Our evening arrival into Vienna International Airport was simple enough — we found the train station right there at the airport and took it straight to the main central area of downtown Vienna, which was then a short walk to the Marriott at the park. Another great stay with an upgrade based on points, and the location could not have been better.
The Cleanest City
Vienna is maybe the cleanest city we have ever been in. No graffiti, no trash, no spills, no overflowing trash cans, no cigarettes on the ground. It was clean. Walking around felt like being in a city that takes genuine pride in every single block — and the architecture rewards you for noticing.
The Marriott was a great central location for all of our activities. It was an easy walk into the park for quick little breaks and close to lots of nightlife, restaurants, bars, and so on. From Heldenplatz to the Volksgarten, everything felt within reach.
Sightseeing & Shopping
With my customary cheesy big bus tour to take in all of the local flavor and important tourist spots, our three-day stay in Vienna was outstanding. The Riesenrad at the Prater, the Votivkirche, St. Stephen’s Cathedral — every turn had something worth stopping for.
Leigh had some great shops to explore. I found her in an antique store, and one of the funniest conversations we had there was when she told the shopkeeper, “Oh, my husband’s here. I’ll come back later.” The shopkeeper replied, “Yes, it’s better without the husband.”
The Food
We’ve learned to love Austrian and German food. Spaetzle, pork and chicken schnitzel, and all the sausages and beer one could adore. Vienna delivered on every front — from traditional beer halls to sidewalk cafés to the famous Viennese coffee culture.
Auf Wiedersehen
It was a short stay marked by beautiful monuments and wonderful people. Our exit was to the Vienna Central Train Station for the short ride to Prague — the next stop on this trip.
Vienna is definitely a place I would love to come back and explore again. Three days barely scratched the surface of what this city has to offer — and I haven’t even mentioned the opera houses, the wine bars, or the fact that I still need to ride the Riesenrad at night. Next time.