I’ve already professed my love for long weekends. They are a great way to escape, recharge, and see the world a little bit. Thankfully, there are a lot of opportunities nowadays to go on short trips, from low-cost airlines through Airbnbs to road trips by train or car.
2 weeks ago we decided to go on a short road trip in neighboring Austria. I’ve been there a lot of times, but mostly on ski trips in the Alps. For some reason, we tend to prefer more faraway places for travel, which is a shame, as the neighboring countries are just as beautiful, yet much closer to reach.
It was a special trip, for many reasons. Austria is beautiful and is not just the perfect winter ski destination; it’s equally stunning in other seasons as well.
I hope the photos will speak for themselves.
Where we stayed: The Ruby Marie Hotel is a very cool boutique hotel right at the beginning of Mariahilfer Strasse, the main shopping avenue of Vienna. The interior is effortless but insanely cool at the same time. Don’t miss happy hours or the great organic breakfast at the rooftop bar.
What to do in a day: Walk along Mariahilfer Strasse toward the historic city center. Spend some time in the Museum District (Museumsquartier) exploring an exhibition or just having a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes. Visit Naschmarkt for a unique food trip or Lindengasse where many of the contemporary Viennese designers have stores or exhibit spaces. Walk along the Graben or Kärntner Strasse until the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And don’t forget that Vienna is famous for its cakes and pastries – try some (or more). Note: the shops are closed on Sundays, but museums, cafes, restaurants are open.
Where we stayed: Hotel Gerl is just outside of Salzburg (so is really ideal if you go by car), with an amazing garden, cute rooms, and beautiful view of the mountains.
What to do in a day: Wander around the many small streets of the city center and admire the elaborate ornate shop signs. Visit the house where Mozart lived as a child. Go up to the Hohensalzburg Castle and take in the magnificent views. Walk over to the Mirabell Palace – the garden rivals the best French palace gardens. Have some dinner in the (allegedly) oldest restaurant in Europe, the St. Peter Stiftskeller, where both Mozart and Columbus said to have dined.
What to do in a day: A couple of hours are more than enough to just wander around and admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the village. Nothing better than just simply sitting at one of the many cafes by the lake (and taking a myriad of Instagram pictures). If you’re more the nature lover type, I’m sure there are great hiking opportunities as well.
