[Travel] Vienna, Austria || Follow me and see how I spend my day in Vienna. Showing all the details with you. Including public transportation/ schedule/ attractions/ hotel and the spend.
[Travel] Vienna, Austria ||
Follow me and see how I spend my day in Vienna.
Showing all the details with you. Including public transportation/ schedule/ attractions/ hotel and the spend.
Showing all the details with you. Including public transportation/ schedule/ attractions/ hotel and the spend.
- ๐Location
Vienna is the capital of Austria. And it is well known as "City of Music". The city is located in the middle of continental Europe. You can easily find out while you search on Google Maps. North to Germany/ Czech Republic, east to Hungary/ Slovakia, south to Italy/ Slovenia, and west to Switzerland. A very busy international city. The currency they use in Austria is Euro. And the official language is German. If you're looking forward to traveling to this amazing city and don't speak German. There is nothing to be worried about. Vienna is an international city, English is frequently be used. Getting a train ticket from the operating machine in the station or withdrawing money from ATM. They have a multi-language interface to choose from. Basically, all the workers in the train station or the person who works in the shop in Vienna know how to speak multiple languages.
From Google Maps, the countries around Austria
- Transportation ๐ ๐ ๐
Basically, you can arrive in Vienna through any transportation. For example, If you're planning on taking a plane. The "Flughafen Wien" will be the most common airport for internationals. After landing, you can choose rather take the train/ buses to the city or the taxi. Depends on which you feel comfortable. For me at that time, after I got out of the gate in the airport. I choose the train. The first reason is that because I am carrying 27 inches of luggage + a huge backpack + a hand carry bag(30L). The second is that I am traveling on a budget, so taking the train is the better option. According to the reason above, my final decision is to go by train.
You can find these shelves in every car on the train. Perfect size for massive luggage.
If you're planning on visit Vienna by train. The main station in the city will be "Wien Hbf" and "Wien Matzleinsdorfer Platz". This two station is located in the middle of the city. Extremely convenient. Besides that, if you're taking the train from the Vienna international airport to the city, they are on the same path. You don't have to transfer in the middle. How great is that !!
The sign of "Wien Hauptbahnhof"
As for booking the train tickets. If you're a foreigner landing at an international airport. Highly recommend buying the train tickets when you arrive at the train station. No need to book tickets in advance. Couple reasons. First, you will never know if you're plane gonna delay/ cancel or any emergency situation will happen during the trip. Therefore, making your schedule more flexible is important. This way, you will feel more stressed less. Second, the train runs very frequently between the airport and Wien Hbf.
When you're operating the interface of the machine to get train tickets. You will find out that if you want to choose seats, you will have to pay extra. Personally, I will not pay for that. I suppose only pay for the seats when it is mandatory. Generally speaking, there are enough seats on the train, and the local residents don't really have the habits to pay for it. I do know that some overnight train or a long-term one is mandatory to pay for the seats. For those ones, just have to pay extra. Otherwise, the money you save for the seat can at least buy you a drink.
At the same time, you will find out that there are two different classes. The first class and the second. The price of the ticket will be different depends on the class you choose. Double-check before you purchase the ticket. Usually, the second class will be the main option for you and me. But, who knows. Get the one you feel more comfortable with. If you want to know the train schedules and the price. Why not check on the "OBB Website". They have the most proper information.
