Our 3-day trip with my mom and sister to Bratislava could not but to include a beautiful visit to Vienna, the capital of Austria. The anticipation for this experience was visible among us. We chose to depart from Bratislava by Flixbus as it was closer than the train station. The Most SNP stop is very close to the Old Town on foot, so our walk there was easy and tireless.
So having departed from Bratislava by bus, the journey to Vienna opened the door to a world full of culture, history and architectural magic.
Our first contact with the city
We arrived at 9:20 am at the Vienna International Busterminal (VIB) stop, just outside the center of Vienna. After some search I concluded that from this stop you could easily and quickly reach the center of Vienna. We took the metro which is outside the bus station and in 6 stops we were in the city centre. First we saw the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral dominating and rising proudly to the sky, while feeling the pulse of life in Stephansplatz. Discovering the city was now one step closer!
The old architectural charm of Vienna, with its neat buildings and baroque details, welcomed us into a story that emerges from every corner. The beautiful building of the Opera House with its dazzling exterior stole our attention and made us contemplate the numerous musical performances that have taken place.
More attractions we visited in Vienna
Our excursion included a visit to Belvedere Castle which is an impressive combination of baroque luxury and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Three more Vienna attractions that we visited and stand out for their elegance, the rich history they host, are:
- St. Charles Church (Karlskirche): St. Charles Church is one of Vienna’s most impressive architectural sights. It was built to honor Emperor Charles VI and was completed in the 18th century. The temple combines elements of Baroque and Rococo architecture and impresses with its unique dome, columns and enormous height. The interior of the temple is equally impressive, with icons, statues and narrative paintings creating an atmosphere of religious effulgence. Entrance to the temple is not free.
- Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum): This museum is a paradise for art lovers. Its impressive construction reflects the architecture of the Viennese Baroque period and houses one of the most important art collections in the world. It exhibits paintings by great artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Raphael, while stunning statues, ancient Greek and Egyptian artefacts, jewelery and more complete the visitor experience. Entrance to the museum costs €21 and you can book your tickets here.
- Hofburg Palace: The Hofburg Palace is a historic residence that was used as a palace by the Austro-Hungarian emperors. This palace is a complex architectural structure with various architectural styles and elements from different eras. It covers a large area and includes the Royal Parliament, the Museum of Austrian History and the Library of the Austrian National Parliament. It is a cultural treasure that captures the complexity of Viennese history and culture.
Each of these attractions offer a unique experience that reflects the city’s rich heritage and Viennese culture.
During our tour, we discovered the sense of uniqueness that Vienna offers. Shops, museums, boulevards and parks composed an opening symphony, while the lively spirit of the city inspired us to listen to the stories of the past and the present.
2 coffee shops to enjoy in Vienna
Two unique and different cafes we visited to relax in Vienna are Phil and Gerstner. Phil is a sweet book cafe a little outside the city center, where you will enjoy tranquility, beautiful atmosphere, good coffee and delicious pastries of the day.
Gerstner is a famous patisserie located in the heart of the city, opposite the Opera. On the 2nd floor you can enjoy a chocolate drink in a classy atmosphere and at a reasonable price. We went without a reservation, we were served immediately and with an excess of politeness.
How to get around Vienna
Vienna, as a large European capital, has long distances that you can cover with various means of public transport. It goes without saying that it is in your best interest to buy a day pass to move around economically and worry-free. You can issue a card for 24/48/72 hours at the automatic metro machines. The day pass we got costed 8€ per person, a very good price if you consider that we used public transportation at all times and that each individual ticket costs around 2.20€. On the internet, but also at bus stations, you will see them promoting Vienna City Card a lot. It costs 17€ and gives you a discount in certain museums. We looked into it a bit and concluded that it was not worth buying.
We look forward to the day we visit Vienna again, as one day trip was not enough. We think that 4-5 days are necessary to realize the sense of uniqueness Vienna offers!
At the end of the day, leaving behind the sights that filled our hearts with excitement, we returned to Bratislava with memories that will sound like fairytales to those who will hear them.
Read also: Bratislava: A modern European capital with rich history and culture!
