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 An old Viennese legend |
Schönlaterngasse 7 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria |
All Viennese children learn the story of the Basilisk: in 1212, there was a Basilisk, a cross-breed of a cock and a toad, which lived in the well at the baker's house. All who looked into his eyes were immediately turned to stone. The clever apprentice to the baker showed a mirror to the beast and so it was turned into stone itself. An inscription and a drawing still remind us of his heroic deed. Walking down the Schönlaterngasse and the little neighbouring roads with their small old buildings is a real trip down memory lane. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Biking to Austria's borders |
Vienna, Vienna Austria +43 (0)1 2 4555 (Tourist Information) |
If the wind is on your side (blowing down the Danube) why not plan a grand cycling tour? Wherever you start, you should join the northern bank at the Steinspornbrücke. The Lobau begins near the Ölhafen (harbour) with a wonderful riverside landscape. The way is well signposted, even with signs for restaurants and sights. Eckartsau and Bad Deutsch Altenburg are nice for small excursions. The distance from Vienna to Hainburg is about 60km (40 miles). After rest and recuperation in Hainburg, you can travel back to Vienna either by bike, or by train to Landstraße station (Wien Mitte). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The waltz on ice |
Lothringerstraße 22 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 713 6353 http://www.wev.or.at/ |
Just next to the Konzerthaus, skaters draw their figures on ice accompanied by music from the wings. In the separate central area pairs dance waltzes on skates. In another separated area in the corner, children are trained in figure skating. In this old established Eislaufverein, founded in the 1867 with the artificial ice rink added in 1912, there are still a lot of skaters with classic, old-time leather skates. There is skate rental and a buffet to regenerate your soles! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Pedestrian area with good mix of shops and cafes |
Graben (Between Kohlmarkt and Kamtner Straße) Vienna Austria +43 1 21 1140 / +43 1 2 4555 (Tourism Board) |
During the 1300s Graben was located at the very edge of the city. Originally a large moat protecting the ramparts, it was filled in later to create a market area. This illustrious commercial history is continued today by an amazing array of stylish shops. Many old, established shops are located here including Schwabbische Jungfrau featuring linens, Habab and Heldwein the illustrious jewellers, and Julius Meinl am Graben with the finest in gourmet foods. Viennese Meissen porcelain is carried at Albin Denk. For the Persian carpet of your dreams, look no further than Adil Besim with some unrolling to gargantuan proportions. Men and women's fashions can be found in numerous boutiques, offering everything from tailored business suits to chic sportswear. To restore flagging energy, stop in one of the charming open-air cafes and indulge in a luscious cream pastry and rich coffee while gazing at the architectural confections that surround you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
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Time to relax |
Herrengasse 14 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 533 1576 |
This institute provides professional service and spacious facilities for various exercise programs including gymnastics, personal training, stretching, bodywork, aerobics and other specialized workout methods. Also available are sauna rooms (call for times) and many types of both therapeutic and pleasure massages (call for appointment 2 days prior). The staff also happily welcomes tourists to come in for a 'one shot deal,' however, you can save a lot of money buying 10 appointment passes or contracting with the institute on a monthly/yearly basis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Jogging along the Prater |
Prater Vienna, Vienna 1020 Austria |
The Hauptallee, situated between Praterstern and the Lusthaus, is the ideal place for a jog. It is also part of the Vienna Marathon course which takes place every May. If you prefer running through the countryside, you only have to turn off the main road and run along one of the small paths which wind their way through the forest. The ancient trees, rivers and meadows are the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Shops: designed and designer |
Schottenfeldgasse 59/10 Vienna, Vienna 1070 Austria +43 1 5 2203 6612 http://www.kohlmarkt.co.at/ |
With a magnificent view of the copper dome of the Michaelertor entrance to Hofburg, the pedestrianized Kohlmarkt is the Vienna equivalent of Bond Street, home to the likes of Gucci, Cartier and Dunhill. Apart from these temples of top class consumerism, there are also shop fronts designed by some of the leading names of 20th century architecture such as Adolf Loos's modernist Manz bookshop, Max Fabiani's Jugendstil Artariahaus housing, the Freytag & Berndt mapmakers and two shops by leading contemporary Austrian architect Hans Hollein at nos. 7 and 8-10. Not to be missed either is the Demel at no. 14, pastry cooks to the Habsburgs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Foyth |