- ๐ฉSchedule
_____Time_____|___________Location___________|__Transportation__|_______Note________
08:00-09:00 Coffee Fellows/ Wien Hbf Train/ Metro Breakfast
09:00-11:00 รsterreichische Nationalbibliothek/ Metro Attractions
11:00-12:00 Graben/ Domkirche St. Stephan. Walking Attractions
12:00-13:00 Conditorei Sluka Kรคrntner Straรe Walking Dessert
13:00-14:30 Hundertwasser Village/ House. Metro Attractions
14:30-16:30 Schloss Schรถnbrunn/ Gloriette Metro Attractions
16:30-18:00 Figlmรผller – Restaurant Bรคckerstraรe Metro Dinner
18:00- Maria-Theresien-Platz/ Supermarket. Walking
[ The schedule above is the one I had been through in 2020, recommend you all ]
[ The following article, I am going to share my thought and some basic BG story of the place ]
- Breakfast/ Public Transportation in the City
The very first meal after I arrive in Vienna, Austria is at a shop called "Coffee Fellows". It is a store in Wien Hbf. Have to say, there is no special reason that I choose this shop for breakfast. The only reason is that the place is 5 min walking distance from where I stay. And Wien Hbf is the location where my friend and I gonna meet. How am I going to describe the store? It is a nice and clean shop selling bread/ coffee/ juice and yogurt to tell you the truth. Nothing fancy, but it smells great!! What I got from Coffee Fellows was a sandwich and a bottle of orange juice.
Now, let's start the adventure. Before that, We had to figure out what type of transportation pass was the best for us. As you know, I am here in Vienna for only a day. Therefore, my friend suggests I go with the "24-hour Pass". It cost me 8 Euro. And of course, if you are staying more than a day. The metro has a "48/72-hour pass" for you. Actually, except for what I have mentioned. The metro has more options for you. Feel free to check out the "Vienna Metro Official Website" to find the suitable one. If you're worried about where to purchase the ticket? You can always buy it from the machine at the metro station.
Oh, one more thing. Once you get the metro ticket, it doesn't mean the ticket is valid right away. In Austria, unless the ticket is printed with departure time. Otherwise, you will have to stamp the time and the date on your ticket with a red-covered machine in the metro/ train station. The value of the ticket started right after you stamp the time on it. Not the time when the ticket is coming out from the machine.
- รsterreichische Nationalbibliothek/ Hofburg Wien
Right after having the ability to move around in the city. The first attraction to visit will be "รsterreichische Nationalbibliothek". You can approach the location by riding the red line metro to station "Stephansplat". Then walk 3-5 mins. The destination will be right in front of you.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps
According to my friend, the library is free for the residents in Vienna. She will love to visit the library in her free time or whenever she needs to rent a book. However, if you are looking forward to having the experience of visiting a library decorated in such a classic and elegant way for the tourist. Or even just want to take some stunning pictures inside. Well, you will be disappointed. Cause you have to pay 7 Euro as the entrance fee to visit indoor. I did some research beforehand. Saw some photos that other traveler took from their trip. Discovered that I am actually not a big fan of interior design. In the end, I save up the entrance fee and only took some photos in front of the library.
The front side of the library.
The front side of the library with the gate and the square.
Another attraction close to รsterreichische Nationalbibliothek is an architecture called "Hofburg Wien". Hofburg Wien is built in the 13th century as the principal imperial palace. Now, it is well known as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria. In addition to enjoying the appearance of the building here. There is more to do. They offer three different exhibitions in Hofburg Wien. Known as "Sisi Museum", "Imperial Apartments" and "Silver Collection". Check out more information on the "Hofburg Wien Official Website".
The main gate of Hofburg Wien
The statute in the square in Hofburg Wien.
To be honest, I'm not really familiar with the story and the historical background of the royal family in Austria. Although they offer lots of different exhibitions, I didn't join any of them. However, I found some really interesting articles online that other travelers had to describe. The images and the content are fabulous.
- Domkirche St. Stephan/ Graben
Next, let's visit the busiest region in Vienna. What is sitting in the middle of Vienna city? Well, it is one of the highest churches in Austria. "Domkirche St. Stephan", and all the shops/ stores around. The main street will be the street "Graben".
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps
Domkirche St. Stephan is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. The architecture can be trackback to the 10th century. The structure is first built in 1147AC. In the 400 years since then, due to different monarchs in different periods. In the process, many different elements and styles were added to the church. Made the church looks taller and more spectacular. Finally, in the year 1511, formed the appearance of the multi-style church that we see today. The length and width are roughly around 107m*34m. The highest tower of Domkirche St. Stephan is at 136.4m. It is the top 14th highest church throughout the world. The highest church is located in Germany named "Ulmer Mรผnster" with 161m tall.
