Sacher, Schnitzel, and the world-famous Philharmonic — that's Vienna

Arrival

Vienna, a city sitting at one point of an imaginary triangle (Brno–Bratislava–Vienna), was my next destination. I was weighing two transport options and, thanks to the hotel's location, the train won. The journey from Brno was interesting — I was expecting a standard EC train. Imagine my surprise when the new ČD RailJet unit pulled in. The trip flew by; the biggest delay came from changing train crews in Břeclav. The destination was Wien-Meidling, which looks like an ordinary station even though international trains stop there. From December of this year, with the opening of the new main station, all of that will change.

Sights

Make sure to walk through the Hofburg (the Imperial Palace), the Albertina, and countless other museums you'll find here. The Ringstraße is worth strolling along. I also mustn't forget the Vienna Opera — in its surroundings you'll find actors in period dress inviting you to performances. The many Viennese parks are also worth seeing. In nice weather they're usually filled with tourists or locals reading or simply enjoying the beauty of Vienna. Schönbrunn Palace is a chapter unto itself — the palace is enormous, the gardens even larger, and inside you'll also find the Vienna Zoo. I'd recommend setting aside an entire day for the whole complex. Arm yourself with patience — the grounds are more crowded here than anywhere else in Vienna. The Prater isn't exactly a landmark, but it's a place I have to mention. Among the countless attractions you'll certainly find the right one for you — even if it's just the famous Ferris wheel (Wiener Riesenrad).

Food

It would be a shame to visit Vienna without having a schnitzel and a bratwurst. For dessert the famous Sachertorte (Sacher cake) or Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) mit Schlag (both with whipped cream). The range in the shops was a pleasant surprise — I found a broader selection of fruit, vegetables, and ready-made items. On the other hand, we're ahead when it comes to bakery products. A shelf full of Mozart Kugeln speaks for itself. On Mariahilfer Strasse we discovered excellent ice cream — a bit like the Czech Míša, except that instead of quark inside it's fruit pulp. No artificial flavouring; actual pieces of fruit.

Viennese residents

Although I only spent a few days in Vienna, I felt as if I were in the Middle East — or rather, even in Israel I didn't encounter as many veiled women on the streets (which admittedly isn't exactly the right benchmark). I was quite surprised. The Turkish community is also well-represented. I didn't have any problems though — shopkeepers appreciated my broken German over English, and once someone even complimented me on it (I genuinely don't know why). Vienna won't be my last visit…