I have long dreamed of visiting Vienna, the well-known capital of Austria, but first of all, I wanted to see a city that is rightfully considered one of the most luxurious and beautiful in Europe. Having visited Vienna, you realize that the city admires the history and beauty of architecture. Ancient cathedrals, and palaces combined with modern monuments of culture, art, and unusual residential buildings.
The appearance of Vienna combines various architectural styles, including majestic Gothic and chic Baroque of the past. Rational modernism of the 60s, and original postmodernism from the 80s of the 20th century, distinguished by individuality and expressiveness of each building.
Architecture
But not only architecture adorns the city. But also magnificent parks with an exterior, broken up on almost a quarter of the territory of the entire city.
Take a walk in the wonderful parks with fountains of the Belvedere Palace complex, appreciate the Schoenbrunn and Belvedere palaces. The Schoenbrunn Zoo, famous as one of the oldest operating in the world, having been opened in 1752. Relax in the famous Prater Amusement Park, riding the highest carousels and the oldest Ferris wheel, getting an unforgettable thrill from the attractions.
It is known that Vienna has also gained fame as a musical capital, where such composers as the talented Mozart and Strauss. The inspired Schubert, Schoenberg, and Beethoven created symphonies, waltzes. And opera overtures and other musical works highly appreciated by our contemporaries. The Vienna Opera House (Staatsoper) admires the architecture from the outside and the rich decoration inside.
Vienna Opera
The existence of the Vienna Opera dates back to the XVII century, although the building itself was built in Vienna. By the decision of Emperor Franz Joseph only in 1869. After the destruction of the building from the bombing of 1945, its restoration was completed by 1955.
Although the Vienna Opera always has a full house and high prices for performances. You can still watch your favorite opera or ballet by buying standing tickets an hour before the performance. (I was surprised by the availability of such seats) or in advance – about a month in advance. An interesting fact is that the Vienna Opera hosts the Vienna Ball once a year.
The ceremoniously decorated Staatsoper Hall is filled with enchantingly dressed dancing couples. To get to such a magnificent action and participate in it is the dream of every person, not just a dancer. To fulfill your dream by dancing or contemplating the ball while in the box. Perhaps without sparing a lot of money for tickets.
Vienna is distinguished by its sights, the main ones of which cannot be missed in any way, even with minimal time spent in the city. First of all, you need to navigate on the map and make a simple route for your excursion program.
It should include a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, made in the Gothic style and has become a symbol of the city. This is evidenced by the double-headed eagle of the imperial court and the coat of arms of the city, artfully laid out with bright tiles covering the roof of the cathedral. Climbing up the steps of the temple to the platform with 13 bells, a breathtaking view of Vienna opens.
Of course, the Catholic Karlskirche Cathedral near Charles Square, defined by experts as a real pearl of European culture, will impress with its architecture. The cathedral, made in the style of the unique Viennese Baroque, combines various architectural elements that you need to see with your own eyes.
Belvedere Palace
You should visit the Belvedere Palace and Park complex, seeing the richness and splendor of its palaces, parks, and fountains. The famous Schoenbrunn Palace, which has become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, deserves attention. It’s not a bad idea to take a look at the crown of the Holy Roman Empire by visiting the treasury of the Austrian imperial Habsburg dynasty at the Hofburg residence.
Of particular interest is the parliament building in Vienna, which is surprisingly similar to an ancient Greek temple. The facade of the parliament is directed at the beautiful Volksgarten Park. And the adjacent territory of the building is decorated with a magnificent sculpture of the goddess Pallas Athena.
The Vienna Town Hall, built in the Neo-Gothic Flemish style, is a must-see. Now the municipality is located here and the mayor is sitting, as well as various events planned by the city administration, are held. The building is easy to recognize from remote places of the city thanks to the tower of the town hall with a height of 105 m.
It is impossible to leave Vienna without seeing the famous Hundertwasser House. Which has become the most original and unique Austrian house of architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The architect’s imagination created an unconventional building for multi-apartment housing of civil servants who still live here.
Vienna streets
The complete asymmetry, the curved shapes of the house, the windows and floors which are on different levels, trees grow on the roof. And the facade, covered with ivy and wild grapes, is painted in different bright shades. You are amazed in a good sense by the imagination and idea of the architect, who demonstrated the originality of the structure. And harmonious unity with nature without its suppression. The museum dedicated to Hundertwasser’s works is located near his creation.
If you get hungry after walking and sightseeing in Vienna, have a snack in any diner, cafe, or restaurant scattered around the city. Ordering a delicacy or a regular hot dog at will. But it is important for an adult tourist to taste the famous schnitzel. And Viennese sausages, national cabbage with pork, washed down with fresh Austrian beer. And let the food seem a little fatty and high-calorie, which distinguishes the national cuisine, but it will be delicious and satisfying.
When you get to the pedestrian streets in the center of Vienna – Krntner Strae and Mariahilferstrasse, walk through the shops. Go shopping, or visit a pastry shop, try the delicious apple strudel and a real masterpiece – the fabulous Sacher cake. The entertainment program of many cafes and family restaurants with an Austrian accordion chant will add national flavor.
The Vienna metro, which includes underground and ground stations, has many directions and branches to different parts of the city. Which turns out to be the most efficient and fastest mode of transport for residents and tourists. The stations are distinguished by strict pragmatic design, bright lighting, and convenient functionality.
There is no strong hum here, all directions, transitions of each line have a certain color, and bright placards with signs of stations and end points of branches are hung on the platforms.
Clean, well-groomed subway cars are spacious enough, and have ramps for wheelchairs with convenient door opening right next to the platform. Metro stations have free toilets, and due to the small depth of the subway, the escalator takes passengers directly to the streets of the city.
