Berlin, the capital of Germany, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. This city is so unique because of the deep history. The fall of the Berlin wall was in 1989, this means that many parts of Berlin have been restored very recently unlike other parts of Europe. There are also many canals you can travel through in Berlin, so feel free to take a boat tour if the weather is nice. Although, the weather will most likely be cold since it is North and close to many parts of Eastern Europe. In addition, Berlin is very hip, there are many vegans and young people who have seemingly taken over the culture there.

Sights & Attractions of Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most notable attractions in Berlin. It was built on the site of a gate to the city and now stands as a symbol of freedom. The Brandenburg Gate is also the site of many protests and political events because of its symbolism. Make sure you keep this in mind when you decide to visit the Brandenburg Gate.

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag is probably the most historically significant building in Berlin. It used to be home to meetings for the leaders of the German Empire. Now, after restoration soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag serves at the German Parliament Building. It has an extremely unique glass dome which you can visit for a 360-degree view of Berlin. Although, tickets are in high demand so make sure you book in advance. The tickets are free but it is strongly recommended that you register online here. More information about the Reichstag Building is available here.

Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery Memorial

The Berlin Wall is one of the most well-known attractions in Germany. The first wall was erected by East Berlin in 1961 to separate themselves from the liberal, West Berlin. There was a huge no man’s land between the walls where guards watched over on towers to shoot anyone who tries to cross. In Berlin, there are two parts of the Berlin Wall that still stand and I highly recommend visiting. The first is the Berlin Wall Memorial, where there is an outdoor exhibition for the history behind the wall and also a museum you could visit. Second, there is another section called the East Side Gallery. This part is more famous and there are many more tourists because of the beautiful murals. Painted in 1990, this over 4,000-foot section of wall was completed by over 100 artists. Unlike the Lennon Wall in Prague, there have been no new pieces added since first painted in 1990.

Museum Island

On the island where the city of Berlin was born, Spree Island is now home to 5 museums and the Berlin Cathedral. There is the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, and Old Museum. All of the museums can be visited for one ticket for one day for 18 euros. The New Museum and the Pergamon can be visited with a single ticket for one day for 12 euros while the other three may be visited for 10 euros. If you have other plans for later in the day and aren’t super interested in the museums, I recommend the Pergamon and New Museum ticket. The Pergamon has one of the most unique collections I’ve ever seen including beautiful Egyptian, Islamic, and Middle Eastern art. One of the coolest pieces is one of the eight gates into the ancient city of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate. The New Museum also has many Egyptian pieces. Since I had never been to museums that displayed so much Egyptian and Middle Eastern art, I chose to visit these museums. The Bode Museum has a large collection of sculptures and old Byzantine artifacts. The Altes Museum contains pieces from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Finally, the National Gallery has many sculptures and paintings by renowned German artists.

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral is also on Museum Island and is an amazing place to visit. The cathedral was restored in 1993, so it still has the beauty of when it was constructed in 1905. Tickets cost 7 euros which include a visit to the walkway around the dome, giving you a panoramic view of Berlin. The ticket also includes a visit to the crypt, where many members of the German royal family are buried.

Alexanderplatz & Berlin Television Tower

I believe that the Berlin Television Tower has the best view of Berlin. It is in the middle of Alexanderplatz, a wonderful area to hang out in if it is nice out. Tickets to visit the Berlin Television Tower are 16.50 euros and 9.50 euros for children (4 – 14 years old). Make sure to buy tickets online before your visit so you can book your time slot. One of the best ways to visit the Berlin TV Tower is to eat up there. They have a large breakfast buffet from 9 – 11:30 am every first Sunday of the month. I had dinner up here one night, the reservations cost 22.50 euros just by themselves, but the food is reasonably priced because of that reservation fee. It was one of the best and obviously most unique meals I had in Berlin.

Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe is a must see site in Berlin. Construction on the memorial finished in the Winter of 2004. There is also an exhibition on the East of the Memorial. I highly recommend the free exhibition but be prepared for around a 30-minute line outside. There are many different interpretations of the memorial. I believe the most interesting one highlights the contrast between the tall gray stones and the blue sky. You walk through and can still see over the stones, over to the other side. Then as you continue, you lose sight of the end and begin to see less and less of the hopeful blue sky. It’s supposed to put some perspective on those victims of the Holocaust.

Topography of Terror

If you’re interested in anything related to World War II and the Holocaust, then the Topography of Terror will be the best museum you’ve ever visited. I believe that being educated on the Holocaust is essential, so I highly recommend the museum. The Topography of Terror is housed on the foundation of the former Gestapo Headquarters and construction for the museum was finished in 2010. Admission to the Topography of Terror is free, take advantage of this opportunity. There are also many free exhibitions outside of the museum highlighting some of the architectural elements that were found when they excavated the former Gestapo Headquarters. The museum itself tells many different stories of the Holocaust, with permanent exhibitions about the timeline of the Holocaust, the actions of the Gestapo, and history of the site of the Topography of Terror.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is a large tourist site, especially for Americans. There are many touristy shops around and you can even take pictures with Cold War-era “American Soldiers”. Checkpoint Charlie used to be the crossing point from Soviet-controlled East Germany to the Allied

3 Day Itinerary for Berlin

Day 1 in Berlin: Victory Column, Bellevue Palace, Reichstag Building, & Brandenburg Gate

I always like day 1 to be a day of exploring the city and looking at some of the most famous sites. This route will take you through the beauty and rich history of Berlin. Make sure you eat a larger breakfast at your hotel/Airbnb before today. I also recommend bringing lunch to eat, if possible. First, take the bus over to admire the beautiful Victory Column. You can take a trip up to the observatory if it’s not too busy. Afterward, walk north towards the Spree River. Right before the bridge, you will find the Bellevue Palace. For us Americans, this is basically the white house for the German President, which makes it cool to see. Afterward, walk through the beautiful large park named Grober Tiergarten. On the other side of this park are multiple German Parliament buildings including the Reichstag Building. You can eat your lunch in front of the Reichstag before the entry time for your tickets. Once finished, you can visit the infamous Brandenburg Gate. Make sure to explore the surrounding areas, grab a drink, and find a restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 in Berlin: Memorial to Murdered Jews, Topography of Terror, (Checkpoint Charlie), & Berlin TV Tower

When I was in Berlin, I liked doing everything that related to the Holocaust in the same day. I chose to pair the Memorial to Murdered Jews and Topography of Terror together. The first stop will be the Memorial to Murdered Jews and the exhibition they offer in the morning. From here, you can walk to the Topography of Terror. Depending on how much time you spent at the Memorial to Murdered Jews, you may want to grab lunch in between these spots. Once finished with the Topography of Terror, you can walk to Checkpoint Charlie if you would like to check it out. Before wrapping up your day, go to the Berlin TV Tower to catch a sunset or dinner there if you would like. If you’re not getting dinner there, there’s plenty of good options in the area surrounding Alexanderplatz.

Day 3 in Berlin: Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery

Both the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery aren’t very close to other sights, so you will be taking the train a lot this day. The first stop in the morning is to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. You could most likely walk here depending on where you are staying, but it is easier to take the U8 towards Wittenau and get off at Bernauer Strabe (Berlin Wall Memorial Stop). Walk around and read all of the outside exhibitions, then visit the museum across the street if you would like. Take the train back to central Berlin to museum island. Visit the Pergamon Museum and New Museum if you want, then go to the Berlin Cathedral next door. Explore the cathedral then traverse up the steps to the 360-degree view. Get lunch after visiting the Berlin Cathedral. Before sunset, make sure to take the trip out to the East Side Gallery. To visit, you will have to take the 300 bus South along the river to Tamara-Danz then walk a couple of minutes to the East Side Gallery. You can get dinner in this area or return the area around your rental for dinner.

Where to Eat in Berlin

For Quick Food: Curry 61

When you go to Berlin, you will find out that one of the greatest things ever invented is currywurst. It is a steamed then fried pork sausage, which is then covered with curry ketchup and this amazing curry seasoning. It is usually served with fries which are also topped with the curry seasoning. After getting off my train from the airport, this was my first meal and it was the best decision I made during my stay in Berlin.

