Vienna is one of my favourite cities in Europe. I’d put it in my top 5 cities for sure. I love the extravagant architecture, the beautiful parks and gardens, the musical history and, of course, the food.

The first time I visited Vienna was in December of 1999. I distinctly remember it being –5 degrees as it was the first time I had experienced negative maximum day time temperatures. It didn’t stop me from exploring the city and the best way to do so is on foot. On my first day I walked the entire ring road in awe. You don’t need to walk the entire ring road to see the most beautiful attractions but I wanted to keep walking to see what else was ahead. The numerous museums, the opera house, the parliament, the squares, the parks, all took my breathe away. When the cold got too much, I would stop in a traditional coffee house and indulge in a delicious Vienna chocolate. On subsequent trips to Vienna, I did pretty much the same thing and loved it every time.

What to Do in Vienna

• Walk. There is really no better way to see everything. Start in the centre of the city at St Stephen’s Cathedral, walk down to the opera house, turn right and enjoy.
• Staatoper. I did a tour of the State Opera House and found it really interesting. It is not as beautiful or opulent as the Opera Garnier in Paris but it’s still worth visiting to hear about its history and just to have a good look around. If you are interested you can see a show and prices start at just a few euros for the nose bleed seats which can be purchased on the day.
• Hofburg Palace. The Hofburg Palace is great to admire from the outside but there are also a number of museums inside, if you like museums.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum. I’m not big on museums but when it’s below freezing outside, they suddenly become interesting. Vienna’s Art History museum is actually a great place to wonder around and relax for a couple of hours.
• Schonbrunn Palace. Seen one palace, seen them all. That is generally my view but if you like palaces, this one is less boring than most. But really, how many over the top, opulent, gold leaf covered rooms can you enjoy in one lifetime? The only reason I would recommend this palace is for the beautiful gardens.
• Parks. Vienna’s parks and gardens are beautiful all year round. Wiener Stadtpark (with it’s statue of Strauss), Volksgarten (for it’s roses), and Rathauspark are some of the best but there are smaller parks worth visiting too.
• Classical music concert. There are loads of classical concerts playing around the city. I went one night to the Kursalon. It’s 100% for tourists but the music is great, although the experience was almost ruined by the uncomfortable chairs.

Where to Eat in Vienna

• You can’t get away from the Vienna schnitzel when in Vienna. It’s everywhere. One of the top rated is at Figlmueller. I’ve been there twice and had the chicken schnitzel which was fantastic. It is quite touristy and you’ll need to make a reservation if going during busy times but it’s well worth it. I’ll definitely be going back there. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad schnitzel though so chances are you can enjoy this anywhere.
• Vienna chocolate or Vienna coffee if you prefer. Vienna chocolate is my hot drink of choice and it’s one of the specialties of the city. I’m still doing my research as to where to find the best one but any of the traditional style coffee houses should put on a good show. You can also get your hot drinks with a shot of hard liquor which can’t be a bad thing.
• Cake. When you have your afternoon coffee or hot chocolate, you must have a cake to go along with it. It’s the law. Cakes in Vienna are generally small and expensive unlike their German equivalent which are huge and inexpensive. All are delicious though (not that I’ve tried them all or want to try them all, that would be crazy).

Stephansdom, right in the centre of Vienna.

Vienna's Opera House is beautiful inside and out.

The grand Hofburg Palace. There are loads of traditional coffee houses in this area as well shops selling local crafts (ie. tourist shops).

The other side of the Hofburg Palace. Visit the

very interesting museums here.

Surely this guy must have a bad back holding up that thing?

Wander around the roses in the Volksgarten.

Surround yourself in history at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or just play in the formal gardens.

The beautiful neo-classical parliament, just opposite the Volksgarten.

The neo-baroque Burgtheatre, one of Vienna's many theatres.

Rathaus - Vienna City Hall in neo-gothic style - relax in the gardens in summer or visit the Christmas markets in December.

Musical genius and golden man, Johann Strauss Jr.

New and old in Vienna.

The tradition veal schnitzel at Figlmueller is about twice the size of the chicken ones. They're so big that they hang off the side of the plate. I loved my smaller chicken version though.

A strong competitor for the best schnitzel is at Cafe Schwarzenberg. They have all kinds of traditional Austrian meat and potato dishes. I skipped the meat had the vegetarian option instead which was a bread and egg dish. Yep, bread and eggs. I don't know how vegetarians survive in Europe. Be sure to head back here for your obligatory afternoon coffee and cake.