Knowing that Karen loves horses I tried to find a show of the Spanish Riding School, but these only happen at the weekends. What I did find was that every day there was a training session at the riding school, which was open to the public, for a fee of course. So, I got us some tickets for that.
We arrived in time for entry, but it was very confusing as to where to enter as there were different entrances depending on your ticket type.
Eventually, we worked out where to go. We had good seats, so there were no places with bad views. The training session was around an hour and involved the riders and horses parading around the arena. Most of it was basic working of the horses, but there was one session where two rides operated in synchronised tandem. The Lipizzaner horses were beautiful, they have darker coats when they are young, and this turns whiter as they age.
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the only institution in the world which has practised for more than 450 years and continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole – which can also be found on UNESCO’s list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Since 1920 the riding school has a stud located in the West Styrian village of Piber.
Planning your visit to the Spanish Riding School
1. Overview of the Spanish Riding School
- Location: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
- Famous For: Lipizzaner horses and the art of classical dressage.
- Established: Over 450 years ago, making it the oldest riding school of its kind.
- Website https://www.srs.at/en/
2. Ticket Options
You can choose from several experiences:
- Morning Training Sessions:
- Observe the riders and horses as they practice.
- Great for those on a budget.
- Guided Tours:
- Explore behind the scenes, including the stables and historical areas.
- Performances:
- Witness the full spectacle of classical dressage.
- Includes famous moves like the “airs above the ground.”
3. Booking Tips
- Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Performances are typically on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Combination tickets (e.g., performance + guided tour) can offer savings.
4. Best Times to Visit
- Performances are most captivating; check the schedule on their official website.
- Morning training sessions are more relaxed and provide insight into daily routines.
Getting around Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a vibrant city with excellent transportation options. Here’s a guide to getting around the city:
1. Public Transport
Vienna’s public transport system is extensive, efficient, and easy to use, covering buses, trams, and the metro (U-Bahn).
- U-Bahn (Subway): Vienna’s metro system is fast, clean, and reliable. The main lines (U1, U2, U3, U4) cover the city from north to south and east to west, making it the quickest way to get around.
- Trams: Trams are another convenient way to travel, particularly for short to medium distances. Vienna’s tram network is one of the most extensive in Europe and a scenic way to see the city.
- Buses: Buses complement the metro and trams, especially for areas that aren’t covered by the U-Bahn. They’re also a good option for reaching more remote parts of Vienna.
Tickets: Tickets are valid on all forms of public transport, and you can buy them at stations, kiosks, or via mobile apps. Options include single tickets, day passes, or longer travel cards.
2. Vienna Card
If you plan on staying for several days and will use public transport frequently, the Vienna City Card offers unlimited travel on the U-Bahn, trams, and buses for a set number of days. It also provides discounts to many museums and attractions.
3. Bikes and Scooters
Vienna is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike lanes throughout the city. You can rent bikes or electric scooters (like Lime or Circ) via mobile apps. Bikes are also available through the city’s Citybike Wien service, where you can pick up and drop off bikes at various stations across the city.
4. Walking
Many of Vienna’s top attractions are in close proximity to each other, especially in the city centre (Innere Stadt). The historical centre is compact and walkable, so walking is often a pleasant and practical way to explore the city.
5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available, though they can be more expensive than public transport. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber in Vienna, which operates in the city and may be more affordable than taxis.
6. Car Rentals
While Vienna’s public transport is more than sufficient for most visitors, if you want to explore areas outside the city, renting a car is an option. However, driving and parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive, so it’s typically not recommended unless you plan on travelling to nearby towns.
7. Train Travel
For day trips outside of Vienna, the city’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station) connects to many destinations within Austria and neighbouring countries. The train system is efficient and well-connected.
8. Vienna’s Ringstrasse
For tourists, a Ring Tram is a great way to see major landmarks, including the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall, along the famous Ringstrasse boulevard. This tram is a hop-on, hop-off service with audio commentary.
9. Boats
Vienna is located along the Danube River, and there are boat tours that provide a unique way to view the city. The DDSG Blue Danube offers a variety of boat tours along the river.
Eating out for vegans in Vienna
Depending on the time of day, ULRICH can be a café, restaurant or a bar. If you go there in the morning, you’ll get a large vegan breakfast plate with corn fritters, hummus, a tiny portion of porridge and more. The menu also offers juices, coffee, vegan salads, flatbreads, gnocchi, and more. I highly recommend going there, because the combination of ingredients is anything but boring, the whole spot is very beautiful, the staff is friendly and everything I ate there was just delicious.
They also have a second spot called ERICH which is only a few minutes to walk away and their food is more Mexican-inspired. They offer vegan huevos rancheros, bowls and a sweet potato with soy dip.
At Harvest Bistro the food is completely vegan and they offer everything from breakfast (e.g. scrambled tofu) and snacks (seaweed caviar!) to desserts and the vegan Wiener Schnitzel. The café is super cosy and looks like grandma’s living room. On weekends, you will also get an “all vegan brunch” there.
- Veggiezz is a vegan restaurant chain in Vienna, Austria, offering a diverse menu of plant-based dishes. Their offerings include burgers, wraps, bowls, salads, and desserts, all crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Founded by two sisters, the all-vegan ice cream shop “Veganista” already has six stores in Vienna. They produce 18 fresh ice cream flavours every day – from hazelnut to strawberry, from poppy seeds to matcha and from chocolate to tahini. If possible, ingredients are regional and from natural ingredients only. Even their ice cream cups and spoons are biodegradable.
The best time to visit Vienna
The best time to visit Vienna depends on your preferences for weather, events, and crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons:
1. Spring (April to June)
- Why visit? Spring is one of the best times to visit Vienna. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). The city’s parks and gardens, including Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and Stadtpark, are in full bloom, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Events: Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen), which typically runs from mid-May to mid-June, showcases a variety of cultural performances like theater, music, and dance.
2. Summer (July to August)
- Why visit? Summer is peak tourist season, with warmer weather and longer days (temperatures can reach up to 30°C or 86°F). The city is vibrant, with many outdoor cafes, music festivals, and events.
- Events: The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert and various music festivals are highlights. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation.
- Tip: If you don’t mind the heat and crowds, it’s a great time for festivals and outdoor events.
3. Autumn (September to November)
- Why visit? Autumn is a fantastic time for those who prefer fewer tourists and cooler, more comfortable weather. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) in September and cool down further in October and November.
- Events: The Film Festival at the Rathausplatz (City Hall) in September and the Vienna Wine Harvest Festival in the outskirts are notable autumn events.
- Tip: The fall foliage in the city’s parks and vineyards makes this a scenic and pleasant time for outdoor activities.
4. Winter (December to February)
- Why visit? Winter in Vienna can be magical, especially around Christmas. The city’s Christmas markets, especially those in front of the Rathaus and Schönbrunn, are famous worldwide. The temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F), and snow is possible.
- Events: Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve balls, and the famous Vienna Opera Ball in February. If you’re into winter sports, nearby ski resorts are easily accessible.
- Tip: Winter is less crowded compared to summer, making it a great time for those who want to experience Vienna in a more tranquil atmosphere.
Overall Best Time:
- Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are often considered the best times to visit Vienna. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the cultural scene.
Where to stay in Vienna
As you might expect for a European capital city there is a wide variety of accommodation in Vienna to suit a range of budgets. Below is a summary of the main areas that are best suited for visitors.
- Innere Stadt – The heart of Vienna, perfect for first-time visitors. It’s where you’ll find major sights like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. However, it can be pricey and crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Leopoldstadt – A diverse and vibrant area, home to the Prater amusement park and the beautiful Danube Canal. Great for families and those seeking a lively atmosphere.
- Landstrasse – Known for the Belvedere Palace and Hundertwasserhaus, this district offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Ideal for art and culture enthusiasts.
- Wieden – A charming neighbourhood with a bohemian vibe, known for its cafes, boutiques, and proximity to the Naschmarkt. Perfect for travellers seeking a local experience.
- Mariahilf – Famous for Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s largest shopping street. It’s a bustling area with easy access to attractions and great for shopaholics.
- Neubau – The trendy and artistic district, filled with galleries, theatres, and hip cafes. A top choice for younger travellers and those interested in contemporary culture.
- Josefstadt – A quieter, more residential area with a historic charm. Ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the city centre.
1. Mid Range: Hotel Graf Stadion
The ecologically friendly Hotel Graf Stadion is located in the district of Josefstadt, only 820 feet from the Rathaus Underground Station and within walking distance of Vienna’s Town Hall, the Burg Theater, the Parliament, and the Hofburg Palace. Free WiFi is available and public parking spaces can be found nearby, for an extra charge.
Built in Biedermeier style, Hotel Graf Stadion is a protected historic building, and one of the elevators has been reliably operating since 1913.
2. Luxury – The Amauris Vienna
The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux is an elegant and modern design hotel, located right in the city centre on the famous Ringstraße boulevard, 656 feet from the State Opera. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire hotel.
Located on the historic Ring Boulevard, right between the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein concert hall, our luxury boutique hotel is your gateway to Viennese-rich culture. Explore the city’s opulent palaces, famous museums, renowned restaurants, coffeehouses and vibrant shopping districts. Explore the cultural heart of this historic city and then come back to The Amauris for its five-star pampering.
3. Budget – Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel
Located in Vienna and within a 12-minute walk of Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel features a shared lounge, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is around 1.5 miles from Vienna City Hall, 1.2 miles from Natural History Museum and 1.2 miles from Kunsthistorisches Museum. The property provides a shuttle service, while a bicycle rental service is also available.
Popular points of interest near Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel include Wien Westbahnhof Train Station, Parliament of Austria and Leopold Museum.
