pmcconnell

What are the must sees in Vienna?

ben_haines_london

You will see these on web sites:

good basic info on Vienna: http://www.learnplus.com/guides/vienna

outstanding website with weather forecast, list of private guides, tours, sightseeing, transport from the airport, suggested itinerary, Vienna card, etc: http://info.wien.at/

Vienna, Time out: http://www.timeout.com/vienna/sight/index.html

sightseeing, events, Coffee ABCs: http://www.aboutvienna.org

monthly calendar of events, order tickets, sightseeing, museum hours, visitors with disabilities, learning German, internet cafes, holidays, info for gays and lesbians: http://www.vienna.info

City of Vienna: http://www.magwien.gv.at then click on English at the top of the screen

[email protected]

aibo1

Review the information on the following Vienna website for all you need to know


www.info.wien.at

or/and - review the info on the Fodor site

elaine

Everyone has different interests, and the advice and references given above will help you decide for yourself.

Among my favorites were Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg, Kunsthistoriches Museum, and St Stephan's Cathedral

I have a file on Vienna--if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

MaureenB

If you like horses, you must see the Lippizzaners, at the Hapsburg complex in central Vienna. We loved their 'morning exercise with music' and a tour of the stables. Also toured the royal apartments in that complex and like that.

bob_brown

Well, it depends on what you like.
If you are a music lover, there are opportunities galore. We did an opera marathon at the Volksoper - 4 in 4 days.

If you like art, the Kunsthistorishes Museum is a must. Otherwise, its not.

The Belvedere is attractive to some. It was the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the military commander, and today is a display hall for many works of art.

If the legacy of the Hapsburg Monarchy interests you, then Schönbrunn Palace is an easy place to visit because it is right on the U-bahn line, with a short walk to the entrance.

The same is true of the Hofburg complex.

If you are a military history buff, and battles interest you, the army museum is interesting. Even if you are not, the displays on the Turks and the threat they posed to Austria is worth more detailed learning.

If you are a music lover, the Bosendorfer piano shop might be of interest. The music museum, Das Haus der Music might be of interest.

And some people like the Prado and that big wheel, the Riesenrad. It is something of an amusement park.

So Vienna, like any city, is full of interesting sites and sights. It just depends on what you want and what attracts you.

BTilke

I am in Vienna right now for 11 days. What is a must for you depends on your interests. Of the museums, in addition to the Belvedere and the Kunsthistoriche museums, I would add the Liechtenstein museum. It has been open for less than a year, but is really worth seeing.
If you are a music lover, you are bound to find something that appeals to you. It's not all Mozart and Strauss. Vienna has a very good musical theatre scene. I just got back from a performance of Elisabeth and tomorrow night will be attending a production at the Volksoper of The Sound of Music (the musical had never been staged in Austria until this year).

Michael

The Leopold Collection for 20th century painting and the Hundertwasser Museum for an artist who was as wild as Gaudi in Barcelona; his apartment house is nearby.

moldyhotelsaregross

I'm so glad that you have asked this question! I look forward to following some of the links.

Ozarksbill

Thanks, Ben, for the websites and everyone for ideas. We'll be in Vienna mid-June for a few days after a tour in neighboring countries. I think Hotel Sofitel is not far from St. Stephens?
Elaine, I've been meaning to ask you if you would indeed send files, Vienna but also Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Krackow if you have anything. Thanks!

Bill in Missouri [email protected]

tatersalad

I would recommend a visit to Karl’s Kirk. You can take the lift on the scaffolding into the dome where they are doing restoration on the frescos. I did this about two weeks ago.

Ozarksbill

I had to add this for BTilke now in
Vienna. On pg. 2 in the Springfield, MO, NewsLeader, next to items about the Pope, Hillary as a possible candidate, and Sharon's threats...

"The Nazis are back in Vienna--at least on stage. But this time there's no doubt that they're the bad guys.

The latest look at the country's relationship to Hitler is through the melodic looking glass of The Sound of Music--the first full staging in Austria of a musical beloved the world over but virtually unknown in the nation it portrays.

After years of denial, official Austria has turned in the past two decades from depicting itself as a victim of Adolph Hitler to acknowledge its key role in the Holocaust.

But some Austrians remain sensitive to the country's Nazi past, and Saturday's premiere--in German, with actors dressed as Nazi storm troopers standing guard in the audience, a theater box filled with mock Nazi dignitaries, and a huge swastika banner draped onstage--dredged up painful memories."

Enjoy the show! OB

BTilke

Just got back from the musical. Really enjoyed it. As for the stuff described in the newspaper article, it does happen but it fits in perfectly with the context of the performance.

maggie_f

I was considering taking my family to "Sound of Music" next month: I assume it's all in German ---- did you find that to be a problem? Would a 10 yrs. old enjoy it? Thank you for your input.

aibo1

I must correct the impression of a previous poster regarding the fact that the Sound of Music is "Virtually unknown in the Nation It portrays"Anyone that has been to Salzburg can confirm a huge business surrounds the sites and sounds of the musical.It is very well known.
Although " Schnitzel with Noodles" is not a dish in Austria as the lyrics say and many events are not accurate to the family it still has many fans here.

If Austrians were in denial of past events, the Camp at Mauthausen would have not been maintained as a museum to events and thousands of school children would not have passed through its gates yearly to learn more about these times.
Vienna has numerous memorials, erected years ago, so that these events and times would not be forgotten.
It is very strange that most of those who say these things have never visited the country and think it is the place with kangaroos.

I hate to think what was on Page #1 of
this News Leader if the Pope, Hilary, the Middle Easttroubles, and this big news about the "Sound of Music" were confined to Page #2.

Lets keep to travel discussions here.

Nike

You don't get to mount a defense of the Austrians and THEN say 'let's keep to travel discussions.'
It's good to hear that Austria has maintained memorials to remember what happened during WWII. Unlike Paris and Prague, for two examples, many Viennese were lining the streets, cheering, when Hitler's troops marched in.

aibo1

Message: Nike- I did not start the discussion - but must answer disinformation placed on this subject.

Were you in these streets to see this cheering? Read your history and learn a little more about those turbulent times of those years and the reasons behind it. You have never heard of " Red Vienna" !