The Domkirche St. Stephan from a low angle.
The decaraiton in Domkirche St. Stephan.
In addition to the spectacular appearance of the church and its historical background. This church is also very famous for the gigantic organ which is built up with more than 17000 pipes. If fortunately, they are having a ceremony in the church and someone is playing the organ. Recommend you spend some time, slow your speed down, and close your eyes to have the moment.
The organ in Domkirche St. Stephan.
Once you enter the church. You will discover that lots of residents and tourists donate 1-2 euros into the donate box for a candle. Then light up the candle, put it on a metal shelf and pray. At first, my personal perception is praying in a church after lighting up a candle is for the family and friends to have good luck and stay safe, something like that. However, I am so wrong. My Austrian friend told me the people are praying for their family or friends who had passed away to rest and peace. That is totally different stuff. One is for the living and the other is for the death. Another lesson. Culture shock.
After visiting the church, let's now shopping!! The street Graben is right in front of the church. You can find any boutiques/ souvenirs/ or snacks from all over the world on this street. Everything!! Can't guarantee the first shop you walk in will have the best price. Try to visit all the stores if you got time. After comparing, you will finally get the best price.
The street Graben. Full of tourists with fancy structures.
Wiener Pestsรคule. Another iconic structure you will discover on street Graben.
- Dessert Time | Conditorei Sluka Kรคrntner Straรe
Around this area, there is a really famous dessert place which my local friend highly recommended. It is called "Conditorei Sluka Kรคrntner Straรe" and it is within walking distance of the church.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps.
Inside the shop, there is a long hallway. The seats are on the right-hand side and the working area is on the left-hand side. You can tell once you enter the store that it is decorated really fancy. It is like being in a 17th-century palace. On "Conditorei Sluka Official Website", you can better view how the interior design is.
However, the cake in this place is that what all matters. They have lots of different types of dessert. Cakes, chocolate, sweets...etc. Once you enter the store, the waiter gonna take you to your seats with the drink menu. They don't have what call the dessert menu. You will have to walk in front of the showcase where they display all the dessert they have at the moment. The point at what you want and then the waiter gonna bring it to you in a second.
This is one of the pages in the drink menu. What makes me feel special is how they mix to make coffees.
About the cakes, what I have is a "chocolate cake" and a "Streusel Apfel Kuchen". Both of them if quite famous in Austria. Have to give it a try. No doubt, they taste perfect. The stronger chocolate flavor of this cake is amazing. A cup of black coffee or tea maybe even better. The filling of the Streusel Apfel Kuchen isn't too sour and you can taste the apple slice in it.
After all, although I am not really sure if the dessert itself is a local flavor or not, my friend says so. So it must be the best you can find in Vienna. To be honest, a drink with two cakes cost you around 15 euro. It is not cheap. You can decide for yourself. If you have the chance, it is recommended to come and eat.
- Hundertwasser Village/ House
This store is amazing. First, the upholstery may let you feel like having dessert in a palace back in the 17th century. Second, the goods they serve are delicious. The next location will be "Hundertwasser Village/ House". If you depart from street Graben. Take the orange line from station "Stephansplatz" and hop off at station "Rochusgasse". Then follow the path that shows on Google Maps. After a 5-7mins walk. The destination will be right in front of you. Or, you can first walk to the light rail transit station "Schwedeuplatz U" then hop off at station "Hetzgasse". The destination will be right at the corner.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps.
You can easily notice the destination is right there from the far away. Cause the exterior wall of this architecture is cover by lots of bright colors. This building is a piece of art design by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Speaking of this structure, it is actually an apartment these days. Once you arrive, you may take as many photos as you want from the outside. However, you can not enter the building unless you live here. Anyways, you will not get bored from outside. This place can also be a paradise for people who loves to take photos. Because every line and angle that master Friedensreich Hundertwasser design on the building is never a straight line or a perfect 90-degree angle. You can feel the lines are dancing and the colors are so bright that makes you feel like summer with music around. Irregular and asymmetrical lines and shapes are characteristic of Mr. Friedensreich Hundertwasse's artwork.
