Thoughts of Vienna often lead to that of delicious pastry, beautiful music and the infamous Danube. This city offers these delights, but there is so much more.
Visiting Vienna, it becomes immediately evident why this city keeps winning the world’s most livable city awards. The fresh air, the lush greenery (the city has the most parks within its borders in the world), the pleasant weather, the rich cuisine, the historical landmarks; it’s easy to understand why so many tourists decide to return year after year.
The city is green literally and metaphorically; the emphasis on public transport makes owning a car redundant to most residents while the beautiful streets are tree-lined framing the many lush green parks around Vienna. This makes being a tourist easy and enjoyable, with most choosing to ‘leg it’ or hire a bike and pedal around the picturesque streets of one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Hiring a bike costs around two euros and is a pleasant way to get in touch with the feel of Vienna. The city lacks congestion and is relatively compact so a traverse around the streets on bike is highly recommended (provided the weather is appropriate).
Vienna sits on the famous Danube. The Old Danube is not only a popular spot for locals, but a great way to enjoy a Viennese summer. There are boats to rent, which you can use to see another side to the city. Children laugh and tourists frolic and sunbake – making visitors feel a paradisiacal ambiance.
Owing to its rule under the Habsburg Empire, Vienna has a huge amount of museums and galleries located in sprawling palaces and castles. The family enjoyed a long and prosperous reign, choosing to form allies through marriages rather than engage in battle. It is because of their strategic relations, their reign only ended in 1918, ensuring pristine preservation of most of the historic buildings in the country’s capital city.
The Vienna Hofburg is one of the largest palaces in Vienna, it was the winter home of the Habsburg family during their reign. The national library, established in the 18th century, is housed within the walls of the Hofburg. Towering walls of books, desks and ladders, all at home under the work of art that is the library’s ceiling. The national library, home to more than 7.4 million items, is a peaceful haven; the silence and scent
of literary history become immediately, magically, overwhelming.
One of the most famous empresses in Vienna’s history, Empress Elisabeth (known affectionately as Sisi) was a figure of tragedy. Her life has become a story of great public interest. The Hofburg is home to a museum in her honour, explaining her quirky interests, her sad life and her assassination. The museum is a tribute to her life and visitors can witness original artefacts of hers and the Emperor’s in the Hofburg in near-original condition.
One of the best art destinations in the world, Vienna is also host to the fascinating Belvedere gallery. The former home of warrior Prince Eugene of Savoy has gardens that echo the style of France’s Versailles. The baroque palace has been converted into an art-gallery and is home to Gustav Klimt’s famous work-of-art The Kiss and several other significant pieces. A walk through the Belvedere gallery yields some of the richest and most educational art-history of the region. It is here that visitors can see various other pieces of Klimt’s work as well as his protégé’s – Egon Schiele.
The world’s longest operating zoo is located in the grounds of the Hapsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace. Meandering through the sprawling grounds, these gardens are truly breathtaking. Lucky visitors will see (and hear) the occasional band playing music in the grounds. The zoo is home to several endangered species, including pandas and white rhinoceros.
The St. Augustine’s Church, built in the 1340s was the Habsburg family’s chosen church. It’s here where their hearts were stored and the ornately carved white-marble tomb of one of Vienna’s favourite rulers is located. Sundays are a spectacle around the church with the Vienna Boys’ choir performing.
The richness of this cultural land extends to the cuisine. Iconic apple strudel is a must, as is the wiener schnitzel. After a morning trekking around landmarks, a visit to Demel & Co. is in order. This bakery and confectionary shop is a testament to Vienna’s history. What began in 1786 is continuing on in strong form (a reservation is recommended). It is at Demel where the art of the apple strudel is mastered; as is the infamous sachertorte.
Zur Alten Kaisermuhle, a mouthful to say and digest, is a lodge-like restaurant on the banks of the Old Danube. Basking in the summer weather, locals and tourists flock to enjoy the rich and hearty Austrian flavour with spectacular views, all in the fresh open air of the Danube.
For jazz and live-music enthusiasts, the high-class low-lying Albertina Passage is a suave way to dine. Chic locals and tourists sit around in smart clothes, enjoying the band and fine food, with an eclectic backdrop of interior design of muted lighting and colourful décor artistically lit.
Not only will a visit to Vienna provide you with adventure, historical insights and a few extra kilograms; you will also come away with a beautiful notion of romance and magic that is unique to this lively city.
Getting there
If a high-class taste of the Habsburg Empire is to your liking; jet to Vienna in high-class style, Emirates offers a taste of Viennese opulence with their first and business class. Flights from Dubai go three times per week, five hours of blissful comfort and relaxation. For more information visit: www.emirates.com
Caitlyn Davey
