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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 |
 Photo: Sun, Li  |
 Photo: Gertrud Kanu |
 Photo: Sarah Ingolfsland |
 Photo: dearheart |
 Photo: audrey |
 Photo: zaki_moosa |
 Photo: Reiter Jakob |
 Photo: Kay Marshall |
 Photo: Lukas Chatzioannidis |
 Photo: Mathias Wellner |
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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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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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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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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 |
 Photo: Andy Koppe |
 Photo: patrick.mcquinn |
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 Photo: Maegan K. Spencer |
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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 |
