In “5 Things,” I’ll ask some of my favorite bloggers and photographers in cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). This week, Kaley Ann Diaz shares her favorite spots for a visit to Vienna.
5 Things: Vienna, Austria
Kaley of Kaley Ann
I moved to Vienna with my husband and our two little girls a few years ago, and since then, it has felt as if we are living in a dream. Vienna has been named the world’s most livable city for the last 7 years in a row, and it is easy to see why. This city really has it all. Tons of history and culture, gorgeous architecture and plenty of green space are just a few of the many things I love about living here.
EAT:
For an authentic Viennese experience, head out to the 19th district of Vienna, right on the edge of the Vienna Woods. There you will find a myriad of heurigen, which are similar to Germany’s beer gardens, but instead of beer they serve the newly harvested wine with simple, Austrian food. These cozy little wine taverns are tucked unassumingly into neighborhoods, with a small evergreen bough hung above the entrance to signal they are open.
If you have kids, Feuerwehr Wagner in Grinzing is my top pick for a family-friendly, fun heuriger with delicious food. Grab a table out in the garden and enjoy some schnitzel with a nice glass of Grüner Vetliner while the little ones play in the playground. (There is also a great zipline in back that you may want to take a turn on!) In the warmer months, order a Gespritzer—a refreshing drink made with white wine and sparkling water.
SHOP:
Naschmarkt is the largest market in Vienna, dating back to the 16th century. You can find just about anything in large open air market—bars and restaurants, produce stands, fresh cheese, spices, bread, oils, teas and more. There is also a flea market behind Naschmarkt, open Saturdays starting at 6:30am.
Just a block up from Naschmarket is St. Charles Apothecary and St. Charles Cosmothecary. Along with dozens of different dried herbs and botanicals, they carry a wide variety of organic, natural products in glass bottles. But the real draw for me is the beautiful antique apothecary cabinets and shelves!
For an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and accessories, head to Bananas in the 5th district. I especially love the array of vintage letters and numbers.
PLAY:
Schönbrunn Palace is a great place to head for a full day of fun with the family. In addition to the Baroque palace that served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs, there is also exquisitely manicured gardens, a botanical garden called The Palmenhaus, and the Gloriette, which sits at the crest of the hill behind the palace with an amazing view over all of Schönbrunn. Of particular interest to kids (or kids at heart) is the Tiergarten—the oldest (and most beautiful) zoo in the world, the Kindermuseum, where you can dress up in the dresses and wigs of the Imperial Court, a panorama train, maze, labyrinth and a children’s playground. (Tip: Skip the long lines at the main entrance to the Palace and buy your tickets at the entrance to the Children’s Museum instead, where there is rarely a wait.)
For a less touristy day, do as the Viennese and get outside. Try hiking in the vienna woods, walking through the vineyards, biking along the Danube river, or just hanging out along the Donaukanal. There is so much beautiful green space to be explored in and around Vienna. My favorite place to go is the the Donauinsel, a 13 mile long island in the middle of the Danube. It is quite narrow (less than 100 meters at some points) but filled with trails perfect for walking, jogging, biking or skating. In the summer you can enjoy swimming in the river, beach volleyball, BBQs, picnics and the popular outdoor music festival, the Donauinselfest. There are plenty of playgrounds and beaches for the kids, so be sure to pack a picnic lunch and stay all day!
STAY:
To experience Old World Vienna, stay in the opulent Hotel Imperial. Right on the Ringstrasse, this hotel oozes elegance and extravagance. (Plus, they offer family rooms!)
If you prefer a younger, hipper vibe, you will love the 25 Hours Hotel at the Museums Quartier with unique decor, great amenities and super trendy rooftop bar.
PACK:
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes. Whether you are spending a day walking around the cobblestone streets in the first district or hiking through the Vienna Woods, you are going to want some good walking shoes. I like to wear sneakers like these New Balance sneakers that are both stylish and comfortable, so they can work in many different situations.
Thank you so much, Kaley! What a beautiful city. Find Kaley on the web, or follow her on Instagram.
P.S. A Austrian evening in Red Hook and an imagined Austrian itinerary.
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