Our travel back to Zagreb from Split was quite a nice journey on Flixbus with a refreshing break in between. We were hoping that our onward flight was on time and so was it. Sitting at the airport after our check in and security, as I looked back at the last ten days, it was a feeling of happiness and sadness both. Sad to leave a beautiful country, Croatia. But on the way to another. We are off for our travel to Vienna, Austria.

The flight took exactly forty five minutes and as we were landing the weather seemed a bit of a worry with dark clouds and drizzle. Our luggage reached super fast and Peter our chauffeur was happy to see us come out of the terminal, after a couple of failed calls from both ends to connect. We were soon on our way to the center of town enjoying every moment of our journey through the beautiful countryside and then into the raining city, offering a charm of a different kind.

Our accommodation

How is the location of our hotel?, I asked Peter. It’s very good Sir, in the center and if you love to walk, you can explore quite a lot by foot, he replied. And then he continued, ‘You know Vienna city center is a big circle and your hotel is right at the center. You have chosen a good place Sir’. Peter, born and brought up in Germany had worked in London for two years before coming here and falling in love with the city. Vienna, anyone would fall in love Sir, he signed off. We had arrived.

CH Wellness Apartments & Rooms, our accommodation for the next three nights is in a heritage building located at Borsegasse 1, Innere Stradt and taken over sometime back by the present owner. Renovation is currently in progress to convert it into a prime travelers destination soon. We found it to be a cool place in a lovely location with a nice church, close to Schottentor and Schottenring underground stations, tram stop just a short walk away and few restaurants next door. It’s a location from where you could just take off, walk and explore the city center, even without public transport. After checking in, settling down in our room and a quick wash later, we were soon on the streets of Vienna walking in the rain.

Our first evening

The streets were deserted, despite being a weekday, as we first took a tram to Opera House and then walked all around the center trying to get a feel and also identifying good places to eat. The sight of an Indian restaurant “Taste of India” excited us but it was too early for dinner. We saw a McDonald’s and picked up some chips and coke as we walked back.

It was raining heavily now and so we went up to our room, relaxed a bit and then came down and opted for the next door restaurant ‘Momoya’ for our dinner. It offers Japanese, Sushi, Asian & Fusion cuisine to choose from. We settled for some Sushi and one of their specialties, Homemade tea which was quite nice. The rains had receded a bit when we finished and so we decided to take a quick few steps up to the church just across the street. Sat down inside in the shade for some time watching the rain against the lights and after experiencing peace of a different kind, were back to our room to rest and relax for the night.

The second day

The complimentary breakfast was really good the next morning, which was a big plus. They also agreed to pack a dry breakfast box for us the next day as we had an early morning tour to take. Little things that make a big difference when you are on a holiday.

For the day we had booked a 48 hour Big Bus tour to travel around and experience Vienna. So we set out and walked after our lovely breakfast to the nearest tram stop just five minutes away. And after a few stops it’s the Opera House from where the buses start the tour. We preferred to first take a complete tour around, as it was drizzling. The bus top was covered and the lovely views and the cool breeze carrying little traces of rain with it, seemed so wonderful. I love the cold and it’s time to go around and enjoy, as we pass by the historical landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace and more.

History of Vienna

Vienna is a beautiful city and lies in the northeastern corner of Austria, between the foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians, where the Danube, Europe’s second longest river cuts its course through the mountains. The city is situated alongside the river, most of it on the right bank. The Vienna basin was a nodal point of ancient trade and military routes.

Vienna’s history has been long and varied, beginning when the Roman Empire created a military camp in the area now covered by Vienna’s city center. From that humble beginning, Vienna grew from the Roman settlement known as Vindobona to be an important trading site in the 11th century. It became the capital of the Babenberg dynasty and subsequently of the Austrian Habsburgs, under whom it became one of Europe’s cultural hubs. Since the end of World War I, Vienna has been the capital of the Republic of Austria.

Let’s go around

Vienna is among the least spoiled of the great old western European capitals. Its central core, the Innere Stadt, is easily manageable by foot and public transportation. It’s a city renowned for its architecture and devised over several centuries by imperial gardeners and architects. The skyline is still dominated by the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and by the giant Ferris wheel in the city’s chief park, the Prater.

When you are in Vienna, the Danube river will catch your attention. This river starts from Germany and flows through ten countries including Austria, which is more than any other river in the world. Experience the beauty.

We are now back from where we had started from. Back to the Opera House. The weather is nice and cloudy and the rains have taken a break. Just the ideal time to walk around and check out some historical creations around Museums Quartier and Imperial Palace.

It has been an enjoyable day till now and there is so much more lined up for the late afternoon and night, as we take a short break. After a quick fish meal at McDonald’s, we will to be back with you soon. Meanwhile you could check out the Canal Street Art of Vienna.

Austria. There seems to be a sense of calmness about this country. And Vienna. We had prayed for few days of bright sunshine, while we were here. But what has unfolded has been a pleasant surprise. The beauty of a clouded, drizzling and raining Vienna has been quite mind blowing. However if there are no rains during your visit, here are the 37 things you must check out in Vienna.

Wondering how many days in Vienna is just right? Check it out and closer to your visit here, also check out this Vienna quick guide to get the best out of your trip. Be it rain or sunshine. And here is the complete guide if you plan to be there during Christmas in Vienna.

Vienna, a beautiful experience. PIN it for later