Uncle Travels: Vienna, Austria

Welcome to Wien, Österreich

Wien, Österreich (Vienna, Austria)

Vienna is a timeless city where the oldened opulence of bygone monarchy, exuberance, and nationalist expansionism merge into the contemporary, bustling city where cars mingle with hardened cobble roads hundreds of years old. Vienna was not always this great melding of worlds. No, it was once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire where successive generations of rulers failed to address the needs of their population. This rich history, and conflict with power underlies the mighty constructions of this city. From Die Hofburg, the former, principal imperial residence to Schloss Schönbrunn, renowned for its gardens.

Schloss Belvedere houses some of the most adored Gustav Klimt paintings alongside an orangery and palace stables that will fulfill your desire for the quaint, picturesque almost fairytale like. Vienna is definitely a mecca for art and creativity from buildings that entrance to galleries that leave you awashed in raw sentiment.

Vienna, is an extremely walkable scape and for avid pedestrians like myself, the Summer is the perfect time to explore this gorgeous city. On my trips to Vienna, I have often found myself disappearing into the many hidden, winding streets where all manner of antiques, scents, clothing and delectable treats can be found. Die Kaerntner Strasse is perhaps one of the most known, historical shopping streets to peruse on one’s visit. Another is Graben Strasse where the world-famous Julius Meinl food emporium exists. This double floored building is more expansive than you could imagine as delicacies from all over the world fill its shelves and displays. So varied this shop is, that even American Jelly Beans and Reece’s Buttercups can be found lurking to represent an American cultural offering to a plethora of Germanic and European delights.

If you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll enjoy the food culture in Vienna. Like most Germanic countries, pork and alcohol play a large part in the cuisine. This being said, a variety of halal and vegetarian options exist. One of my favorite places for Viennese cuisine is 7Stern Bräu on Siebensterngasse. Here you can find delicious Schnitzel and Kartoffel Salat alongside a bemouth selection of beers, and, if you’re a wine person like myself, a mammoth inventory of delicious whites! For Coffee Culturists, check out Café Central for stellar coffee, melt in your mouth Apfelstrudel and delectable Sachertorte.

Vienna is a city that rests in that delicate in-between amidst a storied past and bustling urban future. I would recommend spending four nights here and staying at any of the Motel One’s* across the city. For the best views and extremely spacious rooms check out the Motel One Hauptbanhof.  Vienna is extremely safe and is one of very few cities where I believe everyone can relax and soak in inviting Austrian hospitality.

*Note: This a German Hotel Chain that has nothing to do with the American concept of a Motel One.

That’s all for this traveler’s travels—let us know: do you feel inspired to take on the great city of Vienna now that you know about the culture, the city layout, the fun to be had?