How to get to Vienna and what to do when you’re there – a brief, and by no means comprehensive, introduction!
Getting here
Vienna’s International Airport is served by many of the major European airlines. If you would like to consider overland transport or benefit from our 20% discount on Star Alliance flights, take a look at the General Assembly website. And, if you haven’t seen it already, make sure you check out the General Assembly guide, which is full of even more hints and tips on how to get to Vienna and get ready for the conference.
Early morning tram travel in the city. (Credit: Julian Turner)
Getting to sleep
An abundance of accommodation options can be found on the EGU 2014 website. But if you’re not a fan of hotels, there are a variety of alternatives in Vienna. Here are a few examples!
If you’re looking for a low cost option, there are a host of hostels in Vienna, just check these sites:
And, if you’d like to feel more at home, or stay in a flat with fellow geoscientists, you can consider the apartments available in Vienna:
Getting to know Vienna
The Vienna tourist board has all you need to know about sightseeing, shows, shopping, dining and other information about Vienna and you can top this information up with this list of the city’s museums.
Tourist information offices can be found in the Arrivals Hall of Vienna International Airport or at the Tourist Information Centre, which sits behind the Vienna State Opera (the Tourist Information Centre is open daily 09:00-19:00 and you can access it from the U-bahn stop Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse).
Vienna at sunsest. (Credit: Flickr user cadoc)
If you’ve been before and can recommend a good spot for dinner, or something to do when you have a little down time, feel free to make suggestions in the comments!
Kickball Sue
Here are a few tips from a Vienna resident:
Food (all afordable and within reach of U-Bahn stations):
Pizzeria Riva – Best Pizza in town; owners import all ingredients directly from Naples and its surroundings (www.pizzariva.at)
Ü – Original Food from Austrias westernmost province, local ingredients, friendly staff, exquisite beer, wines and schnaps. If you like cheese, use the opportunity to preorder (a day before) “Käsknöpfle” – the most famous and filling Vorarlbergian dish (www.ue-lokal.at)
Jonathan und Siegline – Name derived from two kind of apple, and that’s the name of the game. Home-style cooking using apples and potatoes (austrian: Erdäpfel – “earth apples”) in all kinds of varieties. (http://jonathan-sieglinde.com/)
Schnitzelwirt – Classic Viennese Schnitzel, unbelievable in size and price! AND taste of course! (www.schnitzelwirt.co.at/)
Bars:
Werkzeug H – May look a little battered but the shabby chic prevails. Always felt welcome and enjoyed my evenings there. (www.werkzeugh.at/)
Wirr – At ground level there is a bar/café in a modern but haimish atmosphere, but downstairs, there’s a club-like basement where all hell is set loose especially on weekends. (www.wirr.at)
Das Möbel – relaxed atmosphere, handmade and stylish furniture is up for sale. (dasmoebel.at/)
Bunkerei – If the weather allows it in end of April, go have a drink at the Bunkerei. It has got a lovely beer garden in Vienna’s Augarten. You can also have your dinner or lunch there. (www.bunkerei.at)
If you don’t want your night to end too soon, have a look at the bars and clubs along the “Gürtel” between Thaliastraße and Alserstraße. There you can also find the most famous Gürtel-bar “Chelsea” (www.chelsea.co.at)
—
These are just a few tips from my side… If you have any more questions you can ask me by mail if you want: kickballsue (at) gmx.at
Cheers!
Sara Mynott
Thanks for all your hints and tips Sue, it’s great to find out where’s good to go from a Vienna local. These places sound excellent!