Your Key To The Delightfully Different Vienna

“Vienna is different” – That’s what the Austrians say about their capital city, but no one truly understands the meaning of the phrase until they have visited this wonderful place for themselves. Known for its glorious past, Vienna a city steeped in tradition has become increasingly modern and recently gained a reputation as a hip and trendy destination.

The Viennese have maintained the best of Baroque Vienna without denying its cutting-edge international influences. Today, this new incarnation seamlessly blends into the old one. At night, traditional cafés turn into stylish bars and fashionable nightclubs. You can see Vienna transforming right before your eyes and the result is astonishing. 

Spring and fall are the perfect seasons for a trip to Vienna as the weather is sunny with temperatures around 20°C/ 68°F.  The parks are green and colourful, and the climate is ideal for sitting at an outdoor café, enjoying a Viennese coffee and world-renowned pastries.

Another popular time to visit Vienna is during the holiday season when the city is festive with several Christmas Markets. Two of the largest markets are in front of the illuminated City Hall and the decorated Schönbrunn Palace. Snow has already fallen by this time of year, draping Vienna in a wondrous white cloak. Christmas time in Austria is magical.

Vienna has long been known for its musical history, but visitors will also find other forms of artistic and cultural performances from theatre, opera and ballet to more innovative artistic productions. Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Brahms all lived in Vienna, and the city’s rich musical heritage is palpable. The lilting melody of a Strauss waltz or the energetic violins of a Mozart symphony can often be heard during a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Though classical music is the bedrock of Viennese musical history, these days electronica, DJ sets and young alternative bands are gaining popularity.  Even if your interest does not lie in classical music, you should not miss the opportunity to attend a performance in one of Vienna’s magnificent concert halls, such as the Musikverein or Konzerthaus. You will not be disappointed by the stunning Vienna Philharmonics Orchestra.  As well, the State Opera House is one of the most lavish concert halls in all of Europe.

My favorite pastime is to explore unusual places and off-the-beaten path locations. There are countless beautiful courtyards hidden behind many opulent facades of Vienna’s town houses and palaces.  Vienna’s first district is home to some of the city’s most attractive courtyards. Just behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the buildings around Blutgasse are among the oldest in the capital.  The entrance to Blutgasse 3 conceals a remarkable 17^th century building with open access balconies.  As you walk through the narrow streets and hidden courtyards, you will soon forget the stress of daily routine.

After visiting this delightful city, you too will come to appreciate the meaning behind the phrase: “Vienna is different.”