Hundertwasser Village in winter
Hundertwasser Village during summer.
Hundertwasser Village, including the street in front of it.
Hundertwasser Village, you can feel the dancing lines and the bright color.
In addition, the Hundertwasser House is right across the street. Due to the Hundertwasser Village is a private apartment, unfortunately, you are not allowed to enter. The businessman plan to build another house with Mr. Friedensreich Hundertwasse's style. It is the background story of why the building is made.
The main entrance of Hundertwasser House.
Hundertwasser House is used as a public area for tourists to shop for souvenirs and have some snacks. The souvenirs are unique, they are all in bright colors and irregular shapes and lines. If you need to rest or have a seat, then please try the ice cream and drinks indoors. They are good!!
- Schloss Schรถnbrunn/ Gloriette
After visiting Mr. Friedensreich Hundertwasse's artwork. I know the church and the Hofburg Wien are classic tourist spots. However, when visiting Vienna, "Schloss Schรถnbrunn" will be on the MUST VISIT LIST top three. You can take the metro green line (U4) and hop off at the station "Schรถnbrunn". After that, you will find the sign which will guide you there around 5 mins.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps.
Schloss Schรถnbrunn is a Baroque palace built in the 14th century. In 1569AC, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II purchased this area and started to build and decorate this palace. Now, Schloss Schรถnbrunn is a palace with more than 1440 rooms. And one of the 45 rooms is open to the public. You can always visit the "Schloss Schรถnbrunn Official Website" to check out the information about the opening hours and the price.
Schloss Schรถnbrunn
Due to a meeting hold by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 1996. Because of its complete preservation of the buildings and the careful design of the palace interior and gardens, it has been affirmed. Schloss Schรถnbrunn is now known as the world heritage list. For more information, feel free to check it on the "United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Official Website".
The entrance of Schloss Schรถnbrunn
After passing through the entrance and the main building, you will find out a beautiful garden. Schloss Schรถnbrunn and its garden are now among the most popular tourist attractions, attracting more than 6 million tourists per year. The garden is more than a garden. Every year, the government will arrange lots of different styles of performance at this place and most of them are free to join.
Having a walk in the garden also feels great. However, the weather and the season really matters. The time I visit is in February. It is a bit cold and cloudy. And the flower is not there. All the trees seem dead. I will not lie, I am a little disappointed. If you visit this place during summer/ full, it should be colorful and the greens are around. However, because of nothing interested around. I discover a building at the top of the hill in the back of the garden. It is called "Gloriette".
Winter in the garden.
Winter in the garden. The trees around seem dead.
Gloriette is a building which you are allowed to enter and visit. However, the fee is 4.5 euro for adults. With different city pass, you may have a cheaper price. For more information, please check out the "Glorietter Official Website". Except for the exhibition that holds in Gloriette. The ground floor is also a Cafe. If you are not in a rush. Having a cup of tea and some cakes is totally worth it. Because the view up here is stunning. You can overlook Vienna city. It is shinning.
Gloriette.
The view from the top of the hill.
- Figlmรผller – Restaurant Bรคckerstraรe
What a long day. Now, I know more about the history and some characteristic buildings in Vienna city. Hope you feel interested in looking forward to planning your own trip to Vienna. You can not call it a perfect trip without trying some delicious local dishes. A restaurant named "Figlmรผller – Restaurant Bรคckerstraรe" is the one my local friend recommended. And of course, there will always be a line in front of the restaurant. For people who plan to visit. You may take the metro green line (U4) and hop off at the station "Schwedenplatz". Then the destination is within 5 mins walking distance.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps.
Actually, I have no idea what is a local dish in Austria. Never search it on the internet and ever try it somewhere else. In where I from which is Taiwan. I have never heard of an Austrian restaurant. We do have many German/ Italian and French restaurants tho. I guess they have to be different.
Here comes the menu. It is all written in German. I can barely read. I guess the restaurant has an English version. Fortunately, my friend knows everything on the menu. So I ask her if she can order something for me. For a person's first meal in Vienna and the first try of Austrian local food.
