VIENNA

PRE-FLIGHT

Vienna is a city where everything is exquisite. It might be the place where this word was first used. It is that exquisite. It is visited a lot and if you get lost and ask for directions, you might be asking the directions to a foreigner as yourself. Don't think of it as a bad thing! The tourists in Vienna are often ''regulars'', they are visiting the city for a second time or third or even seventh! The city and its values are an addiction and you will love being a part of it.

POST-FLIGHT

There is an express train from the airport which will lead to a main subway line of the city. However, the express train is a little pricey so if you are not travelling alone, especially if you are a group of four or more you might want to take a cab. The airport cabs are basically minivans and they are a great choice after a long trip. Normally the way to get a cab is to buy the cab ticket from the counters but if you look interested some drivers in the airport are looking for customers and they occasionally bargain with the tourists. Usually I am skeptic and I hesitate in these kinds of situations but at some point I figured that the best way was to go with the ''local flow''. We were a group of five so after a short bargain we agrred with a gentleman and he took us to our hotel safe and sound. All cab drivers in Vienna use GPS so as long as you have the address, the street name and its number etc there is nothing you should worry about. Just like Germany, Austria has great cabs. The vehicles are new, safe and if you miss the last train you can find cabs in front of some night clubs. Any information about the trains, hours and stations can be found in the subway stations. The people in tourism offices are really helpful, they give you a map and show where will you go and how will you get there. That is of course the main purpose of tourism offices but these offices in Europe are slightly more helpful.

SIGHTSEEING

First of all, Vienna is all plains. No hills, no hurting feet. You may stroll in the parks all day long and you won't even feel a bit tired. During spring and summer these parks are magical. You can grab a bite on the grass or just relax and enjoy the sun shining above you. At some point, I lost count of the parks I've been and loved in Vienna. The flora of the city is equally beautiful. While wandering around especially in the evening, you might come across a street event just like we did. We found ourselves in the middle of a wine and cheese tasting festival. There was a stage and a band playing sophisticated music. Probably these sort of festivals usually take place during the spring. During winter, it snows and if it's not ''the most beautiful time of the year'', the streets are really empty at night. People take shelter in restaurants and pubs so the parks and streets are like almost abandoned.

CUISINE

Austrian cuisine is kind of close to German cuisine in some ways but it also has its own specialties and they are worth trying. The restaurants serve more elite dishes such as salmon with lentils or pork ribs. The buffets on streets have delicious sausages, kebabs and noodles. They are all equally tasty and safe. The buffets in Vienna are so clean that if we were in a cartoon world they would shine and sparkle. Vienna is also called ''Wien'' and things that are special to Vienna are called ''Wiener''. Vienna's Schnitzel, the Wiener Schnitzel is pretty famous and the best in town is served at Figlmüller. The pork schnitzels are bigger than the plates, served with potato salad as side dish. Chicken schnitzel is also an equally delicious option. It is really difficult to get a table at this place especially in the evening (in fact it is difficult at most of the restaurants in Austria so if reservation is available it is always good to guarantee yourself a table) The restaurant is well prepared for large groups since they usually get invaded by hungry authentic schnitzel lover tourists. Weissbeer, literally means white beer is a light beer. It's like the very opposite of Guinness. It goes very well with dinner.

Crossfields Australian Pub is my personal favorite. It is more fun in the evening especially the downstairs. Well it's a place based off of the land down under after all. I recommend the alligator meat. I justt loved it. The kangaroo burgers are the most popular though the taste is not as good as alligator meat in my honest opinion. There is also a combo option for curious meat devourers.

ATTRACTIONS

There is a huge cathedral at the centerof this square (Shocker right!). The streets with boutiques and internationally known brands, a great Opera house and a city square with a cathedral. These are the average any Euro-city could offer so Vienna covers that part too. But what makes Vienna different than the others is what more it could offer and it has a lot to entertain its beloved tourist.

There are two palace/museums that are deemed as the hallmarks of Vienna. These are Belvedere and Schönnbrunn. They both have pretty palace courtyards and enlightening museums. 
There is a weird torture museum which is kind of weak. Not a lot to see and even sort of depressing, it is not a place to spend a lot of time and money. If you are really into the history of penalization and/or you have free access to the museum you could then consider seeing it.

If the weather is good and you like amusement parks there is one at Prater. You can get there from Prater station or Prater Park station. It's nothing like Disneyland or Busch Gardens but if you are willing to feel some adrenaline in your bones it is alright I guess. Again it is a bit pricey, a single ride costs 4-5 euros and if you are a roller coaster freak like me, it would cost you A LOT. Even if you don't get on those rides there is the World's Highest Chained Carousel, it even has a Guinness record. It was fun to see all the green and the people from that height. The ride is not fast like Mach tower etc so you can really enjoy the view. 

There are lots of great pubs to drink Stiegl Radler- grapefruit beer and chat with your buds. Vienna is the center of classical music and the first thing that comes to mind is Mozart! I know that Japanese folks are usually big fans of classical music. There were a lot of Japanese classical music adorers in the hall especially on the stage (You can watch the symphony on the stage, right behind the instruments but still I prefer and recommend the front of the stage).  
Due to Easter all performers were in costumes and the symphony took place in the Golden hall. Everything was golden and the room was literally shining. The performers looked like they came right out of the history book with their colorful dresses, white curly wigs and all. the music they played was spectacular. the show started with classical music, then some lamentation due to easter and then some opera pieces sang by 2 strong voices. The lady who was singing the opera was so much fun to watch and listen to. I'm pretty sure she receives all the good reviews because we all felt like giving a standing ovation after she sang. Also at the end of the symphony, the orchestra chef entertains you by making you clap to the rhythm of the music and leads the spectators for a while. That was also a lot of fun, being a part of the orchestra and using your hands as an instrument.

GOODBYE

I spent almost a month in Vienna in two years. Still there is a lot for me to do there and a lot I would love to do again. The culture, the music, the food is always amazing. The parks are the best if you are a nature lover or if you like the palace courts. Got to admit it's much better if the weather is sunny and the season is summer or spring but even when it snows it's beautiful. Everyone who enjoys history, classical music, parks and well organized cities would adore Vienna. There is something for everyone and having long walks in the city makes you feel alive.