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You are here: Experts > Cultures > Switzerland/Austria for Visitors > Austria > Vienna (& Budapest) in November
Austria - Vienna (& Budapest) in November
Expert: Claire Symons - 10/13/2009
Question
Dear Claire,
I am taking my girlfriend on a surprise mini-break 23-26(maybe 27) November 2009 and I have been reading about Vienna and Budapest. I hear that to visit both spending 2 days in each would be sufficient and that a train between the cities is straightforward. I have three questions for your consideration:
1) Neither of us have been to either Vienna or Budapest before and I am a little concerned that November may not be the best time... will we be able to explore the beauty of these cities in November?
2) Given that we are spending 2 days in Vienna, what would you suggest is the "must see" items?
3) I am always keen to experience traditional local dishes - where can you suggest to eat that isnt overly-expensive and what dishes should we try?
A big thank you in advance!
David
Answer
David,
1. In November, it will probably be fairly cold and might snow. The good news is that you'll be there for the Christmas Markets. There are several of these around the city and they are fun to go explore. The largest one is in front of the Rathaus, but there are others at Schonbrunn, Karlzplaz and Maria Theresian Platz. You definitely need to try gluhwine!
2. As far as the "must sees", it depends on what your preferences are. There are many fantastic museums if you are interested. The Albertina and the Upper Belvedere were my favorites. You probably also want to go out to Schonbrunn - the Imperial summer palace. If you are interested in music, you could get tickets to an opera or a symphony. Tickets are not necessarily terribly expensive. You can pay for standing room, but then you have to stay standing there defending your spot. The Volkstheater offers cheaper shows, but operas will be in German. You may also want to visit Hundertwasserhaus. I can't describe it without talking forever, but you should look it up online. Also, many people enjoy the Spanish Riding school, but I have not seen the performance myself. The nice thing about Vienna is that it isn't very big. You can walk to most places in the city center and public transportation is great, so you can get anywhere else you want to go.
3. I apologize, I don't remember specific names of restaurants, but most places list their menu outside next to the door, so you can check prices before you go in. You have to try the wienerschnitzel. It comes in a few forms. The traditional version is veal, but many places also do chicken or turkey versions. Usually it will be served with potatoes in various forms. And of course, the only appropriate beverage is beer. Austria turned me into a connoisseur. You can start light with a Radler (beer mixed with some kind of fizzy drink like 7up or Sprite) or you can pull out all the stops and do for the thick and dark dunkel. Honestly, the dunkel tastes almost like chocolate. And of course, try apple strudel. Sacher torte is internationally famous, but I found it not worth the money, of course, you can decide for yourself. Your best bet for a good restaurant is to get out of the city center. I found a great small restaurant by taking one of the subway lines to the end and then wandering around.
4. I know you didn't ask specifically about Budapest, but I visited there while I was in Austria and I have to recommend the Turkish baths. The hotel Gellert has a fantastic classic bath facility with a swimming pool, hot spring fed baths and other spa services. I loved it. You can chose whether to wear a swim suit or not. If not, there are separate male and female areas.
I hope you have a wonderful time!
Claire
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