VIENNA, CAPITAL OF AUSTRIA
For the 8th consecutive year, this town has made it to the top of the Mercers’ list as the city with the highest quality of life. Mercer uses criteria such as health care, education, safety, recreation, political stability and transportation.
Remarkable history
Vienna has played an important role in history and the splendid buildings are testimony to that.
In the past 20 years, the city has undergone an amazing change and turned into a modern city with a new, positive vibration in the air.
Very well organized
Everything works like a Swiss clock. Public transportation is outstanding, medical care and education are great, safety on the streets is very good (beware of pickpockets though), cleanliness of the town is perfect with a waste baskets/ashtrays standing every 10 meters in the main shopping streets. The green areas with flowers abound in town.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
As already mentioned, Vienna abounds with historical buildings dating back to the Austrian Hungarian Empire surrounded by great green areas.
As there is plenty of information on the history of Austria out there, I have decided to get into a bit more of practical information.
CENTER OF VIENNA
The centre of town is the 1st district and easily reached by public transportation from anywhere. It is the oldest part of Vienna with the main church, the Stephansdom. It is great to just wander aimlessly around and absorb the history laden flair of the place.
VIENNA COFFEE SHOPS AND RESTARUANTS IN THE 1ST DISTRICT
You will find street cafes/restaurants every few meters inviting to get some refreshment or light food including the Sacher near the Opera and other renown coffee shops on e.g. the Kohlmarkt. Having said that, the latter are pretty busy with tourists lining up in front of the entrance doors. I assure you that there are plenty more places to discover off the beaten track – just keep wandering around.
VIENNA SHOPPING
Apart from historical buildings, there is an upmarket shopping area in Kaertnerstrassse, Graben, Kohlmarkt.
In addition, in the narrow streets you will find a number of exquisite boutiques. You might end up buying a Dirndl, the traditional Austrian dress.
Malls
Have a look at the malls Peep and Cloppenburg or the Steffl – both located on Kaertnerstrasse. Their range goes from every days’ cloths to designer cloths.
And, if your purse is well filled, get to the nearby Tuchlauben. It recently turned into a shopping paradise with major luxury brands represented.
While wandering around, don’t forget to peak into various courtyards in the old part of town. You will find hidden away shops and restaurants off the beaten track.
MARIAHILFERSTRASSE
Another main shopping area in Vienna is Mariahilferstrasse which has recently been turned into a pedestrian zone. It is all about shopping here. Plenty of coffee shops/street restaurants to sit down and recover at bit from walking.
If into ice-cream, don’t forget to pass by Bortolotti – the authentic Italian ice cream pallor. There are two on this road.
FLEA MARKET
Every Saturday, at the end of the Naschmarkt, you will find a flea market. They carry all sorts of items. Look close and long enough and you might actually find a good bargain. Expect it to be really crowded. Beware of pick pockets.
Check out more posts on Vienna
I would like to give some information of how to get around in Vienna, apart from the obvious taxi. I prepared a post on where to eat of places that are not that obvious.
I included a sample day trip that I undertook to Durenstein in the Wachau, a bit over an hour from Vienna. If your time permits, I recommend getting out of town and explore a bit.
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