When visiting Vienna on a time constrained schedule, it is still possible to explore integral historical and cultural sites in both the arresting old city and beyond.
Vienna is impressive on all accounts. She is a modern metropolis who wears her history on her sleeve. She is a fashionable, bustling city who has managed to maintain her cultural charm. Given a two-day timeframe for sightseeing, there are four attractions -- Naschmarkt, Hofburg, Imperial Treasury and Schloss Schonbrunn -- that can portray the Viennese story.
Naschmarkt
For lunch the first day, head straight to the Naschmarkt, which means snack market. Two isles of outdoor food stalls color a kilometer long stretch, and the available victuals illustrate the ethnic diversity of the city. Middle Eastern vendors sell crispy falafel, spicy kabobs and succulent gyros. Greek stalls offer marinated olives, stuffed tomatoes and grape leaves. Such ethnic cuisine peppers the rows of fresh vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, and local Austrian fare. The Naschmarkt sits just outside the southern portion of the Ringstrasse, which encircles the old city.
Hofburg
Standing amid this colossal complex within the old city, one is surrounded by the Imperial Treasury, National Library, Imperial Apartments, Congress Center, and the vast Museums Quarter that features everything from art, music and culture to natural history, arms and architecture. Also part of the Hofburg are the Spanish Riding School, Butterfly House, Imperial Court Chapel where the Vienna Boys Choir sings, plus outdoor plazas, gardens and parks. Touring any of these landmarks gives an insight into the historical prominence of Vienna.
Imperial Treasury
Within the Hofburg, the Imperial Treasury is a choice destination. Simply stated, it is a dizzying collection of jewels, relics and treasures of the Holy Roman Empire. From dazzling gem encrusted crowns, orbs and scepters to a fantastical unicorn horn and indulgences, the Imperial Treasury is a must see. Hand held audio guides offer an interesting, self paced tour.
Schloss Schonbrunn
Schonbrunn Palace was the summer quarters for the Hapsburg dynasty. The estate is magnificently decorated and offers a glimpse into the lives of the most notable modern rulers, Empress Maria Theresa and her son Emperor Franz Josef II. Schonbrunn Palace is located approximately four miles outside of the city center and is easily accessible by train, specifically the U-4. The individual audio guide provides attention grabbing stories about Schloss Schonbrunn and the family that lived within her walls.
- Maria Theresa ruled Austria from 1740 to 1780. Through her social reforms, such as education requirements for children and taxation of the church and nobility, she brought Austria from a feudal system to a grand state. Through her international diplomacy, she kept the nation out of war. She accomplished all this while bearing sixteen children, among them Marie Antoinette, whom she married off for political gain, as was wise among ruling families of the time.
- Franz Josef ruled from 1848 to 1916, and is known as a reformer, as the last Austrian monarch, and for his rule during World War I. Vienna adopted his wife Elizabeth, called by her nickname Sisi, as a sort of mascot. While she suffered from narcissism, eating disorders and depression, her legendary beauty captured the hearts of her fellow countrymen.
Vienna is the heart of Austria, and is an important destination along the travel loop that includes Salzburg, Hallstatt, and the Danube River Valley.