Madami 2 – Mom’s Vietnamese Kitchen

Berlin has a large amount of Asian restaurants which are all extremely good. I went to Madami 2 in Mitte and was very impressed with their food/service. Although, it was very busy on a weekend night in the offseason, so make sure you make reservations in advance.

For a Special Experience: Berlin TV Tower

When I wanted to get tickets to the Berlin TV Tower, it was unfortunately sold out, but I was able to make reservations at the restaurant. The food is fairly priced because of the reservation fee but it will feel very high end. I recommend doing brunch/breakfast here if possible instead of dinner if you’re on a budget.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Above is a detailed map of the districts of Berlin. The central area you should stay in is Mitte. There are many different types of lodging in Berlin, but I found hotels to be the best for my budget. The hotel I booked was Hotel Hackescher Markt, near a central train station, the Berlin TV Tower and Museum Island. Here is a link to their website to book.

Transportation: How to Get Around Berlin

As you can see above, Berlin has an amazing public transport system. You should take advantage of the metro, bus lines, and tram lines that frequently run through Berlin. Tickets will usually cost 1.90 euro one way if you are not traveling outside of your zone (which you most likely won’t need during your stay). If you plan on using the train often in one day, there are day passes available as well. More information about Berlin transportation found here.

Currency in Berlin

Berlin uses the Euro and will be about slightly higher than average for tourist activities and dinner. A meal for two will most likely cost around 40 euros or $44 USD.

The post Sights & Attractions – Your All-Inclusive Insider Guide to Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Sights & Attractions of Brussels

Grand Place

The Grand Place is the most visited place in Brussels and is a bustling central square. All around are people taking pictures, sitting on the curb eating ice cream, or tour groups hustling to their next location. The main building insight is the Town Hall (seen on the left in the picture above). The other buildings are houses of various professions (guilds) and the former house of the king of France. As you can see, the square is beautifully lit up at night, and there are a lot fewer people out. I recommend visiting both nighttime and daytime. You will also find yourself walking through this square multiple times to get to other sights/attractions in Brussels.

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert reminded me a lot of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. It is full of shops and restaurants you could never afford, but is amazing to walk through. Like I said about the Grand Place, it is usually nicer to walk through here at night so you can admire the beauty of the mall. The entrance is close to the Grand Place and will seem like you’re walking through a system of tunnels, which makes it even cooler to walk through.

Atomium

Atomium is one of the most interesting buildings I have ever seen. It was created for the celebration of the 1958 World Fair in Belgium, to show off the technical feats of Belgium. There are nine spheres in total, which all depict different exhibits as part of a museum. The links between the spheres are escalators to take you between them. You can buy tickets to visit the Atomium online, and if you’re planning to visit Brussels, then I strongly suggest you do it in advance. Tickets are available here. An adult ticket will cost 16 euros. You will need to take the train or tram to Atomium. Take tram line 7 or train line 6 to the last stop called Heysel. It will be a short walk from this station. Expect a longer wait time with little to no places to sit while in line, but it is all worth it. The ticket includes the entire museum as well as a panoramic view at the top. The museum has a lot of information so feel free to take your time.

Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

Manneken Pis is one of the most notable symbols of Brussels. The statue is simply a little boy urinating into a pool of water. The replica statue is a short walk away from the Grand Place, but the original is kept in the Brussels City Museum which dates back to 1619. The fountain was used to distribute drinking water for one location in the city. Sometimes the statue is dressed up in various costumes for certain events. There will be a lot of people in the area trying to catch a look at the infamous fountain, but it is easy to take a quick look and continue walking. Another lesser-known statue is called the Jeanneke Pis. This statue is much smaller but depicts a little girl urinating into a fountain, it was made to make fun of/replicate the Manneken Pis. On a side note, the alley (Fidelity Alley) that Jeanneke Pis is located in has some fun bars to wander into if you’d like.

