I thoroughly enjoyed getting reacquainted with Austria's capital city of Vienna after a 30 year-absence! It is just as I remembered it - a city of imperial grandeur, culture, and timeless elegance. Once the seat of the Holy Roman Emperor and home to the powerful Habsburg dynasty for centuries, Vienna’s imperial past is reflected in its grand palaces, historic landmarks, and charming traditions.
While the Hofburg Palace in Vienna was the official royal residence, every monarch needs a summer home and I enjoyed going back to Schonbrunn Palace, which was built by the Habsburgs to rival Versailles in France. (They didn't quite succeed IMHO, but the resemblance is there.) The palace offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into royal life, complete with stunning gardens and the world’s oldest zoo.
What does a city do with so many abandoned palaces after abolishing its monarchy? Why turn them into museums of course! And Vienna is FULL of interesting museums. Its renowned Museum Quarter houses an incredible collection of art, from classical masterpieces to modern works. Happily, many of the museums are within close walking distance to each other, making it easy to visit multiple museums in a day. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking Gothic spires, dominates the Vienna skyline, which I enjoyed looking down on from the oldest running Ferris wheel in Europe.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Vienna is a dream for coffee lovers. The city’s historic coffee houses, such as Café Central and Café Sacher, are not just places to grab a cup of coffee—they are institutions of culture where writers, philosophers, and musicians have gathered for centuries. If you visit in late November or December, you’ll find Vienna transformed by its enchanting Christmas markets, with twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, and the aroma of spiced punch filling the air. (Which reminds me, we have just 4 rooms left on the 2026 Magic of Advent on the Danube river cruise from Vienna to Nuremburg Dec. 5-11, 2026!)
Music lovers, too, will love Vienna, as it is the city of Mozart. Come hear the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir sing on Sundays, experience a magical Viennese waltz performance, or watch the elegant Lipizzaner horses perform at the Spanish Riding School. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites, sipping coffee in a grand café, or immersing yourself in its rich musical heritage, Vienna offers a truly unforgettable experience. I can't wait to come back at Christmas time in 2026!