“Not my favorite town in Europe,” is probably the easiest way for me to describe Vienna. Don’t get me wrong: It is compact and easy to get around with decent public transit and a cool enough vibe, I suppose. But it also sits at a strange hybrid location in the east meets west world.
Some veggies at a stall in the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famed open-air market.It has many characteristics of being Eastern European from an architecture and city planning perspective while trying very much to be a more modern, Western city to the world today. And it does a relatively mediocre job of both to me.
The lighting at the Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain was spectacular the day we passed by.For similar architecture, grand avenues and fun parks with just a bit more “adventure” to be had I’d take Kiev, though that’s also a bit more difficult a trip.
The formal gardens at the Belvedere Castle are lovelyAnd if you want a modern metropolis then there are several other cities in Europe (or elsewhere) which are likely a better choice.
Still, at the end of the day, there is a certain amount of beauty in the city and in our few days of wandering about we managed to find a lot of it. I even captured a few photos for posterity.
Watching the sun go down while enjoying a pint or three turned out to be my favorite way to spend an early evening in town.I’m not disappointed that we spent time in Vienna. It was a good trip overall and there were some spectacular days and events. We even had a stupendous meal almost by accident. But it isn’t the sort of place I’m inclined to think will be atop any of my “need to go back” lists anytime soon. Maybe that’s because I don’t drink coffee and sitting in a café isn’t my thing. But I really believe there is more to it than just that. So it goes.
More photos from the trip here
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Great pics Seth! I agree with your sentiments about Vienna.
I loved visiting Austria! Thanks for posting, brought back some great memories.
I loved Vienna when I was there last year – it quickly went to the top of my list of European cities. But perhaps the charm of the Christmas markets in the snow swayed my opinion. But it reminded me of Washington, DC – a very walkable city, with lots of neat historical sites to see.