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels houses the royal family of Belgium, which is the family of current King Philippe. The Palace is in front of Brussels Park, which is a lovely park to walk through on a nice day anyway. It is a cool note to realize that the front of the palace is 50% longer than the infamous Buckingham Palace. If you are visiting between July 23rd and August 25th, you will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace of Brussels for free. It will be open every day from 10:30 am – 3:45 pm, but these dates/times are tentative to change. Make sure to check this Brussels travel website for updates about visiting the Royal Palace of Brussels.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

This park was created in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian Independence, then the grand arc was finished in 1905. This area has two museums in it, the Royal Military Museum (on the left), and the Art & History Museum as well as an AutoWorld Vintage Car Museum (on the right). This park is a lovely place to visit and walk around. There is usually a Belgian Waffle truck in the park if you needed a snack.

National Basilica of Sacred Heart in Koekelberg

Also known as the Koekelberg Basilica, I believe that this church is one of the most underrated places I have ever been to. there were barely any tourists, but the church was immaculate. Construction began in 1905 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. Construction was completed 64 years later due to the world wars halting construction. Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels is one of the 10 largest Catholic churches in the world. The entrance fee is only 6 euros and that includes the panoramic view. There is also a small museum about Koekelberg and the history behind its construction. You can find more information about admission to the Koekelberg in Brussels on their website here.

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is probably the most visited church in Brussels. It has grand steps leading up to the doors of the cathedral. The entrance is free and you can visit the archaeological site underneath the church for 1 euro. You could also see the treasury for 2 euros. Then you could book a timeslot to visit the Romanesque crypt and towers by email. More information about those can be found here. Hours are from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays, 8 am – 3:30 pm on Saturdays and 8 am – 2 pm on Sundays.

3 – Day Itinerary for Brussels

Day 1 in Brussels: Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula, Grand Place, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

Your first day in Brussels will be a perfect day to walk around and explore the wonderful sights in the center of the city. In the morning, visit the Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula, but if you’d like to do the towers or Romanesque crypt then make sure you book in advance. Then take a short walk to the beautiful Grand Place, you can visit the museums here if you’d like. Afterward, go over to admire the unique statues of Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis while stopping at some chocolate shops on the way. Stop in one of the local bars near Jeanneke Pis for a drink before dinner. Grab dinner nearby before you take your nighttime stroll through the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert on the walk back to your hotel or BNB.

Day 2 in Brussels: National Basilica of Sacred Heart in Koekelberg & Atomium

If attractions are further away, then I like to do them in the same day. In Brussels, both the National Basilica of Sacred Heart (Koekelberg) and the Atomium are in the same general direction. You will spend a decent amount of time at each one of these places and transportation will also take a decent amount of time. I recommend doing the Koekelberg before going to the Atomium. Make sure to walk through the picturesque park that leads up to the Koekelberg. I also recommend getting food in between the Koekelberg and the Atomium, because there is not too much for food in the area around the Atomium. At the end of the day, you can return to the Grand Place for dessert and sit in the square.

Day 3 in Brussels: Parc du Cinquantenaire, & Royal Palace of Brussels

This final day in Brussels is a pretty loose schedule in case there is anything I didn’t list here that you’d be interested in seeing. You will have to take the train to the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Stroll through the park before reaching the arch and you can visit one of the two museums located here. Once finished, you can take the train back towards the center of town to the Royal Palace of Brussels. Here, there is another beautiful park you can walk through before reaching the palace. If it is the Summer, you may want to try to visit the palace in the morning since it would be open to the public. After you visit the Royal Palace, make sure you walk up the street to the Law Courts of Brussels. If you look to your right, you will find a great view of the city.

Where to Eat in Brussels

Amadeo: All You Can Eat Spare Ribs

If you want meat, beer, a friendly staff, and excellent value for money then Amadeo is your place to eat in Brussels. It is very close to Grand Place but can often be busy on weekends. Although, the inside of the place is large and has many tables so the wait usually isn’t long. This is a must stop restaurant if you are starving for dinner.

