"Grand Old Europe" Vienna by Andrew_W_K

Vienna Travel Guide: 7,173 reviews and 17,491 photos

Austro-Hungarian Empire Splendour

Vienna is a grand old city for sure. Once one of the most powerful cities in the world at the hieght of the Austro-Hungarian empire there are reminders of those halcyon days everywhere. The Hofburg with it's Spanish riding school, the palaces of Belvedere and Schonnbrun, the Rathaus, the Opera, the list is seemingly endless. There is much to see and do in Vienna and it doesn't disappoint. The city can also be very quiet in the evenings and its possible to walk many empty streets.
If there's one slight criticism to all this it can be a bit kitsch at times with the horse and carriages and people dressed up as Mozart trying to sell you a concert ticket but to be honest if that's the worst thing you can say about a place then it can't be too bad can it?

Stephansdom

The cathedral in Vienna is Stephansdom (or St. Stephen's Cathedral) and considering the granduer that is so prevalent elsewhere in the city it seems a bit austere by comparison. Severely damaged in 1945 the cathedral is a shining example to the dilligence of the Austrians in it's restoration. Dating back to the 12th century it seems hard to imagine that the building standing here today is thanks to the restoration after so much was lost. My favorite sight was the roof though. So steep that the rain alone washes it clean.

Karlsplatz Pavilions

There are plenty of examples of the Secession art movement all over Vienna (and in Budapest too for that matter) but my favourite are the twin station entrances at Karlsplatz. Designed by architect Otto Wagner they are more reminiscent of Paris than Vienna.

  • Last visit to Vienna: May 2009
  • Intro Updated May 21, 2009
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Reviews (8)

Comments (10)

  • garridogal's Profile Photo
    Sep 17, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Great opening photo!

  • hunterV's Profile Photo
    Jan 19, 2010 at 11:58 AM

    I agree with you, Andy! ><><>< Thanks for your page!<><><><> It's time to revisit Vienna!

  • picek's Profile Photo
    Nov 22, 2009 at 5:07 AM

    yes, vienna is incredible by night, especially autum. i'll be going there soon and i can't wait to hang out on the streets and squares:))

  • nicolaitan's Profile Photo
    Nov 16, 2009 at 5:14 AM

    nice picture of the hofburg. vienna is indeed a remarkable city. looks like you made it to a few places we didn't - so much to see, so little time.

  • Yaqui's Profile Photo
    Sep 10, 2009 at 10:42 AM

    Vienna is fantastic. The Karlskirche is so beautiful. Enjoyed the tour!

  • mvtouring's Profile Photo
    Aug 24, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Very informative and nice tips you have. photos are great ;-)

  • junecorlett's Profile Photo
    Jul 22, 2009 at 4:31 AM

    A beautiful Hofburg picture Andrew. That choc ckae an latte's are rather expensive.

  • azz8206's Profile Photo
    Jul 4, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    Would you say its worth it to get the card that covers museum visits or just the transportation card. I am also going to Vienna next year.

  • craic's Profile Photo
    May 29, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    i won't drink beer on the bus LOL

  • Ekaterinburg's Profile Photo
    May 23, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Excellent Vienna tips Andrew and I loved your nighttime photos of this beautiful city.

Andrew_W_K

“Enjoy this trip and it is a trip. Countdown is progressing. Uno, Dos, Uno, Dos, Trez, Quatro”

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