Discover Vienna: Insights into Austria’s Heart

On the way to India, Marie & Matt from the blog Traveling Together travel through Europe by coach Links12 and share great deals, tips, and tricks through their articles!

Seventh stop: Vienna

As the penultimate stop of our trip with Links12, Vienna took its time to reveal itself. Initially quite expensive (especially in terms of transportation), it’s enough to have the right keys and advice to know how to visit it and appreciate it at its true value. Let us take you to discover the Austrian capital.

The Schönbrunn Palace

This is THE essential visit during any stay in Vienna and our personal favorite. The summer residence of Franz Joseph and Sissi is absolutely fabulous, with gardens that offer breathtaking views of the palace and beyond. We recommend opting for the Sissi ticket, which also includes entry to the Princess’s apartments in the city center and a free audio guide to learn a lot about the Habsburg royal family.

The Apartments of Sissi

After visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, continue on to the apartments of Sissi to learn all about the life of this great Austrian Princess, considered one of the most beautiful women of her time. We found it amusing to learn that Sissi was not always appreciated by her peers and the public. It’s a very entertaining visit.

The Museum’s Quarter

The aptly named Museum’s Quarter is one of our favorite spots in Vienna. It offers a rich cultural offering with a variety ranging from classical art to modern. The Quarter 21 and its electric avenue, along with the Post Colonial Storr, remain our two favorite museums.

The Stadtpark

The green lung of Vienna is a beautiful park where we enjoyed strolling to discover a lovely artificial lake and the very beautiful statue of Johan Strauss, the classical composer and true local star.

The Student District

Vienna is a city that isn’t afraid to play on architectural contrasts, as evidenced by the very surprising student district located at the other end of the city (just a stone’s throw from the Prater amusement park). Here, classrooms seem to be housed in futuristic structures resembling UFOs. An unmissable visit!

The Prater

Made famous by Orson Welles in his masterpiece, the film “The Third Man”, it is also one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Open year-round and at all hours (until 10 PM), the Prater was our favorite nighttime meeting spot during our stay.

The Danube Promenade

Another example of Vienna’s capacity for contrasts, a city that is both classical and modern: this green corridor, occupied by graffiti artists who have transformed its walls into an unmissable work of urban art. In the evening, one can come here to enjoy a beer in one of the small beach bars. However, it’s still in the afternoon that we prefer to stroll to admire this Viennese temple of street art.

Attend an Opera

If you feel like it, you can indulge in an opera in Vienna, as the Austrian capital remains THE ideal city for it. You will likely be approached more than once in the street by a ticket seller offering you “the best seat at an unbeatable price.” But don’t hesitate to gauge the competition before making your choice.

Where to Sleep: Four Budgets, Four Addresses!

The Courtyard Hotel: the most business-oriented

Located a bit outside of the city center, just steps away from the Prater and the student district, this business hotel offers a comfortable base for sleeping, whether you’re in Vienna for work or romance. We enjoyed the very trendy restaurant at low prices, which offers a delicious seasonal menu. The plus? The view of the business district and its increasingly design-oriented towers. (Price: €79 per night)

The Daniel: the hippest option

Also located outside the city center, the Daniel prides itself on offering the best breakfast in town (€17 nonetheless). We mainly got to experience the room, a cozy little cocoon, perfect for a couple with its transparent shower planted in the middle. The lobby, on the other hand, plays the hipster card with mismatched decor and homemade honey made from hives located on the roof. Adventurers can even ask to sleep in the caravan parked at the hotel! (Price: €95 per night)

The Vienna Marriott: the most practical

Located just steps from the beautiful Stadtpark, this hotel is the closest to the center of Vienna and offers accessible and comfortable rooms. The executive lounge also provides a great view, but the highlight remains the bar located in the lobby with its small waterfall! Breakfast is served in a nicely lit area and offers an enormous choice, including mimosas and customizable omelets. (Price: €180 per night)

The Imperial Ride School Renaissance: the most classy

Here, you can enjoy having saved on transport with Links12 to treat yourself to a dream room in an ultra-luxurious setting. We recommend the very beautiful duplex suite with access to the spa and executive lounge included, where you can indulge in a glass of Champagne and unlimited canapés at night. The view from the room overlooking the Orthodox church is breathtaking, and the bed’s comfort is rarely matched. A must! (Price: €239 per night)

Our Good Addresses

Where to Eat?

The Naschmarkt of Vienna is the equivalent of Camden Market in London, with a strong offering of Turkish cuisine. One can enjoy falafels and their mango hummus or even a Frankfurt sausage at a very low price.

For pastries, head to Café Central, our favorite spot to enjoy a bunch of pastries that are so pretty you hesitate to devour them. You can also enjoy a Viennese coffee or any hot drink there.

Culinary Specialties

A must-try: the breaded veal cutlet, the quintessential dish of Vienna, the Frankfurt sausage which, despite its name, actually originates from Vienna, and pastries. Viennese coffee as we know it (with whipped cream) is hardly consumed at all as it is not originally from Vienna!

Practical Information

The Eurolines bus station is located outside the city center of Vienna but right next to a metro exit that connects directly to Karltplatz (the most central point in the city). Check-in is necessary for certain destinations (we continued our trip to Romania) so it is advisable to arrive 45 minutes before departure. This lead time also provides some comfort, such as the ability to choose your seat ahead of time rather than being separated if traveling as a pair!

From Budapest, we only took three small hours, and departures are quite frequent (several per day). For Romania, we didn’t have restrooms on the bus, but it made regular stops for short breaks. Some Links12 buses are more comfortable than others. We recommend bringing a pillow and a jacket for a comfortable sleep.

To visit Vienna, a relatively expensive city, we recommend the Vienna Card, offered by the city’s tourist office, and regarded as the best tourist card in Europe. With it, you can access all transportation for free and benefit from numerous discounts on museums, restaurants, and even shops!

Reservations:

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Enjoy your visit!

About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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