A lifestyle expat travel blog about culture, history, Brexit, the Royal Family, travels around the world, Europe, and being British in Berlin!
So last week, we returned from Vienna.
And what a marvellous time we had!
‘Remember how I told you that Vienna has the most frequently photographed monument in the city – the golden statue of Johann Strauss, has the circus fairground of Parter, the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, and a history to be jealous of.
Well, I wasn’t joking when I told you that Vienna has a precious heritage, charming traditions, imperial architecture, museums, art collections, works of art, the world’s first psycho-analyst – Sigmund Freud, the home of musical geniuses such as Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Brahms and Mahler, as well as the era of the Habsburgs who reigned for more than six (6) centuries!
Oh yes!
Vienna is rich in baroque, historicism, art nouveau, as well as a nod to a world-class cultural complex and a future-oriented design of 60,000 square meters of space for a highly creative cultural scene in the Museums Quartier where we stayed, and in fact, all of the city!
All!
Of!
The
City!
It was a miracle that we had the energy and enthusiasm to do anything else as I spent most of the time, staring at the glorious buildings, with my mouth wide agape.
And it’s not that I’m a novice either.
I’ve travelled the world. I’ve been to many a country with wonders, but I’m of the school of thought that whatever funds a nation has, it should use it to restore it’s buildings, it’s history, it’s music, and it’s culture.
And most of that, you’ll find nowadays, in it’s museums and art galleries!
I like music.
I may be a lifestyle travel blogger today, but none of that stuff ever left.
I still love music.
And art.
And literature.
At first glance, Vienna seems to be all about classical music. And that’s a very good thing!
Did you know that Vienna has:
We couldn’t really take photographs so I only have a photo of the outside!
This apartment on 5, Domgasse 5, is the apartment that Mozart and his family lived in between 1784 – 1787, and where he composed his most famous opera piece – The Marriage of Figaro.
The price includes an audio guide in twelve (12) languages as well as three (3) floors of fascinating information about Mozart’s time and some of his most important work. In fact, the street opposite in its narrow cobbled nature, has hardly changed at all, and you would feel fully engrossed in Vienna of the day!
This museum was impressive, and I absolutely loved it!
Price: Adults: €11.00. Under 19 – €4.50. Students & Concessions such as the Vienna Card – €9.00. Families of 2 adults & up to 3 children – €24.00
In fact, Vienna is the only city in the world where it’s been the home and inspiration of so many composers of international renown!
Whilst in Vienna, we visited the Beethovan Pasqualatihaus. This house was where Beethovan lived and worked for eight (8) years of his life. Some of the pieces he worked on were his 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th symphonies, and most of all, his opera – Fidelio. The house was pretty basic and not as comprehensive as that of Mozart. And moreover, we went on a Sunday where the Beethovan shop, and a possible tour of the building weren’t possible.
However, I found the inner yard to be quite nice and authentic!
Note that Beethovan’s apartment is on the 4th floor with no disability access. However, I found it endearing that normal Viennese people were living and gettng on with their lives in the apartments below, and next door! Note also that the original apartment was actually in the building across!
Price: Adults: €5.00. Under 19 – free of charge! Students & Concessions such as the Vienna Card – €4.00. First Sunday of every month: Free of charge! Guided tours – Free of charge!
A composer of light music, dance music and operettas, he also composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and a ballet! In his lifetime, he was known as The Waltz King, and the reason why waltz became one of the most popular dances in Vienna and throughout Europe!
For more info: go here!
Price: Adults: €5.00. Under 19 – free of charge! Students & Concessions such as the Vienna Card – €4.00. First Sunday of every month: Free of charge! Guided tours – Free of charge!
In fact, one of the musical highlights of the year is the New Year’s Day Vienna Philharmonic Concert, which is organised by the Musikverein, otherwise known as the Vienna Music Association, and hosted in the Golden Hall.
It’s such a huge deal that only the best musicians in the world are invited to perform, and tickets are so hard to get, that the waiting list is three (3) years long.
In order to make it fair and easier for international visitors, tickets for the New Year concerts are drawn by lots, at the beginning of each year!
Not only that, but hotel availability at this time is non-existent.
Thankfully, there is a live world broadcast that is seen by up to 50 million people, in 90 countries! In fact, we watch it too!