BAOGO: Bao Bun Sandwiches

Before going here, I had never heard of a Bao Bun Burger or a Bao Bun Fried Chicken Sandwich, but I can tell you that these are amazing. If you’re in the center of Brussels, BAOGO is very close and will provide a great meal if you want to try this delicacy. The sandwiches also come with a great portion of delicious french fries. There are also rice bowls available here if you’re not so into the bao bun idea.

Ballekes

If you’re looking for quick “Belgian” fare, then Ballekes is the place to go. They have house made brews, meatballs and french fries. The meatballs come in a large variety of delicious sauces and are huge. It has a nice balcony on their top floor you can sit if you’d like to stay away from the chaotic ground level.

Noodle Bar of Brussels

Noodle Bar of Brussels was my first stop here and it was a good choice for some easy Thai food. It is very affordable and very nice to have a bowl of warm noodles if it’s a cold day outside. It is easy to get in and out to continue with the rest of your tourist activities for the day.

Where to Stay in Brussels

Here I attached a map with a highlighted area of the best places to stay in Brussels. For the location/price, a hotel was the best option for my 2-night stay. The best places will likely be near the train stations like Bruxelles Central so it is easy to get to and from the city. It only cost me $176 for the weekend for two to stay in a 4-star hotel in Brussels.

Transportation: How to Get Around Brussels

Here is a map of the public transportation routes around Brussels. There are obviously lots of routes that include buses, trams, and subway trains. You can get downtown using a train from Brussels Charleroi or Brussels Main Airport. One way tickets cost 8.60 euros on weekdays, 14.80 euros on weekends. You can buy tickets for public transportation at any of the major train stations. A one hour ticket costs 2.10 euros and a 24-hour ticket costs 7.50 euros. More information about the Brussels transportation system can be found here.

Currency in Brussels

Brussels uses the Euro and will be about average for tourist activities and dinner. A typical dinner for two will most likely cost around 35 euros or $40 USD.

The post Sights & Attractions – Your All-Inclusive Insider Guide to Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Vienna is one of the most famous cities in Europe and the 6th largest in the European Union. This city is large and known for its deep history. It is located in the Eastern part of Austria. The city has lots of money hidden in its roots of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, thus many grand palaces, churches, and public areas. Since it is in Eastern Europe, it can get extremely cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The city is an economic powerhouse and UNESCO is concerned about the construction of high rises around the city center. This itself tells you a tale of the balance of old/new when you visit. Vienna is more expensive than its other Eastern European counterparts (Budapest & Prague), but still not as expensive as places like London and Paris. I would recommend staying around 2-3 days at most here, unless you are really into the history of the royal families, palaces, etc.

Sights & Attractions of Vienna, Austria

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is in the middle of the city. The Romanesque and Gothic architecture together molds a beautiful church. Construction was completed in 1160, nearly 900 years ago. The paneling on the roof is covered by 230,000 uniquely colored tiles. Inside, the grandiosity of the columns and high ceiling matches that of the Milan Duomo. Saint Stephen’s in Vienna is one of the most groundbreaking cathedrals of Eastern Europe. You can enter the cathedral for FREE, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Then you could buy a ticket to the Catacombs, North Tower, or South Tower for 6.50 euro each, separate tickets. You can also buy an all inclusive ticket for all of these for 16.90 euro. Trying to decide between the North and South Tower? The South Tower is taller, yet you walk up the stairs which bring you to the gift shop (343 total steps). The North tower is not as high, but there is an elevator up to the top and you go outside for the views of Vienna. Due to this reason, many people say they like the North tower more, but do whatever you please.

Schonbrunn Palace

As I mentioned earlier, Vienna is known for its old money, this palace was the summer home for many Habsburg rulers. Most of the recent history shown here is about Franz Joseph, the longest-reigning Austrian emperor. Now, Schonbrunn is operated by the country and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will want to plan to stay here for around 3-4 hours. To get to Schonbrunn Palace, you will want to take public transportation to Shonbrunn station, there is a bus, subway, and tram all going here. Use Google Maps to see which works best for your location. All tickets come with an audio guide, which is especially helpful since each room inside has an immense history. My basic ticket (Imperial Tour) will now cost you 18 euro and the audio guide will help you through 22 rooms. I didn’t buy the higher-priced tickets because I wasn’t too interested in the history but if you are, I’d recommend going through all 40 rooms for 22 euro. More info about the tickets available here. Once you exit the Palace, wander around the grounds for a while, there are plenty of things to see. These people were so rich they had countless statues, multiple fountains, a zoo, and a massive gloriette. Here is a map to the Palace Grounds. The Schonbrunn Zoo is included on these grounds if you have the ticket for it. Gloriette, which is a giant arch, is directly up the hill behind the Palace. Inside there is a cafe which is a perfect rest stop to get out of the cold and share a cake and some coffee. On the way to Gloriette is Neptune Fountain, walk up the hill directly behind the fountain for a picturesque view. Then I’d also recommend seeing the Roman Ruin and Obelisk Fountain on your way out of the Schonbrunn Palace Grounds.

Belvedere Palace

Another result of the Hapsburg’s money, the Belvedere palace was completed in 1723. It is a beautiful building with a few attractions but not as many as the Schonbrunn. The Belvedere has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get here, you want to take the D Tram line to Shloss Belvedere (which leads you to upper Belvedere). Inside there is a museum in the upper and lower levels. The Upper level highlights pieces by Monet, van Gogh, Klimt, Schiele, and Funke, and is pictured here. The lower level contains treasures and history of the families who have lived in the palace. The Upper Belvedere will cost 16 euro and the lower level will cost 14 euro. Outside the palace, you can explore the grounds. Here is a map of the area surrounding the Belvedere. a garden which is free to enter and wander around in, (to the right of the Upper Palace in the picture above). Once you walk down to Lower Belvedere, you will find a main street with a tram stop to find your way to your next destination.

Vienna Opera House

Considered one of the greatest Opera Houses in the World, the Vienna State Opera was opened in 1869. I strongly recommended a guided tour at the price of 9 euro, you will be taken around the entire Opera House. They will show you some of the executive rooms, function halls, and bring you next to the construction of the stage for whatever show is going on that night. You also might not believe this, but there is an opportunity to see an Opera at the Vienna Opera House for as little as three euro. These tickets are standing room only and you will have bars to lean on in front of you. I recommend to get into line for Cheap Tickets at the Vienna Opera House around 2 hours before the show, the tickets will begin to sell an hour and 20 minutes before the show. The line starts at the WEST Entrance, it is hard to miss and it will start inside so do not worry too much about the cold. Make sure you dress nicely, but it doesn’t have to be formal. Nice jeans are fine, as long as there are no holes or rips, they WILL point them out and kick you out of the line. Make sure you bring cash to pay for your tickets, you cannot pay with a card. Once you get your tickets, go straight to your seating area so you can get the best seats, and use a coat/scarf to tie around the pole and save your spot.

Hundertwasserhaus

Now, Hundertwasserhaus is one of the most visited attractions in Vienna. It is an apartment complex with an extremely unique and intricate design by Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Hundertwasserhaus was opened in 1986 and amazes everyone who visits. The best way to get here is through the Line 1 Tram to Wien Hetzgasse, then walk a few minutes. Once there, admire the building and many unique structures around. There is an entrance to a mall area with lots of fun little shops, consistent with the design of the Hundertwassenhaus. Before leaving this area, I recommend to continue your walk and stroll past the Museum Hundertwasser, a museum dedicated to the artist, has a similar design and is less known, but just as amazing. Take a walk along the

Karlskirche

Close to the Vienna Opera House and Naschmarkt, the Karlskirche is a beautiful picturesque Baroque church. Constructed in 1737, this building is considered one of the most beautiful in Vienna. You can visit inside for 8 euro which comes with a ticket to the elevator inside. More information on tickets available here. Unfortunately, the design of the interior is tarnished by the scaffolding for the elevator. Though, it is still well worth the visit. Due to the small amount of space on the elevator and scaffolding, there are only a few people allowed up to the top at once. So spend some time looking around inside while keeping an eye out on the line for the elevator, so you don’t have to wait in line most of the time you’re inside. You get to walk around in the rafters of the church and take a peek outside the large glass window in the center of the dome, to view the skyline of Vienna from Karlskirche.

