1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Cruises

Viking Spirit European River Cruise Journal - Budapest to Nuremberg

By Linda Garrison, About.com

4 of 10

A Day in Vienna - Austrian Capital City of Coffee and Culture

Belvedere Palace outside of Vienna

Vienna's Belvedere Palace

Vienna Austria Picture (c) Linda Garrison
We arrived in Vienna early in the morning. Vienna is definitely one city that we needed more time to explore. The Viking Spirit docked near the Vorgartenstrasse U-1 metro station and a Church often referred to as the "Mexican Cathedral". We did a bus tour of the city after breakfast, stopping first at the magnificent Belvedere palace and followed by a drive around the Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard that circles the city. Many of the sites on the "Ring" are worth visiting if you have the time, especially the Opera House and the Hofburg palace with its marvelous collection of jewels.

After our drive around the Ringstrasse, we did a short walking tour of the old town, followed by free time. Mother and I explored the magnificent Gothic St. Stephan's Cathedral and visited a coffee house. Jochen had given us a briefing on Viennese coffee house etiquette, and we couldn't wait to try it. We returned to the ship for lunch.

That afternoon, we rode the U-bahn (subway) to Schonbrunn, the spectacular summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Viking had an optional excursion to the palace, but we opted to go on our own with another couple. The palace and history of the Hapsburgs was fascinating and well worth the entrance fee.

After dinner on the ship, we did an optional excursion to one of the old palaces for a Strauss and Mozart concert, which was excellent. A small quartet played classical favorites, and there were two vocalists and a pair of dancers. Given the chandeliered setting, it was a wonderful evening. We sailed at 2:00 am for Melk.

Vienna Photo Gallery

Explore Cruises
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Cruises
  4. Cruise Photo Album
  5. European Cruise Pictures
  6. European River Pictures
  7. A Day in Vienna - Austrian Capital City of Coffee and Culture

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.