Vienna | The classical capital of "Before Sunrise"
Vienna
Vienna is a dream European city for many, with its classical music, magnificent architecture, café culture, and atmospheric streetlights before Christmas. Before my trip, I had high expectations for Vienna, but after visiting, I found I didn't like it as much as I had imagined. It wasn't that Vienna wasn't beautiful, but rather that we went close to Christmas, and the city was packed with people everywhere—popular attractions, markets, restaurants, and streets were all crowded. This added a sense of urgency and pressure to what should have been a romantic and elegant city.
However, there are still some places on this trip that I think are worth recording, such as the record store where "Before Sunrise" was filmed, the Parliament Building, delicious pistachio croissants, and a very generous portion of pork ribs. This post will summarize my true feelings about Vienna: which places to visit, which places to consider, and why I ultimately preferred Salzburg.
ALT & NEU
During our trip to Vienna, we visited ALT & NEU, the record store featured in the movie "Before Sunrise." If you like the movie, visiting this place will give you a special feeling because it's not just a tourist attraction; you can actually step into the space that appeared in the film. The store sells records and some music-related merchandise. If you make a purchase, the owner will give you a free record, which is quite a souvenir. However, because it's a popular spot for movie fans, the store is quite crowded and the space can feel a bit cramped.
Parliament Building
We also visited Vienna's Parliament Building. The building itself is magnificent, with an exterior reminiscent of a classical temple, and the statues and columns in front are very imposing. However, we didn't make a special reservation this time, so we couldn't explore it in depth and could only briefly look around the area near the main hall. If you are interested in political architecture, history, or interior spaces, I recommend checking the information and making a reservation in advance for a more complete experience.
Click here to book a visit to the Parliament Building
During our trip to Vienna, we ate at a pretty good pork rib restaurant called Centimeter. The portions were very generous, the pork ribs tasted great, and paired with chicken wings, fries, and sauce, it was very satisfying. The staff were also very friendly, which added a lot to the dining experience.
öfferl
More than the main meals, what surprised me most in Vienna this time was öfferl's pistachio croissants. The outer layer was crispy and fragrant, with a delightful pistachio flavor inside. It wasn't too cloying, and it's the kind of dessert I'd recommend to friends. öfferl has many branches in Vienna, but they're always quite crowded, so I suggest going early.
Vienna before Christmas
We visited Vienna close to Christmas, so the city was decorated and lit up everywhere, from near churches and in the city center to around shops, creating a very festive atmosphere. I must say, Vienna's Christmas decorations are truly magnificent. The lights, Christmas trees, and buildings at night create beautiful scenes, perfect for taking photos, but at the same time, it's incredibly crowded. Popular areas can get congested, and the desire to quietly appreciate the city is disrupted by the crowds. So, if you're expecting an elegant, relaxed Vienna, the pre-Christmas experience might be a little disappointing, which is one of the reasons I didn't like Vienna as much as I expected.