Naschmarkt

The most popular open air market in Vienna, Naschmarkt is a beautiful space to walk around an take a look at some local shops and restaurants. Naschmarkt is located near the Karlskirche and the Vienna State Opera House. There are a few touristy places here though, since it can be a hotspot. It’s not very big but great if you want to grab a quick bite to eat or buy some local produce/goods. The website is a little outdated but you can find out more information about the Naschmarkt here.

Austrian National Library

As part of the extensive Hofburg Palace in the Vienna City Centre, the Austrian National Library is one part of the Hofburg that I strongly recommend you see. The hall, that you purchase entrance for, is relatively small but it is grand. The grandeur of The Hall in the Austrian National Library is equivalent to a historic Baroque church. Tickets to this hall will cost 8 euro, there are other areas of the library to explore, but this is the part I recommend. The hall also has many old transcripts and interactive boards to learn about the large history behind the library. More information about tickets and the rest of the library can be found here.

MuseumsQuartier

If you’re into museums, the Museumsquartier has everything to offer in Vienna. Most of the museums in this area were created in a Baroque style and cost millions to construct, which results in museums that are architectural masterpieces both inside and outside. If you’re interested in art, you’ll find the Mumok and Leopold Museum here. The Mumok in Vienna contains modern and contemporary artworks by artists such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. The Leopold Museum is more about Austrian art, which contains pieces by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Both of these museums were opened in 2001 in an effort to explore art in Vienna. On the other side of the Museumsquartier, you will find a beautiful square which contains the Natural History Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. These Museums have been around for longer, and thus tend to be much better organized and are much grander. When I was talking about amazing Baroque Museums earlier, these two buildings in Vienna are the highlight of Baroque Architecture. The Natural History Museum of Vienna will cost 12 euro, while the Museum of Fine Arts will cost 16 euro. The Museum of Fine Arts contains a lot of the pieces owned by the infamous Habsburg family. More information about the Mumok Museum & Tickets in Vienna. More information about the Leopold Museum & Tickets in Vienna. More information about the Natural History Museum & Tickets in Vienna. More information about the Museum of Fine Arts & Tickets in Vienna.

3 Day Itinerary for Vienna

Day 1 in Vienna: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, & Museumsquartier

When you’re in a city like Vienna you want to explore the city centre and discover what it has to offer. Go inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral and admire its architecture. Go up one of the spires in the Cathedral to take in views of the city that you are about to spend a couple more days in. Talk a walk around the rest of the Hofburg Palace, pass by the many monuments and Spanish Riding School. Visit the Austrian National Library in Vienna. Afterwards, grab some lunch nearby before visiting the Museumsquartier. Decide on one or two museums to visit before dinner, I recommend the Natural Science Museum of Vienna or the Fine Arts Museum.

Day 2 in Vienna: Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, & Karlskirche

The second day will be a lot of walking and traveling so rest well after your first night in Vienna. Get up early and take the train to Schonbrunn Palace. Take your time admiring the inside before venturing outside and wandering around the grounds. Afterward, take the train to Belvedere Palace to admire more grand grounds. If this ends up around lunchtime for you (you will most likely spend a lot of time in and around the Schonbrunn), then grab a bite near the train station at Wien Hauptbahnhof. If you wander a little south of the train station, there are many hotels in the area with decent restaurants. Afterward, walk towards Belvedere and admire the colorful houses across the street from you before reaching the Belvedere Palace. Walk around the grounds until you reach Lower Belvedere, from here you will take the tram towards Karlskirche. Walk around inside the church and admire the view from the scaffolding on top of the church.

