Highlights of Vienna

Belvedere, Vienna

If there was one thing I could do over in our trip, it would be to spend more time in Vienna.  The old or inner city was so majestic with its impressive structures and wide-open spaces, it needed to be enjoyed more thoroughly. We tried to squeeze in as much as we could. Below are our must-see’s:

1. Hofburg Palace—we were not able to explore much outside the Vienna old city. And since we had to see one of the palaces, we picked the principal residence, the Hofburg palace (instead of Schönbrunn, the summer residence) of the royals. We went to the see the Silver collection, Sisi museum and the Imperial apartments. It was very interesting (I’ve never seen so many plates and cutlery!) and we learned a lot about the history of the country and its rulers.

Vienna, Austria

Hofburg palace near the Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria

part of the Silver Collection, Hofburg palace, Vienna, Austria

2. St. Stephen’s Cathedral--loved this Gothic structure with its colourful tiled-roof. The altars and side chapels were as grand, in Baroque-style. 

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

inside St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

Near the Cathedral, on Graben’s shopping area, you can find

• The Holy Trinity Plague Column—a 60-foot, gilded, Baroque pillar erected as a memorial to the end of Vienna’s worst plague in history

Holy Trinity Plague Column, Vienna, Austria

• the Loos’ Loos—the public toilet built by Adolf Loos which was opulent as far as public toilets go.

Underground Public Toilet, Vienna, Austria

3. Belvedere—we only went to the Upper Belvedere since I wanted to see Klimt’s “The Kiss.” The grounds were expansive and the palace was just so stately, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They had a pretty good collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages. Of course, we spent the most time ogling Klimt’s works.

gardens of the Belvedere, Vienna, Austria

inside one of the stately rooms of the Belvedere (Upper), Vienna, Austria

Try to check out:

• Naschmarkt is Vienna's most popular market, but we weren’t able to visit this as they closed at 730 pm and are also closed on Sundays. Many places in Vienna are still closed on Sundays.
• Another attraction we chose to forego, but many people visit, was the Spanish Riding School featuring the Lipizzaner stallions and their orchestrated moves.
• High mass—the music is amazing during high mass. See the schedule for St. Stephen’s and Augustinerkirche. We went to the mass at Augustinerkirche as we also wanted to see the Herzgruft (Hearts Crypt), burial chamber housing the 54 urns containing the hearts of members of the Habsburg imperials. They only open this to the public (or more of allow the public to take a peek) after high mass on Sundays. For that Sunday, the music was from Mozart’s Missa Brevis in G. Absolutely wonderful! 

Augustine church, Vienna, Austria

Habsburgs hearts in urns, Augustine church, Vienna, Austria

• The Ringstrasse tram goes around the Vienna Ring Road (the circular grand boulevard that surrounds the old town/inner city). With a pass, hop on and off to see the most important buildings in Vienna. We started at the Vienna State Opera House, which was another majestic structure (Neo Renaissance). Others include the Parliament, City Hall, university and museums. 

Tram, Vienna, Austria

Note

The Vienna State Opera and Vienna Boys choir are off season during summer (July and August). There are other concert options, though. Also, if you are in Vienna during December, try to catch the Christmas market. Gute Reise!