I’m currently at EWR about to board for a semi-impulsive solo-trip to Europe that I had to fight for, literally. We like to keep things fun in our family, and there’s never a dull moment.
As much as I’d love to say that my other half is really into miles and points like I am, he’s crazy about Brazilian Jui Jitsu instead… and that’s something I have never been able to “get into”. I very am supportive of his hobby, but I have always turned down his offers to train with him because the thought of rolling around on a mat with sweaty people is not exactly my cup of tea.
A few weeks ago he half-jokingly challenged me with an offer that I simply could not refuse: if I could survive a full two hours of Brazilian Jui Jitsu, then I could take a trip of my choosing. I mean if Demi Lovato and Anthony Bourdain can do it, I guess I can, right?
All I can say was that this might the only 70K United mile redemption that left me sweaty, nauseous, and out of breath. But I’m really excited to try Austrian’s business class product for the first time… and a night at the Park Hyatt Vienna. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for the love of travel?
And what should I do with 23 hours in Vienna tomorrow?
Have fun! I was just there a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time just out wandering around. I am working on a running tour guide for it now but not ready just yet. :)
The hotel is nicely situated for shopping and no more than a couple of miles walk away from a lot of great sites. The hotel is fantastic!
Also, enjoy OS business – great product!
Must do’s:
Walk the museum quarter/city centre in the morning (it’s not very big). Head to Cafe Central for lunch, (must try either the apfelstrudel or the Kaisserschmarm). Then walk over to the Sisi Museum. Spend a couple of hours there, tour the apartments to get a glimpse of how the royalty lived back in the day… head back towards the Opera House, have a Sacher Torte & Tea/Coffee at the Hotel Sacher Cafe (where they invented the Sacher Torte), and then catch a show at the Opera House. If you’re still having hungry by now, head over to Gasthaus Pöschl for some authentic Austrian cuisine…
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Check out -Cafe Hawelka for a great break, look to go later in the day when they break out the bread/cake that is AMAZING! http://www.hawelka.at
Another fun place to lunch/snack – Trzesniewski – on Dorotheergasse 1, it’s near the center of old town. Walk in and point to what you want and get the tiny beer!
If I were you, I’d stay in a less luxurious hotel so I’d spend more time out and about exploring the town. If I had one night at the PH Vienna, I wouldn’t be leaving it for 23 hours.
This is one of our favorite cities to visit.
[1] Start with a free walking tour. I think the tour meets in front of the Roman ruins across from St. Michaels church. The paid tour is well worth it as well.
[2] Explore the inner city around Stephans Dom. (could defer this till after [3])
[3] Visit Schoenbrunn & the gardens around the palace. Walk over to Gloriette and back. (Need to ride the U-Bahn.)
[4] (optional) On the way back, my wife likes to get off at Miedling Hauptstrasse (next station) and walk along (ethnic) shops along Miedling Hauptstrasse. We used to get lamb kebap rolls (one of the best in the city) from a vendor who has since then sold it & moved.
[5] U-Bahn to Karlsplatz; and explore the area around.
[6] If you still have time and energy, walk along the Ring Road. Otherwise zig zag your way back towards the Dom.
[7] Find time and appetite for wiener schnitzel; Sachertorte; and gelato [Zanoni & Zanoni seems to be popular with tourists; we prefer the one in Schwedenplatz down the road).
[8] If you still feel strong, an opera, musical or concert would be great; may need help from concierge to find tickets & good seats. (I would skip this on a short visit, unless this is one of the majpr objectives & adjust other activities accordingly.)
[9] Do not forget to pickup a few bags of Mozart Kugeln and bags of Maenner wafers for the children!
Look forward to the trip report!
Comments keep getting rejected. Sent a DM via twitter!
Please post whatever you learn, b/c I’ll be there solo for 3 days in Sept.! I’m going just for the hotel and to fly Lufthansa F (leaving from Frankfurt).
Ahh! Only 23 hours! Love Vienna. And the suggestions above.
We also loved visiting the heurigers —vineyards and wine with a view on the outskirts of the city.
Enjoy!!
Definitely visit the Schoenbrunn. Pay extra for the special rooms inside the palace. Don’t pay for the garden tour. You can see the beautiful gardens just by walking around. Use the U-Bahn to get there.
For sure wander the museum – citi center area.