Vienna, remembered not as the 'City of Music' but as the 'Paradise of Architecture'

Vienna is famous for its music, but what left the deepest impression on me after visiting was the incredibly diverse and grand architecture. Greek, Roman, Baroque, Rococo, Renaissance... it felt like my eyes were on a luxurious journey.

💒 Free/Reasonably Priced Churches & Cathedrals That Delight the Eyes

· Karlskirche: Free entry was available during the 6 PM mass. The grandeur of the interior was the most impressive.
· Votive Church: Located in a relatively quiet area, it was completely free to explore, and the stained glass was truly beautiful.
· St. Stephen's Cathedral: Even just exploring the free areas inside was more than enough.

🏛️ Key Guide to Museums & Art Galleries

· Kunsthistorisches Museum: The most worthwhile visit! The massive masterpieces and the dazzling gold and silver treasures exhibition on the mezzanine were overwhelming.
· Albertina Museum: To see Dürer’s "Young Hare," you need to go all the way to the end of the 'Royal Room' on the first floor. It’s not easy to spot!
· Belvedere Palace: If your main goal is to see Klimt’s "The Kiss," 30 minutes is sufficient.

🎻 Other Attractions & Tips

· Parliament Building: It was great because entry was free.
· Hofburg Palace: When carriages passed through the main gate, it felt like traveling back hundreds of years.
· Schönbrunn Palace: A ticket for 40 rooms was enough, and the garden is not highly recommended.
· Imperial Garden: The nearby park, bathed in a subtle golden hue, was much more beautiful and relaxing than expected. Definitely worth a visit!
· Golden Hall: If you want to fully enjoy classical music, it’s wiser to buy side seats rather than standing tickets, which can be stuffy and hot.

🍽️ Restaurants & Omakase Radar

· SHU Spicy: The Chinese-style mala dishes were incredibly delicious, and the service was excellent. Highly recommended!
· Zsom (1 Michelin star): €400 for two. The harmony of flavors and textures was outstanding.
· Steirereck (3 Michelin stars): €700 for two. It was more ordinary than expected, and after drinking and getting some fresh air, I ended up feeling sick...*
· Beef&glory: A big disappointment. The meat was dry, and I was shocked to see soy sauce being used as a dip. I couldn’t help but wonder, "What taste were the people recommending this experiencing?"

💸 Note: Vienna’s Tipping Culture
Tipping culture in Vienna is much more aggressive compared to other European cities. In North America, tips are backed by friendly service, but here, they are boldly demanded even when the service is subpar. Just don’t give in!

A beautiful trip to Vienna, created by architecture, art, and wise choices.