I have been fortunate to have visited Vienna on a number of occasions. All of them a day or two when I would have loved to have stayed for many more. It is such a beautiful city and probably one of the most beautiful city centres I have visited in Europe.
The last time I spent a few days visiting I also attended an opera and a ballet at the famous Vienna Opera House https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_State_Opera Oh how utterly spectacular to only be inside this building filled with history and stories of days gone by. I saw the Barber of Seville Opera and then the piece de resistance for the ballet – Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. I actually had a seat in one of the private balcony suites by the orchestra for the ballet. And I have to admit I cried during the performance because it was so unbelievably moving to see such a beautiful work of art so close I could almost touch the dancers.
Sachertorte – one must indulge if in Vienna; and other delicacies of chocolate and special liqueurs abound, try as many as you can!
As per my usual pattern I try to pick a place to stay close to the central core where things are easy to walk to and explore the area. I like to look for places that advertise their food…or a small, unique boutique property. I have had a lot of success thus far in my years of travelling and my lasts few stays in Vienna were no different. My last stay was at a small boutique property close to the central plaza and St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hollman Beletage http://www.hollmann-beletage.at/en a very very cool place. All the rooms are a different design with various open concepts it really is unique.
I had the best breakfast at this place that I have ever had anywhere. Period. And I have stayed at a lot of 5 star and upscale properties. This breakfast was great. Lots of it to choose from, chef cooking to order hot dishes plus everything else you can imagine including fresh fruits, cheeses, preserves, breads, yogurts, muesli, meats…I could go on and on. The presentation is what I loved and I would go back to stay in a heartbeat if only to have that breakfast again! After having a great meal like this to start the day there is really no need to eat anything for many hours.
A few minutes walk is the main plaza and St. Stephens Cathedral https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen%27s_Cathedral,_Vienna I did not take the time to tour inside this cathedral on my visits but I am sure it is spectacular given the track record of European cathedral construction and architecture. Wandering around the exterior of the building displayed numerous examples of that superior gothic architecture that is so easily distinguishable.
The entire old city area is full of cafes and shops and beautiful buildings to browse. Vienna is just a very beautiful city and if you ever get the chance to visit even for a brief time you will not regret it.
Enjoy!