Vienna looms large in the popular imagination as a European city that's steeped in history and elegance. When you picture the city, you might imagine well-dressed denizens drinking coffee in lavishly decorated cafés, or enjoying an evening at Vienna's world-famous opera. Its reputation for quaint—or even old-fashioned—style is a firm one. Yet the capital of Austria is more diverse and contemporary than you might imagine. Dynamic yet relaxed, the mid-sized city harbors trendy galleries, world-class wineries, a vibrant nightlife scene, and plenty of youthful energy.
Things to Do
If you've never been to Vienna, visiting the main museums and monuments in the Hofburg Palace Complex—including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection—is highly recommended. Also spend a few hours exploring the nearby MuseumsQuartier, where museums like Leopold Museum and Kunsthalle Wien feature masterpieces from the likes of Gustav Klimt. After that, wander through the old-fashioned, grand streets of the city center and then perhaps take a walk along the Danube River. Explore more Viennese sights and attractions with our full-length article on the best things to do in Vienna.
What to Eat and Drink
In the spring, local produce such as fresh asparagus is the star of the show in the city's relaxed bistros and more formal tables. Specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte chocolate cake, and Tafelspitz (boiled beef or veal with applesauce) have seen numerous creative spin-offs and adaptations. The city is also home to one of Europe's most important wine-growing (and tasting) centers. Starting from late spring, it's a beloved tradition to gather in the Heurigen (winery restaurants and outdoor terraces) to taste traditional (primarily white) wines such as Gruner Vetliner and Riesling.
Day Trips From Vienna
Vienna is surrounded by beauty, culture, and history. Close to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, it affords travelers plenty of great getaways with minimum hassle and expense. It's also in close reach of idyllic countryside villages, vineyards with wine-tasting opportunities, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. From the Wachau Valley to Salzburg, these are the best day trips from Vienna.
Your Packing List
Layering is the name of the game in the spring. Make sure to pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothes for chilly, windy, and wet days.
Also bring along a few shirts, skirts, dresses, and linen pants for warm spring days.
Vienna can get quite cool in the evenings, so we also recommend bringing long pants and a lightweight jacket or sweater even in the warmest periods.
Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes and perhaps a small backpack for a day trip to nearby vineyards or castles.
Visitors will find it hard to believe that the ruins of Ayutthaya were the site of a grand city that European visitors compared to Venice or Paris. For 400 years, Ayutthaya was the biggest city in the world, a nexus for regional trade that drew visitors from around the world. That all changed in 1767, when invaders from Burma sacked the city and threw Siam into chaos. Ayutthaya can be explored via a day trip from Bangkok; explore the ruins by bicycle when you arrive, and take in centuries of history at your own pace.
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