Vienna
is a cosmopolitan European city with a great coffee culture and rich history. Known for its opera, classical music and ultra-decadent Sachertorte, it is a wonderful
capital to spend time in. There are so many things to do and see that you may have
to make several visits to experience just some of what Vienna has to offer. Here are a few nifty things to do in Vienna on your next trip:
Go underground to the royal crypts
Visit the royal crypts that are the final resting places of the Habsburg
emperors. The Austrian royalty wasnt just buried in one place. Since 1618 the
bodies of the Habsburg monarchy have rested in the royal crypt of the
Kapuzinergruft (Capuchin Church), while their intestines are in tins located
in the crypt of St. Stephansdom, and their hearts reside in the crypt of the Augustine Church. Take about spreading yourself
around. All the churches are centrally located and guided tours of the crypts
are mandatory.
See a show at the Spanish Riding School
Often referred to as the White Ballet or the Dancing Horses of Vienna the
white Lipizzan stallions are a must see. Attend one of their performances or
morning training sessions and see these majestic horses put through their
paces. Take a guided tour of the stables and see the horses up close in their
stalls. If you are unable to get a ticket to a performance, visit the box
office on the day of the performance, about an hour before the show, and pick
up a standing-room-only ticket. Seated ticket prices vary depending on seats
but start at $35 Euros. Standing-room-only tickets are approximately $22 Euros,
while guided tour of the stables are $15 Euros.
Eat cake
Marie Antoinette must have been taking about Viennese Sachertorte when she
uttered her famous words, Let them eat cake. As the youngest daughter of
Austrian Empress Marie Theresa, Marie Antoinette would have known about Viennese
cakes. Sachertorte is a deep, rich chocolate cake with chocolate icing and jam
filling. Not too sweet or heavy, a piece of Sachertorte and a coffee make a perfect
afternoon snack. Try an original piece of Sachertorte at the Sacher Hotel or
enjoy a piece of cake and a coffee at one of the many coffee houses in the
city. Coffee and cake about $10 Euros.
Go shopping at the Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is Viennas
largest and oldest market. During the week the market sells food such as
vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, herbs, spices and pickles. On weekends there is
also a flea market where you can get trinkets, jewelry, souvenirs, clothing,
antiques and just plain funky junk. Have lunch or coffee in one of the markets
many cafes. Go early as the market gets busy later in the morning and early
afternoon. Market opens at 6 am.
Attend a musical performance
Vienna is a city famous for its music, and
nowhere else in Europe can you find as many concerts and performances as in Vienna. Attend a classical
concert of Mozart or Strauss or other classical Austrian composers. There are concerts
every evening in various venues in the old city. Hear the music of Vienna in the Volksoper
(Opera House) or a famous palace or even in one of the many churches that turn
concert hall in the evenings. Vienna is music
and the music is everywhere in Vienna.
