A Day in Vienna

There are many cities in the world with the unfortunate circumstance of having an unattractive name. For example, Pittsburg is a great city with a beautiful waterfront, though it’s often written off because it sounds like, well, “the pits”. Maybe in the future with a recent visit we can provide more detailed reasons to visit Pennsylvania’s often overlooked city, but not now. This article is about Vienna (Austria), a city that plays all its charm cards up front with its elegant name, beautiful architecture, and friendly residents. After a recent visit and only twenty four hours to spare, I found what I believe to be the best day long itinerary for the “City of Music”.

Morning

Breakfast at Chez Bernard

The best hotel to make your temporary home while visiting Vienna is Hotel Motto. Motto has Parisan aesthetic with Austrian charm. The attention to detail throughout the hotel is beautiful without destroying the classic touches of the building it resides in. The location of the hotel is perfect, being on one of the main pedestrian paths that can take you to city center by foot in about ten minutes, and is also next to a train stop if you need to get further or don’t feel like walking (I recommend you do).

After awaking, head upstairs to the seventh floor hotel restaurant, Chez Bernard. Bernard has delicious fresh made breakfast options in a natural light filled space that will give you the energy your body needs to start your day. As tempting as it may be to linger and drink coffee for hours on end, force yourself downstairs and outside to begin walking east.

You’ll find walking in Vienna is quite nice compared to most big cities, as the streets are well maintained and feel safe. The walk to city center from the hotel is a pedestrian path called Mariahilfer Straße, which during the day is bustling with people and open shops. Take this path until it ends, where you’ll find yourself in the middle of the museum quarter. Here you’ll find most of the major museums in town to include both the Art and History museums, as well as other beautiful gardens that are worth a stroll. In this area is also the Hoffburg, which if you wander around enough you’ll eventually find yourself face to face with Mozart, staring out above a well manicured treble clef in the garden that he presides. If you end up in the Art museum (Kunsthistorisches), definitely make time to stop by the cafe for a snack, as it is one of the more attractive cafes in the city.

Afternoon

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

After circling the museum quarter, continue making your way towards the center of town. If you’re like me, then around this time you’ll need some fuel from all the steps you’ve put in. Throughout my travel in the country, one of the more interesting things I found was the preferred afternoon snack of Austrians: cake. The most popular cake in the country is the Sacher Cake. A rich chocolate cake served with cream and marked with the insignia of the bakery that has prepared it. You can find this cake at many bakeries in town, but the most popular would be at its name sake, the cafe at Hotel Sacher. If you go with this option, be prepared to wait in line any day of the week.

Continue making your way closer to city center until you reach St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you can gaze and wonder just how something so massive was constructed hundreds of years ago. There’s an impressive scenic view at the top if you’re interested in going inside. This area is called The Innere Stadt, or “The Old Town”, and if you’re one for luxury shopping, there is no better place in the country or much of Europe where you’ll find so many big brands all in one neighborhood. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s a striking part of town to just wander.

Evening

Hotel Motto Rooftop

If you walked the route recommended above you are most likely famished. Unlike the Spanish or Portuguese, Austrians are not late eaters, so you don’t have to worry about going to dinner at six and feel like you’re way early to the party. A city this size has many stellar restaurants of many different cuisines, but the restaurant I recommend for dinner is MAST. Locally sourced ingredients and a plethora of natural wines make this a stellar place to dine the night away. Make it easy on yourself and opt for the chef’s menu, a six course tasting journey made up of what’s fresh that time of year. Have the wait staff recommend a wine. Between the quality of both food and drink you’ll leave with a satisfied pallet, not feeling overstuffed and sluggish.

End the day back at Hotel Motto. If you’re up for a night cap then head up to the rooftop on the eighth floor. The rooftop is open during the warmer months and has a great vibe. The night we stopped by was a bit windy, so the staff thoughtfully brought over a blanket for my wife, who very much appreciated the warm gesture to go with her hot tea. Try to make it for sunset, where you’ll arguably get one of the best views in the city with happy strangers. Feel free to get loose, you’re only an elevator ride away from the comfort of your bed, and symphony dreams that give peaceful sleep for a new day…and more cake.

Other Recommendations

• Bitzinger Würstelstände: Delicious Viennese sausage, grab and go.

• Schönbrunn Palace: Arguably the most popular landmark in the city, with beautiful gardens and nearby swimming pool.

• Demel: Popular bakery with ample treats and nice outside seating area (get the apple strudel).

• Prater: Public park near the Danube with an amusement park inside, including the Vienna Ferris Wheel open year around.