| 16-Mar-2025 | Starting the day in Vienna with a breakfast that’s nothing short of exquisite—perfectly brewed coffee, creamy yogurt that always tastes better in Europe, and crispy bacon that hit all the right notes. Oh, and that croissant? Pure perfection.

First stop on today’s adventure: Flohmarkt Gewerbepark, a weekend flea market that’s definitely off the beaten path. Multi-day transit pass in hand, we set out on the 14 km journey—a subway ride followed by tram connection. To our surprise, Gewerbepark Stadiau tram station anchors a massive hodgepodge of four parking lots packed with mostly with wares of  modern “vintage”.  We strolled through about half of it. Though not a typical tourist attraction, Flohmarkt Gewerbepark offered an interesting detour and a glimpse into everyday life.

On our way back from Gewerbepark, we made a quick detour and hopped off the subway at Prater, an amusement park that is home to Vienna’s famous Giant Ferris Wheel. For fans of James Bond, it might ring a bell for its appearance in the 1987 film The Living Daylights (one of my all-time favorites!). This was actually the one spot from my first trip to Vienna as a kid that I clearly remember – back then, we took a ride on the wheel.

After a quick pit stop at the hotel to regroup for the improving weather, we set off on foot toward our lunch destination via the scenic route. Karlskirche, a baroque masterpiece that anchors Karlsplatz park. Built in the early1700s, it’s having a little work done – hence the scaffolding.

For lunch, we stopped in at 1516 Brewing Company. The atmosphere inside was the perfect blend of classic pub vibes, craft brewed beers, and local dishes. We enjoyed cheese pierogis, and hearty sausage paired with tangy mustard.

After lunch, we hopped back on the subway, this time heading toward Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Even under the grey, overcast skies, the grandeur of the palace, its intricate sculptures, and the elegant fountains still managed to shine through. While the gardens were a bit barren this time of year, you can imagine how breathtaking they must be in full bloom during spring and summer.

No trip is complete without indulging in at least one burger, and tonight, we hit the jackpot at Addicted to Rock Burger and Bar. This place has it all – a sleek, industrial vibe, an epic gin wall that’s impossible to ignore, and of course, burgers that are pure perfection. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or crave something a little more classic, this spot nails it on every level.

We ended our evening in the charming and historic Annakriche, a small Gothic 14th century church.  The stunning acoustics amplified every note of the string quartet performance of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven – each movement echoing through the ancient stone. The performance also featured historic instruments from the period the music was composed.