Vienna, a Mecca of culture and history, provides a day traveler with many options of things to do. A city seemingly designed for small and large budgets, kids and adults, history nuts and spontaneous shoppers. Spending money is simple, but finding quality entertainment can prove more difficult on a low budget.
Upon arriving in Vienna, search out the nearest ubahn (the underground) station to purchase a 24-hour ticket. This ticket allows unlimited travel throughout Vienna on buses, ubahn, and trams. At this point, grab a map of the transportation routes.
For a history and arts experience, attend a ballet or opera at the Vienna State Opera House in Karlsplatz. Timing is key. If a standing ticket seems doable, arrive on location two hours before the show begins to join the queue. Bring four euros and a scarf. The euros will purchase your ticket, and the scarf knotted around the standing rail saves your space during refreshment breaks.
For a unique culinary experience, tempt your taste buds at Café Sperl in the Museumsquartier. This quaint cafe emanates the sophistication of times past. The waitresses speak fluent English and offer a menu with an abundance of Austrian cuisine. Tipping here means rounding the bill up a euro or two. When finished with a meal, lay cutlery parallel on the plate.
For a cultural and architectural experience, check out Hundertwasser Haus at Schwedenplatz and Schönbrunn Palace at Schönbrunn. Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the Hundertwasser Haus, an in-use apartment building, based on the belief that nothing true to nature adheres to a straight line. This inhabited piece of art is reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons with its brilliant colors. Meanwhile, Schönbrunn Palace reigns as one of Vienna’s largest tourist attractions. Tours of the palace occur on the half hour for a price or stroll around the exquisite gardens of the palace for free.
Vienna extends a warm welcome to every type of traveler and budget. The Viennese walk proud in their history and willingly direct any lost traveler. Lovely Vienna persists as the perfect city to soak up culture and history on a low budget.
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