« Three days in Vienna. After Budapest, the contrast is significant. To put it simply: Vienna stole my heart more.
What stood out:
Climate. The weather is great, really comfortable. It was such a pleasure to wander around and enjoy the exhibitions of its original works. The highlight was definitely seeing its popular “Psyche.”
People. Population density in Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary can be comparable, but Vienna stands apart in various ways, and it’s noticeable everywhere (a plus, if I may say so 😄).
Architecture. I absolutely loved that in Vienna there are many modern buildings, large and colorful, in different styles. The contrast with the older structures, dating back to before 1800, is striking! There are plenty of interesting landmarks.
Food. I went to try Viennese coffee, and wow, it was something else! Yes, it was delicious, something I’ve never tasted before. However… $6 for a cup – that felt a bit much for me. I would have preferred something simple with milk 😊.
Delicious chocolate, pastries, beer, and sausages. The local cuisine charmed me. Of course, after Budapest, prices caught me off guard again 😆.
Transport. The public transport system is on point. The metro and trams run like clockwork. We took the tram – there’s a timetable at almost every stop showing the minutes for each tram number. We purchased a 72-hour pass for $17, which is more cost-effective than single rides at around $2 each and gives you extra mobility. »
With a 20-minute window, we easily skipped the airport hustle and caught the 8:20 AM bus 200E to the end of the line. From there, you transfer to metro line M3 to get to the train station.
The journey took around 45-55 minutes, depending on traffic. Once at the train station, the main challenge is finding the ticket counter for international journeys. This is where we encountered a bit of a line. The ticket from Budapest to Vienna costs around €36 without a seat reservation and €29 with a seat.
At the Austrian border, they didn’t even check our passports. »
Waking up early at 6:45 AM is essential to be at the Vienna Main Square. 🚖 A taxi ride from the hotel takes less than 5 minutes, costing around $15—this is the minimum fare for the ride.
A leisurely trip in one direction takes about 4 hours, including 2 stops (15 minutes for refueling and about 40 minutes in the famous coffee house). We even managed to buy some jeans.
During the journey, we enjoyed fascinating facts from the history of the Czech Republic and Austria, including Vienna and Prague. There are so many memorable details.
🚶♂️ A walking tour around the center of Vienna lasted roughly 2 hours. We visited Heroes' Square, where parades took place; the Imperial Residence; the Palace Gardens; and the Vienna State Opera. It felt grand and regal. 💁♀️ I imagined myself as a Viennese princess from the 17th century.
The free time began right in the heart of the city, where you can find the most renowned brands from all over the world. I’ve never seen such a luxurious selection, even in Switzerland. 🎉 The life on Vienna's prestigious street is filled with musicians, street performers, and all the subtle nuances of Austrian life. But Graben—this is not only the city's most elegant and expensive street; here you find fountains, statues, and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 🌍 The Cathedral of St. Stephen is a symbol of Vienna, the most significant architectural monument of the city with unbelievable intricate interiors. With a small fee of $5 and 343 steps to climb, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Vienna.
Three words that absolutely need to be explored in Vienna are strudel, schnitzel, and schnaps. The culture here is truly remarkable! A meal at a modest restaurant will cost at least $30 per person. Vienna deserves its spot on the list of “best places in the world for living.”
🍷 Arriving in Vienna feels like a necessity to indulge yourself, or at least to savor the local delicacies that aren't just the Viennese wafers.
💰 The cost for a guided adult tour lasts 15 hours is about $50.
📍 Just a note, booking such a tour for an ultimate transfer from Prague to Vienna is the most economical option. Traveling from Prague to Dresden costs around $35 for a train ticket, but the tour will be $26. That's economical! »
What stood out:
Climate. The weather is great, really comfortable. It was such a pleasure to wander around and enjoy the exhibitions of its original works. The highlight was definitely seeing its popular “Psyche.”
People. Population density in Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary can be comparable, but Vienna stands apart in various ways, and it’s noticeable everywhere (a plus, if I may say so 😄).
Architecture. I absolutely loved that in Vienna there are many modern buildings, large and colorful, in different styles. The contrast with the older structures, dating back to before 1800, is striking! There are plenty of interesting landmarks.
Food. I went to try Viennese coffee, and wow, it was something else! Yes, it was delicious, something I’ve never tasted before. However… $6 for a cup – that felt a bit much for me. I would have preferred something simple with milk 😊.
Delicious chocolate, pastries, beer, and sausages. The local cuisine charmed me. Of course, after Budapest, prices caught me off guard again 😆.
Transport. The public transport system is on point. The metro and trams run like clockwork. We took the tram – there’s a timetable at almost every stop showing the minutes for each tram number. We purchased a 72-hour pass for $17, which is more cost-effective than single rides at around $2 each and gives you extra mobility. »
And you can also enjoy some great fishing here. However, it comes at a "modest" price of 20 dollars for each kilogram of fish caught (the lake is home to freshwater residents like trout and crabs). But the experience of fishing in one of the most beautiful places in the world is worth it, isn't it? »
Half of our group has already received their visas with no rejections. We now have 4 spots available. Who wants to join us? It’s going to be an amazing trip! Feel free to share this ;) P.S. We’re not a travel agency. We don’t provide services or entertainment; you’re not tourists, you’re travelers on this adventure. »
So, if you're thinking about taking a train to Vienna, I highly recommend it. A round-trip ticket from Budapest costs around 31 dollars. We didn't have reserved seats, so we cleverly settled in the restaurant car, ordering a reasonably priced beer and a decent sandwich. 🍻🥪 »