Exploring Vienna In A Whirlwind 48 Hours

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Strauss. With just two days in Vienna, you'll want to make the most of your time and see the city's highlights, including its imperial monuments, grand palaces, and famous coffeehouses. Here is an introduction to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this remarkable city.

St. Stephen's Cathedral and the surrounding area

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must-see when visiting Vienna. It is the symbol of Vienna and the most important religious building in the city. The cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn. The construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century, and it has been altered and extended several times over the centuries, resulting in its current Romanesque and Gothic form. The cathedral is known for its ornate and colourful roof, covered by 230,000 glazed tiles. The tiles form a mosaic of a double-headed eagle, which is symbolic of the empire. The tallest of its four towers is the south tower at 136 meters, which offers panoramic views of the city. The north tower houses the famous Pummerin bell, the second-largest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe.

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with 18 altars, including the High Altar and the Wiener Neustadt Altar, which are the most famous. The cathedral also houses valuable relics, gold and precious stone decorations, monstrances, liturgical texts, books, and vestments. The tombs of notable figures such as Prince Eugene of Savoy and Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, can be found in the Chapel of The Cross and the Apostles' Choir, respectively.

The area surrounding St. Stephen's Cathedral is also worth exploring. The cathedral has been surrounded by cemeteries since Roman times, and notable figures were buried inside the church. The nearby streets are filled with cafes and restaurants, including Café Central, Demel, and Café Sacher, where you can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine or a slice of Sacher Torte. The cathedral is also close to other popular attractions, such as the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.

If you are interested in the military history of Austria, the Museum of Military History and the Military History Building are located not far from the cathedral. The Museum of Military History showcases weapons, armour, planes, uniforms, and other artefacts from the 16th century to the present. The Military History Building is part of the original arsenal complex and is worth visiting for its architecture.

Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera

Vienna is a city rich in history and culture, with many attractions to visit. Here is a detailed itinerary for Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera.

Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a few kilometres outside of central Vienna and is easily accessible by metro or the hop-on-hop-off bus. The palace is open daily, including public holidays, and opens at 8 am. It is included in the Vienna Pass, which can be a good option if you plan to visit other attractions. The palace grounds are a pleasure to explore, and you can even bring a picnic or enjoy a slice of Austrian strudel.

Vienna State Opera

The Vienna State Opera is a renowned opera house that has played a significant role in the city's cultural life. Towards the end of World War II, the opera house was severely damaged by an American bombardment, with the auditorium, stage, décor, and props destroyed. However, the front section, including the foyer, main stairways, and vestibule, remained intact. After much debate, the decision was made to rebuild the opera house as it was, and today it stands as a testament to the city's cultural resilience. The opera house is known for its children's productions, with performances of classics like "Peter Pan" and "Aladdin" held in a tent on the roof. Additionally, the opera school presents a special matinee performance twice every season, making opera accessible to all ages.

The Museum of Military History and the Belvedere Palaces

Vienna is a city brimming with cultural treasures, concert halls, art galleries, palaces, and museums. If you only have two days, you'll have to be selective about what you see. Here is some information about the Museum of Military History and the Belvedere Palaces to help you decide whether to include them in your itinerary.

The Museum of Military History

The Museum of Military History, or Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, is the leading museum of the Austrian Armed Forces. It is housed in Vienna's oldest purpose-built museum building, which was once part of Vienna's arsenal complex. The building alone is almost worth the visit. The museum documents the history of the Austrian military and the Habsburg monarchy from the 16th century to 1945. It covers the transformation of the military from the Volksaufgebot (people's volunteer corps) to the standing army. The exhibits include weapons, armour, tanks, aeroplanes, uniforms, flags, paintings, medals, badges of honour, photographs, battleship models, and documents. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except on public holidays, and there is an admission fee. It is included in the Vienna Pass.

The Belvedere Palaces

The Belvedere consists of two palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, connected by beautiful gardens. The construction of the Baroque-style Upper Belvedere began in 1717, and today it is the most-visited art museum in Austria. It houses works by Klimt, Schiele, Funke, Monet, and van Gogh. The Lower Belvedere features medieval art, and the Palace Stables are also open to visitors. The Belvedere 21 is a venue for contemporary art, film, and music. To visit the Upper and Lower Belvedere, you must purchase a time-slot ticket in advance. The Belvedere is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is a charging station for electric cars, a city bike station, and bicycle racks nearby.

