Two days in Vienna! concerts, sights, and transport
Last week I had the great opportunity to visit Vienna for the first time! I was there for an audition so I couldn’t do all the things that I wanted but it was still a fantastic trip. Being a musician, Vienna is a place that I had always wanted to visit because of its rich musical history (Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Brahms have all worked or lived here) and the tradition that still continues. Within two days I saw two concerts and one outdoor streaming of the opera.
✈How I got there:
From Helsinki, I took a round trip flight through Lufthansa and Austrian airlines with a layover in Munich. The price was less that 150 euros round trip!
🚌Public transit in Vienna:
The transit system in Vienna was slightly confusing to me. The ticket for the train that is taken from the airport to the center of Vienna needs to be bought exactly according to the time table and destination. It is necessary to input the final destination into the machine as well as the time that you board.
Once in the center of Vienna, it was very easy to buy a 24 hour unlimited ticket, which costed 8 euros. These tickets must be validated by the stamp machines before entering the platform. There is wifi in many places so google maps worked perfectly to navigate.
I loved how historic and beautiful the train stations looked!
👓What I saw:
Here are some things that I saw while I was in Vienna, including sightseeing spots and concerts. I didn’t have too much time so I prioritized concerts above all else.
🎶Vienna Philharmonic
Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
I was able to attend two concerts with the same program in the span of two days! It was also an all Beethoven program which was a dream come true. I got the cheapest ticket which is standing room for 5 euros. Here are some tips!
🎻If you buy the ticket online make sure to pick up the ticket from the ticket office which is located nearby Musikverein but not inside. The box office to the Vienna Philharmonic is separate from Musikverein. Also note the opening hours because it is not open all the time.
🎻If you decide on standing room tickets go to the concert hall about 1 hour in advance if you want a nice view. You must check in your large luggages and coats for 85 cents. They will let you nearby the standing room area 35 mins before the concert and let you into the standing room area 30 mins before.
🎻Bring a scarf, and tie it to the post to secure your spot after they let you into the standing area. I was honestly slightly put off by this system because whoever ties a scarf or string can just wander away and come back right before the concert.
🎻If you don’t get a view of the orchestra, I recommend just giving up and sitting in the back of the area against the wall. It’s a much more comfortable experience, and you can just listen and enjoy.
🎶Wiener Staatsoper
Opernring 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
My original plan was to get a standing room ticket to the Vienna state opera but I couldn’t make it in time. I read online that it’s possible score 3 euro tickets to the Vienna state opera by lining up about 2 hours early. Luckily, during this time of year they live stream their opera outside for FREE. As a bonus, they have chairs set up so that it’s possible to comfortably watch the opera outside. I watched about an hour, grabbed some food and watched the rest. It was nice to be able to eat take out Chinese while watching opera!
⚰Mozart’s Grave in St. Marx Cemetery
Leberstraße 6-8, 1030 Wien, Austria
I’m a huge fan of visiting cemeteries! I feel that it allows me to connect with the past. In the audition I was going to play Mozart so I thought to visit his grave. Although there is a grave stone, I found out that no one knows exactly where Mozart was buried. It is only said that it is somewhere in this cemetery. I personally enjoyed how there was no one here and I could be far away from the tourist crowds!
👟Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
This was close to my airbnb, so I decided that I have to check it out. I didn’t buy a ticket to enter but walking around it was enough for me! There is so much space to walk around and the building itself it a marvel to look at. Mozart’s first concert was given here and to imagine that was an inexplicable experience.
👟Stadtpark
Parkring 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
After my audition ended, I was nearby this area so I took a walk to de-stress. The weather was getting so warm and the flowers were starting to blossom. It was the perfect stroll!
There was definitely much more that I wanted to see but Vienna is a place I will hopefully return again. I will make a second post next week where I talk about accomodation and what I ate! Stay tuned…
If you’re interested in my previous travels check out Berlin trip: One day of food, culture, and history or 5 Days in Barcelona Part 1
If you’ve been to Vienna would love to hear about what you did there and what you enjoyed most!
