Has anyone been here? DH and I will be in Vienna in a couple weeks, for four days, and trying to decide whether to work it into our itinerary.
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I have been there. I’m not sure it’s an essential part of Vienna if you don’t have a long trip. Is a trip to a Heurigen in your plans?
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The Prater is much more of just a carnival strip outside of the Reisenrad (Ferris wheel). It’s not quaint like Tivoli. There is an area that is more of a traditional green grass park, but not worth the effort to get there in my opinion.
We are going to Vienna for a week at New Years and it is not on my list.
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Yes! We’re going to Wienhandwerk our first night.
if you have any other suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
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Oh, I’m glad to have your perspective. I thought there were supposed to be some major thrill rides there. (Like Wiener Looping, which just opened in May.)
I might go one evening after dinner if I have the energy, if only to ride the iconic Ferris wheel.
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So I have no doubt that some of the rides are pretty intense! If that’s what you are looking for then it’s probably worth a stop. I just never felt like it was a “theme park” or a real “sight” beyond the Reisenrad. It’s just rides.
Things I would prioritize: Stephansdom, Belvedere Palace, The Secession, a ride on the Ring Trolley and a quick peek at Karlskirche. I like the Cafe Central, but go to the Sacher Hotel if you want the real Linzer Torte.
I could honestly spend an entire afternoon and evening at the Heurigen. You can kind of hop around a little for the atmosphere. I hope you have good weather!
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If you are walking by, could you take some pictures of the construction at the Rathaus/Museumsquartier? (Only if you are already there!) That is near where we should be staying in December and I would love an idea of how disruptive it will be. They cancelled the Christmas market there for this year! 
I forgot about the Naschmarkt! Don’t miss that, it’s near the Secession if that ends up on your list.
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Thanks! These are all in the plan! (And the Naschmarkt too — we’ll stop there just before our train ride to Budapest, to get lunch for the ride!)
What about the Schonbrunn, is that a must-see?
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Yes! I would definitely do that, especially in the summer! The gardens are great. Belvedere Gardens are awesome too.
I was like mentally circling the city to think of highlights and Schönbrunn was outside of my mental map 
Where are you staying?
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I told this to Jeff too, but train stations do also have very high quality lunch choices!
I also love Budapest and we are doing a day there in December too!
My only advice there is to expect a little less English speaking. You’ll be fine but GenX there didn’t really learn English.
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We’re staying at the Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth right in the middle of everything.
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Good to know!
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That’s an awesome spot!! My school was two streets over. You will fall in love with Stephansdom!
We would say St. Stephen’s obviously but the locals call it “Steffl” which is like if we called it Steve. I find that so hilarious.
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If you want a fancy restaurant, this would be my recommendation. I would probably make a reservation.
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Thanks for the recommendation! We have these booked already but I’m noting this as a backup!
| Vienna | Sun, Sep 14 | 6:30 | Weinhandwerk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Mon, Sep 15 | 6:00 | Glacis Beisl |
| Vienna | Tue, Sep 16 | 5:30 | You |
| Vienna | Wed, Sep 17 | 6:00 | Skopik & Lohn |
| Budapest | Thu, Sep 18 | 6:30 | Stand25 Bisztro |
| Budapest | Fri, Sep 19 | 7:00 | Macesz Bistro |
| Budapest | Sat, Sep 20 | 6:30 | Mazel Tov |
| Budapest | Sun, Sep 21 | Kacsa Restaurant |
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Glacis Beisl is actually our backup choice for that day. We’re going to try for Grunauer but you can only get a reservation by calling the day-of.
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You are doing Budapest for real! That will be great. I’ve only done it for a day trip.
I’m not familiar with any of these restaurants but they look great. Love the outdoor seating!
I was looking up the Glacis Biesl and over on Michaelerplatz near the Hofburg there are Roman ruins! If that interests you.
If you are doing Belvedere and Schönbrunn you probably don’t need to go inside the Hofburg but it’s worth a walk around if you are going there for dinner.
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“Reservations over the phone from 3pm.” Sounds so Austrian to me! I can hear the stern voice.
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I have the Hofburg on the itinerary another day, but maybe I’ll rethink that. I don’t like to keep too tight of a schedule and that would free up some slack.
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Ya I don’t think anything really needs to be booked in advance like the Eiffel Tower or anything so I think you can take the days as they come.
Super excited for you! Less than two weeks away! 
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