Embarking on a whirlwind adventure through Vienna is like stepping into a living, breathing masterpiece. In just three days, this enchanting city captivated my senses, weaving a tapestry of history, art and culinary delights. From the grandeur of Schönbrunn palace to the cosy charm of traditional coffeehouses, Vienna effortlessly blends its rich heritage with contemporary flair.
Neo-Gothic landmarks
As I walked along the cobblestone streets, I marvelled at the stunning neo-Gothic buildings like Votive Church and Vienna City Hall. Facing the city hall, there’s Rathausplatz, a big public square that holds various events all year. This place is home to a famous Christmas market and also has a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink. I noticed that all the historic buildings in Vienna are beautifully maintained.
Sigmund Freud museum
Bergasse 19 in Vienna was the home and workplace of Sigmund Freud for 47 years until he had to escape from the Nazis in 1938. Visiting the site where psychoanalysis began was thrilling, and I spent hours exploring the intriguing exhibits. The museum shows the private living spaces of Freud’s family, including the offices of Sigmund and his daughter Anna Freud.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture and opulence. Exploring the Hapsburgs’ imperial palace from the 1700s was like stepping back in time, thanks to fascinating stories shared by our expert guide. The palace, named “Schönbrunn” after a “beautiful spring” nearby, was once home to more than a thousand people including the royal family and their court. In the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa had sixteen children, with ten surviving into adulthood.
You can book a 2.5-hour tour of Schönbrunn Palace through Viator. The palace includes stunning gardens with an orangery, a maze, and a zoo. Before my tour, I visited the Easter markets on the grounds where they offer homemade decorations, jewellery, and chocolate.
Albertina Museum
I have a huge passion for art and every time I visit a new city, I love immersing myself in new fashion, photography and painting exhibitions. You’ll find the Albertina museum in the heart of the city, between the State Opera and the Vienna Hofburg.
Once inside, I checked out “20 Years of the Verbund Collection” highlighting female artists of the 70s Feminist Avant-Garde movement. This fascinating photography exhibition celebrates the legacy of female empowerment and equality. Read my article here.
This year celebrates the 100th birthday of Roy Lichenstein, one of the founding fathers of Pop Art. The exhibition is a complete retrospect of his extensive oeuvre bringing together paintings, sculptures and cartoon aesthetic from the 60s.
Café Central
Café Central in Vienna, a historic coffeehouse frequented by Freud and other notable figures in the 19th century, offers a memorable city escape. Visitors can enjoy Viennese coffee and artisanal pastries amidst stunning Renaissance Revival architecture. A statue of writer Peter Altenberg greets you at the entrance. Indulging in a mouth-watering dark chocolate and raspberry pastry accompanied by a creamy cappuccino is the perfect conclusion to a busy day of sightseeing.
Dining Out
A trip to Vienna isn’t complete without tasting the famous wiener schnitzel. At D’Landsknecht, a cosy restaurant serving traditional Austrian cuisine, I enjoyed wiener schnitzel with rice and cranberry sauce, followed by a delicious apple strudel with custard for dessert. All of this came to a reasonable €35, including a cocktail.
Giant Ferris Wheel
Experiencing Vienna isn’t complete without a ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the city. This landmark, visible from afar, also features a miniature display inside, depicting Vienna’s history and the ferris wheel’s construction.
The ride lasts 25 minutes, moving slowly to allow for photography from various angles. The views from the top are stunning, with an illuminated cityscape at dusk. Scenes from the brilliant film noir, The Third Man (1949) starring Orson Welles were filmed at the Vienna ferris wheel.
In just three days, Vienna’s spellbinding mix of history, culture, and culinary delights left an indelible mark on my travel-hungry soul, leaving me with memories I’ll cherish forever. Vienna’s charm and elegance beckons you to return, with new experiences waiting around every cobblestone corner.
Author’s notes: I stayed at the cosy & luxurious Harmonie hotel in the centre of Vienna, a short walk from Votive church & the Sigmund Freud museum. For dining out, I’d also recommend Das 1090, a trendy bar/restaurant serving cocktails and the best apple strudel in Vienna!
wow! amazing trip