 Photo: vienna_mom |
 Photo: lemecquiregardeplein |
 Photo: David Gray |
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Wintersports in the heart of Vienna |
Prater Hauptallee Vienna, Vienna 1020 Austria |
Viennese folk like to make excursions or sports in the Prater. They are allowed to do this since Joseph II kindly opened the area to everyone in 1766. Before it was a hunting ground for the aristocracy. If there is enough snow, you can make a walk on cross country skis, only a few stations away from the Center, the Stephansplatz. You follow the Hauptallee to the Lusthaus, and then back. The flat ground allows you to find a good rhythm. Alas, no ski rental. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Historic Church |
Minoritenplatz 2A Vienna, AT 1010 Austria +43 1 533 41 62 |
Built during the 1320s, the Minoritenkirche, also known as the Gothic Ludwigschor, was the first French cathedral style church in east Austria. It was used as a mausoleum in the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside is an imitation of Da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The painting was ordered to be made by Napoleon I and after changing hands many times, ended up on the north wall of Minoritenkirche. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cultural Landmark |
Museumsplatz 1 Vienna 1070 Austria +43 15 23 58 81 http://www.mqw.at/ |
Museums Quartier (Museum Quarter), located in the heart of Wien, is bursting with culture. The district is home to baroque buildings, art museums, modern exhibitions, dance center, production studios, and so much more. It's proximity to the city's center makes for easy access to the bars, restaurants, and shops that line the streets. While the area is a historic landmark, it's also as modern and progressive as you can get. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Baroque Garden Palace |
Laudongasse 15-19 Vienna, AT 1080 Austria http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/P... |
The Baroque Palace was built around the late 17th century for a count. Once the count died, his widow sold it to the Schonborn family. The castle houses fine works of art from some of Europe's most influential artists, though many in the collection were sold in the 18th century. The highlight is of course the garden and the famous tulips within. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rent a bike at train stations |
Mariahilfer Strasse (Westbahnhof) Vienna, Vienna 1070 Austria +43 (0)1 21 1140 (Tourist Information) |
Unlike most typical cycle rentals, which are usually only open during the warm season, Vienna's train stations offer bikes to rent the whole year around, so visitors can even go on a cycling tour in February. The rent for a city-bike is EUR12 per day and is even cheaper with a train ticket. For more than one bike, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ice-skating in front of town hall |
Rathausplatz Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria http://www.wien-event.at/stadt... |
From January to March every year, the area between the Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Burgtheater is dominated by an outdoor ice rink. With the town hall illuminated at night and numerous stalls selling hot drinks and snacks, the atmosphere is magical. Visitors can also try their hand at curling on a second rink. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fun in the sun--indoors |
Strobachgasse 7-9 Vienna 1050 Austria +43 1 587 08 44 0 http://www.rogner.com |
When it's cold outside, why not come to an indoor swimming pool? This facility also offers a sauna, whirlpool and eucalyptus bath. Massage and quiet rooms are also available to help relieve your stress and revive yourself from a hectic work schedule. But, don't think this is just for adults; children are very much welcome and catered to at this facility. Birthday parties can also be arranged. The hours are very generous, and the prices aren't bad either. Call for specifics as there are many variables based on time blocks and activities. A child's day card for swimming is EUR12 and an adult's day card is EUR20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Students Show off Their Skills |
Michaelerplatz 1 Vienna, AT A 1010 Austria +43 1 533 90 31 0 http://www.srs.at |
Visitors are invited to partake in the many performances given by students at the Spanish Riding School. The horses and their riders are put through two years of aggresive equestrian training and the performances are the spoils of their hard work. The horses are available for adoption (annual donations) and tours are offered as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The finest dressage in the world |
