36 Hours in Vienna

When you see an 8 euro flight to a majestic European city you take it. Even if they are 2 days out from a national lockdown. With no time to dilly dally, the weekend felt like an opportunity granted against the odds.

The clouds parted as we made our descent into the sparkling snow-capped alps before drifting into the Vienna tarmac.

After dropping our bags at the hostel we set off in exploration of this metropolis.

A historical time capsule scattered with imperial palaces, the city stuns in a way reminiscent of an older era.

Drawn in by the sweet smell of hot mulled wine, we were lured to a food market just around the corner. A festive and bright welcome into the city.

There was no easing in as we were immediately in line for freshly baked pretzels with a mug (or 2!) of mulled wine in hand.

A few blocks down we made our way to the central market in front of Wiener Rathouse, the City Hall of Vienna.

The unsightly name proved a misrepresentation of the festive medley of sights and sounds.

Imagine the smell of roasting chestnuts, the ambient glow of thousands of Christmas lights, and Mariah Carey playing softly in the background.

All was merry and bright.

Some of the culinary highlights included baked potatoes stuffed with sour cream and chives, fresh gingerbread, bratworst, and raclette over bread.

It was right out of a Hallmark movie.

Nothing gets me going in the morning like the promise of chocolate cake for brunch

…and that's exactly what we found at Cafe Central, a historic coffeehouse that serves up the internationally acclaimed best chocolate cake.

With a dollop of ice cream, and paired with a Viennese coffee, it lived up to its title. As did the golden domed ceiling and timeless beauty of the cafe.

A walk to Belvedere palace proved a great way to take in the grandeur of the city on foot.

We were met with the striking beauty of the Baroque royal summer house. With similarities to Versailles, the grounds were immaculately well kept.

Next we found a moment of respite, and enjoyed a few spritzers, on a rooftop with a 360 degree view of the city. Oxidized green spires, trolly cars, and distant mountains dotted the view.

As a cultural intersection, Vienna draws influence from Western, Eastern and Northern Europe. No place is that cultural mix more evident than when looking at the skyline..or a menu!

Golden hour alighted on the city's western facades and payed homage to its old Hapsburg Empire glory.

As the light faded we hustled on to the grand finale of our weekend, the Schoenbrunn Palace.

A short train ride outside the city and there stood the 1,440 room, golden Rococo dream home. They had good taste back in 1711.

I think the Hapsburg heirs could make a killing if they listed it on Airbnb.

Dusk settled in and ushered us to the Palace Christmas market in the front courtyard.

Bread bowls filled with warm goulash soup hit the spot as we perused all the trinkets in what looked like the North Pole itself.

Heading back into downtown we wandered down every street each alight with a unique ornament. Chandeliers, bows, angels, and wreaths all aglow...along with torches being held in the protests against the impending vaccine mandate.

Ducking into the Cathedral for warmth we then unwound with a decadent cup of hot chocolate.

We took final walk back through the magical Viennese evening..if only to prove that it wasn't all just a dream.

Vienna, thanks for waiting.

Auf wiedersehen for now.