See Vienna the Second Time Around
Repeat Visitors Discover New Delights in Austria's Capital City
There isn't time to discover all Vienna's wonders in a single visit. so second-timers can go to places like KunstHausWien, ride bicycles, shop and play like the Viennese.
Tourists who, on their first trip to Vienna, have seen obligatory sights like the Schoenbrunn Palace and the Rathaus, are in for a treat on their second visit. That’s because Vienna can be even lovelier -- and more fun -- the second time around.
Accommodations
Rather than staying at tourist hotels, savvy second-timers opt for lodgings located in the outer ring and avored by Austrians, such as the Biedermeier Hotel (Landstrasser Pauptstrasse 28). The hotel, like other buildings in its neighborhood, was designed during city’s Biedermeier period in a simplified version of the French Empire style. Outer ring hotels are close to metro and bus stops, but also within reasonable walking distance of the city center. Another option is to stay at the Scandic Crown, the only Vienna hotel that’s located on the Danube River.
Very Special ShoppingInstead of buying cliché souvenirs like Lederhosen, dirndls and loden coats, seek out places like the Dorotheum, Europe's oldest auction house (Dorotheergasse 11). No time attend an auction? Showcases on the second floor contain items -- everything from beaded bags and opera glasses to kichen ware and to porcelain knick-knacks -- that are sold outright.
Explore the business districts in residential neighborhoods for paper souvenirs like placemats and matching napkin, gift wrap, kitchen gadgets and other everyday items with a distinctively Austrian flair. Shop at supermarkets, too, for European cheeses, preserves and other gourmet treats.
A Second Perspective on Museums
Instead of the Vienna’s Museum of Art, with it’s dark portraits in gilded frames, go to KunstHausWien (Vienna Art House; Unter Weisgerberstrasse 13). The building (as well as the tables and chairs in its café) was designed by avant garde artist/architect Fredereich Hundertwasser to house a collection of his works. Seek out the small specialty museums, too, such as the Circus and Clown Museum (2, Karmelitergasse 9) and the Clock Museum (18, Khevenhullerstrasse 2).
Wine Villages
First-time tourists take excursions to wine villages like Grinzing, where restaurants crowd together in rows and buses pack their parking lots. Second-timers seek out the more authentic wine-making areas like Stammersdorf and Dornbach where Vienna residents go to celebrate.
Rent a Bike
Five major cycling routes interconnect so that it's possible to ride from one side of the city to the other. You can also ride along paths in the famous Vienna Woods. Bicycle route maps are available at book sellers and bicycle rental operations throughout the city.
Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Instead of taking taxis, utilize the city’s excellent transport system, which consists of buses, the U-Bahn (subway) and trams. For example, take the U-Bahn's green line from Karlsplatz in the Inner Ring to the Huttledorf station at the end of the route. Then take the #45 tram to the Purkersdorf Sanitorium station. where you'll find yourself in a stress-free environment of scattered cottages, leafy paths and delightfully pure air.
After Dark Entertainment
Any night of the year, musicians perform everything from Bach to Buxtehude at churches such as St. Michael (Michaelerplatz/Kapitelsaal 1), Stephansdom and Votivkirche (9, Rooseveltplatz 43). For jazz, go to Joe Zawinul’s Birdland (Vienna Hilton basement, 1, Franz Josefs Kai 29) named after legendary keyboardist Zawunul’s (1932-2007) best-known composition and the New York City jazz club.
Information Basics
You’ll find free maps with an enlarged diagram of central Vienna as well as network diagrams of the U-Bahn and S-Bahn (commute train) systems at most hotels. Tickets for 24-hour unlimited rides on the public transit system and museum passes are sold at tobacco shops throughout Vienna.
