Solo-ish Summer 2025 Days 39-40: Two Days in Vienna with Imperial Grandeur, Cafés, and a Taste of the Wachau Valley

After a short but scenic ride from Český Krumlov, we crossed into Austria and rolled into Vienna — a city that practically breathes history and elegance. Our base for the next two nights was Magdas Hotel, a place that not only provided a cool and comfortable escape from the heat (bless their air conditioning), but also carried a heartwarming mission: employing and empowering immigrants. The staff were friendly, the vibe was modern yet welcoming, and lunch at the hotel café set the tone for what would be a couple of very good days.

Day 1: Walking Vienna’s Imperial Core

After settling in, we met up for a walking tour that took us through the heart of Vienna’s historic center. Our guide gave us a sweeping overview of the city’s highlights — stories of emperors, composers, revolutions, and café culture woven through grand architecture.

We began at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the gothic soul of Vienna. Its intricate stonework, colorful tiled roof, and towering spire dominate the Stephansplatz. We marveled at the exterior and stepped inside to admire the soaring nave and centuries of history embedded in every corner. Just steps away, the bustling Graben and Kärntner Strasse shopping streets buzzed with life — luxury boutiques, souvenir stalls, street performers, and people-watching galore.

From there, we wandered toward the Hofburg Palace, the former seat of the Habsburgs. It’s not just a palace — it’s a sprawling complex that includes the imperial apartments, the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, and several museums. Behind it, we strolled through the Burggarten, a peaceful green space with a statue of Mozart, who spent some of his most productive years here in Vienna.

We passed several of Vienna’s renowned museums — including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina — before wrapping up the tour near the Vienna State Opera, where the spirit of classical music still reigns supreme.

After the tour, the group split up. Karen and I made a beeline for one of the city’s most famous institutions: Café Demel. Founded in 1786 and once purveyor to the imperial court, Demel is known for its opulent pastries and old-world charm. We sipped coffee and shared a slice of their signature Anna Torte while soaking up the atmosphere.

We met back up with Jacinda at the Swarovski store, which is less of a shop and more of a glittering crystal wonderland — three stories of sparkle, fantasy displays, and things we loved admiring.

With a little time to kill before dinner, Karen and I wandered to the park near the Hofburg. We found a shady patch of grass and stretched out, enjoying a bit of quiet before rejoining the group.

Dinner was another lively affair, and I couldn’t resist ordering the Wiener Schnitzel — a must in Vienna. Crispy, golden, and as big as the plate, it hit the spot perfectly.

Day 2: Wachau Valley Wine Country

For my second day, I ventured beyond the city into the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage wine region about an hour outside Vienna. The day was everything a countryside escape should be — scenic, peaceful, and delicious.

We visited two family-owned wineries, sampling Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the region’s signature white wines. The Wachau’s climate and steep terraced vineyards produce crisp, mineral-rich wines that paired beautifully with local snacks.

In Dürnstein, a postcard-perfect village nestled along the Danube, we wandered narrow streets lined with pastel buildings and charming shops. The ruins of a hilltop castle (where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive) loomed above, and the blue baroque tower of the Dürnstein Abbey stood out against the sky.

Later, we explored Spitz, another tranquil village known for its apricot orchards and laid-back vibe. The combination of river views, vineyards, and centuries-old architecture made it feel like a place time had gently passed by.

In the afternoon, we boarded a ferry for a leisurely ride down the Danube to Melk, where we had time to glimpse the magnificent Melk Abbey — a massive baroque masterpiece perched above the river. Even from the outside, it was jaw-dropping.

After a full day of wine, river views, and charming villages, we returned to Vienna just in time for one last stroll before packing up.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Budapest, but Vienna has certainly left its mark — a city of imperial elegance, artistic legacy, rich flavors, and a heart that beats with music. Whether sipping wine by the Danube or indulging in cake and culture, there’s a magic here that lingers long after the day is done.