Vienna Two-Day Tour
We rented a car from Budapest to Vienna, transitioning from a developing country to a developed one. Hungary feels a bit like our 1990s, while Vienna's living standards and infrastructure are comparable to Paris.
Notes: Many shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays, including the State Opera House and the Golden Hall, so plan your time accordingly.
Food: Near the Opera House, there is a highly-rated Chinese restaurant called Juli Chinese Kitchen, just a three-minute walk away. There's also a stir-fry buffet called Wok & More, which has good reviews. Vienna offers a variety of international cuisines, and even the small Italian cafes you find on the street have their own unique charm.
Clothing: Vienna is situated between Prague and Budapest, so the weather is slightly warmer than in Prague.
Upon arriving in Vienna, we rushed to the State Opera House to watch the opera Tosca. While formal attire is not required, many people dress very formally.
Must-see attractions in Vienna: The National Library, Albertina Museum, Sisi Museum, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Stadtpark, Vienna Museum, Golden Hall, and the State Opera House are all close to each other and can be visited on foot. Schönbrunn Palace is in the suburbs and can be reached by subway or taxi. Only a small portion of its over 1,600 rooms are open to the public. The gardens are great for a stroll, and there's a maze that kids will enjoy; we spent at least an hour in a few of the mazes.
We rented a car to Hallstatt, which is a three-hour drive from Vienna. Known as a postcard dropped by God, it is one of the most beautiful towns. The scenery along the way is pleasant, with snow-capped mountains, meadows, and cottages, offering a tranquil and secluded atmosphere like a paradise. The town is nestled between mountains and water and was once a silver mining area. It became famous after being featured on the cover of a travel magazine. Any photo taken from any angle can be used as a postcard. Mozart's hometown, Salzburg, is an hour and a half drive from Hallstatt and has a history of over a thousand years. Major attractions include Mirabell Palace, Mozart's Birthplace, Salzburg Square, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.