Rachel’s Interrail Adventures

Vienna Day 1

Arriving in Vienna pretty refreshed (from the Night Jet) meant that I was ready to go as soon as I got here!

I bought a 7- day transport ticket before I arrived on the WienMobil app. EU17.10. The price for 7 days is the same as 72 hours. I only needed 4 days but this was the cheaper option.

I started using it straight away. No one has checked my ticket at all so far – there is no need to check in and out of transport so I guess it’s only checked by inspectors.

Lunch was at Cafe Restaurant Braunerhof:

and I chose a stewed beef dish EU12.90. Yummy. This was a recommendation from Dalilah (from the Night Train).

I had a walking tour booked at 2pm (Guru Walks/GoodViennaTours) which was led by the lively, interesting Lisa (‘Mona Lisa’). It was a free tour and was based mainly around the Hofburg Palace and St Stephens Cathedral. Happy to recommend this.

Afterwards I climbed the 343 steps to the top of the south tower of St Stephens Cathedral. Good exercise and good views, however it is not a must-do. Only if you have a nice clear day.

In the evening I went back to my hostel and chatted to Brian with whom I share several mutual acquaintances (Sam and Wayne Richardson/Jarlath Madine).

Vienna – Day 2

After a decent nights sleep, I got some coffee and caught up with happenings in bed!

By the way, this is my bed at Space Home Prater:

My morning consisted of a visit to Haus der Musik (EU16).

I loved this place. Various exhibits explored the science of sound, the Vienna Phil, famous composers in Vienna etc. Great for families.

It has left me with a desire to go and listen to some Mahler, Beethoven and Mozart. And maybe Haydn I suppose…

Lunch! Another recommendation from Dalilah. Gasthaus Silberwirt. Thoroughly recommend.

In the evening I attended a tourist concert. I’d normally avoid these concerts – I guess I’m a bit of a snob – however I decided it would be good to attend something. I bought the cheapest ticket which was still maybe EU59 but I was upgraded when I arrived. The concert was good actually – good musicians and quite fun popular classics.

Vienna Day 3

Started a bit later. After waking at 3 I then went back to sleep until 8.30!! I really am relaxing.

I had an Opera House tour booked at 11am and really enjoyed it. It’s such a shame that there is no opera during July as I would have loved that.

The guide explained that, as a repertory opera house, they rotate between about 50-60 operas through the season. Every night in a week is usually different. This is great for singers and musicians and relieves boredom as much as anything. But what about the technical staff!!!! They have to change sets, lights, props and costumes EVERY DAY!

And now in Swedenplatz. Had a wander and now sitting outside with a drink….See you soon xxxx