Things To Do in Vienna
“1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3,” our Viennese Waltz teacher called out, to help us keep up with the dance lesson. If you’re in Vienna, be sure to take a waltz class and eat a slice of the delicious Viennese torte!
We stopped in Vienna for a day with our Viking River Cruise, and had a full day of adventures in the capital of Austria, once the seat of the Hapsburg Dynasty.
Located on the Danube, we were mesmerized by one of the world’s greatest centers of art, music and architecture. Attending the Austrian history lecture on the cruise ship was enlightening, and learning how to make apple strudel while cruising to Vienna enhanced our Viking experience.
Here’s our list of things to do while in Vienna…
GO - SEE - DO
Take a Viennese Waltz Class!
This was a highlight during our visit to Vienna. Whether you know how to waltz or are a beginner, be sure to sign up on your Viking River Cruise for this excursion.
Mozart Concert: Another recommended excursion is the Mozart and Strauss concert. We went to one of Vienna’s palaces, and were able to listen to an incredible performance in a lovely setting!
Imperial Palace Schönbrunn:
We visited the Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer residence, and today a UNESCO site. Tour the interior of the palace, and walk the beautifully landscaped gardens. We took a horse carriage to tour the grounds and highly recommend it!
Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad):
Ride the world’s oldest Ferris wheel and the tallest (1920-1985).
Café’s: Café Landtmann and Demel
are a couple of the most popular cafes. Vienna is known for its tortes and coffee, so be sure to stop by for a slice of fachertorte or rich chocolate Sachertorte cake, thinly coated with apricot jam and topped with chocolate icing, then served with unsweetened whipped cream. Yum!
St. Stephen’s Cathedral:
Visit the 12th century gothic cathedral St. Stephan’s, iconic landmark of Vienna.
Museums:
Kunst Haus is a fascinating museum that highlights artist and designer Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s work, and other exhibits by artists.
Museum of Fine Arts with a collection of old masterworks.
Belvedere Museum is a Baroque palace famous for housing Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, and other 20-th century art.
Albertina Museum showcases the largest graphic art collections in the world.
Vienna’s Local Farmer’s Market:
Our Viking River Chef de Cuisine Denes Sooky and Concierge Tamara escorted cruise guests to a local market in Vienna – another great excursion!
Best of Culinary Austria:
For those who wanted to stay on the Viking River Cruise ship, there was a Best of Culinary Austria where cruise guests got to sample finely cured meats and wine from Austria’s Styria region and learn how to prepare an emperor’s dessert.
Further Out…
We sailed through the Wachau Valley to our next cruise port – Melk. The Wachau Valley is enhanting with churches, medieval towns, and castle ruins dotting the landscape between Krems and Melk on the Danube.
Melk Abbey – Visit the 900 year old Melk Abbey – it is spectacular! Situated on a rocky outcrop with views of the Wachau Valley and the town Melk. Don’t Miss! The Abbey Church and the Library with 80,000 medieval manuscripts.
TRAVEL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Global Adventuress would like to thank Viking River Cruises for hosting our Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam.
All opinions are our own.
We highly recommend this cruise to anyone considering it.
Austria
