TIPS for VIENNA
One of the best parts about Vienna is how easy it is to live in and explore. It doesn’t have a steep learning curve and it is easy to get settled into quickly. Therefore, it doesn’t need the same volume of tips and disclaimers as other cities. That said, here are a few things that will make your stay in a very livable city, all the smoother.
1. Book Opera Tickets Early-The Vienna Opera House is a landmark in the city and in the world of music. Attending seems like the quintessentially Viennese thing to do but you are not the first person to have this thought. The Opera House is widely adored and tickets sell quickly. If this is an important part of your trip to the city, be prepared to book tickets early, as in, it should take precedence right behind your flight and hotel.
2. Sleep inside the Ringstrasse—Vienna has excellent public transit and it is a great resource to have at your disposal. But it is better to not have to rely on it at all. A casual stroll beats a subway ride and if you stay within the Ringstrasse, a lot of the sites and attractions will be within a short walk. The time in transit and the fares both add up so put those resources towards a room with a great location and you will be rewarded. With so much within walking distance and the walks themselves so rich with architectural character and history, you’ll be glad you found a stay in the heart of the city.
3. Time your Day Pass on Public Transit—Vienna offers a transit pass that is good for 24 hours, not just the day it is issued. With a little strategizing, you can lump distant sights Together and do all your far-flung traveling in a single 24 hour period.
4. Translate the Menu at the Wurst Stand—Before you order a hotdog or sausage, run it through the google translate. The variety is greater than at home and the ingredients, more diverse so do some checking before you eat horse.
5. Get Ready for Too Much Schnitzel and Sissi—These two things are inescapable in Vienna, both are everywhere and both are overplayed, Sissi in particular. Somewhere in Vienna’s history began a PR campaign that continues today to turn this self-absorbed empress into a Princess Diana type figure. The problem is that she is as likable as Megan Markel so the act wears thin fast.
6. Try the Drinks—Vienna’s drink menus are the surprising star of Viennese cuisine. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alike are fun departures from the simple lineup of sodas and tea you are probably accustomed to at home. They are varied and interesting, a skosh pricey, but very refreshing and delicious.
As we said before, the best part of Vienna is that it really doesn’t need any disclaimers. It is one of those great, rare, cities where you can just go, start exploring, and feel right at home.