Yes, we’ll be in our jammies, with glitter, balloons, and champagne glasses, strewn all over the house, but we never fail to sit down and watch the concert, as it’s actually so much fun!
However, Vienna today is much more than that.
Vienna has traditionally accorded the arts great respect, and over the centuries has never failed to foster creativity, and attract people from all over the world.
Vienna boasts:
Vienna isn’t Berlin. Not for a single second, but you can have your music fix in a variety of places such as cafes, bookshops, wine taverns, at the Summer Night Concert in the Schönbrunn Gardens (a bit like the Proms), and even during the Vienna City Martathon where classical melodies fill the air, so that you can jog and strut your stuff, while running!
Vienna is the world capital of music everywhere.
I really can’t think of anywhere nicer!
I’ve got lots more to say about Vienna, so I’ll tell you all about it next week. If you really can’t wait, there are loads of pictures and funny quips on Twitter!
This article is part – sponsored by the Vienna Tourist Board and I received a press discount from the 25 Hours Hotels, but all opinions and the delightful music that we heard, are my very own! Thanks so much!
In April & May, I’ll be visiting Croatia, Sweden & Finland!
From 07.03.17 – 09.03.17, our friends – the British musical and comedy duo – Carrington Brown – will be performing Germany’s premiere of Carrington-Brown feat. The Swonderful Orchestra: Comedy meets Classics at Tipi!
I’ll be there. Will you?
If you’re not in Berlin in March, where are you?
Watch this space!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond, WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
Please note that there are now affiliate links (for the very first time) connected to this post. Please consider using the links, because every time some sort of accommodation or travel insurance is booked via my links I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Thanks a million!
Lovely! I’ve come close to visiting Vienna twice but didn’t make it..will try again soon..as I have a sponsorship from one of the tourist boards in Vienna.
Vienna looks like a great city, and is world reknown for it’s music! and composers like Mozart! As a classical music lover…I have to visit soon!
Thanks so much Caroline! What a shame that you missed out! ‘Time to put on your gown and whirl to the tune of the music! 😀
A marvelous time indeed!
Thanks so much Heather! Any interest in music at all?
I do! I love music, all genres, as long as it’s good 🙂 Love live music when I can find it.
Me too Heather! Me too! And the best thing about it, is that the best festivals of all are usually free of charge. Both classical & otherwise! 😀
Free is always the best price! 🙂
I’m with you there. People always say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, which is true. But there are free music festivals. All over Europe lol! 😀
hahahaha!!!
😀
OK, if you’re this big a lover of music, you need to get yourself to Nashville—Music City USA, baby! I’d love to give you the music tour of my fair city, spanning bluegrass and gospel, rock and country. A little bit of everything, though we don’t have classical like Vienna 😉
Thanks so much Kristin! I know! Right? It’s crazy. When I read your posts, I sometimes salivate at the good ol’ American variety. Is it any wonder that I married a creative type – my husband – The Music Producer! That man has music coming out of his ears. Did you know that I met him while he was performing on stage? His English was so good that I actually thought he was Danish….!
I love music, it just gives me so much joy to see a live show. But also I tend to listen to music a lot when traveling, it makes a long journey a lot more bearable. I prefer music that cheers me up rather than sad songs😄
Thanks so much Gilda! Me too!
I try to see a live concert at least once a year, amd lots of music festivals or events like the Berlin Music Video Award, Fête de la Musique 2017, Festival of Cultures, Christopher Street Day (Gay Pride), and the Discover New Artist events, in between! 😉 And all completely & utterly free of charge! 😀 We used to have a festival called the Love Parade (Techno) & Berlin Music Week. But sadly, they both got cancelled! Sigh! 🙁
I took a day trip from Bratislava to Vienna on a total whim last summer, without knowing virtually anything about it. I was blown away by how incredibly beautiful, clean and historic the city was! We had no where near enough time to explore, but our brief taste has left me wanting to return for a longer visit one day.
Thanks so much Amy!
Isn’t it awesome? And just so easy. Bratislava to Vienna is just 2 hours away (by train), so if one is on a budget, you could stay in Slovakia and visit Vienna on a day trip instead. ‘So glad that you liked it. It’s such a beautiful city! 😀
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