How was Vienna? that is somewhere I would love to visit
I've been there for very limited time, but I loved it. I'm eager to hear more about it though from Johannes
Vienna is the most dense collection of art, architecture, history, and music that I have ever experienced. It was the last leg on my trip, and the only one where I was not traveling with friends. That is my one regret, as it truly is a place to share.
I decided to focus my time there on music. I attended four performances in three days: Beethoven's
Fidelio at the Staatsoper, the Luxembourg Philharmonic at the Konzerthaus, the Vienna Boys' Choir singing Mass at the Hofburgkapelle, and some touristy Mozart nonsense at the Musikverein. The venues in Vienna are incredible. I would put seeing an opera or a reputable orchestra there on anyone's bucket list, an absolute must experience. Just be sure to book a month or two ahead of time. The Boys' Choir and Mozart claptrap were fine, but I could have done without them in retrospect. The latter was just to experience the Musikverein, and I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I bought tickets online. If you're unable to catch the Vienna Philharmonic (which can take some planning) or similar there, just take a tour.
Between the Museumsquartier, neighboring Hofburg Palace, Belvedere (do not skip this), the rest of the Innere Stadt, Secession, Schönbrunn Palace... you will not be left wanting in terms of things to see and do. The architecture rivals, if not surpasses, Paris in its variety and quantity. Don't hesitate to walk between sites, but don't forget their excellent subway system either. Vienna is not known as a European culinary capital, but it certainly holds its own. I wish I had spent some more time in the Naschmarkt. I do not regret the extravagant breakfast at Meierei am Stadtpark. In my brief experience, Austrian wine is much better than Austrian beer. If you need a break from cultural overload, you can take a walk along the Donauinsel, in one of the many beautiful parks, or find a seat in their famous coffee houses.
As you can see, I loved my time in Vienna.
grin: But I loved Spain even more! Here are a few random photos from the trip, for the curious:
Belvedere
Karlskirche
Secession
Seville
Granada
