“The music is n not in the notes but in the silence between.”
-Mozart
Vienna, the capital of Austria possesses a rich cultural history which could be explored through the eyes of Mozart and Beethoven, two of its most famous former residents.
Vienna 3 day itinerary:-
- Vienna State Opera- The Vienna State Opera is one of the leading establishments of opera in the world. It’s a very renowned place for the performers all over the world. This place offers a diverse program of operas and ballet works. The best known names in opera create magical moments- in the Opera House with the largest repertoire in the world. We were lucky enough to attend a show in this world famous Opera House during our trip.
The best way to explore the city is by hop on hop off bus service. There are different coloured bus services for different routes. One may avail underground rail service too.
- St.Stephen’s Cathedral- It is the symbol of Vienna which is 107.2 meters long and 34.2 meters wide. It has four towers, of them south tower is the tallest one. The tower room from which there is a gigantic view across Vienna, is reached via 343 steps. A total of 13 bells hang here. However the best known bell of St.Stephen’s Cathedral, the Pummerin, is located in the 68.3 meter tall north tower. It is the second biggest free swinging chimed church bell in Europe. You don’t see Vienna if you miss to visit this spectacular church.
Actually Vienna is a city with art and culture. So we have to explore so many beautiful museums over here which may give us the ideas of such enriched culture of art and history.
- So next we may explore Museums Quartier Vienna- It’s a place of 90000 sqm with sixty cultural establishments, it’s not only one of the world’s largest spaces for contemporary art and culture, but a combination of baroque buildings and modern architecture. It’s truly a place worth visiting.
- Next we may go to the famous Musikverein which is known to the music lover as the centre of Viennese musical culture and the epicentre of international concert life similar to a mythical place of classical music. It’s a place one should not miss while visiting this culturally enriched heritage city.
You know my friends, the two most famous legends born here who gave the best of musical notes which are the basics and entire of any musical sessions till now— those famous personalities are none other than Mozart and Beethoven. So, Vienna is a city of music too. Therefore what we explore next is:
- Vienna Kozerthaus- It is the place to listen not only to the classical repertoire but also to music ranging from the Middle Ages to the ultra-progressive sounds of the present.
One thing is very important to avail all these places by getting Vienna City Card which are available from the specific centres. We had got these cards by the side of Vienna State Opera Centre. It’s quite cost effective solution if you want to see the best of everything Vienna has to offer.
- Johann Strauss Monument- It’s the most photographic subject at Vienna which was unveiled in 1921, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra played the Blue Danube Waltz composed by Johann Strauss (son).
So next we may go to:
- House of music which we may say the museum of sound, where you can see, feel and even creat the sounds and noises yourself. Doesn’t it sounds interesting? I think it’s an utmost interesting place.
So next day we might explore the most beautiful part of cultural history and heritage site of Vienna.
- Belvedere- It has two parts upper and lower Belvedere. So first we must be at Upper Belvedere which is formed by the 24 paintings of Gustav Klimt with his golden images “The Kiss” and “Judith”. Perhaps you know “The Kiss” is a world famous in particular. It is the most famous work of art which must not be missed while you are in Vienna.
So, next we must be at lower Belvedere which was the residential palace of Prince Eugene. The structural and architectural establishments are indeed spectacular when walk through these golden galleries. The gardens of Belvedere are a height of Baroque landscape architecture. A reflecting pool was created in front of the palace and the reflections we see are as beautiful as the palace itself.
- Next we may proceed towards Heldenplatz- Actually whenever you may explore Vienna you have such beautiful ambiance with the lush green gardens along with such beautiful medieval architectural buildings, every time you will get enchanted by seeing these entire beautiful places. So it is also one of the most important, historic squares in Vienna which is situated between the Ringstrasse and the Imperial Palace and is the venue for numerous events.
One thing is very important my friend, whenever you explore such places on your own, a tourist map is very important thing you must have in your hand which will help you to reach you to your desired destination. At Vienna you may collect such tourist maps from the place you may collect your city visit card.
- City Hall Park – This is a beautiful park is situated between the university and parliament. What I am saying during visit of Vienna, you have to explore each and every corner of this beautiful place. Just get a map in your hand and go on exploring all these beautiful places of Mediaeval European essence.
- Am Hof Square- So, next we will explore that one of the oldest and most historical squares in Vienna. It is the famous place for having the antique market, that is why it’s very popular among the visitors. Here is the famous church from whose balcony Pope Benedict Benedict XVI gave an address in 2007.
- Hoher Market- It is also one of the oldest and most historic squares in Vienna and home to the Anker Clock.
So, now it’s time for some mouth watering and world famous Viennese cuisine. Perhaps you know Viennese pastries, cookies, cakes are some of very sophisticated desserts which are famous all over the world. It’s a journey of such delicious foods too. So, my friends I am just jumbling up certain food items which you must try while roaming at Vienna.
- Winter schnitzel- It’s a mouth drooling dish prepared by veal mainly but you can have this with pork or chicken too. It is severed with some kind of potato that melts in your mouth and it’s truly a heavenly feeling while having this dish. It’s a must try.
- Buchteln- It’s truly an addictive bread filled with little jam.
- Sachertorte- You may know the famous singer John Lennon eating this delicious chocolate Viennese dessert during a press conference. It is nothing but a type of chocolate cake with apricot filling. You can have this anywhere in city and fall in love with that chocolaty surprise.
- Strudel- It’s a type of apple pastry. Must try dish while roaming around here.
- Kaiserschmarrn – It’s a type of chunky fluffy pancakes caramelised and covered with fruit jam & powdered sugar. This is a must try classic dessert.
- Almdudler- This is a very famous drink at Austria, favourite with both children and adults.
- Schinken kase toast- A ham and cheese toast is not only famous in Vienna but around the world. You may savour this with a hot mug of cappuccino at any street side cafe while exploring this beautiful musical city of Europe.
The next day you must tie your shoes for the most spectacular part of this beautiful musical city that is Schönbrunn Palace. It is one of the Europe’s most beautiful Baroque complexes and it is also the UNESCO World Heritage Site. One must take the audio guided tour which may available in different languages, to explore this spectacular site.This place into several sites and explore one at a time as the area is colossal. So you may proceed from:
- Park at Schönbrunn Palace which is The Baroque Palace Park belonging to Schönbrunn Palace was opened to the pubic in 1779.
- Schönbrunn Palace.
- Schönbrunn Maze- In the old days, the Imperial family walked through this winding hedges. Today, the Maze at Schönbrunn is a fantastic family destination.
- Palm House- More than 4000 species of plants from all over the world in the historical botanical collections of the Austrian Federal Gardens.
- Schönbrunn zoo – It is one of the oldest existing zoo in the world has already been named Europe’s best on five occasions.
- Gloriette – There’s a wonderful view of the city from the Gloriette on the high ground behind Schönbrunn Palace.
- Imperial Carriage museum- In the palace it is the most interesting part where you may find the beautiful carriages & exquisite items of clothing of the Habsburgs.
So, in short this is the way you may explore the most famous Schönbrunn Palace. You can take refreshments at the cafeteria of this place.
Apart from the places which I have mentioned here you can explore so many little shops, boutiques, gardens, streets and quaint little bookshops. While you travel by hop on hop off bus you may explore the beautiful gardens specially the spectacular rose gardens by the side of roads. You can explore so many different things that may not be penned on the map or tourist guide book. Travelling is an exploration indeed.
So, my friends keep your shoes ready for walking through the beautiful roads and streets of this medieval musical city of Europe .