Destination attractions things to do in vienna

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

To those who live there, Vienna, Austria is known as Europes Main Street. Indeed, the city is a bustling, lively center of culture, entertainment and life. Viennas long and illustrious imperial history provides plenty of architecture, culture and tradition; its modern European feel ensures shopping, recreation and excitement. In Vienna, there is something for everyone.

One of the first things to acquire in Vienna is a Vienna Card. For a reasonable price, the holder receives discounts on entrances to various attractions and sights, as well as passage on the citys excellent public transportation: underground, tram or bus.

Numerous walking tours of different Viennese areas are available. One of the most popular, as well as among the best places to see excellent architectural works, is the Ringstrasse. This boulevard is the home of the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural History, State Opera House, Parliament, National Theatre, New Palace, City Hall and the University. A tram ride along the Ringstrasse is also available.

Not far from the Ringstrasse is the house designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The house is well worth seeing, as it designed to look rather surreal and built around more than one tree. Trees grow out of its many-colored walls and windows, evoking a sense of the forest in the middle of the city. Not far from the house is Hunderwassers exhibition center, KunstHausWein. The center features traveling exhibits, including works by many famous artists.

Another diverting architectural foray is to St. Stephens Cathedral, one of Viennas main landmarks. Parts of this mostly gothic structure date to the 13th Century. The highlight of a tour through the cathedral is the view of the Pummerin, Austrias largest bell, after a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase. Directly opposite St. Stephens Cathedral is the Post-Modern building Haas Haus, a permanent reminder that the old and new thrive side-by-side in Vienna.

There are a large number of museums and art galleries throughout Vienna. A trip to the Ringstrasse can provide hours of cultural amusement. Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Austro-Hungarian imperial family, can rightly claim the titles museum and gallery. Striking examples of period dcor, furniture and historical pieces, as well as the palace park and the imperial coach collection, provide insights into lost royal traditions.

On any given evening, various concerts, some arranged for tourists, can be seen. These concerts are themed, reflecting musical periods. They are also often small and intimate. Chamber music concerts especially follow this formula, allowing seating for only 20-50 people. Performers are costumed in period garb, and some concerts allow dancing.

Another Viennese tradition can be found at the Spanish Riding School. The school is the home of the world-famous Lippizaner Stallions. The school is open to the public during certain hours, and anyone is welcome to watch the training exercises, as well as purchase tickets for performances. Demonstrations are also given at the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg imperial palace. (The Vienna Boys Choir often sings Sunday mass in the palaces chapel.)

Vienna isnt all culture and arts. Theres plenty of shopping as well. There are some very large and modern malls and superstores, like Ikea. However, for a more authentic and unique experience, a visit to one of the must-see shopping meccas, Mariahilfer Strasse, is a necessity. This is the longest, and busiest, shopping street in Europe.

The Graben and K?rntnerstrasse are elegant, less crammed, shopping areas. While much of the merchandise reflects high style and high priced, a pleasant afternoon can be spent window-shopping. There are also plenty of import shops and antique galleries throughout the city, as well as flea markets.

For a different spin on things, the Prater provides an excellent playground. The Prater is Viennas amusement park. It boasts all the fun rides your expect at an amusement park, including a giant Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is a Viennese landmark, not only for its size, but also for its unique compartments: Riders sit suspended in train boxcars.

For a party atmosphere, the festival on Danube Island cant be beat. Modern music, including pop and rock, mingles with folk music. Food, games and a general atmosphere of good times permeate the festival. As night approaches, a colorful fireworks display illuminates the sky above the Danube River.

Sightseeing, shopping and playing are all well and good, but what do you eat? While there are many fine restaurants for evening dining, a caf is a not-to-miss slice of Viennese life. Cafes located in large part outside are common. They are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious caf experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Viennas specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).

Austria has some major wine-producing regions; one of these, the Wachau, is just under an hour from Vienna. Consequently, Vienna offers the latest wines from harvest. These new wines are known as Heurigen. The wine taverns that serve these wines are also called Heurigen. Music, singing and laughing are staples in the Heurigen, which are set up to be as intimate and friendly as possible.

Viennas nightlife is vibrant as well. Swanky hotspots like Spittelberg and the Bermuda Triangle provide late-night entertainment. Additionally, a number of pubs dot the city. Irish pubs are especially popular in Vienna, and can be found nearly everywhere.

Vienna holds its place among Europes capitals with grace and style. No matter what type of vacation suits you best, youll find plenty to do on Europes Main Street.