I am shocked. It is fried pork (Wiener Schnitzel). My first thought is, What?! really? Austrian is also crazy about fried pork? I thought it gonna be something totally different with an ingredient that I've never seen in my entire life or cook especially. But, fried pork. Really. As I know, Taiwan is really good at frying stuff. So when the dish (Wiener Schnitzel) comes, I'm okay with it but with a little disappointment.
A miscalculation, the sauce. What makes it special is the sauce. The Wiener Schnitzel comes with a jam. It looks like berries. And the size of the Wiener Schnitzel is bigger than my hand/ face.
Wiener Schnitzel with a potato salad.
At first, I double-check with my friend that are you sure the jam goes with Wiener Schnitzel? After I am 100% sure, I have a bit. OMG!! Both of them work together really well. I am amazed. Because the Wiener Schnitzel is salty and the jam is sweet. In Taiwan, you never put salty and sweet together. Usually, it is gross. However, this is perfect. Taste like they are born to be together. The sweetness from the jam somehow covers the greasy feeling in your mouth. Another local dish my friend wants me to try is potato salad. The dish contains boiling potato slides, salad, and with their homemade sauce. According to what my friend told me, what makes this dish so special is that they use pumpkin seed oil.
Wiener Schnitzel and the jam (berries)
- Maria-Theresien-Platz/ Supermarket
Feel so full and satisfy at the same time. After the meal. We don't really have plans. Why not just walk around in the city. My friend told me that Maria-Theresien-Platz is around the corner and lots of museum is around. Although we don't plan to enter it due to the time, it is quite late. The architecture outside is also worth it to walk around and take some pictures.
The schematic diagram of the path from Google Maps.
What around Maria-Theresien-Platz are all famous museums. For example, the"Naturhistorisches Museum Wien"/ "Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien"/ "Architekturzentrum Wien"/ "MuseumsQuartier"...etc.
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien
Architekturzentrum Wien
The final stop. We are there in a supermarket. Only to get some drinks and food for the next day. After we enter the supermarket, I found something strange. Some sections in the market were covered. I was confused. I do write an article about what happened in the market. Please check it out. I will put the link below under the picture. The main reason why I feel wired is due to the culture shock and the different shopping habits. Anyways, I still get what I need.
[Story/ Experience Share] Vienna, Austria ||
What surprised me when I just got there? What should I aware of?
What surprised me when I just got there? What should I aware of?
- Stay (Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen)
For me when I am on a trip. There are a couple of reasons that gonna influence my decision on choosing the hotel. First, let me quickly go through my situation at the time. I am traveling alone with 27 inches of luggage + a huge backpack + a hand carry bag (30L). And I gonna arrive in Vienna around 6:30 AM.
1. The hotel has to be really close to the train station because I am with lots of bags. | For me, walking with luggage is super inconvenient.
2. It has to be a hotel because then there will be someone at the counter 24/7 | My flight arrived in Vienna in the early morning. My plan is to drop off my luggage first at the hotel. Then carry only what is necessary with me.
3. Singal room if necessary. | I am traveling alone with 3 pieces of luggage. If it is a youth hotel. I don't really feel comfortable with it.
Overall, Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen is the best one I can find on the internet.
The lobby at Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen
The lobby at Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen
The view of the balcony in my room. The gigantic building is the stain station.
- Spend
Here comes the spend which most of you might care about the most. How much it gonna cost you to travel a day and a night in Vienna. Nothing to compare, just want to let you have a better idea if you're planning your next trip to Vienna. You can read this as a reference.
1. Train ticket from Vienna international airport - Wien Vienna | 4.2€
2. Breakfast(sandwich+juice) | 5.0€
3. Vienna Day Pass (24 hours) | 8€
4. Dessert(cakes+black tea) | 15€
5. Postcard | 5€
6. Dinner(Wiener Schnitzel+potato salad) | 25€
7. Hotel | 48€
Total: 110.2€
If you're still reading, here is the bonus. Some pic that I took during my trip
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