Everyone knows that as soon as a perfectly rational human being goes on vacation, he loses all common sense and ends up buying trinkets and knick-knacks in souvenir shops at astronomical prices. You’ve probably also visited a tourist mecca and heard all about the must-see shows and sights, only to shell out a wad of money and leave sorely disappointed. Vienna is no different. However, I am here to help you steer clear of holiday disappointments and find the highlights of Vienna.
Tourist Trap #1: Lipizzaner Horse Shows
The Spanish Riding School was founded in 1572, making it the oldest and most prestigious in the world. With beautiful Baroque architecture housed within the Hofburg Palace, the architecture alone is worth a visit, not to mention the majestic Lipizzaner horses. However, before paying up to €173 for the performance (don’t bother with a cheap or fixed ticket, all you’ll see are people’s heads and some pirouetting white specks), why not check out their morning practice? You will see the horses up close (12 euros) or you will add a guided tour of the stables with a combined ticket (26 euros).
Tourist trap #2: Grinzing, or any other restaurant with tour buses in the parking lot
You’ll want to try some authentic Viennese cuisine during your visit to Vienna, and there’s no better place than a traditional Heurige (wine tavern/restaurant). One of the main Viennese attractions is Grinzing, a collection of Heurige in the vineyards overlooking Vienna. Rather than push through the hordes of Japanese tourists, you’ll be much happier venturing to the outskirts of Vienna to Heurigefrequented by locals. there is great Heurige in Austria weinviertel (wine quarter) in Stammersdorf and Hagenbrunn or in the picturesque town of Perchtoldsdorf to the south. All these towns are within easy reach of Vienna.
Tourist Trap #3: Hotel Sacher
While in Vienna you must try the world famous Sachertorte. This world famous dessert consists of two layers of chocolate cake separated by a layer of apricot jam in the middle and covered with a dark chocolate glaze. Now the Hotel Sacher is entitled to the “Original Sachertorte”, which makes it the most expensive, but definitely not the best. While Cafe Sacher, located directly opposite the State Opera, offers a sumptuous atmosphere, if it’s really good Sachertorte you’re after, then I would personally recommend L. Heiner, located at Wollzeile 9 or Tirolerhof in the city center.
Tourist Trap #4: Cafe Central
Cafe Central was once one of Vienna’s most venerable coffee shops. Intellectuals and authors such as Peter Altenberg, Theodor Herzl, Egon Friedell, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Anton Kuh, Vladimir Lenin, Adolf Loos and Leon Trotsky would meet here to discuss politics, philosophy, economics and the like. With such famous patrons, a long history, and a beautiful environment, it’s no wonder every guide book recommends it. However, this is all a bit misleading. The real Café Central was located in another part of the building, the Palais Ferstel, and closed at the end of World War II. Although you’ll see these celebrities of yesteryear beaming at you from informational signs around the cafe, they never actually sat at your table. Also, there is really nothing special about this cafe. The architecture is nice but the food and drinks are mediocre and not worth the inflated prices in my opinion. If you want to visit a Viennese coffee shop, try Cafe Prückel or Cafe Hawelka, where they have buchteln, sweet dumplings from yeast dough with jam fillings. Under no circumstances should you choose a Starbucks and therefore pass up the opportunity to experience the unique personality of each Viennese coffee shop.
Tourist Trap #5: Any Souvenir Shop in Vienna’s 1st District, the City Center
I know, I know: you are in Vienna, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You’ve traveled, seen the sights, had a great time, and want a memento that reminds you of your time here. However, before you decide to buy a Klimt poster for €50 (there are some excellent poster/print shops in Vienna), why not think about a) whether you really need it and b) whether you’re wasting your hard-earned money? cost to win? a true piece of Austrian culture, probably cheaply made in China. My advice: don’t bother going into a souvenir shop in the city center, there’s nothing you need there and it’s not worth the price. So before you take that snow globe to the register, try some of the following places for some unique Viennese souvenirs:
Museumsquartier Gift Shop: Offbeat Souvenirs, Great, But Not Necessarily Cheap
Naschmarkt: why not take home some Austrian specialties like schnapps or pumpkin seed oil?
Antique Shops – There are fantastic finds hidden beyond the city center, especially in the 4th, 6th and 7th arrondissements.
