One of the things we’d been looking forward to about living abroad was getting to travel even more. Living in Prague allows for cheap and easy transportation to other areas in Europe. We planned to go visit as many areas as our budget would allow. First destination that came up was Vienna, Austria.
While on the trip, I had the pleasure to take over My Wander Year’s Snapchat, in what we call a Snapchat Takeover. If you get a chance and want to take a look at my Snap journey in Vienna, head over to their snapchat: mywanderyear and check it out.
We took a train from Prague to Vienna for our thirty-six hour stay, with a few other women that are a part of My Wander Year, a gap/remote year group we are participating in. The tickets were super cheap at $57 round-trip. It was a four-hour train ride.
We stayed at the Renaissance Wien Hotel, which is a gorgeous hotel and has impeccable service. Nadine, who checked us in was so pleasant and I hope they promote her and give her a raise because she was great. Many of us once we got to our rooms had to resist the urge to stay in our rooms snuggled up in the beds that felt like you were sleeping on a cloud.
While on the trip, I had the pleasure to take over My Wander Year’s Snapchat, in what we call a Snapchat Takeover. If you get a chance and want to take a look at my Snap journey in Vienna, head over to their snapchat: mywanderyear and check it out.
We took a train from Prague to Vienna for our thirty-six hour stay, with a few other women that are a part of My Wander Year, a gap/remote year group we are participating in. The tickets were super cheap at $57 round-trip. It was a four-hour train ride.
We stayed at the Renaissance Wien Hotel, which is a gorgeous hotel and has impeccable service. Nadine, who checked us in was so pleasant and I hope they promote her and give her a raise because she was great. Many of us once we got to our rooms had to resist the urge to stay in our rooms snuggled up in the beds that felt like you were sleeping on a cloud.
We sought food close to the hotel and had a very cheeky waiter, which made the meal really fun.
Afterwards we headed to Schonbrunn Palace. It was about a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel and we got a chance to take in some of the beautiful architecture that Vienna has to offer.
Schonbrunn Palace is beautiful and I couldn’t stop imagining what it must have been like when aristocrats drove around in their horse drawn carriages and Lords and ladies courted one another. The place does make you want to be dropped into some period drama.
Of course besides period films, the other film that is easily evoked, the minute you step into Austria, even though you’re not in a green meadow, spinning in circles like Julia Andrews, is ‘The Sound of Music’. So you know what’s going to be on the Vienna playlist.
Schonbrunn Palace is beautiful and I couldn’t stop imagining what it must have been like when aristocrats drove around in their horse drawn carriages and Lords and ladies courted one another. The place does make you want to be dropped into some period drama.
Of course besides period films, the other film that is easily evoked, the minute you step into Austria, even though you’re not in a green meadow, spinning in circles like Julia Andrews, is ‘The Sound of Music’. So you know what’s going to be on the Vienna playlist.
After some more wandering around the Palace we headed back to the hotel bar, where Oliver the bartender was very knowledgeable about cocktails and nice and chatty. Exactly what you hope for in a bartender (I think). Maybe some people feel differently and like their bartender to be the strong, silent type. Alas, I am not. I have seldom met a stranger a didn’t like so I always enjoy a good conversation. Oliver didn’t disappoint. I’m not a drinker so he made me a very good mocktail, which I proceeded to order three of.
The next day we decided to do a walking tour so we could see many of the landmarks and famous building s and places of Vienna, such as the Albertina, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Mozart’s residences and the oldest coffee shop/cafes in Vienna – Frauenhuber, to name a few.
When you’re short on time, walking tours can be great and allow you to see some of the highlights and attractions of the city, plus this one was free. We just paid a tip to the guide when the tour was completed.
We were famished after our tour and went to famous Figlmuller for their pork schnitzel and apple strudel. The strudel eclipsed the plate and even though many of us shared the dish, we still didn’t finish.
We were famished after our tour and went to famous Figlmuller for their pork schnitzel and apple strudel. The strudel eclipsed the plate and even though many of us shared the dish, we still didn’t finish.
A little walk afterwards to the Mak Museum, helped rid us of the gluttonous feeling we had after that meal. This decorative arts museum is really cool, if you’re into furnishings, interior design from different periods. We had a lot of fun here, as you can see from the goofy, cardboard glasses they offer if you want to wear them around. The glasses were due to the Robert La Roche exhibit that is on display until Sept. 25th
Overall, it was a very nice way to be introduced to Austria. We look forward to coming back when we have more time. For now, I will say ‘So Long, Farewell.’ Oh, and don’t forget to check out my Vienna playlist below.
Vienna Playlist
Of course, this playlist would not be complete without my favs from ‘The Sound of Music’, you’ll find them sprinkled throughout this playlist. And since this is the city of classical greats like Mozart and Schubert, I could not leave them out either. I always try and find some contemporary artists I like that are native to that city or country and happily stumbled upon hip-hop artist Left Boy. His music is very catchy and fun, has some good beats and I promise you, you’ll be hitting that play button again once it finishes & doing that dance step from the video of ‘Security Check’. Billy Joel’s ‘Vienna’ was a no-brainer. I mean c’mon, I had to include that one. Although, I’m not a die-hard fan of the cult-classic, ‘Before Sunrise’ & ‘Before Sunset’, Richard Linklater directed, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy starrers. I couldn’t not include a song from the film that famously saw the pair wander the city before having to say goodbye. Last, but certainly not least, with no rhyme or reason, other than, how can you go anywhere and not take him along, the lovable and talented Mr. Stevie Wonder. Enjoy!
1. Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music) - My Favorite Things
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Marriage of Figaro
3. Left Boy - 10AM
4. Rodgers and Hammerstein (The Sound of Music) - Sixteen Going On Seventeen
5. Kath Bloom (Before Sunrise soundtrack) - Come Here
6. Stevie Wonder - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
7. Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music) - The Hills Are Alive
8. Franz Schubert - Ave Maria
9. Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music) - Do-Re-Mi
10. Billy Joel - Vienna
11. Left Boy - Security Check
12. Rodgers and Hammerstein (The Sound of Music) - So Long, Farewell