Vienna's famous pedestrian streets and cafes

Vienna, Austria's capital, is a fantastic city to explore on foot. The city has many pedestrianised streets and squares, with grand palaces, famous landmarks, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Here is a guide to some of Vienna's famous pedestrian streets and cafes:

Kärntner Strasse

Kärntner Strasse is a celebrated pedestrianised shopping street in the heart of Vienna. It runs from Stephansplatz Square to Karlsplatz Square. This street has a mix of old and new, with historic buildings alongside modern shops. You will find luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada, as well as high-end cafes and Austria's famed Swarovski flagship store. Kärntner Strasse has been pedestrianised since 1974, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the rich history and culture of the area.

Graben Street and Kohlmarkt

Graben Street and Kohlmarkt are located in the central first district of Vienna, right next to Stephansplatz and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Graben is a bustling, popular shopping street with various traditional Viennese wares and modern clothing outlets. It has been pedestrianised since the 1970s and is a great place to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee at a street cafe. Kohlmarkt, on the other hand, is a high-end shopping street with famous landmarks such as the Spanish Horse-Riding School and a mix of architectural styles.

Mariahilfer Straße

Mariahilfer Straße is a beautiful pedestrian-friendly street with historic buildings, high-end brands, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. It offers a glimpse into Vienna's culture and attractions.

Other Notable Streets and Cafes

• Praterstraße: Leads to the famous Prater Amusement Park, blending history with fun.
• Herrengasse: Symbolises Vienna's history and evolving cityscape, showcasing the city's aristocratic past.
• Altgasse: One of the oldest streets in Vienna, located near Schönbrunn Palace. It has beautiful yellow-stone buildings and a mix of cafes, antique shops, and pubs.
• Cafe Neko: Vienna's first 'cat cafe', located on a street known for its rugged Neoclassical architecture and pedestrianised promenade.
• Kutschkermarkt: The last remaining market street in Vienna, filled with shops and restaurants.
• Gutenberggasse, Spittelbergasse, and Schrankgasse: These three streets comprise Spittelberg, a quaint area that resembles a small village in the city centre.
• Danube Canal (Donaukanal): A pedestrian quayside filled with bars, restaurants, and graffiti art.
• Cafe Vollpension, Cafe Anzergruber, and Cafe Sperl: Cosy cafes within walking distance of Hotel Beethoven.

The Austrian Library and the Hofburg Palace

The Austrian National Library, or Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, is one of the world's most beautiful libraries. It is part of the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace complex, which was once the Imperial Court Library. The library is a huge complex that takes up many buildings, but the entrance to the State Hall museum can be found next to the Spanish Riding School on Josephplatz. The State Hall, built in the 18th century, is a grand and beautiful hall with an elaborately decorated dome, colourful frescoes, and wooden shelves. It houses over 200,000 antique books, as well as four magnificent Venetian globes, each with a diameter of over one metre. The entire place feels like stepping back in time to the Renaissance.

The Austrian National Library is the perfect attraction for bibliophiles, with its dark wooden shelves, antique volumes, and statues of nobility. It is well worth a visit and is included in the Vienna Pass. The State Hall is located on the top floor of the building, with toilets and bag lockers available halfway up the grand staircase. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the ticket counter, or you can skip the queue with the Vienna Pass.

The Hofburg Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in Europe and was once home to the powerful Habsburg Dynasty. The palace contains many separate attractions, including the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Apartments, the Spanish Riding School, the Silver Collection, and the Imperial Treasury. It is located in Vienna's best-known district and is a must-see when visiting the city.

After visiting the Austrian National Library and the Hofburg Palace, you may want to take a break and grab something to eat. Café Demel, a famous traditional coffee house established in 1786, is located just opposite the main courtyard entrance on Michaelerplatz. It is a gorgeous setting for a casual coffee or a luxurious lunch or afternoon tea in their ornate dining rooms.

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