 

My friend & I attended the concert below….

Take a Walk in Romantic Vienna…

Vienna’s rich musical history, combined with its regal buildings, busty statues, & vine-draped wine taverns all help create this vision of a “Romantic Vienna.”  At any moment, you may turn the corner & hear strains of the Vienna Boys’ Choir, or look up to find a soaring cathedral, glowing in the moonlight.  

Vienna is a city of romance.  A city of poetry.  A city filled with music. 

A city you may just fall in love with….,

Say Goodbye to Romantic Vienna…

So long!  Farewell!  Auf Wiedersehen….good night!  If you’re traveling to Vienna via train, I highly recommend visiting the nearby cities of Prague & Budapest ~ they’re both just a few hours by train.  

Read Next: The Fairy Tale Castles of Budapest

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