~ Carmen

Vienna, “The Imperial City”,  “City of Dreams”, and “City of Music” is about as beautiful as any city can hope to be.  Often viewed as a perfect place for romance, it can also be a delight for families, too.  Joe and I recently accompanied middle school students and their families on a tour of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.  It was a photographer’s paradise!  Our first stop was Vienna.

Stop 1- Vienna, Austria

Stop 2- Salzburg, Austria (read more)

Stop 3- Dachau Concentration Camp (read more)

Stop 4- Munich (read more)

Stop 5- Neuschwanstein Castle (read more)

Stop 6- Lucerne, Switzerland (read more)

Stop 7- Heidelberg (read more)

Stop 8- Rhine River Cruise (read more)

Stop 9- Cologne Cathedral (read more)

3 “Can’t Miss” Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.  Construction began in the 12th century and the cathedral is recognized as a symbol of Vienna’s beauty and opulence.  It is a classic example of gothic architecture.  One glimpse fills visitors with “oohs” and “ah” from both young and old.  There isn’t any cost to enter the cathedral.  Visitors are asked to show respect to the parishoners  and use quiet voices.  The main sanctuary is flanked by side chapels that are just as breath-taking, filled with precious stones, paintings, and religious relics.  For an small fee, we took a tour of the catacombs which was a fascinating step back in time.  We also paid for the elevator ride up one of the towers for a gorgeous view of Vienna.

2.  Schonbrunn Palace

Schoenbrunn Palace is the most visited tourist attraction in Austria.  As the childhood home of Marie Antoinette, it filled all my ideas of what a palace should have.  Over the top, gold-leafed furnishing, 1,441 rooms, and gardens that have been cultivated for over 300 years.  The guided tour of the inside filled this history lover with back stories about the Austrian monarchy and the famous people that stayed there.

Even more beautiful than the palace where the gardens.  Everywhere we turned was another hidden courtyard.  We finally gave up trying to find the end of the gardens.  I think if we hadn’t turned around, we would have still been rounding corner after corner of hedges and rose bushes!

3.  Enjoying the musical, architecture, and fine arts.

Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms all spent time in Vienna.  Even if you’re not a classical music fan, hearing the music that put the city on the map is a must.  Our last night in Vienna, we were treated to a concert that made me want to learn how to waltz.  We were on such a musical high, that the walk around the city that night seemed even more magical!

Beautiful, clear night for hearing a classical concert

Kunst Haus Wien

Everywhere you turn is majestic architecture.  I don’t know how many times I tripped because I was so busy looking up instead of looking where I was going.  Every courtyard we walked by held lovely gardens surrounding an exquisite statue or fountain.

The art museums in the city center and surrounding areas contained both classical and contemporary art.  I don’t see how one could ever take it all in!

Next time we visit Vienna, we hope to have more time to explore.  Two days just wasn’t even to even get us started!

Have you ever been to Vienna or wanted to visit?  We’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please comment below.  Keep up with all of our travel, camping, and cycling tips by following us onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Leave us your email (blue box at the bottom of the post) to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss a post!

~ Carmen

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