There is something in Vienna to appeal to everyone, and 24 hours hardly seems like enough time to experience it all. But let’s try.
You should begin your cruise day in port with breakfast at one of the local coffee houses, which are prevalent throughout the city. Not only will you experience a lovely coffee and pastry breakfast, but the people watching is unforgettable. Hopefully it will be warm enough to sit outside. Coffee culture is a big thing in Vienna, so avoid those Starbucks and just enjoy.
The Home of Classical Music
Vienna is known as the capital of classical music and the concert calendar is crammed with operas, theatrical performances and music shows.
‘Sound of Vienna’ offers up a local extravaganza with music from Mozart and Strauss, operetta, ballet and waltz.
If you like horses, a sort of horse ballet is available at the Spanish Riding School where Lipizzan horses have been performing and amazing audiences for a very long time. They perform these “ballet” moves in harmony with the wonderful music.
Museums
Vienna has an extensive selection of museums. They range from amazingly decorated art galleries to more offbeat sights such as Johann Strauss’ apartment or Sigmund Freud’s office. The Leopold houses an extensive collection of work from the city’s very own Gustav Klimt and his younger contemporary Egon Schiele.
Take a walking tour of Old Town Vienna with its quaint shops and little village feel. It’s like living walking through another period of time.
In addition to being known for their coffee, Vienna is also the pastry capital of the world. You can have a piece of Vienna’s own wonderful Sacher-Torte. It is considered by many to be the most famous chocolate cake in the world. There are are also wonderful potato pancakes, Bundt cakes and streudal.
You can enjoy a private dinner at one of the city’s two private dining restaurants. Or visit the local wineries for a more wine and dine experience.
Whichever of these sites you choose to take in, your time in Vienna will be unforgettable.
Vienna Activities
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. This is the former imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs.
- Explore the historic center of Vienna. It includes St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace.
- See the Lipizzaner horses perform at the Spanish Riding School.
- Take a stroll along the Ringstrasse. This is Vienna’s grand boulevard lined with impressive buildings and monuments.
- Visit the Belvedere Palace to see the famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.
- Enjoy a traditional Viennese coffee and pastry at one of the city’s famous coffeehouses, such as Café Central or Demel.
- Take a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad, the iconic Ferris wheel in the Prater amusement park.
- Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts to see some of the world’s greatest art collections.
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