Michaelerplatz 1 Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 533 90 31 http://www.spanische-reitschul... |
The Spanish Riding School was founded by the Habsburgs in the late 16th century in order to improve horsemanship and to help with the breeding and training of Spanish horses. The Winter Riding School was built in 1729-35 and now provides the venue for classic dressage shows by Lipizzaner horse-riders clad in medieval costumes. The interior is spectacular and hailed as the most beautiful riding hall in the world. Performances are given several times a year, and although tickets are very expensive, they are often sold out weeks in advance. A cheaper alternative is to attend the morning exercises or dress rehearsals. Morning exercises: February-June, August-October, December: 10am-noon daily; tickets available at the entrance. Admission for morning exercises: EUR5-12. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katie Gilbert |
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Arts For The Young'uns |
Neubaugasse 38 Vienna 1070 Austria +43 1 521 10 http://www.tdj.at |
Vienna's Youth Theater gives children the opportunity to participate in and view the art that is theatre. Comprising of Renaissance Theater and Theater im Zentrum (Central Theater), Youth Theater creates delightful productions that dazzle and entertain both young and old alike. Visit their website to see what inventive shows are currently playing and learn all about the pedagogical techniques that Youth Theater employs to help Viennese children be all that they can be. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Universitätscampus "Altes AKH" |
Alserstraße 4 (Haupteingang/main entrance) Vienna, Vienna A-1090 Austria +43 (0)1 4 2771 9670 http://www.univie.ac.at/univer... |
In 1998, the world famous Viennese hospital, the Allgemeines Krankenhaus (AKH), moved to a new building, allowing the University of Vienna to take over its 16th/17th century abode, with its spacious 100,000m2 of parks at Alser Strasse 4. After extensive renovation, Austria's first "real" campus was opened, surely one of Europe's best! Consequently, the institutes of the Faculty of Social Sciences relocated to the campus, followed by a number of places to eat and drink. On hot summer days, the entirely pedestrianised campus, with its shady, century-old trees, statues and gardens, bustles with life. There are a number of shops, and its cafes, restaurants, pubs (all open air in good weather), BBQs, beer and wine gardens don't close before 2am. Due to a student clientele, the campus proves a bit cheaper than the city, just 10 minutes' walk away. Events (see their homepage) take place now and then, sometimes in collaboration with the university institutes (e.g. Asian studies: a Tibetan festival; German language studies: literature festivals etc.). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An oasis of peace and quiet |
Mechelgasse 2 Landstrasser Gürtel 1 Vienna, Vienna 1030 Austria +43 1 42775 4190 / +43 1 42775 4194 http://www.plantfog.at/ |
A lot of rare and lesser-known exotic plants and trees can be seen in this garden. Empress Maria Theresia realised this project in 1754 to plant the medicinal herbs suggested by her physician. A few years later, this area was changed into the Botanical Gardens, which was then donated to the university. It is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, and is therefore recommended not only for botanists, but also for parents and their children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hans Magnus Aus |
 Photo: Karoline |
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Twinkle, Twinkle |
Uraniastrasse 1 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 (0)1 712 6191 http://www.urania-sternwarte.at/ |
Is there anyone who doesn't love gazing at the stars and planets? It's fun and inexpensive to borrow this observatory's equipment to get a fabulous close-up look. One can look up towards the heavens and view millions of stars twinkling and illuminated above the city of Vienna! Do you know what Venus looks like? Can you find your favorite constellation? Do you know the difference between a summer and a winter sky? Observe for yourself! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Shalloe |
 Photo: Michael Würzelberger |
 Photo: J. Jordan |
 Photo: Juraj Kubica |
 Photo: Erik R. Accart-Huemer |
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A child's puppet theater |
Uraniastraße 1 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 714 3659 http://www.kasperlundpezi.at/ |
This "Punch and Judy" show is held in the Urania building, the same one that houses the observatory, and shows pieces suitable for children of around four years old. The program includes some well-known stories such as "Pezi's Adventures" or "Little Red Hiding Hood and features some really fantastic puppets. For one hour, both children and parents can enjoy the funny and sad world of fairy tales. The shows take place from April to October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |