Vienna Travel Guide
Vienna couldn't really be called Europe's capital of nightlife and craziness, but as the capital of the once-dominant Austrian Empire the city offers a fascinating look into the formality and regency of Old Europe. It makes a great stop on the way from Paris, Prague, Berlin, or Venice to another spoke on that transportation wheel.
What to do
You can check out the cobblestone streets of the Inner City district and stop for a coffee at one of the many kaffeehouses that offer a sharp contrast from both Starbucks and Italy's espresso bars. And the city boasts more than its fair share of world-class museums including many at the Imperial Palace complex that housed the regions rulers for centuries. A twenty-minute train ride away is the Schonbrunn Palace where you can tour the impressive grounds for free or pay a fee for tours of the ornate interiors.
Getting there
If you are visiting other cities in Europe it may make more sense to fly into one of them and visit Vienna by train. The Austrian capital is not known as the cheapest European transport hub, but you should definitely check on prices of flights into Vienna International Airport. The city has a top-notch and efficient public transportation system, but you have to do a bit of research to save money. The airport advertises a fast train from the airport into the city called the CAT, but you can take the S-Bahn local commuter train into the center as well, and it's much cheaper and almost as fast.
Where to stay
The cuisine of Austria tends to be similar to that of Germany, but that means excellent sausage and pastries are everywhere, and don't forget to try the Wiener schnitzel in the city that gave the famous veal dish its name. Typical of central Europe, there are many Vienna hostels to choose from, but they can fill up fast during busy seasons. There are many hotels in Vienna from which to choose in all prices categories, but the better deals tend to be booked way ahead so don't get caught off guard.
Study Abroad With CSA
Center For Study Abroad
