VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Located in Eastern Austria, Vienna is chock-full of turquoise-domed roofs, double-headed eagles, and gold-gilded palaces. In case all of that isn’t scenic enough for you, the famous Danube River also flows right through the city. Not one of the sexiest choices to visit in Europe, don’t sleep on this epoch-making gem! Vienna is 100% worth your visit!
Attractions:
St. Stephen's Cathedral: Most would argue that St. Stephen’s is one of the top five most famous churches in all of Europe The mosaic work on the roof is incredible and the inside is even more elaborate! Entrance costs €6. If the weather is nice, be sure to check out the roof, too!
Schönbrunn Palace: Drawing millions of tourists annually, this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is one of Austria’s most important attractions. Walking around the gardens is free but entering the palace will cost you. The prices of tours will vary but the least expensive one costs €16.
Time Travel Vienna: This hour-long, interactive tour through Vienna’s 2,000-year-old history is a must! I found this very entertaining, fun, and engaging!
Prater: Large public park in Leopoldstadt known for its 65 meter (215 feet) tall Ferris Wheel! Entrance to the park is free but if you wish to play games or ride attractions, those cost money.
Naschmarkt: Vienna’s largest food market open since the 16th century! It is open Monday-Friday from 6:00am-9:00pm and Saturdays from 6:00am-6:00pm; it is closed on Sundays.
Free Walking Tour: There are many different free tour options in Vienna. Follow this link to learn more.
Hundertwasser House: One of the most unique apartment buildings you will ever see! You can stay in this building during your stay if you look hard enough on AirBnB.
Hofburg Palace: Another famous palace in case you haven’t gotten your fill yet!
State Opera House: One of the most well-known opera houses in the world! If you love opera and have the money, I can only imagine how wonderful soaking in an opera here would be!
Other attractions include: Karlskirche, Monument Against War and Facism, Albertina, and Belvedere Palace.
Accommodation:
I stayed at Hostel Hütteldorf and didn’t find it to be anything special. You can find better hostels closer to the city center.
Transportation:
Bratislava, Slovakia is 1 hour by train from Vienna and costs €18. The bus ride is 1 hour and costs €6.
Salzburg is 2.5 hours by train from Vienna and costs €40. The bus ride is 3 hours and costs €30.
Budapest, Hungary is 2.5 hours by train from Vienna and costs €53. The bus ride is 2.5 hours and costs €21.
Munich, Germany is 4 hours by train from Vienna and costs €117. The bus ride is 5.5 hours and costs €21.
Prague, Czechia is 4 hours by train from Vienna and costs €81. The bus ride is 5.5 hours and costs €15.
Innsbruck is 4.5 hours by train from Vienna and costs €97. The bus ride is 9 hours and costs €29.
Krakow, Poland is 10.5 hours by train from Vienna (indirect) and costs €156. The bus ride is 7 hours and costs €21.
