vienna, austria

Vienna surprised us. The second we got off the train in the city center, I said “WOW” and then said it over, and over, and over again throughout the weekend. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every time you turn a corner, or even turn your head, there is something stunning in your sight – a building, a green domed church, a statue… just wow! Not too long ago I was chatting with a fellow travel lover, and he mentioned that Vienna stuck out to him as the city with the best architecture, and I might have to agree. It seemed like everything we saw was special – and I don’t just mean the famous buildings, even the general office and residential buildings had something unique to them as well!

On our first day, we strolled around the historic center of Vienna. I don’t think my pictures make Vienna look as pretty as it is, it’s just one of those places you have to see for yourself!

The Opera House

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – the tile roof on this was neat!

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The Plague Column – a monument for those who suffered from the Plague epidemic

Vienna has so many green domes! On its churches, palaces, etc. They are everywhere and they are beautiful!

There is almost always a green dome in sight!

Hofburg Palace from the front

Hofburg Palace from the back

Vienna’s city hall

A panorama of Vienna’s beautiful streets!

We went to a bar with a view at sunset! Not much of a skyline in Vienna, but still pretty.

Just a cute church.

Next, we explored the palaces – first was the Schonbrunn Palace. This one reminded me of Versailles in Paris. It was so gorgeous (on the inside too! But we weren’t allowed to take pictures in there). There were gardens in the back, and it was a beautiful day so we spent a lot of time enjoying the sunshine. I can only imagine how beautiful this would be in the spring/summer when the trees and flowers are in full bloom!

In front of Schonbrunn Palace

Views from the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace

Views from the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace

The trees in the gardens were looking a little dreary.

This is called the Gloriette – its a structure at the top of a hill of the gardens with the best views!

Views of the Gloriette

The beautiful gardens of Schonbrunn Palace

The back of the palace

A beautiful day in Vienna!!

Last was Belvedere Palace. We didn’t see the inside of this one but the outside was a looker. The emperors and princes of Austria really knew how to build a house. Again, this is a place I’d love to revisit in the summer when the gardens are lush and green!

Belvedere Palace

The gardens of Belvedere Palace

The gardens of Belvedere Palace

The downside of visiting in the winter: the fountains aren’t on and the florals aren’t blooming. The perks of visiting in the winter: the crowds aren’t so bad!

Belvedere Palace

Of course, we ate well too. We had all the Austrian goodies – from sausages, to meatloaf, goulash, spaetzle and apple strudel. We spent quite a bit of time at Naschmarkt – which is a long market street with food, wine, souvenirs, and people watching. A perfect way to spend an afternoon in Vienna!

Giant sausages

This may have been Steve’s favorite moment of the weekend

Meatloaf!

Goulash!

Apple strudel!