Today we’re in Vienna where coffee is at once an art and a long-embraced tradition that has changed the face of one of Europe’s most beloved cities. The first Viennese coffeehouse opened in 1683. Unlike the Parisian cafes, which focused on serving coffee and alcohol with a bohemian flair, the cafes of Vienna were a more elegant affair, featuring coffee, cakes and string quartets. In 2011, UNESCO listed Vienna’s coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages due to its enduring effect on the culture and character of the city, describing the establishments as places ”where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.”
But enough about coffee, time for a tour or two. Vienna is also home to a multitude of other cultural treasures. So many treasures, so little time. We first took a panoramic tour of Vienna – a little bus time, a little walking time – and now we’re oriented to the Old Town area. Sort of. So here’s a little of what we saw.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral was built in 1339-1365 and stands on the ruins of two earlier churches, the first from 1147. It’s the most important religious building in Vienna. (It’s not really leaning, it’s just how my camera see things. I suspect my camera’s been spending a bit too much time in the lounge.)
The inside of the Cathedral is beautiful but there are very few stained glass windows and you know how I like those stained glass windows.
Here are 2 of those windows. Their colors are gorgeous, deep and bright, but they’ve been placed such that they’re difficult to photograph.
There was a white grand piano in front of the Cathedral and a variety of random pianists sat down and played. It was really lovely.
And this woman in the Cathedral courtyard had a complicated bubble maker and knew how to use it!
This mother and her 2 tots were thoroughly enjoying the bubbles.
Of course the city has a ferris wheel, doesn’t every large city?
But the cars on this one are large and unique, and old, I suspect. You can rent a whole car and throw a party or have a chef prepare a special dinner while you propose to your girlfriend – the options are endless.
Of course Vienna has an impressive Imperial Palace which is a whole complex of beautiful buildings. This is only one of them and they’re all humongous.
And lots of beautiful statues everywhere. I could do a whole post on statues.
Here’s another elaborate grouping of statues.
Beautiful archway.
Cute little glass hot dog stand. Is it Art Deco?
We saw several of these horse-drawn carriages. Looks like fun. I love the sound of the horses walking on the cobblestone streets.
Interesting church near our ship but I don’t think it’s as old as it looks. Our guide said it’s better looking outside than inside.
This is where the Lipizzaner Stallions are kept (see the white horse in one of the bottom stalls?). A performance by the Stallions was an optional tour on this trip but since we had seen then last time we were in Vienna, we opted for another tour this time. They are truly fabulous and our shipmates who opted for this tour were thrilled.
Clever building – we assume the men are trying to get out, but not really sure what’s going on here.
On one of the main streets/squares, they’ve closed off some of the lanes in order to make room for some fabulous outdoor restaurants like this one. (Notice there’s a Five Guys right behind them.)
In that same square, they’ve started decorating for the holidays already by putting up these huge teardrop chandeliers.
I’ve heard that Vienna is the origination of the snow globe and I’ve seen only a few of them here. But on the other hand, I’ve seen lots of these little rubber duckies and I’m not sure why they’re so popular. But I think they’re adorable and I want all of them, especially the Mozart duckie at the bottom right.
Isn’t she elegant?
AN EVENING OF MUSIC BY MOZART AND STRAUSS
For an evening tour we had signed up to see a concert of music by Vienna favorites, Mozart and Strauss, performed by the talented performers of the Vienna Residence Orchestra . It was just for Viking passengers (I think there are now 6 Viking boats in port but of course not every passenger on every boat elected to go on this ”tour”) and we filled the hall of about 300 seats. The small orchestra had 10 performers: 4 violins, a piano, 2 clarinets, a cello, a bass, and drums plus a conductor, 2 opera singers and 2 dancers. The concert was fabulous; the musicians were all excellent, some of them were funny and had little comic routines going a couple of times, and the occasional singers and dancers added immensely to the show. The audience was very responsive and appreciative.
I loved the ornate ceiling in the room. I’m not sure my photo does it justice.
I’m guessing the theatre held about 300 people and every seat was taken.
Our Viking River Cruise 
Wow – wish I was there. I would love to see Vienna – it’s just so elegant. Every building, every statue, the baby grand, the Lipizzaner Stallions and even the rubber duckies are great.
I loved the tile floor, as well as the stained glass windows, in the Cathedral.
I’m having so much fun – look forward to each day and each new post. Great vacation.
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