Vienna is the capital of Austria, the birthplace of classical music, and home to the Habsburg dynasty and its rich heritage. Vienna is dubbed the City of Music and the City of Dreams for all the famous composers that lived there. Vienna is such a fancy city, an open air museum really. Vienna is awash … Read more
Planning a cruise or road trip along the Danube River and wondering what to do and see? The Danube River is a venerable piece of geography. Napoleon dubbed it “the king of the rivers of Europe.” It’s the second longest river in Europe, running through 10 countries. The blue-green river alley is dotted with gorgeous … Read more
When it comes to art and culture, Vienna is seriously underrated. The city is home to some amazing museums. The collections are a testament to Vienna’s rich artistic heritage and historical significance. During six centuries of Hapsburg rule, Vienna attracted some of the greatest artists of the time. But Vienna’s museums aren’t all staid pomp … Read more
The Sisi Museum is a charmingly small and intimate space within Hofburg Palace. It’s dedicated to the fascinating life of Empress Elisabeth, consort of Emperor Franz Joseph. The Sisi Museum made its debut in 2004. It’s a chic and somewhat cult-like atmosphere dedicated to the devoted fans of Empress Elisabeth. This unique museum sheds light … Read more
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Danube, the Wachau Valley is a picturesque 24 mile stretch extending from Krems to Melk. You can explore it by car, bicycle, or on a leisurely cruise. This Wachau Valley is irresistible charming. It’s adorned with the remnants of ancient castle ruins and fortresses and dotted with charming … Read more
The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s top attractions. It’s an important UNESCO site for its showy architectural ensemble and impeccably sculpted grounds. The palace often draw comparisons to Versailles. The Belvedere’s a haven of Baroque and Austrian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its main claim to fame is the world’s largest collection … Read more
Are you an art lover who can’t get enough of Gustav Klimt’s gold-toned Art Nouveau paintings? As Austria’s most famous painter, Klimt is renowned for his intoxicating and sensual portraits of women. His connection to Vienna runs deep, as he was born, worked, and died in the city. In this guide, you’ll get a short … Read more
Need some destination inspiration to plan a one week itinerary for Central Europe? Here’s my guide to spending 1 perfect week in Central Europe, with eight sample itineraries. One week in Central Europe might not seem like much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have a bucket list adventure. Central … Read more
Beaming like a golden halo over the tiny village of Melk stands Austria’s prettiest church: Melk Abbey. It’s a must see attraction in Austria, especially if you’re on the UNESCO trail. Its elegant yellow buildings form one of the most important landmarks and religious complexes in Europe. It’s definitely Austria’s blockbuster Baroque ensemble. I find … Read more
Looking for some excellent museums to put on your art bucket list? Here’s my guide to 30 of the world’s best small museums. Despite their size, these small museums have giant art collections. Great art often hides in less famous sites. These little gems preach quality over quantity. They boast magnificent — and sometimes overlooked … Read more