Vienna: What a Weekend in Austria’s Capital Could Look Like

A weekend in Vienna can turn into a unique adventure, especially if it’s your first time exploring this historic city. Our experiences were filled with surprises, amazing places, and Viennese specialties that we just have to share.

The First Night in the City and the Nightlife

Our exploration of Vienna began right after we arrived in the evening. First, we went to grab a bite at the local McDonald’s (it was my very first experience there), where we all got something to our liking. Being the type of guy who needs meat, I chose something that logically had meat and bacon – probably a double bacon, I’m not quite sure. After that, we decided to hit up a local club recommended by the locals. We hopped on the metro and enjoyed the ride. We got a little lost when an unknown elevator took us straight from the street to an overpass. We heard music, so we followed the sound, but the club was empty (it was probably fate telling us, “Nope, go look at the sights, you bunch of fools”) – just the DJ and the staff. Maybe we arrived too early (around 11 PM), so we gave up and headed back to the apartment to recharge for the next day’s sightseeing – we had a lot to see.

Reakfast and Stroll to Schönbrunnu

We started the morning with a quick stop at the Lidl near our accommodation on Hütteldorfer Straße. After a light breakfast, we headed towards the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This former summer residence of the Habsburgs is famous not only for its gardens but also for the majestic statues at the gates. Schönbrunn is an iconic landmark of Vienna, and a trip to this city wouldn’t be complete without visiting the palace. Before entering, we were greeted by statues that looked like lions with female heads.

Markets at Kettenbrückengasse

Our next stop was the market near the metro station on the green line, Kettenbrückengasse. The historic buildings with colorful facades reminded us of the streets of Copenhagen. At the market, we found various handmade goods, from wooden souvenirs to silver jewelry and even knight armor! The market was full of life, and the atmosphere was simply unique. The best part was that we could haggle with the vendors. That was the most fun for us. We ended up here completely by chance; we were heading somewhere else, looking for something different from the markets. Where to?

Experience at the Vienna Aquarium – Haus des Meeres

The Vienna Aquarium and mini zoo, Haus des Meeres, was another highlight of our day. But before that, we refreshed ourselves at the French café/restaurant Le Café Pierre. This tall glass building offers a view of fascinating underwater and exotic species – from colorful fish and glowing jellyfish to parrots and monkeys. At the top of the building, there’s a café with a 360-degree view of the city, where we took some photos for memories. Be careful with the entrance fee, as the student discount ticket doesn’t apply on weekends. You’ll have to pay the full amount of €21.90 instead of €16.40.

The Wiener Schnitzel at Gösser Bierklinik restaurant

After a full day of exploration, we were really hungry, so we looked for a traditional restaurant off the main tourist routes. Our choice fell on 📍Gösser Bierklinik, a place with a unique atmosphere and excellent Wiener Schnitzel served with Gösser beer. If you’re looking for the true taste of Austria, this place is definitely worth a visit. With the beer, the meal will cost you around 25€.

Evening in the historic center and a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral

After a hearty dinner, we headed to the city center to admire the city’s landmarks. St. Stephen’s Cathedral captivated us with its Gothic architecture and grandeur. As residents of Košice, we couldn’t help but think of St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, but this Viennese structure has its own magnificent character that will forever stay in our minds. It’s just a little bit bigger 😁. While wandering the local streets, we discovered the Winer Minotenkirche, which, in its style, reminded me more of Italian architecture. It didn’t look like a traditional church, giving the place a unique vibe and sparking various questions in our minds.

The Journey Back Home and the Final Feeling about Vienna

In the morning, we boarded a train from the main station Wien HBF to Bratislava and continued our journey home to Košice. After a few hours of traveling, we all agreed that this trip was worth it – from walking through Schönbrunn, exploring the historical markets, to experiencing the unique atmosphere of Haus des Meeres and the evening city center with the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For us young people, it was an unforgettable adventure, one we’d definitely love to repeat.

What to see ?:

1. Schönbrunn (Palace and Gardens) – A Baroque palace built in the 18th century, famous for its beautiful gardens. Free entry to the gardens, castle tour costs about 20€.

2. Kettenbrückengasse Market – A market with local products, open year-round (we visited in autumn), popular with both tourists and locals.

3. Haus des Meeres (Sea Life Museum) – A museum opened in 2003, located in a former anti-aircraft tower, offering fascinating aquariums and terrariums, along with free-flying monkeys and birds. Student entry – 16.40€ (only on weekdays), 21.90€ on weekends. Adult entry – 21.90€.

4. Gösser Bierklinik – A historic restaurant known for its beers and Austrian dishes, an ideal place to try the traditional schnitzel. About 25€ for schnitzel and beer.

5. St. Stephen’s Cathedral – A Gothic cathedral built in the 12th century, a symbol of Vienna and the site of significant historical events.

6. Wiener Minoritenkirche – A church with impressive architecture, built in the 14th century, known for its beautiful Gothic facade.

Tips and triks:

• Look for accommodation near the metro or public transport – Faster access to the city’s main attractions.

• Metro ticket (72 hours) – Price: €17.10; perfect for quick travel around the city.

• Be strategic with flights and train connections – It’s always worth looking for great deals and offers.

• Create a plan of what you want to see – This way, you won’t forget anything and avoid wasting time on places you don’t want to visit.

In the next part, I will head to a country that once ruled the world – its history is fascinating, but at times also dark. A great empire, indelible marks on the world map, and stories that have been written into history. Where will my feet take me next? Stories and moments where I had to be careful not to get run over by cars at red lights. Can you guess which country it is? I’ll give you a hint – its glorious past is reflected in how it lives today. You’ll find out at the right time, as the new part is released!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden