Before departing from Prague, we were told that Vienna, our next destination, was the “Paris of Austria” and the Hasburg’s winter castle, Schönbrunn, was their “Versailles”. Now that we’ve visited, I can definitely see the similarities although I’d like to know if the Parisians agree or even like the comparison. Vienna is probably the most opulent city we’ve visited in our travels.

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a major tourist destination with its’ captivating history, grand architecture and culture. Upon arrival and without a lot of preplanning, we walked around the “Innere Stare” or Inner City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we found the most opulent landmarks in the world, including the Vienna State Opera, the current Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. At this point of our trip, we had begun to suffer the “ABC” syndrome - “Another Bloody Church” but St. Stephen’s loured us in. St. Stephen's Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that reminded us of Gaudi’s “Sagrada Familia” in Barcelona. Construction began in the 12 century and continued for several centuries thus it displays different architectural styles. The inside absolutely blew my mind away with its carvings, stainless windows and vaulted ceilings. Although we didn’t partake, you can climb the south tower’s 343 steps to get a panoramic view of the city.

On Day 2 in the city, we visited the Spanish Riding School to see the Lippizan horses - those gorgeous white horses you might have seen. Archduke Charles II of the Habsburg dynasty started breeding these beauties in Lipica (now in Slovenia) at the Imperial Stud Farm. Although the horses were bred for military purposes they became an integral part of festivities, parades and cermonies. 

The Spanish Riding School began in 1729 by Empress Theresa and it still is a prominent institution today as the horses continue to be bred and perform around the world. 

Our Stable Tour was okay but I was disappointed we couldn’t take photos or videos of the horses nor could we even touch them. Really - that was the whole point of us taking the tour. Regardless, they were quite sweet although I’m not sure what PETA thinks of them being stuck in the stables in the middle of the city! Of course I thought the same thing but was reassured they go to the countryside throughout the year. 

I do recommend seeing them either on this tour, during a training practice or performance. They’re quite remarkable. 

On the final day of our stay, we visited the Schönbrunn Palace - the summer home of the Hasburgs -rulers of the Austrian-Hugarian Empire for centuries. Schönbrunn is a lesson in extreme Baroque opulence and today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens were designed in a more French style and is home to “The Gloriette”; a magnificent arch overlooking the grounds and city. Although Brent and I had seen our share of palaces by now in our travels, Schönbrunn was impressive in its own right and worth a visit.

We appropriately ended our tour in Vienna with a night at the opera - I did - Brent did not! There are many places in Vienna to enjoy the opera but the most famous is the Vienna State Opera. Construction of the famous Opera House began in 1861 and was completed in 1869. This 1709 seat venue was one of the first buildings to be built on the Vienna Road Ring and is one of the busiest Opera Houses today producing around 350 productions a year including operas and ballets. Tickets usually have to be booked years in advance. Instead of attending the Opera House, I attended a performance at “The Musikverein” , home to the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. The “Golden Hall” is probably most famous to the masses for its annual worldwide broadcast of the New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonics.

Within only a few days and thousands of steps taken, we managed to see a good deal of Vienna. It’s over the top beautiful and it’s worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. For more on our visit to this lovely city, check out our Youtube video here:

Our trip to Vienna!

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone and safe travels!