Day 3 in Vienna: Hundertwasserhaus, Naschmarkt, & Vienna Opera House

Earlier in the morning, take the tram over to Hundertwasserhaus. Wander inside the small shopping area and admire the unique architecture. Walk by the river and Hundertwasser Museum on your way back into the city center. Take the tram back towards Naschmarkt to get a bite to eat. Walk around the market afterward then walk over to the Vienna Opera House for your scheduled guided tour. Enjoy your tour and get an early dinner before you return for a show at the Vienna Opera House. Get in line two hours before the show to get your discounted tickets at the Opera. This will be a perfect way to close out your 3-day stay in Vienna.

Where to Eat in Vienna

Infamous Sacher Torte:
Cafe Sacher

Cafe Central:
Apple Strudel

Cafe Sacher & Cafe Central in Vienna

Both of these cafes are famous in Vienna and are very touristy, expect long waits at times. Everything is famous for a reason. You will spend more money than you ever thought for a slice of chocolate cake, or apple strudel, but they are part of the experience. Both have an immense history behind them. Cafe Sacher, home of the original Sacher torte, has many famous visitors every year. In the guest book, you can find signatures ranging from Justin Bieber to Queen Elizabeth and John F. Kennedy. But what is a Sacher Torte? It is a dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam before the hard, dark chocolate icing. It’s fair to say that Sacher Torte is probably the best damn chocolate cake you’ll have in your life. Moreover, Cafe Central in Vienna has more relevance to historical figures. Cafe Central used to be a meeting spot for high ranking officials during the World Wars including Adolf Hitler and Leon Trotsky. Other famous Austrians such as the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, also used to frequent Cafe Central.

Figlmuller: Original Viennese Veal Schnitzel

Like I said earlier, Vienna is old money, with old money comes lots of tradition. After the old money cafes, wiener schnitzel comes in for dinner. That original Vienna wiener schnitzel is made of veal, make sure you at least try it, even if you don’t like veal. Figlmuller serves this original schnitzel as well as their own original Figlmuller Schnitzel, the first ever pork schnitzel. The wait for dinnertime will be long, so I’d recommend getting there for an early dinner if possible (I had around a 30 minute wait outside in a line). You will spend a decent amount of money for what seems like just a fried meat, but the portion size will amaze you once your plate comes around, so make sure you build up an appetite before going to Figlmuller. Menu and more info for Figlmuller, home of the schnitzel, is found here.

1516 Brewing Company: A Must Try Brewery

1516 Brewing Company is all you can expect from a brewery near the city center of Vienna. There is a bustling crowd, great beer, and even better bar food. It’s a good place to sit down and eat or just grab a drink if you’d like. If you’re looking to stray away from you feeling like high-end royalty in these old classy restaurants, then 1516 Brewing Company is the answer. Menu and more info for 1516 Brewing Company in Vienna found here.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Above is a map of the main districts in Vienna. The most convenient place to stay is in District 1 (Inner Stadt). This is where St. Stephens Cathedral is located and there are many pedestrian streets. Other areas I’d recommend are the districts to the West since that is the direction most of the attractions are in. For example Districts 4 – 7. For my stay, I stayed in an Airbnb in District 1 for relatively cheap in Vienna. Here is a link to that Airbnb.

Transportation: How to Get Around Vienna

Above is a map of the transportation system in Vienna. As you may notice, public transportation is very accessible. There will be lots of trains/trams arriving consistently at each stop. This is very helpful considering that many of the attractions in Vienna may not be within walking distance of each other. There are many options for payment in Vienna public transport. It is based on an honor system, so you hop on and hop off without being challenged, but there is a good chance you get a ticket since Vienna employs people to ride the trains and watch out for those people. A single ticket will cost 2.40 euros, so if you believe you will be riding the train a lot then buy one of the extended passes. Personally, I bought the 48-hour pass, which cost 14.10 euros and lasted me most of my stay for the transport I used. You could also buy the Vienna Card if you’d like, but most of the time these Card Services are a scam if you aren’t going to use at least a few of the services through the Card. More info about the Vienna Metro here.

Currency for Vienna

Vienna uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at around $1.10 USD for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. Which might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal. Vienna will be more expensive than other destinations, so keep this in mind while booking your accommodations.

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